NLRG was formed in 1957 to help in the study of birds in the Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society area. There are currently 12 active ringers. Species currently being studied include: Pied Flycatcher, Bearded Tit, Sand Martin, Twite, Goosander, Oystercatcher and Grey Wagtail. Migration has been studied for 28 years at Heysham. We welcome anyone who wants to observe, help or perhaps wish to become a ringer. Photo: A Heysham-ringed Twite on the Mull of Kintyre (thanks to Eddie Maguire)

Sunday, 10 November 2013

First Twite Captures Under Our Own Colour Scheme

Over the last few days the first arrivals of passage/wintering Twite have been present at Heysham Harbour.  This morning finally saw weather that was suitable for a catching attempt.
 
Three whoosh net operations resulted in the capture of 21 Linnet (including 4 retraps), 14 Goldfinch (including 5 retraps and one colour ringed control from Walney Island, which I understand was ringed there on 29/09/2013)  and 9 Twite comprising 5 new birds, 2 retraps and 2 controls.
 
The Twite controls consisted of another individual ringed at Machrihanish Bird Observatory in autumn 2012 and a returning bird ringed on Sanda Island (04/07/2012).
 
The 5 new birds were the first to be ringed under our own colour scheme that identifies each individual.  An example of the arrangement is illustrated here:



Posted after lengthy difficulties in getting access to the blog again!!   ajd

1 comment:

Pete Marsh said...

They are not playing ball this autumn - passing straight through then joining the samphire-fest along the north fylde coast where there are far more than usual for this early in the autumn (e.g. c90 at Cockers dyke with two Heysham-ringed birds in a photo of about 10 of them). Will this comment get published - third time lucky?!