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)

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Quick OfF the Mark

Since its inception the group has ringed a total of 23,608 Sand Martins mainly at the colonies in the sandy banks of the River Lune. To date we have had  48 recoveries on passage through France mainly caught by French ringers, all were of birds caught as adults or juveniles. Of  the 48  reported 31 were in July, mainly young birds but because they were caught after fledging we had no way of knowing 
exactly how long they took to reach France. However this year Dave ringed 56 nestlings at an artificial site and one has just been reported in Northern France just 33 days after ringing. It probably took 5-6 days before it fledged so it had started its migration south  about 25-27 days after fledging when it was only about 45 days old. Amazing! It had traveled 493 kms SE when caught. John

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