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 21 October 2012

Coal Tit update!

Just in case any reader is not fed up with hearing about Coal Tits in the North Lancashire area here is another update!  Today's ringing in the garden had a total of 41 captures (99 for the weekend).  Of these 16 were Coal Tits, the rest being Dunnock (1), Blue Tit (3 new, 2 retrap), Great Tit (3 new, 3 retrap), Nuthatch (1 new), Chaffinch (5 new), Greenfinch (2 new), Goldfinch (4 new) and a retrap Bullfinch from May 2012.

Going back to the species of the month (Coal Tit), yesterday's population estimate was 41, today's is 35.  Combining the captures from both days gives an estimate of 40.  This feels about right as when counting birds on the feeder about 3 out of every 5 visits were by ringed birds and there are at least 24 marked birds using the garden at the moment.


Anyway, the good news is there isn't enough light in the morning or evening at the moment to ring before or after work so updates on Lancaster's Coal Tits will be limited for a week or two.

Richard

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