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)

Saturday 7 June 2014

Sand Martin to Spain... and back.

In September 2013 we had an email from the BTO to say one of our Sand Martins from the Lune had been caught in Spain just 39 days after we had ringed it as a juvenile near a colony on the Lune.  Last night this bird was back at the same colony as a breeding male.  This is at least the 3rd one of ours to be caught on migration or in wintering grounds before being retrapped on the Lune.  The previous two have been to Senegal and France.

As the Sand Martin ringing is part of the BTO's 'Retrapping Adults for Survival' we aim to retrap individuals between years.  Last night had a total of 13 recaptures out of 93 Sand Martins.  These comprised of:

2013 juveniles - 3 (including the one to Spain and back)
2013 adults - 5
2011 juvenile - 1 (not seen since)
2010 juvenile - 1 (recaught in 2011)

We also had two British 'controls' and one French. Given the high rate of controls I should probably suggest changing the name of RAS to 'Controlling and Retrapping Adults for Survival' however the new coordinator may not like the acronym! 

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