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 30 May 2015

Tits Struggle in the Poor Weather

Just finished the first tranche of  ringing  in the nest boxes. To date have ringed 142 tit nestlings. Both Blue and Great Tits are a week to 10 days later than last year. Have compared  the brood size with last year for May ringing.

Great Tits in 2014 averaged 5.9 young per brood, this year it is down to 4.9. Last year I had only one nest  box where all the young were dead, to date this year I have had six. Blue Tits averaged 7.9 young per brood in 2014, this year it is down to 4.9 although to date I have had only one with all the brood dead.

Only have two Marsh  Tits in boxes but both have fledged 7 young and my two Nuthatches have 7 young each.

Our Pied Flycatchers are just starting to hatch so hope the forecast of better weather by mid week turns out to be right.
John

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