A Sunny Ringing Day!

Weather plays an important part in ringing and for the past six months it has been less than helpful.  Today, sun, no rain and not too much wind, were just right.  Only the garden and dog leg nets were put in as we were expecting the wind to increase steadily - which it did.   Visitors were enthralled by the Lesser Redpolls and Siskins on the Nyger seed feeders.  Doing the dishes is a slow job, as one is easily distracted by the birds feeding outside the window!

Twenty six Lesser Redpolls and 15 Siskin were processed.  The Siskins are so colourful, with their yellow and black plumage.

Over the last few ringing sessions there have been many re-traps, birds already ringed that have not been travelling far, but today new birds were in the majority, showing that they are on the move as they look for breeding territories.  A rare visitor to Foxglove this year was a female Brambling.

Potter traps are set to catch Moorhens, but there is a technique to setting them.  Tony explained how to get it just right.

Many visitors enjoyed the sunshine.  Singing birds and croaking Toads accompanied them on their walks.

Thank you to everyone who helped today.