Bird Ringing

Monday, December 2nd 2013

Early morning at Foxglove saw the sun rising over the reed bed.

Sun rising behind the reed bed

Sun rising behind the reed bed

The low sun caught the tops of the trees behind the newly coppiced willow in the scrapes. 

Sun catching the trees

The  nets were raised and we were hopeful of catching Redwing and possibly Fieldfare, however they all decided to leave the reserve and feed on the moor!  Some Blackbirds were caught and their measurements indicated that they may be winter migrants.

 

Balckbird

Long Tailed Tits have been seen in the tops of the trees around the reserve, but not many have found their way to the ringing room.  A small flock was seen on the feeders outside the kitchen early this morning.  The last net round returned several of these tiny birds who weigh in at around 8g.  Some of them were ringed but one retrapped Long Tailed Tit was four year old, an amazing age for such a tiny bird added to that the harshness of the last two winters.

When taking a photograph of a bird in the hand the welfare of the bird is paramount.  This 'Lotti' sat beautifully so that the whole bird could be photograph, illustrating its long tail - hence its name!

Long Tailed Tit

As another photograph was taken it turned its head and it is very difficult not to be anthropomorphic. Don't I look so cute?

Long Tailed Tit

Other birds caught included Marsh Tits, Robins and several Goldcrests.  Surprisingly after flocks of 50 or so Chaffinches were recorded in the back garden this week, only two were caught today. 

Many thanks go to everyone who made the day successful.


(1) Comments:

Tim Randall responded on 2nd Dec 2013 with...

Wonderful photos!


Leave a Comment:

Please complete this field, it's required. Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?


Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events


Reserve Access: Open

Wednesday 4th June 2025 |

Access is currently as normal and the reserve and field centre are open as usual.



June Wellbeing Wander

Friday 20th June 2025 | 2pm-3pm

Join us on a nature-based wellbeing walk around the reserve.

Having a sense of place and connectedness, being grounded is important for our general wellbeing and mental health. This is an invitation to pause and explore what being in nature can offer you.

Enjoy an afternoon of wellbeing starting with some mind awareness followed by a gentle walk where you get to listen, smell and watch what is around you and connect with any feelings which arise.

Bookings close 19th June.

For more information and to book your place, visit Foxglove Covert's Eventbrite pagefoxglovecovertlnr.eventbrite.com 



VIEW ALL EVENTS

Recent Blog Posts

Blog Archive