Firsts

It was the first ringing day of 2019.  The sky was shot with pink as the nets were raised.

Net rounds returned several Bullfinches to the ringing room along with many Coal Tits that are obviously still coming onto the reserve.  Then a surprise, a Brambling, the first of this winter.  These migrants come to the UK, as the winter bites to the north and east of us.

Another first was the ice on the lake.  The Mallards were walking across it.  Around the tree in the lake, their footsteps could easily be seen.

Whilst washing up the Long-tailed Tits arrived for their evening feed.  Nothing unusual in that, but it was their method of feeding that amazed me.  Apologies for the not very good photo but it was taken through the kitchen window.  The Lottis were landing in the tree then dropping onto the ground.  There they searched for just the right seed, which they picked up and flew back to the tree. Hanging on with one foot they ate the seed that they were holding in the other foot!

Whilst the bird ringing team were busy at Foxglove, Jack was ringing on Salisbury Plain.  He caught a Long Eared Owl in his mist net!  Jack has just sent this photo of his Long Eared Owl, apologising for the poor photo due to the light conditions.

Thank you to everyone who helped today.