The Group conducted its first ringing session since the second lockdown, which enabled five members to take advantage of the sunny dry morning and gentle breeze. Fifty one birds were caught of 14 species, but only one migrant Chiffchaff. Good numbers of Greenfinches and Goldfinches and few Chaffinches. One Cetti's Warbler and one Mute Swan was colour ringed. A reasonable start to the year and hoping no further restrictions will prevent more sessions taking place.
Axe Estuary Ringing Group
Welcome to this new blog, where you will find regular updates about the exploits and activities of the Axe Estuary Ringing Group. Please browse through all the pages on the blog, where you will find more information about the Group, the area, and how to get involved.
Tuesday, 6 April 2021
Wednesday, 16 December 2020
The last session of 2020
Whether it was the covid-19 restrictions or the weather, we were able to ring at our last session yesterday. Small teams of not more than six were formed to abide bythe regulations. This session was good for the time of the year with a catch of 21 birds of ten species. The highlights being a male Stonechat in winter plumage and a retrap of a leucistic Blackbird we originally ringed in January 2019.
The Group wish our supporters a better and healthier New Year.
Wednesday, 4 November 2020
Ringing stopped again!
If it is not the weather it is the Covid-19 that stops our activities. Never mind we were able to get a few ringing sessions at the Wetlands and the last two in October and yesterday 50 birds were processed. Highlights were a Kestrel in October and a Magpie yesterday. Not unusual, but of a difference than the usual wetland species.
Hopefully we will be back as soon as we are allowed.
Kestrel (Photo by Joseph Smith) |
Kestrel (Photo by Joseph Smith) |
Magpie (Photo by Mike Tyler) |
Wednesday, 9 September 2020
Back ringing
Yesterday was our second ringing session since lockdown and resulted with 64 birds of 11 species processed and only one retrap. Ringing took place in the crop field at the far end of Colyford Common.The main highlight was the catch of 26 Goldfinches, but migrants included, two Reed Warblers and two Blackcaps. Ringing was restricted to six members in accordance with Government Guidelines.
Two Male Blackcaps (Photo Mike Tyler)
Thursday, 19 March 2020
Coronavirus
Mike Tyler Leader AERG