Back garden ringing

Sunday 23rd December 2012:

Single net up by the main pond. Help from William.

7 Blue Tit, 7 Long tailed-tit ( flock included two retraps DXH487 and DXH488 from start of year ), 2 Coal Tit ( one retrap from Nov 2011 ), 5 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Robin ( retrap from Oct 2010 )

Severn Valley short netting session

Sunday 15th December 2012:

Two nets by feeders. End of a week-long cold snap.

8 Blue Tit, 5 Great Tit, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Song Thrush

Also about: Kingfisher, Siskin, 1 stoat trying in vain to get on feeder trays

Severn Valley morning net session

Sunday 2nd December 2012 :

Linda and I put up a couple of nets at the feeding station.
Good birds about - flock of Siskin above in the alder ... Grey Wagtail on the pool / mud.

31 Blue Tit ( including birds ringed in December 2008 and 2009 ), 14 Great Tit, 1 Great-Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Siskin, 2 Chaffinch, 7 Goldfinch, 1 Robin, 1 Greenfinch

One or two more Gibraltar photos

Wenlock Edge Nest Box Report 2012

Better late than never !?

Comparisons between 2011 and 2012:

Numbers of boxes used          2011 - 56     2012 - 62

Numbers ringed                      2011 - 412   2012 - 263

Numbers fledged                    2011 - 405    2012 - 293

Nests by species

2012: 20 Great Tit ( 2011 : 17 )  4 Pied Flycatcher ( 1 )   34 Blue Tit ( 31 )   1 Redstart ( 1 ) ( same nest box )   1 Marsh Tit ( 3 )   2 Nuthatch ( 3 )

Sadly the Marsh Tit nest was predated just before fledging. One of the Pied Flycatcher nests was washed out, along with a number of the late broods for tits. Lilleshall was the poorest location with only 76% of eggs hatching and only 63% of hatched eggs surviving to fledge.

A poor season with smaller broods, some tits with one or two eggs, many chicks dead in nest. Dry spring, wettest early summer in c 100 years. Cold too.

Egg to fledge by site totals:

Lilleshall                 2011 : 65 %   2012 : 48 %
Roman Bank          2011 : 94 %   2012 : 81 %
Wenlock FS          2011 : 81 %    2012 : 67 %
Wenlock NB          2011 : 90 %   2012 : 71 %

Gibraltar trip report - October 2012

21st - 27th October - Ringing at Jew's Gate, Gibraltar

Nets close to observatory ( and in garden ) and we ( Dave, Joe, James, Linda and I ) took the plane in search of late migrants. Super welcome and place for a spell ringing, visiting.

On one day we rung 350 birds, all hands to the pump for 7 hours consecutively ...

Many ringing ticks for James, and a tick for Joe in the form of a Dartford Warbler.

Sadly two days had stormy weather in the Straight and coastal area - Morocco disappeared as the wind, rain and lightning came - spring traps continued to work in moments of respite.

Birds:

1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Dunnock, 137 Robin, 1 Nightingale, 135 Black Redstart, 7 Redstart, 4 Blackbird, 36 Song Thrush, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Dartford Warbler, 23 Sardinian Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 292 Blackcap, 20 Chiffchaff, 1 BlueTit, 22 Chaffinch, 1 Serin, 16 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet

Severn Valley Country Park - busy work !

Sunday 18th November 2012:

Two long nets by feeding station, topped up with food. Lots of finches in trees. One 20 minute net round only possible for Linda and me yielding:

52 Blue Tit, 20 Great Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 3 Golfinch, 2 Robin, 1 Tawny Owl

Unfortunately didn't lure winter thrushes, nor redpoll. The Reed Bunting / Pied Wagtail roost has been cut back too much to work.

Other birds about: Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail 

Reed Warbler recovery

Thursday 5th September 2012:

Species: Reed Warbler Scheme: GBT Ring no: L997840

Ringing details

Age: 3 Sex: unknown Sex meth: - P.ringed: - P.alive: - Condition: -

Colour marks added: - Metal marks added: - Act1: - Act2: -

Ringing date: 28-Jul-2011

Reg code: CHE Place code: CHE Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR Grid ref: SO7387 Co-ords: 52deg 29min N 2deg 24min W

Hab1: C7 Hab2: G2

Biometrics: Wing: 65 mm. Weight: 11.4 g. Time: 2030hrs

Remarks:

Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Finding details

Ring not verified Age: 4 Sex: - Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: - Metal marks added: - Act1: - Act2: -

Finding date: 12-Jul-2012

Reg code: PIT Place code: PIT Site name: Pitsford Reservoir, Northampton, Northamptonshire

County code: GBNOS Grid ref: SP7669 Accuracy 2 Co-ords: 52deg 19min N 0deg 53min W Accuracy 2

Hab1: B7 Hab2: C7

Biometrics: Wing: 67 mm. Weight: 11 g. Time: 0900hrs

Finding condition: 8:20 Movement: --

Controlled Intentionally Taken

Remarks:

Duration: 350 days Distance: 105 km Direction: 101deg (ESE)

Finder: Northants Ringing Group, 9187

Interesting Wheatear colour ring sighting

Thursday 5th September 2012:

Species: Wheatear Scheme: GBT Ring no: L123413

Ringing details

Age: 5 Sex: male Sex meth: - P.ringed: - P.alive: - Condition: -

Colour marks added: I Metal marks added: - Act1: N Act2: -

Colour marks left below knee: R,M, right below knee: W,W

Ringing date: 25-May-2010

Reg code: CLE Place code: CLE Site name: Clee Hill, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR Grid ref: SO5977 Accuracy 1 Co-ords: 52deg 23min N 2deg 36min W Accuracy 1

Hab1: I2 Hab2: C2

Biometrics: Wing: 96 mm. Weight: 23.7 g. Time: 1400hrs

Remarks:

Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Finding details

Ring not verified Age: 2 Sex: - Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: - Metal marks added: - Act1: - Act2: -

Finding date: 09-Sep-2010

Reg code: BAR Place code: BAR Site name: Bardsey Island, Gwynedd

County code: GBGWY Grid ref: SH1121 Co-ords: 52deg 45min N 4deg 48min W

Hab1: H1 Hab2: E2

Biometrics: Wing: -- mm. Weight: -- g. Time: --hrs

Finding condition: 89:81 Movement: --

Sight record by a ringer Identified by Colour Ring(s)

Remarks:

Duration: 107 days Distance: 155 km Direction: 286deg (WNW)

Finder: Bardsey BO, 9008

No Hirundine roost, but a good number of Chiffs

Tuesday 28th August 2012:

Dave and I put up one hedge net and two nets aiming for any roost ...

12 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Swallow, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Chaffinch

Elsewhere : Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank - recently Osprey and Hobby

Long session at Chelmarsh - for quality not quantity

Wednesday 15th August 2012:

Joe started mid-afternoon and he and I hung around for a roost catch. Two nets on path, four around iron walkway, 2 on edge of scrape by hide.

Goldfinch 3, Swallow 4, Chiffchaff 3, Bullfinch 2, Blackcap 3, Reed Warbler 2, Willow Warbler 2, Dunnock 1, Song Thrush 1, Reed Bunting 1, Blackbird 1

General sense of it being very quiet ! Some Reed Warblers still feeding young. A couple of Green Sandpipers about.

First Garden Warbler of year in garden netting

Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th August 2012:

Two morning netting sessions. One net up by main pond, the other down by big feeder. Sadly House Sparrows avoiding both !

Totals: 6 Robin, 5 Great Tit, 3 Dunnock, 1 Bullfinch, 4 Blue Tit, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackbird

So pretty quiet. Around: House Martin, Swallow, Buzzard, Collared Dove, Goldfinch party

Should have stayed in to watch the cycling - quiet Chelmarsh

Friday 3rd August 2012:

Dave and I placed six nets - three in middle of main bed for Pied Wagtails and three at side of main hide for hirundines. Roost catch led to:

3 Sand Martins ( 2 juvenile ! ), 3 Reed Buntings.

Elsewhere: 30+ Greylag, one family of Reed Warbler feeding in front of hide, lone cygnet still seemingly doing well.

Another European Siskin recovery

Thursday 2nd August 2012:

Another from Dave's garden !

Species: Siskin Carduelis spinus         Scheme: GBT          Ring no: L752465

Ringing details

Age: 6  Sex: female  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: A  Act2: -

Ringing date: 22-Feb-2011

Reg code: HIG  Place code: HIG  Site name: Highley, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7483   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 23min W

Hab1: F2  Hab2: --

Biometrics: Wing: 72 mm.   Weight: 13.2 g.   Time: 1100hrs

Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 6  Sex: F  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -

Finding date: 13-Mar-2012

Reg code: ---  Place code: ---  Site name: Charneux, Liège, Belgium

County code: BL24  Grid ref: ------   Co-ords: 50deg 33min N  5deg 57min E

Hab1: --  Hab2: --

Biometrics: Wing: 72 mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: 0000hrs

Duration: 385 days    Distance: 614 km    Direction: 111deg (ESE)

Finder: Bruxelles

First hirundine roost catch at Chelmarsh

Wednesday 25th July:

Linda, Dave and I decided to have a go having seen small flocks in the evenings. Three nets up on the new ride by the hide. Good numbers came in.

Total: 34 Swallow ( mainly juveniles ), 14 Sand Martin ( only 1 juvenile , unusually so in recent years when we normally catch young : adult nearly 10:1 ), 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Robin, 2 Blue Tit

Nice variety in back garden

Sunday 22nd July 2012:

Early evening session with a net up by main pond and another by big feeder.

1 Great Tit, 2 House Sparrow ( colour ringed ), 2 Dunnock, 1 Blackbird, 2 Wren, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch

Very quiet at Chelmarsh once again

Sunday 22nd July 2012:

At last proper good weather ... but too late ?  6 nets at far side of reserve for 3 hours - all excellent locations based on last year's activity. Also two hedge nets.

Very quiet: 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler ( retraps from previous years ), 2 Song Thrush ( juveniles ), 2 Dunnock ( juveniles ) and 1 Robin

If this is the picture up-and-down the country, then it really has been a wash-out !

Garden session leads to a few colour-ringed Sparrows

Friday 20th July 2012:

Much Wenlock garden:

A small net by large feeder led to 10 House Sparrows, 3 juvenile Dunnock and 1 Great Tit. A similar attempt next morning yielded zero ! Canny those House Sparrows !

Another quiet evening at Chelmarsh

Thursday 19th July 2012:

No rain, no wind ... at last ... but very little bird noise or activity. Three nets at edge of scrape by hide plus two along the path and one in the hedge.

4 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 1 Blue Tit

Wise man stay in Walsall

Wed 18th July 2012:

Since getting his 'C' licence James has been netting regularly in his urban garden at Cheslyn Hay ... and doing well !

1 Blackbird, 4 Starling, 2 Robin, 4 Great Tit, 3 House Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch,     1 Dunnock, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Blue Tit and 1 Chiffchaff

Work at Chelmarsh, and not too many warblers

Sunday 15th July 2012:

Dave, Joe and I began restoring the walkways with some heavy lifting, drilling and the like. Four nets were put up on the far side of the reserve but despite quite a bit of song, not many birds caught:

4 Sedge Warbler ( juveniles , so at least one nest wasn't a wash out ! ) and 4 Reed Warblers.

An interesting article from The Independent suggesting poor breeding all across the board:

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/nature_studies/nature-studies-by-michael-mccarthy-rain-stopped-play--why-birds-arent-breeding-in-the-wet-7912503.html?dm_i=IG4,VKOX,39GWVM,2MOO8,0

A brief spell of ringing at Chelmarsh

Sunday 8th July 2012:

A morning session , ironically hindered by sunshine and later a strengthening wind. Joe, Dave and I placed two hedge nets, 2 along main path and a new 3 net ride along the edge of the main pool.

3 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Treecreeper

Other birds: 1 juvenile Cuckoo, 1 Common Tern, 1 Green Sandpiper, Lapwing, Coot, House Martin

Back to Chelmarsh - and more rain

Wednesday 4th July 2012:

After the wettest April - June on record, still the weather refuses to relent. On a BBC forecast, possibly a couple of hours worth of evening sunshine. Dave sets up the nets ... rings to say raining ... manages a short burst of ringing between the more persistent stuff:

2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird and 1 Dunnock.

Fingers crossed for better weather at the weekend.

More controls etc.

Species: Reed Bunting          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: L487707

Ringing details

Age: 3J  Sex: male  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: -

Ringing date: 27-Jul-2011

Reg code: BMI  Place code: WHP  Site name: Weather Hills Pond, North Yorkshire

County code: GBNYO  Grid ref: SE3466   Co-ords: 54deg 5min N  1deg 29min W

Hab1: G2  Hab2: E3

Biometrics: Wing: 83 mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: 1630hrs

Remarks:

Ringer: D J Bowes, 4053

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 6  Sex: M  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: A  Act2: -

Finding date: 29-Jan-2012

Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W

Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2

Biometrics: Wing: 80 mm.   Weight: 20.5 g.   Time: 1415hrs

Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: --

Controlled    Intentionally Taken

Remarks: Age discrepancy

Duration: 186 days    Distance: 188 km    Direction: 199deg (SSW)

Finder: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Species: Greenfinch          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: TT20024 Ringing details Age: 5  Sex: female  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: -   Ringing date: 25-Jan-2012   Reg code: SPR  Place code: SPR  Site name: Cross Lane Head, Bridgnorth, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7095   Co-ords: 52deg 33min N  2deg 27min W  Hab1: E3  Hab2: F3   Biometrics: Wing: 84 mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: 0000hrs   Remarks:   Ringer: Deans & Smith, 8062 Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: F  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: A  Act2: -   Finding date: 12-Feb-2012   Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W  Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2   Biometrics: Wing: 84 mm.   Weight: 25.1 g.   Time: 1115hrs   Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Remarks:   Duration: 18 days    Distance: 9 km    Direction: 156deg (SSE) Finder: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Species: Sand Martin          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: X698908 Ringing details Age: 3J  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: C  Act2: -   Ringing date: 10-Jul-2009   Reg code: ---  Place code: BACKNY  Site name: Backney Common, Herefordshire County code: GBHER  Grid ref: SO5826 Accuracy 1  Co-ords: 51deg 56min N  2deg 37min W Accuracy 1 Hab1: G7  Hab2: E3   Biometrics: Wing: 103 mm.   Weight: 13.4 g.   Time: 2030hrs   Remarks:   Ringer: Severn Vale RG, 9077 Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: -  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: R  Act2: -   Finding date: 29-Mar-2012   Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W  Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2   Biometrics: Wing: 109 mm.   Weight: 14.5 g.   Time: 2015hrs   Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Remarks:   Duration: 993 days    Distance: 63 km    Direction: 14deg (NNE) Finder: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Excellent Sparrowhawk control

Species: Sparrowhawk          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: DD46282

Ringing details

Age: 3  Sex: male  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: -

Ringing date: 14-Aug-2011

Reg code: HOL  Place code: HOL  Site name: Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley, Suffolk

County code: GBSUF  Grid ref: TM3745   Co-ords: 52deg 3min N  1deg 27min E

Hab1: B1  Hab2: C7

Biometrics: Wing: -- mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: --hrs

Remarks:

Ringer: Catchpole Cockram Peters, 8005

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 5  Sex: M  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -

Finding date: 12-Feb-2012

Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W

Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2

Biometrics: Wing: 215 mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: 1115hrs

Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: --

Controlled    Intentionally Taken

Remarks:

Duration: 182 days    Distance: 267 km    Direction: 281deg (WNW)

Finder: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

More recoveries and controls

Species: Blackbird          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: LC16511

Ringing details

Age: 5  Sex: male  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: A  Act2: -

Ringing date: 10-Mar-2010

Reg code: HIG  Place code: HIG  Site name: Highley, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7483   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 23min W

Hab1: F2  Hab2: --

Biometrics: Wing: 124 mm.   Weight: 85.5 g.   Time: 1640hrs

Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: M  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -

Finding date: 17-Feb-2012

Reg code: HIG  Place code: HIG  Site name: Highley, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7483   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 23min W

Hab1: F2  Hab2: --

Finding condition: 2:44  Movement: --

Freshly dead    Hit Glass

Remarks: Found under window

Duration: 709 days    Distance: 0 km    Direction: 0deg (---)

Finder: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Species: Lesser Redpoll          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: Y137955 Ringing details Age: 5  Sex: female  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: A  Act2: -   Ringing date: 13-Feb-2012   Reg code: HIG  Place code: HIG  Site name: Highley, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7483   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 23min W  Hab1: F2  Hab2: --   Biometrics: Wing: 71 mm.   Weight: 10.3 g.   Time: 1100hrs   Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 5  Sex: -  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -   Finding date: 29-Mar-2012   Reg code: GRF  Place code: GRF  Site name: Greystoke Forest, Cumbria County code: GBCUM  Grid ref: NY3933 Accuracy 2  Co-ords: 54deg 41min N  2deg 57min W Accuracy 2 Hab1: B6  Hab2: A2   Biometrics: Wing: 71 mm.   Weight: 10.1 g.   Time: 1150hrs   Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Duration: 45 days    Distance: 251 km    Direction: 352deg (N) Finder: Greystoke Forest Ringing Group, 9201 Species: Blue Tit          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: Y215311 Ringing details Age: 4  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: A  Act2: -   Ringing date: 15-Jan-2012   Reg code: ---  Place code: SVCP  Site name: Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7584   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 22min W  Hab1: B1  Hab2: G2   Biometrics: Wing: 64 mm.   Weight: 11.3 g.   Time: 1600hrs   inger: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Finding details Ring not verified  Age: -  Sex: -  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -   Finding date: 10-Mar-2012   Reg code: ---  Place code: ---  Site name: Severn Valley Country Park, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7583   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 22min W  Hab1: --  Hab2: --   Biometrics: Wing: -- mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: --hrs   Finding condition: 2:01  Movement: -- Freshly dead    Bird Found Remarks:   Duration: 55 days    Distance: 0 km    Direction: 0deg (---) Finder: Edward Andrews, Severn Valley

Siskins recovered in Belgium and Sweden

Species: Siskin Carduelis spinus         Scheme: GBT          Ring no: L752465

Ringing details

Age: 6  Sex: female  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: A  Act2: -

Ringing date: 22-Feb-2011

Reg code: HIG  Place code: HIG  Site name: Highley, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7483   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 23min W

Hab1: F2  Hab2: --

Biometrics: Wing: 72 mm.   Weight: 13.2 g.   Time: 1100hrs

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 6  Sex: F  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -

Finding date: 05-Mar-2012

Reg code: ---  Place code: ---  Site name: Charneux, Liège, Belgium

County code: BL24  Grid ref:    Co-ords: 50deg 33min N  5deg 57min E

Hab1: --  Hab2:

Biometrics: Wing: 72 mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: 0000hrs

Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: --

Controlled    Intentionally Taken

Duration: 377 days    Distance: 614 km    Direction: 111deg (ESE)

Finder: Bruxelles Species: Siskin Carduelis spinus         Scheme: GBT          Ring no: L898116 Ringing details Age: 5  Sex: male  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: A  Act2: -   Ringing date: 28-Feb-2011   Reg code: HIG  Place code: HIG  Site name: Highley, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7483   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 23min W  Hab1: F2  Hab2: --   Biometrics: Wing: 76 mm.   Weight: 13 g.   Time: 1100hrs   Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: -  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -   Finding date: 18-Feb-2012   Reg code: ---  Place code: ---  Site name: Figgolhult, Fliseryd, Kalmar, Sweden County code: SV47  Grid ref:    Co-ords: 57deg 8min N  16deg 19min E  Hab1: --  Hab2:   Biometrics: Wing: -- mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: --hrs   Finding condition: 2:44  Movement: -- Freshly dead    Hit Glass Remarks:   Duration: 355 days    Distance: 1305 km    Direction: 67deg (ENE) Finder: Stockholm

Another good recovery - Reed Warbler

Saturday 2nd June 2012:

Species: Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus         Scheme: FRP          Ring no: 6142608

Ringing details

Age: 3  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: -

Ringing date: 03-Aug-2009

Reg code: ---  Place code: ---  Site name: Marais de Tardinghen, Wissant, Pas-de-Calais, France

County code: FR07  Grid ref: ------   Co-ords: 50deg 53min N  1deg 39min E

Hab1: --  Hab2:

Biometrics: Wing: -- mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: --hrs

Remarks:

Ringer: Paris, -11

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: -  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -

Finding date: 07-Jul-2011

Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W

Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2

Biometrics: Wing: 66 mm.   Weight: 12.6 g.   Time: 1915hrs

Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: --

Controlled    Intentionally Taken

Remarks:

Duration: 703 days    Distance: 331 km    Direction: 303deg (WNW)

Finder: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Some French recovery news ! Fast moving Sedge Warbler

Species: Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus         Scheme: GBT          Ring no: Y137518

Ringing details

Age: 3  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: -

Ringing date: 14-Aug-2011

Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W

Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2

Biometrics: Wing: 63 mm.   Weight: 10.7 g.   Time: 1000hrs

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 3  Sex: -  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -

Finding date: 16-Aug-2011

Reg code: ---  Place code: ---  Site name: Marais de Cap, Montmartin-en-Graignes, Manche, France

County code: FR03  Grid ref: ------   Co-ords: 49deg 16min N  1deg 13min W

Hab1: --  Hab2: --

Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: --

Controlled    Intentionally Taken

Remarks:

Duration: 2 days    Distance: 367 km    Direction: 167deg (SSE)

Finder: Paris Species: Sand Martin Riparia riparia         Scheme: GBT          Ring no: L898098 Ringing details Age: 4  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: R  Act2: -   Ringing date: 27-Mar-2011   Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W  Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2   Biometrics: Wing: 108 mm.   Weight: 14.9 g.   Time: 2130hrs   Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: -  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -   Finding date: 18-Aug-2011   Reg code: ---  Place code: ---  Site name: Lagunage, Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France County code: FR31  Grid ref: ------   Co-ords: 45deg 56min N  0deg 57min W  Hab1: --  Hab2: --   Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Remarks:   Duration: 144 days    Distance: 736 km    Direction: 172deg (S) Finder: Paris Species: Reed Bunting          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: L784569 Ringing details Age: 4  Sex: male  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: R  Act2: -   Ringing date: 31-Dec-2010   Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W  Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2   Biometrics: Wing: 78 mm.   Weight: 22.2 g.   Time: 1755hrs Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 5  Sex: M  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -   Finding date: 03-Jul-2011   Reg code: TRE  Place code: TRE  Site name: Treeton, South Yorkshire County code: GBSYO  Grid ref: SK4387   Co-ords: 53deg 23min N  1deg 21min W  Hab1: E2  Hab2: C7   Biometrics: Wing: 78 mm.   Weight: 20.3 g.   Time: 1000hrs   Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Remarks: Age discrepancy   Duration: 184 days    Distance: 123 km    Direction: 36deg (NE) Finder: Sorby Breck RG, 9081

Nest box update - migrants are here

Sunday 6th May 2012:

Linda and I braved the cold ( c 7 degrees ) and weather front bringing in the rain to have a quick check of some of the Wenlock Edge nest boxes. Initial impressions, not surprisingly, is of the wet and cold holding back the breeding, though a couple of tit boxes did have young. Nests at various stages, more spread out than last year. Highlights: at least a couple of Pied Flycatcher nests ( one at a different site ) and a Redstart ( same box as last year ). Also a Marsh Tit feeding young.

Elsewhere, plenty of Blackcap, Chiffchaff, the odd Willow Warbler and Whitethroat.

Reports from Dave on Clee Hill suggest early optimism for Stonechats has been dashed by the cold, wet April with a number of dead young and washed out nests.

Nest boxes of one kind or another

Tuesday 10th April 2012:

With Chris from the National Trust on Wenlock Edge, two new Kestrel boxes have gone up - see photo !
First round of some of the nest boxes : Roman Bank site 17/20 occupied ( not all by birds ! ) and in a quarry less advanced and less take-up with only 7/16 boxes even containing trace of nest material. Thanks to William for his help here.

Recoveries, including a Peregrine Falcon ...

Friday 6th April 2012

Species: Peregrine          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: GN46050

Ringing details

Age: 1  Sex: male  Sex meth: S  P.ringed: 1  P.alive: 2  Condition: -

Colour marks added: I  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: -

Ringing date: 03-Jun-2007

Reg code: CLE  Place code: CLE  Site name: Clee Hill, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire

Hab1: I2  Hab2: C2

Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: M  Sex meth: -

Finding date: 04-May-2009

Reg code: ---  Place code: CONF05  Site name: Site Confidential, Staffordshire

Finding condition: 79:81  Movement: --

Sight record by non-ringer    Identified by Colour Ring(s)

Remarks:

Duration: 701 days    Distance: 22 km    Direction: 70deg (ENE)

Finder: Shropshire Ringing Group, 9200 Species: Goldfinch          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: X089247 Ringing details Age: 6  Sex: male  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Ringing date: 02-Apr-2008   Reg code: HIG  Place code: HIG  Site name: Highley, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7483   Co-ords: 52deg 27min N  2deg 23min W  Hab1: F2  Hab2: --   Biometrics: Wing: 79 mm.   Weight: 17.5 g.   Time: 1015hrs   Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 6  Sex: M  Sex meth: - Finding date: 06-Jan-2012   Reg code: SPR  Place code: SPR  Site name: Cross Lane Head, Bridgnorth, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7095   Co-ords: 52deg 33min N  2deg 27min W  Hab1: E3  Hab2: F3   Biometrics: Wing: 80 mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: 0000hrs   Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Duration: 1374 days    Distance: 12 km    Direction: 338deg (NNW) Finder: Deans & Smith, 8062 Species: Sand Martin          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: X954376 Ringing details Age: 4  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: T  Act2: R Ringing date: 31-Mar-2011   Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W  Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2   Biometrics: Wing: 110 mm.   Weight: 15 g.   Time: 2045hrs   Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 4  Sex: M  Sex meth: - Finding date: 02-Jul-2011   Reg code: CRA  Place code: CRA  Site name: Cressage, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SJ5904   Co-ords: 52deg 38min N  2deg 36min W  Hab1: G7  Hab2: E3   Biometrics: Wing: -- mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: --hrs   Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Duration: 93 days    Distance: 22 km    Direction: 321deg (NW) Finder: Mr D Ellis, 3101

Two More Sand Martins - one good one !

Thursday 29th March 2012:

Another set up with three nets in main bed. Slightly bigger flock of 9 flying around - two caught with onset of dusk. One is a British control ...

First Sand Martins of the spring

Saturday 24th March 2012:

After an attempted roost on Thursday - lovely weather but no birds, another attempt was made this evening. Again lovely spring afternoon, still, sunny - a slightly chilly end. This time 4 birds came in, and Linda and I caught two of them in our double net in the main phrag bed. Also caught 3 Pied Wagtails and 3 Chiffchaff in the  hedge nets. Linda then showed me her astrology app - Venus and Jupiter shining bright and Mars too !

Elsewhere, Dave and Dave B have been up on Clee Hill - so far so good with a dozen pairs of Stonechat located.

Sedge Warbler and Great Tit recoveries !

Thursday 1st March 2012:

Species: Sedge Warbler          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: L784980

Ringing details

Age: 3  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: -  P.alive: -  Condition: -

Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: -

Ringing date: 05-Jul-2011

Reg code: CHE  Place code: CHE  Site name: Chelmarsh Reservoir, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO7387   Co-ords: 52deg 29min N  2deg 24min W

Hab1: C7  Hab2: G2

Biometrics: Wing: 65 mm.   Weight: 11.2 g.   Time: 1830hrs

Remarks:

Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193

Finding details

Ring not verified  Age: 3  Sex: -  Sex meth: -

Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: -

Finding date: 30-Jul-2011

Reg code: ICK  Place code: ICK  Site name: Icklesham, East Sussex

County code: GBESU  Grid ref: TQ8815 Accuracy 1  Co-ords: 50deg 54min N  0deg 40min E Accuracy 1

Hab1: C7  Hab2: E6

Biometrics: Wing: 66 mm.   Weight: 12.1 g.   Time: 0500hrs

Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: --

Controlled    Intentionally Taken

Remarks:

Duration: 25 days    Distance: 275 km    Direction: 130deg (SE)

Finder: Rye Bay Ringing Group, 9139 Species: Great Tit          Scheme: GBT          Ring no: TS16466 Ringing details Age: 1  Sex: unknown  Sex meth: -  P.ringed: 3  P.alive: 3  Condition: - Colour marks added: -  Metal marks added: -  Act1: -  Act2: - Ringing date: 28-May-2011   Reg code: ---  Place code: WENFS  Site name: Wenlock Edge NT Feeding Station, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SO5998 Accuracy 1  Co-ords: 52deg 35min N  2deg 36min W Accuracy 1 Hab1: A1  Hab2: -- Biometrics: Wing: -- mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: --hrs Remarks: Ringer: Chelmarsh Ringing Group, 9193 Finding details Ring not verified  Age: 3  Sex: F  Sex meth: - Colour marks added: -    Metal marks added: -    Act1: -  Act2: - Finding date: 21-Dec-2011   Reg code: ATT  Place code: ATT  Site name: Attingham Park, Shropshire County code: GBSHR  Grid ref: SJ5410   Co-ords: 52deg 41min N  2deg 41min W  Hab1: A1  Hab2: -- Biometrics: Wing: 73 mm.   Weight: -- g.   Time: 0000hrs Finding condition: 8:20  Movement: -- Controlled    Intentionally Taken Remarks: Duration: 207 days    Distance: 13 km    Direction: 334deg (NNW) Finder: Mr C J Whittles, 1247