Bird Ringing Talk at BBOWT

A Runnymede Ringing Group trainer, Carl Hunter Roach, gave a talk on the origins of bird ringing and how it has developed. Using species such as Firecrest and Yellowhammer, Carl illustrated how bird ringing across Berkshire and at Woolley Firs Farm itself, fit into the national picture.

Talk at Woolley Firs Farm, BBOWT

Carl answers follow-up questions after the talk

April 2015

As the spring rush got underway, the weather was not exactly helpful and most sessions were wind-affected or cancelled.

Nightingale (Rachelle Reagan)

Nevertheless 145 birds of 23 species were ringed with Blackcap (44) and Chiffchaff (16) the highest numerically. Showstopper was a Nightingale at Bedfont on 19^th, the first record for the site in 25 years although two Mistle Thrush at Tythebarns are almost as unusual in RRG tables.

A sprinkling of other warbler species brought some returning regulars from previous years.

Nightingale (Rachelle Reagan)

March 2015

Despite a reasonable weather summary for the month, the facts were that most weekends were just too breezy to launch ringing sessions.

The total of only 35 new birds of 14 species reflects this but does include two Dartford Warblers from Chobham, two Chiffchaff from Bedfont and a Reed Bunting at both Chobham and Woolley Firs. Even retrap numbers were low but added interest came from a Cetti’s Warbler at Bedfont and a Firecrest at Woolley Firs.