New Avian Influenza protocols came into effect in December and this curtailed group activity.
We did visit Woolley Firs twice and were pleased to ring Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, and Redwing using the fields. A Sparrowhawk also hunted along the hedgerows.
The end of January was marked by cold misty weather
AZJ9041 6 Blue Tit
Ringed in 11/2022, when it had a full head of feathers. While we're given a view of its ears (to the right of the eye, see photo) we hope this bird regains its feathers by the time we see it next.
Ringed in 11/2022, when it had a full head of feathers. While we're given a view of its ears (to the right of the eye, see photo) we hope this bird regains its feathers by the time we see it next.
AXA6573 6F Great Tit, 22/1/2023
It takes practice to age this species by comparing GC and PC edges.
Ringed in 2019 as a 3, this adult's PCs are perhaps not as bright as typical adults
The yellow eye and brown colouring of feathers aid the aging
A supra-orbital ridge can shade its eyes from sunlight
Among the catches we had 13 retraps. We often get older birds at Woolley Firs having ringed there for over ten years but this month only produced birds we'd ringed in earlier this winter.
