Two present yesterday.
c.20 reported at North Gare this morning.
Seventeen present this morning.
A couple more photos.
Last few
20 around this morning. Initially only one present when I met up with Eric, Chris and Stuart of Tees Ringing Group. It wasn't long before five more turned up and when the whoosh net was released three were trapped, though one scooted free. Typically as soon as the net was released we looked up to see and hear another 18 circling overhead. The net was quickly reset but despite them circling several times the large group never landed.
After processing the first two which included adding colour rings, six more flew in. Three were in front of the net when it was released, though once again one managed to scoot free just as we reached the net. A shame as it was a striking white bird.
In all four birds were processed and colour rings added in addition to the BTO ring.
When they were released two obligingly landed on rocks nearby to sit in the sun and preen. Only one perched in clear view which was handy as it showed how well the rings could be read in the field.
The new rings.
Five present this morning.
Nikon P900
Four present this morning. One seemed present permanently on the ground with three more being quite active and only occasionally settling.
Eric and Chris of Tees Ringing Group had a net set up and caught three new birds. After taking measurements they added colour rings alongside the usual BTO leg ring.
All three were females. One was in the process of replacing it's lost tail. Maybe it had an encounter with one of the Merlin or Sparrowhawk that hunt them in that area.
Eight on the ground this morning with a few more calling as they arrived overhead.
A couple more photos from this morning.
Seven around this morning. At least two had no rings.
Nikon P900
A couple more photos.
The birds were ringed this winter in December and January and seem to be hanging around now with the earliest (A0) and latest (A7) ringed birds still present today.
Twenty two present this morning.
Local colour ringed birds included - A0, A4, A5, A6, A7
Seven present this morning.
cr birds - A0, A4, A5, A6
Nikon P900
Just two seen this morning. Both local colour ringed birds from this winter. A0 & A5.
Nikon P900
Only one present this morning. An un-ringed bird.
Nikon P900