I promised yesterday that today I would blog about the highlight of the event and here it is.
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) had a bird ringing tent at the fair. Mist nets had been set up in the woodlands and the birds that were caught were taken to the tent and measured and ringed in front of an audience before being released back into the woods.
It really was a privilege to be so close to these birds. We were disappointed to miss the nuthatches and great spotted woodpecker that had been ringed while we were in events (specially the nuthatch as it's a species that is still uncommon in Scotland, slowly increasing in number as it makes it's way north from England). Crafty Green Boyfriend took these photos of some of the birds we watched being ringed.
this is a long tailed tit, one of our favourite birds. After it was ringed it was released and flew directly over my head into the trees. In the photo below you can see how long this bird is, whereas it's body is tiny, it really does have a very long tail.
this is a great tit having it's wings checked for condition before being measured.
The British Trust for Ornithology carries out a lot of research into British birds including population fluctuations and migrations. Ringing gives valuable insights into these areas. You can find out more on the ringing pages of the BTO website.
You can read more about our trip to the Scottish Birdfair here.
for World Bird Wednesday and Nature Notes
You can read more about our trip to the Scottish Birdfair here.
for World Bird Wednesday and Nature Notes
11 comments:
Fantastic to see... the last bird I had on my hand was a friendly little Robin feeding... it was so light.
Very cool, the birdfair sounds like fun. I have never been to a banding. The photos are great.
That was entertaining and informational!
We have nuthatches that come to the feeder early. In the tree they sound like a baby kitten.
As always, a post full of interest.
What a great idea for the BTO to have such an interesting display of bird banding. Great photos.
A tiny bird with a long tail - I can see why it is admired.
Great view of the Tit. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Interesting post!
You call it ringing and we call it banding..it is amazing that someone can hold a tiny bird so carefully and put a tiny band on it..amazing. What a treat to see and thank you for sharing it with Nature Notes Juliet.. Michelle
I was WONDERING what bird ringing was. I thought it was some kind of musical event - LOL! Thanks for the great photos!
Ah the birdfair - cant wait for the midlands bash in July. I have never been close up to the ringers so I will head for the ringing area this year
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