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Mist Nets and Bird Rings
This morning I had an adventure, being invited to visit a bird banding site in the Wood. I learned that the birds, which have mostly eluded me, are quiet at the moment as they are just finishing their annual moult or are wary learner fledglings still using baby feathers to fly.
However quite a few flew into the net this morning and were ringed and had their vital measurements taken.
At first sight the process appeared rather invasive, but the birds were in fact quite calm at being handled in the proper manner and after I held a few the same way you could feel that they were resigned rather than distressed. The Blue Tits had quite an attitude and pecked fingers - those ferocious little Blue Tits !
Bagged birds hanging about before being measured
A great moment was releasing them from an outstretched palm and watching them dash for cover, Blue Tits giving a parting nip. It was a wonderful experience to see those beautiful little birds close up.
Goldcrest, a tiny bird.
Some of the finer points of identification were very complex, these two are different species.
A Chiff Chaff and a Willow Warbler
Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, Bullfinch. Thats a poem for you .
Many thanks to John for inviting me to join him.
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