Monday, July 9, 2012

Sparring Session

A visit to a Sparrowhawk nest found a couple of weeks ago revealed 3 healthy sized chicks. Five is a more normal brood in these parts, but 2012 is far from a normal breeding season. 

On checking the tarsus width of each bird (males and females take different size rings) it was found that all three were females needing a size “E” ring. The old baseball cap came in handy again while rings were located and the young back in the nest in a minute or two. 

Sparrowhawk chicks

Sparrowhawk chick - female

Other ringing sessions have been dire of late with cancelled or aborted visits due to wind, rain or both the normal outcome. A couple of sheltered garden sessions produced a few Goldfinch and Greenfinch with a single juvenile of the former and a couple of Greenfinch juveniles.

Juvenile Greenfinch

More from Another Bird Blog tomorrow I hope. 
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8 comments:

  1. Nikola D.A.July 9, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    They are very cute :) Were the adults near and were they trying to attack you ? I've never ringed Sparrowhawks :)

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  2. Phil SladeJuly 9, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Hi lp. The adults were about and probably aware of something going on at the nest but they do not attack humans to my knowledge. The whole process took ten minutes.

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  3. Carole M.July 9, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    I hope the sparrowhawk chicks all survive and the greenfinch is a beautiful bird to have around I'm sure.

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  4. Nikola D.A.July 9, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    You work fast :) I wish you many more ringed Sparrowhawks :)))

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  5. Russell JenkinsJuly 10, 2012 at 4:01 AM

    Great post. They look pretty healthy and happy as far as I can judge. It'd be interesting to follow their progress.

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  6. grammie gJuly 10, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    Hey Phil..been out picking up chicks again huh!! ; }
    This little critters are so homely there cute !!
    Sounds like it is a rough seasons for you ringers!!
    What was it about the Bluebirds you asked...houses? wasn't it...I have 10 birdhouses out, and one has been used over and over by them, having at least two broods a season!! Last year 11 fledged..this year so far four, and Momma is setting again!!
    I am full of info on them ; }ask away!!
    Grace

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  7. El rincón de CeditasJuly 10, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    Unas fotografías geniales!!! Cuando sean adultos seran unas aves magestuosas.
    Saludos

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  8. Ayuwat JearwattanakanokJuly 12, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    First time for me to see the sparrowhawk chicks. Got to admit they're really cute.

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