I kept the ringing pliers oiled and now at last, three months later, we reached the end of the Avian Flu tunnel. DEFRA/APHA revoked the lockdown on 20 February, an overdue move that allowed a resumption of bird ringing in no-go areas introduced on 26 November 2021.
The whole week we itched to go ringing but constant winds wouldn’t allow. And then today when I went to drop supplementary seed the wind in the hedgerow ride seemed bearable and workable. I phoned Andy who didn’t need much persuasion to head over to Cockerham.
By 1030 we had nets up and for the next few hours began to catch birds.
The wind at 10-12 mph was too strong for catching any of the 150+ Linnets in an open field but in the more sheltered ride we caught 20 birds of other species. These were species I’d been seeing but unable to catch for more than 3 months - 7 Chaffinch, 4 Reed Bunting, 3 Blackbird, 5 Blue Tit and 1 Brambling.
The Brambling stole the show, a highly colourful and obvious second year male.
Brambling
Brambling
Bramblings have been scarce in the North West this winter, this particular one my second only in what has been a mild if wet and windy time. During February, March and April any Bramblings we see are likely to have come from further south and now migrating to breeding areas in the forests of Northern Europe and further east into Russia.
Chaffinch
Chaffinch
Two of the Blackbirds were of the “continental” type, second year males with typically pale scalloping on their breast feathers.
Blackbird
Reed Bunting
Reed Bunting
Other birds seen - Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 4 Little Egret, 2 Skylark.
It was good to get out today. Here’s hoping we have no more flockdowns that stop our vital work.
More news, views and photos soon.
Linking this weekend to https://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com and http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com.
Great ringing Phil. I love the Brambling.
ReplyDeleteYou must be so happy!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to get such close ups!
Beautiful closeup of these birds. I enjoyed looking at those.
ReplyDeleteYay, I am glad you are able to get back out there and catch some birds to ring. Now, the weather needs to cooperate. Gorgeous closeups of all the birds, they are all pretty photos. The Brambling is a beauty and a favorite. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
ReplyDeleteGlad business has been restored to ringing Phil. Love the Brambling shot as well as the close up of the Reed Bunting. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteHello Phil, :=) Good news at last!:=) All your photos are lovely, but the Brambling and the close up of the Reed Bunting are stunning.
ReplyDeleteI hope the windy conditions subside for a more enjoyable ringing session.
All the best.
I am waiting for the Chaffinch to arrive.
ReplyDeleteWon't be long now!
So happy to hear about the end of flockdown. The Brambling is so pretty and so are the other birds you saw.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear this and hope you'll have better weather to get out more now. Love seeing the photos you've shown today. You have so much variety there in your country. I've learned so much about the birds you see. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteGood that you can get at it again! Such good shots.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you are out ringing again. The Bramblings, so I gather in the Dordogne, are out in force this year, but I am delighted that they have been visiting our garden over the last 3 weeks. The Cirl Bunting has also been a pleasure to spot from time to time.
ReplyDeleteKeep safe and have a good Sunday, Cheers Diane
Flockdowns is a good word. Delightful pictures.
ReplyDeleteThat profile of the reed bunting is a blue ribbon winning photo!!!
ReplyDeleteYay for reading the lockdown has finally been lifted. Now you two can get back to much needed work...and perhaps right at a good time of year.
Thanks so much for taking time to add your link, sharing with us.
Finally! Now, get to work and make up for all that lost time. Wind permitting.
ReplyDeleteSome (not me, of course) are rejoicing the Linnets eschewed your nets so other species could get a chance in the limelight. All of your photographs are stunning, in my opinion.
The Linnets have been informed you are back in business and have agreed to cooperate. They have not, however, provided exact locational data. Good luck.
All here is peachy! Well, more like "strawberry-y" as it is peak season for the red sugar bombs. Lots of outings and even a few birds spotted.
Gini and I hope your new week is filled with full nets and superb birding weather!
Hello Phil, Beautiful selection, do you know I haven't seen some of those birds for two years or more. I still can't find out what is wrong.
ReplyDeleteMike.
You Blog and the Bird photos has become one of my son's favorite places to visit each week. Thank you for taking the time to share your photos with us. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeletegreat shots -- the feather pattern of the brambing is wonderful
ReplyDeleteMust be such a relief to be back ringing once again. The photo of the brambling is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted that you are out ringing again.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shots as always.
Happy Tuesday, Phil!
The Brambling definitely stole the show!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird.
All the best Jan
Buena sesión!!! Saludos desde el norte de España.
ReplyDelete