Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Three Hour Slot

Bird ringers must grab every opportunity on offer in these windswept weeks even though such times may not be ideal. And so it was that we pencilled in Tuesday morning’s forecast of a three hour slot and a strengthening breeze as perhaps the only chance of the week. 

When soon after six I opened the house door to the morning air I was greeted by the unmistakeable staccato of a rare bird - a Song Thrush no less. 

It was too dark to photograph the thrush but I noted that it sang from the same part of hedge where a number of years ago a pair bred successfully. That must be eight or more seasons ago so while it’s very unlikely the thrush was a survivor of that brood, a bird of any species always picks their ideal habitat in which to set up home. Let’s hope he soon finds a mate and nests again in the hedge we share with a neighbour. 

Song Thrush
 
Another rarity was soon to follow with a Grey Partridge very close to the entrance to our ringing site. I am fairly sure that in this area of Fylde, Lancashire the Grey Partridge is rarer than a Song Thrush. 

Grey Partridge
 
I met Andy at 0630 and nets were soon up to a 5mph southerly, so far so good. Even better were the first migrants of the year caught early on as a Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrests, all three males out to stake their claim wherever they were headed. As early morning migrants all three tipped the scales at less than 6 grams. When later inputting details into DemOn, the system prompted a check of the Chiffchaff weight as below the species' expected range.

These birds were a great start to a morning, one that petered out when the wind increased to 10 and then 15mph.  At one point we could see a Grey Wagtail balanced on a branch directly next to a blowy net. There was no way the wagtail would be caught, even Grey Wagtails aren’t that dozy - 10 o’clock it was time to pack in. 

Chiffchaff
 
Reed Bunting
 
Goldcrest

All was not lost when upon neutralising the wind-socked nets a female Sparrowhawk decided to fly directly into the nearest one. Had we not been quick off the mark it would surely have escaped from the billowing mesh with a flap or two of its wings. 

The second year female could best be described as “feisty”, with legs and sharp talons lashing out at every opportunity. It was ringed and released pretty quickly but not before it had drawn blood from pierced fingers. 

Sparrowhawk talons 

Sparrowhawk

So ended an eventful if not very productive morning of just seven birds – 2 Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk. 

Andy is off with Sandra to the winter sunshine of Egypt on Saturday and is keen to fit in more ringing on Friday. Pencilled in once again.  

Fingers crossed. We shall see. 

Linking today to Anni in Texas and Eileen's Saturday Blog.

 

9 comments:

  1. You did well in your three hour slot, and I enjoyed seeing your photographs but goodness me those talons!!

    Fingers crossed you will get some more ringing in this Friday.

    All the best Jan

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  2. The good news is you were able to get out for some ringing!

    I know you wish the day had been more productive, but starting with a Song Thrush and Grey Partridge and finishing with a superb Sparrowhawk and in-between it all Goldcrests, Chiffchaff and Reed Bunting - it certainly sounds like a very good day!

    Gini says we can send bandages if needed. Must of been poor Andy who was wounded as we don't see any stains on your keyboard.

    It's the middle of the week and we are trying to encourage our winter visitors to scurry back to the north. Hopefully, a few birds will accompany them.

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  3. Phil - I think a couple of rarities and a Sparrowhawk in the net is one productive morning! Love the photographs, and that yellow eye from the hawk is mesmerizing.

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  4. Hello Phil, Wow! What a fantastic morning starting with the unmistakable song of the Song Thrush, and the possibility of it nesting in your garden hedge. The sighting of the Grey Partridge, the beautiful Goldcrest, and lastly the stunning shots of the Sparrow Hawk. I hope the wound heals quickly, those talons do look lethal, and it just goes to show even in the most experienced hands accidents can happen.
    I hope you have a more productive morning on Friday.
    All the best.

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  5. Hello Phil,
    It is good you are able to get out now and ring the birds. The Goldcrest is a favorite, cute little bird. It is great to see the rare Song Thrush and the Grey Partridge, both are lovely birds. Beautiful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.

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  6. How wonderful to get out and to see so much. The eye on that Sparrowhawk is intense! And it really is special to hear and recognize birds even when you don't see them. Around here I hear the Towhee every time I hike but he is elusive! Enjoy your weekend!

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  7. First and foremost, hope Andy has a wonderful trip.

    Wow, I think you two mastered a good "haul" with ringing. The sparrowhawk drew blood?!! Oh oh. But, if it were me, I think it'd be well worth the hurt!!

    Thanks for linking in, as always.

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  8. Lovely post Phil, Nice selection of birds and I wish you luck with the song thrush. The bird population has improved on my patch so I may soon have fresh bird pictures rather than my animals. Take care.
    Mike.

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  9. Oh my, the sparrowhawk's eyes!

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