The last session of ringing 2013 went great and it was a double header, not two sessions of actual ringing though, as in the morning we were coppicing at one of our sites, then in the afternoon and on wards into the evening was a roost session at a different site.
Of course we didn't have to be up as early as usual due to us just coppicing, but we did have to be there for nine o'clock so I was still reasonably tired when we arrived. The rising sun was there to admire when we arrived, reflecting nicely off the site's railings (out of focus in this picture).
As the sun rose it shone nicely on this Great Spotted Woodpecker I spotted in the canopy of this tree, first time I've seen one at this site.
After the coppicing we were off too Peter's dads to collect him and the ringing gear, it was nice to see some of Peter's family, his mum and dad, brothers and sisters.
Pete (Peter's dad) came along as well to the roost session, and introduced my brother and mum to ringing, which I think they rather enjoyed.
The session started off pretty steady with quite a few Goldcrests consistently being taken out of the net and the Chaffinches took over as they all came in to roost. There were quite a few Long Tailed Tits in the mix as well.
We caught several Long Tailed Tits from different areas of the site, and I could hear large flocks of tits, in fact the whole wood was filled with the sound of bird song.
My brother was really excited about letting go some of the birds and you should of seen the intense look on his face when he was carefully holding this Long Tailed Tit.
For the first time in a while we caught a Jay; a beautiful adult this one was. I was really pleased we caught it as firstly they are one of my favorite birds (colour wise) and my mum really likes them.
Ageing these birds can be quite tricky but you need to look how crisp and sharp the black bars on the blue feathers (mainly Greater Coverts and Primary Coverts) are. That makes this one an adult.
.....................................................................................
What an amazing year 2013 has been.
Here are a few of my ringing highlights in pictures, I cannot believe how much has happened in just one year of ringing.
January
Willow Tit
Lesser Redpoll
Jay
Yellowhammer
February
(Spoon-billed) Great Tit
March
Leucistic Brambling
GSW
Tree Sparrow
Chiffchaff & Chaffinch (ChiffChaff)
April
Grasshopper Warbler
Blackcap
May
Reed Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Jackdaw pulli
Tawny Owlet
June
No ringing because of my SATS, but I did see this beauty in Wales
Pied Flycatcher
July
Juvenile Robin
Male Bullfinch
Swallow
August
No ringing because of holidays and Peter being away, but I did get to go here and see lots of people from the BTO.
September
Garden Warbler
Barn Owlet
Whitethroat
October
Song Thrush
Sparrowhawk
Redwing
November
Woodcock
December
Long Tailed Tit
Female and Male Fieldfares
A massive thank you to the people who I couldn't do this without. You know who you are.
Bring on 2014!
you have gotten some terrific exposure to a lot of birds through ringing! that's really awesome.
ReplyDeleteyou have seen and handled birds that could only dream of, well done Fiindlay
ReplyDeleteThat's an impressive year Finn...
ReplyDeletebut pic 3 - you need to be lower down the trunk with that saw really ;-)
Cheers
DaveyMan
A stunning selection of birds there Findlay, and all expertly handled.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that you have an even better selection to get up close and personal with in 2014.
All the best to you, Harley and your mum and dad for a very happy and fantastic 2014...[;o)
8 acres of bluebell wood here needing your attention Findlay.
ReplyDeleteGrandma
I hope we get the Pied Flycatcher and Redstarts again Grandma.
DeleteWhat an incredible year you've had Findlay.
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed reading about it all through your blog.
A special thanks must go to your parents too, for giving you so much encouragement through the year.
Hope to meet you all again in the new year sometime.
wow what a lovely selection of photos and of course you have had a busy year. Great post.
ReplyDeleteA splendid post, ducumenting a truly remarkable year by anyone's standards! I've thoroughly enjoyed following you adventures in 2013, and am really looking forward to hearing about what you achieve in 2014!
ReplyDeleteWishing you, and the family, all the best for the New Year.
Richard
A wonderful post Findlay... you have had a fantastic 2013.
ReplyDeleteLets hope 2014 tops it.
Happy New Year to all the Wildes xx
What a great and feathery year you had! Love all your photos and look forward to another great year of blogging!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great 2013 hope 2014 is even better for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great year! Happy New Year to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the incredible variety of birds here. Especially loved the interesting macro of the black bars on the blue feathers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a year you've had mate, some birds there that people can only dream of having in the hand.... Barn Owl, Woodcock, Grasshopper Warbler etc
ReplyDeleteHave a great 2014
Nice serie!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you!
An impressive collection.
ReplyDeleteGreat set of pictures - you are getting some really good experiences! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne!