Sunday 23 February 2014

New Year ringing at last underway

Since Christmas the weather had not been kind to the Group to allow it to get stuck into cannon netting duck or mist netting. February permitted a few evenings to catch Reed Buntings at roost in the young reed bed close to our ringing base and this weekend enabled us to take part in the Winter Festival arranged by East Devon District Council. Only a few birds were caught, but these did in include a Cetti's Warbler a species that has been seen and heard less in recent years on the Estuary.

The Festival enabled the Group to arrange a public ringing demonstration that proved a success with several children enjoying the chance to see birds close-up.

Cetti's Warbler carefully held by Ann prior to release (Photo Mike Tyler)
A keen young man releasing a female Blackbird clasping Derek's finger on release! (Photo Adrian Bayley)
Our Leader showing a Wren to a group of  children (Photo Adrian Bayley)