Last CES

CES 12 today, the last one for 2021.  Last week a juvenile female Sparrowhawk was caught, today it was the turn of a juvenile male.  These birds are at the top of the food chain, males feeding on small to medium sized birds, like Blue Tits and Blackbirds.  Females, being much bigger can take Collared Doves and Wood Pigeons.  They are well built for speed to sweep through an open garden.  Dense vegetation does not stop them as they have agility to twist and turn.  Sharp beaks and large talons help then catch their prey.

One of Foxglove's volunteers rehabilitates injured birds of prey.  Before they are released they are ringed.  Usually they are released where, or close to, where they are found.  Unfortunately this Kestrel arrived with no information so will fly from Foxglove.  Unlike the Sparrowhawk, Kestrels hover over the land searching for mice and voles.  Once they are spotted the Kestrel dives onto its prey.

The Swaledale Bird Ringers have worked hard to complete CES this year as the weather has certainly not co-operated.  At the height of summer they would be at Foxglove for 4am.  Congratulations.  Volunteers have supported them to ensure that net rides and paths between them have been strimmed and overhanging branches that could snag the mist nets, cut back.  Many thanks to everyone involved, all the hard work is really appreciated.