Lots of Birds

 Ringing was in doubt, even as the bird ringers arrived at Foxglove.  The forecast said strong winds and driving to the reserve the ringers had noticed boughs bending in the wind.  When we arrived there was just a gentle breeze and conditions were suitable to raise the nets.

The numbers of birds visiting the garden feeders has varied very much over the last week, from being full of birds both on the feeders and on the ground to almost none anywhere.  Net rounds returned many birds and the range of species was pleasing.  A tiny Goldcrest was ringed.  This is a male bird as can be seen by the orange feathers on its head.

Next in size was a Lotti - a Long-tailed Tit.  These birds flit into the feeders outside the kitchen window and sometimes stay for only a few minutes before heading off again.

Not many Bullfinches have been recorded over the winter but several visited the ringing room.  This beautiful male had a clean beak, which is more than could be said of some of the Bullfinches we handled.

And then a surprise, several Brambling were caught.  These winter migrants are on their way north, having spent the winter here.

Siskin, Redpoll and Blackbird were processed in amongst the Blue, Great and Coal Tits.

Thank you to everyone who helped today.