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Chaffinch colour ringing projet 2004/2005 |
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Quite a lot can be discovered about birds by watching and counting them, but such methods do not often allow birds to be identified as individuals. This is essential if we are to learn about how long they live and when and where they move, questions that are vital for bird conservation. Placing a lightweight, uniquely numbered, metal ring around a bird�s leg, provides a reliable and harmless method of identifying birds as individuals. Each ring also bears an address so that anyone finding a ringed bird can help by reporting its whereabouts and fate.
However, this process has been taken a step further in a new study that the Charnwood Ringing Group has started at Charnwood Lodge NNR. The group has been ringing Chaffinches roosting in the Rhododendrons at Charnwood Lodge since 1998. During this time they have always been interested to find out where the birds are feeding in the daytime.
The new five year study includes fixing two colour rings as well as the conventional metal ring to the bird�s leg. Different colour combinations are being used to separate first year and adult birds and male and female birds. This will enable the group to see if the distance travelled between feeding areas and roost sites varies with the age and sex of the bird. The second colour ring is used to denote the year that the bird was ringed.
The group are asking readers to check for colour rings on any Chaffinches that they see and report the sightings to the group. Details of the colour of the rings and when and where the bird was seen should be reported to Nigel Judson on 01509 829303 or click on this link.REPORT COLOUR RING |
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In 2003 we ringed 129 Chaffinch at Charnwood Lodge. The image illustrates how we age individuals. On the left can you see the pale/dark contrast within the feathers above the white wing bar? This confirms it as a first year male. There is no such contrast in the corresponding feathers of the bird to the right which confirms it as an adult male. Depending on whether the bird is a male or female also whether it is a first year or an adult you will find different ring combinations. We need to know what combinations you see along with where and when the obseravtions are made, so please report in, thanks. |
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**** Report colour ringed Chaffinch **** |
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Please click box above and then provide the following information:- date/time/location and then the colour sequence for each of the birds legs.
Example:- 12/02/05 10:15am 2, New Road Shepshed LE12 1AA. Birds right leg red above silver, left leg blue above green. |
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