Mid-week last week, Gail and I topped the feeders up at the feeding station on our friend's farm, and as per normal, the two large feeders that can hold 18 kg of seed in each when full, were nearly empty. I don't put the full 18 kg in, probably somewhere in the region of about 12 kg, but nevertheless, about 24 kg of seed had gone in a handful of days, so the feeding station is busy. It was a surprise then to have a quiet ringing session on Saturday.
When we were topping the feeders up, we didn't really see very much as it was a quick 'splash and dash', but a flock of 92 Fieldfares was noteworthy. At this time of year, they spend more time feeding in pastures on invertebrates, taking on lots of protein prior to their migration east and north.
On Saturday morning Gail and I were expecting to have a good ringing session, but were surprised when we only ringed twelve birds as follows (recaptures in brackets):
Great Tit - 6 (4)
Robin - 1 (1)
Blue Tit - 2 (1)
Tree Sparrow - 1 (1)
Chaffinch - 1
Treecreeper - 1
The birding was equally quiet, although the number of early morning songsters is increasing as we move towards spring. The only highlights were the 12 - 15 Tree Sparrows that we had, and I am always pleased to hear a Goldcrest singing.
The weather is turning colder this week with a blast of arctic air, that will certainly hold some early migrants up. It's hard to believe that Wheatears could be here in just a few days!
Over on the right you will see that I have updated the totals for Fylde Ringing Group up until the end of February. Six new species were ringed during Februray for the year, and these were Siskin, Dunnock, Treecreeper, House Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit and Wren.
Only one species reached double figures during the month, and these were the 21 Goldfinches that were ringed. Below you will find the top 3 'movers and shakers' for the year so far.
Top 3 Movers and Shakers
1. Goldfinch - 56 (same position)
2. Chaffinch - 22 (same position)
3. Blue Tit - 10 (up from 4th)
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