Covid sadly curtailed the ringing operations at the start of the year.  We had permission from the UK Government to continue with scientific research if carried out correctly.

Unfortunately, I had contracted Covid at the end of 2020, which put me in Intensive Care for 10 days.  So this was the first day that I had recovered enough to ring.  The only benefit was I was full of antibodies!

So we took things easy.  Aim today was a catch of finches and buntings.  We were not disappointed with some beautiful Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings.  It was great to be joined by Jen as well as seeing everyone again.  Jen is a brilliant researcher, having studied plumage in Goldfinches using DNA for sexing birds and also how arrival dates affect the breeding success of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers.

Later on, during the week Graham and Barry checked over the nest boxes, with some good old DIY and did some tidying of net lanes.  In the process, this old Whitethroat’s nest was found.  It can be identified as a Whitethroat from Blackcap or Lesser Whitethroat as the cup of the nest is so much deeper.

old Whitethroat nest