|
A two and a half hour ringing session this afternoon with Bob Sheppard at Bourne resulted in a catch of over 150 birds using just one 30 foot and one 40 foot net. We were surprised at the apparent breeding success of tit species locally, as many breeding bird observers nationally have reported poor success among Blue Tits this year, but better success of Great Tits as the latter commonly have two broods in a season. However the birds we caught suggested that Blue Tits (and Coal Tits) have done well locally. Of 70 Blue Tits there were 65 juveniles and just 5 adults (92% juvenile), Coal Tits 9 juvenile and one adult (90% juvenile) yet there was a significantly lower proportion of juvenile Great Tits 34 juvenile and 24 adult (60% juvenile). Marsh Tits and Nuthatch were among the supporting cast and appeared to be juveniles, though these cannot be aged reliably at this time of year.
Alan
|
Login
FAQ
Search
