The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Had a very enjoyable ringing session on Bourne South Fen this afternoon with Bob Sheppard, resulting in 128 birds ringed of a variety of species involving eight different ring sizes (AA,A,B,B+,C,D,E and F). Birds caught were mainly Goldinches (newly arrived and/or passing through), Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings. Other birds included Woodpigeon, Sparrowhawk (male and female), Corn Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Linnet. The number of Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings at this site is quite surprising with 180 and 200 respectively, ringed there since late January. Surprisingly there were few retraps suggesting that many birds may be moving through.
Some very large northern Chaffinches were around today with two males having wing-lengths of 94mm and a third of 93mm. These were much larger than any we've caught before and had noticeable longer bills when compared to 'normal' British Chaffinches.

Alan

That's evolution, for you.

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Alastair Carr

Where there is a will, there is a way....