Thought I'd take a minute to share with you all the results of this morning's ringing event run by the Rye Meads Ringing Group. They and the group went out at 8 am today to look for autumn warblers, and were rewarded with a nice collection (not all warblers!) including Sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Whitethroat (Sylvia communis), Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), Reed and Willow warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus; Phylloscopus trochilus), Great, Blue and Long-tailed tits (Parus major; Cyanistes caeruleus; Aegithalos caudatus), a House martin (Delichon urbicum) and even a Lesser whitethroat (Sylvia curruca); which they managed to catch and ring. This is all in a normal day's work for the team but they also find time to run these public events a few times every year to give others a chance to witness the beauty of birds on the reserve from a different angle, and really up close! The work of qualified ringers throughout the country is very important to our knowledge and understanding of birds and their habitat requirements, as well as in studying migration, populations and survival rates. This is absolutely essential for monitoring declines and in helping us to find ways of conserving our birds. If you'd like more information about our local ringing group or how to get involved, the information is on their website here. They are also holding another public event at Rye Meads on Saturday 5th September, also from 8 - 10 am, and this time with a focus on migration. The cost to take part is just £6 for RSPB members or £8 for non members. Booking in advance is a requirement as spaces are limited.
Here are some shots from this morning, taken by Brian Bishop.
Sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)
Long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
Interesting fact! A long-tailed tit usually has a yellowish colour to it's upper eye-lid, however this can become darker until it is pinkish or even very red, as in this picture. Research has found that this could be indicative of mood, and be a kind of warning, or even reflect the bird's internal state!
And finally, on a non-bird note, Katy Smith (a regular visitor) found a spot just by the Kingfisher hide which has proved to be popular with bathing reptiles in past weeks. She managed to get this fabulous picture of a Grass snake (Natrix natrix) there a couple of weeks ago, and we are continuing to record all our reptile and amphibian sightings, to gain a better picture of movements across the reserve. Please report any sightings you may have to us.
Many thanks for reading! And see you all soon :)