Exposure

Not such an early start this morning, the plan being we would converge on a Waxwing flock in Warrington in the hope of erecting a mist net and catching a few, or more. Up to 39 Waxwings were present but the area was extremely exposed and was prone to easy disturbance, with that in mind myself and Mike went off to Woolston NR to erect just 3 nets. Even with the decrease in nets we still managed a small selection to process, the pick being 3 Brambling and 2 Wood Pigeons. In total 39 birds were processed with 11 extractions, 13 ringed, 15 retraps and a Wood Pigeon that wasn't rung by me. News on the Waxwings was a net was erected and 2 were caught so it wasn't totally in vain, hopefully more attempts can be made over the coming weeks.

3m (bottom) + 3f (top)

Open wing of 3f with 2 old greater coverts.

Open tail of 3f showing pointed juvenile tail feathers.

Learn To Fly

Sorry for my non posting. I feel i need to post with pictures but don't have any to share, hopefully that will all change. Not so much birding happening what with work and the freezing weather (not that its an excuse) though 23 Waxwings around Summerfields Estate, Wilmslow on Saturday were nice to see so close to home. It is now official, i have applied for my 'T' (trainee) ringing permit and will be busy pretty much every Saturday morning for the next 18 months. Only 3 of us on Saturday with myself, Mike Miles (my trainer) and Kieron Foster who's ringing site it is. The majority of my training will be done at Woolston Eyes NR, near Warrington, a lot more on this site in the future. Only 3 nets were put up on Saturday but we still managed a small selection to process. I will update with numbers, species and various photos (probably open wings, tails and heads, all the technical stuff) over the coming weeks and months. There is a lot to learn and enjoy i feel from this aspect of our hobby and am looking forward the day i get my 'C' permit. I must add that if was not for Dr Marshall i doubt very much i would have ventured down this path, so for that cheers.