Bird Ringing with Wildlife Watch

During October half term Watch members in Cheshire were invited to take part in a special bird ringing session at Norton Priory in Runcorn. This is important work done by specially trained and experienced ecologist working for the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology), who gather information about bird populations throughout the year.

The event was lead by our Chairman David Norman, who was able to organise a team of ringers operating for the British Trust for Ornithology, to come and help the children and their parents take part in this recording process. The morning’s results contributed towards comprehensive programme of species monitoring which is carried out throughout the year providing valuable information on the health and welfare of the native wild bird populations.

The birds were caught in several large soft nets, which were strung up around the grounds of Norton Priory. The nets were checked and emptied on a regular basis by the bird ringers who carefully removed the birds and put them into individual fabric bags where they are calm and safe.

The birds were then brought back to the recording station where one to be identified, sexed, by one the birds were carefully removed from the bags. Some where already carrying rings around their legs but if they were not they were ringed using special tools. They were then identified, sexed, aged, weighed and checked for fat cover. The number on the ring was used to record this information in a special book.

WATCH members and their families were able to watch this process very closely. Seeing the birds at such close quarters was a very special experience for all and certainly helped us improve our ID skills.

Children who wanted an opportunity to hold some of the birds were allowed to handle them for a short time before they were released. Generally the birds were very calm. However Blue Tits showed real spirit with a tendency to peck!

This bird ringing takes place every week during the autumn and winter season. Some birds get caught over and over again giving the ringing team a lot of information about the health and welfare of these individuals.