Recent recovery and Late November ringing

Ring 5120866, from a Canada Goose ringed (adult female) on 29 June 2003, has been found (with a metal detector) in one of the lakeside fields on 31 October 2025. Likely shot several years ago, and subsequently scavenged - 8160 days.

Goldfinch BPH0693 was ringed (adult male) on Skokholm on 15 October 2025, and was caught just over a week later at Llangynidr (Martin's garden feeders) on 25 October - 10 days, 143 km, 83 degrees. This is a good record, a quick movement 

Once storm Claudia had passed through (causing extensive flooding in the area overnight on 14th/15th, and raising the lake level by about a foot) a period of more settled, and colder weather arrived. On Sunday 16th, Jerry started in the scrub area, which was very quiet with just 3 + (3) birds by the time he left and Peter/Alan J took over for the afternoon/roost. The catching then picked up a little to end the day on 7 + (6), made up of Dunnock (1), Robin (1), Blackbird (1), Redwing 3, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest (1), Blue Tit 1 + (2), Great Tit 1, and Lesser Redpoll 1.

A cold start on Monday 18th saw Jerry at Martin's feeders, Llangynidr. Catching was slow until the sun warmed when it picked up to end on 29. Unfortunately, none of the hoped for Siskin and Goldfinch were caught, and the catch comprised Dunnock 1, plus "tits" - Coal 1, Great 1, Blue 17, and Long-tailed 9.

Similar weather on Tuesday (plus an occasional light shower) saw Andy doing the second WRP visit at Pennorth, he was joined by Jerry during the morning. Another excellent catch of 46 + (11), taking our YTD to well over 3,000 ringed. The 3,000th was a Goldcrest, with the rest of the mix comprising Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Coal Tit 1 + (1), Blue Tit 34 + (7), Nuthatch (1), House Sparrow 4 + (1), Goldfinch 3, and Chaffinch 3. In the afternoon, Jeremy and Jerry moved to taping in the scrub area, Jeremy staying for the roost as the catching picked up a bit for a useful 7 + (1) - Blackbird 1, Redwing 2, SongThrush 1, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest (1), and Blue Tit 2. The day total was 53 + (12).

On Thursday 21st, another cold start before the sun warmed, with Carlton starting off in the scrub, before Andy took over for a roost. Catching was slow, but picked a bit up at dusk - unfortunately no Redwing, but a few Starling (from the considerable numbers in the area) got caught in gn5. The mix for the day was Song Thrush 1, Robin (2), Dunnock (1), Blackcap 1, Chiffchaff 1, Blue Tit 2 + (3), Great Tit (2), Starling 7, Chaffinch 2, and Siskin 1.

Very similar weather on Friday saw Jerry completing a short midday session, for a catch of just 5 + (4), made up of Wren (1), Blackbird 1, Robin (2), Blue Tit 1, Bullfinch 1, and Lesser Redpoll 2 + (control) - details in due course when submitted.

Another weekend of wet/breezy weather followed, before it settled again mid week so Jerry was back in in scrub area on Tuesday 25th, for another short mid-day session. The weather was mild and calm, but it was a bit too sunny (nets were visible) and just three birds were caught (already bearing rings) - Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Blue Tit . Although they did not contribute to our ringing total, they will still provide valuable recapture data. Wednesday 26th saw none of the rain that had been forecast, so Jerry spent a couple of hours (early in the afternoon) with a net at the hut feeders. His catch of 9 + (10) was made up of Blue Tit 5 + (8), Coal Tit 1 + (1), Great Tit 1 + (1), and Greenfinch 2.

Sunday 30th had another "better forecast" before the next belt of heavy rain was due to arrive, so Peter and Alan J opted for their first attempt for Snipe. The point field was just partially flooded, and in the late afternoon a few Starling (from the dozens of groups heading across the point field towards rb2) were caught, while two noisy Peregrines flew overhead (hoping for supper?). Small numbers from other groups continued to be caught, culminating in a new day record for the species. Soon after two Jackdaw were also caught - only the 2nd and 3rd ever ringed by the Group. Unfortunately the activity at the nets caused the Snipe (over 200 counted with the thermal) to relocate to the other side of the field, so none found their way into the nets (maybe next visit). The day totalled Jackdaw 2 and Starling 34.

During November we ringed 269 birds, above average for the month for the last decade, but well below our max for November - 342 in 2016 (when we were ringing at the bird crops). Our YTD now stands at 3,082, not far short of our second highest year catch (3,146 in 1979), and December catches should hopefully get us past this longstanding year record that we set soon after the Group's formation.