Yesterday (10th), I ringed at a new site Elmer's Pond in Ockley for which I aided in catching and ringing the family of
Mute Swans that were here (first for the year). It was quite an event as the adult male spent most of the time chasing the two youngsters which eventually helped us to catch the birds as they were forced out onto the land making them easier to corner and catch (below). The parents were then a bit more sedate although hard to tempt towards the bank, although the adult male finally came to the edge in an attempt to attack an unsuspecting dog that was being walked past. The first time I have managed to catch a swan with a dog!!! The adult female was left unringed as in the past it was attacked by a gang of kids which has left it with just one wing and never leaves the pond.
Then this morning, I spent two hours before work on the Duke's Warren at Leith Hill where I managed to catch just nine birds, but this included five
Siskin (below) and another
Common Redpoll. This is now the fifth
Common Redpoll ringed on the hill since Christmas! Other exciting observations on the hill today was a
Woodcock, 14
Buzzard in the air together, a singing male
Firecrest in the Rhododendron Wood and a group of about 40
Crossbill, including at least ten juveniles, that were feeding just above the net whilst I was ringing. Maybe I will be lucky enough to catch one of those in the future...
Birds ringed:
Mute Swan - 3
Blue Tit - 1
Great Tit - 1
Common Redpoll - 1
Lesser Redpoll - 1
Siskin - 5
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