A 5.30 am start
for enthusiastic nature-lovers (still feels a bit early though after a great
night getting to know each other round the campfire).
John the bird ringer, who has been doing this for near 30
years, takes it in his stride and looks for a good place to set his nets. For a
lure he uses mp3 players producing particular bird’s calls. We all look into
his netting to work out what species are around on the nature reserve.
The first bird is a Wren.
As the Irish song goes.
"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze,
Although he was little his honour was great"
Then a Willow
Blue, grey and coal tits are here along with a blackbird and
many other common species. The Gold crest is a favourite as we marvel at the
colourful crown of Britains
When the BTO Ringing Scheme was established over 100 years
ago, the primary focus was the study of bird movements. Bird ringing is used in
studies of the populations of different species of birds. Data collected is
used for migration information and the study of fledglings produced and the
subsequent survival of both youngsters and their parents.
The joy of releasing the birds back into the wild is a
thrill in itself but this is essential work for conservationists and Nature
reserves like Lime tree farm; the information helps target attempts to reverse
declines (if numbers are dropping due to starvation over winter for example).