Hat Trick!

The God’s of ringing clearly got up on the right side of bed this morning, delivering three new species to “the office site”. First up, Song Thrush; regularly seen around the industrial estate that hosts the site, but today was the first time one has ventured in to the nets.

The second newbie was somewhat larger; Magpies aren’t often caught by us so it was nice to get one today. Magpies are beautiful birds, especially up close – just look at their iridescent green tails or blue wings.



That beak is as strong as it looks.



Granted, much more amazing in real life.

There was an intention of showing the aging criteria for the species, but the camera was in a fickle, fickle mood. So this is the next best thing:



From Svensson (1992) - today's bird had a first primary

like the on on the left making it and adult. The second

primary also aids with aging; the black tip to the feather

is only 3-15mm in adults, but 16-47mm in juvs and the

border between the white and black is not as distinct.



The outing to the office site was actually aimed at Mistle Thrush. There have been plenty about the place recently, but as the morning wore on with no Mistles in sight it began to look less and less likely. However, in true Hollywood style, just as the rain came in and the nets were about to be taken down, one bird found its way in to one! Only the 10th we've ringed.

The only other bird caught was a retrap Great Tit, with a Lotti flock and a Bite* of Blue Tits skilfully evading the nets.

*term for more than one blue tit.