Donn Nook Ringing

The Merlin was one of two nestlings ringed at Edmundbuyers near Consett, Co Durham and had travelled 209km.

A concerted ringing effort has been made by Martin Sizer and other members of the Mid-Lincs Ringing Group throughout September and October.  The weather, particularly wind direction and force, has severely limited the time when it was suitable for mist netting.  To date 835 birds have been ringed and 36 re-trapped over the period dominated by one species.  An astonishing 443 Reed Buntings have been ringed with only 6 re-trapped.  Other species included 35 Blackbirds, 84 Goldcrests, 42 Dunnocks, 3 Firecrests and 60 Meadow Pipits.  Perhaps the highlight was a first year female Merlin caught on Friday bearing a ring.  From the BTO database we know it was ringed as a nestling in June but await to find out where!