Weekend no.1: After finding a flock of Siskin c. 150 to 200 strong at Sandy Smith Nature Reserve I set about the task of ringing some. I watched them fly well over the net rides. So I went out and bought some feeders and some food.
Weekend no.2: Feeders up for a week. Birds still flying high over the net rides!
Weekend no.3: Feeders up for a second week, tape lure at the ready. 14 new birds ringed! This was treble the number of siskin I've ever ringed before.
Above & Below: Siskin no.1.
Above & Below: A fistful of Siskin
Above: A green knuckle ride!
Above & Below: The tail shape (pointed) in the photograph above is indicative of a juvenile bird (born this year) whereas the rounded tail shape in the photograph below is that of an adult (born last year or before).
Many of the 14 Siskin caught were males and many of them juveniles. None had rings on, though I am hopeful that I will get some interesting recoveries as there is a good chance of this with Siskins.
Interestingly, the biometrics (wing length & weight) were remarkably similar amongst all the birds (wing length 73 or 74mm and weight around 12.3 or 12.4grams).
See earlier post for other species caught in the same session.
2 comments:
Good comparison shots of ad and juv tail feathers.
Nice blog by the way.
Dave
Thanks Dave, glad you enjoyed it.
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