Army Ornithological SocietyGibraltar Ringer 4
With the prospect of going over to Spain to ring tomorrow morning, we are hastily back from Middle Hill and a quick repack of kit. No time compromised as the change in wind to a Westerly and little early cloud, reduced the numbers of birds considerably. Even the raptors were scarce today. Nevertheless, of the 23 birds ringed this morning, one new one for the list was Whitethroat. The fresh birds that we see in the fields at home look a little tired and worn here and it is surprising how many local birds simply do not move far. The combination of well travelled and local species that moult twice if hatched early in the year, makes for some interesting debates, Sardinian Warbler and Blackbirds in particular. Pied Flycatchers (pictured), Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler and Redstart made up some of the other numbers. A control Blackcap was very surprisingly ringed by Julia 2 years ago at Jew's Gate.
Despite having all nets up and in the right place, Charles Perez helpfully suggested that the line of four on the steepest slope should be moved three feet to the left to get closer to the vegetation. We all agreed and Mark Cutts' teddy remained intact so hopefully Sunday's ringing should produce better numbers.
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