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October 01, 2002
BTO Ringing News
On Saturday 7 September 2002 a catch of 26 Oystercatchers was made at Wainfleet, Lincolnshire which included one bird which was ringed at Snettisham, Norfolk on 13 August 1967! This bird sets a new Oystercatcher (and wader)longevity record for Britain and Ireland. A group photo was taken of the Oystercatcher along with all the team members present at the catch who were younger than the bird! See BTO web site or www.wwrg.org.uk
Most Oystercatchers which spend the autumn and winter on the Wash breed in Norway. When first caught this bird was a youngster, probably newly arrived from Scandinavia. Having had ring numbered ED00745 put on it probably spent its first eighteen months feeding on cockles and mussels on the Wash estuary. Since then it will probably have flown to Norway each year to raise a family. The bird was previously caught on 1 August 2000 at Friskney, just a couple of miles from Wainfleet.
The Wash Wader Ringing Group operates with canon nets and mist nets, around the shores of The Wash in both Norfolk and Lincolnshire, with the main aim of providing a better understanding of the waders using the Wash. The Group has been operating since 1959 and has built up a large and valuable database for study. Nearly 250,000 birds have been ringed in this time.
Ringing, as a practical science, can only be learnt working in the "field" with a qualified Trainer, of which there are over 300 in the country.
The BTO runs the Ringing Scheme and issues ringing permits under licence from the Government agencies. After undergoing a period of training, usually of two years or more, a successful Trainee can apply for a permit, allowing him or her to ring without direct supervision.
Part of the BTO Ringing Scheme is funded by a partnership of the BTO and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (on behalf of English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland). The Scheme also receives support from Duchas the Heritage Service - National Parks and Wildlife (Ireland). Volunteer ringers give freely of their time and expertise and also provide a substantial part of the Scheme's funding.
Posted by Surfbirds at October 1, 2002 11:18 PM
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