2003 ringing totals

Flat Holm Ringing Report 2003   

In all 2003 was a disappointing year for the number of new birds caught on the Island. This was due in part to adverse weather conditions experienced on the early visits. Seven individuals spent a total of 21 days ringing, with the addition of a day when the combined force of nine personnel ringed 100 Lesser Black Back Gull chicks with standard Darvic rings, 2003's colour being white on black.

The small number of new birds ringed was made up for, in the fact that three birds carrying rings fitted elsewhere were controls. P.531391 came to the Island on a Sedge Warbler caught on 26th April having previously been ringed at Icklesham, Sussex on 5th August 2001. We are still awaiting details of Wren 4U5641 and Garden Warbler R524025 from the B.T.O., although the finding details were submitted on 8th September.
Retraps of birds ringed on the Island continue to build a picture of life histories, especially Blackbirds and Song Thrushes.

Sightings of our Darvic ringed gulls totalled 53 this year and again their histories make fascinating reading. Some of our gull sightings enforce the changing pattern of immatures staying in Britain rather than spending their first two to three years on the Iberian Peninsula as in the past.

The annual gull count this year took place on 16th May, and although showing a small decrease in numbers, continues to follow a given pattern. Although we have records back to 1957, this is the 21st year that the count has been conducted in the same manner.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who have helped in the counting and ringing this year, and will be only too pleased for their assistance in the future.

Brian H. Bailey

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