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Bird ringing demonstration in La Algaida, Puerto Real, Spain

This morning I attended a bird ringing demonstration session in the Pine tree forest of La Algaida, near the University campus of Puerto Real. The activity was led by volunteers of the SGHN (Sociedad Gaditana de Historia Natural). I arrived well before sunrise and was welcomed by thousands of mosquitoes eagerly waiting to suck blood. Some people may find relief in the thought that many birds feed on mosquitoes, and as we donate blood to the latter, we contribute to the migration process by providing fuel to the birds in an indirect way. Just think about it! Anyway, next time I will bring even more insect repellent.



Contents





A male Sardinian Warbler being ringed
A male Sardinian Warbler being ringed

So what exactly is Bird Ringing?


Bird ringing, known as bird banding in the United States, involves attaching a small, uniquely numbered metal or plastic tag to a wild bird's leg or wing. This tagging process enables the individual identification of birds, facilitating the tracking of their movements and life history. During the tagging process, it is common to gather data such as measurements, examine feather molt, assess subcutaneous fat, determine age, and identify the bird's sex. Subsequent recaptures or recoveries of these tagged birds provide valuable insights into various aspects of their lives, including migration patterns, longevity, mortality rates, population dynamics, territorial behaviour, and feeding habits, which are all subjects of study for ornithologists.



All the data are carefully written down

Vocabulary and methods


In the UK, as well as in several other regions worldwide, the practice is referred to as "bird ringing," whereas in the United States, it is commonly known as "bird banding." Coordinated initiatives for bird marking are often termed "ringing schemes" or "banding schemes," and the governing bodies overseeing these efforts are referred to as "ringing authorities" or "banding authorities." The coordinating organisation for European bird ringing schemes is called EURING. Individuals who participate in the process of marking birds are called "ringers" or "banders," and they typically operate at designated "ringing stations" or "banding stations".



A professional ringer carefully holds a Chiffchaff
A professional ringer carefully holding a Chiffchaff

The method we used this morning involved setting up different mist nest of which the length can vary. The most common length of the nets we used was six metres. Its black colour goes unnoticed by the birds, which are then collected and taken to the ringing station. It takes a careful approach, as the birds can be tangled into the nets with their legs or wings.



Mist net
One of the nets with a label

A male Sardinian Warbler is being removed from a mist net
A male Sardinian Warbler is being removed with care

Male Sardinian Warbler captured in a mist net
Male Sardinian Warbler

It goes without saying that these methods using mist nets can only be used for scientific purposes. Fines for illegal capture are high.





Eurasian Siskin captured in a mist net
Eurasian Siskin waited to be freed and taken to the ringing station

Tools Utilized for ringing birds


Mist capture net


Mist capture nets encompass delicate mesh with compartments designed to momentarily confine birds. These nets are manufactured in diverse configurations, featuring varying mesh sizes, heights, lengths, weights, materials, and colours. The mesh size's interpretation differs from country to country; in the United States and Canada, it represents two sides of a mesh square, whereas in the United Kingdom, it signifies one side. Ringing practitioners must select an appropriate mesh size that suits the target species, opting for smaller mesh for diminutive birds. The dimensions of these nets can span from 1.5 to 18 meters in length and from 1 to 3 meters in height, contingent upon the number of panels. Thread weight and ply count (number of strands) can also vary. Commonly employed construction materials encompass nylon, polyester, and monofilament. These mist capture nets are typically found in black, though variations in shades of green or brown are also available. Although they are versatile in capturing various species, using mist capture nets necessitates thorough training and diligent monitoring during deployment.



Ringer measures a House Sparrow's leg
Measuring a House Sparrow's leg

Ringing pliers


Ringing pliers represent a vital instrument used to affix a band around a bird's leg. These pliers are available in various sizes, selected based on the width of the bird's leg.



Measuring a Sardinian Warbler's wing with a special ruler

Leg gauge


The band size is determined by using the leg gauge. A leg gauge is placed around the bird's leg which determines the circumference of the leg. After identifying the size of a band it is then placed on around the leg with the help from the banding pliers.



Ringer examining a Greenfinch
Ringer examining a Greenfinch

Small cotton bags containing captured birds waiting to be ringed and examined
Small cotton bags containing captured birds waiting to be ringed and examined

Wing ruler


Another indispensable piece of equipment is the wing ruler, employed to ascertain the wing's length for the purposes of data collection, research, or species identification.



Greenfinch being examined

Western Subalpine Warbler
Western Subalpine Warbler

Determining a bird's age by the length and structure of its wings

Digital scale


At the end of the bird's morphology assessment, the final instrument utilized is a digital scale. This tool aids in ascertaining the bird's weight, serving as the last step before releasing the bird.



Blackbird
The largest bird we ringed this morning was a Blackbird

Possibly a bird original from northern regions because of its darker beak

Bird is being weighed using a digital scale
The final stage of the process: weighing the bird using a digital scale


Bird being released
Bird being released

Common Redstart
A spectacular Common Redstart

Another bird returning to the wild





One of the ringers explaining why some insectivore birds have a kind of moustache

And one of the youngest attendants listening very carefully

Importance of these ringing demonstrations


Informing visitors about this technique contributes to the dissemination of accurate information to the general public. Although live bird ringing is just one of several approaches to educate the public about bird conservation, it stands out as an exceptionally captivating and distinctive method for engaging visitors.



Juvenile House Sparrow
Juvenile House Sparrow



A House Sparrow's wings being measured
A House Sparrow's wings being measured

Greenfinch
A Greenfinch leaving people in awe

A female and male Sardinian Warbler
A female (L) and male (R) Sardinian Warbler

House Sparrow being released
House Sparrow being released

A young girl gently holding a Greenfinch
Another young visitor gently holding a Greenfinch

Nightingale
Nightingale

House Sparrow
House Sparrow

Back to freedom!

Conclusion


I would highly recommend attending one of the next demonstrations to anyone interested in learning about birds! Even if you already know about birds, you will surely hear something new as well.







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