Sunday, September 20, 2009

Twite, Derby Delph Quarry, Rishworth.



Pictures of "our" Sean ringing Twite at Derby Delph feeding station today. Seventeen ringed whilst I was there, of which 10 were new (unringed) birds. I've seen upto 40 birds there this week, down from a maximum of 60 during the breeding season. Quite a few small flocks feeding high on the moors, seemingly on this year's abundance of Wavy Hair Grass. Credit due to Sean for his considerable effort (and expense!). Apologies for faulty shutter.
Other birds seen on the moor: 2 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, hundreds of Mipits, 2 Wheatear, 2 Snipe, 1 Stonechat, small flock of Reed Bunting, 1 Skylark, 14 Red Grouse, 3 Wren.
Also a whacking hole in the moor where some "amateur archaeologist" has been digging for flints with a shovel - assumed from English Heritage Stonehenge leaflet dropped at the scene. Mindless half-wit!

3 comments:

Nick Carter said...

Agreed Tim, Sean has done a massive amount of work locally most of it not widely acknowledged, we are very fortunate to have an active ringer with such enthusiasm locally. As well as superb photography there are also links to his ringing activities via his Gray Images website (see link on Calderdale Blog)

David Sutcliffe said...

Are these birds being colour ringed or just a BTO ring?

You have got a good population up there Tim/Sean although Fly Flats has 21 today but only ones and twos all summer. I guess these are now returning from northern climes

David Sutcliffe said...

i think I answered my own question when I enlarged the photo - thanks