Ringing delights

We have now run the CES for four days, two at each site. Captures are a lot lower than I expected, but I prefer it this way when there is a steady stream of birds coming in. It's just right - having time to appreciate each bird individually is always a sign of a happy ringing session. Birds are still busy breeding so things will be different by the next CES at the end of November. If last year is anything to go by it will be quite busy.

Ringing at APLORI is brilliant because of the diversity of species we have here. I am lucky to run two sites in different habitats, and not surprisingly the species caught differ between them. At the guest house site we catch more of the smaller finches, thrushes and birds which prefer more wooded vegetation. In the grassland site it is Cisticolas, Bishops and surprisingly more Sunbirds than one would expect. Today's highlight: a stunning male Yellow-mantled Widowbird in his glorious breeding plumage. Normally these are drab brown birds very similar to female Northern Red Bishops, but at this time of year it's all about looking your best.

Now that is what I call breeding plumage!

The migrants are still arriving, and today saw the first Willow Warbler of the season. These tiny birds fly all the way from Europe to South Africa with less then 10 grams to their name. Also around and in the nets are Pied Flycatchers, more Garden Warblers and Wrynecks. I was lucky to spot a Wryneck out birding yesterday. In the field they are a somewhat unusual bird, but in the hand they are just plain bizarre. You will see from the video below why they are called Wrynecks. It's enough to make you feel dizzy!

 



It is a little unfair that I get all the fun, so for those at home, here is just a handful of the stunning birds we have been lucky to see during the CES so far. Enjoy!



Scarlet-chested Sunbird

Little Bee-eater



Rock Firefinch

Yellow-crowned Gonolek



African Blue-flycatcher

 

Variable Sunbird

 

Red-cheeked Cordon-Bleu

 

Lavendar Waxbill



Viellot's Barbet

Don't get your fingers near this one!

 



Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird

 

Snowy-crowned Robin-chat

 

The new APLORI Masters students trying out thier new binoculars

There are two more days to go next week and then it's back on with fieldwork. I am excited to get back to the Whinchats. I wonder if more have arrived? I still haven't managed to out-wit the ringed bird, but I haven't played all my cards yet. This bird is valuable for the study and I am determined to make sure it has colour rings by the end of the week.

Emma