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The group has been inactive for some time, due mainly to f.m.d. restrictions. As we come to the end of an unfortunate year I have some encouraging news. The Lowland Breeding Survey that was cancelled last spring will run next year (2002). I shall be writing to all participants early in the new year and hope that you have all kept the maps and instructions I sent last February the week before FMD struck. I hope
that by April all will be well and that landowners will give surveyors
access. Having recently attended an excellent BTO conference on bird migration I have some new ideas to suggest for your participation. It is clear that ringing waders and indeed ringing in general is a very important conservation tool. Studies are showing that our migrants have some very well established migration routes. Some birds complete migration in a single flight whilst others stop off to refuel. This knowledge is being used to inform political decisions and conservation management schemes that aim to secure protection for migration routes and habitat management along migration routes and of course on the breeding and wintering areas. Suggestion
1 - Colour ring observation You can contribute to this work especially for waders, because in addition to the standard metal ring several wader workers are colour ringing. Colour rings give details of who the ringer is, the area being studied and often the exact nest being studied. Often both adults and all of the chicks are ringed. Thus over a number of years aspects such as site fidelity, breeding success and even changes in breeding timing that may be linked to global warming can be ascertained. Colour ringing relies on observers looking for and reporting colour-ringed birds. That is the task that I am asking you to help with. Colour-ringed birds can be reported direct to the BTO or to me and I will forward the information. We would like to hear the results of all reported birds so that details can be put into the newsletter and the annual report. One particular point to note is that several species are being ringed above the knee. This is fine for species like the godwits, Curlew and Redshank but much more difficult for species such as Ringed Plover and Turnstone. You may also need to be patient if replies take a long time because some of the colour ringing is being undertaken abroad. Suggestion
2 - Sample ageing of autumn flocks. A second idea that people may be interested in is ageing waders. This is not so difficult in the autumn when the juveniles can be separated from adults on plumage and other characteristics. If you are interested in this idea give me a ring or send an email and we can organise the methodology and some training. Common
Sandpiper and Ringed Plover With a bit of luck we should be able to work on both species again this year. I managed to look at Mawbray Beach in July this year and all seven Ringed Plover nests I located failed shortly after hatching. I would dearly like to know what is taking the chicks because it was not human disturbance that caused it. There are many miles of beach to survey so take your pick. We should be able to pick up some Common Sandpipers on the lowland wet meadows survey along the River Eden. However, if you have a favourite walk that holds them why not collect some data. It only needs three visits. Frank Mawby: phone: 016973 51301; e-mail: FrankMawby@aol.com
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