A couple of times now, we have noticed a concentration of birds in a particular area of the common. When we last walked by this patch of heathland studded with Silver birch, we saw Stonechat, Dartford Warbler, Whitethroat, Woodlark and Tree Pipit working through the heather and coarse grass. The only slight problem was that the target area was behind the electric fence. We already have permission from Surrey Wildlife Trust to ring on site and a quick call to the park ranger confirmed that we may set nets within the enclosure.
We were up before 5am and soon set off. As we drove along the A30 at Virginia Water we were surprised to see a Tawny Owl sitting in the bicycle lane. We went back and attempted to catch it but it flew across the road and settled on the opposite bank. A second try was more successful as it got caught against some vegetation and was picked up easily. The wings seemed fine but it hadn't flown very strongly so we decided to take it in as it may have been stunned by a vehicle. We hoped that it would be sufficiently recovered and fit for release on our drive past on the way home.
We were up before 5am and soon set off. As we drove along the A30 at Virginia Water we were surprised to see a Tawny Owl sitting in the bicycle lane. We went back and attempted to catch it but it flew across the road and settled on the opposite bank. A second try was more successful as it got caught against some vegetation and was picked up easily. The wings seemed fine but it hadn't flown very strongly so we decided to take it in as it may have been stunned by a vehicle. We hoped that it would be sufficiently recovered and fit for release on our drive past on the way home.
Tawny Owl
We got to the intended site where it was necessary to do a little cattle wrangling beforehand but we were soon set up and waited for our first captures. It soon became clear that our patch that looked so promising was failing to deliver and the birds were elsewhere, well it's a sizeable common. The totals speak for itself. We packed up early.
Total: 8
Green Woodpecker - 1
Blackcap - 2
Chiffchaff - 1
Goldcrest - 1
Great Tit - 3
Goldfinch - 1
We consulted with AVK (a qualified vet who is also a member of the ringing group) and decided to make an assessment of the bird back at its territory. Having returned to where we picked it up, we found a spot away from the road and attempted to leave it in an elevated position, in the shade, where it could rest out the remainder of the day. But,it could not bear weight on its legs, and so it was taken to Swan lifeline where it was taken in. It has a bad leg injury, probably a break and will be passed on to another organisation if it survives. So, this is about the only blog photo of an unringed bird.