On the previous day we had driven up to stay with our friend BH who was not only attending the session but also overseeing the processing of the duck bi-catch from the Whooper Swan catch. We had taken a walk around Sand Mere and had a brief look at Marsh Side where the tide was high, but the wind was exceedingly strong and viewing conditions were difficult.
Next morning we were on site for 8am. There were lots of people ready to take, what could potentially be, a sizeable catch, all equiped with waterproof trousers or waders and jackets, rubber gloves and face masks. We had the health and safety talk aimed to inform about how to reduce the risk of contracting Bird Flu and learned of how the catch would be organised. We were also told that BBC North West would be filming throughout the session, marking the 40th Anniversary of Martin Mere and 25 years of the swan pipe catches.
We joined the duck team and got into position while the Swan team went to the trap, basically a large heligoland trap in the water. As we waited a small group of Shelduck rose above the barns. Shortly after, a much larger flock of duck went up as a dustcart some distance away made a loud clang as the operatives went about their business.
For a while apparently, it had seemed that there may be no catch at all, as ducks were reluctant to venture into the swan pipe after grain. Then one plucked up the courage and others followed.
Soon after the crates housing the duck catch were brought to us. It was a shame that all the Pintail, Pochard and Wigeon had been lost and just 14 Shelduck remained.
Many were retraps but a few birds needed to be fitted with rings, as well as biometrics, ageing, weighing and sexing.
Each bird was checked for rings then those without, got a metal ring on the right leg for females and the left for males. The darvic was applied to the other leg. My bird, a young female, was YCF.
Next morning we were on site for 8am. There were lots of people ready to take, what could potentially be, a sizeable catch, all equiped with waterproof trousers or waders and jackets, rubber gloves and face masks. We had the health and safety talk aimed to inform about how to reduce the risk of contracting Bird Flu and learned of how the catch would be organised. We were also told that BBC North West would be filming throughout the session, marking the 40th Anniversary of Martin Mere and 25 years of the swan pipe catches.
We joined the duck team and got into position while the Swan team went to the trap, basically a large heligoland trap in the water. As we waited a small group of Shelduck rose above the barns. Shortly after, a much larger flock of duck went up as a dustcart some distance away made a loud clang as the operatives went about their business.
For a while apparently, it had seemed that there may be no catch at all, as ducks were reluctant to venture into the swan pipe after grain. Then one plucked up the courage and others followed.
Soon after the crates housing the duck catch were brought to us. It was a shame that all the Pintail, Pochard and Wigeon had been lost and just 14 Shelduck remained.
Many were retraps but a few birds needed to be fitted with rings, as well as biometrics, ageing, weighing and sexing.
Ringed and ready for other data to be recorded.
Meanwhile 40 swans (26 new and 14 retrapped) were kept in holding pens before being sexed and prepared for the ringing and measuring process.
Holding pens
Some birds already had metal rings and those would have a darvic added. Some, especially the juveniles ( obvious from their pale yellow bills) would need metal and plastic rings, whereas a few others already had a darvik fitted.
White on red ANN
Each bird was wrapped in a plastic jacket to make carrying the birds more manageable and remove the risk of injury to birds and humans alike.
Vercro fastenings ensure a snug fit.
Then the birds were taken to the processing barn to await processing.
Form an orderly queue.
The bill pattern is individual to each bird.
Iris colour was surprisingly variable.
Rings were applied to black on orange YCU an adult male.
Wing measurements are taken.
NWT was weighed as filming continues in the background.
Then one last interview.........
The last birds are released.
Boot dip and spray down with antiseptic before
a speech, round of applause and CAKE!
Totals: 32 (22)
Whooper Swan 26 (14)
Shelduck 6 (8)