With this being the fourth day in a row with the wind just too stong for mist netting at our sites, we took ourselves down to the river for a spot of feeding the ducks. This being the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the takers are a tad more regal than your everyday Mallard and as usual most of the birds attracted were Mute Swans. This allows us to read a few rings.
There weren't too many darvic-ringed birds, and most that we saw had been recorded on earlier visits this winter, so we were pleased to get a few extras by reading the metal rings.
Some birds were clearly paired up and although I didn't capture it, engaged in synchronised head dipping in between feeding on the bank.
There weren't too many darvic-ringed birds, and most that we saw had been recorded on earlier visits this winter, so we were pleased to get a few extras by reading the metal rings.
Some rings have been put on with the number facing inwards.
This ring was only viewable with the aid of the camera.
Gathering for a feed
Unless a bird can be tempted out of the water there is no chance of getting a ring number.
Some birds were clearly paired up and although I didn't capture it, engaged in synchronised head dipping in between feeding on the bank.
So it's just as well that we know a few spots where they come out, although you have to be careful they don't snatch the bag of food from your hand!
So far all the Swans are ringed locally, apart from four from The Colne Valley area, and the one from the Winchester area, which are still present, although it is possible the birds were released here by the local Swan Rescue centre, rather than getting here 100% under their own steam.
So far all the Swans are ringed locally, apart from four from The Colne Valley area, and the one from the Winchester area, which are still present, although it is possible the birds were released here by the local Swan Rescue centre, rather than getting here 100% under their own steam.