A rather later than planned session for Mute Swans (after the first date in early November was cancelled in part due to flooding in the area). MR (lead of the East Anglia and South East Mute Swan project) drove up from Hertfordshire and DKH and RAR joined CL and DKL for their first experience of swan capture and ringing.
Flooding continues in some areas of the Broads so checks for swans at Ludham Bridge and Potter Heigham drew blanks with many birds dispersed on to the surrounding flooded fields. All processed birds were found at Hoveton Bridge where the water level was higher than usual, permitting birds to be captured off the water in addition to those that had come out onto the bank. The session resulted in 32 new birds being marked with one additional already ringed bird getting a darvic. Six other birds with darvics were resighted and recorded.
Mute Swan - new 32
Mute Swan - recapture 1
Mute Swan - resighting 6
Thanks to all of the team and to the Broads Authority who are helping to fund this work. Data collected from the ringed individuals that have succumbed to Avian Influenza is showing that young birds have been hardest hit. Young adult birds fair better than youngsters but not as well as the most mature individuals. This information would not be available without having precisely aged birds that have been ringed in the past.
A Black-headed Gull with a larger than usual metal ring was also seen. It was possible to see that the young gull had a number starting 37, so not a UK issued E ring.
