Ringing at the Teifi Marsh

Kingfisher selfie

Kingfisher

It's been quite a few years since I used to help with the CES (constant effort site) ringing at the Teifi Marsh. Yesterday I went back again for the morning to help out and get some extra experience.

It was lovely to meet Wendy, Richard and Dawn, who's ringing antics I had seen on their blog in the past.

Opening the nets at dawn, after heavy overnight showers we managed to catch a good number and variety of birds. Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Blue tit, Blackbird, Song thrush, Robin, Treecreeper and Kingfisher!

It was quite exciting to catch a Kingfisher, but then later on to catch another 2 was pretty amazing. The second and third had gone into the same net, and it was interesting to compare them side by side in the hand. Both were juveniles, with signs of having recently moulted, and by the colour difference you could tell that one was male (blue) and the other female (greener).

Another nice catch was a Treecreeper. Such a beautiful little bird, and amazing stiff tail feathers to support it while climbing.

Thank you Teifi ringing group for a lovely morning.