Halswell Quarry May 16 - Blackbirds and others.

We had a session at the Quarry this morning. We set up 3 nets around a fruiting Strawberry/Arbutus tree. This was with the hope of catching some Blackbirds that were feeding there. One of the reasons for this was to give some of the Trainees experience with larger birds. We were joined by two banders from Newcastle in Australia who were in town and wanted to experience handling NZ birds. With almost all the birds caught being introduced species their NZ bird experience was limited but what they banded were new species to them.

We caught 23 birds of 5 species. All were new and most were in their1st year. With 9 Blackbirds our main object was achieved, this being our highest daily total at the Quarry. Other birds banded were 10 House Sparrow, 2 Silvereye and 1 each of Chaffinch and Grey Warbler. The Grey Warbler was the first for the year.

Eleanor with Greg & Judith.

Judith with one of the first House Sparrows she has banded.

Me takin a photo of Greg taking a photo of Judith with "her" Sparrow. Kenny in the background doing nothing!