Jan's Place, Kennedys Bush Rd. Wed 31 August

 We had a very successful and enjoyable session at Jan's this morning. There were pleasant conditions, calm and sunny but with enough shade in which to put the nets. We were only a small team consisting of Jan, Della, Kenny and me. We caught a total of  67 birds of 5 species with 62 new and 5 recaps.

As is usual at this time of the year at this site the majority of birds were Silvereye, with 54 new and 3 recaps. The oldest recap was banded just under 4 years ago on 8 Sept 2019. It is surprising that the recapture rate is so low as we have banded over 700 at, or near, this site. In contrast recaps made up 50% of the House Sparrows but there was only a total of 4.

Starlings were a big surprise with 5 banded, this is a record number caught in a session in or near the Halswell Quarry. Other birds were 1 each of Chaffinch and Greenfinch.

Della with her first Starling

And taking a record shot as a reminder.

Wednesday 24 August - not much activity.

 We had a session at the Cashmere Rd site this morning which was vey disappointing. Only 8 birds were caught with 6 Silvereyes, 1 Blackbird and a House Sparrow. All were new. There were a lot of birds about but with unexpected bright sunshine and trees still bare the nets were very obvious.

Today's team, left Chris a L3 permit holder and a very good trainer, Vanessa, Della and Steph doing some banding.

Some other recent Banding

On my way back from a trip down south I called in at the Raptor Trust in Timaru and banded a couple of rehab birds. A Harrier and a Little Owl, all going well both should be released soon.

For the first time with a rehab bird we colour banded the harrier

                                        It was a young bird with brown eyes and plumage.

We have also managed to catch and band another Harrier locally.

Although both birds were male this one is an old fella with a pale yellow eye and lighter plumage.

Friday 12 Aug - another couple of Harriers banded.

 On Friday Phil and I checked the Harrier traps that had been set and baited by my brother. We had hoped to repeat a similar catch to the last session but were a bit disappointed with a catch of two but, that is a lot better than none. Unfortunately we have been unable to do much banding for the last few weeks. Firstly the weather has been terrible and then, just as it started to improve, I had to go into isolation with Covid. 

There was a noticeable drop in the Harrier numbers in the area where the traps were set from the last session. This could be due to a number of factors. Perhaps birds have moved on back to their breeding areas or with the onset of lambing in the area with birds being able to find ample food without taking the risk of going into dodgy looking traps. Hopefully, as we get more Harriers banded and repeat sightings we might learn a bit more about what they get up to.

This was Phil's first Harrier banding for a number of years since he did some with the Marlborough Group, but like riding a bicycle he hadn't lost the art. Both birds caught were judged to be Males and both old birds, one in particular very old.

Phil banding his first Harrier for a number of years under the gaze of his L3 tutor.

We use a tube made out of large fruit tins to make the banding easier and safer for both Bird & Bander.

We also use a different method of weighing, it looks a bit ungainly but it is very effective and quick.

The last bird banded had a classic "Old Birds Grey Wing"