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.
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| 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. |
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| We also use a different method of weighing, it looks a bit ungainly but it is very effective and quick. |
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| The last bird banded had a classic "Old Birds Grey Wing" |
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