On Monday 25 March my twin brothers and I set traps to catch Harriers. Well actually one set the traps while we other two took a leisurely drive out to the Country. The first round of the traps was a little disappointing with a new bird and a Recap. After a coffee break thing picked up and we ended the day with 10 new birds banded and 4 recaptures. One of the recaps was only banded in the morning and then caught again in the afternoon in the same trap. Must be a bit of a slow learner.
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| The twins with one of the birds. |
The other three were a bit more interesting. One had been banded 29 May 20 23, 301 days before. The other two were banded in 2022, one on 6 July making it 628 days ago, and the other on 28 May, at 667 days. One of these birds has interesting eye markings with black lines at the bottom of each eye. This was noticed when it was originally captured and I had thought that with time they would fade, but they are still there with little noticeable change. I calculate that she was at least 3 years old when originally banded and now is at least in her 5th year so it looks likely that the eyes will remain with this feature.
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| 25 Mar 24 (in body moult) |
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| 6 July 22 first time caught. |
Amongst the new birds looks like an old male. It is like a lot of old males getting a bit pale in places.
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| Very white below. |
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| It has a pale-yellow eye of an old bird. |
We place traps on a number of properties and all the landowners are very supportive of our activities. Frequently stopping bye to catch up on the latest captures.
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