Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Friday 7 September 2012

My Friend, the Redstart

Some of you may remember a family of Redstarts I was following recently. The male had a silver ring on one of it's legs. This was put on by the BTO when it was captured in a mist net at some point in it's life, and then released once again. Before being released the bird was sexed, aged and generally checked over.
Well a birding friend of mine managed to decipher the number on the ring this summer and sent it off to the BTO to see what information they held. It was quite astonishing really.
It was initially ringed in Devon in 2007, when it was at least 2 years old. That makes our bird at least 7 years old. I am told that the oldest Redstart ever recorded was aged 8.
Some great information to receive and shows the usefulness of the BTO ringing scheme.

What a handsome devil? I hope to see him again next year.

20 comments:

  1. That is incredible!! What a handsome fellow he is! Thank you so much, Adam, for sharing that info. I love birds, but have to admit I don't know a lot about them -- lived in the middle of cities most of my life. I'm not familiar with the Redstarts, but what amazing birds!

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  2. That seems quite an age for a small bird. To be truthful I actually have no idea of the lifespan of birds so thanks for the info.

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  3. wow! tiny bird lives 7 years! hopefully another year or two to go!

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  4. He's a real charmer! Very dapper. Hard to imagine something so tiny has that longevity. And wonderful to know!

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  5. Amazing shots and greetings from my blog

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  6. GREAT PHOTO,i HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE BEFORE

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  7. What an absolutely wonderful story to go with spotting him!!! This is just amazing. I too hope you see it again, over and over and over.

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  8. A great post Adam... and the Redstart shot is fantastic.

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  9. he does not seem to be a day over 5. :)

    He is beautiful. Yes the ringing system is very good. I found a dead gull once and sent the ring i. Later I got a letter with the data they had of the bird. It had been over a large portion of europe. :)

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  10. How wonderful to be able to find out that information! A great capture, too!

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  11. Oh how beautiful & oh so cute! Wonderful captures & thanks so much for visiting =)

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  12. What a gorgeous shot of this sweet fellow.

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  13. Lovely capture.

    Green Bug
    Visiting a little late from Camera Critters.

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  14. Hello Adam
    Beautiful bird viewing.
    Interesting that you can see / follow the bird because of its ring mark.
    Hope to see you again next year.
    Hanne Bente

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  15. Well followed up Adam and good to see him again.

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  16. A very handsome species and great to learn about its history Adam.

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  17. What a beautiful little bird! I haven't seen these before.

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  18. Yes, a stunning capture, Adam - just reward for your early morning sojourn!

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