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.
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20 comments:

  1. Sylvia K7 September 2012 at 22:23

    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. Fun607 September 2012 at 22:37

    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. TexWisGirl7 September 2012 at 23:10

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

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  4. Sallie (FullTime-Life)8 September 2012 at 00:14

    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. joanca bs8 September 2012 at 13:04

    Amazing shots and greetings from my blog

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  6. FOREST SNAPPER9 September 2012 at 20:48

    GREAT PHOTO,i HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE BEFORE

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  7. Anni 9 September 2012 at 21:21

    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. theconstantwalker9 September 2012 at 21:54

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

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  9. NatureFootstep9 September 2012 at 22:45

    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. Anonymous10 September 2012 at 00:34

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

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  11. Anonymous10 September 2012 at 03:21

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

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  12. Anonymous10 September 2012 at 04:15

    What a gorgeous shot of this sweet fellow.

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  13. Chubskulit Rose10 September 2012 at 04:34

    Lovely capture.

    Green Bug
    Visiting a little late from Camera Critters.

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  14. Rajesh10 September 2012 at 04:50

    Wow! beautiful.

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  15. Vores have10 September 2012 at 07:01

    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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  16. Phil Slade10 September 2012 at 08:15

    Well followed up Adam and good to see him again.

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  17. FAB10 September 2012 at 23:27

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

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  18. Neil11 September 2012 at 21:58

    Beautiful bird.

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  19. Liz13 September 2012 at 01:29

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

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  20. Valerie13 September 2012 at 10:21

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

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