Why the three bands? (1 Viewer)

Hi

I spotted this warbler at Brandon Marsh nature reserve yesterday, West Midlands, UK. I could not get a great photo, but you can see the bands. There are three of different colours, could anyone tell me why?

Thanks

Julie50 said:

Hi

I spotted this warbler at Brandon Marsh nature reserve yesterday, West Midlands, UK. I could not get a great photo, but you can see the bands. There are three of different colours, could anyone tell me why?

Thanks

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Vey simple - the bands, or colour-rings, will have been fitted to the bird by a ringer so that the individual can be identified. Chances are it will be a ringer operating at Brandon Marsh who is doing a study of the local population of whatever species it is.

Steve

Thanks - I was down after they left yesterday as it was after work. I'll ask next time I am down during the day.

Julie50 said:

Thanks - I was down after they left yesterday as it was after work. I'll ask next time I am down during the day.

Click to expand...

Hi Julie

The colour rings are used as part of the Brandon Ringing Group's contribution to the BTO's Re-trapping Adults for Survival scheme on a specific study of Reed Warbler's on the marsh. Details of our ringing are summarised in the Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve 2016 Report, available from the Visitor Centre.

Getting a photograph of these illusive birds as they move through the reeds is not easy but I can make out that the rings are orange/mauve/ green/blue stripe, which were put on a newly arrived bird on 18 May this year.

Hi

Thank you so much for the detailed reply. I will definitely have a look at the report next time I am down.

The reserve looks great at the moment