Ringing new-born chicks (1 Viewer)

I've been watching the peregrine nest on the webcam in Brighton (here) and I was wondering at what point to ringers ring the chicks? And how do they manage it without being mobbed by the parents?

Thanks

Stoggler said:

I've been watching the peregrine nest on the webcam in Brighton and I was wondering at what point to ringers ring the chicks?

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With the nest being under constant surveillance, the timing can be chosen to be the most efficient. The largest chick will need to have development no further on than primary feathers just starting to emerge. The smallest will need to have sufficient size for the ring to be able to stay on (yet still be a comfortable fit when adult). Ringers at the site may decide to make two visits if the disturbance of the best developed chicks on the second visit is not likely to be problematic.

Stoggler said:

And how do they manage it without being mobbed by the parents?

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My own limited experience at diurnal raptor nests (including a few Peregrines with both eggs and young) is that the adults stay well away. However, some owls can become aggressive, and I've heard that Ural Owl is particularly dangerous.

Thanks for the reply John