Redpoll

[Columbine]

This little chap is a regular visitor but I only noticed today that he seems to have a ring on. What does this mean? Sorry it's a poor photo.

[Jonners]

I guess it may have been caught by bird ringers (eg BTO) at some time, before being released. Captive birds often have coloured rings on, which this one isn't, but if you have a scope, you could always try and read what it says on the ring. If you then contact the BTO at The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU they should be able to help you.

[Columbine]

Thanks Jonners, I am afraid my binoculars are a bit basic! I just wondered if it meant it was bred in captivity or why else it would be done.

[Jenny W]

Captive breeders use all sorts of metal/colour combination rings and all native cage birds have to be ringed with a closed metal ring as pulli, so it could be an escaped cage bird.

A metal ring like the one on the Redpoll though could well be a BTO ring. The rings are individually numbered so that the birds if re-caught or found dead etc. can be identified. This is important for many reasons providing loads of valuable information on a number of things such as migration, populations, survival rates etc.

I think it's far more likely this is a wild bird though!

[aeshna5]

Agree with Jenny that this is almost definitely a wild Lesser Redpoll + that will be a BTO ring on its leg. Nice bird to have in your garden; I've only recorded it as a flyover in mine!

[Columbine]

Thanks Jenny W and aeshna5, I am learning all the time on this site! I have often thought that considering all the birds I have in the garden, I don't often see a dead one but obviously the BTO must get enough feedback or else they wouldn't do it!
aeshna5 hope the Redpolls in your area stop off for a meal in your garden soon. They arrived in mine with a flock of Siskins and go on the nyger feeder sometimes but definately prefer sunflower hearts.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Columbine

Thanks Jenny W and aeshna5, I am learning all the time on this site! I have often thought that considering all the birds I have in the garden, I don't often see a dead one but obviously the BTO must get enough feedback or else they wouldn't do it!
aeshna5 hope the Redpolls in your area stop off for a meal in your garden soon. They arrived in mine with a flock of Siskins and go on the nyger feeder sometimes but definately prefer sunflower hearts.

Although dead birds with rings provide data this sin't the only way. Sometimes the numbers can be read in the field with good binoculars + many ringed birds are subsequently caught (controls) again in nets,etc. Quarry species such as wildfowl also provide ifo when shot.