Bird ringing

[JoulesH]

For those of you not familiar with the subject, the ringing of wild birds for research purposes plays a vital part in our understanding of different species behaviour, life cycle and the geography of where they live their lives. Only by knowing where they live can we then look at issues (eg pollution, drought, hunting) that may be affecting their populations.

A good introduction is to be found at BTO Bird Ringing, and if you're interested in finding out, more, contact the BTO to get out with a ringer and see them in action. Most importantly, if you find a ringed bird - REPORT IT - follow the link on that page - that's how the information becomes meaningful.

[galanthus]

Been meaning to do a course at some point joules, must look into it

[jaykay]

I had the privilege of watching a ringer at work at the NOA in Norfolk a few weeks ago and was amazed. Needless to say it made me quite keen to help out myself so I'll be looking for any courses coming up.

[bobbarber]

I was always interested in bird ringing and wanted to get involved, but couldn`t due to family and work pressures, and I am now too old and decripit to do so I would strongly recommend going on the various courses to anyone interested, as the work is so important to our greater understanding of birds...Bob

[jerryh]

Originally Posted by galanthus

Been meaning to do a course at some point joules, must look into it

I recently decided that it was well past the time for me to give something back after 30+ years of simply enjoying wildlife, so I contacted the Field Studies Council about their courses.

FSC Professional Development Introducing Bird Ringing

I enquired about the courses they hold in Suffolk, but not surprisingly the one next weekend is fully booked. The next one is 9th-11th July 2010 - they're not taking full bookings yet, but I'm provisionally booked to go!

Jerry

[Jenny W]

I would thouroughly recommended ringing to anyone with an interest in birds and conservation. It is such an essential part of research into so many aspects of birds and their conservation and it takes your bird ID skills to a different level and gives you knowledge that you just can't get from birding. Plenty of hard work and early mornings are needed and it's pretty expensive when you get qualified and need to buy all your kit, but it's well worth it though!

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by Jenny W

I would thouroughly recommended ringing to anyone with an interest in birds and conservation. It is such an essential part of research into so many aspects of birds and their conservation and it takes your bird ID skills to a different level and gives you knowledge that you just can't get from birding. Plenty of hard work and early mornings are needed and it's pretty expensive when you get qualified and need to buy all your kit, but it's well worth it though!

Where did you do your ringers training J ?

[galanthus]

I think the BTO do courses too, I was interested in one in Sept in Devon but left it a little too late now methinks. Maybe we can all do some research and come up with some dates and venues

[Jenny W]

Originally Posted by Picidae

Where did you do your ringers training J ?

Still am and will be for a long time yet! Mainly in the East Midlands, but have ringed in other places over the years.