Ringing Info

[shenk1]

We've had a beautiful Male Sparrowhawk visiting the last few days (the finches aren't that keen though) and I managed a few photos when it landed on the fence.
In these you can see it has been Ringed - silver ring on the right leg.

My question is - What should I be looking for information wise on the ring ie code number ,letters etc.

Which way up will it be? I know this sounds daft but the only info I can see is either OL (if its the right way up) or 70 (if its the wrong way up).

And last but not least - If I get some more shots of the info on the ring who should I inform of it (if anybody) as the information my help

Cheers, shenk1

[shenk1]

These are the bird in question









Hopefully more tomorrow

[Farplace]

I cant answeryour questions, but he is one STUNNING looking bird!

[Podgod]

If you can make out any of the letter/numbers on the ring you can go to the BTO website site and log the sighting.

[shenk1]

Thanks both

Hopefully he'll be back and I'll get more of the ring next time.

[dunlin]

I've just made enquiries about training as a ringer, so you could ask me again in 12 mths
Or you could try sending dogghound a pm, hes a ringer and im sure would steer you in the right direction.
Theres plenty of info on the BTO website
ps
nice photo

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by shenk1

We've had a beautiful Male Sparrowhawk visiting the last few days (the finches aren't that keen though) and I managed a few photos when it landed on the fence.
In these you can see it has been Ringed - silver ring on the right leg.

My question is - What should I be looking for information wise on the ring ie code number ,letters etc.

Which way up will it be? I know this sounds daft but the only info I can see is either OL (if its the right way up) or 70 (if its the wrong way up).

There should be a code on the leg which will be something like EH60000, on a sprawk. I always try to put the ring so that the number is the correct way up when doing larger birds, but not all ringers do this and often if someone is ringing they may forget to do this. You need a really good view of the ring

Originally Posted by shenk1

And last but not least - If I get some more shots of the info on the ring who should I inform of it (if anybody) as the information my help

The info needs to go to the BTO, im sure they will be greatful for any info you can provide. It may turn out to be an interesting bird, who knows where it could have come from or been, although most sparrowhawk recoveries are quite local birds as they are relatively sedentary. It looks to have a retained juvenile secondary, which would probably make it a 3rd winter bird.

P.S cheers for the friend request, I though you were already on my friendlist

[shenk1]

Cheers DH

Its just been through the garden again (seems to be having trouble catching its dinner) but hasn't sat on the fence this morning so it definitely seems to have taken up residence in the area

I'll keep taking the piccies and see what turns up (when I get back from my Sunday afternoon canal walk)

Cheers, shenk1