More Lapwing chicks

Spent the afternoon with Theo Ringing Lapwing chicks around the Otley area

Otley Gravel Pits

Wednesday 30 May

Set up 3 nets with Theo at Otley Gravel Pits by 8am. A quite morning but some quality Birds processed. Garden Warblers, Blackcap, Reed Buntings, and a Reed Warbler.

Nightjar/Tawny Owl

Picked Andy up at 7pm and went to set up for Owls and Nightjar. Nightjar close by but not close enought. One Male Tawny Owl ringed. Home for 2 AM.

More shots from last saturday

Lapwing Chicks

Met up with Theo and spent the morning ringing Lapwing Chicks around the Otley area, 14 chicks ringed. An enjoyable morning.

Nest Box checking

Met up with Andy and Richard on Saturday and spent 8 hours checking nest boxes we had put up in the winter . We got a nice return. Barn Owls, Kestrels , Tawny Owls , Little Owls, the odd Stock Dove a long day but well worth it.

Ringing in Malta

I was invited to Malta by Birdlife Malta to see for myself what they are up against, fighting for the abolition of the hunting of wild birds. Until you have witnessed what actually goes on, you would not believe the destruction and carnage. Towards the end of my stay a couple of incidents occurred to force the Prime Minister and Environment Minister to stop the Spring Hunting season on Thursday 10 May, 2 weeks early. This was a a great result, but the campaign still goes on and needs a lot of support. Please visit their website for details of how you can help:

http://www.birdlifemalta.org/

I would like to thank the whole team of Bird life Malta for a special week; their complete dedication to what they do is inspiring.

During the last 3 days of my stay I was lucky enough to go to the small island of Comino, just off Malta to join in on their ringing program. This island has no hunting and is a fantastic place in the Migration season for all sorts of birds. Maybe, after all the hunting stops, Malta could be just the same and bird watchers would return in droves to enjoy them.

The first Day started with Turtle Dove and Subalpine Warbler, then Icterine Warbler and Sardinian Warbler; all new species for me. The rest of the week carried on the same with Wood Warblers, Whitethroat, Garden Warblers, Whinchats, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Woodchat Shrikes. A Fantastic time that I will never forget and I would like to thank Justine , John and Joe Sultana for all their help and guidance.