Ringing studies continued apace in the BOG area during 2003. Andy Jowett developed an interest in ringing and has commenced training. We spent a concerted autumn ringing at Kex Gill where we observed clear patterns emerging in the movement of birds through the site. We have also been granted permission to ring at the Otley Wetlands Nature Reserve at Otley Gravel Pits. Colin Harrison has developed his own ringing sites (including his garden in Menston which provided some valuable data and recoveries). Peter Roe continued to extend his studies and develop his expertise in nestling ringing providing valuable data on many species – especially birds of prey. It must also be mentioned Peter submitted the highest number of nest record cards of any individual within the BTO nest record scheme – only large study groups have submitted more. The nest record card provides highly detailed records of the nests and nesting behaviour.

All in all this has provided a total of over 2700 birds rung during the year.

The Sites
All of the ringers mentioned work collaboratively working at the various sites although each individual has a specific interest in a site or study such as nestlings (PR).

Kex Gill (TK)
This site provides valuable data during periods of specialist studies include the ringing of Meadow Pipits on autumn passage and wader chick.
Of all the sites KG is probably the nearest to an observatory with nearly all the birds in late summer and autumn on passage – unfortunately one can only ring when time and weather allow – if this site was worked daily during autumn passage then I am sure we would have some very exceptional records.
Autumn passage began with considerable numbers of Willow Warblers during August, his month also produced a couple of Redstarts and early September, late September and early October saw a passage of Chiffchaffs, Coal Tits and Chaffinches, Goldcrest appeared in October as did the thrushes including a Ring Ouzel on the 17th and together with several continental Blackbirds and Song Thrushes (deduced by Wing length and plumage colour) and Redwing.

Fewston Cemetery, Meagill Lane (CH)
The site at the back of the cemetery is a mixture of Hawthorn, Alder and Apple with Gorse, Heather and Brambles. Colin established a comprehensive feeding station and this is reflected in the number of finch species, especially Greenfinch and Siskin, Colin has also been successful in attracting Fieldfare – a wary and difficult species to trap. Ringing here is generally confined to the winter months.

Gallows Hill (TK CH)
Although a public open space there is still sufficient scrub and bushes to hold a good number of warblers including Blackcap, garden warbler and Whitethroat, Willow Tit is also regular here but none were caught in 2003. The most productive time at this site is July and August but being a public place it does place restrictions on ringing activities especially if there are a lot of dogs about,

Menston (CH)
It is surprising the number of birds moving through a suburban garden and Colin garden has proved very productive producing a Siskin recovered in Norway -w we are awaiting further details.

Otley Gravel Pit (Wetlands – Nature Reserve) (TK PR)
Permission was granted towards the end of the year to carry out ringing studies on the nature reserve, and it is anticipated that this will provide a better indication of the presence and status of key species such as Reed and Sedge warblers in 2004. The first exploratory session was undertaken in December produced 16 Siskin one of which was controlled at in CH’s garden in Menston in spring 2003

Ringing Recoveries 2003
The raptor species have provide some interesting recoveries this year, both Kestrels travelling south, this has also been found in previous years, one wonders why a Buzzard would be found dead on a beach – but the recovery shows that our young birds range widely in winter. At nearly 10 years old the female Merlin is still going strong, our studies indicate that young Merlins leave the breeding areas soon after fledging whist the adults remain longer, the date recovered suggests this bird may have been breeding in Wiltshire.

Distance record this year goes to the Sand Martin on return passage from Africa, quite possibly back to Ben Rhydding, as indicated by previous recoveries.

The Garden Warbler recovery shows the bird started travelling south on migration soon after fledging, building up fat reserves on route, whilst the Pied Flycatcher is in line with previous recoveries in indicating that local breeders often only move a few km if they change sites.

Of the commoner species the Blue Tit was obviously passing through Kex Gill whilst the local Blackbird met the fate of many of suburban ringed Blackbirds.

Acknowledgements
We are grateful to all the landowners and estate and reserve managers that have allowed us to continue and develop our ringing studies during 2003,

Hansons PLC, Yorkshire Water, Otley Wetlands Trust, Denton Hall Estate, Blubberhouses Estate, H Walker, Mrs F Caton, Harrogate Council, Otley Town Council, Weston Estate, Pool Paper Mills

Many of the sites we use are on private land and therefore not open to the public but if BOG members wish to observe some ringing or learn more please feel free to contact any of the ringers.

Theo Kuechel 2004

Notes on the tables

FG = Fully Grown
Pull = Pullus (Nestling or Chick)

Note! all nests of sensitive species have been included in the ‘Other’ category in the site headings