One of the great things about holding a BTO ringing permit is that it opens a whole world of ringing opportunities, literally around the world.
Team member Liz, is currently flying the group flag in the very north of Arctic Norway on the Varanger peninsula. She is with our friend Prof Colin from Rutland, staying with Nigel and Sissel at their lovely bungalow near the village of Nesseby.
From day 1, they started catching big numbers of birds, because this is the height of the migration period so far north, before winter sets in. Here is just a flavour of the birds they have been ringing......
Although quite a common bird in the UK, Coal Tits are quite rare so far north..
This is the Coal Tit--but look more closely and you will see that the back is noticeably grey/blue in colour, which is typical of the continental race of this bird--British birds are me grey brown in that area.
Where there are lots of migrating birds, there are lots of bird predators!! This is Europe's smallest raptor, a small falcon called a Merlin. They are dashing little birds that catch small birds in flight. Look at the massive eyes, which come in really useful in the frantic chases they need to catch prey.
But pride of place goes to a bird which has made Liz's trip the most exciting ever! This is a Hawk Owl.
These breed in the area, but their numbers fluctuate in direct proportion to the numbers of small mammals in the area. They are regularly seen in daylight--and as the name suggests they look like a cross between an owl and a hawk. Fantastic birds and we are all so pleased that Liz managed to connect with one.
She returns home next week, so I will provide a run down on the whole trip the, After that we have members visiting Shetland and Portugal to report on in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, Meadow Pipits have started migrating through our area--more on this soon,,,,,
