I have to agree with the previous two comments. Can the data gained really justify the trauma and stress that birds have to endure, when subjected to the indiscriminate use of traps and in particular, mist nets.
I know the subject of bird ringing is divisive but I do agree with JR. This is in no way a judgment on anyone or what folks choose to contribute to Oxonbirding.
Personally I think the data gathered for many species protection and therefore better global understanding of habitats does more than outweigh the negatives. Would be happy to see some stats that show the negatives though. Always happy to learn more
Alan. Would it be possible to arrange an open day at the reserve to including a ringing demonstration? Could be great publicity for the reserve with all the potential new birders / supporters in the massive housing developments locally. I know my family would be fascinated to see birds like this and to learn more about ringing as well as seeing them in the field
After finding a Barn Owl on the moor trapped on a strand of barbed wire by its leg ring. The bird had to have its leg amputated and remain in captivity. Conventional ringing is old technology, so much more can be learned by radio tracking and gives us vastly more information from far fewer subjects. It does not rely on random recoveries.
My pictures were not a pro or anti ringing statement, I just thought the Oxon blog users my find the close up plumage details of these two super birds of interest.Only one ringer is allowed to ring at Bicester Wetland Reserve, he is very experienced and in fact instructs at BTO training weekends. To answer David's point it would be quite difficult to arrange a ringing demo, the ringer only does 4 or 5 sessions per year at the reserve and decides very late the night before if he is going to ring depending on weather conditions. if you give me your phone number and I know he is going to ring I will ring you. I agree that satellite tracking devices look to be a brilliant way forward, cost and weight still being a problem. They have shown fabulous data on very small numbers of birds- however you still have to catch the birds in mist nets! Alan Peters
Sorry to be a bit controversial but I think this
ReplyDeleteSort of ringing has passed its sell by date
John
What sort of ringing?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the previous two comments. Can the data gained really justify the trauma and stress that birds have to endure, when subjected to the indiscriminate use of traps and in particular, mist nets.
ReplyDeleteI know the subject of bird ringing is divisive but I do agree with JR.
ReplyDeleteThis is in no way a judgment on anyone or what folks choose
to contribute to Oxonbirding.
Personally I think the data gathered for many species protection and therefore better global understanding of habitats does more than outweigh the negatives. Would be happy to see some stats that show the negatives though. Always happy to learn more
ReplyDeleteAlan. Would it be possible to arrange an open day at the reserve to including a ringing demonstration? Could be great publicity for the reserve with all the potential new birders / supporters in the massive housing developments locally. I know my family would be fascinated to see birds like this and to learn more about ringing as well as seeing them in the field
ReplyDeleteAfter finding a Barn Owl on the moor trapped on a strand of barbed wire by its leg ring. The bird had to have its leg amputated and remain in captivity. Conventional ringing is old technology, so much more can be learned by radio tracking and gives us vastly more information from far fewer subjects. It does not rely on random recoveries.
ReplyDeleteMy pictures were not a pro or anti ringing statement, I just thought the Oxon blog users my find the close up plumage details of these two super birds of interest.Only one ringer is allowed to ring at Bicester Wetland Reserve, he is very experienced and in fact instructs at BTO training weekends. To answer David's point it would be quite difficult to arrange a ringing demo, the ringer only does 4 or 5 sessions per year at the reserve and decides very late the night before if he is going to ring depending on weather conditions. if you give me your phone number and I know he is going to ring I will ring you. I agree that satellite tracking devices look to be a brilliant way forward, cost and weight still being a problem. They have shown fabulous data on very small numbers of birds- however you still have to catch the birds in mist nets!
ReplyDeleteAlan Peters