Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

NB - Whilst the purpose of this blog was initially designed to cover our nationally important wildfowl ringing activities, it now also features wildlife and work posts, explaining how we manage the NNR for both wildlife and people.

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Friday 27 April 2012

26/04/12 - More Whimbrel....more water....

It’s probably fair to say the UK has been experiencing a bit more than April showers during the last week or two! The rain has continued to fall and increased flooding in the valley, Wheldrake is now in-accessible as the carpark stands under 3 foot of water. Ellerton is currently looking more like a lake than a field and the river at Bubwith bridge is looking rather full (a few photographs can be seen at the bottom of the post).

Wednesday (25th) was a particularly poor day weather wise, with torrential rain for the majority of the day making it impossible to pick out any colour-ringed Whimbrel. Despite the bad weather Dave went to the roost at Thorganby and counted 38 birds.

Thursday (26th) was a much better day and the weather allowed great views of the Whimbrel in the fields at Storwood and Thorganby which resulted in 4 ‘new’ birds for this year, plus 3 already seen (O-Y/Y, Y-L/L & R-R/R). Craig & Dave went to Thorganby in the evening & counted 46 birds coming in to roost - the highest count yet. The details for the four new birds from Thursday can be seen below:


Whimbrel: Yellow - White/Yellow

2009 - Ringed on 29th April.
2011 - Re-sighted by PR on 19th & 27th April.
2012 - Re-sighted by CR on 26th April.


Whimbrel: Orange - White/White

2006 - Ringed on 23rd April, re-sighted on 8th May.
2012 - Re-sighted by CR on 26th April.


Whimbrel: Pink - White/White

2010 - Ringed on 19th April, re-sighted on 2nd May.
2012 - Re-sighted by LM & CR on 26th April.


Whimbrel: Pink - Red/Red

2010 - Ringed on 19th April, re-sighted on 2nd May.
2012 - Re-sighted by LM & SH on 26th April.


Here's a few photographs from around the valley which show the extent of the flood.............

 Wheldrake footpath will be out of use for awhile!

 Ellerton landing underwater

 River Derwent at Bubwith bridge

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