New project to
unravel the movements of individual waterbirds on the Severn Estuary
We’re asking birdwatchers to look out for colour-ringed and dye-marked
waders and ducks on and around the Severn Estuary.
The British Trust for Ornithology and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust have
recently started a project to understand more about the home ranges of three
species of waders (Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin) and a range of duck species on the Severn Estuary between Newport and
Cardiff. As part of this work the Redshank and Curlew have been colour ringed
and Dunlin and some ducks marked with yellow dye. In addition we have put state-of-the-art
tracking devices on some of the Curlew, Redshank and Shelduck, which is giving
us fascinating information about how birds use the estuary through the winter
during both the day and the night. Work is ongoing, with the aim to mark more
birds of these species and additional duck species during January and February.
The work is funded by Tidal Lagoon Power, to provide high quality
scientific information for the environmental impact assessment for a proposed
tidal power lagoon (Tidal Lagoon Cardiff), and to inform their conservation and
biodiversity programme - the Ecosystem Enhancement Programme (EEP).
If you see any colour ringed or dyed birds when you are birdwatching
either on the Severn or elsewhere, we would be very grateful for any sightings
of these birds.
We are particularly interested in any records of birds with yellow dye.
Birds of different age have been marked on different parts of the body so
please record the location of the dye and, if possible, the total number of
birds in the flock, the date, time and location (ideally including a six-figure
grid reference) alongside sightings of colour-marked birds.
Any records of colour ringed birds on the Severn would also be extremely
valuable and we will give all observers information on the history of any
colour ringed birds.
We are very keen to follow up any records quickly and would be grateful
if you could phone the BTO on 01842 750050, or email Emily Scragg (emily.scragg@bto.org) with
any records of colour-marked waders as soon as possible. Please email duck records
to Ed Burrell (Ed.Burrell@wwt.org.uk).
Please pass on this information to any of your birdwatching contacts
who may be interested in recording these birds.
Further detail of the marking schemes is provided below:
Redshank have yellow over white colour rings on the left tarsus (below the
"knee"), and a colour over a metal ring on the left tibia (above the
"knee"), plus two colour rings on the right tibia.
Curlew have orange over white colour rings on the left tarsus, a single
colour ring on the left tibia, the metal ring on the right tarsus and two
colour rings on the right tibia.
Dunlin adults have yellow dye on the breast, while first-winter Dunlin
have yellow dye on the undertail/flanks/rump.
Shelduck have yellow dye on the normally white plumage on the neck/upper
breast.
