Wednesday 28 September 2011

Shorebirds in Ma'agan Michael

Last days have been very busy with ringing, especially in Tzor'a Valley Ringing Station, without time to write. On Sunday night a shorebird ringing at Ma'agan Michael, on Monday swallow roost in Tzor'a Valley that produced 200 birds, on Tuesday morning ringing at JBO and swallow roost in Tzor'a Valley that produced another 175 birds and on Wednesday morning again in Tzor'a Valley with 85 birds.
The shorebird ringing session is worth noting with many ringers, nets and birds. We started with a short reconnaissance look in the afternoon, about 750 meters of nets were set up and ended on Monday morning when we closed the nets - in between 281 birds were caught, most were shorebirds and a few nocturnal migrants. My most important insight from this successful night is that we have much more to learn about shorebird ringing.

Red-necked Phalarope

Kentish Plover

Thanks to all ringers, special thank to Francis Argyle that his actions and experience made this night very successful.

Ringing summary:
1 Night Heron
2 Black-winged Stilt
1 Avocet
1 Spur-winged Lapwing
1 Red-necked Phalarope
9 Kentish Plover
4 Little Ringed Plover
36 Ringed Plover
37 Dunlin
5 Curlew Sandpiper
113 Little Stint
17 Temminck's Stint
14 Snipe
16 Ruff
7 Wood Sandpiper
1 Green Sandpiper
9 Redshank
3 Kingfisher
1 Yellow Wagtail
1 Isabelline Wheatear
2 Great Reed Warbler