Ten years of bird ringing by A Rocha Czech

Since 2004, each spring an A Rocha team has been studying bird populations in the hills of Orlické Záhoří Special Protection Area (SPA) on the Czech border with Poland. During this time they handled 6,465 birds of 74 species, the commonest being Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla (1,249), Common Whitethroat S. communis (916) and Garden Warbler S. borin (387). Other abundant species included Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (237), Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus (244), Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio (113) and Corn Crake Crex crex (59).

All the birds caught were carefully examined for data which has now provided significant results regarding the peak breeding periods, nest productivity and a decline in breeding numbers.

The work has been carried out by local and overseas ringers, with many Czech young people assisting, and in the process, gaining valuable ornithological skills. Talks, films and excursions make it an exciting time for all involved. If you are a licensed ringer and would like to help between 16 and 21 June 2015, please contact us.

Small image: Common Rosefinch (Peter Harris)