ReedHeads

Just some of the Reed Buntings caught and ringed in the garden over the last few years - all in march and April. It's this time of year when they pass through in good numbers. we ringed a couple of males on Saturday, and today there were four unringed  birds hopping about. There had been a ringed male for a few days last week, so that makes at least seven, and with numbers of females fairly similar, it goes to show just how many birds can pass through without our knowledge. 

The close up views gives a wonderful opportunity to see the surprising amount of variation in pattern - mostly down to feather wear.