Bird Ringing, Bird Banding

Up at the crack of dawn this morning to see a Bird Ringer at work  - known as Bird Banding in America.  There were three ringers demonstrating and we saw about 6 different birds being ringed  -  e.g. House Sparrow, Coaltit, female young Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff. Ringers have to be properly trained and must hold a licence to ring  -  click HERE to learn more!  After the birds were ringed, measured, weighed and documented, people from the audience were invited to be the one to free the bird.  My blip is of a young Chiffchaff (I think I've remembered it correctly) being freed.  It was marvellous to see how gently and respectfully the Ringers handled the birds  -  it was worth standing two hours in the rain to watch. Have a good Sunday:)