Bird Ringing Demonstration at Wicken Fen

Early risers will have the opportunity to get close to some of Wicken Fen's amazing birdlife on a free bird ringing demonstration on Sunday 29 November.

Those prepared for an early start (8AM) are invited to join the Wicken Fen Bird Ringing Group on one of their regular ringing sessions on the fen. The group use fine invisible mesh nets to 'pocket' birds gently without injury. The birds are then weighed and a small lightweight ring put around one leg, which has a unique identification number. When the bird is caught again, either at Wicken or elsewhere, its identification number can be used to learn about the bird's age, condition and dispersal.

Now in its 41st year, the Bird Ringing Group have rung over 85,000 birds giving a valuable insight into the fortunes of various bird species found at Wicken Fen. Over the years figures reveal notable increases in the population of species such as the sparrow hawk, collared dove, green woodpecker, whitethroat, and blackcap. Unfortunately species such as the tree sparrow, dunnock, song thrush and grasshopper warbler have suffered a notable decline.

The bird ringers recently featured with television personality Griff Ryhs Jones when he visited Wicken Fen for his popular 'Rivers' series broadcast on BBC1 earlier this year.

Monthly birding ringing reports can be found on the Wildlife Section of the Wicken Fen website.

Those wishing to join the demonstration should meet at 8AM outside the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on Sunday 29 November.