Gulls

Light-green ring with a black four alpha-numeric code.

note 1 : these rings were used for 200 birds at each of the following colonies in 1997 only. R = Ribble Estuary National Nature reserve (53°42'N/02°55'W) ; T = Tarnbrook Fell colony (54°01'N/02°35'W) ; W = South Walney Nature reserve (54°03'N/03°12'W)

note 2 : Use of colour rings to study inter-colony movement and feeding/roosting sites of Lesser Black-backed Gulls at three sites in NW England.

The NW Gull project, which involves ringing and colour marking juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls at three large colonies, as well as a smaller number of adult and Herring gulls has now been running each year since 1997 with exception of 2001. A smaller number of gulls have also been ringed at roost or feeding sites. The project's aim is to look at the level of movement between colonies and the interaction between gulls at feeding/roosting sites as well as on migration.

The project started in 1997 with a pilot study using green rings with a white code letter for the colony ; R=Ribble, T=Tarnbrook Fell , W=South Walney. Between 1998 and 2000 black rings with three yellow letters and one number were used. The initial letter indicates the colony and is the same as that used in 1997. There was no ringing in 2001 because of the restiction relating to Foot & Mouth Disease.

The project continued in 2002 and is to continue until at least 2005, though the number of gulls marked each year will be reduced. The colour rings used are of the same type as described above for 1998-2000. It is intended to analyse date based on sightings and reports from individuals, bird clubs and through national organisations like the BTO and the large gull coordinator Peter Rock.

Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve (53°42'N/02°55'W).
In cooperation with Mike Gee/Dick Lambert, English Nature Wardens and SW Lancs Ringing Group, who have carried out some ringign for most years since the mid-1980's. The site within salt marsh near the mouth oft he River Ribble and is subject to periodic flooding by high tides, which influences the level of teh breeding success in some years.

Tarnbrook Fell, Forest of Bowland (54°01'N/02°35'W).
With permission and sponsorship from Grosvenor estates, Abbeystead and Mr. R. Banks, the Abbeystead Estate Manager, and Mr. I. Grindy of United Untilities for Brennenand estates. Dr John Coulson and associates had undertaken studies and control measures at this site since at least the mid 1980's. The colony is within heather, grass and peat-hag moorland at a height of 450-530 metres. It is here that culling and menaged disturbance over a number of years has been used in an effort to improve the qulaity of the local water supply.

South Walney Nature Reserve (54°03'N/03°12'W).
With permission of Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the warden(s) of the reserve. There has been ringing of gulls on this dune site at the south end of Walney usland since at least the early 1960's. Theringing was continued led by Ian Spence and Rob Shaw through the 1980's and 1990's.

Colour rings used are :
* 1997 : Pale-Green showing white single letter code indicating the ringing site : R=Ribble , T=Tarnbrook , W=Walney.
* 1998-2005 : Black showing yellow 4-letter/number combination code with initial with the letter indicating the site as in 1997.