Over 1,000 Birds Ringed at Manor Floods Nature Reserve

Since I started ringing at Manor Floods Nature Reserve in 2018, I have been using just 36m of mist nets to monitor the bird populations on this huge site. Recently, I reached a significant milestone: over 1,000 birds ringed, with the 1,000th bird being a Blackcap. To date, I have ringed a total of 1,034 birds at the site.

Manor Floods is an exceptional location, characterised by a diverse mosaic of habitats. The reserve’s scrubland, interspersed with wetlands and bordered by woodland, provides an ideal environment for both resident and migratory species. The scrub habitat, in particular, has proven invaluable for species such as the Willow Warbler, with 72 individuals ringed so far. This dense growth of shrubs and young trees offers essential cover and breeding grounds for many birds.

The five most commonly ringed species at the reserve are:

• Blackcap – 161 individuals
• Willow Warbler – 72 individuals
• Blue Tit – 120 individuals
• Chiffchaff – 105 individuals
• Reed Warbler – 66 individuals

In addition to these common species, I have recorded several notable and unusual captures, including Grasshopper Warblers (3) and a Redstart (1). Moreover, some of the birds I have ringed at the reserve have been controlled further south along the British coast, and even in France, as they migrate southwards for the winter. This emphasises the importance of Manor Floods as a stopover site for migratory species. Every bird I ring contributes to valuable data on migration and population health, crucial for the wider conservation effort. The diversity of habitats makes Manor Floods an incredible site for both birds and people. As I continue my work here, I’m excited by the discoveries that lie ahead, knowing that this site has so much more to reveal.

Alex P