Common Redstarts ringed in the Churnet Valley

Here are two photos of Common Redstarts who have bred in the Churnet Valley this year. Ringers from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ringed nestlings from two pairs who, this year, had both managed to rear seven young each. The rings, which fit around the bird's leg and which don't harm or impede them, each have a unique number. Hopefully they will be retrieved at some time in the future either by birds being recaptured live during sampling sessions  organised by licensed bird ringers or when the birds die and the ring is found and sent back to the BTO. Ringing helps ornithologists to study the movements of birds. Both photos by Terry Eyre.

Male Common Redstart.

Female Common Redstart.