Projects & Research

Greylag Goose Moult Migration

Many species of bird migrate between their summering and wintering areas. But what is less well known and understood is moult migration; a specific migration undertaken by birds to undertake their moult in certain location; often gathering in very large numbers. 

One species that carries out a moult migration is the Greylag Goose. This study is looking at the moult migration of the birds that are breeding in Gloucestershire and also South Wales and migrating to Hogganfield Loch in Glasgow to moult. The aim of the research is to establish the timing of the moult migration as well as the length of the migration and the amount of time birds spend on the moult grounds. Additionally an explanation of why the birds make such movements will be sought. 

This work is based on re-sightings of colour ringed Greylag Geese. The research paper is currently being currently in the process of being written up for publication. So watch this space......

Braydon Forest Marsh Tit Project 

The Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) is a small bird with a pale belly and a black cap; it is found in areas of woodland, parks and gardens.

Unfortunatley, in the U.K, the Marsh Tit has declined by over 50% since the 1970's. This means it has been placed on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern. The decline has been driven largely by degradation and fragmentation of woodlands. Marsh Tits are highly sedentary meaning it is easy for populations to become isolated and vulnerable. 

Within Wiltshire the Braydon Forest area still contains a strong population of Marsh Tits. The Forest itself consists of several areas of woodland linked by mature hedgerows. Six sites withing the area are monitored through bird ringing. Any Marsh Tits that are caught are fitted with a unique combination of colour rings; this enables them to be re-sighted with relative ease and these sightings can then be collected and analysed. 

The project began in 2012 and so far over 60 birds have been fitted with colour rings. The results so far show that that there is movement between the areas of woodland and all sites have shown evidence of breeding.