Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

NB - Whilst the purpose of this blog was initially designed to cover our nationally important wildfowl ringing activities, it now also features wildlife and work posts, explaining how we manage the NNR for both wildlife and people.

For daily sightings please visit our Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ldv_nnr (@LDV_NNR)

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Thursday, 27 November 2025

24/11/25 - Firecrest

Whilst working at the office last week we decided to open our mist nets so that Ben (new reserve manager/trainee bird ringer), could get the chance to have more experience of extracting, handling and ringing some of the local Blue and Long-tailed Tits often present around our NNR Base, so it was somewhat of a surprise to then find a Firecrest during one of the net rounds!

Whilst a total of 18 individuals have now been recorded in the wider Lower Derwent area, this one was the first since 2021, with records in 2016 and 2013 prior to that, making this species a difficult bird to connect with in the local area. Over half of all the records have fallen in the months of October and November, and as the new forthcoming ‘Birds of the Lower Derwent Valley’ states – the careful checking of riverside tit flocks in late October and early November would seem the best chance in locating one of these colourful gems’.

Did you know - Regulus ignicapilla (scientific name) translates roughly as the ‘fire-capped little king’ – a reference to the beautiful orange crown of the male, well it’s safe to say that this bird (young male) was indeed a little stunner!

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