The Long Mynd Breeding Bird Project
If any Ring Ouzels do return to breed this year, they may have eggs, or even young, in the nest before the beginning of May.
They
come back in early to mid April, and the first nesting attempt usually occurs in
mid to late April.
The
Long Mynd Breeding Bird Project has monitored the Ring Ouzel since 1994. Between
the years 1994-99 the population fluctuated between 11 and 16 pairs. However,
since then, the population has crashed. In 2000, only eight pairs were found,
reducing to three pairs in 2001, two in 2002, and only one in 2003. In 2004,
only a single male bird was seen, on a couple of dates in April. He was not seen
subsequently, and there was no evidence of a female or any breeding activity.
The species is now probably extinct in the County.
Predation
of nests is high, and, nationally, Ring Ouzel is now on the Red
Data List in Birds of Conservation
Concern 2002-2007. Increase in the numbers of all the major nest predators,
due to improved food supply for them from sheep and pheasant carrion, is
believed to be the cause of the decline on the Long Mynd – in the same period
as Ring Ouzels have disappeared, Curlews have reduced from 7-10 to 2, Snipe from
15-18 to 7, and Teal from 3-5 to 1, breeding pairs.
We
operated a nest protection scheme for Ring Ouzel in 2003, which may have
contributed to the successful outcome of the only nest found. If any come back
in 2005, we will attempt to repeat the protection. However, this only has a
chance of success if we find the nest before a predator does! Ring Ouzels are
extremely elusive birds, with large territories. If any do return, they may be
anywhere on The Long Mynd.
If you come across a Ring Ouzel, report it immediately please
to Leo Smith tel. (01588) 638577 or by email leo.smith@dsl.pipex.com
Because they are so
difficult to find, information about any sighting, however fleeting, will be a
big help in locating any territories. Your call could therefore make a
significant contribution to the Project’s results, and the wider research
being conducted through the national Ring Ouzel Study Group.
back to research page for more information on the Ring Ouzel in Shropshire click here