The Manton Bay chicks are now 5 to 6 weeks old and they are starting to look more and more like their parents. At this stage the chicks are big enough for their blue Darvic and metal BTO rings to be fitted. The blue Darvic ring is fitted on the chicks’ right leg and the metal BTO ring is fitted on their left leg. These rings allow us and others to identify the individual, wherever the bird is, whether it is in Rutland, in their wintering grounds or elsewhere. By ringing the chicks, we will be able to gather some vital information on their survival and movements.
On Tuesday morning, the four Manton Bay chicks were ringed by our fully licenced Reserve Officer. A boat was launched from the fields behind and a ladder was lent up against the side of the nest. The four chicks were carefully lowered into the boat where they were ringed and other biometric data were taken, for example weights and wing lengths, but also measurements of their bills and legs.