It was a special day for my young Kestrel, Birch, today as it was time to give her a BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) ring before releasing her. Took some photos of when I was ringing her and taking biometrics and then it was time to drive to Birch in Colchester to release her back in her home territory. She is carrying plenty of weight so, if as forecast, we have another cold spell next week, she should be well placed to deal with it. Zoe, who found the sickly bird in the first instance and brought her to me, was able to be there with friend John from Birch Gallery. He has really missed seeing her as she likes to visit him a few times each day and check out the area for mice and voles. She took off well, dipped down, and then up to the roof of the house where she sat for a good half hour, getting her bearings and surveying her territory. Zoe’s Stables/Yard is across the field and she was seen later flying over the house and heading towards her roost at the Stables. I will have a Video later which I will put up here. Fly free little one…
