A noisy minute or two kicked off when the resident Oystercatcher pair took exception to another Oyk on their territory! The VP male chased the 'interloper' in my direction so I got ready for a flight shot? It turned out to be my lucky day as I captured several nice images!
Checking out the images that evening, I didn't expect to see rings but there they were on the interloper! A quick search on the web confirmed the correct Ringing Group I had picked (Devon and Cornwall) specialised in ringing Oystercatchers! We were in business :-)
I had luckily got some half decent views of the legs in flight (Left: small Dark Blue over metal ring and Right: small yellow over White CT on dark blue ring). Here's the landing shots...
And with some lucky angles the main ring and number (White CT on Dark Blue)
This Oystercatcher was ringed at Dawlish Warren, Exe estuary (age unknown) - Devon on 2nd October 2021.
There were nine re-sightings there between 18th Dec 2021 - 5th August 2023.
A short 'move' to Starcross, Devon seen on 30th Dec 2023
Finally, his untimely arrival and departure at Venus Pool 10th April 2024
Will be interesting to see where he's seen next?? Will he return to Dawlish Warren?
I'll check out the website from time to time.... https://www.dcwrg.org.uk/index.php/recoveries/oystercatcher/bird/GBT-FJ28690
