I´m carrying out a study of wild Eurasian Jays, and to keep a track on individuals I will use colour rings of this type: http://www.achughes.com/N2FB.html .
However, I am a bit concerned that the Jays are capable of removing these colour rings through the use of their beak. Does anyone have experience with these Jays and colour rings? Maybe a better option is to use paint on the regular steel ring?
Dear Stefano,
What I have experienced with ringing birds with colorrings is that a drop of superglue between the two overlapping parts will ensure that the ring is hard (if not impossible) to open.
Note: be carefull with the glue on the legs/feathers of the Jays, and also be carefull to not get stuck to a ring yourself!
Regards,
Micha
Hi Ronny
I've use the coded color rings that Stefano pointed out to you on blackbirds, coots, lesser-black gulls, and mute swans. They work very well for the larger species, but on blackbirds, re-sightings have been difficult in the field without a telescope or telephoto lens. This might not be a problem with Jays of course, being bigger than blackbirds but I thought it was worth mentioning! Darker rings with light codes seem to work best (e.g. Black ring, yellow code).
All the best
Richard
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