Find out about our feathered friends at bird ringing event on the Lough Neagh shore

If you would like to find out the answers to these questions, and a whole lot more, then come along to Mid Ulster District Council’s An Introduction to Bird Ringing event on Sunday, 26 June from 9am to 12.30pm at Traad LNR, The Point Road, just North of Ballyronan.

The event, which will explore bird populations and movements, has been organised as part of the Mid Ulster Biodiversity Project and will be facilitated by licensed ringer Aidan Crean.

During the event Aidan will explain why birds are ringed, the important information it provides, and actually present a demonstration on how to ring birds and the equipment required.

You do not require any specialist knowledge or equipment to attend the event, but as it will take place outdoors please wear appropriate clothing, and although not essential, a pair of binoculars may be useful.

Mark Edgar, Biodiversity Officer for the Mid Ulster area explained the benefits of ringing and what can be learned from it. He said, “The ring is carefully fitted to the birds leg and has a unique number, so if the bird turns up anywhere in the world, it can be traced back to where it was first recorded.

“Ringing aims to understand what is happening to birds in the places they live and how this affects population increases and decreases. This knowledge is vital for conservation. It also gives information on the movements individual birds make and how long many live for.”

For more information contact 03000 132132 or e-mail: [email protected]