This was followed up, as it were, by an away match, the C.E.M. Conference at Bootham School, where the Dean of York, Dr. Alan Richardson, spoke on "The Existence of God". After a short talk, the delegates split up into discussion groups and then after the Dean answered some of the many questions that had arisen. After the conference finished it was suggested that a similar meeting could be arranged at "home" and we hope this will occur soon. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the Rev. N. KempWelch for taking great pains in obtaining the right films and for his invaluable assistance in asking the visiting speakers. This term we have had nearly 100 members of the Society and I hope this trend continues, and the enthusiasm stays in the coming term. R.I.M.
ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Over 2,000 birds have been ringed this year which is the highest annual total since ringing started in 1960. The numbers of individual species are listed at the end. The majority of these have been trapped at the roost near Skelton. Recoveries of note for 1965, 1966 are also given at the end. Two visits to the Calf of Man Observatory were run, one at Easter and the other in early August. RINGING TOTALS-1966 Greenfinch (701), Chaffinch (207), Swallow (189), Blackbird (183), Redwing (170), Brambling (92), Blue Tit (65), Dunnock (58), House Sparrow (56), Song Thrush (48), Robin (48), Black-headed Gull (31), Sand Martin (29), Starling (28), Linnet (28), Dunlin (25), Wren (14), Sedge Warbler (17), Tree Sparrow (so), Yellow Hammer (to), Long-tailed Tit (7), Great Tit (7), Willow Warbler (7), Coal Tit (6), Mistle Thrush (6), Whitethroat (6), Reed Bunting (6), Ringed Plover (5), Jay (4), Bullfinch (4), Willow Tit (3), Tree Creeper (3), Marsh Tit* (2),
Goldcrest (2), Goldfinch (2), Pied Wagtail (2), Chiffchaff (a), Rock Pipit (a), Redstart* (i), Stonechat (i), Redpoll (i), Moorhen (1), Jackdaw* (i). Total 2,088. 43 species. Grand total 1960 to 1966, 9,184 birds of 74 species. *-New ringing species. RINGING RECOVERIES 1965 AND 1966
Species Swallow Blackbird Blackbird
Recovery details
Where ringed Tholthorpe, Yorks. 30.6.63. Catletown, I.O.M. 29.12.63. Skelton.
3.1.66. Dunnock Redwing Starling
York. 2.2.61. Skelton. 15.1.66. York. 25.2.61.
Dead on road. Nun Monkton. 10.6.65. Dead under wires. Maunby, Thirsk. 28.3.65. Kimboda, Sweden. Dead. 24.4.66. Dead in cold weather. York. 18.1.66. 5 years old. St. Denis, France. Shot. 30.10.66. a. Caught in building Woodhouse Mill. 58.1.65.
Found dead, Swallow nest, Sheffield. 27.2.65.
2.
Starling
York. 14.2.60. Blue Tit Douglas, I.O.M. 24.8.66. Black-headed Gull Boulsworth Hill, Lancs. 25.6.61.
16
Shot. Fakenham, Norfolk.
3.7.65. Trapped and released, Calf of Man Observatory. 28.9.66. Belvide Reservoir, Staffs. Found dead. 10.4.66.
