Ornithological Society

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.

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 Goldcrest (2), Goldfinch (2), Pied Wagtail (2), Chiffchaff (3), Marsh Tit* (2), (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 Where ringed Recovery details Swallow Tholthorpe, Yorks. Dead on road. Nun Monkton. 30.6.63. 10.6.65. Blackbird Catletown, I.O.M. Dead under wires. Maunby, 29.12.63. Thirsk. 28.3.65. Blackbird Skelton. Kimboda, Sweden. Dead. 3.1.66. 24.4.66. Dunnock York. Dead in cold weather. York. 2.2.61. 18.1.66. 5 years old. Redwing Skelton. St. Denis, France. Shot. 15.1.66. 30.10.66. Starling York. a. Caught in building Wood- 25.2.61. house Mill. 58.1.65. 2. Found dead, Swallow nest, Sheffield. 27.2.65.

Starling York.

Shot. Fakenham, Norfolk. 14.2.60. 3.7.65. Blue Tit Douglas, I.O.M. Trapped and released, Calf of 24.8.66. Man Observatory. 28.9.66. Black-headed Gull Boulsworth Hill, Lancs. Belvide Reservoir, Staffs. Found 25.6.61. dead. 10.4.66. 16