During a ringing session at the Umzumbe Swallow roost on 30th November 2011, Andrew Pickles was thrilled to net a previously ringed bird. His excitement soared when he realised the ring had a BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) stamp on it. This is a first for the Umzumbe roost.
According to Roberts Online, it appears that Barn Swallows in Namibia originate from Scandinavia; in west South Africa from Britain and Ireland; and in east South Africa from north and east Europe.
News from the BTO: The Swallow was ringed at Retford, Nottinghamshire by the North Notts Ringing Group on the 16th September 2011 as a first year bird. The straight line distance between Retford and the Umzumbe Roost is 11 163km, obviously the distance covered on this epic journey far exceeds this distance due to migration routes.
Interestingly, Andrew was born just 45kms from Retford. What a strange coincidence.
For more on this story and photos see Andrew's post.
For more on the 2011/2012 Umzumbe roost ringing season see here.
References: Roberts Online
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