World's oldest Whitethroat celebrates centenary of ringing in Britain and Ireland
When ringers at Stanford Reservoir, Northants, caught Whitethroat ring number P774799 on 2nd August 2009 they didn't think much of it until they realised that it had originally been ringed at the same site on 3rd August 2002. Seven years old might not seem like much, but P774799 is now the oldest recorded Whitethroat in Euro pe (and presumably the world?). Amazingly it will have made the 7,000 mile return trip to/from Africa seven times, crossing the Sahara 14 times!

For more news and stories check out our online 'Demog Blog'. You can also find out about ringing demonstrations and talks happening near you. This year's annual conference on the 4th-6th December will also be ringing-themed; more details to follow in this month's BTO News.

Garden BirdWatch heats up as weather cools down

September is the lull before the storm for many garden birdwatchers, with birds off feeding on autumn's bounty in the wider countryside. However, as this wild larder is depleted so gardens will get busier. This makes it an ideal time to sign up to the BTO's year round Garden BirdWatch and to help us chart the changing fortunes of birds and
other garden wildlife through this important weekly survey. You will also find information about feeding birds, good hygiene practice and for those who aren't counting in their gardens, the opportunity to sample articles from previous Bird Table issues to see what you could be part of.

Marathon fundraising efforts in 2010!

The first ever Brighton Marathon takes place on Sunday 18th April 2010, one week before the London Marathon. We have 5 guaranteed places in the 26.2 mile race - which is expected to sell out shortly after the ballot results for London are announced. The course is fast and reasonably flat, with stunning coastal views. 

To secure your place and run for BTO you will need to pay a registration fee of £40 and commit to raising the minimum sponsorship amount of £350 to help inform the conservation of Britain's birds. 

Guarantee yourself a Spring Marathon and be one of the first to run this event!
  

Birdtrack - When was your last Swift Sighting?

BirdTrack is the online programme for recording sightings from any type of birdwatching you do, whether it's a casual observation on the way to work or a full day's birding at the coast. BirdTrack also makes your records count for conservation and best of all, it's absolutely free! 

Keep up to date with the latest migration news in the Weekly Update, compare your last Swift sighting of 2009 to the national pattern using Reports by Species or find out what's been recorded in your postcode over the past five years using Species by Location. Register today to start adding your records!

National Moth Night, 18th & 19th September 

National Moth Night (NMN), founded by Atropos and now run jointly with Butterfly Conservation, is all inclusive and open to anyone to
take part, both expert and beginner alike.  You can do this in your own garden or further afield or at public events around the country. Results are pooled into Britain's largest survey of what species are on the wing.  This year, the organisers are particularly keen for people to keep an eye out for colour marked moths from various designated sites, in the hope to learn more about moth migration.