how many birds are ringed?
How many?
Every year, 300,000 birds are ringed, and 4 000 rings are recovered. Bird ringing started in Sweden in 1911. Until now, a total of fourteen million birds have been ringed.
Bird ringers
In order to become a ringer, a license is required. Under the supervision of a qualified expert, the novice must acquire the practical skills, become familiar with the various species, and learn how to complete the reporting form. Most ringers in Sweden are knowledgeable amateurs, but some are trained scientists.
Bird observatories
Half of all ringing is performed at bird observatories which are strategically located along important migration routes. The most well-known in Sweden is at Ottenby on the southern tip of Öland, a large island off the Baltic coast.
Time series
A long time series of records can indicate changes in characteristics of the ringed species, such as the size of the population. This in turn may reflect changes, natural or human-caused, in the environment. Such data may support efforts to improve conservation programs.
