Colour ring data
Colour-ringing since 2021
Through research, monitoring, and conservation, Dorset Raptor Study Group we aim to ensure the survival and well-being of these raptors in their natural habitats.
Colour-rings are a very useful tool to observe raptor movements as we work to understand their ecology. Each specialist ring carries a unique, 2-letter sequence in large font, e.g. AA, AB, AC, to make them easier to read at a distance in the field. This can be done using optics or long-lenses used by many of today’s expert wildlife photographers. All rings are fitted with the utmost care to ensure highest welfare standards and all work is carried out under special licences.
Our research
Amongst our research we are carrying out colour ringing studies and detailed analysis of the prey items brought in to Hobby nests across different habitats and years using innovative camera solutions. We look forward to the next stages of our research and we look forward to sharing the results with you.
Innovating in the field of raptor research
Meet the Hobbies in our study
Here are mini fact-files of DRSG’s colour-ringed Hobbies that have been re-sighted away from their natal area, one or more years later. Some represent only a single sightings, other are breeding birds on territory now raising their own young. So far we have had 8 returns, 6 of which are from 2026, so it will be really interesting to see what happens in 2027.
BIO
colour ring: AN [left/fore/centre]
Ringed: 27/07/2022 Wareham FE
Sighting: 04/06/2023, Morden Bog
Status: single observation.
Photo: Mark Wright Photography
AN
male
BIO
Colour-ring: BL (right/centre/top)
Ringed: 03/08/2023 Wareham FE
Sighting: 21/06/2026, Wareham FE
Status: breeding
Photos in flight: Alex Harvey Wildlife
. BL
male
BIO
Colour-ring: BP
Ringed: 04/08/2023 private estate
Sighting: 25/04/2024, private estate
Status: breeding
Photos: DRSG
BP
female
BIO
Colour-ring: CB (right/centre/top)
Ringed: 29/07/2025 Poole
Sighting: 03/08/2026, Berkshire
Status: breeding (suspected)
Photo: Chris Cowell Photography
CB
male
“FE whole heartedly value the dedication and professionalism that DRSG bring to our species conservation efforts for the wide variety of raptors that use our woodlands in South Dorset.”
— Mark Warn BEM, Wildlife Ranger & Landscape Recovery Manager
BIO
Colour-ring: CN
Ringed: 29/07/2025 Poole
Sighting: 03/08/2026, Berkshire
Status: breeding (suspected)
Photo: Andrew Merrick
CN
male
BIO
Colour-ring: DB
Ringed: 03/08/2025 private estate
Sighting: 06/05/2026, Morden Bog
Status: breeding
Photo: Aidan Brown Photography
DB
male
