The Group studied chick survival at a number of sites on the Norfolk coast and in Kent at Elmley during the 1990's.

All were colour ringed with 2 colours on the tibia of one leg and a yellow over metal ring on the tibia of the other leg. 

Lots of sightings of our colour ringed birds have occurred, Many of them in the south-west on the Tamar Estuary where many Avocets are known to winter. Others have been seen in France and in Holland.

Colour ring sightings provide some fascinating life histories of individual birds.

Maps of Avocet recoveries and colour ring sightings.

 Until 1987 the longevity record for Avocets ringed in Britain stood at 16 years 1 month 19 days. A number of Avocets colour ringed by the Group have beaten that 1987 record. Go to Longevity records.