As most of you will know, we have been monitoring Twite breeding in England (and beyond) since 2014. 'We' are a collaborative effort, involving several ringing groups, dedicated amateurs who monitor feeding and breeding sites and hundreds individuals who have submitted records, our data has been used by ecologists and conservation charities to improve habitat for Twite. We also are currently carrying out research into the spatial ecology, influences of survival and genetic mixing between Twite groups.

It won't be a surprise to anybody that Twite are not an easy species to fund, infact, officially we don't have any. We rely on local bird clubs and small one off hand-outs from conservation charities. The lack of research funding for Twite is not reflective of their status in the UK and Northern Ireland (or indeed for further afield where we have no data). In England, Wales and Ireland the population has continued to decline despite habitat intervention, this decline in England could be as high as 50% in the last decade alone. These one off funding pots, often between £50-£200, have covered colour rings and ringing equipment. There is no provision for petrol, time in the field nor the metal rings, but it's a privilege to work with these birds!

This week, having returned from a trip to Islay, where we were looking at winter ecology of Twite using RSPB farmland, my car was stolen as well as everything in it. That included hundreds of colour rings, metal rings all of our traps and ringing gear as well as some optics. The chances of any of this equipment being of any use or value to the thieves is slim, but to us and to the project it was priceless.

I am not very good at things like this, but replacing the equipment will be expensive but (I hope you agree) important, the field work we carry out cannot happen without it. Therefore if anyone can spare a couple of quid towards replacing at least our colour rings we and the Twite would be eternally grateful, Further to that, if you can't chip in for this, I really would, as always, appreciate any sightings of Twite, colour rings, photos, counts. It's all super helpful. I'd also appreciate sightings of a burned out red Yaris in north London, if you do see one of those could you please retrieve my duffle coat from the back.

Sorry to have to ask,

Jamie.