This was the third ringing conference at Barberspan, the previous ones being in 2010 and 2011.

Several Lesser Masked Weavers were ringed again, the first ringing record having been in 2006, and this represents a range expansion for the species (see more).

Many White-browed Sparrow-Weavers were ringed and recaptured, and these birds were colour ringed for tracking the population (see more here). One nest contained 2 chicks that were ringed by trainees.

Many talks were given after the early morning ringing sessions. There was one on weavers:

No rush in (arid) residents: extended primary moult of White-browed Sparrow-Weavers in southern Africa.
Dieter Oschadleus &, Magda Remisiewicz
Abstract. We aimed to determine the timing of moult of White-browed Sparrow Weavers across southern Africa, based on 3800 moult records collected by SAFRING ringers between June 1995 and June 2013. The rate of primary growth was slow and duration of adults' primary moult was 213 days on average (range 168 - 298 days), as estimated based on moult progress of individuals caught twice in a season. This is a very long moult duration, in comparison with e.g. migrant Little Stints. We will present the comparison of the the moult timing of adult and immature birds between six main regions where most White-browed Sparrow Weavers were caught: Namibia, Northern Cape, Northern Province, North West Province, Free State and Eastern Cape.

Thanks to all the attendees, organisers, and North West Parks Board!