Signing off

Last night we attempted to catch some Owls and were again successful. 2 Long-eared Owls and 1 Tengmalm's Owl making it a total of 7 Long-eared and 12 Tengmalm's for the year. The latter is a new season record.

Record breakers; Jesper and Craig happy with the 12th new Tengmalm's for the season. Photo Ragnar Smith.

Tengmalm's Owl - Craig Brookes

Long-eared Owl female - Craig Brookes

This morning marked the last standardised ringing session of the year here at Gedser. It was been a great autumn and up to now we have caught over 11,500 since August. Combined with the spring total we have ringed almost 16,000 birds here at Gedser this year with is looking like our 3rd best year ever. There have been many highlights throughout the ringing season and maybe people have worked hard to achieve such a great volume of data. Thanks on behalf of Gedser Fuglestation to all whom have been involved. Particular efforts by Jesper Brinkman, Anders Nielsen, Heidi Vibe, Heather McGinty, Henrik Jørgensen, Rune Tjørnløv and myself should be noticed. We also had help from many great people along the was which we are always grateful for. Hans Lind, Benny Steinmejer and Gert Jeppesen in particular.



Today we ringed only 15 new birds a few Goldfinch and Chaffinches were the highlights.

Sightings today were limited but 3 late Barn Swallows were noted, 60 Common Scoter plus 1 Velvet, 7 Wigeon, 5 Red-throated diver, 1 Black-throated, some Goldeneye also. Ca50 Waxwings rested in the garden and the lingering Kestrel was present.

Tonight we will try for Owls again, fueled by a hearty meal provided kindly by Louis Hansen; thanks Louis!!

Photos: Ragnar Smith and Craig Brookes
Blog: Craig Brookes