Every day in Gedser is different, the weather, the birds, the expectations... This morning (mainly due to the date and also, slightly the weather conditions) we had hoped a Barred Warbler would put in an appearance, alas, it didn't, but that's expectation; some you win some you lose.

I opened the nets today in a fully moonlit garden, Thrush Nightingales called and Willow Warblers Phwipped as they fluttered to the nearest available perch, I expected to be busy. The first 2 rounds were fairly busy, but nothing on previous days. I ended the ringing with (Only) 79 new birds, though also many re-captures from previous days.

Willow Warbler 23
Whitethroat 21
Lesser Whitethroat 12
Icterine Warbler 5
Reed Warbler 5
Garden Warbler 4
Marsh Warbler 2
Blackcap 2
Tree Pipit 1
Pied Flycatcher 1
Tree Sparrow 1
Greenfinch 1
Linnet 1

After the ringing was finished, I headed to the point to meet Benny who has been sitting out at the exhibition centre and also to sit with Henrik and the migration watchers from nearby. It was a pleasant afternoon. In the time I was there, we recorded 15 Arctic Skuas (giving great views as they harrassed Sandwich Terns and migrated past.) Black Tern 10, Little Gull 6, Common Sandpiper 5,
Common Tern 50+, Great crested grebe 2, Velvet Scoter 1, Common Scoter 6, Crossbill 8 and a low flying Osprey which migrated straight out. Also seen out at the Odde today 6+ Long-tailed Skuas. White-tailed Eagle, Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harriers, 5 Sparrowhawks, 2 Kestrels (Though these didn't migrate). Louis told of a Two-barred Crossbill in Gedser again today, I might have to attempt a twitch, low for a man with my opinions on "Twitching", I know; but I am majorly 'gripped off'.

Arctic Skua - Photo. Birdimage.nl

The Wasp-spider was seen again at the Odde, Benny took some shots of it.

2 more guests arrived tonight, we really hope for a Barred Warbler this weekend now. I'd settle for some Long-tailed Skua action!

Blog: Craig Brookes