Bird Numbers Crumbled by Westerlies!

A very blustery day here in Gedser with strong winds from the west halting visible migration and any real numbers of birds being ringed. With only a few sheltered nets open during the morning for our standardised session, a total of 33 birds were caught and ringed which comprised of:

Robin 20
Lesser Whitethroat 2
Wren 1
Common Redstart 1

2k+ Male Common Redstart, photo by Hugh Hanmer

Willow Warbler 1
Chiffchaff 4
Blackcap 2
Garden Warbler 1
Sparrowhawk 1

The only noteworthy birds of the day were good numbers of Common Kestrel using the strong winds to their advantage with around 20+ individuals in and around the garden.

Common Kestrel, photo by Hugh Hanmer

Efforts were made by the team to go to the harbour to see if any interesting gulls were taking shelter from the breeze. However on getting there it was clear that nothing was going to be unearthed amongst a handful of Black-headed Gulls; as nice as they are. It wasn't a wasted journey though as we now know the recently fixed bikes work well, especially with a good tail wind.

With some habitat work in the garden complete, the nets furled and the data entered we thought we would make an apple crumble before the thrushes arrived in force and needed the apples!

What will tomorrow bring!

Best wishes from all of us here at GFU