So it continues...

This morning, in perfect (ringing) conditions, all nets were opened before first light. Wind-still and overcast, a Thrush Nightingale crackled from some dense vegetation.

The first round came and it was to be as the rest of the morning, steady. 2 or 3 birds in each net, a nice array of species and ages and a stress-free situation, nice! After 6 hours of the nets being opened, I closed as the rounds had 'dried up' to a stand still, I'd ringed 112 birds of 15 Species.

Willow Warbler 42
Tree Sparrow 14
Garden Warbler 11
Redstart 10
Whitethroat 8
Blackcap 7
Dunnock 6
Robin 4
Lesser Whitethroat 2
Pied Flycatcher 2
Spotted Flycatcher 2
Tree Pipit 1
Reed Warbler 1
Chiffchaff 1
House Sparrow 1

Dunnock - Craig Brookes

There starts to be a shift in birds caught in the garden along with in which nets, as the fruit bearing bushes and trees die back, other come into bloom; the wind directions are also affecting which area of the garden the birds are in. As August drew to a close, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Acrocephalus warblers made the bulk of the catch. Now however there will be a sudden shift towards more typical autumn species as Finches, Thrushes, Robins, Dunnocks and wrens begin to appear; maybe it will be a little later than my stay, but there will be coverage right throughout the season here and although mostly in English, I'm sure you will all continue to read about Gedser and hopefully visit and support the station and it's work.

I had hoped to join Louis at the tip for some migration counting today but I was just too tired, I opted to sleep instead. Louis reported that migration was 1/5 of yesterday's but he still recorded a Red-throated Pipit migrating amongst the expected early autumn migrants. Also 2200 Common Scoter, which isn't a bad count by any standards.

Over the garden I noted at least 300 Siskin today, also 6 Crossbill, 2 Great Spotted woodpeckers, 36 Golden Plover, Oystercatcher, Marsh Harrier (juv), 2 Sparrowhawks and a Kestrel. None of which were seen to migrate. I did however record 1 Whimbrel and 2 Ringed Plover which seemed to be high heading South.

Tomorrow looks set to be another top day here in Gedser, if you are in the area, definitely give us a visit.

Photo and Blog: Craig Brookes