After the rain

Good conditions through the morning with light winds but the birds didn't seem to agree leading to a quiet ringing session although another Firecrest in what is turning out to be an excellent early spring for them was very welcome.

Firecrest and Yellowhammer from today

 



There were fewer birds seen as well with 12 Common Crossbills, a few Bramblings, Siskins and Goldfinches overhead, a single Fieldfare with a handful of Redwings and the female Sparrowhawk was still around as was the two female Stonechats although they kept to the front field despite me trying to persuade them in the afternoon that the area with all the nets was much more attractive!   Around 1,700 Eiders were counted along with 57 White-fronted Geese, two Pintail, 14 Wigeon and 20 Teal while more noteworthy was an early Common Tern which flew NE along the shore.

Gert came in the afternoon and gave me a guided tour of a smart nature reserve just to the north of Gedser where there was still a wintery feel to the site with 2,500+ Barnacle Geese still in the fields while the pools were covered in Wigeon, Shoveler, Gadwall and Teal.   The local pair of Common Cranes were definitely getting in the mood though - calling loudly, throwing their heads back, even dancing a little bit and looking very put out that four more Cranes came and landed next to them!