A chill wind

We opened enough nets to comply with standard ringing, but after the last few days with hugh numbers of Fuglekonge (Goldcrest) being captured, we are running short of rings so opened nets less likely to catch birds since we have no more than 140 or so of the size that they take.

The wind was very cold from the start of the day and strengthened as the afternoon went on. Birds were passing overhead all morning, flying ahead of the next weather system bringing yet stronger winds and rain.

We caught quite a few Fuglekonge (Goldcrest) but not enough to completely exhaust our 2.00mm rings so we were also able to ring a Sibirisk Gransanger (Siberian Chiffchaff) that was captured.

Sibirisk Gransanger (Siberian Chiffchaff)

Another new species and a splendid addition to our list of birds ringed at Gedser this autumn was a Stor Dompap ( Northern Bullfinch). This bird was so much larger than the birds that we get in the UK.

Stor Dompap - han  (Northern Bullfinch male)

We spent the afternoon trying for finches, buntings and thrushes both on and off site but had no success as birds were not attracted to the audiolures and the nets became too visible in the wind.

Visual migration over the garden included Fieldfare, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Brambling, Chaffinch and Siskin.

Migrating passerines

A Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl were both seen hunting over the garden in the afternoon and
we were most relieved that the new rings arrived by the end of the day ready for tomorow.

Totals: 118 (42)

Gærdesmutte / Wren -7
Rødhals / Robin -27 (25)
Solsort / Blackbird - 1 (2)
Munk / Blackcap - 1
Gransanger / Chiffchaff - 1
Sibirisk Gransanger / Siberian Chiffchaff - 1
Fuglekonge / Goldcrest - 73 (14)
Blåmejse / Blue Tit - 1
Musvit / Great Tit - 1 (1)
Grønsisken / Siskin- 2
Stor Dompap / Northern Bullfinch - 1
Rørspurv/ Reed Bunting - 2