Gedser Gold

In total contrast to yesterday's slow ringing day, this morning (4th August) proved relatively busy. With 154 new birds throughout the morning we certainly didn't go short of anything.

Rødhals (Robin) - 1
Nattergal (Thrush Nightingale) - 1
Husrødstjert (Black Redstart) - 1
Rødstjert (Redstart) - 2
Solsort (Blackbird) - 1
Græshoppesanger (Grasshopper Warbler) - 1
Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler) - 32
Rørsanger (Reed Warbler) - 43
Gulbug (Icterine Warbler) - 15
Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat) - 17
Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat) - 9
Havesanger (Garden Warbler) - 8
Skovsanger (Wood Warbler) - 1
Gransanger (Chiffchaff) - 4
Løvsanger (Willow Warbler) - 10
Broget Fluesnapper (Pied Flycatcher) - 2
Korttået Træløber (Short-toed Treecreeper) - 2
Tornirisk (Linnet) - 4

The Robin was the first of the Autumn and a sign of things to come as we continue into August and the migration really hots up.

 

Short-Toed Treecreeper 1cy - Craig Brookes

Black Redstart 1cy (Left) and Redstart 1cy (Right) - Craig Brookes

Gert came today to empty his moth traps and didn't find anything of particular interest, it seemed.

Louis phoned to Anders mid morning to tell of a possible Two-barred Crossbill atop a tree in the garden, which he had observed from the point. Anders ran out, heard the bird calling though couldn't place it and confirmed that Louis' thoughts were correct. Thanks Louis, a lifer for Anders. I stayed to ring the birds in the lab, hopefully tomorrow I will get a 'lifer' too. I did get one today however with Short-toed Treecreeper, it's only taken me 3 Autumns in Denmark.

Photos and Blog: Craig Brookes

Slow Saturday

Today (Saturday3rd) was really slow with birds grounded in the garden. This is probably because of the perfect migration conditions. In all the hours we had the nets up, we only caught 20 birds.

Digesvale (Sand Martin) - 1
Hvid Vipstjert (White Wagtail) - 1
Rødstjert (Redstart) - 1
Gulbug (Icterine Warbler) - 2
Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat) - 3
Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat) - 3
Havesanger (Garden Warbler) - 1
Skovsanger (Wood Warbler) - 1
Løvsanger (Willow Warbler) - 4
Tornirisk (Linnet) - 2
Gulspurv (Yellowhammer) - 1

Below is a picture of an Adult Icterine Warbler (Gulbug)

Icterine Warbler - Foto: Craig Brookes

We also re-caught the Rødtoppet Fuglekonge (Firecrest) and noticed the Brood patch is still very prominent. Presumably a local breeder, which as I understand is a great record for South Falster.

Migration was good overhead but we just couldn't keep track of it all.

Louis reported 1200 Common Swift Migrating today along with at least 300 Crossbill.

In the evening a shower or two arrived and brought many Swallows, Martins and Swifts down low over the field next to the house, we only managed to catch one of the Sand Martins, but one is better than nothing.

Brian and Terkel left in the morning after a short stay with us, Heidi also left in the afternoon leaving myself and Anders alone. Take care all of you and thanks for your help.

Photo and Blog: Craig Brookes

Another nice day in Gedser.

This morning (Friday 2nd August) conditions were near perfect for ringing. All nets were opened and standardised ringing was completed, we closed the nets for a few hours in the midday sun and then opened again in the afternoon for a short while. Overall, 60 new birds were caught today.

Icterine warbler (Gulbug)- 20
Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) - 7
Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) - 6
Blackbird (Solsort) - 5
Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) - 5
Whitethroat (Tornsanger) - 4
Greenfinch (Grønirisk)- 2
Redstart (Rødstjert) - 2

Singles of Thrush Nightingale (Nattergal), Blackcap (Munk), Chiffchaff (Gransanger), FIRECREST  (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge), Pied Flycatcher(Broget Fluesnapper) and Linnet (Tornirisk)

We also recaptured the River Warbler  (Flodsanger) first ringed a few days ago.

Below are pictures of Heidi, happy after ringing her first Firecrest and also, the River Warbler.

Heidi med Rødtoppet Fuglekonge - Foto Craig Brookes

Flodsanger, River Warbler - Foto Craig Brookes

Migration was evident over the garden today and we counted 30+ Crossbills (though many more were too high to count), 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Siskin, 2 Tree Pipit and 1 Honey Buzzard.

Anders' father Brian and friend Terkel were here for a second day, we enjoyed a barbeque and a 'sundown' in the cool evening sun. Another fine day to be working here at Gedser.


*In case you are a ringer reading this, Gedser Fuglestation still has an available spot for a Ringer-in-charge this Autumn. It's a paid position and having spent 2 autumns down here myself I can certainly recommend it. If you are interested please contact Rune Tjørnløv.

Photos and Blog: Craig Brookes