An Exciting Ringing Day

Today started with a light breeze from the South and full cloud cover throughout the day. The conditions already this month have been a lot more settled than October and with the shortening of the number of daylight hours, the migration has noticeably slowed. However, with these settled conditions we decided to do both migration count and ringing this morning, followed my more ringing this afternoon.

Figure 1: The morning’s ringing team by Mathilde.

Mathilde and I went ringing this morning at Kabeltromlekrattet and were joined by fellow ringer Ib. Due to the conditions, we had just over three quarters of the nets open which was ample for the three of us. Throughout the morning we were joined by Simon S.C and Jacob who were assessing Gustav on his last student tour. Gustav’s tour included showing the students some bird ringing as well as going into small discussions relating to certain topics related to the university degree course. According to the group, and the feedback by the assessors, Gustav did a great job! The morning ringing was slow but steady with Blue tits [Blåmejse], Great Tits [Musvit], Chaffinches [Bogfinke], Redwing [Vindrossel] and a few Fieldfare [Sjagger] caught up to midday. Birds overhead included small flocks of Fieldfares [Sjagger] migrating NW and a couple of flocks of Redpoll (Nordlig/Lille Gråsisken) still present in the area. Meanwhile, Simon Jr went to migration count and had lower numbers of all species than recent. However, standout species included two out of the six Black-throated Divers [Sortstrubet Lom] resting very close offshore and a Great Skua [Storkjove]. Simon left just after 3hrs of recording and came back to input his sightings at the obs.

Figure 2: Black Redstart [Husrødstjert] by Simon.

On our arrival back to the observatory, Simon S.C went to check the MOTUS tower with Jacob to make sure it will surive the upcoming winter weather. In the meantime, us volunteers decided to make a cooked lunch and with such calm conditions set up the garden nets. Simon S.C had seen a Black Redstart [Husrødstjert] in the garden so we attempted to catch the bird using a tape lure for half an hour. After a Robin [Rødhals], Wren [Gærdesmutte] and a retrap Great Tit [Musvit], we had success! The Black Redstart [Husrødstjert] flew over our heads and straight into the net, I've never known them so responsive. The bird was identified as an unsexed 1^st year (EURING Age: 3/Danish Age 1K). The bird was carrying quite a bit of fat and was later seen feeding all across the buildings, the nearby beach and shoreline rocks meaning this was probably a quick pit-stop for this young migrant.

Figure 3: Setting up the new net by Thomas.

After the very quick success, we set up a third net for Rock Pipits [Skærpiber] and Twite [Bjergirisk] thinking we may have success after having seen both in the garden recently. A couple of hours passed, and no birds were near the net. At some point we then started to get some ‘near misses’ with both species flying low over the top of the net. Simon Jr, Mathilde, and I decided to check out the beach for any close birds, but this only resulted in Simon getting some very wet legs as he was waist deep in Kattegat at one point! Those Razorbills [Alk] can swim and dive very well. Gustav decided to go for a birding walk and didn't see too many species.

Figure 4: Twite flock [Bjergirisk] by Simon.

Back to the obs for Simon to dry off and with data entry almost completed we saw a small flock of three Twite [Bjergirisk] flying around the garden as well as two Rock Pipits [Skærpiber]. One of the pipits were very close to the net and it looked promising. We decided to twinkle the birds into the net (a technique whereby birds are flushed by a gradual walk towards the flock in hope they fly into the net) and we successfully caught the flock of three Twite [Bjergirisk] (Figure 4). Success again! Gustav arrived back just in time to see the ringing and it was interesting to see that we caught an adult male, adult female and a juvenile female. A family flock or just a coincidence? Now I’ve not had the chance to investigate this too deeply but if you’re reading this part of the blog and know of any literature out there that would back this theory up, we would love to know. Answers via email please!

Following our successes, the data entry from this afternoon’s session was inputted and Simon Jr was determined to catch owls again after many unsuccessful nights the last month. He unfortunately only saw a Bat spp and has since packed up. Jacob made us a lovely meal for us all which was very much appreicated.

At the time of writing, Matilde and Gustav are out night catching so we shall see what they bring back, maybe a few more thrushes or Woodcock.

Thanks for reading and have an nice evening :)

Ringing totals

Ringing [Kabeltromlekrattet]

Total: 25

Ringing [Fyrhaverne]

Total: 6

Overall total: 31

Today’s observations on DOFbasen from observers in the area.

People: Thomas Weston, Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Knud Pedersen, Jacob, Poul, Ib Albin Olsen, Simon S. Christiansen.