Some interesting birds and a rather interesting day for the Helgoland trap!

Observations:

Northwest winds were still blowing strong today, but the almost absence of rain allowed to do the migration census in standard conditions.

Wader migration was still a bit slow today due to northwesterlies, except for Oystercatchers: the 332 going South made a good number for the day (in only a few hours of counting!). Some juveniles (at least 4) are now on the move. A Red-necked Grebe flying North with two Common Scotters in the morning count was a good start.

One of the most notable sightings of the day was a nice 3k/3cy "Viking" Gull (Larus argentatus x Larus hyperboreus) seen resting on the shore.

Some juveniles are showing up: the first juvenile Dunlins were seen in the evening resting at the beach, as well as the number of juvenile large gulls is slowly increasing - mainly Caspian and Herring Gulls.

Ringing:

Ringing came with a steady stream of birds throughout the standard time. With stronger winds at net open, we started with only a few nets, but opened more as the day bore on, and we kept the nets in the garden up for a few hours after standard time. 

Notable occurences included a Short-toed treecreeper (Passer montanus) and a whole 3 distinct birds in the Helgoland trap! This included a new European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) and two common Whitethroats (Curruca communis), 1 recapture and 1 ringed.

The whole day included 14 ringed birds, 8 recaptures over 12 different species.

Strummer ringing the short-toed treecreeper. Picture: Alba Holmberg

People at the station: David, Nico, Miguel, Lois, Alba, Ida, Johan, Strummer