Weather today was great as forecasted for a change. Catching conditions were perfect and we were not disappointed. It turned out to be the best day of our visit to Norway. In total we caught and processed 404 birds over 19 species. I have been banging on about Meadow Pipits for the last 2 weeks and today we had in total 243 birds followed by Common Redpoll and Reed Bunting. Two new birds for me, an Arctic Redpoll which is one of five caught during our visit and a Merlin which is one of two caught, again during our visit. In total I have ringed and processed 12 new species.
Siberian Tits are fairly common in the Finnmark area of Norway their heads are quite distinctive but there is a similarity to the Willow Tit.
For information they occasionally hybridise with Willow Tits.
The Merlin has been quite common all week, taking an interest in our ringing activities. We have had days where we have had two flying around together. Dave was good enough to let me ring it knowing it was a first for me.
As usual with Raptors care has to be taken when handling, especially the claws which can very easily draw blood from an unwary ringer. Stunning birds but ferocious killers if you are a small bird!!
Garden Warbler, the only one during our visit. Three were caught last year and none in 2012
Below are the final figures for the number of species caught and the total number of birds processed. Today it was 404 birds and was the most productive day overall with A garden Warbler to add to the species list and two new ringing ticks for me. The title of this blog sums it up very well.
Merlin
|
2
|
Ringed Plover
|
21
|
Dunlin
|
92
|
Curlew Sandpiper
|
16
|
Little Stint
|
21
|
Meadow Pipit
|
1066
|
Red Throated Pipit
|
5
|
White Wagtail
|
6
|
Dunnock
|
30
|
Bluethroat
|
286
|
Redstart
|
10
|
Wheatear
|
7
|
Redwing
|
85
|
Fieldfare
|
18
|
Barred Warbler
|
1
|
Garden Warbler
|
1
|
Sedge Warbler
|
18
|
Willow Warbler
|
289
|
Chiffchaff
|
4
|
Pied Flycatcher
|
2
|
Great Tit
|
31
|
Blue Tit
|
1
|
Willow Tit
|
2
|
Siberian Tit
|
4
|
House Sparrow
|
38
|
Brambling
|
72
|
Common Redpoll
|
583
|
Arctic Redpoll
|
5
|
Greenfinch
|
55
|
Bullfinch
|
1
|
Reed Bunting
|
539
|
Little Bunting
|
2
|
Lapland Bunting
|
56
|
Total Species 33
|
Total Processed 3369
|
I have enjoyed the 2 weeks I have spent in this beautiful part of the world. Both the bird ringing and bird watching has been excellent and hope there will be opportunities to return again sometime soon.
I also have enjoyed the company of Colin M, Dave C, Colin H, Stu and Sara B. We all got on well and never a crossed word.
See http://varangerringing.blogspot.co.uk for further information.
I also have enjoyed the company of Colin M, Dave C, Colin H, Stu and Sara B. We all got on well and never a crossed word.
See http://varangerringing.blogspot.co.uk for further information.
Hi Charlie, Just took a look at your blog for the first time. At last we're home again in Holland. It was nice to meet you in Varanger. Who knows we meet again, so we can bring coffee and biscuits. Greetings from Frank and Petra
ReplyDeleteHi Petra and Frank
ReplyDeleteIt was really a pleasure to meet you and Frank in Nesseby, your kindness and company was very welcome. As you know it was the first time for me and it was one of the those holidays when you wish you could stay longer. I have many happy memories of the wonderful bird ringing, great company, you and Frank included and all the friendliness of the Norwegian people. The country is a magnificent place as well. In total we ringed 3361 birds and team "B" who went one week after we returned to the UK had about 3000 birds. We averaged approximately 300 birds a day and now in the UK probably 70 to 80 birds a day.
You wouldn't be surprised to know we will be back next year around the same time and I for one certainly hope we meet up again. I hope Frank is enjoying playing for Man City?
When I get some idea of exactly when we go I will let you know.
Best Regards Charlie