Another busy week on Landsort comes to an end with just the two of us at the Observatory this evening.
Unusually calm, clear and sunny weather continues, so we suspect many of the birds are passing over the island without stopping and this is reflected in the numbers caught, just 243 since Monday. Within that though there have been some decent birds, including the first Bluethroat of the year, five in total with one of these having the white throat spot typical of the more central and southern race of the species. Uncommon in Sweden though being seen more frequently over the last few years.
We are collecting faecal samples from all Bluethroat we catch as part of a study into gut-borne parasites. Collection of ticks from all species continues with the first batch of 20 sent off at the start of the week. All faecal and tick samples are kept in our fridge until posted, perfectly hygienically of course!!!
A total of nine different Observatory members stayed in the week, with 17 bed-nights. A little volunteer work was undertaken including re-building the barbeque area, making six nest boxes for sale and clearing the net-rides at the secondary ringing site near the lighthouse ready for the nets to be put up next week
As we are here every day for the whole season we have advertised guided talks on each Wednesday and Saturday at 1100, with all money going towards the running costs. Prior to having 'staff' at the Obs full time it has not been possible to do this and it is hoped that extra money will be generated. Although nobody turned up for the first event, last Wednesday, this was expected as mid-weeks are still quiet for day-visitors to the island.
This weekend however the island was busy, good weather and a public holiday combining. At 1100 on Saturday we were delighted to see 10 adults and 2 youngsters walk up the lane - 850SEK that all helps and 12 more people knowing more about the Observatory and its important work.
After a slow start the pair of Blue Tit that have been having a look at the two new nests boxes outside the front door have finally decided to build. After some marital dispute over which box was best the one to the left of the door was selected and they are busy gathering moss, lichen and grass. Strangely we have seen them being chased by a Peacock Butterfly, Thought it was the other way round to start with but no, definitely Butterfly chasing birds - what is the world coming to!!!
Sadly, Kay's 'pet' vole that inhabits the ladies loo and often keeps Kay company was found dead in the sawdust on Friday. Not sure why to start with but on Saturday it all became clear - Kay opened the door to find a Viper (Adder) lying there - duly evicted!!!
Many snakes now and Grass Snake (called Water Snake here) are seen swimming across the pond or in the reed beds. Adder are basking in many secluded spots, Great-spotted Newts are out and about, seems to be two types of lizard and spring has definitely arrived.
Let's hope the birds do too!!!
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