Gannets

Gannets

Sunday, 29 May 2016

Landsort diary 29th May 2016

Overnight rain with a strong wind delayed opening until 0500, though the alarm failing to go off did not help!!!
 
Only 11 of the 30 nets could be opened safely and these were closed at 1145 as the wind continued to increase through the morning. A total of just 8 new birds of 6 species from netting, but a further 7 were ringed in the nest as we did the first of what we hope will be many broods of Great Tit in nest boxes.
 
Ebba joined us again for the morning.
 
Just two again overnight, a good indication of how quiet the spring is - last weekend in May and no Members out to watch birds!!!
 
Other tasks for the day include the usual weekly jobs, but apart from those an 'easy' afternoon in store.

       
       
       
       
       

Saturday, 28 May 2016

Landsort diary 28th May 2016

All nets except the three canopy nets opened at 0400 and remained open until 1245. A total of 36 new birds of 12 species including the seasons first Blyth's Reed Warbler, which was a 'lifer' for Ebba, who is on the island with her family staying in Norhamn. Sadly, she did not believe me when I told her that getting a 'lifer' meant buying me some beer!!!!
 
During the morning Hans kindly repaired the canopy net rope, so that should now work until we are able to replace it during the summer.
 
Two guidings took place today, one at 1000 for 10 people and one at 1100 for 12 people. The public guided talks seem to be working well, 24 more members of the public who know more about the work of the Observatory and about the migration of birds through Sweden.
 
Hans left the Observatory in the afternoon, leaving just Kay & Chris overnight

        
       
       
       
       

Friday, 27 May 2016

Landsort diary 27th May 2016

Light rain delayed net opening by two hours, so 30 nets opened at 0600. The three canopy nets had to be closed at 0900 when the rope broke. This rope has been in a poor state of repair since 2013 and has long been planned for replacement!!!
 
All remaining nets closed at 1300. When the four Starling young ringed later in the day are added we at long last had a 50 bird day - just!! A total of 17 species, including the first Sedge Warbler of the day, 4 Spotted Flycatcher and 6 Red-backed Shrike.
 
Afternoon was spent ringing Starling young, replacing the first net in the south round and trying to see how we can repair the canopy ropes - needs complete new rope putting in.
 
Last night there were 9 at the Obs: Kay, Chris, Kays daughter and five friends and Hans Ellerby.
 
Tonight there is three at the Obs - Chris, Kay and Hans.

       
       
       
       
       

Thursday, 26 May 2016

Landsort diary 26th May 2016

Strong north-west wind prevented all nets being opened, but 23 opened at 0500, with some closed as the wind continued to increase. Strnger winds, increased gust strength and a shower of light rain resulted in the decision to close all remaining nets at 0900 with just 12 birds of 9 species caught.
 
        
       
       
       
        

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Landsort diary 25th May 2016

All open at 0400 and closed at 1200. A total of 38 new birds caught of 14 species, plus three more Starling pullus ringed, giving 41 of 15 species.
 
Afternoon spent checking nest boxes, clearing some old timber down to the south gulley and strimming the front grass.
 
Fredrik left the Obs in the morning giving just Kay & Chris overnight.
 
       
       
       
       
       

 

Tuesday, 24 May 2016


Rosefinch in all its glory



Cherry Blossom, hopefully summer cherries


Female Collared Flycatcher


Hoping for a good crop of sloes this year too


Pear blossom in the 'Plague Cemetery'


Apple blossom


Yellowhammer, sadly rarely seen at home now


Birthday beaver


Wild cowslips

Landsort diary 24th May 2016

All nets open at 0400 and closed again at 1200 with just 19 birds of 9 species. First Barn Swallow of the year caught.
 
In the gaps between net rounds we replaced two signs informing public of netting activity as the old two, which were in poor condition when we left in 2014 were almost illegible. Put up two new signs, one on the Oja Vallan path where it enters Bredmar in the north and one at the west pond net, where in 2015 somebody removed the net to go bathing.
 
Also tidied up the wood pile that was in front of the Obs, getting rid of rotten pieces and sorting the rest into pieces to use for replacing board walks and making shelves etc. Place looks a bit neater now.