Getterön Fågelstation, Sweden, 1st October 2016

After three days of extremely strong winds, often with rain from time to time, we were finally able to drop nets and get out for our last day of ringing at Getterön Fågelstation. We were joined by Jack who would be manning the station throughout October. He arrived after dark on the previous day, so setting up in the dark was his first chance to find out where the nets were and get an idea of the site in general.

We dropped nets to the sound of Robins ticking from the bushes and there were clearly birds around to be caught. All main nets were dropped. The Meadow Pipit net was taken down just before the bad weather started.

It was a steady morning with plenty of birds to keep us going until 13.00hrs. There was nothing really special but it was nice to see what will be our last Bramblings, Redstarts and Tree Sparrows for a while. None of these birds are caught at our usual sites. We also did the last of our two dominant species bringing Meadow Pipit to 426 and Reed Bunting to 396. There were 3504 new birds in total during our time as resident ringers.

Finally a new Yellow-browed Warbler was seen on the reserve late afternoon.

 Male Brambling

 Male Reed Bunting - one of 396

 Tree Sparrow

The 426th Meadow Pipit

Total: 166 (39)

Ängspiplärka/Meadow Pipit – 4

Gärdsmyg/Wren – 2

Järnsparv/Dunnock – 3 (1)

Rödhake/Robin – 46 (17)

Rödstjärt/Redstart - 0 (2)

Taltrast/Song Thrush – 1

Koltrast/Blackbird - 1

Rörsångare/Reed Warbler – 2

Trädgårdsångare/Garden Warbler – 0 (1)

Svarthätta/Blackcap – 55 (6)

Gransångare/Chiffchaff –  14 (2)

Kungsfågel/Goldcrest – 2 (1)

Skäggmes/Bearded Tit - 0 (4)

Blåmes/Blue Tit – 3 (4)

Talgoxe/Great Tit – 3 (1)

Stare/Starling - 1

Pilfink/Tree Sparrow - 1

Bofink/Chaffinch – 1

Bergfink/Brambling - 2

Grönfink/Greenfinch - 4

Sävsparv/Reed Bunting - 21

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time ringing at Getterön and would like to thank everyone who has helped us, either with ringing operations or with information for birding locally particularly Bo for allowing us the opportunity to come here and dropping in to extract before work some days, Margareta for helping with extracting, giving us the opportunity to do our only Swedish twitch when we succeeded in seeing Eagle Owl in Varberg town centre and many other things besides, particularly liaising with Bo Kanje who took us out in hopes of catching Pygmy Owl but also showed us areas where he rings nest-box and raptor pulli, as well as some interesting tourist sites. Also those who helped at the open day, Dirk and Maria for their advice as out going resident ringers and Stanley who showed us around when we arrived and helped us in the first few days.

If anyone is considering a month at this station in the autumn, do feel free to contact us if you have any questions or think that we may be able to help you decide whether this might be for you. We are contactable on facebook or at deniselamsdell@rocketmail.com or clamsdell@gmail.com

A last view of the obs, the lagoon and the fabulous mipit net.

Getterön Fågelstation, Sweden, 27th September 2016

Today was busy, busy, busy! Rain in the night forced birds down and it was clear there had been a fall from the number of robins heard as the nets were set. But it wasn't just robins with over 100, but a lot of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs too. The highlights had to be a Yellow-browed Warbler, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, the second of these being a new species for us and a Kingfisher, very scarce in the locale.

 Yellow-browed Warbler

 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

 Magpie

Kingfisher - juvenile female

In the evening we tried again for Starlings and owls. As usual none of the small groups of Starlings could be tempted away from the main roost. We're still trying for owls.

The wind is due to get up again tomorrow and the gusts look too strong for ringing for the next couple of days.

Clouds roll in with the next weather front

Total: 393 (35)

Kingfisher - 1
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - 1
Meadow Pipit - 37 (1)
Wren - 6 (1)
Dunnock - 2 (1)
Robin - 102 (9)
Redstart - 1 (1)
Song Thrush - 4
Reed Warbler - 18 (1)
Lesser Whitethroat - 0 (1)
Garden Warbler - 4
Blackcap - 85 (7)
Chiffchaff - 80 (2)
Yellow-browed Warbler - 1
Goldcrest - 2
Bearded Tit - 0 (1)
Blue Tit - 10 (6)
Great Tit - 1 (4)
Magpie - 1
Tree Sparrow - 2
Chaffinch - 1
Greenfinch - 1
Reed Bunting - 28

Getterön Fågelstation, Sweden, 25th & 26th September 2016

It was less windy early on this morning so we had a better chance of birds staying in nets than yesterday! We opened all the nets, and after a rather quiet start things started to improve. Chiffchaffs continue to make up a decent amount of the catch, Reed Buntings have reduced at present and Meadow Pipits are down with the windier conditions.

 Juvenile male Yellowhammer

Great Tit, adult male

Greenfinch

Totals: 87 (8)

Meadow Pipit - 8 (1)
Wren - 1
Dunnock - 2 (1)
Robin - 8 (3)
Redstart - 0 (1)
Reed Warbler - 2
Blackcap - 17
Chiffchaff - 24 (1)
Blue Tit - 1
Great Tit - 1 (1)
Greenfinch - 2
Lesser Redpoll - 1
Yellowhammer - 1
Reed Bunting - 19

26th September

A light, moderate SSE wind to start, increasing by 11am and cloud. We expected similar to yesterday, opened and waited to see what happened. The Chiffchaff calls worked quite well, but our attempts to attract finches did not work although we could see several small groups passing overhead. Nets were closed for 11am.

Garden Warbler

Dawn departure of geese.

In the afternoon we went walking at Sumpafallen. It was a beautiful place, but like all woodlands at this time of year there were only a few birds to be seen.

Our target species were Dipper and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and we saw neither. On returning the Getterons via Varberg we drove in to town just as the Cranes were returning from the fields. Some were at the lagoon edge close to the observatory.

Pre-roost activity of Cranes 

Chris had another try for some Starlings. The flock has swelled considerably and they positively drown out the tape lure when they're all roosting for the night. Current estimate is a minimum of 2000 birds. Chris was disappointed to find birds roosting either side of the net run this morning when we hadn't tried last night. Of course they all left almost vertically and none were captured.

Our last attempt was for owls. We tried Pygmy and Hawk owls as they are now passing through but were unsuccessful again.

Total: 95 (12)

Meadow Pipit - 14 (1)
Wren - 0 (1)
Dunnock - 2 (2)
Robin - 6 (4)
Redstart - 1 (1)
Sedge Warbler - 1
Reed Warbler - 9
Garden Warbler - 1
Blackcap - 19 (1)
Chiffchaff - 22
Willow Warbler - 1
Bearded Tit - 0 (1)
Blue Tit - 0 (1)
Reed Bunting - 19

Getterön Fågelstation, Sweden, 23rd & 24th September 2016

23rd September
Today we expected more wind than we've had over the last few days and showers to disturb operations from about ten 'o' clock. The wind wasn't too bad in the morning, although it strengthened in the afternoon - and the forecast of showers came to nothing.

There was a surprise in the bushes nets on the first round as we had thought it too late for the species to be around still, but there he was, a young male Nightjar.

 Nightjar, juvenile male

It was a real treat to process the bird in full light for a change!

We completed our usual morning session, leaving the Meadow Pipit nets open a little longer while they continued to catch, but there was no possibility of trying for a Starling roost in the evening as the gusts were too strong.

Total 91 (21)

Nightjar - 1
Meadow Pipit - 24 (3)
Wren - 2 (1)
Dunnock - 4 (2)
Robin - 1 (6)
Redstart - 0 (1)
Sedge Warbler - 1
Reed Warbler - 4
Lesser Whitethroat -1
Garden Warbler - 0 (1)
Blackcap - 21 (1)
Chiffchaff - 12 (2)
Blue Tit - 3 (3)
Bearded Tit - 0 (1)
Reed Bunting - 17

24th September
At setting up time the wind was blowing at 13 metres per second from the NWN, but due to reduce. We dropped all the usual station nets but our Meadow Pipit nets were too exposed so remained furled.

We got a some birds from the nets that were least exposed, with a few recaptures and mainly Blackcaps and Robins. We tried a variety of calls to encourage birds into nets, including Twite, Redpoll, Hawfinch, Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting, but Chiffchaff seemed to be the only one that worked on a net positioned in a sheltered spot.

Goldcrest, juvenile male

The wind was still quite strong as the morning progressed so we closed early at 10am. The Barnacle Geese were mostly in the most sheltered area of the lagoon, closest to the observatory.

Barnacle Geese

Total: 41 (14)
Meadow Pipit - 0 (1)
Wren - 2 (1)
Robin - 9 (5)
Redstart - 1
Songthrush - 1
Reed Warbler - 3
Blackcap - 10 (2)
Chiffchaff - 10
Goldcrest - 1
Blue Tit - 3 (3)
Bearded Tit - 0 (1)
Reed Bunting - 1 (1)

In the afternoon we headed inland, back to the beech forest where we'd tried for Pygmy Owl. On the way we noticed a collection of raptors near the road. The attraction wasn't clear but there were five Red Kite and nine Buzzard.

Red Kite

Common Buzzard

At the woods we had hoped to see Black Woodpecker, but had to be content with Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and some other birds of the forest. There were also some interesting fungi.

Getterön Fågelstation, Sweden, 19th & 20th September 2016

19th September

The wind was changeable overnight and  blowing from a North Westerly direction by the end of the morning. It was quite busy with a lot of birds seen in the bushes, as well as being caught. Bo dropped something off, and got roped in to a quick dash round the bush nets to extract, saving us a little time. We were pleased with our total, and we may have to resort to the bicycles if we get a higher number of birds when no help is available.

 Juvenile male Sparrowhawk

Brambling

 Male Bearded Tit with black mask feathers moulting through

In the afternoon we went off with Bo Kanje, Kirsten and Margareta to see Pygmy Owl habitat. There was also a chance to see some of the local nature reserves and tourist attractions. We did set a net where the Pygmy Owls were but we caught nothing and did not even hear them calling. Many thanks to Bo, Margareta and Kirsten for their efforts - both with the owls and the evening picnic. It was great!

 One of many locations where Bo (pronounced Boo) monitors raptors and owls,

 including box nesting birds.

 Goshawk nest

 Tourist retreat complete with saunas, spas and vineyard.

 Nest box for Pygmy Owl. Sparvuggla, the Swedish name, means Sparrow Owl.

Sparvuggla habitat

A wonderful place, but watch out for the elk flies.

Total: 216 (21)

Sparrowhawk - 1
Tree Pipit - 1
Meadow Pipit - 27
Wren - 2
Dunnock - 6 (1)
Robin - 25 (5)
Song Thrush - 1
Redstart - 0 (1)
Sedge Warbler - 3
Reed Warbler - 9 (1)
Lesser Whitethroat - 0 (1)
Whitethroat - 0 (1)
Garden Warbler - 3
Blackcap - 42 (5)
Willow Warbler - 3
Chiffchaff - 50 (1)
Bearded Tit - 0 (2)
Blue Tit - 5  (1)
Great Tit - 3 (2)
Tree Sparrow - 2
Chaffinch - 1
Brambling - 1
Reed Bunting - 31

20th September

It was a chilly start to the day due to the wind blowing in from North North West. We were not sure if there would be birds still around from the 'fall' yesterday or whether there may be new arrivals. Once we got started, it was clear that there had been an influx of Wrens and Robins, with rather more Robins! In the reed bed, Reed Bunting responded well to the audio-lure.

 Wren - referred to affectionately as meatballs in Denmark

 which makes this a Swedish meatball!

 Bearded Tits - two dapper chappies!

Great Spotted Woodpecker - juvenile male

We were surprised to recapture the Barred Warbler that was ringed on the 8th of September. This bird has not been reported since it was captured. Its weight, 25.5g, and fat score have not changed.

The wind has increased this afternoon and it is unlikely that we'll do any netting this evening.

Total: 230  (29)

Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1
Tree Pipit - 1
Meadow Pipit - 22
Wren - 19
Dunnock - 4
Robin - 59 (4)
Redstart - 0 (2)
Sedge Warbler - 2
Reed Warbler - 15 (1)
Whitethroat - 1 (1)
Garden Warbler - 5 (3)
Blackcap - 32 (10)
Barred Warbler - 0 (1)
Willow Warbler - 3
Chiffchaff - 23
Bearded Tit - 1 (3)
Blue Tit - 2 (4)
Starling - 1
Greenfinch - 1
Reed Bunting - 38

Getteron Fågelstation, Sweden - 6th & 7th September 2016

6th September

A bit of a change today with very little coming from the reed bed. There were no Reed Warblers, but we did catch our first Marsh Warbler. The bird had a 69mm wing with a notch of 9mm. Some other identification criteria are shown below.  The new Meadow Pipit nets in the observatory garden worked well, and Blue Tits could be heard from all areas of the site.

Juvenile Marsh Warbler

 Different toe/claw ratio to Reed Warbler. Underside of claws white 

(just visible above on hind claw). Broader base of bill.

Emargination on P3 comes to P7/8. On Reed Warblers 

emargination is usually close to equal with secondaries. 

Treecreeper

It was another beautiful day, warm and bright with a strengthening wind that started mid-morning and just kept blowing. We set for a roost just after 7pm and captured another 28 Yellow Wagtails.

Totals: 108 (6)

Meadow Pipit - 15
Blue-headed Wagtail - 31
White Wagtail - 1
Dunnock - 2
Robin - 9 (1)
Redstart - 5
Sedge Warbler - 1 (1)
Marsh Warbler - 1
Lesser Whitethroat - 2
Whitethroat - 1
Garden Warbler - 5
Blackcap - 24 (2)
Willow Warbler - 1
Chiffchaff - 4
Blue Tit - 2 (2)
Great Tit - 1
Treecreeper - 1
Tree Sparrow - 2


7th September

The forecast for rain overnight didn't happen. There was a thick blanket of cloud covering the sky for as far as the eye can see, with strong winds from the southwest - and another warning for rain at 11am. All the nets were dropped. It was clear after the first couple of rounds that there had not been an influx of birds.

Each round produced no more than a handful of birds and we noted that there was no sign of any Common Redstarts whatsoever. With the catch rate so poor, strong wind and the threat of rain, some nets were closed by 9am. There were a few light spots of rain at about 10am but it never amounted to much and certainly didn't improve the number of birds in the nets.

With a little time on our hands, we spent some time watching the waterfowl and noticed how the bay has more water than the last couple of days. There are no tides here but wind direction influences the amount of sea water driven into the bay.

Many thanks to the two birders who visited and gave us the name of someone at Naturum who has a great deal of local information about birds. He was really helpful. We are also impressed that the centre feeds eagles during the winter, and can get up to 20 birds. It's disappointing that this does not start until half way through October when we will no longer be here.

In the afternoon a large congregation of Swallows were seen on the wires by the access road. We later went down to the reedbed with the intent of setting for a Swallow roost, but no birds were present or came to the audio-lure and we decided they had probably gone to roost very early due to the misty conditions or roosted away from the reserve.

Totals: 36 (5)

Meadow Pipit - 1
White Wagtail - 1
Dunnock - 4
Robin - 2 (1)
Sedge Warbler - 1
Reed Warbler - 1
Marsh Warbler - 1
Lesser Whitethroat - 2
Whitethroat - 3
Garden Warbler - 6 (1)
Blackcap - 10 (1)
Chiffchaff - 2
Blue Tit - 0 (2)
Tree Sparrow - 1
Reed Bunting - 1

 Chiffchaff

One of the few wallpapered ringing huts I've been in. But when you're busy and just glance up, it can make you think there's been an escape..