23 nets opened at 0345, with some closed as the morning progressed and wind increased for a while. All remaining nets closed at 0930 when rain arrived.

Just 12 new birds of 7 species, to give a total of 1517 new birds for the month.

Kay went off island for the morning to get shopping, while Chris gave guided talk to 7 people and caught up with end of month paperwork

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100. The start of the morning had very light winds, almost calm, increasing as the morning progressed to about 6m/s by 1100, remaining overcast all morning.

A total of 29 new birds of 14 species with 7 Rörsångare (Reed Warbler) being noteworthy along with our 8th Mindre Flugsnappare (Red-breasted Flycatcher) of spring. A late Rödvingetrast (Redwing) was also of note.

Raining this afternoon, so no need to check nest boxes, as most birds seem a bit late in breeding this year.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

After heavy rain overnight the morning was dry with a mainly moderate wind which increased for a while during the netting session which was from 0345 to 1100.

A total of 35 new birds of 13 species, including a further 4 Rödstjärt (Redstart), all females.

A Gök (Cuckoo) was heard mid-morning, the first near the Obs this spring and a Morkulla (Woodcock) was flushed from near the Bredmar reed bed nets around 0900.

After an interrupted nights sleep last night due to thunder storm it will be a quiet afternoon, just oiling the final bench and table – a job that didn’t get done yesterday!!!

Went to SUDD in afternoon to ring the Talgoxe (Great Tit) chicks in the nest box on the ground. Thought last nights rain might have killed them all, but 6 out of 7 still alive. Five young ringed but one was too small and unlikely to survive.

Have had the first Tornseglare (Swift) land at the entrance to one of the 7 nest boxes we have built for them under the roof of the Obs. Looking promising!!!

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs tonight.

All nets opened at 0345 with a few closed mid-morning as the wind increased. Remaining nets closed at 1145.

21 new birds of 12 species, including four Rörsångare (Reed Warbler).

A guided talk given to one person at 1130.

Stalin, who left the island at 0930 went up to Norrhamn before leaving and found a nest of Svarthakedopping (Horned Grebe) with two plus eggs and adults present.

Have tried attracting Tornseglare (Swift) to the new nest boxes today, with some success. At least one, possibly two birds have been investigating the site.

Afternoon to be spent checking more Stare (Starling) nest boxes and probably finishing putting oil on the wooden bench seats – 2 done, one to go!

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

Most nets opened at 0345 and some an hour later as the wind decreased slightly. All nets closed at 1030 with just 8 new birds of 5 species caught.

We closed slightly earlier than the normal 1100 to allow time for us to attend the memorial service of Per Lind, a truly kind, thoughtful, humorous and gentle man, who we were privileged to know. A good friend to the Observatory and keen supporter of the improvements that we are all working towards. He will be missed on Landsort, but never forgotten. Our thoughts are with Eva and family.

There will be just three at the Observatory tonight: Chris, Kay and Stalin.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100. A quieter morning but 24 new birds of 12 species including the first Kärrsångare (Marsh Warbler) of the season. Ebba arrived on site at 0700 to help for the morning.

A Vaktel (Common Quail) was observed at about 0500, initially by Kay and then by Chris. Walked from cover into the open under the last road net north and observed for about 1 minute as close as 3m before flying along the open net and over the cliffs into Södra lunden. Close to catching, but not quite!!!!

Afternoon to be spent visiting more nest boxes and possibly putting oil on one of the bench seats. Update. 4 Pilfink (Tree Sparrow) chicks ringed in two nests at SUDD to increase the day total to 28 of 13 species.

Linda, a new Member, leaves the Obs this afternoon leaving just three at the Obs tonight: Chris, Kay & Stalin.

All nets opened at 0345, most closed at 1100 and some kept open until 1145 for an extra guided talk.

A total of 42 new birds of 17 species including the first Ladusvala (Barn Swallow) and Lundsångare (Greenish Warbler) of the year.

Ebba arrived on site at 0900, staying until 1200 to observe ringing and help with net rounds.

Guided talk to 3 people, arranged through Ann & Lennart at the hostel

Stare (Starling) nest boxes to check this afternoon.

Think there will be four at the Obs overnight: Chris, Kay, Stalin and Linda.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1200.

A total of 30 new birds of 13 species including the first fledged Blackbird and Yellowhammer caught, though young of both have been seen since the 17th. After catching a re-trapped Rosenfink (Rosefinch) a couple of days ago we caught two un-ringed birds today. Also of note were further 2 Blåhake (Bluethroat) taking the year total to 24, the best year since 2009 (28).

Chris had good views of a pair of Årta (Garganey) at 0400 whilst opening the nets. They flew in and landed about 10m away on the Bredmar pond before swimming into the bank-side vegetation. Female then left the water briefly before they both flew off. On site for about 2 minutes, with the male in full breeding plumage. A nice sight!!

A record from ‘Anders’ who is doing surveys from boat around the island today. He and his colleague (sorry the name has left me!!) saw a Tereksnäppa (Terek Sandpiper) on an island north and west of Landsort.

Strimming of net rides this afternoon.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

All nets opened at 0345 with a forecast for no rain. All nets closed at 0530 when a heavy rain shower came over the island!!! The non-existent rain stopped after 45 minutes so all nets opened again and closed at 1100.

A total of 30 new birds of 13 species. Among them was the first fledged Grönfink (Greenfinch) of the year.

A few problems with Fagel3 upgrades took a bit of time to resolve and the rest of the afternoon will be spent working on fixing some of the Observatories bikes.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100. A total of 44 new birds of 17 species, including two more Mindre Flugsnappare (Red-breasted Flycatcher) to give 10 for the season and the highest spring number in the 30 years as an Observatory.

Afternoon will be spent checking more Stare (Starling) nest boxes.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

All nets opened at 0345 in light winds. Standard netting finished at 1100 with some nets left open until 1200 for a guided talk.

An excellent mornings ringing, with 71 new birds of 18 species. A few noteworthy records including five Näktergal (Thrush Nightingale), six Blåhake (Bluethroat) and three Mindre flugsnappare (Red-breasted Flycatcher), the second highest day count for this species in spring at the Obs (after four on 22nd May 2014).

A re-trapped Sädasärla (White Wagtail) had been ringed here as a 1cy bird on 2013-09-11.

All rubbish taken down the lane to be collected for the rubbish boat. Thanks to Lennart and Lasse for taking it up to Norhamnn for us.

A guided talk given to 9 people.

Thanks to Janne for help in moving the rubbish and helping Kay while I gave the guided talk. Also a big thanks to him for very kindly treating Kay (and Chris!) to lunch at the pub to celebrate Kays birthday today!!! Wonderful food by Hanna and Inga, Birthday cake collected specially from Nynäshamn by Tore. Also thanks to Bernt for putting up the ‘special day’ flag at his house next door to celebrate the big day. All combined to give Kay a memorable day – and the Bluethroat weren’t so bad either!!!

Janne leaves on the 1730 ferry to give just Chris & Kay overnight at the Obs.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100 with 30 new birds of 11 species. Also caught were three notable re-traps, all initially trapped at Bredmar: Näktergal (Thrush Nightingale) ringed 2016-05-13, Törnsångare (Whitethroat) ringed 2016-05-18 and a male Rosenfink (Rosefinch) ringed 2013-06-08.

Janne & Håkan headed south for the morning but experienced a very quiet day for migration watching. Håkan leaves the island this afternoon and Bosse has not been able to make it this weekend after all, so just three at the Obs tonight; Chris, Kay & Janne.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100. Much quieter day than yesterday, with just 36 new birds of 11 species. First (un-ringed!!) Pilfink (Tree Sparrow) of the year caught.

Janne and Håkan headed off north for migration watch. Update on sightings of interest later.

Between nets rounds Chris & Kay put 7 Tornseglare (Swift) boxes up on the north-facing wall of the Obs. Three more to go up once the rest of the outside of the building is renovated.

Afternoon will be spent starting to check Stare (Starling) nest boxes.

Update.14 Stare boxes checked, with chicks found in just four of them. Most were too small to ring, confirming that they are nesting later this year than in 2016. Six chicks in one brood were ringed, to give 42 new birds of 12 species for the day.

As far as we know there will be 5 at the Obs tonight; Chris, Kay, Janne, Håkan and Bosse.

All nets opened at 0345 in thick fog with no wind. Wind increased as the morning progressed and the fog lifted around 0800 to give clearer conditions with sunshine for the last 2 hours. All nets closed at 1200.

Another good morning with 116 new birds of 22 species, a good range of spring migrants, with very few caught early on, increasing through the morning before becoming very quiet again.

More work around the Obs this afternoon, trying to get things ready for starting to check nest boxes, starting tomorrow.

Will be three at the Obs tonight; Chris, Kay & Håkan.

All nets opened at 0415 in an increasing southerly wind that brought the occasional shower before a wide band of rain at 0700 which resulted in all nets being closed for the day.

A total of just 16 new birds of 9 species. Very few birds in the area.

The opportunity of early closing of nets means we can clean all bird bags, complete building the Tornseglare (Swift) nest boxes and carry on with reviewing the last 30 years of data.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs tonight.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100, with 59 new birds of 18 species, including the first Näktergal (Thrush Nightingale) of the year. In addition to one new bird of this species we caught a bird ringed at Bredmar on 17-5-14 as a 2cy – one day short of three years ago!

Afternoon will be spent doing some jobs around the Obs.

Two at the Obs overnight: Chris & Kay.

All nets opened at 0345 in perfect netting conditions – no wind and overcast. Some nets closed at 0845 when Kay went off the island for some shopping, with the remaining 22 nets closed at 1200.

A great total of 164 new birds of 21 species, producing five new species caught for the year: Buskskvätta (Whinchat), Härmsångare (Icterine Warbler), Trädgårdssångare (Garden warbler), Grönsångare (Wood Warbler) and Grå flugsnappare (Spotted Flycatcher).

A movement of Tornseglare (Swift), Hussvala (House Martin) and ladusvala (Barn Swallow) was a further welcome sign that birds are arriving in the area, although pretty late for some species.

By the time data entered, blog updated etc that’s it for the day.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1130, with 60 new birds of 15 species, including the first of the year caught for, Rörsångare (Reed Warbler), Törnsångare (Whitethroat) and Halsbandsflugsnappare (Collared Flycatcher).

Forgot to note that on the 11th May we observed our first fledged young of the year, a recently fledged Koltrast (Blackbird). Today Kay observed a young Gulsparv (Yellowhammer), just out of the nest. So, despite the cold spring some birds have been making progress!!!

Rasmus and Jacob headed north for the morning before leaving on the 1330 ferry. Their sightings will appear on Artportalan later, but a quiet morning, with the highlight being an Ortolansparv (Ortolan Bunting).

Mats and Lasse headed to SUDD and also had a quiet morning, while Bosse and Janne remained around the Obs area for a while, covering the middle of the island from up on the hill.

Lasse left on the 1330 ferry with Mats, Janne & Bosse leaving on the last ferry to give just two at the Obs overnight: Chris & Kay.

All nets opened at 0415, standard netting finished at 1100 and the remaining nets closed at 1245 after two guided talks.

A pleasing mornings ringing with 75 new birds of 17 species. Rasmus and Jakob went up north at first light, followed a bit later by Janne who had remained around the Obs for a while. Lasse headed south.

There were two particularly good sightings from a good morning of migration watching. These were a Ägretthäger (Great Egret) and a Turkduva (Collared Dove). The egret was noticed from the north and observed passing east to west over the island just north of Bredmar before flying south down the east coast before returning north to Torö island for an hour before returning to Landsort.

The Dove was seen heading south past the Obs and landing in a tree north of the village.

A more complete list of highlights from a very good day for migrants will be given later once ‘the gang’ arrive back.

Two guided talks given: one to 7 people at 1130 and another to 4 at 1230.

A fridge/freezer was kindly donated to the Obs by Per & Birgitta. Thank you to them and also for Lennart who very kindly picked it up with Chris to deliver it to the Obs.

Hans arrived for the day on the morning ferry, always good to spend time with him and Bosse and Mats arrived on the early afternoon ferry to give eight at the Obs tonight: Chris, Kay, Janne, Rasmus, Jakob, Lasse, Mats & Bosse.

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100. A quiet start to the morning, but improved by the time 0600 arrived. Caught the first Mindre flugsnappare (Red-breasted Flycatcher) of the season, a full adult male.

Catch was dominated by Lövsangare and Gransångare (Willow Warbler & Chiffchaff). Finished with 82 new birds of 8 species, plus an Ärtsångare (Lesser Whitethroat) that was already ringed from within Sweden.

Will update on interesting sightings a bit later.

Completed putting up all the nets at SUDD. That’s all nets up there and all boardwalks repaired/replaced.

Will be 6 at the Obs tonight; Chris, Kay, Janne, Lasse, Rasmus and Jakob.

26 nets opened at 0345, with the last four opened once the ice had thawed from on top of them. All nets closed at 1145.

At last a good days ringing, with 119 new birds of 12 species, 88 of them Rödhake (Robin) with five male Rödstjärt (Redstart) also.

Another Denmark ringed Rödhake caught, making that two in two days.

Some more work in SUDD this afternoon.

Will be three at the Obs tonight: Chris, Kay & Janne

After the snow flurries and showers of yesterday and with a wind forecast to be light and NOT from the NE we were up to open the nets at 0345 with anticipation of a good morning of netting. On going outside we were met with moderate NE winds and cold, just above 1 degree at the Obs and colder down at Bredmar, with three reed bed nets frozen.

27 nets opened at 0345 with the other 3 opened on hour later. All netting finished at 1145 with just 24 new birds of 9 species, the best of which was our first Sävsångare (Sedge Warbler) of the year. Also caught was a 2cy Rödhake (Robin) carrying a ring from the Danish ringing scheme.

Janne was up and out migration watching from first light, though it was quiet for most species. A passage of Storspov (Curlew) and a few Småspov (Whimbrel) was of note, along with a couple of Gulärla (Yellow Wagtail).

Some bird bags washed. Afternoon will be spent repairing the Boardwalk at SUDD east.

There will be three at the Obs tonight; Chris, Kay & Janne

All nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100 by which time the wind had decreased. Ice on Bredmar this morning and the temperature struggled to rise above 3 degrees most of the morning, getting to around 5 degrees by 1100.

Total of 18 new birds of 9 species. Still very quiet for migrants though a 4th Blåhake (Bluethroat) added to the ringing totals and another, un-ringed, bird seen later in the Bredmar reeds.

Two Lärkfalk (Hobby) calling as they migrated north were followed a short while later by a Sidensvans (Waxwing) heading the same way. For someone from the British Isles, it is not usual to see both species on one day!

Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

All nets opened at 0345 in a 6-8m/s northerly wind. The wind started to increase early in the morning, resulting in nets being closed through the session. By the time the last four nets were closed at 1100 the wind was very strong, gusting to 21m/s with one or two snow flurries as well.

Ended the session with 15 new birds of 7 species, the best of which was an adult male Blåhake (Bluethroat), the 3rd of the year.

The only sighting of any interest was a Lärkfalk (Hobby) observed by Kay, migrating north. The skies here are just about empty of birds!!!

By the end of the day all pillow cases and mattress covers for the dormitories and common room will have been washed and dried. Some entered the washing machine willingly, others had to dragged kicking and screaming – but they all went in eventually!!!

Work progressing on reviewing old data, but a long job.

Just Chris and Kay at the Obs overnight.

All nets opened at first light but some closed a bit later due to an increasing NE wind which is still keeping temperatures down. Netting finished at 1145 with just 29 new birds of 10 species, including the second Blåhake (Bluethroat) of the year, a splendid 2cy male.

No public guided talk today.

Delays in any progress to finish the outside of the building means we will need to postpone putting up the Tornsaglare (Swift) nest boxes, but more work done on building them this morning.

Afternoon will be spent at SUDD measuring up what is needed to re-build the east net walkways.

An update on the fight between the Huggorm (Adder) and Vanlig padda (Common Toad) reported on yesterday. The padda was still present this morning, without the Huggorm attached to its leg!! The padda looked very ill but was still alive at least and had moved somewhere else later in the morning.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

Not much wind, so all 30 nets opened at 0345, with most closed at 1100 and some kept open until 1145 for a public guided talk.

A total of 38 new birds of 15 species/sub-species.

Guided talk attended by six people.

Most notable sighting of the day was watching a Huggorm (Adder) holding on to the leg of a Vanlig padda (Common Toad) in the reed bed. An hour later they were still there but the padda was partly swallowed!!

Håkan, who was over for the night and camped north of the Obs saw a Merlin at Fårhagen.

Yesterday evening Mats very kindly dropped the new washing machine off at Ankarudden and thanks to Tore it was soon transported from East Harbour to the Obs where it has already been put to use washing the cushion and pillow covers. Fantastic, and thanks to both of them for getting it to us and Anders for his part also.

Will be just two at the Obs tonight: Chris & Kay.

A calm morning with all nets opened at 0345 and closed at 1100. A total of 62 new birds of 10 species with the highlight being 32 Gransångare (Chiffchaff), a new spring day record for Landsort, the previous best day being 24 on the 22nd April 2012

A couple of Ladusvala (Barn Swallow) migrating north and two Hussvala (House Martin) over the village were further signs that spring is finally taking place! Also of note was the capture of a Kungsfågel (Goldcrest) that had a ring from Lithuania on it.

Seems like there is just Chris & Kay at the Obs tonight.

22 nets opened at 0345, with some opened a bit later on, but only for a short while as the wind continued to increase.

Only 22 new birds of 7 species, 50% of the Gransångare (Chiffchaff) and our first Svartvit flugsnappare (Pied Flycatcher) of the year, a 2cy male.

Two guided talks given, one at 1100 to 13 people and one at 1230 to 23, with nets closed at 1330. Made it a very long day but both talks were well received and enjoyed by everyone.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

28 nets opened at 0400 with the last two opened at 0600 once ice had thawed. Most nets closed at 1100 with some left open for a guided talk.

A total of 33 new birds was again quiet but a pleasing variety of species with 14 including our 2nd Göktyta (Wryneck) of the year and a Sidensvans (Waxwing), a bit un-expected for this time of year. It was one of a flock of five perched in a bush while Kay was closing the nets and very obligingly flew down past her shoulder and into the net next to here. Wish it was always like that!!!

The first of our public ‘drop-in’ guided talks of the year was attended by just one person, but she was rewarded with close up views of the Sidensvans.

More work around the Obs this afternoon.

Just Chris & Kay at the Obs overnight.

25 nets opened at 0400 with the last five opened at 0600 when the sun had thawed the ice from them. A cold start but very calm with sun throughout the netting period, which finished with all nets closed at 1100.

A total of 51 new birds of 9 species including the first Göktyta (Wryneck) of the year and two male Rödstjärt (Redstart), also the first for the year.

More work around the Obs this afternoon.

Just Chris & Kay overnight tonight.

All nets opened at 0400 and closed at 1200 in very light winds from the south. 79 new birds of 11 species, with 64 of these being Robin, but the first Trädpiplärka (Tree Pipit) of the year caught also.

Janne & Bosse went to the north in the morning and heard Göktyta. Mats was in the south all morning and between them around 1500 Svärta were observed. All their records will appear on Artportalen but they include a Ladusvala (Barn Swallow) observed heading north.

Mats, Bosse & (maybe) Janne leaving the island on the last ferry today, giving 2 or 3 on the Obs tonight; Chris, Kay & (maybe!!) Janne.