3rd April 2018

All 24 nets opened at 0600 and kept open until 1100. Cold early on and remaining below 0 in the shade, but a good amount of sunshine encouraged the two viper seen yesterday to bask again in front of the Obs.

Just 8 new birds for the day, including 6 Blackbird (Koltrast) and the first Wren (Gärdsmyg) of the season.

Early afternoon was spent clearing away old nails that were dropped in the grass and on the road when the roof was replaced in the winter. Worthwhile – nearly 2 buckets of nails and old roof material removed. Also found the thermostat for the outside temperature gauge that was lost last year when the windows were replaced. Repaired and now working again. Fixed the roof on the small shed north of the Obs – no more banging during windy nights. At least that is the plan!!!

Tore used the drone this afternoon to go out to Bredgrund lighthouse off the south of the island, where several hundred Long-tailed Duck were gathered on the water. Later, time permitting, we will take a screen grab and see if we can get a more accurate count.

There will be two at the Obs overnight: Chris & Kay.

Wind: West
Strength: Light, 1-3 m/s
Temperature: -4
Visibility: Very good, >20km
Cloud cover: Almost clear, 1-2/8
Precipitation: Dry


Birds
ringed
Wren Gärdsmyg 1
Blackbird Koltrast 6
Blue Tit Blåmes 1


Sightings
of interest
Pink-footed Goose Spetsbergsgås 8 Migrating north
Greylag Goose Grågås 4
Canada Goose Kanadagås 7 Migrating north
Common Eider Ejder 183 Flying over Obs
Common Eider Ejder 400 At sea by Bredgrund
Long-tailed Duck Alfågel 760 At sea by Bredgrund
White-tailed Eagle Havsörn 1 Flying overhead
Black-headed Gull Skrattmås 2
Stock Dove Skogsduva 1 Over the Obs
Common Wood Pigeon Ringduva 151 Mostly flying south over the Obs
European Green Woodpecker Gröngöling 1 Heard
Eurasian Skylark Sånglärka 1 Heard
Common Raven Korp 3 Over obs – 2 as a pair
European Goldfinch Steglits 1 Heard
Eurasian Siskin Grönsiska 1 Heard