101 birds were ringed this morning including 31 Chiffchaff (Gransångare), a high spring total for the species. A migration watch from Södra Udden this morning included 100 Velvet Scoter (Svärta), 650 Common Scoter (Sjöorre), 800 Long-tailed Ducks (Alfågel) and 700 Eider (Ejder).
Wind: Northeast
to southeast Strength 4-13m/s Temperature: 3-6 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 2-7/8 Precipitation: hail shower mid-morning
A large arrival of migrants occurred overnight and 277 birds were ringed this morning, our highest spring day total since 18th April 2018 when 303 birds were ringed. The majority of the catch (227) was made up of Robins (Rödhake), one of which was a Finnish control.
Wind: North to south Strength 1-10 m/s Temperature: -1-6 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 0-8/8 Precipitation: None
No ringing took place today due to the poor weather and we spent the day stocking up on food in Nynäshamn.
Wind: Southeast
to north Strength 4-16 m/s Temperature: 3-5 Visibility: Moderate to good Cloud cover: 5-8/8 Precipitation: Rain through night and on and off throughout the day
An incredible day of seaduck migration, with some of the highest recorded counts of Velvet Scoter (Svärta) and Common Scoter (Sjöorre) on Landsort, there were 3108 of the former and 2068 of the latter recorded between 0440 and 0610 this morning. At 0720 an adult male Stejneger’s Scoter (Sibirisk Knölsvärta) was found among a close group of Velvets, the first record for Södermanland and 9th for Sweden! Also recorded were 31 Barnacle Goose (Vitkindad gås), 248 Long-tailed Duck (Alfågel), 993 Eider (Ejder), 173 Red-breasted Merganser (Småskrake), 19 Red-throated Diver (Storlom), 11 Black-throated Diver (Smålom), 11 Red-necked Grebe (Gråhakedopping), two Great Crested Grebe (Skäggdopping), 81 Oystercatcher (Strandskata), 22 Whimbrel (Småspov), 44 Curlew (Storspov) and seven Baltic Gull (Silltrut). 48 birds were ringed at Bredmar including the first Wryneck (Göktyta) of the year.
Stejneger’s Scoter (right hand bird)
Wind: Southeast
to north Strength 3-9 m/s Temperature: 6-10 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-7/8 Precipitation: None
A much quieter day today with 26 birds ringed, including a Magpie (Skata). Six Barnacle Goose (Vitkindad gås) flew over Bredmar this morning. A Great Grey Shrike (Varfågel) was at Saltmar and a Wood Warbler (Grönsångare) and a Wryneck (Göktyta) to the east of Saltmar.
Wind: Southeast
to north Strength 3-9 m/s Temperature: 6-10 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-7/8 Precipitation: None
131 birds were ringed this morning including the first Great Grey Shrike (Varfågel), Whinchat (Buskvätta), Pied Flycatcher (Svartvit flugsnappare) and Redstart (Rödstjärt) ringed this season. Additional migrants included three Wrynecks (Göktytta), a Hen Harrier (Blå Kärrhök), two Common Buzzard (Ormvråk) and nine Waxwings (Sidensvans). Migration on the sea was quieter today with totals of 536 Common Scoter (Sjöorre) and 127 Velvet Scoter (Svärta).
Wind: Southwest
to north Strength 3-10 m/s Temperature: 6-9 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 4-8/8 Precipitation: None
Sightings from a migration watch from Södra Udden 0430-1100 included: seven Barnacle Goose (Vitkindad gås), three Shelduck (Gravand), two Gadwall (Snatterand), one Shoveler (Skedand), four Pintail (Stjärtand), 11 Wigeon (Bläsand), 23 Teal (Kricka), 32 Tufted Duck (Vigg) 471 Velvet Scoter (Svärta), 1174 Common Scoter (Sjöorre), 168 Red-breasted Merganser (Småskrake), four Goldeneye (Knipa), three Red-throated Diver (Smålom), five Black-throated Diver (Storlom), one Osprey (Fiskgjuse), one Goshawk (Duvhök), five Arctic Skua (Kustlabb), 25 Common Tern (Fisktärna), 26 Arctic Tern (Silvertärna), two Short-eared Owl (Jorduggla), one Peregrine (Pilgrimsfalk), one Rook (Råka), four House Martin (Hussvala), 145 White Wagtail (Sädesärla), 90 Meadow Pipit (Ängspiplärka), 31 Tree Pipit (Trädpiplärka), 70 Brambling (Bergfink) and one Serin (Gulhämpling). 86 birds were ringed including the first Blackcap (Svarthätta) of the season.
Wind: North
to southwest Strength 1-13 m/s Temperature: 6-7 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 2-8/8 Precipitation: None
A good day for migration, some of the more
notable sightings from a migtration watch at Södra Udden 0430-1130 included:
three Bean Goose (Sädgås), six Shoveler (Skedand), two Gadwall (Snatterand), six Wigeon (Bläsand), two Pintail (Stjärtand), 418 Velvet
Scoter (Svärta), 908 Common Scoter
(Sjöorre), 147 Red-breasted Merganser
(Småskrake), three Red-throated Diver
(Smålom), nine Black-throated Diver
(Storlom), three Red-necked Grebe
(Gråhakedopping), one Osprey (Fiskgjuse),
one Goshawk (Duvhök) one Pallid Harrier (Stäpphök) 2cy male, one
Ringed Plover (Större strandpipare),
one Whimbrel (Småspov), 239 Curlew (Storspov), 21 Common Tern (Fisktärna), one Arctic Tern (Silvertärna), four Arctic Skua (Kustlabb), one Waxwing (Sidensvans), 12 Swallow (Ladusvala), 51 White Wagtail (Sädesärla), 90 Meadow Pipit (Ängspiplärka), 11 Tree Pipit (Trädpiplärka), 145 Brambling (Bergfink) and one Twite (Vinterhämpling). 92 birds were
ringed.
Wind: East
to north Strength 2-9 m/s Temperature: 7-16 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 0-2/8 Precipitation: None
In two hours from Fyren this morning 146 Velvet Scoter (Svärta), two Red-necked Grebe (Gråhakedopping), two Tufted Duck (Vigg), a Goldeneye (Knipa), four Red-throated Diver (Smålom) a Black-throated Diver (Storlom) and a Tree Pipit (Trädpiplärka) were seen migrating. This evening an adult drake King Eider (Praktejder) was found in the group of Eider (Ejder) off Södra Udden. 82 birds were ringed.
Wind: Northwest
to southeast Strength 0-9 m/s Temperature: 6-12 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 0-2/8 Precipitation: None
Another extremely calm day with very little wind. 87 birds were ringed this morning including a Firecrest (Brandkronad kungsfågel) and the first Tree Sparrow (Pilfink) of the year. On migration watch from Fyren this morning were: two Tufted Duck (Vigg), two Red-necked Grebe, two Short-eared Owls (Jorduggla), 30 Curlew (Storspov) and one Whimbrel (Småspov). A Ring Ouzel (Ringtrast) and a Short-eared Owl (Jorduggla) were at Bredmar first thing, where later on the first Queen of Spain Fritillary (Storfläckig pärlemorfjäril) of the year was seen.
Wind: Northwest
to southeast Strength 1-8 m/s Temperature: 5-11 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 0-2/8 Precipitation: None
A very calm day with almost no wind throughout the morning, picking up to a light southerly in the afternoon. Our largest catch so far this season with 112 birds ringed, of which 87 were Robins (Rödhake). A migration watch from 0730-1130 at Fyren produced the following highlights: 23 Red-necked Grebe (Gråhakedopping), four Slavonian Grebe (Svarthakedopping), four Red-throated Diver (Smålom), 550 Long-tailed Duck (Alfågel), 375 Common Scoter (Sjöorre), 41 Velvet Scoter (Svärta), 5 Scaup (Bergand), 20 Curlew (Storspov), 1 Lapwing (Tofsvipa), 1 Turnstone (Roskarl) and one Great Grey Shrike (Varfågel). An Osprey (Fiskgjuse) flew north over Fågelstationen late afternoon.
Wind: Northwest
to southeast Strength 1-10 m/s Temperature: 6-10 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-8/8 Precipitation: None
The first Willow Warbler
(Lövsångare) of the year was ringed at Bredmar this morning, a White Wagtail (Sädesärla) was also
ringed here and a Green Woodpecker
(Gröngöling) was present.
Wind: Northwest
to southeast Strength 2-10 m/s Temperature: 0-10 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 3-7/8 Precipitation: None
A less windy day today although it picked up somewhat late morning before dropping right off again in the afternoon. 24 birds were ringed. A Great Crested Grebe (Skäggdopping) flew north past S. Udden this morning while a Peregrine Falcon (Pilgrimsfalk) was perched near Österhamn. A Rough-legged Buzzard (Fjällvråk) flew north up the island this afternoon. The Water Rail (Vattenrall) remains in Bredmar reedbed and can be heard occasionally.
Wind: Northwest
Strength 4-13 m/s Temperature: 3-9 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-4/8 Precipitation: None
Ten birds were ringed this morning although only a limited number of
nets were opened due to the breezy start. Two Woodcock (Morkulla) were displaying at first light this morning at
Fågelstationen. A Peregrine (Pilgrimsfalk)
flew North past Fyren this morning along with the first Arctic Tern (Silvertärna) of the year. A Camberwell Beauty (Sorgmantel) was close to Våta Vägen this
afternoon.
Wind: Northwest
to southeast Strength 7-21 m/s Temperature: 6-10 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 2-8/8 Precipitation: None
Today started with strong winds which prevented any ringing, later dropping off for a calm but overcast afternoon. Several groups of Woodpigeon (Ringduva) migrated north throughout the course of the morning, the first notable day of passage for this species so far this year. A Ring Ouzel (Ringtrast) was seen at Södra Udden, where two Red-necked Grebe (Gråhakedopping), two Curlew (Storspov) and a Kestrel (Tornfalk) migrated past.
Wind: Northwest
Strength 7-21 m/s Temperature: 7-11 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-7/8 Precipitation: None
A warm and sunny day feeling positively spring-like. A Ring Ouzel (Ringtrast) was ringed this
morning, the fifth for the station with the last in May 1999. Two Crane (Trana) flew North up the island
after Landing in Bredmar. The sunny weather meant lots of butterflies were on
the wing and 21 Brimstone (Citronfjäril)
were counted across the island this afternoon.
Wind: Southwest
to northwest Strength 3-15 m/s Temperature: 5-11 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-4/8 Precipitation: None
Another breezy day with 23 birds ringed, including the first Fieldfare (Björktrast) to be ringed this year, we also caught a 2nd year Robin (Rödhake) with a Russian ring! A Short-eared Owl (Jorduggla) flew in off the sea at Södra Udden this morning and a Carrion Crow (Svartkråka) flew past with two Hooded Crows (Kråka). A Marsh Harrier flew past Bredmar and a Slavonian Grebe (Svarthakedopping) was back in Norrhamn.
Wind: Northwest Strength 8-20 m/s Temperature: 3-6 Visibility: Moderate to good Cloud cover: 1-8/8 Precipitation: Snow showers throughout day
No ringing took place due to high winds today. A Lapwing (Tofsvipa) flew west over Bredmar mid-morning. A Great Grey Shrike (Varfågel) was around Saltmar/Jutvik and a Gadwall (Snatterand) was resting on the rocks here as well.
Wind: Southwest
to west Strength 9-20 m/s Temperature: 2-9 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-8/8 Precipitation: Early morning drizzle
A still day with a chilly start, clouding over later. Highlights from a two hour seawatch this morning include: one Arctic Skua (Kustlabb), a pair of Shoveler (Skedand), one Merlin (Stenfalk), two Black-throated Diver (Storlom), two Greenshank (Gluttsnäppa) and a Baltic Gull (Silltrut). 32 birds were ringed.
Wind: Southeast
to northwest Strength 1-8 m/s Temperature: -1-11 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-8/8 Precipitation: None
The first Swallow (Ladusvala) of the year migrated over Södra Udden this morning among other migrants including a Sparrowhawk (Sparvhök), 50 Brambling (Bergfink), 120 Dunlin (Kärrsnäppa), six Goldeneye (Knipa), two Wheatear and a Great Crested Grebe (Skäggdopping). A Jay (Nötskrika) was at Fårhagen at around midday before flying North. A Camberwell Beauty (Sorgmantel) was basking by Branddammen. 27 birds were ringed this morning.
Wind: Southwest
to northwest Strength 3-9 m/s Temperature: 4-11 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-7/8 Precipitation: None
A springlike day with migration in evidence, lots of thrushes were moving north this morning and another Wheatear (Stenskvätta) was at Kummelhålet. A Marsh Harrier (Brun kärrhök) flew over Bredmar. 37 birds were ringed this morning.
Wind: Southwest
to northwest Strength 6-14 m/s Temperature: 4-10 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-6/8 Precipitation: None
The first two Wheatears (Stenskvätta) of the spring were seen at the south this morning, while 3 Red-necked Grebe (Gråhakedopping) migrated past and a Grey Wagtail (Forsärla) flew over. Two Parrot Crossbills (Större korsnäbb) were singing near to Batteri this evening. 39 birds were ringed this morning.
Wind: Southwest Strength 5-14 m/s Temperature: 4-9 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 0-5/8 Precipitation: None
A day of changeable weather conditions. 87 birds were ringed this morning including the first three Redwing (Rödvingetrast) of the season. The first Osprey (Fiskgjuse) of the year and two Black-throated Divers (Storlom) flew north this morning. A flock of eight Twite (Vinterhämpling) were at Saltmar.
Wind: South to northwest Strength 2-21 m/s Temperature: 4-10 Visibility: Moderate to good Cloud cover: 0-8/8 Precipitation: Rain shower late morning
45 birds were ringed this morning including five Chiffchaffs (Gransångare). Highlights from a seawatch this morning
included 59 Common Scoter (Sjöorre),
six Velvet Scoter (Svärta), 52 Long-tailed Ducks (Alfågel), a Woodlark (Trädlärka) and two Cranes (Trana).
Wind: Southwest Strength 4-15 m/s Temperature: 4-7 Visibility: Moderate to good Cloud cover: 0-4/8 Precipitation: None
12 birds were ringed on a still day today, including the first Chiffchaff (Gransångare) and Song Thrush (Taltrast) of the year. A seawatch this morning included 1339 Long-tailed Ducks (Alfgel), 1069 Eider (Ejder), 129 Common Scoter (Sjöorre), the first two Gadwall (Snatterand) and Redshank (Rödbena) of the season and two Lapwing (Toffsvipa). A Merlin (Stenfalk) was at Österhamn.
Wind: Southwest Strength 2-8 m/s Temperature: 2-6 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-7/8 Precipitation: None
No ringing took place this morning due to high winds continuing from yesterday. A Great-crested Grebe (Skäggdopping) was reported from Södra Udden this morning and a Chiffchaff (Gransångare) in the village.
Wind: Southwest to northwesterly Strength 9-27 m/s Temperature: 4-6 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 1-4/8 Precipitation: None
A windy day from the off but this picked up to a significant storm by the evening with winds gusting at over 30m/s! No ringing took place. Two Wigeon (Bläsand) and a Shelduck (Gravand) flew past on a seawatch this morning and over 1000 Eider (Ejder) were again present in flocks around the island.
Wind: Southwest to westerly Strength 9-34 m/s Temperature: 4-6 Visibility: Good to poor Cloud cover: 0-8/8 Precipitation: Hailstorm in evening
Owing to the current situation, we are implementing some new measures to help protect staff, visitors and the island community from the spread of coronavirus. Observatory accommodation will now be segregated into two parts, with guests having a separate entrance and sleeping quarters to the wardens. Except for the area for staying guests the rest of the observatory (including the ringing lab) will be restricted to wardens only, this will unfortunately mean that the kitchen and bathroom are now out of bounds to guests who will be able to use the bathroom facilities in Västerhamn. Pre-booked guidings will continue and will take place outside. Social distancing rules will apply and payments will only be taken by swish. These measures will be in place until the end of April, when we will re-evaluate the situation.
Wardens Matt and Espen returned to Landsort on 17th March and we have spent the past two weeks setting up the station for the coming season. We started ringing on 26th March and the standardised season commenced today (1st April), when seven birds were ringed. From now until early November we will collect data every day (weather conditions allowing) under standardised procedure.
Migration is underway with peak spring Dunnock (Järnsparv) numbers occurring at this time, 12 were caught on the first ringing session on 26th. Sea duck numbers are building with over 1000 Eiders (Ejder) seen this morning on a seawatch, numbers should continue to build through April, smaller numbers of other seaducks such as Common Scoter (Sjöorre), Long-tailed Duck (Alfågel) and Velvet Scoter (Svärta) are also present at the moment. On 19th March a Bewick’s Swan (Mindre sångsvan) flew north with a flock of commoner Whooper Swans (Sångsvan) and on 20th a Grey Wagtail (Forsärla) flew over. Waxwings (Sidensvans) are still present and one was ringed on 28th. In other news the Adders (Huggorm) were already out soaking up the early spring rays from 26th.
Wind: Southwesterly Strength 7-11 m/s Temperature: 4-6 Visibility: Good Cloud cover: 2-4/8 Precipitation: None
