Author Archives: Ringmärkarna

6th April 2020

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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

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 1

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 2

Robin / Rödhake: 28

Blackbird / Koltrast: 2

Song Thrush / Taltrast: 3

Chiffchaff / Gransångare: 5

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 2

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 1

Chaffinch / Bofink: 1

Total: 45

5th April 2020

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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

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 1

Robin / Rödhake: 2

Blackbird / Koltrast: 1

Song Thrush / Taltrast: 1

Chiffchaff / Gransångare: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 5

Chaffinch / Bofink: 1

Total: 12

4th April 2020

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A calmer day today but clear skies overnight meant a very cold start. Ten birds were ringed this morning including two Waxwings (Sidensvans).

Wind: Westerly
Strength 5-14 m/s
Temperature: -2-6
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 0-1/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Waxwing / Sidensvans: 2

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 2

Robin / Rödhake: 3

Blackbird / Koltrast: 2

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 1

Total: 10

3rd April 2020

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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

2nd April 2020

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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

COVID-19 update

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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.

1st April 2020

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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

Ringing day totals:

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 3

Robin / Rödhake: 1

Blackbird / Koltrast: 2

Reed Bunting / Sävsparv: 1

Total: 7

19th November 2019

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Although the last post was the official goodbye for this year, it would be wrong not to post an update about the Hume’s Warbler (Bergtajgasångare) found near the chapel this afternoon! There was also a late Chiffchaff (Gransångare) in the area as well as a flock of Waxwings (Sidensvans) and a Black Redstart (Svart rödstjärt) was at Södra Udden.

14th – 17th November 2019

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The last few days have been spent finishing end of season tasks such as preparing the end of year report. On friday some board members came out for the traditional end of season meal with the wardens. It goes without saying that this has been an outstanding first season working at the station and although we are now heading home we are both returning for a second season next year. Goodbye till then!

9th November 2019

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Due to it raining for most of the day no nets were opened. A Lapland Bunting (Lappsparv) flew over this morning and a larger number of thrushes was present than in recent days, with up to 200 Redwing (Rödvingetrast) present around the south this morning and a few Song Thrush (Taltrast) also present. A late Chiffchaff (Gransångare) was looking rather sorry for itself in the rain this afternoon at Kummelhålet.

Wind: East to northwest
Strength 0-12 m/s
Temperature: 3-6
Visibility: Moderate
Cloud cover: 8/8
Precipitation: Rain

8th November 2019

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The day started cool and damp but the wind swung around to the south in the evening bringing the temperature up to around 8 degrees. 15 birds were ringed this morning including a Blackcap (Svarthätta), one of the latest ringed on Landsort.

Wind: Northeast to southwest
Strength 3-11 m/s
Temperature: 3-8
Visibility: Good to moderate
Cloud cover: 8/8
Precipitation: drizzle intensifying to rain late morning and then stopping early afternoon

Ringing day totals:

Robin / Rödhake: 2

Blackbird / Koltrast: 3

Blackcap / Svarthätta: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 1

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 2

Mealy Redpoll: 2

Lesser Redpoll: 2

Bullfinch / Domherre: 1

Yellowhammer / Gulsparv: 1

Total: 15

7th November 2019

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The nets were opened for the first time in a few days although now migration seems to have more or less fizzled out and only 6 new birds were ringed, along with a large number of retrap Great Tit (Talgoxe) and Blue Tit (Blåmes).

Wind: Northeast
Strength 4-10 m/s
Temperature: 0-2
Visibility: Good to moderate
Cloud cover: 8/8
Precipitation: light drizzle late morning

Ringing day totals:

Robin / Rödhake: 1

Blackbird / Koltrast: 1

Redwing / Rödvingetrast: 1

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 1

Treecreeper / Trädkrypare: 1

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 1

Total: 6

5th November 2019

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Strong north-easterlies again prevented ringing. 14 Whooper Swans (Sångsvan) migrated southwest this morning and an adult male Goshawk (Duvhök) was seen several times around the obs.

Wind: Northeast to north
Strength 10-23 m/s
Temperature: 2-5
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 2-5/8
Precipitation: None

3rd November 2019

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The day started with drizzle which then increased to light rain before drying up late morning. A moderate north-easterly breeze picked up in strength in the evening. 6 birds were ringed.

Wind: Northeast
Strength 4-16 m/s
Temperature: 3-7
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 8/8
Precipitation: Light rain until late-morning

Ringing day totals:

Sparrowhawk / Sparvhök: 1

Robin / Rödhake: 1

Blackbird / Koltrast: 1

Treecreeper / Trädkrypare: 2

Chaffinch / Bofink: 1

Total: 6

2nd November 2019

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After a blustery start the wind dropped off throughout the day to almost nothing by evening. 21 birds were ringed.

Wind: Southwest to east
Strength 0-13 m/s
Temperature: 4-7
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 3-7/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Robin / Rödhake: 4

Blackbird / Koltrast: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 3

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 5

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 2

Chaffinch / Bofink: 1

Siskin / Grönsiska: 2

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 1

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 2

Total: 21

1st November 2019

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A calm and clear day, 38 birds were ringed this morning.

Wind: Northwest to southwest
Strength 1-8 m/s
Temperature: 0-5
Visibility: Moderate to good
Cloud cover: 0-2/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 1

Robin / Rödhake: 2

Blackbird / Koltrast: 3

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 2

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 4

Chaffinch / Bofink: 4

Goldfinch / Steglits: 1

Siskin / Grönsiska: 4

Mealy/Lesser Redpoll / Grå/Brunsiska: 3

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 2

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 11

Reed Bunting / Sävsparv: 1

Total: 38

31st October 2019

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16 birds were caught on the last day of standardised ringing in 2019. A moderate westerly wind throughout the day limited the number of nets opened and very little migration was noted.

Wind: Northwest
Strength 7-14 m/s
Temperature: 0-5
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 0-3/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 2

Robin / Rödhake: 1

Redwing / Rödvingetrast: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 1

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 2

Chaffinch / Bofink: 4

Goldfinch / Steglits: 1

Siskin / Grönsiska: 1

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 1

Bullfinch / Domherre: 1

Reed Bunting / Sävsparv: 1

Total: 16

30th October 2019

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94 birds were ringed this morning including the biggest catch of redpolls so far this year, the vast majority of these being Lesser Redpolls (Brunsiska), with only one Mealy Redpoll (Gråsiska). Two Jack Snipe (Dvärgbeckasin) were at Saltmar while a Water Rail (Vattenrall) was at Bredmar, having been present a couple of days. Despite there being none seen on Landsort so far, it’s worth noting the historic invasion of Pine Grosbeak (Tallbit) taking place in Scandinavia at the moment – they are being seen daily in large numbers just to the north of us on Torö, so hopefully it’s only a matter of time before some make it here!

Wind: Northwest to southwest
Strength 2-12 m/s
Temperature: 2-6
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 2-7/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 7

Robin / Rödhake: 3

Blackbird / Koltrast: 2

Fieldfare / Björktrast: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 3

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 6

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 4

Treecreeper / Trädkrypare: 2

Chaffinch / Bofink: 6

Brambling / Bergfink: 3

Siskin / Grönsiska: 1

Lesser/Mealy Redpoll / Brunsiska/Gråsiska: 3

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 1

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 50

Bullfinch / Domherre: 2

Total: 94

29th October 2019

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39 birds were ringed this morning on a cold, clear day with a moderate northwesterly wind, these included the 4th Coal Tit (Svartmes) of the autumn. A quiet day for migration although a flock of 24 Bean Geese (Sädgås) flew west over the obs late morning and a flock of 24 Whooper Swans (Sångsvan) flew west over the north in the afternoon. A Goshawk (Duvhök) was seen hunting around the island several times during the day.

Wind: Northwest
Strength 5-15 m/s
Temperature: 0-5
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 0-3/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 2

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 1

Blackbird / Koltrast: 7

Redwing / Rödvingetrast: 1

Coal Tit / Svartmes: 1

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 4

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 6

Treecreeper / Trädkrypare: 1

Chaffinch / Bofink: 1

Brambling / Bergfink: 1

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 1

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 12

Reed Bunting / Sävsparv: 1

Total: 39

28th October 2019

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A cold but settled day and all of the nets were opened this morning. 109 birds were ringed including the latest Willow Warbler (Lövsångare) to be ringed on Landsort and 23 Blackbirds (Koltrast) – the highest day total so far this year. A Rough-legged Buzzard (Fjällvråk) flew north and a Black Redstart (Svart Rödstjärt) was around the obs.

Wind: Northwest
Strength 5-13 m/s
Temperature: 0-5
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 2-7/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 5

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 1

Robin / Rödhake: 4

Blackbird / Koltrast: 23

Song Thrush / Taltrast: 2

Redwing / Rödvingetrast: 1

Chiffchaff / Gransångare: 1

Willow Warbler / Lövsångare: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 16

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 2

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 6

Treecreeper / Trädkrypare: 8

Chaffinch / Bofink: 1

Goldfinch / Steglits: 3

Siskin / Grönsiska: 2

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 3

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 30

Total: 109

27th October 2019

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Another wet start to a windy day albeit less so than yesterday. Again no nets were opened. A fall of migrants involving a few hundred thrushes (trastar), Robins (Rödhakar) and Goldcrests (Kungsfåglar) was evident this morning. Among these were a late Redstart (Rödstjärt), a Black Redstart (Svart rödstjärt), three Chiffchaff (Gransångare) and most surprisingly – a Scarlet Rosefinch (Rosenfink), foraging on a rowan south of the obs, the latest autumn record in Stockholms län! Three 1cy Golden Eagle (Kungsörn) flew south over the obs at around 12:30, they presumably then flew back north as three were later seen at Ankarudden. 4 Rough-legged Buzzard (Fjällvråk), a Goshawk (Duvhök) and a Merlin (Stenfalk) all contributed to a great raptor day.

Wind: Northeast to northwest
Strength 0-16 m/s
Temperature: 4-7
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 3-8/8
Precipitation: Rain until about 10:30

26th October 2019

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A wet and windy day today and no nets were opened. The rain finished at about 9am and the wind also picked up around this time. There was no sign of the Isabelline Wheatear (Isabellastenskvätta) during a search of the south end of the island this morning, but the conditions were less than ideal and there are plenty of places that it could hide from the wind! A Black Redstart (Svart rödstjärt) was by the obs and a Grey Wagtail (Forsälare) was seen at Kummelhålet. At Södra Udden a flock of Twite (Vinterhämpling) was foraging.

Wind: Southwest to northwest
Strength 4-22 m/s
Temperature: 7-10
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 3-8/8
Precipitation: Rain until about 09:00

25th October 2019

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Another surge of migrants passed through this morning after a few quiet days, 120 birds were ringed – including a Firecrest (Brandkronad kungsfågel), the second of the year. An Isabelline Wheatear (Isabellastenskvätta) was discovered at Vadarbunkern, where it stayed put until at least 16:30 and with the current weather conditions it seems unlikely it will move on at the moment! It is the first record for Landsort and there are 24 previous accepted Swedish records.

Wind: Southwest to west
Strength 8-20 m/s
Temperature: 8-12
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 3-7/8
Precipitation: Rain shower early evening

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 4

Robin / Rödhake: 53

Blackbird / Koltrast: 19

Redwing / Rödvingetrast

Chiffchaff / Gransångare: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 31

Firecrest / Brandkronad kungsfågel: 1

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 1

Treecreeper / Trädkrypare: 1

Chaffinch / Bofink: 3

Siskin / Grönsiska: 1

Total: 120

24th October 2019

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Another windy day meant that only a few nets were opened this morning, which was reflected in the ringing totals. 27 birds were ringed, including the second Mealy Redpoll (Gråsiska) of the autumn. The wind moved around from southwest to southeasterly by the evening.

Wind: Southwest to southeast
Strength 4-13 m/s
Temperature: 10-12
Visibility: Good to moderate
Cloud cover: 3-7/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 3

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 1

Blackbird / Koltrast: 4

Blackcap / Svarthätta: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 8

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 1

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 1

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 8

Total: 27

23rd October 2019

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77 birds were ringed today, although some nets were not opened due to a fairly constant southwesterly wind throughout the day. Our first Mealy Redpoll (Gråsiska) of the autumn was among 33 redpolls caught today, with the rest being the smaller and darker brown Lesser Redpoll (Brunsiska). Two Whooper Swan (Sångsvan) migrated south this morning together with four Canada Geese (Kanadagås).

Wind: Southwest
Strength 7-14 m/s
Temperature: 10-12
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 3-7/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 5

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 2

Robin / Rödhake: 4

Blackbird / Koltrast: 4

Song Thrush / Taltrast: 1

Chiffchaff / Gransångare: 1

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 15

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 2

Great Tit / Talgoxe: 3

Treecreeper / Trädkrypare: 1

Chaffinch / Bofink: 2

Mealy Redpoll / Gråsiska: 1

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 32

Bullfinch / Domherre: 2

Reed Bunting / Sävsparv: 2

Total: 77

22nd October 2019

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A much brisker westerly wind took hold today and thus we were only able to open a limited number of nets. 36 birds were ringed, including two Yellow-browed Warbler (Tajgasångare), the 3rd and 4th of the autumn. Birds seen migrating from the lighthouse this morning included a Bean Goose (Sädgås), a Merlin (Stenfalk), 14 Sparrowhawk (Sparvhök) and 17 Snow Bunting (Snösparv).

Wind: Southwest to west
Strength 6-18 m/s
Temperature: 10-12
Visibility: Good
Cloud cover: 3-6/8
Precipitation: None

Ringing day totals:

Wren / Gärdsmyg: 1

Dunnock / Järnsparv: 2

Blackbird / Koltrast: 2

Yellow-browed Warbler / Tajgasångare: 2

Goldcrest / Kungsfågel: 6

Blue Tit / Blåmes: 1

Chaffinch / Bofink: 2

Lesser Redpoll / Brunsiska: 9

Bullfinch / Domherre: 9

Reed Bunting / Sävsparv: 2

Total: 36