Morning and early afternoon spent putting up more nets and clearing the net areas of fallen branches and brambles from the winter. There are now 24 of the 30 nets at Bredmar in place ready to start the seasons ringing on the 1st April.

Raul & Caroline headed north again but were better rewarded for their efforts than yesterday. There was more evidence of migration today, so perhaps spring is actually on its way?

An important task of the day was to put up the Manx flag!!!

There will be four at the Observatory tonight: Chris, Kay, Raul and Caroline.

A late start to the working day as Chris was unwell during the night. Eventually put 11 of the nets up ready for when the weather permits ringing to start – will do more of them tomorrow.

Quickly settled back into the routine of Obs life and it does not seem like we have been away.

Obs given a clean after the winter – floors, sinks etc and Tore sorted out the problem with the cold water tap in the kitchen. Seems that when the system was made safe in winter, dirt was blown up the pipes and blocked the tap.

Raul & Caroline headed north for the day, returning late afternoon with a report of ‘not many birds!!!’.

Pelle, Deui & Karl were out for the day, bringing photocopy paper, bird seed and new nets.

There will be four at the Obs overnight: Chris, Kay, Raul & Caroline

Chris & Kay arrived back on the island on the 1530 ferry, together with Raul and Caroline. Not much to report for birding, with very few birds around.

Afternoon was spent settling back into the Observatory and unpacking, before a short walk to check the netting area before dusk.

There is just the four of us at the Obs overnight.