The lucky socks are on and we are ready to go…

Thinking yesterday that we had finally reached the bottom of the all-time low of birds observed and ringed, we were surprised today: it can get worse! The morning temperatures and my frozen limbs had forced me to join the luckier (so I hoped) ringing team of Morten and Maxim. Meanwhile, James showed true endurance and continued the sea watch, counting an occasional Gannet here, a couple of Common Scoters there. Numbers of Scoters going south and north were almost identical, so in the end he wondered if they were just going round in one big circle. Even he admitted that his feet were on the slightly chillier side (that happens as often as you see a Black-browed albatross in Blåvand), although he still walked around barefoot afterwards...

The luck of the beginner was with me as I joined the ringers: A Siskin found himself caught in the net. A beautiful little bird that I had wanted to see close up for a long time.  

For the rest of the morning it was quality, not quantity. Rounds of empty nets allowed for several cups of hot coffee – much needed to fight the cold and onset of bird fatigue. All was forgotten when a lonely Wryneck found itself caught (how teasing that a second individual was calling not too far in the distance). Could we be so lucky and catch two Wrynecks the same morning?

The empty nets persisted throughout the day (news among the Wryneck’s must have spread well as the second individual stayed away from our nets). However, Morten proved, once again, his sixth sense for the right moment to open the mist nets. He caught one more bird (one that I particularly enjoy and had only heard a few days ago… how teasing): A Brambling

By following us throughout the last few days, by now you may have got the sense that we are just building up towards something big, really big. And we do not want to keep you on tenterhooks any longer – tomorrow is the day, Blåvand Big Day. Tomorrow will be breathtaking, full of birds and excitement. We aim to see 50 bird species in the area (no cars or bicycles allowed). We hope you are ready. For our part, the lucky socks are on and we are ready to go…

Ringed birds today: 3 Chiffchaffs, Brambling, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Siskin, Blackcap, Robin
Recaptures: Dunnock, Willow Warbler, Blackbird, Lesser Whitethroat and Wryneck

People at the station: Morten, Maxim, James and Lisa