Ringmærkningen: Finally, we are back in business! The wind calmed down and no rain was expected during the first hours after sunrise. All but one net were opened, including our sparrowhawk nets. We were optimistic, and after just five minutes of open nets we stumbled upon three European robins (Erithacus rubecula). Breakfast was therefor cut short, but that didn’t matter. After two days of no ringing, we were eager to get back to work!

For this, today was perfect. With only 45 newly ringed birds and 3 recaptures, we had a stress-free day and were able to get a good look at all individuals and admire their characteristics. Whilst only 48 birds were caught in total, it was an interesting overall variety of different species throughout the morning. After the robins, more flycatchers made great appearances, including Common redstarts (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), European pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and even two spotted flycatchers (Muscicapa striata).

The warblers were out and about today. Amongst the relatively frequently caught Eurasian blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla), Common whitethroats (S. communis) and Lesser whitethroats (S. curruca), more flycatchers made great appearances, including Marsh warblers (Acrocephalus palustris), Eurasian reed warblers (A. scirpaceus), an Icterine warbler (Hippolais icterina), Garden warblers (S. borin) and willow warblers (Phylloscopus trochilus).

Two young Common redstarts (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) showed off their beautiful plumage. Although a bit scruffy around the head, they’re always a pleasant sight in the nets!

More notably, both Storm and Marek were able to ring their first Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus)! With their numbers increasing during this time of the year in our observatory garden, we’re excited to gain more experience with bigger birds. The sparrowhawk nets stayed open for a while longer after standard ringing time, but no more luck. Still, two individuals are more than zero!

Marek and Storm with each of their first Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus).

Lastly, two Tree pipits (Anthus trivialis) and some Dunnocks (Prunella modularis) joined us, before the rain clouds showed up. Nets closed – see you tomorrow!

A young Dunnock (Prunella modularis) made sure to fly into a net just in time to escape the rain.

In total, 48 birds of 15 species were caught and ringed today!