We were expecting good weather first thing and our expectations were justified. The nets were open at 04:15 as usual and first light saw clear skies and calm conditions. Along with myself, Adam and Clausjannic were ringing with Johanne helping before her "Operation Overshoot" duties called her away.

Operation Overshoot delegates, but all the telescopes are pointing in different directions

As we were opening the nets the song of the Thrush Nightingale filled the garden. Neither myself or Clausjannic said a word as we walked as if not wanting to interrupt such a beautiful song. A rare and unforgettable experience.

Nice few birds in the early rounds until just after 05:00 when I found a Paddyfield Warbler (Lille Rørsanger) in one of the nets. A bird that normally breeds in India and Pakistan, but has a small population on the Black Sea in Romania and Bulgaria. A true overshooter. Biometrics were taken to confirm identification to the rarities committee and a sample feather for DNA analysis. Luckily, because of "Operation Overshoot" there were plenty of birders around that could see a once in a lifetime bird. There was also a handfull of the normal sized reed warblers and marsh warblers to compare these two difficult species.

Paddyfield Warbler, Acrocephalus agricola 2/06/2019

 

Somewhere in there is the Paddyfield Warbler, 

Here is the list of the remaining ringed birds;-

Robin     2

Thrush Nightingale 1

Paddyfield Warbler   1

Marsh Warbler   2

Reed Warbler     2

Icterine Warbler          5   (1)

Whitethroat    4    (1)

Garden Warbler   4    (2)

Blackcap       3

Chiffchaff      2

Linnet        1

Yellowhammer          (1)

Total          27        (5)

 

Today also saw some of the team leaving as work committments beckoned. Adam to Copenhagen and Johanne had to return to her "day job" after coordinating the overshoot weekend. Talking to some of the weekend participants, it seems that they fully enjoyed themselves and appreciated the warm welcome and social side that Gedser has to offer. Both Johanne and Adam will be missed - especially Adams knot tying.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Nigel