Redpolls pipit to the post.

Nets opened by 04.45, on a beautiful early Autumnal morning. The impression we got however was of a very slow day--but actually numbers built up steadily, until the strengthening westerly wind made catching very difficult. Wader catching was almost non-existent after the harassment they had from the Merlin yesterday. Two Merlins appeared today and we thought at least one would be caught but they remained elusive. Bird of the day was a young Redstart in very juvenile plumage suggesting breeding nearby.
Most numerous bird in the trapping area was Meadow Pipit with another slight passage, but once we got back to Kate's house, the Redpoll were about in good numbers and we ringed another 30, plus one Arctic Redpoll which was processed for the DNA analysis we are doing. The title refers to 64 Mipits beaten by 104 Redpolls--just in case you were baffled like some of the team!
Total for the day was 239, and tomorrow's forecast is OK--assuming it turns out as indicated. We do have a school visit and potentially a press visit also so we hope we can deal with the predicted rush along with the public relations....
Domestically things are going really well--we have a rubbish collection tomorrow, Kate had a log delivery which we have stored in her garage, and Dave made a potentially stunning flapjack for dinner, which Colin M unfortunately burned around more than just the edges....
Just a few pics of some of the birds we ringed today...

A juvenile Redsart-how many breed in Varanger is an interesting thought for a bird which in Britain we associate with mature Oak woodland near streams.

This is a male Brambling in Winter plumage--note the buff tips to the head feathers which will wear off during the winter to expose the jet black beneath for the breeding season next Spring. The buff tips help to reduce aggression in this species which feeds gregariously during the Winter.

A classic young male Fieldfare. These breed in  big numbers in Varanger--and this bird along with its mates will be heading south and west very soon to spend the Winter months in warmer climes where it will be able to find worms in warm weather and berries in frozen conditions.

See  Charlie blog http://birdringers.blogspot.co.uk for further information.