Its not a number's game, but three is our favourite

Today was the first day that we've managed to break the 200 mark with 212 new birds ringed in the Pasvik Valley as part of this year's annual trip.

After another slow start, numbers quickly built to be pushing over 100 birds from a couple of rounds, with a steady stream of willow warblers topping the totals.  As the afternoon progressed and the temperature reached over 20oC, a bumper catch of redstarts appeared, followed by a few pipits and little buntings.  Then, Dave appeared through the gate with a grin on his face, always a good sign!  Although birdless, Dave knew what Paul was heading back to base camp with... a three-toed woodpecker!  The adult female was a great catch and only the group's second from four trips to the Arctic.

The late addition of two red-throated pipits was sadly not enough to steal the 'bird of the day' title.

17th August (212 new birds)
Willow warbler 158
Robin 2
Bluethroat 8
Reed bunting 15
Redwing 3
Three-toed woodpecker 1
Redstart 7
Little bunting 3
Siberian tit 2
Great tit 4
Pied flycatcher 1
Meadow pipit 1
Common redpoll 1
Tree pipit 2
Song thrush 1
Willow tit 2
Red-throated pipit 2