The bunting shrikes back

Today saw 335 new birds caught and ringed at our site along the Pasvik Valley, with the first contender for 'bird of the day' arriving in the form of our third great grey shrike.  This third juvenile had been caught along the river nets as it was hunting the numerous willow warblers and other passerines migrating down the valley.

Then, with the title in its grasp, it was stolen by a stunning addition of a new species to the trip list, a lapland bunting!  The stonking juvenile had great fresh plumage and made a great birthday present for Paul on his first trip to Norway.  Some other great species included 4 little bunting

22nd August (335 new birds)
Siberian tit 2
Spotted flycatcher 1
White wagtail 2
Little bunting 4
Lapland bunting 1
Tree pipit 3
Willow tit 2
Great tit 3
Common redpoll 6
Brambling 3
Great grey shrike 1
Redstart 4
Song thrush 2
Willow warbler 177
Reed bunting 33
Meadow pipit 70