Doesn't the title say it all? With rain overnight not clearing until 7am followed by strong winds and more rain from lunchtime for the rest of the day, today has by far been the worst of our trip. In the period of dry weather some of our more sheltered net sites managed a respectable 88 new birds including another 21 Bluethroat and 33 Redpoll.
Whilst having breakfast and getting ready this morning the local gardens were full of Fieldfare and a few Redwing, so our hopes were raised for another good thrush day following on from yesterdays bumper catch. Sadly the ringing site just half a mile of less away from our accommodation (as the Hooded Crow would fly at least) was a very different scenario. I don't think I actually saw a thrush whilst we were on site. Generally bird seemed thin on the ground. Usually whilst ringing we can see birds moving through the vegetation around us but today the was a distinct lack of movement. Even the Merlin didn't put in an appearance.
Rather than sit around the house for the day we headed out to see some of the local sights including the Samiske Museum at Varangerbotn. For a visitor attraction in what can seem like the middle of nowhere, the exhibits were a fantastic quality worthy of a place in the British Natural History Museum. If you're ever up this way it is worth calling in to see for yourself - http://www.varjjat.org/
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| A traditional boat in the Museum crossing a 'lake' |
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| On the 'lake' some typical wildfowl including King, Common and Steller's Eiders |
Tomorrow is looking like another wet start so we're probably going to have a later start. Hopefully the birds will join us. We also plan to have our biggest attempt for catching waders this trip, so fingers are once again crossed!
Totals (New Birds): Friday 12th August 2016
Meadow Pipit 11
Willow Warbler 7
Brambling 7
Bluethroat 21
Reed Bunting 5
Redpoll 33
House Sparrow 1
Sedge Warbler 1
Great Tit 1
Greenfinch 1
Total 88
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