Old Blokes Pipit!

16/09/16

Another early start at the ringing site at Nyrud, again slightly delayed by overnight rain. Although a day with only 24 birds, it was great to experience a real mix of species, and again, pull another Varanger rarity from our nets.

As with the Yellow-Browed Warbler earlier in the week, we managed to find another 1^st for Southern Varanger this morning in the form of a stunning Olive-Backed Pipit! We had commented earlier in the week how good the habitat looked for the species on passage, so it was good to know another of our theories had come true!

Right on typical ‘OBP’ form, as soon as the bird was released it melted away into the pine and spruce woodlands. However, we were able to admire this stunning bird, with its strong supercillium, bright green rump and unmarked undertail coverts.

Olive-Backed Pipit looking stunning! (CR)

Willow Tits made up the bulk of todays catch, with a Tit flock having found its way into the woodland net, including a couple of retraps from previous years. 2 each of Great and Siberian Tit found their way into the net and a stunning adult Fieldfare added variety to the days list.

*Olive-Backed Pipit	1
Willow Tit	8 (+3)
Reed Bunting	8
Siberian Tit	2
Greenfinch	2
Great Tit	2
Fieldfare	1
Totals	24 ( +3)

Back at Pasvik camping, the feeder nets were opened and a total of 9 birds were caught. As has become the norm, Great Tits made the bulk of the catch. A single Greenfinch also found its way into the net, however we still have a good number of finches that we could possibly ring before we leave.

Great Tit	8
Greenfinch	1
Totals	9

The team again decided to look for grouse this afternoon, particularly the elusive Hazel Grouse.,. No luck with these diminutive grouse, however it proved productive with 2 male Capercaillie found, Parrot Crossbills, and a great flock of 50+ Waxwings, the latter giving prolonged views, feeding on Bilberry from the floor.

Waxwing- feeding on insects above the rest of the flock on the floor. (CR)