Yet another day has passed, this time rather calmly, even though in the morning we had our hands full because of the amount of birds caught during first few rounds. It's not a surprise that most of them were Robins and Chiffchaffs, but even among them we can sometimes meet some vastly interesting individuals. This time it was one of the Chiffchaffs that made our hearts beat a little faster, because during checking of number on the ring (yes, it was already banded) we did not see a caption saying ´´DENMARK´´ but something different - it was a visitor from Spain! We did not recieve information when and where exactly was it ringed, but I'm sure there will be such information on a blog as soon as we find out. There were also two super nice species today: a Stonechat and a Magpie. Other than that, we seem to ring more Blackcaps every day. I'm sure for Signe and Philip it was a really good warm up before the rest of the week, as now they have to fill the gap left by me and Agata. Later however, there were only few birds in the nets every round and there even were some ´´empty´´ rounds without any birds as well. But of course we were not bored - we spent some time packing our things and Philip cut a lot of branches of the bush in front of the house - now every dweller of Gedser Fuglestation will have more pleasant time during cleaning the dishes, as there's an open view to the Sea from the kitchen. We also had a chance to observe some raptors above our garden today: we spotted some Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk and a gorgeous, young White-Tailed Eagle.
After closing the nets, me and Agata decided to go on some little birdwatching to Bøtø while we are still here. We did not spend there a lot of time, but it gave us some joyful observations. Among usual Mallards (Gråand), Oystercatchers (Strandskade), Coots (Blishøne), Tufted Ducks (Troldand) and Teals (Krikand), we spotted Garganeys (Atlingand), Gadwalls (Knarand), Pied Avocets (Klyde), Little Ringed Plovers (Lille Præstekrave) and first Wood Sandpiper (Tinksmed) this year. Of course, we did see there an adult White-Tailed Eagle as well.
Later in the afternoon Philip and Signe decided to open up the nets again. It turned out to be a magnificent idea, as it brought some new birds. What's even better, thanks to that (and a bit of luck), the last bird in Gedser that I extracted from the net and Agata ringed was a special one - a Wryneck. I have never even seen it before, so it was a delightful experience.
It is also worth mentioning that in the meantime Signe and Philip prepared a delicious dinner and Susanne made a yummy dessert. I honestly can't decide what was more tasty and really feel spoiled here in the Station.
Now, after almost a month in this southernmost point of Denmark, it will be so hard to leave tommorow. And if it's not obvious yet, I want to say that it is mostly not because of the birds, landscapes or food (although it was all tremendously delightful), but because of all the wonderful people that we met here. From this place me and Agata would like to thank You once again for making us feel at home here. Thank You, Tak and Dzi?kujemy!

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! This time in the form of el Mosquitero Común. Photo: Susanne Primdahl

Signe posing with flowers. You can spot the Magpie if You look close enough. Photo: Susanne Primdahl

A 3K+ male in a quite fresh breeding plumage. And a Stonechat in his hand. Photo: Susanne Primdahl

Beauty and the beast. These camouflaged snake-like woodpecker (moreover the only European woodpecker to undertake long-distance migrations) has to be one of the most peculiar birds in Europe. Photo: Maciej Wozniak

People at the station: Agata Balicka, Maciej Wozniak, Susanne Primdahl, Signe Agermose, Philip Elbek.

Complete list of birds caught today (ringed/recaptured):
Vendehals / Wryneck: 1/0
Gærdesmutte / Wren: 2/1
Jernspurv / Dunnock: 5/2
Rødhals / Robin: 18/9
Rødstjert / Common Redstart: 1/0
Sortstrubet Bynkefugl / European Stonechat: 0/1
Solsort / Blackbird: 1/0
Sangdrossel / Song Thrush: 1/0
Vindrossel / Redwing: 0/3
Munk / Blackcap: 7/0
Gransanger / Chiffchaff: 9/4
Rødtoppet Fuglekonge / Firecrest: 0/1
Musvit / Great Tit: 0/1
Husskade / Magpie: 1/0
Tornirisk / Linnet: 2/1

Total: 48/23