Ringing & Migration Counts at Gedser

Lara W & Robert Luttik

I am afraid there is not much to report from either the ringing or migration counting activities today, due to bad weather. Heavy rain meant the nets were not opened at all, and although observations were carried out for the standard five hours at Gedser Odde in the morning, barely any birds were spotted migrating. A total of 10 Swallow/Landsvale (Hirundo rustica), 2 Sparrowhawk/Spurvehøg (Accipiter nisus), and a single Kestrel/Tårnfalk (Falco tinnunculus) came out to brave the weather. Seabirds may have made the crossing, but extremely poor visibility out to sea meant none were spotted by this rather bedraggled observer! Later on in the afternoon, when the sun finally made an appearance, three sparrowhawk and a single kestrel were seen flying above the station garden, so I am sure tomorrow will bring a flood of birds across the point. At least, here’s hoping!

In contrast to the migration and ringing we did catch some moths. Not so many, because it was also raining in the night. In total 15 species, but still a new one for both of us: it was the Beet Armyworm moth (Smalvinget Ugle) a small greyish moth. It always amazes me that even after 3.5 years I still get a new species almost every day. I am now up to almost 600 hundred species on my life list. It is part of the fun doing moths.

Beet Armyworm Moth (Smalvinget Ugle)

Present at station Lara Winsloe, Robert Luttik, Hanelie Sidhu