Revtangen BO December 30th

Light-moderate winds from the SE, mostly cloudy. Nets open from dusk til dawn, which at the end of December is approx. 08.30-16.30. Netmeter hours approx. 2300. Playback on Fieldfare. Lots of Fieldfares and also unusual amounts of Redwings are in western Norway now, probably pushed south by heavy snowfall in the northern half of the country.

Ringed: Bohemian Waxwing 3, Redwing 4, Fieldfare 38. Total = 45. Also 5 controls. 

There was still room for another species at the 2017-ringing total. Bohemian Waxwings have been very scarce this autumn in SW-Norway, but a small flock of 5 wisited the garden today and 3 were trapped. Adult male left, adult female right. Sidensvans, ad. hann til venstre og ad. hunn til høyre.

Observations: Hen Harrier 1-2, Sparrowhawk 1, Fieldfare 200+, Redwing 20+. 

Renate Berg, Asbjörn Folvik, Alf Tore Mjös and Morten Stokke.

Ringing December 2017

Revtangen BO never close completely. We keep a feeder running through the winter, and sometimes there are more than just the local sparrows and finches. We've thrown out a lot of apples since more thrushes are still around than what we usually see at this time of the year. The last week we've put up the nets four times, twice for a couple of hours and twice from dawn till the early afternoon. 

Ringed 10th - 17th December:

Common Snipe 1, European Robin 1, Common Blackbird 8, Redwing 18 (1 coburni), Fieldfare 26, Great Tit 2, Blue Tit 1, Common Starling 5, Common Magpie 1, House Sparrow 4, Tree Sparrow 11, Chaffinch 6, Brambling 1, Mealy Redpoll 8, Parrot Crossbill 1. Total = 93. 

We've seen it before - for some strange reason Common Snipe can enter the garden when the fields freeze over. Today the weather changed and we saw the end of sub-zero temperatures for a while, so hopefully they can feed normally soon. Enkeltbekkasin.

First-winter male Parrot Crosbill at Revtangen BO December 17th, the second in 2017. Furukorsnebb.

Ringers: Renate Berg, Espen Helgsen, Haavard Husebö, Eddie Fritze and Alf Tore Mjøs.

Revtangen BO December 2nd

Cloudy, very little wind. Rain from 11. Nets open 08.30-11. Playback on Fieldfare at dawn, then Redpoll. Netmeter hours approx. 750. 

Ringed: Common Blackbird 5, Redwing 1, Fieldfare 6, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 1, Tree Sparrow 3, Chaffinch 1, Greenfinch 1, Maly Redpoll 1, Arctic Redpoll 1, Yellowhammer 3. Total = 24. Also 11 controls. 

Observations: Black Woodpecker 1, Sparrowhawk 1 (ate a Common Snipe in the trapping garden). 

Renate Berg and Espen Helgesen

Revtangen BO November 29th

Light northeasterlies and mostly sunny. 1,5 degrees at 08. Nets open 09-15, netmeter hours approx. 1600. Playback on Redpoll and Yellowhammer. 

Ringed: Common Blackbird 1, Goldcrest 1, Blue tit 1, House Sparrow 1, Tree Sparrow 8, Mealy Redpoll 29, (Coue's) Arctic Redpoll 4, Lesser Redpoll 4, Yellowhammer 1. Total = 50. Also 7 controls. 

4 Arctic Redpolls among the 37 Redpolls trapped today. Polarsisik.

Ringmerket: Svarttrost 1, fuglekonge 1, blåmeis 1, gråspurv 1, pilfink 8, gråsisik 29, polarsisik 4, brunsisik 4, gulspurv 1. Total = 50. Også 7 kontroller. 

Observations: 
Bird Observatory: Sparrowhawk 1, Black Woodpecker 1, Bohemian Waxwing 1, Song Thrush 1. 

Reve kai: Grey Wagtail 1, Pied Wagtail 2. 

The long-staying british-ringed Pied Wagtail male is still at Revekaien. 

Also a 1cy Pied Wagtail together with the adult today. Svartryggerle 1K.

Grey Wagtail at Revekai. Vintererle.

Haavard Husebö, Alf Tore Mjös and Morten Stokke.

Revtangen BO November 28th

NNE breeze, too strong for some nets and only the nets around the feeder was in use 09-14. Netmeter hours approx. 650. Playback on Yellowhammer. Alle the nets north of the buildings were dismantled for the winter. 

Ringed: Winter Wren 2, Common Blackbird 11, Blackcap 1, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 1, House Sparrow 1, Tree Sparrow 10, Chaffinch 2, Yellowhammer 4. Total = 33. Also 5 controls. 

Observations: Sparrowhawk 1, Twite 2, Parrot Crossbill 1. Also a few small flocks of Redpolls. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös

More recoveries

The weathers has pretty much prevented ringing so far in November. There have been 3 days with decent weather, but all were unfortunately blocked by meetings at the museum. But controls and recoveries keep coming, and this posting presents some new wader recoveries.

Bar-tailed Godwit (Lappspove)

DA31361 1cy Revtangen 18.09.2009
Controlled by ringer Snettisham, Norfolk, UK 5.8.2015

K03573 1cy F Revtangen 01.10.2013
Sick, died later, Hallig Nordstrandischmoor, Nortfrisian islands, Germany 27.05.2016

K04703/NAA 1cy Revtangen 11.09.2016
Colour flag read Burghead, Grampian, UK 01.10.2016
Colour flag read Hopeman, UK 06.10.2016

DA45456/CAA 1cy Revtangen 11.09.2016
Colour flag read Redcar Beach, Cleveland, UK 03.-07.10.2016
Colour flag read Snettisham, Norfolk, UK 21.08.2017. Also reported twice from UK in October 2016.

DA45458/CAE 1cy Revtangen 11.09.2016
Colour flag read Balcomie Bay, Crail, Fife, UK 05.10., 14.10 and 01.11.2016

7218400/NHP 1cy Revtangen 29.09.2017
Colour flag read Black Rock Strand, Ballinprior, Kerry, Ireland 15.11.2017

7218393/NAH 1cy Revtangen 29.09.2017
Colour flag read North Killingholme, Lincolnshire, UK 06.11.2017

K04728/NEV 1cy Revtangen 29.09.2017
Colour flag read Hatton, Tayside, UK 07.11.2017

7218383/NCE 1cy Revtangen 09.09.2017
Colour flag read Den Oever, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands 27.10.2017

 Common Ringed Plover (Sandlo)

8B46856/LCS 1 cy Revtangen 03.09.2014
Colour flag read Sainte Marie du Mont, Manche, France 10.05.2017

8B46850/LCH 1cy Revtangen 02.09.2014
Colour flag read Skegness, UK 28.09.2014
Colour flag read St. Guenole, Penmarch, Finistére, France 12.09.2016

8B45418/PPV 2cy+ Makkevika, Giske, Møre & Romsdal 20.08.2015
Colour flag read Kolnes, Sola, Rogaland 31.08.2017

Red Knot (Polarsnipe)

7366674 1cy Revtangen 7.9.2002
Shot, Baie des Veys, Manche, France 13.09.2015.
15 years after ringing.

Dunlin (Myrsnipe)

8L27565 1cy Revtangen 28.08.2008
Controlled by ringer Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, The Netherlands 22.09.2017

8N59787 1cy Revtangen 16.8.2015
Controlled Kwelderpad, Schiermonnikoog, The Netherlands 17.10.2015

8M60055 1cy Revtangen 12.09.2010
Controlled by ringer Ottenby, Øland, Sweden 15.07.2016

8N56726 1cy Revtangen 28.08.2014
Controlld by rinhger Beaumaris, Anglesey, UK 05.03.2016

8N59618 1cy Revtangen 12.08.2015
Controlled by ringer Llanfairfechan, Gwynedd, UK 23.01.2016

8N58726 1cy Makkevika, Giske, Møre & Romsdal 26.09.2017
Controlled Revtangen 29.09.2017

8M68668 1cy Makkevika, Giske, Møre & Romsdal 21.08.2017
Controlled Revtangen 26.08.2017

Curlew Sandpiper (Tundrasnipe)

8N59344/EES 1cy Revtangen 03.09.2014
Colour ring read Dena Estuary, Pntevedra, Spain 12.-27.09.2014

8N56555/EPE 1cy Revtangen 22.08.2016
Colour flag read Beacon Lagoons, Spurn, Humberside, UK 25.07.2016

Little Stint (Little Stint)

2E06749/SMJ 1cy Revtangen 17.08.2015
Colourring read Nærlandsstranden, Hå, Rogaland 20.08.2015
Colorring read Fanø Strand, Syddanmark, Denmark 26.08.2015
Colour ring read Fanø Strand, Syddanmark, Denmark 21.-24.07.2016

2E06758/SMX 1cy Revtangen 04.08.2016
Colourring read, Hartkornsværn, Nørre Nebel, Denmark 07.08.2016

2E06728/SJC 1cy Revtangen 12.08.2015
Colourring read, Foce Regi Lagni, Napoli, Italy 10.09.2015

Sanderling (Sandløper)

8M60789 1cy Revtangen 19.08.2012
Controlled by ringer Heacham, Norfolk, UK 26.07.2017

Common Redshank (Rødstilk)

7366311 1cy Revtangen 21.08.2001.
Controlled by ringer Pastura D'Arnaccio, Pisa, Livorno, Italy 24.04.2014 (12, years, 8 months)

7218391 2cy+ Revtangen  09.09.2017
Colour flag read Fremington Pill, Devon, UK 22.10. and 15.11.2017

Green Sandpiper (Skogsnipe)

8B46883/SJS 1cy Revtangen BO 24.7.2016
Found dead, Aubigny, Vendee, France 6.1.2017

8B46898/SLJ 1cy Revtangen BO 22.08.2016
Shot, Naujan-et-Postiac, Gironde, France 27.11.2016

8B46893/SMZ 1cy Revtangen BO 17.08.2016
Colour flag read, Carlton Marshes, Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK 22.-23.04.2017

8B81949/ZAV 1cy Revtangen BO 08.08.2017
Colour flag read Cley Marshes, Norfolk, UK 01.09.2017

Turnstone (Steinvender)

7541221 1cy Revtangen 12.08.2010
Ring number red from photo, Somerluoto, Hamina, Kymi, Finland 08.07.2015

7541354 1cy Revtangen 14.08.2010
Metal ring read from photo Faludden, Gotland, Sweden 10.07.2016

Eurasian Woodcock (Rugde)

1cy Revtangen BO 09.11.2010
Shot, Teignmouth, Devon, UK 16.12.2016

Alf Tore Mjøs

Revtangen BO November 3rd

Predominantly light SW, cloudy. Nets open 07-12, netmeter hours approx. 1600. Playback on Redwing, Common Blackbird and Fieldfare at dawn, later on Grey Wagtail, Redpoll and Yellowhammer. 

Ringed: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 1, Winter Wren 1, European Robin 1, Redwing 19, Common Blackbird 4, Fieldfare 5, Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 1, Blue Tit 5, Great Tit 1, Common Starling 2, House Sparrow 3, Chaffinch 1, Brambling 10, Greenfinch 2, Mealy Redpoll 24, Lesser Redpoll 4, Yellowhammer 10. Total= 98. 

Observations: White-tailed Eagle 1, Grey Wagtail 1, European Goldfinch 5, Common Crossbill 5. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjøs

Recent recoveries - waders

This autumn was a good one for wader ringing, and close to 1400 were ringed. Of these, around 230 have been colourringed, mostly with coded flags with a 3-letter code. The whole ringing operation at Revtangen BO was centered on wader ringing for several decades before mist-nets were introduced in the late 50ties, and wader ringing is still the highest priority in July-early September. 

So far the wader ringing in autumn 2017 have resultet in a few interesting sightings, and the most interesting was a Redshank:

Redshank/Rødstilk

7608514/ON(ECV) 1cy Revtangen 27.08.2017
Photographed, Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura, Canary islands/Spain 13.10.2017. This is the first recovery of a Norwegian-ringed Redshank in the Canary Islands.

1cy Redshank at Fuerteventura on October 13th. Photo: Nick Bond.

Other reports so far of birds ringed in 2017:

Bar-tailed Godwit/Lappspove:

NOS K04710/YN(NAU) 1 cy Revtangen 06.09.2017

Photodocumented Black Rock, Ballinprior, Ireland 27.09.2017 

7218386/YN(NCM) 1 cy M Revtangen 06.09.2017

Photodocumented Black Rock, Ballinprior, Ireland 17.09.2017 

 NOS 7218399/YN(NHA) 1 cy M Revtangen 29.09.2017

Photodocumented, Hauxley, Northumberland, UK 11.10.2017

NOS K04740/YN(NHV) 1 cy F Revtangen 29.09.2017

Photodocumented Boulmer, Northumberland, UK 11.10. and 09.11.2017

SFH BT047892 Pullus Utsjoki, Lappi, Finland 01.07.2017

Controlled, colour-flag YN(NAS) added, Revtangen 06.09.2017. Less than 100 Bar-tailed Godwits have ever been ringed in Finland, and this was the first recovery of a Finnish-ringed Bar-tailed Godwit in Norway. 

Little Stint/Dvergsnipe

E211505/YN(SNE) 1 cy Revtangen 27.08.2017

Photodocumented Marker Wadden, Lelystad, Ijsselmeerpolders, The Netherlands 01.09.2017

Common Ringed Plover/Sandlo

8B81806/YN(LHN) 1 cy Revtangen 30.08.2017

In flock of 50 birds at Oostende, Terschelling, The Netherlands 24.09.2017. Also a colour-ringed Common Ringed Plover from Jomfruland BO in the same high-tide roost flock. 

Dunlin/Myrsnipe

8E02225/ON(AHC) 1 cy Longyearbyen, Svalbard (Spitsbergen) 13.08.2012

Colour-flag read at Revtangen 31.07.2017. This birds was previously sighted back at Svalbard in June 2013, then at Utopia, The Netherlands in 21.06.2016. 

8435668 1cy Revtangen 30.08.2017

Controlled by ringers Greenabella Marsh, Greythorpe, Hartlepool, UK 13.09.2017

Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 23rd

Finally the wind settled, in the morning there was almost no wind but later on gradually increasing from the east. Part cloudy, around 8 degrees in the morning. Nets open 07.30-14.30, netmeter hours approx. 2500. Playback on Common Blackbird and Redwing around dawn, later on European Goldfinch, Yellowhammer and Grey Wagtail. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 5, White Wagtail 1, Winter Wren 6, Common Blackbird 12, Fieldfare 4, Song Thrush 4, Redwing 10, Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 2, Willow Tit 1, Blue Tit 17, Great Tit 3, Tree Sparrow 4, Chaffinch 1, Brambling 1, Greenfinch 4, European Goldfinch 1, Mealy Redpoll 4, Yellowhammer 2. Total = 86. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös.

Revtangen BO October 22nd

Winds from the east, but stronger than forecasted and some nets were not in use because they were too exposed. Cloudy in the morning, later sunny. Nets open 07.30-15, netmeter hours approx. 2400. Playback on Redwing and Common Blackbird around dawn, later on Grey Wagtail, European Goldfinch, Yellowhammer and Redpoll. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 1, Winter Wren 10, Dunnock 1, European Robin 6, Common Blackbird 7, Redwing 9, Song Thrush 1, Blackcap 3, Goldcrest 7, Willow Tit 7, Coal Tit 5, Great Tit 7, Blue Tit 98, Long-tailed Tit 7, Treecreeper 1, Common Starling 1, Tree Sparrow 2, Mealy Redpoll 7, Lesser Redpoll 1. Total = 184. Also 12 controls, including 1 Great Tit and 3 Blue Tits not from Revtangen. 

Renate Berg, Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös. 3 visitors.

Revtangen BO October 21st

Same weather as yesterday, the wind was even a bit stronger. Only 93 meters of nets in use 08-16, netmeter hours approx. 750. Playback on Redwing and Common Blackbird at dawn, later on Yellowhammer and Mealy Redpoll. 

Ringed: Eurasian Woodcock 1 (first this season), Grey Wagtail 1, Winter Wren 3, European Robin 7, Redwing 2, Common Blackbird 8, Blackcap 2, Goldcrest 2, Blue Tit 9, Great Tit 2, Mealy Redpoll 3. Total = 40. 

Eurasian Woodcock, 1 cy. Rugde, 1K.

Renate Berg, Espen Helgesen and Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 20th

Strong SE, 10-12 m/s, too strong for most nets. Kept the ones in the middle of the trapping garden open 07.30-15, netmeter hours approx. 800. Playback on Common Blackbird around dawn and Yellowhammer later. 

Ringed: Winter Wren 3, Dunnock 1, European Robin 3, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 6, Common Blackbird 6, Blackcap 5, Garden Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 3, Blue Tit 2, Long-tailed Tit 7, Brambling 1, Mealy Redpoll 2, Yellowhammer 7. Total = 49. Also 6 controls.

Observations: Common Snipe 40, Jack Snipe 5 (field west if the station). 

Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 19th

ESE 6-9 m/s, mostly cloudy. Nets open 07.30-15, netmeter hours approx. 2700. Playback om Redwing and Blackbird at dawn once again resulted in a good catch of thrushes. Also playback on Grey Wagtail and Brambling during the day. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpacker 1, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 2, Grey Wagtail 3, Winter Wren 8, Dunnock 2, European Robin 4, Song Thrush 10, Redwing 30, Common Blackbird 48, Fieldfare 2, Blackcap 9, Chiffchaff 6, YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER 1, Goldcrest 2, Willow Tit 1, Blue Tit 38, Treecreeper 1, House Sparrow 3, Tree Sparrow 2, Common Starling 1, Chaffinch 4, Brambling 7, Mealy Redpoll 4, Yellowhammer 2, Reed Bunting 1. Total = 192. Also a control of a Blue Tit not from Revtangen.

Few moths in the Robinson-traps, but this Pearly Unsderwing saved the day. Vandrefly. 

 

Haavard Husebö, Alf Tore Mjös and Njaal Sölvberg. 

Revtangen BO October 18th

Today was (unfortunately) a "half-day" at Revtangen. The weather was perfect with very light northeasterlies, but the weather forecast said "fog" and that's why nobody was there in the morning. Also, we had a meeting at 12 at the museum - we hate meetings in the trapping season! Some of the nets went up at 09 and down at 11.30, then all the nets were open 14-18. Netmeter hours approx. 1700. Playback on Olive-backed Pipit and Yellowhammer. 

Ringed: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1, OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT 1, Winter Wren 5, European Robin 7, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 7 (including 1 coburni), Common Blackbird 1, Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 1, Goldcrest 8, Great Tit 4, Blue Tit 29, Willow Tit 2, Tree Sparrow 1 House Sparrow 1, Chaffinch 1, Brambling 2, Greenfinch 11, European Goldfinch 1. Total = 89. Also 7 controls. 

Olive-backed Pipit. There has been so many sightings this autumn in Norway that it would have been downright embarrassing not to trap one. Sibirpiplerke.

Our 10th Lesser Spotted Woodpecker this season. Dvergspett.

A late 1cy Willow Warbler was also noteworthy. Løvsanger 1K.

Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 16th

Cloudy and NW in the morning, turning W then NE and decreasing to almost no wind. 12 degrees. Nets open 07.30-15.30, netmeter hours approx. 2900. Playback on Redpoll 08-12, Grey Wagtail and European Goldfinch. 

Ringed: Grey Wagtail 1, Winter Wren 12, European Robin 2, Redwing 4 (including 1 coburni), Song Thrush 1, Common Blackbird 3, Fieldfare 1, Chiffchaff 4 (including 1 tristis), Goldcrest 1, Willow Tit 13, Great Tit 9, Blue Tit 71, Eurasian Nuthatch 1, House Sparrow 1, Brambling 15, Greenfinch 26, Lesser Redpoll 11, Mealy Redpoll 139, COUE'S ARCTIC REDPOLL 1, European Goldfinch 8, Yellowhammer 4. Total = 328. One greenfinch ringed elsewhere controlled. 

The first Siberian Chiffchaff of the autumn was ringed today. Sibirgransanger (P.c.tristis).

Ringmerket: Vintererle 1, gjerdesmett 12, rødstrupe 2, rødvingetrost 4 (inkl. 1 coburni), måltrost 1, svarttrost 3, gråtrost 1, gransanger 4 (inkl. 1 tristis), fuglekonge 1, granmeis 13, kjøttmeis 9, blåmeis 71, spettmeis 1, gråspurv 1, bjørkefink 15, grønnfink 26, brunsisik 11, gråsisik 139, POLARSISIK 1, stillits 8, gulspurv 4. Total = 328. Også en fremmedkontroll av grønnfink. 

Observations: Grey-headed Woodpecker 1, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös 

Revtangen BO October 14th

The weather is not doing us any favours at the moment. Today the wind was in the WSW, 6-7 m/s, too windy for efficient trapping but we gave it a try with a few nets 11.45-15.45. Netmeter hours approx. 420. Playback on Yellowhammer. 

Ringed: GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER 1, Song Thrush 1, Common Blackbird 7, Blue Tit 66, Great Tit 7, Willow Tit 5, Eurasian Nuthatch 1, Greenfinch 5, Yellowhammer 2. Total = 95. Also 5 controls, including a Blue Tit not from Revtangen.  

Ringmerket: GRÅSPETT 1, måltrost 1, svarttrost 7, blåmeis 66, kjøttmeis 7, granmeis 5, spettmeis 1, grønnfink 5, gulspurv 2. Total = 95. Også 5 kontroller, inkl. en blåmeis merket annetsteds. 

Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 9th

Light SE in the morning, sunny, a few clouds later. 4 degrees at 06.30. Nets open 07-16, netmeter hours approx. 3200. Playback on Common Blackbird and Redwing at dawn, later on Grey Wagtail, European Goldfinch and Redpoll. Another decent arrival of thrushes around dawn, follwed by the first notable movement of Redpolls this autumn. There was also a few flocks of Bramblings migrating. Playback on redpolls proved efficient as usual, resulting in the highest single day total so far i 2017. 

This 1 cy Coue's Arctic Redpoll (C.hornemanni exilipes) was caught among a large catch of Mealy Redpolls. Notice the white undertail coverts. Polarsisik 1K.

Ringed: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 3, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 11, Winter Wren 8, European Robin 1, Song Thrush 8, Redwing 52, Common Blackbird 27, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 3, Willow Tit 15, Blue Tit 19, Great Tit 14, Eurasian Nuthatch 2, Brambling 8, Greenfinch 5, European Goldfinch 2, Lesser Redpoll 24, Mealy Redpoll 337, COUE'S ARCTIC REDPOLL 1, Yellowhammer 1. Total = 543. Also 5 controls, including a Blue Tit not from Revtangen. 

Ringmerket: Dvergspett 3, flaggspett 1, vintererle 11, gjerdesmett 8, rødstrupe 1, måltrost 8, rødvingetrost 52, svarttrost 27, gransanger 3, fuglekonge 3, granmeis 15, blåmeis 19, kjøttmeis 14, spettmeis 2, bjørkefink 8 , grønnfink 5, stillits 2, brunsisik 24, gråsisik 337, polarsisik 1, gulspurv 1. Total = 543. Også 5 kontroller, inkl. en blåmeis med fremmed ring. 

Observations: Grey Woodpecker 1.

Ingvald Ekeland, Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 8th

Clears skies and the coldest morning so far this autumn, with only 4,5 degrees at 07. Nets open 07-16, netmeter hours approx. 2800. Playback on Redwing and Blackbird at dawn proved almost too efficient, and well over 100 thrushes were trapped on the first net round. Most nets were closed for  while until we could process that huge catch of thrushes, and no doubt we missed quite a few birds that would otherwise have been caught, including a good number of Grey Wagtails that were attracted to the ponds by playback when the nets were out of action. Playback during the day on Grey Wagtail, Parrot Crossbill and European Goldfinch. 

Two Grey-headed Woodpeckers were trapped today. In an average year only around 10 are ringed in Norway, but it seems there is irruptive movements going on at the moment. Gråspett.

Ringed: GREY WOODPECKER 2, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 4, Winter Wren 13, European Robin 3, Common Blackbird 53, Fieldfare 2, Song Thrush 8, Redwing 105 (new single day record for this species), BARRED WARBLER 1, Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 6, Long-tailed Tit 9 (first this season), Willow Tit 9, Blue Tit 56, Great Tit 11, Eurasian Nuthatch 5, Chaffinch 1, Brambling 9, Greenfinch 11, European Goldfinch 2, Mealy Redpoll 1, Lesser Redpoll 1, Yellowhammer 2. Total = 321. Also 5 controls, including a Brambling not from Revtangen. 

The first Mealy Redpoll of the autumn was trapped today. Gråsisik.

Observations: Grey Wagtail 15+. There was alst a good number of Parrot Crossbills migrating overhead in the morning, and at least one Little Bunting in the area. 

Asbjörn Folvik, Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 7th

So far in October we've had gale force winds and rainfall already past the average for the whole month. Today the wind settled but there was still light rain before noon. NW turning NE than back N. Nets open 09-12 and 14-17, had to close several times because of blue tits arriving in numbers impossible to handle for a single person. Netmeter hours approx. 1800. Playback on Grey Wagtail. 

Ringed: Grey Wagtail 6, Meadow Pipit 1, Winter Wren 3, European Robin 1, Redwing 7, Fieldfare 5, Common Blackbird 4, Blackcap 3, Willow Warbler 1, Goldcrest 1, Great Tit 5, Blue Tit 290, Eurasian Nuthatch 1, House Sparrow 1, Tree Sparrow 4, Chaffinch 1, Brambling 4, Greenfinch 8. Total = 346. 

Observations: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1 male. 

Jostein Austevik and Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO October 1st

Poor weather with rain and gale force winds at the moment, but there was a small weather window this morning. Light easterlies in the early morning, turning south and increasing from 10. Nets open 06.30-12, the nets in the south closed from 08.30. Netmeter hours approx. 2000. Playback on Garden Warbler and Radde's Warbler through the night, Redwing at dawn and Olive-backed Pipit, Brambling, Parrot Crossbill and Grey Wagtail during the day. 

Ringed: Winter Wren 2, Dunnock 1, European Robin 11, Common Redstart 2, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 19, Common Blackbird 1, Sedge Warbler 2, Garden Warbler 1, Blackcap 54, Willow Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 1, Spotted Flycatcher 2, Great Tit 1, Blue Tit 37, Willow Tit 1, Common Starling 1, Chaffinch 5, Greenfinch 2, PARROT CROSSBILL 1. Total = 149. 

Ringmerket: Gjerdesmett 2, jernspurv 1, rødstrupe 11, rødstjert 2, rødvingetrost 1, måltrost 19, svarttrost 1, sivsanger 2, hagesanger 1, munk 54, løvsanger 4, gransanger 1, gråfluesnapper 2, kjøttmeis 1, blåmeis 37, granmeis 1, stær 1, bokfink 5, grønnfink 2, FURUKORSNEBB 1.

Male Parrot Crossbill. A rare catch at Revtangen, but there is currently invasive movements of the species in Scandinavia.

Renate Berg and Espen Helgesen.

Revtangen September 29th

Too windy yesterday and today for trapping with mistnets. There was around 50 Bar-tailed Godwits at Revtangen though, and we put out 8 walk-in traps between 08-14, mainly aimed at the godwits.

Ringed: Dark-bellied Brent Goose 1, Dunlin 17, Bar-tailed Godwit 30, Common Redshank 1, Turnstone 2, Rock Pipit 1. Total = 52. Also a control of a 1 cy Dunlin not from Revtangen. The Dunlin-total for 2017 now stands at 1007.

Adult female Dark-bellied Brent Goose. The eastern ssp. is a quite scarce migrant in Norway, and this is only the 3rd ever ringed in the country. Ringgås, adult hunn av underarten bernicla.

Observations: Bird Observatory garden: Yellow-browed Warbler 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös. 5 visitors.

Revtangen BO September 27th

Same weather as the previous days. Unusually warm night at 14-15 degrees, light ESE in the morning, increasing around mid-day. Nets open 06-15, netmeter hours approx. 3300. Playback on Garden Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at night, European Robin a dawn, and Grey Wagtail, Olive-backed Pipit and European Goldfinch through the day. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Barn Swallow 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Grey Wagtail 5, Winter Wren 7, Dunnock 3, European Robin 7, Ring Ouzel 1, Fieldfare 1, Song Thrush 7, Redwing 2, Garden Warbler 1, Blackcap 5, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 2, Goldcrest 2, Willow Tit 3, Coal Tit 10, Blue Tit 34, Bambling 6, European Goldfinch 3, Reed Bunting 1. Total = 104. Also 4 controls. Today the season total went past 5000 birds ringed.

Ring Ouzel, 1 cy female. Ringtrost, 1K F.

In Ring Ouzel, look for 2 generations of great coverts to identify a 1 cy bird. In this one, the 4 outer greater coverts are juvenile, notably shorter than the inner.

We have seen a number of the caddisfly Halesus digitatus in the Robinson-traps this week, a species previously not identified from Revtangen BO.

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO September 26th

The weather was much the same as yesterday. Unusually warm, around 15 degrees through the night. Vert light ESE in the morning, increasing to 8-10 m/s after lunch. Mostly cloudy. Nets open 06-18, netmeter hours approx. 3500. Playback on Garden Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler during the night, European Robin at dawn and Grey Wagtail and European Goldfinch during the day. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 1. Meadow Pipit 1, Winter Wren 4, European Robin 10, Common Redstart 1, Song Thrush 12, Common Blackbird 4, Garden Warbler 5, Blackcap 8, EASTERN COMMON WHITETHROAT 1, Willow Warbler 6, Chiffchaff 6, Goldcrest 2, Coal Tit 4, Great Tit 3, Blue Tit 21, Tree Sparrow 4, Chaffinch 3, Brambling 1, Yellowhammer 3. Total = 102. Also 6 controls, including a Greenfinch not from Revtangen. 

A very greyish 1 cy Common Whitethroat was trapped today, presumably of eastern origin (S.c.icterops/rubicola). 1K Tornsanger, underart icterops/rubicola. The wing measured 77 mm, very long for a 1 cy Common Whitethroat.


Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös

Revtangen BO September 25th

A bit windy from the ESE around dawn, but the wind soon settled and the morning was pleasant and calm. Sunny most of the day. Playback on Yellow-browed Warbler, European Robin and Garden Warbler during the night, but unlike yesterday with little effect. Playback on Grey Wagtail, Olive-backed Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler and European Goldfinch during the day. Nets open 06.30-14.30, netmeter hours approx. 2900. 

1 cy Pechora Pipit. First heard calling overhead, tape-lured into a mistnet. The first record of this species at Revtangen BO. Tundrapiplerke.

Ringed: GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER 1, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 4, Meadow Pipit 1, PECHORA PIPIT 1, Winter Wren 3, Dunnock 1, European Robin 6, Common Redstart 1, Song Thrush 3, Garden Warbler 1, BARRED WARBLER 1, Blackcap 4, MARSH WARBLER 1, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 6, Coal Tit 4, Great Tit 4, Blue Tit 38, House Sparrow 1, Tree Sparrow 2, Lesser Redpoll 1, Common Linnet 1, European Goldfinch 4. Total = 93. Also 10 controls.

Male Grey-headed Woodpecker. The first since 2009. Gråspett.

1 cy Marsh Warbler. The first in 2017, on a rather late date. Myrsanger 1K. 

Horse Chestnut (Pachycnemia hippocastanaria). The first record at Revtangen BO. Smalvingemåler. 

Asbjörn Folvik, Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjøs. 6 visitors.

Revtangen BO September 24th

A clear sky around midnight was cloud-covered in the morning, but no rain. Light SE turning S around mid-day. Nets open 06.30-13.30, netmeter hours approx. 2500. Playback on Yellow-browed Warbler, European Robin and Garden Warbler through the night, Song Thrush at dawn and Grey Wagtail, European Goldfinch, Olive-backed Pipit and Yellow-browed Warbler during the day. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 3, Grey Wagtail 2, Meadow Pipit 1, Winter Wren 5, Dunnock 1, Northern Wheatear 2, European Robin 37, Song Thrush 2, Redwing 1, Common Blackbird 1, Blackcap 27, Garden Warbler 3, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 4, Coal Tit 5, Blue Tit 6, Great Tit 4, Tree Sparrow 4, House Sparrow 1, Chaffinch 1, Brambling 3, Greenfinch 2, Lesser Redpoll 1, European Goldfinch 1, Reed Bunting 3. Total = 124. Also 5 controls. 

Lesser Whitethroat 2cy+. We rarely catch adults in autumn. Notice pale upperpart to iris, the fresh tail and tail pattern. Møller 2K+. 

Ringmerket: Flaggspett 3, vintererle 2, heipiplerke 1, gjerdesmett 5, jernspurv 1, steinskvett 2, rødstrupe 37, måltrost 2, rødvingetrost 1, svarttrost 1, munk 27, hagesanger 3, møller 1, løvsanger 3, gransanger 4, svartmeis 5, blåmeis 6, kjøttmeis 4, pilfink 4, gråspurv 1, bokfink 1, bjørkefink 3, grønnfink 2, brunsisik 1, stillits 1, sivspurv 3. Total = 124. Også 5 kontroller.  

3 Robinsontraps produced 19 species. For the second day in  arow we trapped a Pearly Underwing. Other presumed migrants included 9 Dark Sword-grass and 4 Silver Y. The most rare by Revtangen-standards was our second record of Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra).

Pearly Underwing. A much paler version of this variable species compared to the one yesterday. Vandrefly.

Black Rustic. Stort lyngheifly.

 Renate Berg, Espen Helgesen, Alf Tore Mjøs, Morten Stokke. 2 besøkende. 

Revtangen BO September 23rd

Light SE in the morning, cloudy, later more sunny and the wind turned south from around 13. Nets open 06.30-16, netmeter hours approx. 3400. Playback on Yellow-browed Warbler and Garden Warbler at night, European Robin and Song Thrush at dawn, and Grey Wagtail, Olive-backed Pipit, Meadow Pipit and European Goldfinch during the day. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 3, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 1, Tree Pipit 1, Meadow Pipit 10, Winter Wren 4, European Robin 18, Common Redstart 1, Redwing 6, Song Thrush 3, Fieldfare 1, Common Blackbird 3, Garden Warbler 5, Blackcap 11, Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 4, Yellow-browed Warbler 1 (first this season), Goldcrest 3, Pied Flycatcher 1, Coal Tit 1, Great Tit 3, Blue Tit 1, Eurasian Nuthatch 1, Tree Sparrow 2, Chaffinch 3, Brambling 4, Greenfinch 6, Lesser Redpoll 1, Common Rosefinch 1, LITTLE BUNTING 2 (first this season) , Reed Bunting 2. Total = 106. 

A good start to the day - Common Rosefinch, Yellow-browed Warbler and 2 Little Buntings! Rosenfink, gulbrynsanger og 2 dvergspurv.

Ringmerket: Flaggspett 3, dvergspett 1, vintererle 1, trepiplerke 1, heipiplerke 10, gjerdesmett 4, rødstrupe 18, rødstjert 1, rødvingetrost 6, måltrost 3, gråtrost 1, svarttrost 3, hagesanger 5, munk 11, løvsanger 2, gransanger 4, gulbrynsanger 1, fuglekonge 3, svarthvit fluesnapper 1, svartmeis 1, kjøttmeis 3, blåmeis 1, spettmeis 1, pilfink 2, bokfink 3, bjørkefink 4, grønnfink 6, brunsisik 1, rosenfink 1, dvergspurv 2, sivspurv 2. Total = 106.

Little Bunting (top) and Yellow-browed Warbler. Dvergspurv og gulbrynsanger.

3 Robinsontraps produced no less than 27 Dark Sword-grass and this Pearly Underwing, so there is evidently some moth migration going on. Vandrefly. 

Observations:  
Revtangen: White-tailed Eagle 1 imm, Bar-tailed Godwit 30, Curlew Sandpiper 2, Little Stint 6, Grey Plover 3, Dunlin 300+. 
Observatory: Black Woodpecker 1, Goldfinch 3+.

Renate Berg, Espen Helgesen, Alf Tore Mjös and Morten Stokke.

Revtangen BO September 21st

A day much like yesterday, poor conditions for ringing but we gave it a try because of a visiting school class. The wind turned SE and increased to 10-12 m/s, a few light rainshowers. Only those nets most protected from the wind was in use 07-15. Netmeter hours approx. 1200. Playback on Garden Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler during the night, and Meadow Pipit for a few hours in late morning.

Ringed: Meadow Pipit 10, European Robin 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 1, Reed Warbler 1, Garden Warbler 2, Greenfinch 1. Total = 17. Also 6 controls.

Observations: Yellow-browed Warbler 1 in the garden.

We put out 2 Robinson Traps, and despite rather poor weather we got a nice selection og late autumn moths, 15 species including 10 Dark Sward-grass and

Dark Sword-grass, consideret a migrant species. 10 last night was a very good catch of this species. Langvingejordfly.

 Red Sword-grass, a scarce species that winters as an adult. Svartkantkvistfly.

Angle Shades, quite common in late autumn. Taggvingefly.

Frosted Orange, a true Revtangen speciality. This is the 16th individual recorded in Western Norway, and the 15th at Revtangen! Tistelstengelfly.

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös. We had a visit from 20 students and 1 teacher from Sandnes VGS.

Revtangen BO September 20th

West 5-6 m/s, rainshowers. Poor conditions for ringing, and the only reason for trying was because of a scheduled group visit. Nets open 07-11, netmeter hours approx. 1400. Playback og Grey Wagtail and Meadow Pipit. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Meadow Pipit 6, Grey Wagtail 2, Goldcrest 1, Coal Tit 1, Willow Tit 1, Greenfinch 1. Total = 13. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös. 17 visitors from Jaeren Senior University.

Revtangen BO September 18th

Very light SE turning S-SW. Cloudy, later a bit of sun. Nets open 06.30-14.30, netmeter hours approx. 2900. Playback on Garden Warbler at dawn, later Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Olive-backed Pipit. In addition to ringing, there was time for a bit of maintenance on the nets and cutting the grass.

Ringed: BLACK WOODPECKER 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 3, Tree Pipit 2, Meadow Pipit 49, Grey Wagtail 9, Winter Wren 3, BARRED WARBLER 1 (first this season), Garden Warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 1, Coal Tit 2, Great Tit 2, Tree Sparrow 3, Brambling 1, Greenfinch 6, Yellowhammer 2, Reed Bunting 1. Total = 91. Also 12 controls. 

Female Black Woodpecker, a rare catch at Revtangen BO. Svartspett hunn.

Ringmerket: SVARTSPETT 1, flaggspett 3, trepiplerke 2, heipiplerke 49, vintererle 9, gjerdesmett 3, hauksanger 1, hagesanger 1, munk 1, gransanger 3, svartmeis 2, kjøttmeis 2, pilfink 3, bjørkefink 1, grønnfink 6, gulspurv 2, sivspurv 1. Total = 91. Også 12 kontroller. 

The first Barred Warbler of the autumn was trapped today. As usual, a 1cy. Hauksanger 1K. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös. Today we also had a visit from 13 kids and 2 teachers from Tryggheim Skole.

Revtangen BO September 17th

Nets open 06-14, netmeter hours approx. 2900. Playback on Garden Warbler and Pallas' Grasshopper Warbler at night, European Robin at dawn and Grey Wagtail and Olive-backed Pipit during the day. 

Ringed: Great Spotted Woodpecker 3, Tree Pipit 1, Meadow Pipit 3, Grey Wagtail 3, Winter Wren 3, European Robin 12, Whinchat 1, Redwing 1, Song Thrush 2, Common Blackbird 2, Garden Warbler 8, Blackcap 17, Common Whitethroat 1, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 4, Goldcrest 8, Great Tit 2, Blue Tit 1, Willow Tit 1, Eurasian Nuthatch 1, Common Treecreeper 2, House Sparrow 1, Greenfinch 2, Brambling 2, European Goldfinch 1, Yellowhammer 3, Reed Bunting 2. Total = 88. Also 4 controls.

European Goldfinch, 1 cy. The first in 2017. Stillits, 1K. 

Ringmerket: Flaggspett 3, trepiplerke 1, heipiplerke 3, vintererle 3, gjerdesmett 3, rødstrupe 12, buskskvett 1, rødvingetrost 1, måltrost 2, svarttrost 2, hagesanger 8, munk 17, tornsanger 1, løvsanger 1, gransanger 4, fuglekonge 8, kjøttmeis 2, blåmeis 1, granmeis 1, spettmeis 1, trekryper 2, gråspurv 1, grønnfink 2, bjørkefink 2, stillits 1, gulspurv 3, sivspurv 2. Total = 88. Også 4 kontroller.

Renate Berg and Espen Helgesen.

Revtangen BO September 16th

Nets open 06-14, netmeter hours approx. 2900. Playback on Garden Warbler and Pallas' Grasshopper Warbler at night, European Robin at dawn, and Grey Wagtail, Olive-backed Pipit and Meadow Pipit during the day (only one hours with playback on Meadow Pipit). 

Ringed: Water Rail 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 7, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1, Grey Wagtail 9, Meadow Pipit 30, Winter Wren 6, Dunnock 1, European Robin 5, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 2, Grasshopper Warbler 2, Reed Warbler 1, Garden Warbler 6, Blackcap 13, Common Whitethroat 1, Willow Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 2, Goldcrest 6, Coal Tit 5, Great Tit 1, Willow Tit 2, Eurasian Nuthatch 3, Treecreeper 1, Chaffinch 4, Brambling 3, Greenfinch 5, Yellowhammer 1. Total = 125. Alsoi 9 controls, including Greenfinch and Chiffchaff not from Revtangen. 

Ringmerket: Vannrikse 1, flaggspett 7, dvergspett 1, vintererle 9, heipiplerke 30, gjerdesmett 6, jernspurv 1, rødstrupe 5, måltrost 3, rødvingetrost 2, gresshoppesanger 2, rørsanger 1, hagesanger 6, munk 13, tornsanger 1, løvsanger 4, gransanger 2, fuglekonge 6, svartmeis 5, kjøttmeis 1, spettmeis 3, trekryper 1, bokfink 4, bjørkefink 3, grønnfink 5, gulspurv. 1. Total = 125. Også 9 kontroller, inkl. gransanger og grønnfink merket annetsteds.

The first Water Rail this season was trapped today. As usual, a 1cy.  Vannrikse 1K.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker male. Dvergspett hann. 

Renate Berg and Espen Helgesen.

Revtangen Septamber 9th - Wader ringing

The bad weather with wind and rain yesterday brought an increase of waders to Revtangen. We put out 9 walk-in traps from 9-19, and also 7 clapnets for a few hours. Despite lots of disturbance from walkers and photographers we still managed a good catch.

Ringed: Bar-tailed Godwit 10, Common Ringed Plover 4, Dunlin 273, Sanderling 6, Curlew Sandpiper 1, Little Stint 3, Red Knot 6, Redshank 1, Turnstone 12, Rock Pipit 2, Common Starling 4. 

Ringmerket: Lappspove 10, sandlo 4, myrsnipe 273, sandløper 6, tundrasnipe 1, dvergsnipe 3, polarsnipe 6, rødstilk 1, steinvender 12, skjærpiplerke 2, stær 4. Total = 322. 

An adult Pectoral Sandpiper frequented the trapping area today, but not the walk-in traps......Alaskasnipe. 

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös.

Revtangen BO September 7th

Most nets open 07-11, rain after that. Netmeter hours approx. 1200. Playback on Tre Pipit, Meadow Pipit and Grey Wagtail. 9 Walk-in traps at Revtangen ca. 14-17.

Ringed: Bar-tailed Godwit 2, Dunlin 32, Red Knot 3, Sanderling 8, Turnstone 2, Grey Wagtail 4, Tree Pipit 1, Meadow Pipit 35, Rock Pipit 1, Winter Wren 1, Blackcap 1, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 2, Greenfinch 1. Total = 95. 

Ringmerket: Lappspove 2, myrsnipe 32, polarsnipe 3, sandløper 8, steinvender 2, vintererle 4,  trepiplerke 1, heipiplerke 35, skjærpiplerke 1, gjerdesmett 1, munk 1, løvsanger 1, gransanger 1, fuglekonge 2, grønnfink 1. Total = 95.

The first Rock Pipit we've trapped in a long time was duly equipped with a yellow colourring from the Norwegian Rock Pipit project. Any sightings of birds with yellow rings or green rings can be reported to kjellmorksoot@fugler.com. Skjærpiplerke.

Haavard Husebö and Alf Tore Mjös.