General: coverage and weather:
Weather highs and lows. Highest temperature was 9.4 degC on the 16th and lowest was -2.4 degC on the 1st. Total of 99.3mm of precipitation (normal 130.5mm). Wettest day was the 21st with 18.8mm and the same day recorded the strongest average wind of 24.7m/s. The strongest gust was 33.1m/s on the 28th. The 28th gave the only snow with 3cm. Total number of species ended on 58 versus 68 the previous December. Total number of species ended on 220 versus 229 in 2022.
Raptors:
Average numbers and species. Sparrowhawk were noted with singles spread throughout the month. A young Hen Harrier paid a brief visit on the 2nd while another was seen on the last day of the month. White-tailed Eagle were reported with one to four birds throughout, otherwise there were reports of the local Peregrine Falson.
Shorebirds:
A Wigeon was in company of seven Mallard in Sørevågen on the 2nd. Mallard reduced to four and five by the 16th and three were seen in Norvikvågen on the 17th. The only large gathering of Eider were 60 by Lausingen on the 1st with the largest gathering of Common Scoter being five at Spannholmane on the same day. A large flock of Long-tailed Duck has been around Spannholmane with 40 reported on the 1st and 30th. A female Red-breasted Merganser was in Sørevågen and Nordvikvågen on the 30th.
A Curlew was present throughout and visited Lausingen on the 2nd. 60 Purple Sandpiper were on Spannholmane on the 1st with four there on the 30th. There were good numbers of Woodcock in the field early in the month, where 45 were observed with thermic optics on the 7th and 50 on the 9th, while there were only sporadic sightings after the 13th. Jack Snipe were also tracked the same way with a single on the 7th and three on the 9th. Snipe were noted with a maximum of six on the 1st. A Redshank was noted on the 1st while two were on Spannholmane on the 30th.
Kittewake were reported with a maximum of 150 on the 2nd with one to eight Common Gull on passage thoughout the month. There was a large gathering of Herring Gull on the sea around Lausingen on the 2nd with on juvenile and one adult Glaucous Gull there the same day.Up to eight Little Auk were in the Spannholmane-Lausingen area on the 1st with other singles throughout the period.
Also on the 1st, an adult Puffin was seen by Spannholamne with Great Northern Diver passing SW on the same day. A Red-throated Diver was on passage SE at Lausingen on the 2nd.
Passerines:
A Short-eared Owl was hunting at Skare on the 2nd and 3rd and single Great Spotted Woodpecker were present mainly in the Herberg area until the 13th. A Woodpigeon has been present throughout. Two Carrion Crow were also present the whole month.
Two Coal Tit visit bird feeders at Skare through large parts of the month.
Blue Tit were noted with up to 20, with Great Tit with up to 10. A Skylark was noted on the 2nd and a Meadow Pipit on the 10th. 20 to 57 Starling were at various sites through the month. Three Twite and a Snow Bunting were on Spannholmane on the 30th. A Brambling was noted on Pedlestemmen on the 28th. Two Mealy Redpoll were noted on the 10th, 11 Lesser Redpoll on the 13th and Arctic Warbler was feeding around Siratun on the 3rd.
Ringing:
No ringing activity during the month.
Year ticks:
The only new bird for the year was Glaucous Gull on the 2nd.
Rarities/local scarcities:
No birds reported in this category during the month
General: coverage and weather
Highest temperature was 9.7 degC (22nd), and lowest was -5.5 degC (28th). Total precipitation was 116.7mm. Most precipitation in one day was 26.9mm (27th). Highest wind speed was 26.2 m/s and 34.3 m/s gust (23rd). Maximum snaw was 4.0cm (28th). Total number of species ended on 101 versus 97 the previous year.
Raptors:
Nine different raptor species during the month. Early in the month there were one to five birds each of Sparrowhawk and Goshawk, mainly young mails on the 3rd, 11th, 17th and 21st. A young female-type Hen Harrier was around between the 2nd and 5th, another on the 12th and one more on the 17th and 18th.
The best bird of this catgory was a Red Kite which Håkon and Geir discovered from Spannholane and later around Merkeskogen on the 11th, and then seen again the following day around Koltemyr.
Single Ketrel were noted on the 17th and 21st as well as a Merlin on the 6th. Otherwise there were reports of one to three White-tailed Eagle and of the local Peregrine Falcon.
Shorebirds:
Two Whooper Swans arrived via Merkeskogen and landed on Måkskittmyr on the 3rd while one was seen in flight on the 12th. A few dabbling ducks from October were on the ponds on Pedlestemmen and Måskitt early in the month. Nine Wigeon were noted on the 3rd, seven on the 4th and one to three until the 16th.Two to nine Mallard were outside the seawall in Sørvågen from the 6th until the end of the month. Teal reached a maximum of six on the 3rd with one to three until the 18th. A Scaup passed west on the 17th. A Velvet Scoter was with a flock of 75 Common Scoter on passage on the 17th, with another two with a Common Scoter flock passing Spannholamne on the 11th. Two female Goldeneye were on Måkskittmyr on the 17th, and one in Tuevågen the following day. Two female Red-breasted Mergansers were in the inner harbor of Sørvågen on the 16th with one remaining until the 18th.
Only one Lapwing was noted, a bird at Skare and Pedlestemmen on the 19th. A Ringed Plover flew over on the 17th while one to two Curlew were noted until the 17th.
A Turnstone was reported on the 6th with single Dunlin on the 2nd and 5th. 38 Purple Sandpiper were on Spannholmane on the 11th.
Woodcock numbers were as high as 38 on the 2nd and a maximum of 40 on the 4th. Jack Snipe were noted with six on the 2nd, four on the 4th and one outside Siratun on the 28th. Snipe reached a maximum of 20 on the 2nd. Two Redshank were on Spannholmane on the 11th. The 18th was a good day for Kittewake with 1450 on passage and feeding. Common Gull were noted in low numbers with one to four until the 18th. Herring gull reached a maximum of 500 on the 17th. A first year Less Black-backed Gull was in Sørvågen on the 3rd. Little Auk were noted with a single on the 6th, Razorbill passed south with a maximum of 80 on the 11th with a few Guillemot around the harbors. A Puffin was seen from Spannholmane on the 11th. 19 Red-throated Diver were on passage south at Spannholmane on the 11th, otherwise there were reports of one to two on passage during the month. A Great Northern Diver was on passage south on the 17th and another adult south on the 21st. Gannet were noted with a maximum of 30 on the 17th and 18th. A good total of 35 Cormorant were on Spannholmane on the 11th.
Passerines:
Single Short-eared Owls were noted on the 4th, 10th and 12th, and a maximum of eight Great Spotted Woodpecker on the 10th with four until the end of the month. Woodpigeon reached a maximum of 12 on the 4th, otherwise one to three the rest of the month. Five Jackdaw were noted on the 4th and then three on the 10th, with one to two until the 21st. Two Carrion Crow were present throughout. A maximum of 13 Waxwing were reported on the 2nd, otherwise one to eight until the 16th. There were still good numbers of tits following Octobers invasion. Coal Tit were noted with a maximum of eight in Varen and others at various bird tables, while Blue Tit and Great Tit were recorded with maximums on the 5th of 60 and 20 respectively. Skylark were represented with one to five until the 21st.
Single Chiffchaff were at various sites until the 21st, one of which was tristis type on the 7th. Blackcap were well represented with a maximum of 50 on the 2nd and one to five until the 21st. Ten to thirty Wren were present throughout. The years only Nuthatch paid a brief visit to Helgesenhagen on the 5th while Treecreeper were noted on the 2nd and 5th. Starling reached a maximum of 100 on the 4th and up to 40 until the end of the month. There was an increase in thrushes with 60 Song Thrush on the 21st, otherwise the 5th was the best day for thrushes with 500 Redwing, 300 Blackbird and 300 Fieldfare. There were single Mistle Thrush at various sites until the 9th. The best day for Robin was the 5th with 25 birds. A late Whinchat was seen on the 9th and a late Wheatear around the Bedehuset until the 5th. One to two Dunnock were reported until the 7th and one to two Grey Wagtail at various localities until the 12th. A late White Wagtail was in Tuevågen-Skare area between the 2nd and 6th. Meadow Pipit reached a maximum of 40 on the 7th and Rock Pipit with 15 on the 5th. A late Tree Pipit was at the football pitch on the 5th and 6th.
Hawfinch were noted with two on the 5th and singles on the 7th and 11th. A few Bullfinch from October well still around with a maximum of 15 on the 5th and one to ten until the 17th.
Two Twite were on Pedletunet on the 20th with 10-20 Mealy Redpoll until the 21st and a late Lesser Redpoll on the 2nd in Merkeskogen. An Artic Redpoll was ringed in Merkeskogen on the 11th. Parrot Crossbills were noted with a single on the 5th and eight on the 17th. Common Crossbill were more numerous with a maximum of 70 on the 12th. Goldfinch were noted with singles on the 11th and 17th. Snow Bunting singles were present early in the month with four on the 12th and two on the 21st. A Yellowhammer was in Herberg Myre area between the 5th and 7th. A stable Little bunting was at Skare on the 6th and 7th and another at the church on the 11th and 12th, while single Reed Bunting were are various sites until the 7th.
Ringing:
A total of 405 birds of 28 species were ringed during seven days of ringing in Merkeskogen. Best day was the 1st when 179 birds were ringed, of which Blackbird (76), Redwing (27) and Blackcap (15) were the most numerous. This months ringing can’t compare with the previous year when 729 birds of 29 species were ringed in 16 days of ringing in Merkeskogen. An Arctic Redpoll was the most notable species, however Woodcock and Jack Snipe were well represented during night ringing. The nets were taken down on the 19th.
Year ticks:
November resulted in three new birds for the year: Nuthatch (6th), Red Kite (11th) and scaup (17th).
Rarities/local scarcities:
Fourth record of Red Kite, las tin April 2020.
General: coverage and weather:
Highest temperature was 14.8 degC (2nd), and lowest was 2.7 degC (31st). Total rainfall was 94.1mm. Most rainfall in one day was 23.1mm (15th). Strongest wind was 25.2 m/s and strongest gust was 33.7 m/s on the 11th. Total number of species ended on 166 versus 171 the previous year.
Raptors:
A total of ten raptor species during the month, of which the most interesting species was a Golden Eagle that glided of Hegglands’ house near Rabbadalen on the 22nd. Sparrowhawk were well represented throughout the month with a maximum of 35 on the 19th. A young Goshawk paid a brief visit on the 5th while another was present between the 18th and 27th. Hen Harrier were also well reported with one to two birds daily between the 9th and 27th, while four were noted on the 18th. White-tailed Eagle were reported with one to two daily throughout the month. Kestrel were represented with two birds on the 1st, otherwise singles sporadically until the 28th. A Merlin was at various localities between the 1st and 6th, while another was seen on the 11th. Peregrine Falcons were noted with one to two birds during the month.
Shorebirds:
Fifteen Brent Geese passed on the 11th and another six on the 19th. Six Greylags arrived on the 14th while other singles were reported throughout the month. Eleven Pink-footed Goose passed east at Pedleneset on the 8th.
A young Shelduck was seen on Spannholmane and later at Austrheim on the 9th. Widgeon were noted in large flocks on passage as well as a few birds on Pedlestemmen and Måkskittmyr during the month, with a maximum of 36 on passage on the 6th. A flyby female Pintail was at various localities between the 3rd and 5th, two on the 6th, eight on passage on the 8th and a female on Pedlestemmen on the 27th. Two Tufted Ducks were on Pedlestemmen on the 27th. The highest number of Common Scoter was 29 on passage on the 3rd. A female Goldeneye passed outside Beiningen on the 21st and Red-breasted Merganser were noted with four on the 6th and five on passage on the 19th.
At least one Water Rail was in Merkeskogen throughout the month. The last Oystercatcher was noted on the 4th. Golden Plover were noted daily until the 22nd with a maximum of 16 on the 4th. There were few Grey Plover on passage, with four on the 1st and eight on the 2nd. Another was on Pedlestemmen between the 5th and 9th and two were noted on the 11th and 22nd.
Ringed Plover were present with one to four birds until the 6th, Curlew with occasional reports until the 15th. Three were on Spannholmane on the 9th. Ruff were noted with a single on the 3rd and another more stable bird on Pedlestemmen between the 9th and 13th.
Sanderling were noted with singles between the 4th and 9th. Otherwise there were reports of Dunlin and Purple Sandpiper until the middle of the month, with maximums on Spannholmane of eight and 35 respectively on the 9th. Two Woodcock were reported on the 12th with one to seven until the end of the month. Jack Snipe reached a maximum of 10 on the 7th with 40 Snipe on the 8th.
There were also reports of single Great Snipe on the 10th and 20th. The most notable wader find and photo opportunity was the Grey Phalarope found by Geir Kristensen outside the seawall in Nordvikvågen on the 5th. The bird was first mobile, with a report over at Koltemyr before in stabilized on the ponds on Pedlestemmen on the 13th. Another or the same was seen off Pedleneset.
A Common Sandpiper was reported on the 2nd and two Redshank on the 10th, while a late Spotted Redshank was over Tuevågen on the 5th.
Kittewake were noted with a maximum of 1400 on passage on the 4th, with 1000 reported on both the 11th and 14th. Single Black-headed Gull were noted between the 11th and 31st. A second year Little Gull passed over Siradalen on the 5th, with three birds on passage on the 14th. The 6th was the only day with three figure counts of Common Gull with 185 that day. One to two Lesser Black-backed Gull were reported until the 6th. An adult Common Tern was on passage on the 12th, with Arctic Tern noted with two on the 2nd, nine on the 4th and two on the 14th. Skuas were noted in modest numbers. One to five Great Skua were noted until the 11th. A young Pomarine Skua was noted on the 3rd while four were on passage on the 4th. Arctic Skua were noted with two on the 3rd, 14th on the 4th, singles on the 5th and 6th and then two on the 11th. A juvenile and an adult Long-tailed Skua were on passage on the 4th.
Little Auk were noted with singles on passage between the 6th and 9th, with ten on the 14th and 35 on the 30th. There were also other auks on passage with maximums of Razorbill and guillemot of 510 and 70 on the 14th. Puffin were noted with one to five birds until the 14th. Red-throated Diver were reported with a maximum of 43 on the 14th. Single Black-throated Divers were reported on the 4th and 8th as well as three on the 11th. Great northern Divers were spread with one to three birds until the 11th and White-billed Divers with three young birds on passage on the 4th. Birders attention was attracted to the sea to get on to two different Leach’s Petrels on the 5th, two on the 11th and another on the 12th. Fulmar were reported with a maximum of 125 on the 12th. Sooty Shearwater were well represented with a maximum of 45 on the 6th and one to 33 between the 3th and 14th. Manx Shearwater were also reported on the same good passage days but in lower numbers with a maximum of nine and one to six in the same period. There was a maximum of 750 Gannet on the 11th.
Passerines:
Local birders carried out an organized search following a report of an Eagle Owl from the outer reaches of Klovningsneset on the 4th, found by Øyvind Wathne Johannesen and Bjørn Fuldseth. The bird was noted relocated and is potential first for the island since an old report of a dead bird has been removed from the list being not proven to have reached the island without aid. Short-eared Owl were reported in good numbers throughout the month, with the highest day total of 11 coming on the 5th.
Great-spotted Woodpecker were also well represented both on passage and non-passage with a maximum of 40 on the 9th. The months one Great Grey Shrike was at Løvlandshagen on the 24th and 25th. Three Jackdaw were resident from the 24th until the end of the month. Two Carrion Crow were present throughout. Waxwing were well reported with 16 on the 14th being the first and a maximum of 170 on the 18th as well as good numbers throughout the month.
Coal Tit were well represented with the first three in Varen on the 8th and a maximum of 50 on the 20th. Blue Tit and Great Tit reached maximums of 350 and 25 on the 8th and 18th respectively. Woodlarks were noted on the 9th and another at Beite on the 24th and two Shorelarks flew over Vestremarkje on the 5th. The last Swallow was noted at Klovning on the 24th. Long-tailed Tit were noted with six in the 10th and another on the 12th.
The were still few Yellow-browed Warbler and only two days with double figure counts, with 11 on the 2nd and 15 on the 5th. The last bird was noted on the 18th.
A Pallas’s Warbler was seen briefly on the 9th. A Radde’s Warbler was trapped and ringed in Merkeskogen on the 13th. Willow Warlber were noted with one to seven bords until the 11th. Chiffchaff numbers reached 50 on the 2nd with three to five tristis between the 5th and 20th, of which two were stable at the dump and in Herberg. An Arctic warbler was briefly in Klopp on the 2nd.
Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler were noted with singles on the 6th and 2nd respectively. Barred Warbler were well represented with a bird from September in Hegglandhagen and two others in Sørevågen, one of which had a ring, until the 8th. One of these was noted until the 8th while another bird of the same was in Heggelandhagen on the 18th.
Lesser whitethroat reached a maximum of ten on the 2nd, Whitethroat with a bird in Kvalvik on the 3rd and new bird ringed in Merkeskogen on the 6th. A Firecrest was at Svehojen on the 5th and another ringed in Merkeskogen on the 27th. October also gave good numbers of Goldcrest with a maximum of 1500 on the 9th, with Wren reaching a maximum of 100 on the same day
Treecreeper were reported with one to two birds throughout and a maximum of eight on the 24th. Starling were noted in small flocks with a maximum of 150 on the 20th. Thrushes were noted in moderate size flocks for the time of year. Redwing reached a maximum of only 1500, Mistle Thrush from the 8th and the last Ring Ousel in the 24th. Only one Spotted Flycatcher was reported on the 5th. Robin numbers were also low with a maximum of 40 on the 2nd. There was one Red-breasted Flycatcher at Svehojen on the 9th and another at Helgesenhagen on the 18th, with one to two Pied Flycatcher on the 1st and 2nd. A Black Redstart was on Rau on the 2nd, a female at Djupvikshaugen on the 10th and a female in the north on the 28th. Single Redstart were noted on the 1st and 5th and single Whinchat until the 7th. Stonechat were well represented with a few birds at various locations between the 3rd and 12th and a maximum of seven on the 7th. One to seven Wheatear were noted until the 18th, with a stationary bird at Siratun from the 28th till the end of the month. There were one to three Blue-headed Wagtails until the 12th while one to six Grey Wagtail were spread throughout the month.
The two Richard’s Pipit’s from Koltemyr in September were still present on the 1st. Two others were stable in Nordvik between the 8th and 13th, then another was in Veito and Beite on the 24th and 25th and Bakerijordet on the 28th. Tree Pipit were noted until the 7th. Olive-back Pipits were noted with one to three birds between the 1st and 3rd and one at Austre plantning on the 12th and 13th. A Red-throated Pipit was in the Myre and Hovland areas on the 1st and 2nd.
Finches were well represented with a maximum of 5000 Brambling on the 9th, with 60 Chaffinch on the same day. Hawfinch records were of on to two from the 3rd. Bullfinch were mostly daily from the 9th, with a maximum of 12 on the 31st.
A juvenile Rosefinch was in Hauglandhagen on the 6th and another at Skare and Herberg on the 12th. Twite were reported between the 4th and 26th, with a maximum of eight on the 25th. Linnet were noted with one to four birds until the 8th. Mealy Redpoll were noted in large flocks from the 7th, with a maximum of 4000 on the 9th, with Lesser Redpoll increasing in numbers towards the end of the month with a maximum of 30 on the 27th.
Arctic Redpoll were noted with singles on the 8th, 9th, 16 and 25th mainly of the hornemanni race, the last three of which were ringed in Merkeskogen.
Parrot and Common Crossbill were also well represented with a maximum of 400 of each on the 9th. A Two-barred Crossbill was reported on the 2nd with two on the 8th and 9th. Goldfinch reports were of one to four spread throughout the month. Siskin reached a maximum 80 on the 9th. There were one to four Lapland Buntings between the 1st and 12th and a maximum of 20 Snow Bunting on the 17th. A single Yellowhammer was on Pedlestemmen on the 10th and two were noted on the 26th. Little Bunting were noted with one to nine daily between the 1st and 15th with a maximum of ten on the 3rd. A Rustic Bunting was trapped in Merkeskogen on the 1st while another was at Hovland on the 5th. Reed Bunting were less numerous though the month, with a maximum of 30 on the 2nd.
Ringing:
A total of 3046 of 48 species were ringed in 28 days of ringing in Merkeskogen. The best day was the 9th with 403 birds where Goldcrest (165), Brambling (99) and Lesser Redpoll (67) were the most numerous. The years ringing is much improved from the previous year when 1893 birds of 41 species were ringed in 25 days of ringing in Merkeskogen. Most notable records were six Little Bunting, a Rustic Bunting, three Arctic Redpoll, a Firecrest, nine Yellow-browed Warbler, a Barred Warbler, a Olive-backed Pipit, a Grey Phalarope and a Water Rail.
Year ticks:
There were 13 new birds for the year: Parrot Crossbill and Red-throated Pipit (1st), Arctic Warbler (2nd), Eagle Owl (4th), Little Gull and Grey Phalarope (5th), Arctic Redpoll (8th), Pallas’s Warbler and Woodlark (9th), Long-tailed Tit (10th), Radde’s Warbler (13th), Rough-legged Buzzard (18th) and Golden Eagle (22nd).
Rarities/local scarcities:
1st Eagle Owl since a bird November 1981 found by Johannes Skålnes.
2nd, or possibly 3rd modern record of Golden Eagle, where a bird from November 2022 has yet to be assessed.
Seventh, and also maybe eighth record of Grey Phalarope, last in October 2022.
Tenth record of Radde’s Warbler, last in October 2022.
Thirteenth record of Arctic Warbler, last in September 2015.
General: coverage and weather
Highest temperature was 19.2 degC (8th), and lowest was 9.8 degC (27th). Total rainfall was 147.8mm. Most rainfall in one day was 36.8mm (11th). Highest wind speed was 19.7 m/s 826th) and strongest gust was 27.1 m/s (27th). A total of 139 species were recorded versus 122 in 2022.
Raptors:
Nine different raptors in an good month for this group. Osprey were noted one various dates during the month. A passage bird was noted on the 4th, followed by another at various localities on the 18th and 19th while a bird was mostly around Austre plantning between the 27th and 29th. The latter was particularly weak on the last day. Stakkaland was on a day trip and pulled out the best raptor of the month – a Black Kite over Klopp on the 8th.
Hen harrier were noted with a young male on the 27th and another bird on the 29th. The Pallid Harrier from August was still hunting around Siradalen on the 3rd, another young male was present on the 8th and 9th with another young female also present on the 8th. One of the birds was also noted on the 10th.
White-tailed Eagle were widely reported with one to two daily. Sparrowhawk were also noted daily with a maximum of 60 on the 8th, of which 50 were passage birds. Kestrel more conspicuous with a maximum of four on the 8th, otherwise one to three daily. Merlin were noted with a single on the 8th and 9th and another on the 30th. Hen Harrier were represented with a female on the 3rd and 4th and another bird on the 8th and 9th. Otherwise there were reports of the local Peregrine Falcon.
Shorebirds:
A single Greylag Goose was around Austrheim between the 13th and 19th, other September is a good passage month for geese. 70 Brent Geese passed SW Spannholmane on the 16th, while seven passed the island south on the 18th, 67 Pink-footed Gesse passed south on the 5th while five were on various fields between the 28th and 30th. Of the more notable duck species were a Tufted Duck on passage SW from Nykaien at Aust on the 25th, a Velvet Scoter and four Red-breasted Merganser passing SW from Pedleneset on the 30th. A Water rail was in the dam at Merkeskogen between eh 15th and 29th. Oystercatcher were sparse with one to four birds throughout the month, with the exception of 12 on Spannholmane on the 16th. Grey Plover were noted throughout the month with a maximum of seven passing west at Pedleneset on the 30th. A late Whimbrel passed over Pedleneset on the 23rd while Bar-tailed Godwit were noted with passed birds on the 1st, 4th and 10th.
September is a good month for finding calidris waders on the various rocky shores. Turnstone were recorded with a maximum of 21 on the 7th, Dunlin with a maximum of eight on Spannholmane on the 16th, otherwise one to three spread throughout the month and 30 on passage SW on the 30th. Purple Sandpiper were noted with singles spread over the month while five were on Spannholmane on the 16th. Two Little Stint were at Bekkjarvik on the 6th and 7th and singles on Spannholmane and Lausingen on the 16th.
Øystein started with thermal imaging on the 18th and this resulted in the ‘triple’ of Great Snipe, Jack Snipe and four Snipe on the first night. On the 21st there was a new Great Snipe and a control of Great Snipe.
Jack Snipe were noted with a maximum of nine on the 30th. One to two Common Sandpiper were noted with one to two birds until the 9th. Tringa waders were also represented during the month with a Green Sandpiper over Sørevågen on the 10th, two Redshank on Spannholmane on the 16th and a Greenshank over Nordvik on the 10th.
Kittiwake re normally a good indication of good seabird passage days. The two best days were the 23rd with 400 and the 30th with 300. Two young and an adult Sabine’s Gull were also on passage on the 30th.
A late young Common Tern was on passage on the 15th. Twenty Arctic Tern passed on the 23rd, otherwise there were others on passage throughout the month. The only reports of Great Skua were a single on the 23rd and two on the 30th. Artic Skua were more well represented with 17 on the 23rd and nine on the 30th.
Long-tailed Skua reports were of a single juvenile and an adult on the 30th while three Little Auk were noted on passage the same day. Guillemot and Razorbill were on passage the same day with 41 and 11 respectively. Puffin passage SW from Pedleneset were three and 16 on the 23rd and 30th respectively. Diver passage did not get going until the end of the month when 102 Red-throated Diver and a Great Northern Diver were noted on the 30th.
Sooty Shearwater were first on the 15th, four on the 23rd and 31 on 30th. Six Manx Shearwater and 170 Gannet were also reported on the 30th.
Passerines:
Great Spotted Woodpecker were present in various numbers throughout the month with a maximum of 15 on the 30th. Two Carrion Crow were present throughout. The autumns first Great Tit arrived on the 29th, while the last Sand Martin, two Swallow and three House Martin were noted on the 6th, 27th and 17th respectively.
Yellow-browed Warbler were reported with three on the 17th, a single on the 23rd and three new on the 27th, then one to two the rest of the month. There were low numbers of Willow Warbler, and Chiffchaff were noted with a maximum of 40 on the 27th. A Sedge Warbler on the 5th, Reed Warbler on the 27th and ringed Blyth’s Reed Warblers on the 9th and 26th were other notable warblers. A Marsh Warbler was in Veito on the 29th and 30th.
The most notable passerine was the Lanceolated Warbler which Håkon found in Austre plantning. The bird was photo ID’ed by Bjørn Mo and was present until the 27th. A juvenile Grasshopper Warbler was by the Bakery on the 17th, while another was in Veito on the 22nd and 26th. Blackcap reached a maximum of 100 on the 28th and Garden Warbler reached there top between the 18th and 29th. A Barred Warbler was ringed in Merkeskogen on the 8th with another bird there on the 15th. One was in Herberg on the 17th, another at the dump between the 23rd and 25th, two on the 28th and one on the 29th. Lesser Whitethroat were reported with a single on the 3rd, followed by one to three from the 15th till months end. Whitethroat were few and far between with only a single between he 22nd and 29th. Goldcrest reached a maximum of 50 on the 28th.
The autumns first Wren arrived on the 5th and reached a maximum of 15 on the 30th. Starling reached a top of 45 on the 8th. There were now periods with good thrush passage exceeding more than 50 or more than 15 on the island during the month. A juvenile Red-breasted Flycatcher was seen briefly in Herberg on the 19th. Movements of Dunnock reached 20 on the 18th. One to two Blue-headed Wagtail were present throughout the month. A An early Grey Wagtail was over Merkeskogen on the 6th, with one to two reported on the 29th and 30th. White Wagtail reached a maximum of 30 on the 2nd. A Richard’s Pipit was at Koltemyr on the 27th while two were in the same area on the 29th and 30th.
Meadow Pipit reached a maximum of 200 on the 8th. Tree Pipit reports were spread over the month with one to three birds on various days. There was only one Olive-backed Pipit, on the 29th. A Hawfinch was in Herberg on the 14th, while a Rosefinch was also there on the 17th and two others in Hegglandhagen on the 29th and 30th. Linnet numbers were high early in the month with 130 on the 8th. Crossbill reached a maximum of 200 between the 15th and 17th while a Two-barred Crossbill was in a flock in Varen on the 15th. Goldfinch were represented by three on the 29th and two on the 30th.
The autumns first Little Bunting was the dump on the 19th, followed by one to three from the 22nd with a maximum of five on the 28th. A Rustic Bunting was at Merkeskogen on the 24th while Reed Bunting were noted with one to six birds from the 28th.
Ringing:
There 24 days of ringing in Merkeskogen. A total of 607 birds of 35 species ringed. Best day was the 28th when 102 birds were ringed of which Blackcap (42), Goldcrest (21), Barred Warbler and Siskin (7) were the most numerous. Most notable ringing records were a Teal, five Little Bunting, two Barred Warbler, only two Yellow-browed Warbler, 46 Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Great Snipe and 15 Jack Snipe. This year was close to last wear when 632 birds of 33 species were ringed during 16 days of ringing.
Year ticks:
11 new species for the year: Barred Warbler and Black Kite (8th), Two-barred crossbill (15th), Yellow-browed Warbler (17th), Lanceolated Warbler (24th), Richards Pipit (27th), Olive-backed Pipit (29th), Leach’s Petrel, Sabine’s Gull and Velvet Scoter (30th).
Rarities/local scarcities:
3rd record of Black Kite, last in December 2022
8th record of Lanceolated Warbler, last in October 2016.
15th and 16th records of Pallid Harrier, last in August 2023.
General: coverage and weather:
Highest temperature was 19.9 degC (19th), and lowest 9.4 degC (11th). Total rainfall was 104.00mm. Most rainfall in one day was 19.4mm (26th). Highest wind speed was 22.5 m/s (7th) and strongest gust was 29.2 m/s (8th). A total of 85 species were recorded in the month versus 91 the previous year.
Raptors:
Sparrowhawk were noted daily with one to two birds from the 21st until the end of the month. A juvenile Marsh Harrier frequented Veito and Siradalen on the 6th and 7th, a female on the 11th and a new or the same juvenile between the 14th and 16th.
The most notable record was the young Pallid Harrier found by Atle at Skare on the 31st. Kestrel were noted only with singles on the 6th, 20th and 21st. White-tailed Eagle reports were spread amongst sub-adult and second year birds from the 6th until the end of the month.
Shorebirds:
Three Teal were on Pedlestemmen on the 26th, the only dabbler of the month. Golden Plover were regularly reported with one to two birds almost daily throughout the month with a flock of 15 passing over on the 25th. August is often a good month for passage calidris and tringa waders. Only Spannholmane and Lausingen had any large numbers of waders. A visit to Spannholmane/Lasuingen on the 26th give the following counts at each: Ringed Plover 10/5, Turnstone 55/15, Knot 0/1, Sanderling 11/10, Dunlin 15/10, Purple Sandpiper 11/5, Little Stint 1/1, Redshank 30/5, Green sandpiper 2/0, Greenshank 3/0.
Ruff were well represented on the fertile fields in Siradalen with two to nine birds in various flocks from the 6th until the end of the month. More notable waders were a Black-tailed Godwit at Måkskittmyr on the 15th and another on night passage over Skare on the 25th. Flyover Spotted Redshank were on passage on the 9th and 15th. Whimbrel were noted only with a single on the 2nd, two on the 4th and one on the 26th and 27th.
There were no days with notable seabird passage with species such as Kittewake, Fulmar and Gannet were only noted in small numbers. A large flock of 500 Common Gull carpeted Siradalen white after a heavy shower on the 15th. Petrel ringing from July continued into August with ringing on the 1st, 2nd and 11th with a total of 24 birds ringed and a further 30 birds seen around the nets. Three adult and two juvenile Arctic Tern passed Pedleneset on the 9th, A Great Skua, a Sooty Shearwater and five Manx Shearwater were reported on the same date.
Passerines:
A dry June, poor breeding in the mountains and weather note contusive to passage of birds to the island set the scene for the report for this month. Two to four Swift were present between the 15th and 21st. The juvenile Cuckoo from July was still present in Veito until the 10th and another was noted on the 3rd and 10th.
A Wryneck was behind Siratun on the 30th. Swallow were noted with a maximum of 110 on the 26th of which 30 passed over Spannholmane. A Reed Warbler was ringed in Merkeskogen on the 26th and was noted the following day.
An Icterine Warbler was also ringed on the 25th and a Lesser Whitethroat was in Sjoarskogen on the 27th. Pied Flycatcher were noted with a maximum of seven on the 27th and Starling with 300 on the 10th. An adult Twite was down by the lighthouse on the 6th with two there on the 11th. Crossbill movement started on the 6th with one at Merkeskogen followed by small flocks and a maximum of 70 on the 26th.
Ringing:
Few birds in the field and long periods with NW wind, however there were six days with ringing and a total of 83 birds of 17 different species. Best day was 26th with 32 birds ringed of which Garden Warbler (10), Willow Warbler (6) and Goldcrest (6) were the most numerous. Petrel ringing at the quay at Aust resulted in 24 Storm Petrel ringed during thee nights of ringing. Otherwise a Wood Warbler and Icterine Warbler were most notable ringing records. Last years ringing resulted in 113 birds ringed of 23 species during seven days of ringing.
Year ticks:
August resulted in four new birds for the year: Sooty Shearwater (9th), Little Stint and Sanderling (26th) and Pallid Harrier (31st).
Rarities:
Fourteenth record of Pallid Harrier, the last in August 2022.
General: coverage and weather:
Highest temperature was 20.7 degC (9th), and lowest was 10.7 degC. Total rainfall was 129.7mm. Most rainfall in one day was 21.2mm (7th). Highest wind gust was 27.8 m/s (3rd) and highest average wind was 20.7 (26th). A total of 74 species were reported, compared to last year’s 70.
Raptors:
Usually few raptors during July on Utsira. A hunting male Marsh Harrier was in Nordvik and over Varen on the 11th is unusual. Otherwise there were occasional reports of the local Peregrine falcon during the month.
Shorebirds:
30 to 60 local Greylag Gesse have been present during the month, otherwise few ducks. Only a Teal and a few days with passing Common Scoter out from Pedleneset are worth a mention. The Lapwing pair with to young were seen on the 16th on Pedlestemmen. Ringed Plover were noted with flyover birds on the 1st and 16th. 15 Whimbrel were at Pedleneset on the 2nd, otherwise one to five were noted at various localities until the 19th. Three Ruff were at Skare on the 29th, increasing to six the next day and present there also on the last day of the month. A Temminck’s Stint passing NW at Pedleneset on the 18th was the most notable find in the group. A Dunlin passed SW on the 2nd. The pair of Common Sandpiper with two to three young were around the area between Skjevika and Pedleneset until the 18th, while another was in Sørevågen on the 26th. A Wood Sandpiper passed S at Sjoarskogen on the 15th while another flew over Klovning on the 28th.
Only single figure movements of Kittewake were noted. Black-headed Gull were reported with single on fields between the 2nd and 17th.
Seabird passage started on the 2nd. Great Skua were well represented with one to six during days with westerlies between the 2nd and 27th. A Pomarine Skua passed east at Pedleneset on the 3rd. There were also a few auks from Spannholmane past Pedleneset including ten Puffin on the 17th, two Razorbill on the 3rd and double figure counts of Guillemot on a few days.
After a few years without petrel ringing the project resumed this year at the wind turbines in the east from the 29th. Five Storm Petrel were ringed on the first night. The following night up to thirteen were around the nets of which seven were ringed while a Danish bird was controlled. The Danish bird was the first control of a bird from this country (1st recovery of Storm Petrel from Denmark), and was ringed two days earlier at Skagen. The last day of the month resulted in fourteen birds round the nets of which seven were ringed. The best day for Gannet passage was the 18th with 100 passing SW at Pedleneset. Manx Shearwater were noted with a single on the 2nd, 21 on the 3rg, six on the 13th, 13 on the 17th and nine on the 18th.
Passerines:
Not a month noted for anything special in this group. A male Red-backed Shrike was at Klovning on the 27th. Cuckoo were successful breeders with use of Meadow Pipit as surrogates, with singing males on the 1st and young bird in the Herberg from the 18th until the end of the month.
A pair of Sedge Warbler were in Søre Merkeskog in the middle of the month. A Garden Warbler was singing in Herberg on the 1st and a Spotted Flycatcher was in Hauglandhagen on the 14th. Otherwise five Twite were on Pedleneset on the 16th and a few Siskin were mobile, with 20 on the 14th.
Ringing:
There was no ringing activity during the month.
Year ticks:
A total of five new birds for the year: Manx Shearwater (2nd), Marsh Harrier (11th), Temminck’s Stint (18th), Storm Petrel and Ruff (29th).
Rarities/local scarcities:
No records within these categories.