Monthly report September 2017
General: coverage and weather
Although we enter the autumn months the average temperature was 13.7 degC, 2.0 degC over the normal. Highest temperature was 18.9 degC (25th), and lowest was 10.9 grader (13th). Total rainfall was 204.4 mm. The most rainfall in one day was 40.1 mm (6th). Highest wind speed was 17.1 m/s (5th). High pressure from the east from week 39 produced a good number of species from the east.
A total of 115 different species were recorded during the month, which was well below last years total of 121, which in itself was below par for September.
Raptors:
Seven different raptor species noted is about what is expected for a good raptor month. A fly-over Osprey in Sørevågen on the 25th and a young female Hen Harrier between the 28th and 30th are the most noteworthy records. Otherwise there reports of Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and local White-tailed Eagle and Peregrine Falcon were also noted.
A single Goshawk was noted on the 23rd. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk maximumed with six and three respectively on the 25th.
Shorebirds:
The wet weather has resulted in more than usual dabbling ducks out on the wet fields with almost daily records of Teal and Mallard from the 6th to the months end. There were a maximum of nine on Pedlestemmen on the 10th. A pair of Wigeon toured the island between the 25th and 30th.
Little Stint, Ruff and Common Snipe were also well represented species during the period. Snipe were noted in large flocks with a maximum of 60 on the 24th. Ruff were noted with a maximum of 28 on the 10th, also being recorded daily till the end of the month. Little Stint numbers reached a maximum of 10 at Spannholmane on the 18th, while one to three birds were present on puddles at Aust between the 16th and 30th. Jack Snipe were widely reported from the 24th, and a late Wood Sandpiper on the 20th and a Grey Plover on the 18th are also worth a mention. Passage seabirds were largely absent during the month. Two Common Terns at Spannholmane on the 18h and Water Rail in Merkeskogene from the 9th to the end of the month are also noteworthy.
Passerines:
An early Little Bunting was ringed in Merkeskogen on the 9th, followed by two Olive-backed Pipits on the 17th and 18th. The first Yellow-browed Warbler was as Hjemmet on the 17th followed by the months only Barred Warbler ringed in Merkskogen on the 18th. Red-breasted Flycatcher were reported with singles in Herberg on the 18th and 25th. Richard’s Pipit were noted on the 26th with two birds, as well as singles on the 28th and 30th.
Yellow-browed Warbler were noted daily after the first report and reached a maximum of 40 on the 23rd. Little Bunting were also noted daily with between one and five birds between the 24th and 29th, with six on the 30th. Olive-backed Pipit were also well reported with three birds on the 26th, two on the 28th and two on the 30th. A long stayer was at the dump between the 26th and 30th and one in Herberg between the 28th and 30th. A Citrine Wagtail in Nordvik and a Dusky Warbler on the 30th was a fine end to the month.
Invasion species such as Treecreeper, Parrot Crossbill and Great-spotted Woodpecker were well reported in September. Great-spotted Woodpecker were reported daily from the 6th with days with up to six birds, Treecreeper noted daily with singles from the 9th until the months end. A maximum of 100 Parrot Crossbill on the 25th as well as various other flocks throughout the month.
Ringing:
There were 13 days of ringing in September in Merkeskogen. A total of 737 birds of 37 species were ringed. The best day was the 28th when 112 birds were ringed of which Blackcap (112), Song Thrush (72) and Chiffchaff were the most numerous. Most notable records were three Olivebacked Pipit, three Little Bunting, 19 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Barred Warbler and 21 Parrot Crossbill. This year ringing totals are an improvement on the previous year when 466 birds of 29 species were ringed during 18 days of ringing.
Year ticks:
14 new species for the year in the form of: Great-spotted Woodpecker (6th), Little Bunting (9th), Little Stint (16th), Olive-backed Pipit and Yellow-browed Warbler (17th). Red-breasted Flycatcher, Barred Warbler, Lapland Bunting and Grey Plover (18th), Jack Snipe (24th), Parrot Crossbill (25th), Richard’s Pipit (26th), and Dusky Warbler and Citrine Wagtail (30th).
Rarities/local scarcities:
The first September record of Dusky Warbler, and the 15th in total, the last in October 2016.
25th record of Citrine Wagtail, the last in August 2012.
