Høgesanger!!!!!!!

Even though we weren't catching too many birds, we were able to get a bird which we have been praying for the entire season! 

We unfortunately started the day off an hour late due to rain in the morning but we were still able to meet standard time.  The morning had us catching pretty limited numbers, the vast majority of which were Garden Warblers (Havesanger).  Eventually Svent dropped by for a quick visit and we were able to enjoy some delicious pastries he brought for us.  After a few 0 net runs, we went up to the lighthouse expecting nothing.  I extracted a large sylvid out of the net and quickly realized that it wasn't a Garden Warbler (Havesanger).  The pinkish bill, undertail coverts, and overall plumage made it very clear that this was a Barred Warbler (Høgesanger)! We had been hoping for one of these the entire season so everyone was overjoyed. 

Quick picture we took of the Barred right out of the net

We brought it down to the station to process (and let everyone take a quick look at it) and Bent was kind enough to let me ring it.  The undertail coverts, wing (and lack of a moult limit in the flight feathers), and iris all made it rather obvious that this was a 1k bird.  Once we were done ringing, we took it outside to get some documentation photos before releasing it.

 A really nice headshot showing off the bill and iris (Photo credit Louis K. Poulsen)

Unfortunately, Louis and Joseph had much less luck on the observations, but they were able to see the Barred and spend some time watching the jets.  

The next few days have promising conditions so hopefully we'll have some more highlights before I head home!

People at the station Louis K. Poulsen, Joseph Stephan, Strummer Edwards

We wrapped up the day by doing some data entry and cleaning bird bags for ringing tomorrow.