On Thursday 14th July, Kane and I flew out to Iceland for our annual trip to Flatey Island where we ring seabirds, waders and anything else we can get our hands on really. Then onto another part of Iceland where we carry out our Whooper Swan survey work.This was my 2nd time out to Iceland. Accompanying us this year were Kevin Scott and Sean Gray from the Isle of Man. These are 2 great guys I am very pleased to now know them and to be great friends with both. A good laugh at all times during our Flatey Island trip!
As usual, work started straight away on our arrival and throughout our 10 days on the island we managed to ring just under 1,200 birds.
Totals
- Kittiwake - 663
- Snipe - 21
- Arctic Tern - 55
- Oystercatcher - 4
- Ringed Plover - 9
- Red - Necked Phalarope - 61
- Redwing - 9
- Meadow Pipit - 6
- Mallard - 12
- Eider - 11
- Snow Bunting - 16
- White Wagtail - 1
- Grey Phalarope - 1
- Redshank - 5
- Black Guillemot - 71
- Shag - 180
- Puffin - 27
- Fulmar - 24
The weather was glorious throughout our stay and all the team caught the sun. Here, Kane enjoys a moment with a Puffin whilst out surveying one of the islands.
Sean Gray with a Kittiwake - one of many caught on Clodmingo Island.
Kevin Scott with a Puffin, also caught whilst out surveying one of the islands.
Snow Buntings were abundant this year and this male cracking adult male Snow Bunting was one of 16 caught during our stay.
Red - Necked Phalarope caught in a flick-netting session down by a pool below our lodgings for our stay. This year, 61 individuals were ringed.
As always at the end of any trip a group photo is required. (Top Row - Sverrir Thorstensen, Sean Gray, Kevin Scott and Aevar Petersen, (Bottom Row - Myself and Kane).Huge thanks to Sverrir and Aevar for inviting us along for another year and to Kane, Sean and Kevin for making the trip even be better with many enjoyable laughs and great memories.
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