17-08 from 2011 until 2018 — The first days of the count
2016. Waiting for the birds.
For almost a decade, our counts started today, on the 17th of August.
The comment on Trektellen for this day in 2017 states:
1st day of the BRC 2017 count! Nice start for the migration with already some Honey Buzzards and additional species. Other observations include observations of Common Swifts (>550 ind.) and a local Peregrine.
The team was similarly enthusiastic in 2018:
The first count of the season! Whilst some of us were constructing the new shelter, we could already enjoy good raptor migration and a good diversity of species for this time in the season. For the past days, we have consistently seen relatively high numbers of Montagu's Harriers migrate south. Will be interesting to see how that develops as the season progresses.
It is nice to read these posts from the beginning of the season when the team is not yet spoiled with the constant passage of raptors and are happy with tallying less than 500 birds in 11 hours. This is about to change soon.
The leisurely first days are good to get to know the team, re-read the book and practise your raptor identification skills. Oh, and carry the green chairs to station 2. Full of anticipation, you don’t mind the slow days. Afterall, when the day is done, a delicious meal will be waiting for you at your Georgian home.
Counting in 2014.
Part of the 2015 team.
Happy coordinator team from 2017.
2018 team presenting the 2018 T-shirt design.
Although the beginning of the season tends to be hot, we also get some (very welcome) overcast days.
Djame-djame! A deserved moment at the end of each day.