20 days of April

On the 15^th of April open water between ice cover on Baikal appeared.  Since this day we have been observing ice-breaking process which is remind us that spring is here in spite of snowdrifts around and minus 10°C at some nights.

Ticks appeared – One was found on my leg. People say that they are here for a week already – discovered on cats.

On the 20^th of April after some snow digging and great driving of Baikalsky reserve driver Alexander Turin we moved our living wagon from Rechka Mishicha village to the ringing station. 

And yesterday we installed Big Ribachinskaya Trap.

To 22^nd of April 529 birds of 23 species were ringed. Most numerous species are Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus) – 234 birds, Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus) – 86 birds, Siberian Accentor (Prunella montanella) – 74 birds, Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) – 56 birds.

On the 18^th of April in the list of ringed species new one appeared – Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor). We rarely see him in winter at our place.

Great Grey Shrike 

 Red-flanked Bluetail - most numerous bird on migration and in the nets now