Spring at last

When we checked the weather forecast early this morning it did not feel anything like spring! There was heavy rain and strong winds so we all enjoyed the chance for a lie in.

Luckily, the weather soon cleared up and we were all out in the field by 10am. The sun even came out and it was very warm! Simon Jr, Magnus and Hanalie went to World’s End 1 for the migration count. It was a very good count. There were 20 Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove) counted, a flock of Bewick Swans (Pibesvane), a Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) and the first Common Tern (Fjordterne) of the season. The sight of 20 Barn Swallows (Landsvale), a House Martin (Bysvale) and some Sand Martins (Digesvale) really made it feel like spring had finally arrived. Simon Jr was also particularly excited to see a Golden Eagle (Kongeørn), the first one he has ever seen.

Golden Eagle (Kongeørn). Photo by Simon Jr.

A few minutes later Knud also spotted the Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) from another location and aged the bird as a third calender year individual. He also took some great photos.

Golden Eagle (Kongeørn). Photo by Knud Pedersen.

Meanwhile, Isis and I opened the nets at Kabeltromlen with Henrik who is starting to learn to ring. Simon Sr also joined us for a few rounds. It was very quiet but this provided a good opportunity to show Henrik everything that we do at the ringing. He was able to practise handling the birds and learnt how to scribe for us. Whilst walking around the nets we also had a close view of a Bittern (Rørdrum) which was very nice to see.

Whilst we were ringing we were also able to enjoy the migration overhead. There were many Common Buzzards (Musvåge) and we were also lucky enough to see our first Barn Swallows (Landsvale) of the year. Another highlight were some Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) flying over. Isis spotted a bumble bee and the Chiffchaffs (Gransanger) were singing – it really feels like spring is here now!

Magnus and Simon Jr continued their count into the late afternoon whilst Hanalie worked on her university presentation and Isis and I enjoyed some amazing views of the Hoopoe (Hærfugl) in the lighthouse garden. It was so close and happily feeding around the back of the café. What an amazing sight! We also enjoyed some cake from Mette and the team in the lighthouse (it was delicious, tak!).

Hoopoe (Hærfugl). Photo by Simon Jr.

In the evening, we welcomed our new guests to the station. We hope that they will see some good birds this week. We have also just watched Hanalie’s Bachelor presentation on birds as biological pest controllers in onion fields in Israel which was very interesting.

A busy day!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 13

Ringing (Fyrhaven):

Total: 3

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Henrik Møller Thomsen, our guests Georg and Birthe