NOVANA and a funny mixed flock of Whooper Swans "Sangsvane" and Cranes "Trane"

Hello everyone!

This morning we were divided into different tasks. Marion and Alice have taken over the morning Obs on the north beach. From the second hour, they were supported by Erik, for whose help they were very grateful. Also, Jørgen and Igor joined them. They saw one male and one female Hen Harrier "Blå Kærhøg" and two Red Kites "Rød Glente". Also a mixed flock of six Whooper Swans "Sangsvane" and five Cranes "Trane". A funny combination that even Erik, with the most birding experience of the three, found remarkable and had never seen before.

Photo: Erik Christophersen

After the observation Marion and Alice went to the Cormorant "Skarv" Lake. Today was the day of NOVANA, the National monitoring program of birds. But they were not surprised by anything special at the lake, some geese "Gås", some Cormorants "Skarv", some Coots "Blishøne" and also a Sparrowhawk "Spurvehøg" they could observe there. Because of NOVANA I did not support them today at the Morning Obs, but joined Knud and Frede. We first went to Jerup Strand.

There were especially many Greylag Geese "Grågås" and many Shelducks "Gravand" but also quite a few Common Ringed Plovers "Stor Præstekrave" and, I was especially happy about the Lapwings "Vibe". Then, we went to Troldkær Enge. In the field, we found a Peregrine Falcon "Vandrefalk". There were also many Skylarks "Sanglærke" singing and we saw some Cranes "Trane". We also saw Mistle Trushes "Misteldrossel". Knud and Frede had delicious cakes and buns with them which we shared. Thanks! In the early afternoon, we came back to the station. Alice and Marion had also just arrived, Robbe was already waiting for us all because he had stayed at home today to rest a bit. He also had to unlock some rooms for a film crew who are making a short movie here this weekend. After a snack it was time for me, Marion and Alice to sew nets, while Robbe entered data. He also brought us warm tea in the cold attic. In the afternoon, Preben came and picked up sorted-out books for the DOF-Nordjyland library. In the late afternoon, Robbe, Alice and I went for a walk on the beach.

We wanted to find Horned Larks "Bjerglærke". Unfortunately, we were not successful but Robbe saw a Marsh Harrier "Rørhøg", which Alice and I missed because we were studying tracks in the sand. Back at the station, we continued with the Evening Meeting. It was the last meeting with our wonderful guests Elin and Jens, hopefully, we will see each other again. Elin and Jens went for a walk today and saw many Buzzards "Musvåge", Red Kites "Rød Glente", three Cranes "Trane" and probably the Golden Eagle "Kongeørn" that Marion and I had seen yesterday. They also went to Vensyssel Teater in Hjørring today and saw "Uncle Vanja" by Chekhov. They enjoyed the play very much.

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

Todays NOVANA counts at Jerup Strand

Todays observations at Troldkær Enge

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

We had delicious pizza today, now we are full but looking forward to eating the delicious leftovers tomorrow.

We are also looking forward to great birds again tomorrow.

See you then,

Hanelie

People: Erik Christophersen, Frede Jakobsen, Knud Pedersen, Robbe Cool, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Marion L'Huillier-Hunsinger, Elin and Jens Vrang