Steppe Eagle & Bee-eater

Zach and I decided to make the most of the calm winds and headed to Kabeltromlen for a last ringing session for Zach before he heads home later this week. We had a good morning catching 25 new birds including the first juvenile Tornsanger (Common Whitethroats), Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat) and Munk (Blackcaps) of the year. We also caught another unseasonal Vindrossel (Redwing), but the highlight of the morning came just as Zach was ringing the last bird when a Biæder (European Bee-eater) flew low overhead calling. This was undoubtedly my best view of this species and Zach’s first, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching it literally catch bees as it flew with Mursejler (Common Swifts) and Bysvale (House Martins).

Juvenile Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat).

After ringing, Zach joined Dante out birding and for a spot of raptor watching. Their highlights included 23 Hvepsevåge (Honey Buzzards), 4 Havørn (White-tailed Eagles), 2 Sort Glente (Black Kites) and the return of the Steppeørn (Steppe Eagle).

In the evening, Zach and I joined our guests Anders and Dorthe on a guided Natravn (Nightjar) walk round Sandmilen. Unfortunately, we did not hear or see any Nightjars but it was amazing to see how light it still was at 23:00 when we finished!

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Zach Pannifer, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Anders & Dorthe.

Kabeltromlen Ringing Totals:

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat)- 8

Gransanger (Chiffchaff)- 2

Lille Gråsisken (Lesser Redpoll)- 2

Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat)- 4

Rørsanger (Reed Warbler)- 1

Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler)- 1

Topmejse (Crested Tit)- 1

Munk (Blackcap)- 4

Vindrossel (Redwing)- 1

Solsort (Blackbird)- 1

Total: 25