Pallid Harrier and Penduline Tits

The migration count was back to normal numbers, which was fine after having our clickers on fire yesterday. Fortunately, Hen Harriers migrated again so that we could count 15 during our four hours count. With Little Gulls (Dvæergmåge), Black-throated Divers (Sortstrubet Lom), Merlins (Dværgfalk) and Ospreys (Fiskeørn) the variety of species was really nice. Since there were many Common Terns (Fjordterne) migrating, it was nice to practise their flight behaviour (again). Knud taught me succesfully, so I could soon pic out Arctic Terns (Havterne).

The ringers had a quite calm morning. The first Redstart (Rødstjert) of the year showed again that spring is here now. Three Fieldfares (Sjagger) were the biggest surprise of the morning. Usually we just catch single ones and it is one of the more scarce species in the ringing. Today this was different.

 Like every Saturday we cleaned the apartment and the Lab. Those and other adminastrive tasks were done quickly so we could swap over to follow our individual wishes. While I took a nice nap, Hanelie went by train towards Ålborg to look for Penduline Tits (Pungmejse). She saw them really well, so it was a nice trip and worth the effort. 

In the afternoon, Mira and Johanna arrived. They brought some sunshine and soon after they arrived Jørgen Hulbæk spotted an adult male Pallid Harrier. We quickly went outside and saw the bird returning quite high. So nice to see this slim Harrier after getting used to the flight silhouette of Hen Harriers previously. After taking the evning meeting we went for a walk to enjoy the last sunshine of the day.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 20

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Total: 6

Todays observations from observers in the area.

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

People: Michael Ancher, Johanna Veentjer, Mira Kieckbusch, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Jørgen Hulbæk, Jan Eske, Knud Pedersen our guests Helle Rasmussen and Johan Deichmann.