Wood Warbler and Steppe Eagle

Since the wind turned west, we were not really sure what we could expect today. While the count started slow without many birds to count, the ringing was really good. Many birds seemed to be in the bushes and already in the early morning a nice Coal Tit (Sortmejse) surprised us.

Even more exciting was this Wood Warbler (Skovsanger). This beautiful bird was the fourth one, we could ring this year but it was the first one I had the chance to see in the hand, since I was mostly stuck in busy counts. This was definitly a highlight for me!

The ringers did really good work and caught one more Wood Warbler. The ringing totals are added like always below.

Even if the count was slow, the diversity of species was great. We could see 108 species including a Great Nother Diver (Islom) and a Curlew Sandpiper (Krumnæbbet Ryle). One Arctic Skua (Almindelig Skua) was swimming on the sea, before deciding to continue its migration. Also a lovely Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) showed up.

After finishing the count, Séan and I joined the ringers for a bit. That was really fun and some nice raptors showed up really close. The highlight was the Steppe Eagle (Steppeørn). Usually, we see it pretty distant but today it was super close. I took some pictures with my phone through the scope.

The afternoon was used for a nap and some data entry. This was interrupted from time to time, when exciting birds were put out on Zello. We could see White Storks (Hvide Stork), a adult female Pallid Harrier (Steppehøg) and also the Steppe Eagle (Steppeørn) came again pretty close. Even if we did not see it, a Bee Eater excited many birders. Additionally, the first Golden Oriole (Pirol) showed up. 

Tomorrow the bird festival starts. It will be a bit windy but at least friday and saturday looks promising to see more thrilling bird species. Simon Sr. told us, which is planned the following days and we are looking forward to meet many of you in the field! How you would say in german - "keep your ears stiff"!

Ringing totals will be added as soon as they are entered.

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: Michael Ancher, Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Lars and Lone, and our guests Marianne and Kurt.