Fugles at the Fuglefestival

Halløjsa

Today Lucas and Andrew opened the nets. Tue joined them a bit later. They caught a Bullfinch (Dompap) and were able to see some of the migrating birds from Kabeltromlen.

Observing was very nice in the morning. The sun was shining most of the time and there was almost no wind. Due to the weather and many fantastisk birds, the four hours of counting went over very quickly. We were welcomed by the calls of several Rosefinches (Karmindompap) in the area. I hope I will remember his call now. In the first hours, Scoter migration was good- we counted around 2000 Scoters (Sortand). A highlight on the sea was a migrating Great Northern Diver (Islom).

After some time the Short-Eared Owl (Mosehornugle) showed. Later on, a Caspian Tern (Rovterne) was called out on Zello. Because they did not really say anything about location or direction it was a bit chaotic, everyone tried to find the Tern. Then a Spoonbill (Skestork) flew directly over us and caught the attention of many birders. While we were looking at the Spoonbill the Caspian Tern must have disappeared. Sadly, we were not able to see it. Tue at the ringing had more luck. He could spot a big Tern migrating far out. A lifer!

In the end of our count, many raptors occurred. We saw a Honey Buzzard (Hvepsevåge) in best light and two Black Kites (Sort Glente) in a flock of raptors. We decided to stay longer and enjoy the migration. We found far away a Barnacle Goose (Bramgås) and some more Black Guillemots (Tejst) in breeding plumage.

Morning observation of the resting Bee Eater!

From Worlds End 1 we could see a big group of people watching the ringing. It was the Ørneklubben with many interested children. Tue was telling them something about the ringing when a Bee Eater (Biæder) flew over and interrupted his talk. The Bee Eater flew in our direction and we were impressed by its colours. It came close and close, was flying around and caught many insects. Once it flew over us and made his rolling sound. We followed him and after some time it sat down on a stick. We were able to watch it through the Scope and made some not so good digiscopes. After that we tried to come back to Kab. That was a bit difficult, we had to squeeze past many observers.

After a break, Cora and I were inserting the data of today’s observations. We then heard a Zello of Red Rumped Swallow (Rødrygget Svale). Without thinking we ran outside, passed resting and chatting people and watched the air. When we ran out of the garden, we met Simon. He could tell us, that the swallow was seen in the south, too far to run. So we continued inserting data. While we did this, Tue and Andrew were out at Skarvsoen to see the Great Reed Warbler (Drosselrohrsanger). They were able to hear and even see it. For this tue climbed on a tree and saw the Drosselrohrsanger for three seconds. Later on, Rasmus was also able to hear the Drosselrohrsanger.

The Håret Mosaikguldsmed

At two O´clock Cora and I made a small walk to Batteriskoven. We could not find many birds. However, it was nice and we looked out for Dragonflies and Butterflies. I saw my first Hairy Dragonfly (Håret Mosaikguldsmed) for the year and we watched a female Broad-Bodied Chaser (Blå Libel). On yesterday´s walk we had seen the exuvia at Jennes sø, therefore it was nice to see the adult one today. When we headed back, we were able to see a Stonechat (Sortstrubet Bynkefugle) singing on a bush and Cora told me enthusiastically about the one they caught earlier. After our walk we listened to a talk about Alaskan wildlife. We really enjoyed the pictures and understood parts of it. Andrew continued birdwatching until the afternoon came and found some ringed gulls at the harbour.

The BBQ in our garden

In the evening, we had the big end-of-the-festival grilling. For that we prepared hot dogs, herb-butter, vegetable sticks and some other delicious things. After we had eaten Tue, Cora, Rasmus, Rasmus Dad, Simon and I played football on the meadow. It was pretty funny and exhausting.

So, all in all a very nice day. I am happy to be back at Skagen, many things changed since I have been here in march (the trees have leaves now and Swifts- Mursejler are flying around) but many things stayed the same. I am looking forward to tomorrow. There is still a Steppeorn from march open for me, so I hope it will show up tomorrow. Maybe it will be pushed in by the rain :).

Highlights

• Bee Eater (Biæder)
• Great Northern Diver (Islom)
• Spoonbill (Skestork)
• Caspian Tern (Rovterne)
• Shag (Topskarv)
• Great Northern Diver (Islom)

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Andrew Jacobs, Janna Ouedraogo, Lisa Vergin, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Lauren Homen