Good birds, better insects

No wind and sunshine accompanied us this morning at Grenen. The lack of bird migration was compensated for by good conversation and company. It was the first morning Ragnar joined, who will be here for a couple of days. But we still managed to see some nice birds including a young Goshawk (Duehøg) and a Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove).

Counting at World's End 3

A yellow legged gull took our attention, but a more detailed look into the primaries revealed its identity as a Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) – the yellow legged omissus-type. 

Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) omissus type

After finishing the count, we headed to Kabeltromlen. The ringers had a very satisfying day, that started with a young Bluethroat (Blåhals). This species was quite rare in the ringing, but numbers increased this year. Some new birds including a Pied Flycatcher (Broget Fluesnapper) gave some of the volunteers the nice opportunity to gain ringing experience and get a new bird species in the hand. While the ringers closed the nets we counters saw several Adders (Hugorm) and I caught this nice Heath Grashopper Chortippus vagans (Steppegræshoppe), that is just spread in Skagen area up to Ålbæk in Denmark.

Heath Grashopper Chortippus vagans (Steppegræshoppe)

Ragnar found a Silver Spotted Skipper Hesperia comma (Kommabredpande) just south of the lighthouse. That is a very nice record, since this species is usually just seen south of Skagen By. A good day for SKAF entomology!

Back at the station we enjoyed a variety of food including a tasty and spicy soup Sarah made.

In the afternoon we watched the Danish award winning movie Another Round (2020), which is about the both positive and negative affect of alcohol. We celebrated the midday movie with a wine. Just kidding, but it was a chill group activity.

In the evening we headed out again and Ragnar found a Black-thorated Diver (Sortstrubet Lom) and Mio a Little Gull (Dværgmåge). The wind is picking up now and – like always – we are looking very forward to the next days. We will be ready to welcome some new birds in Skagen!

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Blåhals (Bluethroat) 1

Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler) 2

Løvsanger (Willow Warbler) 1

Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat) 2

Broget Fluesnapper (Pied Flycatcher) 1

Gulbug (Icterine Warbler) 1

Munk (Blackcap) 3

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat) 9

Rørspurv (Reed Bunting) 2

Gransanger (Chiffchaff) 3

Total: 25

Highlight of the observations:

Little Gull (Dværgmåge) 1

Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove) 1

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

People: Rosemary Frikke, Markus Kemp Clément, Simon Kiesé, Louise Buksti-Ladefoged, Sarah Partrige, Mio Brix, Cora Köberle, Hanelie Sidhu, Ragnar Smith.