Family trip

Today the waves were blown up high by the winds and the birds had obviously struggle to resist the gusts. Because of the strong winds there was no ringing today. Therefore, we were all out together at obs what was pretty nice. We seeked for some windshelter in the dunes and started our count around sunrise. When the sun came up the sky appeared in many different shades of pink, light blue and orange.

For Gabriel today was the first migration count at Skagen- the other days he had been at the ringing. But he did lots of migration counts in Sweden so that was no problems. For Oscar it was his first day at the station and he started with a good migration day. Besides Common Scoters (Sortand), the ducks appeared in high numbers. Especially the Velvet Scoters (Flojlsand) were, compared to the Common Sortand, highly abundant. Sarah, who counted the Flojlsand, was very pleased about that. Most birds appeared in good light and we were happy to see a flock of Pintails (Spidsand) with one Wigeon (Pibeand) directly above our heads.

A flock of Spidsand with one Pibeand inbetween

After some time, four Divers were coming in. One of them was a Black-Throated-Diver (Sortstrubet Lom) and we could compare it very well with the three Red-Throated-Divers (Rødstrubet Lom) flying close. We also saw some nice waders as Ruff (Brushane) or Grey Plover (Strandhjejle).

All together at morning obs

When the count was finished, we headed out to check Ellekrattet for some passerines. We could not see that much, but on our way back through the heath we were surprised by a Cuckoo (Gøg). Furthermore, there were some Wheatears (Stenpikker) resting and I am always very happy, when I see some. I looked out for a Mursejler, but unfortunately no one showed up. So maybe we have already seen our last ones for this season.

After a small break at the lighthouse, we went into town to eat some Danish cake at the bakery. That was very delicious. We sat in the garden, enjoyed the warm sunbeams and played some card games. As a big fan of card games, I really enjoyed that. After heading over to Selinas location and playing some more rounds, it was time to go back to the station. There Sarah, Flo and I jumped into the ocean. The waves were still high and we had a good time in the surge. After a productive afternoon with typing in data, it was time for some nice dinner.

Relaxing with card games and coffee

No ringing today

Highlight from todays observation

Spidsand 14

Sortstrubet Lom 3

Gøg 1

Many migrating Lomvie compared to the last days

People: Gabriel Axelsson, Florian Hatt, Selina Veng, Janna Ouedraogo, Sarah Partridge, Óscar Pachá Guerras

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