A day of surprises

While Amira and Mara were opening the nets, I got the chance to sleep a bit longer today and join them for the first netround at sunrise. We were also joined by Henrik Møller Thomsen who came all the way from Aalborg to participate in the ringing and had quite a good day. The wind had died down over the past two days, so we were able to open all nets. We also managed to catch a few nice birds in the first rounds, with the highlight probably being a Firecrest (Rødtepped Fuglekonge) for many birders in the area. The cutest though were undoubtedly two Long-tailed Tits (Halemejse), which were also the first I had ever ringed.

Long-tailed Tit ( Halemejse) after ringing. Photo by János

Meanwhile, Florian, Miles, and Lise had a quiet morning at Grenen, which allowed them to discuss about seabird identification. The calm weather proved to be good for passerine migration and large flocks of Siskins (Grønsisken), Fieldfares (Sjagger) and Red Crossbills (Lille Korsnæb) were seen by both ringers and observers. They also saw a roosting Great Northern Diver (Islom) as well as a Great Skua (Storkjove) and we were able to spot a Grey Shrike (Stor Tornskade) and a big flock of Waxwings (Silkehale) from Kabeltromeln.

 

At the end of the count, Florian decided to search for Buntings (Værling), and Miles and Lise went for a run. Just as we had closed the nets and were packing our things, we received a Zello call from Simon who had found a Dusky Warbler (Brun Løvsanger) in Lille Vildmose. We all wanted to see this asian vagrant and while Miles and Lise just changed their running route, Amira, Mara and I arrived only 15 minutes later by bike. The bird didn't show up again though and I decided to go back after some time to have lunch and met Florian on my way who later also heard the bird call.

 

Florian an Simon looking for the Dusky Warbler (Brun Løvsanger). Photo by Amira

After a small break, Amira and Miles went for a swim, and I grabbed my bike and rode to Tilsandede Kirke, where Simon had told me there was a good chance of finding Parrot Crossbills (Stor Korsnæb) there. On my way I made a few stops in the harbor of Skagen to look for gulls. I saw nothing special, but close views of Guillemots (Lomvie) were definitely worth it and it was nice to explore the area. At Tilsandede Kirke I found no Crossbills but a big flock of roosting Waxwings (Silkehale) which was a good trade.

 

Waxwings (Silkehale) roosting on a tree. Photo by János

 

I headed back to meet up with the others to have coffee and cake and to say goodbye to Mara, who unfortunately had to return to Germany after three weeks at the Fuglestation. When I arrived at the lighthouse I was surprised to see a Swift (Sejler) (probably the Pallid Swift (Gråsejler) that had been in the area for the past two days) flying around it. I quickly made a video with my smartphone and called the others before the bird went out of sight and we could not find it again.

 

Swift flying around the lighthouse. Photo by János.

 

Later Simon drove Mara to the train station and Lise cooked a delicious dinner for us.

 

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Solsort 6

Sangdrossel 1

Rødhals 6

Gærdesmutte 3

Jernspurv 1

Bogfinke 2

Blåmejse 5

Munk 4

Lille Dompap 1

Fuglekonge 2

Gransanger 1

Rødtoppet Fuglekonge 1

Total new birds: 33

 

 

Highlights from World’s End 3:

Great Skua (Storkjove) 1

Great Northern Diver (Islom) 1

Lapwing (Vibe) 1

 

Link to todays observations in Dofbasen from the Skagen area

 

People: Mara Glane, Florian Hatt, Amira Nuseibeh, Miles Scheuering, Lise Mastrup, Simon S. Christiansen, János Schadl, Knud Pedersen and Henrik Møller Thomsen.