Temperatures are dropping

Finally, the weather forcast predicted some sun after a lot of rain and clouds in the last few days. However, due to the cloudless night, it was also significantly colder, and at least for János, a warm boilersuit finally made its debut for the season. In general, there was significantly more going on than in recent days. At least the pages in my notebook filled up much faster than usual. Right at the start, Knud said that we would see lots of swans today after the drop in temperature. And he was absolutely right. Small groups of Whooper Swans (Sangsvane) arrived constantly and some were calling and flying directly overhead. For me, this counts definitely also as a highlight - I just love hearing their calls and seeing them so close. Another real highlight was the Richard's Pipit (Storpiber) that Janos heard. Unfortunately, after the first call, which only he heard, a military jet roared in, so we had no chance of hearing any other calls.

Whooper Swans (Sangsvane) flying overhead

And János had also a new lifer today – a Little Auk (Søkonge)! It was great to see one again, after they had become more scarce over the last two weeks. It was also funny to see a woodcock arriving from the sea. A short-eared owl out at sea was another highlight – it was again a really nice migration count!

At the ringing site was also more activity than the last time we had the nets open. The highlight was a new, unringed firecrest that flew into the nets. Also, seeing a fieldfare up close is always a fantastic experience! 


Find the military jet flying over the nets ;)

After the migration count I stayed outside and searched a bit for the Richard’s Pipit (Storpiber) and, as always, for rare buntings (sjældne værlinger). Once again I was without success. The best sight was probably a small flock of Water Pipits (Bjergpiber) resting in one of the reed beds.

The others also took advantage of the beautiful weather in the afternoon. János visited the Hume’s Leaf Warbler (Himalayasanger) spot, but only the known Siberian Chiffchaff (Sibirisk Gransanger) was there. However, it was nice that it was really easy to see today. Amira went on a walk to the beach, where we bumped into each other. We were both looking for Snow Buntings (Snespurv) because a flock had been flying around before, but it had just disappeared. The evening sun was really nice, so I hoped to get a few pictures. Instead of Snow Buntings (Snespurv), however, I found some Sanderlings (Sandløber), which were also very photogenic, so I spent some time with them.


Sanderlings (Sandløber) in the evening sun

When they were once again flushed by some German tourists and flew towards me, there was also another bird. At first I wondered what kind of fat wader was coming towards me, until I realised it was a Little Auk (Søkonge)! Luckily, I already had the right camera settings when this tiny auk flew past me on the beach. What a nice surprise!


Little Auk (Søkonge)

After a long day outdoors, I returned home with some good photos and even better observations! To round off the day perfectly, János cooked us a delicious dinner!

Ringing (Kabeltromlen)
Solsort 5
Sjagger 1
Grønsisken 1
Gærdesmutte 3
Rødhals 2
Blåmejse 16
Dompap, Stor 3
Dompap, Lille 2
Dompap 1
Munk 1
Bogfinke 4
Gransanger 1
Rødtoppet Fuglekonge 1
Fuglekonge 3
Total: 44

Ringing (Jennes Sø)
Blåmejse 19
Halemejse, Nordlig (ssp. caudatus) 2
Gransanger 1
Fuglekonge 2
Solsort 1
Rødhals 1
Gråsisken, Lille (ssp. cabaret) 1
Grønsisken 1
Total: 28

Link to today’s observations from the area

People: Miles Scheuering, János Schadl, Florian Hatt, Amira Nuseibeh, Simon S. Christiansen