Thanksgiving feast

Today there were strong winds and considerable rain in the morning, meaning the migration count was canceled. This meant there was time for some of us to exercise in the morning, followed by an office day for everyone! Amira woke up early to go to the pool in town for lap swim and then did a little grocery shopping before returning home. We had big plans for our Thanksgiving dinner, so we needed to stock up on a lot of things at the shops. Meanwhile, I went out for a run and ended up going a bit longer than usual, all the way out to Nordstrand, and then along the beach to the tip and back to the lighthouse. It was great to be out, and the strong wind and rain felt quite invigorating! The final stretch back to the lighthouse was maybe a bit too bracing, however.

The Thanksgiving spread. From left to right: salad, tofu, roast brussel sprouts, gravy, roast beets, roast potatoes, roast carrots. Photo by Amira

After getting back I roasted a pumpkin, which would eventually turn into pumpkin pie. We reviewed guidelines for the migration count, worked on our sessions, reviewed the picture archive, and later when Simon arrived, helped check ringing data sheets. While not the most exciting day, it was very good to make progress on these tasks. Simon has been at Lille Vildemose the last few days, helping with Taiga Bean-Goose (Sædgås ssp. fabalis) catching for Lisa’s PhD project. He has been their lucky charm this fall, and they have always caught geese when he has been there!

A late afternoon walk out to Ellekrattet, after the rain had abated. Photo by Florian

In the United States, today is Thanksgiving, so in the evening we all worked to prepare a feast. Traditionally, the main course is roast turkey (Kalkun) but we opted for tofu. After evening meeting, I finished making the pumpkin pie, then helped Amira and Lise chopping and preparing roast vegetables. Lise also made a delicious salad and some vegan gravy. Meanwhile, Florian and János provided excellent moral support and kept the playlist well stocked with bangers. We have a lot to be thankful for here at the station this fall. There were many good birds, and the volunteers, guests, and locals have all been fantastic.

Standard ringing finished

No observation today

Link to today’s observations from the area.

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