I'm no good at goodbyes

Today is the last day at the station for the fall crew (though Jonas will be here for a few days), so the feeling is bittersweet. We have had such a wonderful time here, so it is hard to leave. This morning was especially sad, because Lise left, a day ahead of the rest of us. Fortunately, she did not leave first thing, and we enjoyed a nice breakfast with her and Frey before their parents (Birgit and Morten Mastrup) arrived. Simon also came to the station, and we had our last talks, while Lise, Frey, Birgit, and Mastrup went up the lighthouse. Upon their return it was time for goodbyes. It has been so lovely with Lise here, so it was rather tearful to say goodbye.

A final photo of the crew. Photo by Jonas

We consoled ourselves by going out for a last walk in the area in the afternoon. Despite the rain, Jonas had gone out in the morning for some observing. The conditions were not so good, but Black-throated Diver (Sortstrubet Lom) and Long-tailed Duck (Havlit) were nice highlights. He joined us for our walk, and we went out along the beach to the tip, then turned east and walked to Nordstrand, before returning on the path past Jennes Sø. It was great to see Kittiwakes (Ride), Red-throated Divers (Rødstrubet Lom), including some passing directly overhead, and Red-breasted Mergansers (Toppet Skallesluger). It drizzled on and off throughout, but it was so nice to get out for a few hours. On the way back from Jennes Sø, we spotted a Eurasian Goshawk (Duehøg), which was probably the highlight of the outing. It was the first time Amira has seen one in Denmark, and only the second time I’ve seen one here!

Walking out to the tip of Grenen. Photo by Miles

After returning, we had a quick evening meeting with Simon to wrap things up, before playing some ping pong! It is only the second time I have played while being here, the first being with Janna Ouedraogo back in September. Our games were quite spirited but not too competitive, and it was quite fun. Afterward, we ordered pizza for dinner and have been putting the finishing touches on packing and cleaning.

A farewell from the Christmas fulmar (Mallemuk), Lise, and Amira. Photo by Miles

Standard ringing finished

Link to today’s observations from the area.

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