Islom!

Picture 1: Islom!

Today was a day of two halves. The morning was spent by the Observatory team finding birds in the field between Worlds End III and Det Hvit Fyr. János chose the former and completed a few hours at Worlds End III where he had a good watch including Black Guillemot (Tejst), Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker) and two Black-throated Divers (Sortstrubet Lom) as the highlights. Eleanor and I checked the areas between Det Grå Fyr and Det Hvit Fyr, via Jennes Sø, ending with a lovely walk along the beach. Our highlights included flocks of finches in the trees and a flock of Pink-footed Geese (Kortnæbbet Gås) and a Greylag Goose (Grågås) which was very unexpected. When we got back, we all had a nice lunch together. Simon and Lisa hosted the board meeting at the observatory today, so it was great to say ‘hi’ to all involved and to talk a little to them about our birding plans.

The afternoon was spent completing the final part of the resting bird/NOVANA counts – this time at Skagen Havn. We set off after lunch and made it to the harbour in good time. On arrival, we decided to split, taking a North/South approach and meeting at the gull feeding spot to undertake some feeding after the survey had been completed. Or that was the plan. When we arrived at the feeding spot, a local birder said that he saw the Great-northern Diver (Islom) 3m away, exciting news! János was already present but had no luck relocating. After a search in the immediate area, I spotted the bird about 30m away. Using some excellent fieldcraft, we hunkered behind some metal and had some great views of the bird feeding some 15 – 25m away. Incredible. It is always a favourite of mine, so any Islom seen is always lovely, especially moulting from summer to winter plumage and showing so nicely. It was especially nice to get locals on the bird too, including nearby Jørgen. A great end to the daylight and big smiles all round. In fact, it was Eleanor’s first Great-northern Diver (Islom), and János’ closest making it that extra bit special. A quick trip to Netto and back in time for tea, and some great cake left by Simon and Lisa, thank you for the free food! János cooks tonight, and admin tasks are completed by Eleanor and I. Lets see what tomorrow brings with calmer weather and hopefully some sun.

Today's highlights:

Great – northern Diver (Islom)
Black Guillemot (Tejst)
Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker)

Link to Dofbasen here.

Observers: Thomas Weston, Eleanor Harris, János Schadl, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knut Pedersen, Jørgen Kabel.