White-billed Diver, Bean Goose, Croissant Cake, and a Goosander.

Picture 1: Feeding Snow Buntings (Snespurv)

We started the morning with a nice breakfast before walking to Grenen to feed the Snow Buntings (Snespurv). The wind had changed to a north easterly, so we went prepared with a scope and warm clothes. We spotted a few birds moving out at sea including a Bean Goose species (Sædgås spp.) flying very low north before gaining height and heading in the NE direction - this is our 3^rd (possibly 6^th) in the past two days which is exciting. On arrival to Worlds End III, it looked like there had been some activity as some of the food has disappeared from the feeding spot. Eleanor scattered food in the area, and we set up the scope to have a 45-minute sea watch and to read some Gull (Måge) rings. There were low numbers moving, but some Gannets (Sule), Kittiwakes (Ride), and Red-throated Divers (Rødstrubet lom). A flock of 12 Red-throated divers (Rødstrubet lom) passed before a large diver came into view from the west. The pale/white bill, large body, white belly, and dark black back with extended feet were obvious and pointed to it being a White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet lom). The bird gained some height and headed in the NE direction being lost to view. Unfortunately, before Eleanor could see it, but we hope it will come back soon.

Picture 2: Cake!

No luck on the gull (Måge) ring reading, we headed back for lunch before planning a Waxwing (Silkehale) search in Skagen. Cycling the back routes, we checked gardens, roads, and even the cemetery without luck, but found nice finch flocks in the trees. Where else would a Waxwing (Silkehale) be hiding? One more street led to us cycling down a road towards our favourite bakery, so we just had to stop and get some treats as it would be rude not to. Croissant cake all round and some nice warm drinks too, needed on a cool, grey day in Skagen.

Picture 3: Looking into the harbour.

After our stop, we headed to the harbour to feed the gulls (Måge). By mistake we forgot to take the fish out of the freezer in enough time to defrost, and funny enough gulls do not like frozen fish so we ended up feeding zero! We did however gain some nice views of a male Goosander (Stor Skallesluger) and the everpresent Eiders (Ederfugl). With fading light and decreasing temperatures, we headed on back. We had a brief chat with Simon before he left. Eleanor is cooking some lovely food, and we are planning a short nighcatching session so wish us some luck - This led to some amazing views of 2 Short-eared Owls (Mosehornugle).

Highlights:

White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet lom) - Grenen
Bean Goose species (Sædgås spp.) - Grenen
Goosander (Stor Skallesluger) - Skagen Havn
Short-eared Owls (Mosehornugle) - Grenen

Link to Dofbasen here.

Observers: Thomas Weston, Eleanor Harris, and Simon S. Christiansen