Snowy Silkehales

We awoke to another day of strong easterly winds, but this time with snow! A mini winter wonderland was forming around the bird observatory, so we set a plan to walk into Skagen as the wind has been making it extremely hard to cycle back to the lighthouse the past few days.

Picture 1: Batteriskoven

Our first stop was Batteriskoven, where the snow was slightly settling on the ground and the only flowing area of freshwater in the area could be found. Unfortunately, no birds today, so we headed over to the harbour. A large flock of Herring Gulls (Sølmåge) and Great Black-Backed Gulls (Svartbag) circled the fishing boats, and a flyby Kittiwake (Ride) was notable.

Picture 2: Long tailed duck (Havit)

On the water a flock of Eiders (Ederfugl) held a Razorbill (Alk), Red-breasted merganser (Toppet Skallesluger) and a female/2^nd calendar year type Long-tailed Duck (Havlit). We bumped into Erik which was super lovely as it has been a couple of years we have seen each other! A lovely encounter and thank you for pulling over for a chat. Made our day.

Picture 3: Waxwings (Silkehale)              

Our journey through Skagen was pleasant as the snow continued to fall and the buildings sheltered from the wind. Heading towards our favourite bakery Eleanor was watching some House Sparrows (Gråspurv) in the bushes when I heard a familiar call. A flock of 21 Waxwings (Silkehale)! After our previous search was unsuccessful, it was great to see them in the trees, eating rosehips, and drinking snow. We watched them for a while before they headed off in search of more food.

Picture 4: Bakery cuteness

A good time for us to get some lunch, so as the Waxwings (Silkehale) were just outside the bakery it would be rude not to take a visit. We warmed up, had some croissants and hot chocolate, before making our way back through Skagen, looking in some of the shops, getting some food shopping completed, and back to the lighthouse in time for dark. A very much needed chilled day and a snowy one too!

Highlights:

• 21 Waxwings (Silkehale) – Skagen By
• Long tailed duck (Havlit) - Skagen Havn
• Great-northern Diver (Islom) in the harbour per Erik 

Link to Dofbasen here.

Observers: Thomas Weston, Eleanor Harris, Erik Christophersen