A Good Bird day!

Picture 1: Dunes

Today we woke up to another windy day, so we came up with a plan of what needed to be completed. The first job was the help the lighthouse team shift some screens ahead of their new exhibition which took around an hour or so to complete. Once this was done, we got ready to head out for a rather windy walk.

Photo 2: Black-throated Diver (Sortstrubet Lom) and Red-throated Diver (Rødstrubet Lom)

We decided to head to Nordstrand and enjoy some sunshine ahead of the snowy weather predicted in the next few days. The beach had turned into a mini dessert, which was impressive. Every time we walk to the Tip it seems to change. On the way, we counted an impressive 84 Sanderling (Sandløber) and a Turnstone (Stenvender) who was hanging out with the flock which was a lovely sight to see. Some other highlights on this section of the walk included Eiders (Ederfugl), Common Scoters (Sortand), Velvet Scoters (Fløjlsand), a male Goldeneye (Hvinand), a Black Throated Diver (Sortstrubet Lom), Red Throated Divers (Rødstrubet Lom) and two Snow Buntings (Snespurv) to name a few.

Once reaching North beach we decided to have a quick look at Cormorant Lake to possibly relocate the Water Pipit (Bjergpiber) we found yesterday so headed to the cleared area of reeds. When we arrived, we sat for a little in the shelter to watch and listen but no luck with the pipit, but we did hear one Blue Tit (Blåmejse) which was nice.  

We headed back to the lighthouse for some lunch and to warm up as it was rather cold with the persistent wind. Once reaching the lighthouse we spotted a Great Grey Skrike (Stor Tornskade) on the bushes which was amazing to see, however, it quickly disappeared and so we headed inside for some food and rest after a long walk.

Picture 3: Potential Habitat

After some lunch we decided to go and look for the Skrike so headed out to check several potential locations. Walking through the low winter sunshine was rather lovely but also cold. We had a look for the Shrike, but no luck, so we will keep our eyes peeled in the next few days.

Picture 4: Woodcock (Skovsneppe)

On the walk we saw the local female Hen Harrior (Blå Kærhøg), a Common Buzzard (Musvåge) and a Rough Legged Buzzard (Fjeldvåge) interacting with each other which was a coincidence as on our walk we were discussing if we would see all on one day. Today was the day!! On our way back we decided to have a look and walk through Ellekrattet with a thermal to see what was out there. I spotted a brief glimpse of a Bullfinch (Dompap) which was nice and on our walk through we saw 4 Woodcock (Skovsneppe) from the track. We also spotted a hare which was a nice but also unexpected find.

We headed back to the lighthouse to complete some admin and warm up with some tea and cookies which I made yesterday. Simon came round late afternoon, so we had some tea and a lovely chat and said our goodbyes as he is heading off for a few days. We will see what the plan is for the evening.

Highlights:

-  Woodcock (Skovsneppe) - Ellekrattet

-  Black-throated Diver (Sortstrubet Lom) - Nordstrand

-  Rough Legged Buzzard (Fjeldvåge) & Hen Harrior (Blå Kærhøg) – Ellekrattet

Link to Dofbasen here.

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