Nordstrand count

Today, because of some strong easterly wind coming during the morning, we decided to try out another counting place to conduct our standardized migration counting. The goal was to be more sheltered form the wind, as well as being closer to the shore because the visibility was also quite limited. So here we are, taking our bikes and headed out to Nordstrand at 6:15!

This morning was also the first migration count and full day here at the observatory for our new volunteer from Germany, Julian. Welcome!

Upon arrival the promised sheltering and view didn’t disappoint, and we quickly set up and got the count started. 

Migration counting spot at Nordstrand

The first two hours were pretty sparse and calm because of the poor visibility with fog, so at the third hour Julian, Alvin and I left János to go survey the ‘Cormorant lake’. The goal of the survey, is to track the arrival and nest usage at a known breeding site of Cormorants (Skarv), as well as the age of birds present. We could now see that the birds have started choosing nests and filling up the space, with around 16 nests occupied and 24 adult birds present. 

Volunteers at the lake counting Cormorants (Skarv)

During the fourth and last hour, the inland migration picked up and János could count up to 650 Hooded Crows (Gråkrage), multiple big flocks of Whooper Swans (Sangsvane), and even a Peregrine Falcon (Vandrefalk).

This way of counting and observing birds was new for Julian, which he really liked, as well as discovering the landscape around the area during our Cormorant walk.

This afternoon was very stormy outside so we took a quiet time and all had a very needed rest. 

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)

Solsort - 2

Dompap - 1

Blåmejse - 3

Bogfinke - 2

Rødhals - 1

 Total: 10

Highlights of today:

Peregrine Falcon (Vandrefalk) - 1

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Julian Helbig, Simon S. Christiansen, Michael Ancher.