Storm aftermath and sore legs

The morning migration count was good, with calm winds and several exciting species, such as Puffin (Lunde), Fulmar (Mallemuk) and Red Knot (Islandsk Ryle), among others. We also put out some more food for the Snowbuntings (Snespurv) at Grenen to encourage them to gather in one area. We are still hoping to catch them some day, and things are looking promising with two Snowbuntings (Snespurv) actually feeding on the seeds today.

In the afternoon we carried out a beach walk from Gammel Skagen to Det Grå Fyr with the aim of finding and collecting dead birds for the SUPRE project. Last time we completed this route, it took us three hours and thirty minutes, but today’s walk took us five hours and thirty minutes. Because of yesterday’s strong winds and rain, many dead birds have washed up on shore, which slowed our progress. By the time we got back to the lighthouse, the sun had already set and it was dark outside.

János, Alix and Julian walking

During the walk we encountered many Woodcocks (Skovsneppe), blackbirds (Solsort), gulls (Måger) and several auks (alkefugl). Although it was quite sad to see many dead birds, we took the opportunity to study the feathers of birds that you normally don't see up close, such as gulls and auks. In that sense, it turned into a valuable learning experience for us all.

Julian, János and Alvin identifying a wing

Highlights from the observations:

Puffin (Lunde) - 1

Great Egret (Sølvhejre) - 2

Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker) - 1

Fulmar (Mallemuk) - 1 

Red Knot (Islandsk Ryle) - 1 

Caspian Gull (kaspisk Måge) - 9

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

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