Sunny afternoon

With an extra, well-needed, hour of sleep compared to yesterday, due to the unfavorable Snowbunting (Snespurv) catching conditions, we carried out the morning migration count as usual. Despite the limited visibility, the migration was fairly decent. Highlights included eleven Oystercatchers (strandskade), a cute seal resting on the beach and three Red Kites (Rød Glente) that showed themselves beautifully in front of us, even landing on the beach.

Harbour seal (spættet sæl) at Grenen

Red Kite (Rød Glente) at Grenen

The count was interrupted when the fog rolled in just before 9 am and we decided to head back to the lighthouse since we couldn't see the sea anyway. 

After lunch, the fog and clouds cleared and the afternoon turned out sunny and pleasant. Dylan went out to check for Little Grebes (Lille Lappedykker) without success but found two Firecrests (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge) by Ellekrattet instead, He excitedly pulled out his camera to take some photos, only to realize he had no batteries with him.  

Julian kindly brought additional equipment out to Kabeltrommeln, including tools and more poles, in preparation for tomorrow's first standardized day of ringing, which we are all very excited about. After putting up all the nets yesterday, we are already starting to feel at home in the swamp. 

János went to Flagbakken to look for some raptors and saw a Peregrine Falcon (Vandrefalken). He also went to the sea and the harbor in Skagen to do some more birding and found a Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker). 

Me and Alix made a tiramisu to rest in the fridge until it's ready, although some sugar-hungry volunteers have already made plans to eat it before it's properly set. Later we went into town for some second-hand shopping, visited the bakery and enjoyed the sun. 

In the evening, we also made some great pizza.

Evening Pizza

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)
Musvit (Great Tit) - 6
Blåmejse (Blue Tit) - 25
Rødhals (European Robin) - 1
Solsort (Blackbird) - 1
Træløber (Eurasian Treecreeper) - 1

Total: 34

Highlights of today:
Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge) - 2
Peregrine Falcon (Vandrefalken) - 1
Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker) - 1

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

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