White-spotted Bluethroat!

It was a windy and foggy morning, while Alix, János and I were at migration count. Many Guillemots (Lomvie) and lots of young Kittiwakes (Ride) were spotted during the day, in addition to the first Osprey (fiskeørn) of the season. 

Alvin, Dylan and Julian were already ringing at Kabeltromlen. Although it was a fairly quiet morning, with Dunnocks (Jernspurv) and Chiffchaffs (Gransager), Dylan was heard calling out “Holy shit” at the sight of a male White-spotted Bluethroat (Syldig Blåhals) in the net.When it comes to blue birds, they have only had a lot of Blue Tits (Blåmejse) recently,funnily enough they had none that day. Dylan had also only seen a female blue throat before and was surprised the blue was that vibrant on the male, hence the reaction. János also received a call, telling us about the Bluethroat, we considered going up there to see it, but ended up not going. A little later, and after the bluethroat had been released, I did end up going to the ringing, so I got to experience a bit of both during the day, which was nice. The Bluethroat is the White-spotted subspecies, which has been spreading North. But they are most common in countries like Germany and the Netherlands.

White-spotted Bluethroat (Syldig Blåhals) from three angles!

Then wewere so pleased to get gifted two cardamon buns by some of the birders who we had shown the Bluethroat to. They were delicous and it was amazing to finally eat some food of high quality! After we were done with our tasks we went home and János made hot chocolate with whipped cream for us, which he had promised previously, this was delicious. Afterwards Simon paid us a visit and told us very alarming news. He said that a ringer had been tested positive with bird flu, which would mean that we might have to wear masks to ring now or even stop completely stop the ringing all together. Luckily this was an April fools prank which we all fell for terribly! Well done Simon, you got us well.

Hot chocolate and buns

Then me and Dylan went out by bicycles to try and see the great grey shrike (stortornskade), we didn’t end up seeing it, but instead we saw a white-tailed eagle (Havørn), which was fun aswell. Later Dylan and János went out to explore and to try see the great greyshrike aswell, unfortunately they didn’t succeed. Then me and Julian went on an evening walk to north beach, where we saw the carcass of a great black-backed gull (Svartbag), among other things. Thereafter we went home and had a lovely dinner made by Alix and for dessert we had a delicious cake by Alvin. 

Totals from today’s ringing (Kabeltromlen):
Gransanger - 11
Gædesmutte - 2
Jernspurv - 3
Rødhals - 4
Sydlig Blåhals - 1
Rørspurv - 1
Total = 22