New spring day Kestrel record

The morning looked like it was going to bring a lot of rain, at least according to the weather forecast. So there was some hesitation about whether to head out at all. In the end, János and Dylan biked to Nordstrand. Turns out the rain only lasted for the first hour instead of the entire morning as anticipated. 

The migration was very good, with many birds and a good variety. There were for example, many Pallid Harriers (Steppehøg), Black Kites (Sort Glente), a Little Ringed Plover (Lille Præstekrave), a House Martin (Bysvale) and a new spring day record for Kestrel (Tårnfalk). 

During the morning count, 177 Kestrels (Tårnfalk) were seen, followed by an additional 53 birds in the afternoon, bringing the total day count to 230 birds. This surpasses the previous spring record of 223 by seven birds. The old record was set in May, when Kestrel (Tårnfalk) migration is typically much stronger, while the previous April day record was 150 birds. 

One of the 230 migrating Kestrels (Tårnfalk) (Photo by Erik Christophersen)

Adult male Pallid Harrier (Steppehøg) (Photo by Erik Christophersen)

In the afternoon, Gustav Juel arrived and will be staying with us for a week. On his way here he photographed an eagle that he initially identified as an adult Golden Eagle (Kongeørn), However, after a closer look at the pictures, the possibility of an Eastern Imperial Eagle (Kejserørn) was raised and is still under discussion. 

Gustavs mystery Eagle

In the evening a Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) that has been hanging around in the area was seen hunting, and János got some amazing photos in the sunset.

Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) in the sunset

Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) hunting

Highlights of today:
Pallid Harrier (Steppehøg) - 8
Black Kite (Sort Glente) - 8
Kestrel (Tårnfalk) - 230
Garganey (Atlingand) - 2
Curlew (Storspove) - 216
Arctic Skuas (Almindelig Kjove) - 13
Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) - 1
Little Ringed Plover (Lille Præstekrave) - 1
House Martin (Bysvale) - 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, Gustav Juel, Knud Pedersen, Hans Christophersen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Christiansen, Erik Christophersen