Small numbers - big birds

Today the weather was better, and we were able to follow the standard routine. Simon, Alexander, and Jule opened the nets at 04:45, while Mio and I started the ount at 05:22.

Ringing today was very slow, with only 8 birds caught. This was not too bad, as it gave Alfred the opportunity to gain his first experience extracting and handling birds. The ringing team also enjoyed some nice field observations, including a Caspian Tern (Rovterne) and a Stock Dove (Huldue).

It's inconspicuous looks hides a phenomonal song: The Icitrine Warbler (Gulbug)

Migration during the count was slow as well but provided a few nice surprises, including two adult Great Skuas (Storkjove) and a small movement of waders, mainly Golden Plovers (Hjejle) and Oystercatchers (Strandskade). Seeing the great skuas (Storkjove) was especially exciting because this species is sadly in strong decline. We extended the count by one hour because, towards the end, some light raptor migration began, with a few Common Buzzards (Musvåge) and a Honey Buzzard (Hvepsevåge). 

During the morning survey, some large, dark rain clouds approaching from the southwest took us on a roller coaster of emotions by just barely missing our position. However, that did not deter us, as every birder knows that facing bad weather is simply part of the experience.

Changing weather created a nice atmosphäre

In the afternoon, we did some additional seawatching in the hope of finding some of the interesting shearwater species that had been observed 150 km south. This proved unsuccessful, so we checked the freshwater lake for waders instead and observed several snipes (Dobbeltbekkasin) and a Wood Sandpiper (Tinksmed).

With the strong westerly wind forecast for tomorrow, we are excited and hopeful for some nice species at sea.

Highlight from Observations:

Caspian Tern (Rovterne)- 1

Great Skua (Storkjove) - 2

Mediterranean Gull (Sorthovedet Måge)-5

Ringing KAB
Solsort - 1
Kaersanger - 2
Gulbug  - 1
Tornsanger - 2
Munk - 1
Rorspurv - 1
Total: 8

Link to today's observations in the DOF base from observers in the area.

People: Jule Tappe, Mio Brix, Simon Kiesé, Katia Kit,  Alexander Nyholm, Simon S. Christiansen, Moritz Morteani