Early robin gets the ring

  I slept in for 10 minutes this morning. Despite my sore neck I was tucked in so comfortably I almost considered falling asleep again. Just kidding, I was excited to go ringing after a few days doing observation. I did not have high hopes as the previous days had been a bit poor, but every day can surprise us.

Me, Mio and Pauline opened the nets this morning, though I was mostly still learning. We were later joined by Kirsten and Simon. We got 4 robins (Rødhals) on our first round. It was a great opportunity for me and Kirsten to ring them, because it is a bit easier to determine the age of those plump birds. During our ringing hours, we spotted several interesting birds that flew over us: Goshawk (Duehøg), mistle trush (Misteldrossel), a flock of starlings (Stær) and redpolls (Gråsisken). The others say the weather was cold this morning but as the master of temperature sensitivity I confidently say that it was a lovely warm weather today. Or maybe i just moved around enough to keep myself warm..

Fun fact! In Estonia we have a nickname for people who get cold very quickly, we call them “ külmavares “ which in direct translation means „ cold crow “.

Pauline ringing a chiffchaff (Gransanger). Photo by Laura Tamminen

Jule, Alfred and Anja report that their day at the migration count went well. They were also accompanied by Knut. They counted a total of 9 skuas (Kjove) which will be listed below. They also registered over 1400 common scoters (Sortand)!! Kudos to Jule for counting them all wow.

After our daily ringing and obs we had a small rest back at the station. Later on Alfred went out to Skagen Havn to search for and photograph some mediterranean gulls (Sorthovedet måge) and he found 13 gulls! They are considered to be scarce visitors in Denmark, so it is great to see more than a dozen of them in Skagen.

One of many mediterranean gulls in Skagen. Photo by Alfred Godsk Geckler

Having great motivation, he and Mio also took a small visit to Ellekrattet and found a magnificent little bird, a firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge)!! This bird is quite uncommon in many areas, especially on the Northern parts of Europe. I have only seen this bird once in my life before. Alongside goldcrests (fuglekonge) they are the smallest birds in Europe.

These guys are near impossible to get on camera as they restlessly jump from branch to branch. Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge). Photo by Alfred Godsk Geckler

 

There is a plan of going night-catching tonight, so definitely look out for tomorrow’s blog!

Unfortunately, the pools around the beach have dried up, but one big one remains, so there is a chance we will catch a few waders (Vadefugl) or terns (Terne).

Dinner will be served very shortly, so I will be off to eat. Til tomorrow, loyal readers!