Scouting scoters

  I have finally realized why envy is considered a sin. We could not do any ringing today as the wind was really owning the stage. That meant half the team went to do some observations while the rest could sleep in. I Was not one of the sleepers.

Me and Jule started our count at 7 am this morning. I was a few minutes late so Jule counted the scoters (Sortand) til I arrived. She had already counted over 300 scoters by the time I got there… in total there were 5 times more and in the middle of those flocks we spotted 2 velvet scoters (Fløjlsand) as well! Whilst common scoters are basically completely black, the velvet scoters have a bright white patch on their wings so it’s easy to tell them apart.

It has been less than an hour at the migration count... Photo: Laura Tamminen

Yesterday the ponds formed by the extreme winds and rain were huge, like a sea of its own. By this morning, they had dried up a bit, but it still gave us an opportunity to spot all kinds of waders (vadefugle) up close. The seals had also turned up, sunbathing on shore. They were completely unbothered by the tourists and tractors.

a photo done through the scope. Resting seals. Photo: Laura Tamminen

I was quite surprised but very pleased to see 3 great skuas (Storkjove) flying around today. During my stay we have usually only spot 1 per day. The long-tailed skuas (Lille kjove) and arctic skuas (Almindelig kjove) didn’t hide either!

After returning to the station Anja and Pauline had woken up too and we all got some well-earned breakfast. The rest of the day has been quite slow, but since the weather is lovely with the sun shining bright, Jule and Anja decided to go for a walk. Jule spotted a long-tailed duck (havlit) in Kattegat!

We are expecting Mio, who will arrive later this evening!

Link to today’s observations in the Dofbasen from observers in the area!

People: Anja Gorbunova, Pauline Nähring, Laura Tamminen, Jule Tappe, Jeppe Madsen, Simon S. Christiansen, Birgit and Michael