Days under the sign of the Glaucous Gull “Gråmage”

Good evening, dear Blog readers!

When I arrived at Grenen yesterday it was to keep distance. It wasn´t because of Corona or because so many birders had come to see the Iceland Gull "Hvidvinget Måge". But in fact, my observing place was occupied. Namely by a seal. It was very cute and I placed my scope more to the left than usual, at a proper distance in order not to disturb the seal. Again, a big flock of gulls was very close to my observation point. I had already confessed to Knud, that I think Gulls are difficult and I wasn´t sure if I would be able to find a rare Gull in a flock of gulls. Nevertheless, I was curious and wished to find the Iceland Gull on my own. So I scanned the Gulls and I thought to be successful, here it was! When I sent Simon the pictures of the Gulls, it turned out, that it was a Glaucous Gull "Gråmåge", and about an hour later, I found even a second Glaucous Gull "Gråmage" in the flock. But at least this was progress, and I was very happy about these two Glaucous Gulls. Besides, you learn from your mistakes and now I know that it applied in particular of the bill to pay attention, which is short and dark in young Island Gulls whereas it is longer and just dark on the tip in Glaucous Gulls. Also, I had seen both Gulls.

In addition, there were quite a few Gannets "Sule" migrating and also fishing that day.

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area (19.02.2022)

In any case, I was confident with my observations and the weather was very nice when I returned to the station. So I decided to go grocery shopping and make a detour to the harbor. On the way, I heard some birds, especially Greenfinches "Grønirisk" and Great Tits "Musvit" and it almost sounded a little like spring. At the harbor, there was nothing special, I also checked the Gulls, but I had already had my Gulls for today. Perfect timing, when I arrived at the station it began to rain. Time for sewing nets...

Today, there was not so much happening at Grenen.

So I turned my attention back to the Gulls, I think I am beginning to make friends with them. But just as I was about to check them out, they all flew off towards Nordstrand. I decided to follow them and indeed, again a Glaucous Gull "Gråmåge" for me.

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area (20.02.2022)

I took another way back to the station, I had already heard that there are some Stonechats "Sortstrubet Bynkegugl" and I also saw one. Simon was there when I came back. He was working on a new project for FUGLE FOR ALLE and checking last year's ringing data. I was sewing nets again but in the evening we were cooking and eating together and it was a very good meal.

Now I am quite tired and I wish you all a good night! See you soon!

Hanelie

People at the station: Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu