Tasty Tejst

Today was the day. We finally went on the trip to the Island Hirtsholm! It was actually planned earlier this week already, but we had to postpone it. In the early morning Hanelie and Esben opened the nets and started ringing. They then were accompanied by two new “oneday” volunteers: Erik and Jørgen!

Our "oneday" volunteers Erik Christophersen and Jørgen Kabel in the field with Esben, Photo by Hanelie Sidhu

Around 6:45 Hanelie left the ringing and joined us at the station, so we could start our long awaited excursion. Simon and Lisa joined us, so we were able to go by car. We took the boat at Frederikshavn were we already enjoyed watching jellyfish in the harbour and Eiders with little ducklings. On the boat the seabirds lead the way to “Hirtsholmene”. From far away we could already see the small lighthouse coming closer and closer.

Our group on the way to Hirtsholmene, Photo by Alice Scalzo

When we arrived on the Island we already saw Black guillemots on the rocks and some Black-headed gulls and Common and Arctic terns over our heads. We were able to explore the Island for 3 hours which felt like minutes. The gras was only cut on the paths that you were allowed to walk on, so the green sprouted all around us. 

Green wood, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

 

Glaux maritima, Photo by Robbe Cool

From the lighthouse you could see the huge breeding colony of Black-headed gulls and Sandwichterns and with our binoculars we could even see them feeding their chicks.

View from the Lighthouse, Photo by Manuel Tacke

Hanelie setting up her scope, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

But the highlight for me were the Black Guillemots(Tejst). I sat down calmly next to them, trying to get some good pictures of them in action. It really made me happy to see such an interesting species up close.

Black Guillemot sitting, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Black Guillemot making supersonic sound, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Also, the boat trip itself was nice because it really puts one in the mood of a holiday. After our trip we got the last things we needed for our barbecue and went back to the station.

Goodbye Hirtsholmene, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Back at the station we had our barbecue and enjoyed some marshmallows, we even convinced Hanelie to try some but she remains sceptical. Now I sit here next to the bonfire enjoying the last rays of sun before going to bed after another amazing day.

Have a nice evening as well,

Leona

Ringing Totals:

Landsvale: 1

Skovskade: 1

Rødhals: 1

Gærdesanger: 1

Løvsanger: 3

Gulbug: 3

Rørsanger: 1

Kærsanger: 1

Havesanger: 1

Tornsanger: 5

Bogfinke: 3

Munk: 1

Total: 23

Observations of the day in DOFbasen from observers in the area

 Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

People at the station :Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, our guests Bent and Lisbeth, Esben Hensen, Lisa Vergin.