New species for all

A cold, crisp start to the day saw Yehonatan, Michael, Simon and myself, headed to Kabeltromlen to open the nets for sunrise. We had a diverse catch of 10 different species, including 2 Gulspurv (Yellowhammers) which is the first time I’ve seen this species in the hand. We also caught a control Gransanger (Chiffchaff) which was ringed elsewhere in Denmark. Michael had his first experience of Danish ringing and enjoyed seeing plenty of new species. We also were joined by plenty of visitors and a tour group throughout the morning, which was a great opportunity to explain the importance of ringing and collecting valuable data.

Two Yellowhammers (Gulspurv) caught at Kabeltromlen today- female (left) and male (right).

Dante headed to Verdens Endes 1 for morning observation which produced 4 Shags (Topskarv), 4 Rough-legged Buzzards (Fjeldvåge), the first Coal Tit (Sortmejse) of the year and the first Great Spotted Woodpecker (Stor Flagspætte) of the year. Undoubtedly, his highlight was finding a Short-toed Treecreeper (Korttået Træløber)- only the fourth Skagen record and a new species for him. He first picked it up on call, which is diagnostic in this species, and is described as sounding like a Coal Tit (Sortmejse). Another excellent find by Dante! 

Short-toed Treecreeper photographed at Verdens Endes 1 today. This photo shows the even steps along the wing bar with obvious pointed tips, as well as the distinctive small white tips to the primaries. Photo: Erik Christophersen. https://ecskagen.blogspot.com/

We also received the original ringing data of the British-ringed Blackbird we caught last week; the bird was originally ringed in Kilnsea, Yorkshire, UK on the 13^th October 2020.

Map showing the original ringing location (Kilnsea, UK) and the recapture site (Skagen, Denmark).

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Today's raptor summary can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Yehonatan Ben aoria, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans & Michael Colley

Kabeltromlen Ringing Totals:

Gærdesmutte (Wren)- 7

Gransanger (Chiffchaff)- 3

Fuglekonge (Goldcrest)- 2

Rødhals (Robin)- 3

Solsort (Blackbird)- 1

Bogfinke (Chaffinch)- 1

Jernspurv (Dunnock)- 2

Rørspurv (Reed Bunting)- 1

Dompap (Bullfinch)- 2

Gulspurv (Yellowhammer)- 2

Total: 24