Rain, Caspian Gulls & Curlews

Dante and I headed to Verdens Endes at sunrise for observations and were joined by Henrik Højholm. We had all optimistically hoped the weather forecast would be wrong, however, shortly after sunrise the rain started, just as predicted, and gave us all a thorough soaking. Migration was rather slow, likely due to heavy rain to the south, but the highlights were two second calendar-year Caspian Gulls (Kaspisk Måge), one juvenile Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge), 5 Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) and 2 Merlins (Dværgfalk). The downpours also meant no ringing at Kabeltromlen, and so we were joined throughout the morning by Yehonatan, Michael, and Owen and Laura, the journalism students from Aarhus University, who have been following us for a few days to document the work we do.

Simon and Thomas, our guest, wisely headed to Nordstrand after the rain had stopped. Throughout the morning 109 Curlew (Storspove) headed east as well as 10 Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove), 2 Rough-legged Buzzards (Fjeldvåge) and one resting Great Grey Shrike (Stor Tornskade).

The afternoon was taken up by a series of observatory admin tasks, including checking some mended waders, maintaining the bicycles, cleaning the apartment, and shopping. After finally drying our clothes and equipment out, we’re looking forward to the better weather predicted for next week and we’ll definitely be checking the forecast properly next time!

No photos from today in the rain I'm afraid, so here's one of the full Spring team enjpying dinner a few days ago. From left to right: Yehonatan, Dante, Jeppe, Lauren & Michael.

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

Today's raptor summary can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Yehonatan Ben aroia, Michael Colley, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Owen, Laura & Thomas