Long-tailed skua

Strong westerly winds buffeted Skagen all day. Dante and I decided to try some seawatching from World’s End in the morning although migration over the sea was rather slow. Zach headed out round Storsig and Stald Grenen and enjoyed 2 adult and 2 juvenile Topmejse (Crested Tits) as well as Sortmejse (Coal Tit). Our guests Anders and Dorthe birded Nordstrand and Skarvsøen. Overall, our highlights of the day included 3 Havørn (White-tailed Eagles), 3 Hvepsevåge (Honey Buzzards), 1 Sortstrubet Lom (Black-throated Diver) and 1 Sortstrubet bynkefugl (Stonechat).

Today was Zach’s last full day at the station before he heads back to London tomorrow. We also welcomed Sean, our newest volunteer from Galway, Ireland, who will be volunteering at the station for the next 6 weeks.

After dinner, just as we thought we were winding down for the day, Dante recieved a text from Erik Christophersen who had found a 3cy Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua) resting on the beach. The four of us battled the wind and raced out to the tip and had outstanding views of the bird chasing Spliterne (Sandwich Tern), tussling with a Almindelig Kjove (Arctic Skua), flying round our heads and resting on the beach. Such amazing views of an amazing bird! 

Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua). Photo by Erik Christophersen, see more on his blog here: https://ecskagen.blogspot.com/

Whilst on the beach, we also spotted 3 Stor Præstekrave (Ringed Plover) chicks. I quickly headed back to the station to gather the rings and we managed to catch and ring 2 of the chicks. Quite a last evening for Zach and first evening for Sean! 

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

Skagen Fuglestation: Zach Pannifer, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Sean Walsh, Anders & Dorthe.