Why is it called ARCTIC Skua?

The day started quietly today as there was little bird migration despite the nice weather. Nevertheless, I lasted 3 hours at World’s End 3. Although there was hardly any migration, I was able to observe several cool birds. In the morning a Temminck's Sandpiper (Temmincksrylen) was sitting on the beach and later I could observe two Honey Buzzards (Hvepsevåge) and a Woodlark (Hedelærke). I also had really nice views on five Harbour Porpoises.

One of the few migrating birds was two Arctic Skuas (Almindelig Kjove) heading north. Isn't that the wrong direction? Shouldn't you fly south? Well, at least they live up to their name ARCTIC Skua. It really fits to them, because they migrate from their arctic breeding grounds to subarctic wintering grounds. Their second englisch name Parasitic Jaeger is good as well, because it describes its behavoiur of chasing gulls and terns to steal their food, but in this part of the world we use the common one "Arctic Skua". Or the danish one Almindelig Kjove (I'm stil learning the danish bird names but I make progress :-)).

I also filled the boredom by ageing the gannets hunting at sea. Unfortunately, I could also see one that had caught its beak in a plastic string about 3 metres long and was dragging it behind it in flight. Afterwards I walked to Martina and Seán, who had had the nets at Kabeltromlen open since 4:30am.

Even during ringing there was no sign of newly arrived birds today. In the morning Simon (the 1st) stopped by, then also our guests from the flat, to whom we were able to show some nice birds. All in all, it was a quiet morning. Nevertheless, we were very pleased wto catch a Crested Tit (Topmejse) and a Chaffinch (Bogfinke).

 Seán checking the fat (condition) and moult of a young Blue tit (picture by Martina)

While Martina and Seán repaired and closed the nets, I walked back to the observatory and sat down to check the NocMig-recording There was not much bird migration during the night either, but I could identify a Curlew (Storspove), 2 Common Sandpipers (Mudderklire) and a Grey Heron (Fiskehejre) by their calls. You can see all the data under the link to Trektellen. After a short nap we held the evening meeting and are now preparing to hopefully catch waders tonight.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat) - 5

Gærdesmutte (Wren) - 1

Rørsanger (Reed Warbler) - 5

Gransanger (Chiffchaff) - 2

Musvit (Great Tit) – 7

Blåmejse (Blue tit) - 1

Topmejse (Crested Tit) - 1

Bogfinke (Chaffinch) - 1

Rørspruv (Reed Bunting) - 1

Total: 24

People: Seán Walsh, Martina Hillbrand, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Lise, Tine and Elinor

 A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

 A link to the results of the latest NocMig-Recordings on Trektellen.