Simon's first whale

For the first time in a while, I did the morning migration count with Simon. I had spent the last week or so ringing with Martina where the weather allowed us as I entered my last week working at Skagen Fuglestation trying to learn as much as possible. In contrast to the last few days of migration, it was slightly better as the winds were a bit stronger. The morning started nicely, with some Mallemuk (Fulmar) and Lomvie (Guillemot) movement. Then, we began to see some skua movement at sea, even though there was none on the beach anymore. We saw four Storkjove (Great Skua) migrating north-west in total, and two Almindelig Kjove (Arctic Skua) also going north-west. As we neared the third hour of our count, the winds picked up even more and we saw many of the birds we had just counted coming back in the opposite direction. It was a sign to stop the migration count as not to risk double counting. The weather is a good omen, though, for our Stormsvale (Storm-petrel) catching tonight. If a bird as large and heavy as a Storkjove is driven back by the wind, then we are more likely to catch the small Stormsvale. 

Simon was also incredibly happy today as he saw his first large whale while doing the morning migration count! Rolf and he belived it to be a Minke whale. We observed it jumping many times out of the water from World's End. There have been some sightings of Minke whale lately in Danish waters and particuarly on the Danish north coast so it being a Minke seems likely.

Martina was supposed to join us on the migration count, but she believed she had once again been fooled by the weather forecast. As Simon and I got ready to leave, she was getting ready to also, but instead to go ringing. She opened the nets at half 5 this morning thinking there might be something. She only ended up catching a Gransanger (Common Chiffchaff) and, rather nicely, a Havesanger (Garden Warbler).

Today was my last full day here. I am a little sad I didn't get to spend it ringing at Kabeltromlen but I am confident that we will catch something nice tonight, even if its not a Stormsvale. I cooked a farewell dinner of sorts, chana dal, Martina's favourite meal. I attempted to make enough for leftovers, but it seems like it'll all be gone by tomorrow's dinnertime. I'm leaving tomorrow around lunchtime. The six weeks I have spent here have been amazing in many different ways. I have learned a new skill I have wanted to for years, I have seen many new and different birds compared to my home in Ireland. And I have met some really nice people from the beginning of my time here to the end. I look forward to seeing Simon Kiesé and Simon Christiansen again next May, when I return for the spring season, hopefully with more experience.

Tally ho.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Havesanger (Garden Warbler) - 1

Total: 1

Skagen 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.