Nightjar and Slavonian Grebe

Last night Simon and Hayley put out the nightjar nets at about 8.30pm just after sunset which was very exciting, and we were all feeling optimistic about catching one as the weather conditions were perfect. After a little time passed around 9:10 pm, Simon and Hayley went to check the net and were very excited to have caught a lovely Nightjar (Natravnen), once they returned with the bird, they came up to wake me and Gustav. I was the lucky one to have ringed the Nightjar which was amazing, and it was so calm to hold in the hand. It was also interesting to look at the incredible feather patterns this species has up close. Once the bird was successfully ringed and then measured, it was photographed and then returned outside. What a special evening with a very special species.

Nightjar (Natravnen)

This morning myself and Hayley were a little bit more tired than usual due to being up late seeing the Nightjar, but it was definitely worth it! We both went to Kabeltromlen to set up the nets to bird ring in the morning, however, we did not catch many birds today unfortunately, but that’s okay as we got a Wryneck (Vendehals) yesterday which we were still very much amazed by. We ringed the regular species today such as Blackcap (Munk), Common Whitethroat (Tørnsanger), Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) and Willow Warbler (Løvsanger), but we also got a nice Robin (Rødhals).

Whilst we were out ringing, Simon and Gustav were at World’s End Three doing the migration count. The count was a little slow, however, they did spot a Pomarine Skua (Mellemkjove), which was a new species to tick off Gustav’s ‘must see’ bird list.

On the way back from the migration count and bird ringing, it was announced through Zello that there was a lovely juvenile Slavonian Grebe (Nordisk lappedykker) swimming around close to shore out at the back of the lighthouse. It was the first time me, Hayley and Gustav have come across this species but Simon has seen it once before in Germany. Simon got a great photo of the Grebe which can be viewed below.

We are now going to try nigh catching again for Storm Petrels, fingers crossed we get one tonight!

Slavonian Grebe (Nordisk lappedykker)

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Kim and Bodil.