Firecrests and a good migration day

Firecrests and a busy migration day

Simon Jr was alone at World’s End 3 this morning and was very busy with the clickers! Over five hours he counted a massive 4681 Razorbills (Alk) and 601 Kittiwakes (Ride). He had lots of highlights throughout the count including a Puffin (Lunde), 11 Little Auks (Søkonge), a Slavonian Grebe (Nordisk Lappedykker), a Great Northern Diver (Islom) and a White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom). Another highlight was a Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) which came in off the sea and that was also spotted from Kabeltromlen. On his way back, Simon also spotted the Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) again. It has now been here for over two weeks!

Photo: Little Auk (Søkonge) by Simon Jr.

Thomas and I were ringing again at Kabeltromlen, and were joined by Simon Sr, Lars, Lone and Jørgen. It was a quiet morning compared to the last few ringing sessions with a total of 43 new birds ringed. The most numerous species ringed was Blue Tit (Blåmejse), most of which were caught in the first round. Later on, we were pleasantly surprised to find a Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge) in the net. These are one of the smallest bird species found in Denmark and our individual was tiny, only weighing 4.4 grams. On the very next round, we were even more surprised to find another Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge)! This individual was a recapture; we first ringed it 11 days ago.

Gustav also joined us at Kabeltromlen and led a tour for a group of people who are in the first semester of the same studies that he is doing. The group was shown the ringing and played a game about animal ethics.

At Jennes Sø, Michael was also out ringing. He caught a very nice mix of species including a Crested Tit (Topmejse), a Treecreeper (Træløber) and 14 Mealy Redpoll (Stor Gråsisken). He also ringed two new Arctic Redpoll (Hvidsisken).

This afternoon, we have been busy with entering ringing and migration count data. Lone checked sheets with Simon Sr, social media was updated, and a rarity reports written. Later Gustav, Simon, Thomas and I are going out for a meal in town with Simon Sr, Jørgen, Lars and Lone which will be a very nice way to spend my last evening in Skagen!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 43

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Total: 51

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Simon S. Christiansen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Lone and Lars, Michael Ancher.

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area