The Sun Shines Upon Skagen Another Day

When we woke up this morning the wind and clouds from yesterday had all but dissipated leaving a trail of ice and snow behind. Blue skies and sun teased us with the thought of summer, yet the blankets of white snow reminded us that we were still stuck in the April frost. 

View from the Grey Lighthouse this morning.

 

Hanelie and Hayley were up much before sunrise to set everything up at Kabeltromlen for ringing. They were met by sheets of ice throughout the net lanes and the entire table was covered in ice! Regardless of this, they opened the nets and prepared for another day of ringing. Simon (Snr) joined them for the first round, and the day began. Although the first round was fruitful, the rest of the day was quite slow, and their main highlight was a Redwing (Vindrossel). 

Hayley taking notes on an icy table. (Photo by: Simon S. Christiansen)

 

While this was happening at Kabeltromlen, Magnus and I were making our way up to World’s End 1 for some counting. The first hour was fairly busy, with nearly 1,500 Common Scoters (Sortand), some Guillemots/Razorbills (Lomvie/Alk), some Gannets (Sule), some Northern Fulmars (Mallemuk) and a few Eiders (Ederfugl). We also saw a Merlin (Dværgfalk), which was nice! They are slowly becoming more abundant. After the first hour, unfortunately, migration slowed significantly. We got a lucky visit from Simon (Snr) before he was off to a meeting with the board, and he offered me his gloves which was very helpful to keep my hands warm. Tak! 

 

Simon (Snr) counting at World's End 1.

Dorothe and Kjeld, our guests, had an active day today too. They took advantage of the calm weather and joined us for a bit at Kabeltromlen and at World’s End 1, hopefully they got to see some cool things too. 

 

When we got back from our morning tasks, some of us entered data, some of us went to look for the Hoopoe (Hærfugl), and some of us took a nap. Simon (Jr) did not join us for our morning tasks since he was feeling a bit sick, but he was still hard at work at the apartment gathering rarity reports on White-Tailed Lapwings (Sumpvibe) around Europe. Hopefully he feels better soon! 

 

We also briefly joined the board meeting, introduced ourselves, and brought up some feedback to facilitate our work at the station. Everyone was very kind, and they even left us a generous amount of sandwiches after the meeting! Very much appreciated.

 

In the evening we discussed our tasks for the rest of the day and tomorrow, and realized we are caught up on almost everything! Simon (Snr) told us that, like yesterday, the weather will be too severe for us to go ringing and observing tomorrow, so we must complete the most important task of all: beating Simon (Snr) in a match of ping pong. 

 

Now Hayley is preparing dinner (which smells amazing) and Magnus has gone to town to see his family. 

 

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Wren (Gærdesmutte) 1

European Robin (Rødhals) 4

Dunnock (Jernspurv) 1

Redwing (Vindrossel) 1

Goldcrest (Fuglekonge) 4

Total: 11

 

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Dorothe and Kjeld, Board Members