Some special birds ringed at Kabeltromlen

Hello everyone!

This morning Myrthe, Lucas, Oluf, and I went ringing at Kabeltromlen. Myrthe and I had never ringed there before, so we did the first few rounds all together so that we could learn all the net locations. Our lovely guests Mette and Jesper arrived a little later to watch the ringing. We watched a beautiful sunrise and enjoyed good weather during the 4 hours we spent outside – and we also caught some exciting birds!

Among the highlights was a female Blåhals (Bluethroat). We were all very excited to see her, as this is not a common species in Skagen.

This unfortunate bird managed to be recaptured twice more within a couple of hours, so appears to have learnt nothing about avoiding nets! We released her again and hope she will return next year.

Another highlight was a Topmejse (Crested Tit). Although small, these brave birds are like other members of the tit family in that they will not hesitate to bite a ringer’s fingers.

We also caught 2 juvenile Gulbug (Icterine Warblers). It was my first time seeing juveniles of this species, and I was surprised to find that they look very different to the adults. In sharp contrast to the bright yellow birds they will grow up to become, the juveniles were quite grey and faded in colour. Hopefully, this will help them avoid predators until they’re old enough to have gained some experience.

Other surprises included a juvenile Rødhals (Robin), which are not often caught here, and a solitary Jernspurv (Dunnock).

Meanwhile, Ragnar was observing seabirds at World’s End 3.

Benjamin went to the bakery in town and got us some delicious bread, which we were all very grateful for when we came back from ringing. Then we spent the rest of the day sleeping and relaxing after our very early morning!

 Link to todays observations in Dofbasen from the Skagen area

Ringing numbers (including recaptures):

Blåhals (Bluethroat): 1

Blåmejse (Blue Tit): 2

Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat): 2

Grå Fluesnapper (Spotted Flycatcher): 1

Gransanger (Chiffchaff): 6

Gulbug (Icterine Warbler): 2

Jernspurv (Dunnock): 1

Lille Gråsiskin (Lesser Redpoll): 1

Munk (Blackcap): 4

Musvit (Great Tit): 1

Rødhals (Robin): 1

Rørsanger (Reed Warbler): 4

Solsort (Blackbird): 1

Topmejse (Crested Tit): 1

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat): 4

Total: 32

People at the station: Myrthe Van Brempt, Benjamin Bech, Ragnar Smith, Lucas Corneliussen, Asia Kane, Oluf Lou, Jesper and Mette