Out with the boss, in with the birds

We knew today would be good when Simon challenged us to a bird competition while he is away for a few days. “Best bird wins” – game on!

We made a strong start to the competition, when I heard an unfamiliar Phylloscopus call whilst opening the nets at Kabeltromlen. Luckily, I managed to get a recording of the warbler as it moved through the bushes which we could later investigate. Unluckily, even with the sonogram we are still left scratching our heads between a few species – but stay tuned for updates!

The excitement of hopefully rehearing, spotting, or even catching the bird meant the ringing session went very quickly. We caught 35 new birds, with the numbers coming predominantly from Blackcaps (Munk), Robins (Rødhals), and Wrens (Gærdesmutte). Highlights aside from the Phylloscopus sp. were a caught Garden Warbler (Havesanger), and an observed Kingfisher (Isfugl).

The ringing team were joined by Mette and Igor today.

Meanwhile, the observers were out at Worlds End Three where they were engulfed with fog, barely able to pick out each other in the haze, let alone the birds. During the few intermittent periods of clear skies and seas they also spotted a Kingfisher (Isfugl), as well as a colour ringed Caspian Gull (Kaspisk Måge), and a Yellow Legged Gull (Middelhavs-søvmåge). On the way back, Ragnar stopped by Elle Krattet where the day continued to prove to be one for the records as he heard Skagen’s first Yellow Browed Warbler (Hvidbrynet Løvsanger) of the season and a Nutcracker (Nøddekrige)! Another two great birds, adding to our clearance against our opponent, Simon.

The fog lingered at Grenen for most of the afternoon.

After some lunch and sonogram dissection, the rest of us headed back out on the bikes to some nearby patches of woodland to try and spot the Nutcracker (Nøddekrige). Unfortunately, we didn’t spot it, however we did see two Great Spotted Woodpeckers (Stor Flagspætte) and a Kingfisher (Isfugl), which are always nice.

Surprisingly, Augustin didn't fall off after this photo was taken!

Ringing (Kabeltromlen)

Rødhals – 7

Munk – 7

Gærdesmutte – 7

Gransanger - 3

Fuglekonge – 2

Rørspurv – 2

Rørsanger - 2

Blåmejse – 2

Havesanger – 1

Skovpiber – 1

Jernspurv – 1

Total = 35

Highlights from Observations

Caspian Gull (Kaspisk Måge) – 1

Yellow Legged Gull (Middelhavs-sølvmåge) – 1

Link to today's observations from observers in the area

People at the station: Ragnar Smith, Rosa Hicks, Augustin Sticksel, Emma Fabre, Mette Cristensen, Simon S. Christiansen.