Snowbuntings, Squirrels, and Skuassss

Today started the usual way with the crew cycling to Kabeltromlen and Worlds End 3, however we got there much faster due to a strong tailwind. As we began opening the nets we realized the gusts were worse than anticipated, so after some evaluation we only opened six nets. As the wind increased the six open nets became five, and then four, before we ultimately made the decision to close to not pose any risk to the birds.

I then joined for the remainder of the observations, where they had already spotted a Long-Tailed Duck (Havlit).  Another highlight were two Snowbuntings (Snespurv), sat in the dunes right infront of us! Today was a high autumn count of Arctic Skuas (Almindelig Kjove), with at least 15 seen. Towards the end of the counting period, Ragnar spotted a flock of skuas and gulls circling high above the water like raptors – this was quite the spectacle, although the fast-approaching rain meant they couldn’t be confidently identified and counted. Ultimately, the rain caught up with us and we all got very soggy on the cycle ride home.

The lucky Snowbunting's (Snespurv) point of view all morning.

In the afternoon, Simon, Ragnar, and Det Grå Fyr took a joint tour for Danish Geodata where they discussed bird ringing, bird navigation, and the local area with the sixty guests. Meanwhile, the rest of the volunteers got on with some cleaning and admin. I then went for a walk where I was very pleased to see a Red Squirrel (Egern)! Everyone else at the station (from continental Europe) laughed at this, but in the UK, they are incredibly localised due to being outcompeted by invasive grey squirrels. Unfortunately, my phone battery had died so I couldn’t take a photo, but it was very cute.

Tomorrow’s weather is looking rather spicy – with wind direction changes throughout the day. We’re looking forward to seeing the effects of this on Grenen’s birds.

Goodnight!

Highlights from the Observations:

Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove) - 15

Long-Tailed Duck (Havlit) - 1

Snow Bunting (Snespurv) - 2

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Total = 0

Ringing (Jennes So)

Solsort - 1

Munk - 2

Gransanger - 8

Løvsanger - 1

Fuglekonge - 5

Topmejse - 1

Lille Grasiskin - 1

Rørspurv - 1

Total = 20

People at the station: Ragnar Smith, Rosa Hicks, Augustin Sticksel, Emma Fabre, Simon S. Sigard og Karen & Søren Leth-Nissen, Michael Ancher

Link to today's observations from observers in the area