A redpoll from Iceland

Most exciting news of the day came from Jennes Sø, where Molly was ringing with Michael and caught a ringed Redpoll (Gråsisken) species. When she examined the ring, she found the bird had been ringed in Iceland and so probably belongs to the sub species islandica. Extensive measurements, photos and DNA samples were taken which will confirm the bird’s identity in due course, but if it proves to be the case this will be a great first record for Denmark! Over the morning 27 birds were ringed in total.

Redpoll with an Icelandic ring caught by Molly and Michael

Sarah and I took a long walk out to Nordstrand and back, recording migrants on the way. Highlights were 34 Parrot Crossbills (Stor Korsnæb) flying over, a male Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) amongst the other thrushes, 51 Bearded Tits (Skægmejse) and 4 Rough-legged Buzzards (Fjeldvåge) giving great close views.

It seems this year is a true invasion year for Parrot Crossbills (Stor Korsnæb), with locals commenting that these are the biggest numbers they have seen for many years. Having seen many fly over our heads, we were keen to get some closer views, and so this afternoon we cycled back to Den tilsandede kirke south of Skagen. After meeting with the local group Guldmajssøens Venner, Simon also came and joined us. The pine woods around here are an obvious destination for these birds, and we were treated to great views of a flock of 28 Parrot Crossbills coming down to drink at puddles in the car park. Amongst them were 4 Common Crossbills, giving us a good chance to compare the different structure and bill size of these species at close range, as well as study the all-important calls!

Look mum no hands! (en route to Parrot Crossbills)

In the evening Simon cooked up an Italian feast of chicken wrapped in bacon with pasta, and we made plans for a busy week of guided tours ahead for Uge 42, which is a holiday week in Denmark.

You can find more details of all this week’s activities here.

People: Molly Brown, Micahel Ancher, Sarah Bedford, James Butcher and Simon S. Christiansen.