It's a kind of magic

This morning Simon began the day with a visit from 17 teaching assistants from University College Nordjylland. Gustav joined them for an introduction to the observatory and despite the wind, Simon also caught a few birds in the Lighthouse Garden nets to demonstrate how we ring birds.

Sarah and I were out observing with Knud again today, where the strong westerly wind had us searching for a sheltered spot in the dunes to try and keep warm and prevent ourselves from being buried under the flying sand! Our reward though was a strong easterly movement of seabirds, with the highlight being a Sooty Shearwater (Sodfarvet Skråpe) which Knud spotted within seconds of setting up his telescope. Other notable sightings were a Great Northern Diver (Islom), and 639 Razorbills (Alk) moving south east over four hours.

Helga and Kristian took a walk out to the tip this morning, seeing seals and a flock of Sanderling (Sandløber). This afternoon they joined Simon and Gustav on a successful mission to add Bearded Tit (Skægmejse) to Gustav’s list. Before he left this evening, Gustav joined us for dinner before treating us to the second impromptu magic show of the day. Although she had defeated him earlier in the day, this time even Sarah “Stone Face” Bedford succumbed to the magician’s gaze! Thanks Gustav – come back soon!

Look into my eyes: Gustav correctly guessing the Skægmejse I had thought of

Birds Rung (3): 1 Robin (Rødhals), 1 Goldcrest (Fuglekonge), and 1 Tree Sparrow (Skovspurv).

People: Sarah Bedford, James Butcher, Knud Pederson, Gustav Urth, Simon S. Christiansen and Helga & Kristian Rudolf