Skarv, Storspove, and more

Despite the southwestern winds slowing down shorebird migration, we still had some impressive numbers of scoters (Sortand), cormorants (Skarv), and other water birds during our survey today. We were thankfully able to begin a bit later than usual (0500 instead of 0445) so the extra sleep was very appreciated.  The morning started slow with only four species in the first period but we began to see really nice movements of waterfowl later on, including Common Scoter (Sortand), Common Teal (Krikand), and a single Velvet Scoter (Fløjlsand).  

Even though we were getting good numbers of Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle), other common waders like Eurasian Curlew (Storspove) and Bar–tailed Godwit (Lille Kobbersneppe) were exceptionally scare and we completely missed some common species such as Eurasian Oystercatcher (Strandskade)!   

David also spotted a Black Tern (Sortterne) resting with the Common Terns (Fjordterne), similar to how we?ve seen other individuals behave in the past week.  We were hoping to visit the Little Tern (Dværgterne) colony but unfortunately the military started doing training exercises today so we?ll check on them when we have access again.  

Towards the end of the survey, we were also greeted by a massive group of over 300 Cormorants (Skarv)! They first landed in the water a bit north to the point before taking off and resting on the beach with the rest of the gulls and terns.  

Tomorrow it seems like we will have similar conditions but hopefully we?ll have a bit more luck with our migrant numbers.

//Strummer Edwards