Insane shorebird migration off Blåvand

Despite expectations being high due to the predicted eastern winds, none of us were expecting to see such an incredible number of shorebirds.  We had almost three thousand migrating and great numbers of many species which we'd expect these great numbers far later in the season. 

Curlew Sandpiper (Krumnæbbet Ryle) had particularly impressive numbers, with over 50 individuals counted.  We were also pleasantly surprised when both species of stint were detected during the survey.  Besides a pair spotted a week ago, the last sighting of Temminck's Stint (Temmincksryle) during our surveys was during the early 2010s.  The more frequent migrants also had great numbers, with 1688 Dunlin (Almindelig ryle), 406 Red Knot (Islandsk Ryle), and 189 Bar-tailed Godwit (Lille Kobbersneppe) being counted.  

After the survey, we continued preparing the net lanes for the ringing season.  We mowed and cleaned around half of the lanes and we plan on finishing the cleaning before Thursday.  Henrick showed me the Heligoland trap by the lighthouse, something that I've been incredibly excited to see since I heard about them years ago. 

During the afternoon, Henrick decided to do some ringing with the nets by the station.  After we prepped the ringing room and opened the nets, David and I were thrilled to watch as Henrick ringed some great birds, including a surprise Common Redstart (Rødstjert)! We caught 18 birds in just a few hours, which was very impressive considering the time of day and quality of the nets (many are either bleached or worn down, we plan on replacing them some time later this week).  

The next few days should have strong southwestern winds so hopefully that will bring in some interesting seabirds during our migration surveys!