Interesting gulls (måge) at Blåvand

Despite not getting the crazier seabirds that we were hoping for, the more westerly southwestern winds brought in some great birds during our survey! Including some interesting gulls (måge), we also had some nice alcids and an incredible number of cormorants (Skarv). 

The strong western winds also brought an impressive number of Northern Gannets (Sule), with the final count being 18.  We got some great looks at the more uncomon gulls, including a beatiful Little Gull (Dværgmåge) in breeding plumage and a single Black-legged Kittiwake (Ride).  Early in the morning, Henrik also had multiple Caspian Gull (Kaspisk Måge)!

Without a doubt the most impressive spectacle of the morning was the incredible numbers of cormorants (Skarv) foraging along the coast. We were able to see them traveling over the point multiple times and it was always incredible to see their local movements.   

Once we got back to the station, I was also pleasantly suprised to get my lifer Red Crossbill (Lille Korsnæb).  Henrick texted me that he had heard their flight calls and I ran out of the house in time to see them flying northbound.  Even though I am familiar with their calls from the eastern United States, it was suprising how different they sounded here.  

Tomorrow we plan to finish raking the mowed areas of the lighthouse garden, with the ringing starting in only a few days we´re making sure everything is ready for the season to start off smoothly!