A RARE BLAVAND RECORD

If yesterday was Blåvand’s big day, then we were rudely brought back to normalcy today. Persistent cold weather means the bird pipes are still blocked and numbers of birds both ringed and observed over the sea were low. We did (and Lisa in particular) have the pleasure of two nice birds caught in the net, a Collared Dove and a Crested Tit.  

Yesterday’s Blåvand Big Day was an unqualified success and was a great way to spark our birding enthusiasm after some challengingly quiet days. We all went to exceptional lengths and I must confess to never having been as excited to see a Blue Tit, as I was when I finally found our first of the day at 16:45. The most elusive species of the day frustratingly was the Magpie, which was finally discovered by Lisa at 19:45, who wins the prize for last bird seen. The Blåvand budget could not stretch to too extravagant a prize, so she had to settle for eternal glory. Here were the final results from the big day:

Morten reported the exciting news that Lisa has recently spotted only the second breeding record for a certain species in Blåvands Huk (with the last being in 2016). I can imagine you as reader overcome now with anticipation as to what this species is. Perhaps it is also a rare bird for Denmark, or even Europe….

Well, I will keep you in suspense no longer, drum-roll please……..this was the Greylag Goose! This breeding record is not so much of a reflection on some successful habitat management, but rather that unexpectedly high amount of rain this year (particularly this April) has left a lot of flooding on the more. This was to the Greylags’ advantage as four goslings have been seen alongside three mallard chicks. Big news I am sure you will agree. In other breeding news, there are 14 Litte Terns on the beach which is great news. It will probably be time soon to erect a fenced off area on the beach to allow them to breed in peace. 

Finally, I must unfortunately add that Lisa and I will be leaving the station tomorrow. I would like to thank Henrik for letting us come, Morten for all his knowledge and patience in teaching us and the other volunteers Maxim and Bianca for their entertainment and admirably patient acceptance of my humour. We have had three wonderful weeks here and do very much hope that we will get the opportunity to return in the future.

Next stop for us is England before we will soon be moving to the Seychelles to work for a conservation organisation for two years. It will be much the same as Blåvand, with sea, sunsets and terns, but just a little warmer and a few more cocktails.