Egyptian goose? Are you knots?!

Morning Observation
Finally, a change from the usual northwesterly winds — this morning brought wind from the southeast instead. This gave Levi, Marit, and me high hopes for today’s observation session. During the morning, both David and Bent also joined us at the observation spot, so we weren’t the only ones expecting a great day.

From early on and throughout the session, the scoters “Sortand” were active, but aside from them, there wasn't a significant migration today. The only other species we saw in decent numbers were terns. However, what we lacked in numbers, we made up for in diversity. A good variety of species passed by us today — including tufted ducks “Troldand”, common eiders “Ederfugl”, greylag geese “Grågås”, and brent geese “Knortegås”. And of course, the absolute highlight of the day: an Egyptian Goose and around 100 Red Knots migrating past us. It was wonderful to see the large flock of knots slowly making their way north.

Today's observations can be seen here.

Blue sky over the observation spot. Picture: Marit Nillissen

Ringing
Morten and Emma ran the ringing today, and just like us at the observation post, they were also ready for a day with many birds in the nets. After a somewhat slow start to the morning – perhaps due to the slight fog hanging low over the ground – the birds also really started moving. After the observation, I joined the ringing and went along for the last two rounds of the standard time. After that, we closed Fyrhaven and Krathaven, and then Morten and, on several rounds also I, continued rounds in Stationshaven, where there were still birds.

When Morten closed the last net around 19:00, we had reached a total of 41 ringed birds and 5 recaptures. So that must be said to be a good day’s result. The vast majority of the birds today were long-distance migrants like willow warblers and redstarts, and this meant that Morten could take a lot of blood samples from these birds.

The highlight of the day came well after the standard rounds, when Morten and I did a quiet round with only two birds in the net – but one of them made Morten very happy. Morten quickly took it out of the net and everyone at the station was called into the lab, where Morten showed us the first wood warbler in our nets this year.

In addition to this highlight, we also had a willow warbler with a Swedish ring, which is always great – it’s exciting to see birds with rings from other stations.

Everyone is eagerly waiting to see what Morten has in the bag. Picture: Levi van den Os

Wood Warbler "Skovsanger". Picture: Thomas Kristensen

At the station: Emma Gray, Joseph Stephan and Frida Soeltoft, Thomas Kristensen, Morten Jenrich Hansen, Levi van den Os, Marit Nillissen, David Manstrup