Observations

Early morning count started with west-southwest moderate winds and a rain front getting close to land. These conditions were apparently very promising for seabirds!

The expectations were well achieved with a very nice and close Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) flying southwards, very close to land. Good views for all the six observers at the moment of this scarce, but regular species in Blavandshuk.

Views from the shore south of Blaavand.

Tern numbers were again quite high, and some wader movement included a few small groups of Grey Plover and juvenile Dunlins.

A late evening walk along the beach south of the station allowed us to see most of the common seaducks and diving species in the area, with nice calm, sunny and clear conditions.

Ringing

The ringing was very slow today, with a total of only 2 newly ringed individuals (one during standard time, one after) and 4 recaptures. This was partly owed to (the risk of) heavy showers during the morning, which had us opening and closing some net sections to be safe. 

Species ringed today:

People at the station: David, Nico, Lois, Miguel, Alba, Ida, Strummer, Leon, Anton, Henrik

The weather today was similar to yesterday weak westerlies (shifting to WSW in the evening) with disperse showers alternating with sun and good lighting conditions for counting.

Many Terns are already using the Blåvand area while foraging and resting during the day, so the first hours after sunrise and the last before sunset are good opportunities for counting them while they come from the south and return, respectively. Over 4000 Common, 45 Arctic and 600 Sandwich Terns were counted during the 3h census in the morning, and over 6400 Terns in total were estimated to be present along the day (but could be even more!). More Arctic Skuas were also seen these last days.

Three Greater Scaups southwards in the late evening count were a good sighting, during an otherwise quiet observation period, at least for two migrants.

Ringing

Unfortunately it continues to be a very slow time ringing here at Blaavand, with fewer than ten birds caught for the day.  The highlight of the day  was another Treecreeper (Trælober), a sepcies which has been a frequent capture this season.