Divers(e) Day

Today started with Hanelie and me opening the mist nets while Henrik went out for the morning observation. It was quite chilly, only 2 degrees, with a northerly wind blowing at 3 m/s. For the first net run, Frida joined the ringing, and I went to join Henrik for the observation.

The migration was surprisingly fast, with 306 Red-throated Loons, 850 Scoters, 4 Barnacle Geese, and 4 Long-tailed Ducks flying south within the first two hours after sunrise. Additionally, a stunning adult Mediterranean Gull was resting on the beach, much to Henrik’s delight - it sent him into ecstasy! You can find the complete observation list here.

Ringing was quite slow, with only eight birds in total. The highlight was a Tree Sparrow, which, fun fact, happens to be one of Hanelie’s favorite birds to hold in hand.

After closing the mist nets together, Henrik took us on a trip to “Hvidbjerg Camping og Kapellet,” where we spotted two White Wagtails (ssp. Yarrellii), one Marsh Tit, two Common Buzzards, and one Mistle Thrush. After that, we visited “Grønningen” and enjoyed the stunning landscape, along with sightings of Lapwings and Stonechats.

Before dinner, Frida and I took a walk on the beach and were surprised by one of the most intense rainbows we had ever seen. It’s incredible how light hitting a raindrop can create such vibrant colors - truly mesmerizing to observe.

Another lovely surprise awaited us when, all of a sudden, Karen pulled up. It was such a joy to reunite, as Hanelie, Karen, and I had already met on several occasions. After a heartwarming chat, Hanelie prepared dinner - a delicious pizza with homemade dough, topped with mushrooms, tomatoes, shrimp, olive oil, salt, and pepper. We devoured it before heading to our well-deserved beds.

Wow, what a day!