Some lapwings twerking at Grønningen!

Observations : 

Unfortunately, due to the rainy weather, we weren’t able to carry out our observations this morning.

After the rain, I went down to the dunes to count the resting birds and see if there were any little terns inside the new fences (you never know!). But there was not.
There were also very few birds on the sandbanks this morning: 4 oystercatchers [magellanstrandskade], 13 sandwich terns [splitterne], one northern gannet [sule] feeding and a pair of little terns [dværgterne].

I then made my way to Sabine’s bunker and on into the inland areas. I was surrounded by the song of the skylarks! It’s always such a joy to listen to and watch them. I don’t think one should ever get used to the common birds we see every day, such as herring gulls [sølvmåge], chiffchaffs [gransanger] and other birds. Every species is unique and beautiful in its own way. Whilst wandering through the land, I also came across a common european viper, Vipera berus, which quickly slithered away when it sensed me approaching. I also took the time to observe a smooth newt, Lissotriton vulgaris, I love this species which moves very slowly and is so delicate.
In short, little joys – certainly not exceptional, but ones that fill you with happiness!

Todays observations can be seen here.

Ringing : 

Due to rain in the morning, the nets could not be opened this morning. Later in the day it was nice with calm winds, but I had an online class for university and a spontaneous online meeting in the late morning, also for uni, so the only work for ringing I did today was doing the data check, and I am nearly done, only three sheets are left.

After my meeting was finished, Jorn, Clara and I went to Grønningen. Unfortunately, it was high tide so there were few birds and all far away. So we decided to go to Grønninigen and that was a good decision, as we saw six Spoonbills "Skestork" very close. We could also see a big flock of Golden Plovers “Hjeile”. Two Wheatears on the field and some Barn Swallows “Landsvale” brought some spring feeling.


Spoonbills "Skestork" at Grønningen. Picture by Hanelie

Finally, you’re probably wondering: ‘What on earth is this title for the Blavand Observatory?’ 
Well, well, well, here is the explanation. When we were at Grønningen, we have seen two lapwings [vibe] making strange moves. They were moving up their asses in some strange movements. A behaviour that none of us has observed so far. They looked as though they were dancing to pop music – sort of twerking birds! That was quite funny to observe. Then, doing some researchs, it appears that it could be either a courtship display [see a video here.] or a movement they're making whilst building their nests [see a video here.]
Below, the picture we made to try to explain a bit more what we have seen !


Lapwings [vibe] twerking while they're making their nest or while courtship display, picture by Jorn

At the station: Clara Delahaye, Jorn de Jong and Hanelie Sidhu.