Gulls and terns in the storm

Observations:

Strong northwest winds and stormy skies with few showers marked the day, after a couple of calm, clear evenings.

North-westerlies made most of the wader numbers decrease rapidly, but brought an important northwards movement of terns in the early morning: over 600 Common, 82 Arctic and 250 Sandwich Terns in 3h, with many juveniles as an indicator of success in the current breeding season! Eurasian Oystercatchers were also on the move today, with increasing numbers along the day (up to 280 individuals counted). Another highlighted migration records could be an adult Black-throated Diver.

Strong headwinds and disperse showers caused a notable gathering of Larids and Terns on the beach. Hundreds of Common Terns, Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Common Gulls, along with thousands of Black-headed Gulls were resting and feeding in close groups, were we could find many juvenile and adult Arctic Terns, some Caspian Gulls of different ages and an adult Kittiwake.

Adult Arctic Tern passing close.

The most interesting records of the day included a 3rd calendar year presumed Baltic Gull (Larus fuscus fuscus) and a Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis).

Presumed Baltic Gull and a comparison side-by-side with a Herring Gull.

Immature Yellow-legged Gull.

Other sightings:

Ida found a grasshopper from the Chortippus biguttulus-group with a rare genetic disease called Erythrism. This affliction makes grasshoppers turn completely pink. They are not seen very often, because they are easier for birds to see and eat.

Grasshopper with erythrism (photo by Ida Bek)

Ringing:

There was no ringing today.

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