A first sign of spring

After several windy days, we were happy to enjoy a much calmer one today. Finally we were able to open the nets as usual and run the station under regular conditions again. The first hours of the morning went pretty good and we were able to ring several birds. As the morning went on, activity slowed down. During the later rounds, only a few birds found their way into the nets. The weather also changed over the course of the day: while the morning started out fairly clear, later it got really foggy.

One of our highlights of the day was the first Redwing “Vindrossel” of the season, which we were very happy to see.

Redwing "Vindrossel" by Paula

We were also excited to welcome our first Chiffchaff “Gransanger” of the year.

Chiffchaff "Gransanger" by Paula

With the arrival of this small guest, it truly felt as if spring might finally be on its way. Let’s hope it’s a sign of the warmer days to come!

Thomas, Henrik and David were lucky the fog came a bit later in the morning, so they had a decent view over the sea in the first hours after sunrise. The highlight at the obs was definitely and Iceland Gull “Hvilvinget Måge” which was migrating north.

Iceland Gull “Hvilvinget Måge” by Henrik

In the afternoon the fog got so thick, that I could not see the station anymore when I went up to the lighthouse garden to put some birdfood at the nets at Krattet. These four nets do not belong to the standardized ringing so we can use food at that place. Usually, they catch quite good but so far not many birds have found their way to the Krattet, so we are hoping to lure them a bit with food.

Later, I followed up on a tip by Sverre that there were bats in one of the bunkers I had not explored so far. And sure enough, I found ten Daubenton´s bats “Vandflagermus”.

Daubenton´s bats “Vandflagermus” by Hanelie

After crawling out of the bunker I skipped and hopped happily through the dunes and the thick fog back to the station.

At the station: Paula Feuchtmeyer, Thomas Kristiansen, Henrik Bøhmer, David Manstrup and Hanelie Sidhu