Divers and gannets don't mind the rain

Ringing

Observation:

Despite some morning drizzle, the migration obs went pretty well with a steady number of common scoters (Melanitta nigra). This was also a great day for red-throated divers (Gavia stellata) with several flocks of up to 6 individuals flying past. A total of 143 individuals were counted today! 

Near the end of standard time, the rain sadly worsened our visibility quite a bit. However, it did draw the gannets (Morus bassanus) closer to the coast, giving us a great view of them flying past. A total of 47 gannets were counted, a great number compared to the last few days I (Storm) have been on observation. Gannets are some of my favourite sea birds and it was nice to learn how to age them from Anton. It is relatively easy as they change their plumage yearly between the 1st and 5th year from a uniform brownish, slowly turning their iconic white with black wingtips. 

There were not many other species of note today, and almost no passerines due to the unfavourable weather conditions. Sadly we did not see the local great skua (Stercorarius skua) today but we hope it's doing well wherever it has gone. 

Todays observations

At the station: Strummer Edwards, Mathilde Sif Eiby, Anton Ræbild Jensen, Storm Borum and Johan Them Steffensen