Migration at Gedser Odde

by Larissa Britton:
It is raining now, so I am writing the blog with a cup of Fennel/Fennikel tea today, warm inside the station. There were strong Southerly winds this morning at the tip. Det blæser en halv pelikan (!)

No large flocks of duck today, only smaller groups typically comprised of one species. Over the course of the morning, around 30 Pintail/Spidsand (Anas acuta) were recorded. Though ducks were not in large numbers, we had a good show of raptors again today.

Three Osprey/Fiskeørn (Pandion haliaetus) were spotted, with all three flying South/S out at sea. A beautiful dark-feathered Marsh Harrier/Rørhøg (Circus aeruginosus) gave us good views over the water [this individual was not migrating]. Also over the water, a few Merlin/Dværgfalk (Falco columbarius) were seen. This is a small falcon that mostly feeds on small passerines which they chase in flight. We watched one individual flying very low to the water, possibly chasing Meadow Pipit/Engpiber (Anthus pratensis), or Swallow/Landsvale (Hirundo rustica) of which we saw many flying out at sea.

As for passerines, not many attempted the crossing due to the wind and large waves. However, flocks of Siskin/Grønsisken (Spinus spinus), Chaffinch/Bogfinke (Fringilla coelebs), White Wagtail/Hvid Vipstjert (Motacilla alba), and a single calling Tree Pipit/Skovpiber (Anthus trivialis), were noted.

Gert joined me later in the morning and spotted a White-tailed Sea Eagle/Havørn (Haliaeetus albicilla) flying not too distant - I still cannot get over the size of these birds! Soon after, a Hobby/Lærkefalk (Falco subbuteo) was spotted flying over the field.

I will be back here tomorrow with an update with what birds we see and hear at Gedser Odde.