Migration at Gedser Odde

af Larissa Britton

A rainy and windy day at the tip this morning, so we took shelter in the Marine Station. There was still some good birding to be had. A Long-tailed Skua/Lille Kjove (Stercorarius longicaudus) was spotted flying out at sea, battling against the strong Southerly/S winds. A number of Swallow/Landsvale (Hirundo rustica) also braved these strong winds, venturing out over the sea. Two species of diver today: Black-throated/Sortstrubet Lom (Gavia arctica), and Red-throated/Rødstrubet Lom (Gavia stellata) with its slightly up-tilted bill. A flock of 6 Velvet Scoter/Fløjlsand (Melannita fusca) flew by close, so I could admire their white wing patches, the orange on the males' bills, and white spot around the eye.   

                                      
During a period of little migration activity, I explored the corners of the Marine Station. To my delight, I found an (unfortunately dead) moth, in good enough condition to identify. This hawk-moth is a member of the Sphingidae family, and confirmed as Hyles gallii/Snerresværmer (also known as the Bedstraw hawk-moth and Galium sphinx). I found it in a spider web, below the Swallow/Landsvale nests within the Marine Station. A beautiful moth, I hope she rests in peace.                   

Hyles gallii photos af Larissa Britton

Ringing and Other Updates

by Lara W   

Pouring rain meant that, unfortunately, no nets could be opened today. Luckily, the weather cleared up this afternoon, and I took a walk up the eastern coast along the beach. Highlights from the bird list were a couple of Sanderling/Sandløber (Calidris alba), Oystercatcher/Strandskade (Haematopus ostralegus), and Sandwich tern/Splitterne (Thalasseus sandvicensis), all between rain showers. 

Just as I came back through the station garden, I spotted this little guy munching on the apples! 

Hedgehog/Pindsvin (Erinaceus europeaeus) photo credits Lara W

People: Vagn Lind, Larissa Britton og Lara Winsloe