Mikkel Høegh Post discovers African swallow in North Zealand, Denmark

In May, Mikkel Høegh Post was birdwatching in North Zealand, initially mistaking a bird he spotted for a red-rumped swallow—a rare sight in Denmark. Ecstatic about potentially adding it to his list, he noted that apart from a few missing feathers, the bird showed no signs of captivity. However, it soon became apparent that what he had discovered was far more unusual: a reddish-breasted swallow, also known as the African swallow—a species never recorded north of the Sahara and never before seen in Europe.

Post described the moment as “unique and incredible,” admitting he still gets chills recalling the experience, which he considers the peak of his birdwatching adventures, second only to his fiancé. The discovery took place in the region between Kongevejen and Snekkersten, prompting extensive verification by local authorities to confirm its authenticity, a process completed recently after thorough investigations.

Despite initial doubts about the bird’s captivity status, a Dutch expert consulted by the committee found no indications that it had been a captive bird, aside from its broken feathers. The committee concluded that this species could certainly be among the most unexpected finds on Denmark’s bird list. A previous notable discovery occurred in 2016 by TV host and bird enthusiast Sebastian Klein, who spotted another rare bird species on Christiansø.

The questions surrounding the African swallow’s presence in Denmark remain. Speculations suggest it may have been migrating with other swallows or possibly got lost during its journey. For Post, however, the focus is on celebrating this extraordinary find, and he recently purchased a bottle of Dom Pérignon to toast the occasion with his fiancé.