Today started breezy from the North with full cloud cover throughout the day and odd showers. The conditions have certainly changed since yesterday and a noticeable drop in temperature occurred with temperatures not rising above 1’c and feeling more like -3’c today. However, with these cooler conditions we decided to do both migration count and ringing this morning.

Figure 1: Morning ringing by Hayley

Simon Jr, Hayley, and I went ringing and due to the conditions, we had just over half the nets open which was ample for the three of us. Throughout the morning we were joined by our guests, their friend Chris, Simon S.C, Jørgen (and Egor), fellow ringers Oluf and Jørgen as well as a couple of local birders. The morning started slower than recent with both ‘Northern Bullfinch’ [Dompap, Stor] and Bullfinch (ssp. europaea) [Dompap, lille (ssp. europaea)] making up the ringing totals to begin. Birds overhead included a Marsh Harrier [Rørhøg] and hundreds of Fieldfares [Sjagger] migrating NW. The second net round became a little busier when the Redpoll (Nordlig/Lille Gråsisken) started migrating through again. Numbers were lower than recent and resulted in a few hundred birds passing NW. After recent ringing activities the team were prepared for any Redpoll [Nordlig/Lille Gråsisken] caught so a flock of 78 caught between three nets was easy peezy!

Figure 2: Team Water Pipit [Bjergpiber] by Simon S.C

After an arrival yesterday, Simon S.C, Oluf and Jørgen left us to try and catch Water Pipits [Bjergpiber]. The pipits were difficult to get and unfortunately the team couldn’t catch any of the birds present. The aim of this additional ringing is to catch a sample of Water Pipits [Bjergpiber] and start adding colour rings to contribute to a larger project. Maybe tomorrow?

Figure 3: Blyth’s Pipit [Mongolsk Piber] by Oluf Lou

However, whilst out pipit catching, they did see the Blyth’s Pipit [Mongolsk Piber] which has now been present for 15 days! It is looking in better shape than last week, though still hasn't grown its tail back yet. The temperature decreased a little more, so we went to a slightly more sheltered spot to ring and process the birds.

Figure 3: Siberian Chiffchaff [Gransanger, Siberirisk (ssp. tristis)] by Simon Jr

Team Water Pipit arrived back just in time to see the Siberian Chiffchaff [Gransanger, Siberirisk (ssp. tristis)] we had caught whilst they were away. This is the third caught and ringed this autumn and after release was performing nicely in the surrounding bushes, even giving a couple of nice calls in the bushes further confirming its identity.

Figure 3/4: Pallid Swift [Gråsejler] underside and upperside.

The numbers decreased quite quickly as the migration pulse decreased, and we decided to pack up before midday. With the gathering of both birders and ringers at the sheltered spot it came a big surprise when on the return of the closing net round we were told of a dead rare bird next to the ringing site and that we had to go to Simon S.C immediately. The ringing team were a tad worried, but it transpired a Pallid Swift [Gråsejler] (at the time Swift species) was found dead under the tree next to where we were ringing. This was a crazy find, not only was this bird alive within the last hour or so (rigor mortis hadn’t quite set in) but it was so close to where we had been for the previous couple of hours. Many questions were asked: Was it placed? Did it fall from the sky? Was it there the whole time? A zombie Swift? The creepiest thing this Halloween? The bird had no fat, was growing its primary feathers and was probably part of the European wide influx that is currently occurring. The warm(er) SE winds we had yesterday for the first time in a while as well as the warmest temperatures we have had for a while (11’c) probably made it head N, but due to the drop in temperatures today it probably led to the bird’s demise and the bird falling into the tree before being found dead on the ground. A real Halloween mystery.

When we got back, we took the bird back and after a photo opportunity we put the swift in the freezer. Gustav arrived back from migration counts at Nordstand and was eager to report he had seen impressive numbers of Little Auk [Søkonge], lower numbers of waterfowl than recent and a White-billed diver [Hvidnæbbet Lom]. The Little Auks [Søkonge] were a feature of the afternoon too with a post-ringing sea watch session from the side of the lighthouse resulting in at least five Little Auks [Søkonge] passing within 45 minutes.

With the nights closing in, a quiet Halloween evening of data inputting/data checking and a meal cooked by Gustav followed. Simon and Hayley have gone night catching so we shall see if they catch any birds this evening.

Ringing totals

Ringing [Kabeltromlekrattet]

Total: 112

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Lorne and Lance, Chris, Simon S.C, Jørgen (and Egor), fellow ringers Oluf Lou and Jorgen Hulbaek.

Like everyday the weatherforecast announced rain, rain and after that some rain. But in between it looked like there might be a chance to be outside and we definitly wanted to use this one. So we woke up like usual and went to Kabeltromlen. Since there should come some rain, we just opened a few nets. With half of the nets open it was easy to control the situation, that the birds do not get wet. We caught some Bullfinches (Dompap) and like the days before there were many pyrrhula (Stor Dompap), which we could recognize by their calls and their winglenghts. Very interesting was a adult Robin, which was moulting its primaries and secondaries! Late date for that! We also caught and ringed a adult male Fieldfare (Sjagger).Fieldfare (Sjagger) - or for my german friends: Wacholderdrosselmuch black in the crown feathers - this tells us, that the Fieldfare is a male

Ringing is really fun at the moment and I totally emjoy it! There are so many nice birds around and it’s great to share the birds with the other volunteers, guests and visitors. Overhead we could find Parrot Crossbills (Stor Korsnæb), Waxwings (Silkehale) and a Water Pipit (Bjergpiber). After just one hour we closed the nets due to rain. But the last round was pretty good. First we ringed a Treecreeper (Træløber) and than there was a Chiffchaff (Gransanger), which looked interesing but it was quite yellow, so it looked more like a normal one. When we released it, it called – a sad ”høøø” – this must be a Siberian Chiffchaff (Sibirisk Gransanger), ssp. tristis. A bit sad, that we did not realise before, but at least I’ve got a proof recording of the call. It is very usefull to have a recorder running if you are birding or ringing. I can totally recommend it! Birding-tips with Simon Jr., I should get sponsored by a recorder company!

In the meanwhile, counting seabirds at Nordstrand was fun! The highlights were quite many Parrot Crossbills (Stor Korsnæb) and two Great Nothern Divers (Islom). But since the light was good and the birds were very close, many common species gave amazing views. Espacially after all the rarities you sometimes just see quite bad, it is nice to enjoy the more common species. And if you ask me a young Kittiwake in good light can be one of the most beautiful birds. So the count was good, too, even if the rain soaked the counters.

We, the ringers, used the gained time due to the early net-close to go birding with Simon Sr. We went to the industry area north of the town, where we found the Red-flanked Bluetail the week before. We managed to see 8 Chiffchaffs (Gransanger), which is pretty impressive. Unfortunately, they were all „normal“. No tristis. I still enjoyed them and a late male Blackcap (Munk), too. But we want the rare stuff. ;-) Maybe later? Thomas left us for a phone call, Simon left us too and Hayley went shopping. So I was alone at Batteriskoven, but that does not stop me of finding birds. A pretty late Barn Swallow (Landsvale) flew over, wow!

When I walked thorugh the heathland between the forrest and the camping area I wanted to hurry up a bit, because it looked like there is much rain coming soon. But than there was a bird flying into a pine tree and it did not land inside, like Tits (Mejse) do, it landed on the outermost branch. So i had a look through my binos and it was a pale Stonechat. Siberian Stonechat – this thought came directly into my head. Luckily I was well prepared and had my camera with me, wo I took it out and I managed to get some nice shots."Siberian" Stonechat ("Sibirisk" Bynkefugl)

The rump was uniform cream coloured and the throat was white. Super nice found! Since it is very light it is probably really a Siberian one, but to completely exclude the more rare Amur Stonechat a DNA sample would have been neccessarry. In anyway a nice bird. Look at those autumn colours! The rump is a important feature for the identification: I called it out on Zello and hurried up to get into the lighthouse. I’ve got wet, but it was worth it! In the afternoon we found a European Stonechat (Sortstrubet Bynkefugl), many Fieldfares (Sjagger) migrated, we entered data and ate cake.

To be honest, this is just the second blog I’ve wrote without looking stuff up or translate parts to make my life easiert. I think this is a progress – it helps me a lot to speak english every day. It feels much more natural and I think this makes my blogposts here more entertaining. Do you agree? Feel free to tell me!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 55

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Simon S. Christiansen, Knud Pedersen, Lars and Lone.

Since it was way to windy to go ringing, we all went to Nordstrand to count the seabirds, which appeare now with the easterly winds. In total there were not very many birds, but soon some nice birds appeared. Four beautiful Long-tailed ducks (Havlit) passed by, of which three males had the name-giving long tail-feathers. Then six probably young Smews (Lille Skalleslugger) flew East, a very good species here. Also one young Black Guillemot (Tejst) showed up well. After the first hour Knud had to leave, because he found a rare Vandskade in his house. ;-) But we also had to stop the count after the second hour, because strong rain joined the already quite strong wind. The way back was tough due to the headwind, but after that we were finally able to enjoy the warmth from our appartment.

The rest of the day we spent with several indoor activities. We had naps at several places, ate much, spent time in the lighthouse shop (because it is their last day this year) and finally played Wingspan - that was fun!

Then the alarm from our lighthouse had a mistake and since the wind blew out a window, the entrance got a bit wet. We fixed that as good as possible and hope, that the weather will get better soon, that we can do more birding. More birding!!!

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Lars and Lone.

I dag tog jeg igen igen ud til Nordstrand, fordi østenvinden ingen ende vil tage. Da jeg ankom var Knud og Torben allerede så småt i gang med observationen. Vi blev 5 mennesker ved obsposten ved Nordstrand i næsten alle fire timer. Dagen i dag bød på mange forskellige andearter, heriblandt; Havlit, Hvinand og en god slat Fløjlsænder. Alkefugle var der ikke mange af, måske er der grund til bekymring, da dette års træktal af disse fugle ikke nærmere sig de forrige år, men det vil vise sig. 

Trods den ellers lidt sløve omgang på havet, fik vi dagens første highlight da en Islom i overgangsdragt kom susende mod øst tæt på kysten. Dernæst blev dagens andet highlight en Søkonge, der kom fint på mellemdistance. Det er eddermame en lille fugl. 

I mens jeg var ved Nordstrand, havde resten af holdet et ganske fint udbytte i fugle ved Kabeltromlen, hvor hele 121 fugle blev ringmærket! Af dem var der rigtig mange Dompap og Halemejser. Ellers havde de Stor Korsnæb og Gråsiskener flyvende over sig ved flere lejligheder ved kabeltromlen.

Da vi alle atter var samlet igen og havde spist noget frokost, gik vi i gang med ugens rengøring af lejligheden. Så nu er der skinnende rent igen. 

Simon tog også ind til byen for at lave et stort indkøb, hvor Lars hjalp ham med transporten. Her så de blandt andet Silkehalerne flyvende rundt i byen. Silkehalerne er her stadig selvom der ikke er mange bær tilbage på træer eller buske. Mon ikke de fleste af dem snart begiver sig videre længere sydpå i Danmark. 

Her til aften har Anders Østerby et foredrag om Grønland, hvor han sammen med sin Kone vil fortælle lidt om deres rejse dertil. Det ser vi alle frem til at høre mere om!

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Anders Østerby, Lars and Lone.

Last night, Simon Jr and Thomas headed out to the beach with the hand net. They saw four Jack Snipe (Enkeltbekkasin), six Skylark (Sanglærke), nine Snow Buntings (Snespurv) and six Teal (Krikand). The conditions were really good for catching waders and they soon came back with a Jack Snipe (Enkeltbekkasin). This was the first of this species that we’ve caught for a couple of weeks so we were really happy to see it. Our bird was a juvenile and its age was determined using the white in the outer tail feathers.

Photo: Simon Jr.

We were all up before sunrise this morning planning to go to the migration count at Nordstrand and ringing at Kabeltromlen. However, the weather had other ideas! It rained on and off all morning so we had to change our plans. Instead, we opened the two garden nets in between the rain showers and managed to catch a few birds. We used the extra time to practice taking good photos for the picture archive. It was nice to have the time to appreciate the birds we catch often but wouldn’t normally photograph such as this beautiful adult Blue Tit (Blåmejse).

In between net checks we had time to check lots of ringing sheets and play some games. Simon Jr cut the vegetation under the garden net so no branches will get tangled in the net. He then did some sea watching out the front of the lighthouse and Thomas helped him to set up some traps on the beach hoping to catch Rock Pipits (Skærpiber). There were also lots of Snow Buntings (Snespurv) hopping around nearby but unfortunately none of them went in the trap. Simon saw quite a few birds migrating including six Whooper Swans (Sangsvane), six Red-breasted Mergansers (Toppet Skallesluger) and a flock of Pink-footed Geese (Kortnæbbet Gås). He also saw a Great Northern Diver (Islom), a Black Guillemot (Tejst) and had a nice view of a White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet).

Thomas, Gustav and I went for a birding walk to Ellekrattet, then to Jennes Sø and around the fields in a big circle back to the lighthouse. We saw lots of Goldcrest (Fuglekonge), flocks of Fieldfare (Sjagger) and Redwing (Vindrossel), a flock of Waxwing (Silkehale), and a mixture of Blue Tits (Blåmejse), Great Tits (Musvit) and Coal Tits (Sortmejse). We also saw a flock of Redpoll (Gråsisken) and heard some Crested Tits (Topmejse). It was really nice to be outside again and get some fresh air! Simon also went out later and spotted the Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) again in a similar place near World’s End 1.  

Photo: Simon Jr.

Simon came back via Ellekrattet where he also saw a Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel). Later on, the picture archive was updated and we all really enjoyed some spider muffins kindly donated by a visiting family.

Our guests, Lars and Lone, also enjoyed a quieter day. They went for a walk with their friend Christopher and saw 10 Bearded Tits (Skægmejse) at Jennes Sø. They also visited the buried church in Skagen and spotted Parrot Crossbills (Stor Korsnæb), Crested Tits (Topmejse) and a large flock of Waxwings (Silkehale).

Photo: Parrot Crossbill (Stor Korsnæb) by Lone

Ringing (Fyrhaven):

Robin (Rødhals) – 1

Blue Tit (Blåmejse) – 2

Great Tit (Musvit) – 1

Total: 4

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Lars and Lone.

Today started breezy from the North-East with full cloud cover throughout the day. The conditions were similar to a couple of days ago with a stiff NE wind coming from Sweden, full cloud cover and a drop in temperature provided good migration conditions. However, with such great conditions it was interesting to see that Redpoll were the only species moving in numbers and this species was a feature at both Nordstand and Grenen. Totals within the first four hours of the morning resulted in an estimated 2010 – 2700 Redpoll recorded, there could have been anything up to 3500 though! The flocks arrived from the South and went low North out to sea at the tip primarily. Some birds gained height and turned around, but the majority continued out to sea, maybe bound for the UK – watch out tomorrow East coast birders! Flock proportions between the species were interesting and it was crudely estimated that about 95% were Mealy Redpoll [Nordlig Gråsisken], roughly 5% were Lesser Redpoll [Lille Gråsisken] and less than 1% were Arctic Redpoll [Hvidsisken]. There were at least four candidates for Arctic Redpoll [Hvidsisken] seen today but the variation amongst these Redpoll [Gråsisken] (sub)species is rather large with many probably missed.

Figure 1: A recent Mealy Redpoll [Nordlig Gråsisken] caught and ringed

Besides the Redpoll influx that is currently happening, Simon, Hayley and I had a challenge to catch the ‘Eastern’ Stonechat [Sibirisk Bynkefugl/Japansk Bynkefugl) that has been hanging around between Worlds End 1 and Worlds End 3 this morning. The bird is currently unknown at the species level and the aim was to catch the bird for DNA sampling to help with the field observations already collated. This task was considered a high priority as we recently received special permissions from the bird ringing centre to undertake this fieldwork, and it was thought best to do during sub-optimal ringing conditions at our usual site. To cut a long story short, we failed to catch the Stonechat after many attempts but managed to somehow catch some of the migrating Redpolls [Gråsisken] and a Meadow Pipit [Engpiber]. I saw 7 Wrens (Gærdesmutte) fly individually in-off the sea and land in some Sea Buckthorn as well as a Chiffchaff (Gransanger) doing the same. Whilst waiting for the Stonechat we also got good views of a White-billed Diver [Hvidnæbbet Lom] migrating North and the Blyth’s Pipit [Mongolisk piber] that has been hanging around for the last 10 days in the same area.

Meanwhile, Gustav was at Nordstand with Knut et al. undertaking the migration count and had a good movement of ducks, Kittiwake [Ride], Redpoll [Gråsisken] and 2 White-billed Divers [Hvidnæbbet Lom]. See DOFbasen for full counts.

We all came back for lunch roughly the same time and with the weather and the night’s drawing in, especially with the changing of the clocks soon, we decided to make the most of the dry weather and go walking/birding. Simon, Hayley and I started at Elle Krattet where we found a Firecrest [Rødtoppet Fuglekonge] (still quite unusual here), flocks of Goldcrest [Fuglekonge], a couple of ‘northern’ Treecreepers [Træløber, Nordlig (ssp. familiaris)] and a few ‘continental’ Coal tits [Sortmejse]. We then went along the tractor tracks and along the beach towards Nordstand. The flocks of Snow Buntings [Snespurv], Twite [Bjergirisk] and Reed Buntings [Rørspurv] were nice to see as well as a single Lapland Bunting [Lapværling]. Let’s hope some of the species are roosting on the beach tonight for nocturnal counts/catching. Our return from Nordstand was a bit quieter for species and numbers but was nice to hear some Crested Tits [Topmejse].

Our evening consisted of our evening meeting, data inputting/checking and a lovely meal.

Now out night-catching so keep updated to see how we do!

Ringing (Grenen):

Total: 19

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Lorne and Lars.

I dag var vi indendøre, eftersom regnen bankede på ruderne hele dagen. Vi indtastede de mange data fra 234 fugle, der blev ringmærket i går, ellers forberedte vi os på de næste dages ringmærkning. Senere spillede vi Wingspan, som er et rigtig godt spil for fugleentusiaster. Det er et spil der går ud på, at man skal tiltrække de bedste fugle til sit habitat. Vinderen er den, der er bedst til at skaffe føde, lægge æg, lave synergier med forskellige fugle og opnå bonus point. I dag vandt jeg det første spil, men det lyder til vi skal ud i anden omgang senere i dag. 

Magnus fra Det Grå Fyr gav os en gave fordi det var hans sidste dag på jobbet. En dejlig gave, der bestod af nogle lækkerier som vi får brug for når de dagene bliver mørkere og hverdagene lidt tungere. Tak for det! Magnus har været super hyggeligt selskab. Han har altid været klar til en snak, når vi er kommet tilbage fra observation eller ringmærkningen. Altid spændt på at høre hvad vi har oplevet. Tak for denne gang Magnus, mon ikke vi ses engang igen ude i felten.

Thomas var så heldig at få et lift til byen af vores gæst Lars, da han i dag står for maden. Han siger, at maden er i ånden af fastfood. Det bliver spændende at se, hvad han har forberedt. 

Thomas og Simon er efter aftensmaden taget ud på nightcatching. Lad os håbe de kommer tilbage med en fugl! Det vil i høre mere om i morgen.

Ingen Ringmærkning.

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Lars and Lone.

Another very busy day started before sunrise for Thomas and I as we opened the nets at Kabeltromlen. It was windier than yesterday but the conditions soon proved to be great for ringing. Simon Jr joined a little later as he was up late last night doing night checks of the owl net. Sadly we still have had no luck with any owls!

The first round at Kabeltromlen was busy with birds and the second even busier. Simon Sr, Lisa, Ib, Lars and Lone all also joined us at the ringing and we were all kept busy with the number of birds. Simon Sr and Lisa did a lot of the ringing whilst Thomas, Simon Jr, Ib and I did more net rounds. Thomas and I found a massive 45 Redpoll (Gråsisken) in a single net and Simon and Ib had another 30. Unsurprisingly, Mealy Redpoll (Stor Gråsisken) was the most ringed bird of the day with 90 individuals ringed! There were also 15 Lesser Redpoll (Lille Gråsisken). One of the biggest highlights of the day was two Arctic Redpolls (Hvidsisken). This species is paler than the Mealy Redpoll (Stor Gråsisken) and has a white rump with no streaks.

Photos: Simon Jr.

Due to the easterly wind, Gustav did the migration count at Nordstrand with Knud this morning. They had a very good count seeing two Puffins (Lunde) and three White-billed Divers (Hvidnæbbet Lom). It was also good for Razorbills (Alk) and Gannets (Sule). They had a really good sighting of a White-billed Diver migrating close to the beach. A Long-tailed Duck (Havlit) was also seen and they got nice views of several Purple Sandpipers (Sortgrå Ryle).

Gustav also came to see the Arctic Redpoll (Hvidsisken) and then stayed to help scribe during the busiest rounds. Lone also scribed making it easier for Simon Sr and Lisa to ring at the same time. On one of the rounds, I flushed a Woodcock (Skovsneppe) into the net which was an unexpected highlight. It was a young bird and the age was determined by juvenile primary coverts

Photos: Thomas

Other highlights at Kabeltromlen included lots of Bullfinches (Stor Dompap) of the larger northern subspecies (ssp. Pyrrhula). Also the smaller subspecies (Lille Dompap, ssp. Europaea) were also ringed. We also enjoyed seeing a lovely male Siskin (Grønsisken), a Brambling (Kvækerfinke) and a three Coal Tits (Sortmejse). Whilst we were ringing, Simon Jr and Magnus saw the White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom) migrating through the scope. A large flock of Waxwing (Silkehale) was seen flying over, plus more flocks of Redpoll (Gråsisken) and Fieldfare (Sjagger).

In the afternoon, Simon Sr and Lisa went to look for the Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) to see if it was worth trying to catch it to get some DNA. They found both the Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) and the Blythe’s Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) so Gustav, who had just returned from the migration count, headed out with the poles, net and speaker to meet them and set up the net in a sheltered spot in the dunes.

Photo: Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) by Egon Østergaard.

Photo: Blyth's Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) by Egon Østergaard.

We finished up at Kabeltromlen but were a delayed again by another flock of 20 Redpoll (Gråsisken) caught in the net in the closing round. Thomas, Simon Jr and I then joined Simon Sr, Lisa, Gustav and lots of birders near World’s End 1. We saw both the Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) and the Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) together with other visiting birders twitching these rare birds from east. Unfortunately also many tourists were walking around in the dunes making the attempt to catch the Siberian Stonechat even more difficult. We used a very special thin net (usually made for catching bats) which are even more difficult to see for the birds than the normal mist nets. Despite this we were unsuccessful in out attempts and headed back to the Bird Obs.We then walked back to the station, had some food, updated social media and entered so much data! What a busy day!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 234

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Ib Albin Olsen, Egon Østergaard, Mogens Neergaard, Torben Sørensen, Lars and Lone.

A brilliant day starts like any other - early and still in the dark when we cycle to Kabeltromlen and open the nets for ringing. Two Woodcocks (Skovsneppe) flew over us in the darkness. Maybe the one we were able to ring last night? Take a look at this magnificent bird:But even after sunrise there were beautiful birds out and about. We were able to ring a Bullfinch of the subspecies pyrrhula (Stor Dompap) and there were also many Goldcrests (Fuglekonge). Lisa and Simon were also there and were very happy about a nice Coal Tit (Sortmejse). Almost 100 Waxwings (Silkehale) flew over.

Meanwhile, the sea in front of the newly formed World's End 3 was very calm. Before the fog came, we were able to observe three large divers. Two Great Nothern Divers (Islom) were of course cool, but a White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom) topped it again. There was also cake and good conversations with Knud.

The ringing continued with top quality. 5 Northern Long-tailed Tits of the subspecies caudatus (Halemejse, Nordlig) and some Bearded Tits (Skægmejse), yes, Bearded Tits!!! further improved the day. Then we were able to ring a Siberian Chiffchaff (Sibirisk Gransanger), which even called appropriately. My first one in hand, really cool!

In the afternoon we went to Grenen and found the pipit again, that had been resting there for several days. Now I finally saw it and even got photos. He actually looks pretty good for a Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolisk Piber), which would be really awesome! Unfortunately, we couldn't hear a call and visual identification is almost only possible with good photos. 

Update 8:56 p.m.: According to dofbasen, J. Kirkeby managed to record its sound, which confirms the suspicion that it is a Blyth's Pipit!!! Super crazy, it should be the fifth record for Denmark. As a pipit-lover, I am super happy about it! The Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl), which was reported in the morning, was also there and showed itself wonderfully. Then we were even able to ring two Twites (Bjergirisk) at the end of the day. What a great day filled with good birds! 

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 75

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Total: 77

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Lars and Lone.

After the past four days of stormy weather and strong East winds, it was great to get out birding in some slightly milder conditions. The conditions were so mild that for most of the day a mist/fog lay low over the sea and frequent showers of super fine rain fell in the area. It wasn’t until the afternoon the rain became heavier but was still good to be out.

Figure 1: The view from migration watchpoint by Thomas

This morning was very dark to start, and the sun never made it through the cloud this morning. Gustav and I went to migration watch while Simon and Hayley went ringing. Migration watch was different to recent, we were back at Worlds End 3 but something was different. The storms have added at least 1m of sand to some areas of the dunes, and it felt like walking over freshly fallen snow in other parts due to the windblown sand changing the entire landscape. Worlds End 4 (a new dune) has rapidly grown in the past four days and it will not be long before we can use this site to count birds!

 Migration watch itself was quiet in numbers but had a nice range of species recorded. Over 500 Common Scoter [Sortand] were the highest numbers of the day recorded with all birds heading SE, followed by good numbers of Velvet Scoter [Fløjlsand] too. Duck species have been a highlight of the past few days and it was nice to see Teal [Krikand], Wigeon [Pibeand], Long-tailed duck [Havlit], Scaup [Bjergand] and Pintail [Spidsand] moving again in low numbers. Regular flocks of Parrot Crossbill [Stor Korsnæb], Skylark [Sandlærke], Twite [Bjergirisk] and Snow Buntings [Snespurv] entertained us during the quietest periods and we came back just after midday. We received a nice message from our guests as they had to depart today. It felt very rewarding and really showed how much they respected us as volunteers and the work that we do here at the bird observatory. So, thank you Soren and Karen Marie, you have been great this week!

Figure 2: A Woodcock caught this morning. One of three caught today. Pic by Simon

 Over at the ringing there was a bit of excitement with the first Firecrest [Rødtoppet Fuglekonge] and Woodcock [Skovsneppe] of the Autumn caught. The Woodcock [Skovsneppe] have only just arrived with the first sightings of these migrant waders being reported yesterday during night catching. However, Hayley and Simon located three during net rounds this morning alone meaning there must be more out there amongst the dunes and wet areas. The ringing totals (see below) were a welcome return to the ‘norm’ and this was probably helped due to the fog and misty rain causing birds to be in the bushes rather than migrating over at height. As a result, ringing continued for the whole of the morning and other species of note seen flying over included a flock of 100 Waxwing [Silkehale], a Water Pipit [Bjergpiber] and two Whooper Swans [Sangsvane]. Simon S.C joined the last round of ringing and the ringing team arrived back around 1pm.

Figure 3: There was a Red-flanked Bluetail [Blåstjert] here today by Thomas Weston

Due to the sun never showing itself and the threat of heavy rain, we all went out birding together around an industrial estate in Skagen. This area was an area we previously have visited and was sheltered enough for good numbers of Goldcrest [Fuglekonge]. With the recent easterly winds, it was presumed this could be a good place to try finding some nice passerines. We checked our normal spots and quickly found a couple of Blackbirds [Solsort], a few Great Tit [Musvit], a nice flock of Goldcrest [Fuglekonge], a ‘pale’ Siberian type/or intergrade Chiffchaff [Gransanger] and then a Red-flanked Bluetail [Blåstjert]. It was nice to get almost everyone who was present on to the bird (sorry Simon S.C) when it was stood on a nice branch, and then subsequently in flight, but to show for less than a minute or two come on! We sort of expected it would be hidden and come out again but after an hour and a half of waiting and watching, with help from a couple of local birders, there was no sign of the bird. This was the first of the species in Denmark this Autumn, the third record for Skagen Bird Observatory (1st field observation record), first local record since 2020 and only the 4th in the country over the last five years.

We came back to the observatory, had our evening meeting, and was provided with a lot of free food from Blik. The team have been super kind to us recently and we really appreciate the free food, even if it means we have had to eat cake (given by a variety of people) every day for the past one, or two or three weeks! I can only think of two days where cake hasn't been part of observatory meals.

A good end to the day, now on to the night catching!

***Edit: We caught 2 out of 5 Woodcock [Skovsneppe] seen this evening!!!***

Ringing totals

Ringing [Kabeltromlekrattet]

Total: 54

Ringing [Jennes Sø]

Total:35

Ringing [Grenen area]

Total: 2

Overall total: 91

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Simon S. Christiansen, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.