Today started bright and early for Hayley and I, as usual. We were not the only ones awake, however, as we walked out of the room to find Hanelie had stayed up all night working on her thesis! Her efforts were very much worth it, as she did very well on her presentation which she did while we were out in the field this morning. Congratulations! When Hayley and I headed out, we were surprised by a Short-Eared Owl (Mosehornugle) on the Sandormen Track, which got us both excited as we rushed to open the nets at Kabeltromlen. We were also captivated by the way the clouds looked in the sky before sunrise this morning, absolutely stunning. 

View of the early morning sky.

Although there were not so many birds in our nets today, we had a wonderful distribution of species. The first round started off with the first Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) of the season (identified by Hayley), and then continued with a beautiful male Eurasian Bullfinch (Dompap), a female Eurasian Blackcap (Munk), and a female Common Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge). Needless to say, the day was a great success. Simon (Snr) joined us at Kabeltromlen for some time, went to say hi to the others, and then spotted an Alpine Swift (Alpesejler)! How crazy is that! 

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger). Photo by: Isis Khalil

Common Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge). Photo by: Isis Khalil

In the meanwhile, Simon and Magnus were in a race with time to get to World’s End 1 before the sunrise. They saw plenty of European Shags (Topskarv), lots of the usual seabirds, a Mediterannean Gull (Sorthovedet Måge), and the Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) again! There might even be two individuals in the area…

Golden Eagle as seen from Kabeltromlen. Photo by: Simon Kiesé

When Magnus and Simon heard about the Alpine Swift (Alpesejler) they made a run to try to see it as well. Unfortunately they did not succeed, but that did not lower their spirits. Magnus stayed out most of the day counting, while Hanelie rested after her busy night. Hayley, Simon, and I had lunch, took some time to rest, took care of data entry, then continued with other tasks for the afternoon. 

Simon made dinner, which was delicious as usual, and now he is out trying to catch Short-Eared Owls (Mosehornugle). You’ll find out tomorrow if we have any luck…

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Wren (Gærdesmutte) 2

European Robin (Rødhals) 2

Redwing (Vindrossel) 3

Common Chiffchaff (Gransanger) 14

Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge) 1

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) 1

Eurasian Bullfinch (Dompap) 1

Eurasian Blackcap (Munk) 1

Total: 25

Ringing (Jenne Sø)

Common Chiffchaff (Gransanger) 6

Goldcrest (Fuglekonge) 3

Great Tit (Musvit) 1

Common Redpoll (Nordling Gråsisken) 10

Total: 20

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)

Common Redpoll (Nordling Gråsisken) 5

Total: 5

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

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Georg and Birthe

When we checked the weather forecast early this morning it did not feel anything like spring! There was heavy rain and strong winds so we all enjoyed the chance for a lie in.

Luckily, the weather soon cleared up and we were all out in the field by 10am. The sun even came out and it was very warm! Simon Jr, Magnus and Hanalie went to World’s End 1 for the migration count. It was a very good count. There were 20 Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove) counted, a flock of Bewick Swans (Pibesvane), a Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) and the first Common Tern (Fjordterne) of the season. The sight of 20 Barn Swallows (Landsvale), a House Martin (Bysvale) and some Sand Martins (Digesvale) really made it feel like spring had finally arrived. Simon Jr was also particularly excited to see a Golden Eagle (Kongeørn), the first one he has ever seen.

Golden Eagle (Kongeørn). Photo by Simon Jr.

A few minutes later Knud also spotted the Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) from another location and aged the bird as a third calender year individual. He also took some great photos.

Golden Eagle (Kongeørn). Photo by Knud Pedersen.

Meanwhile, Isis and I opened the nets at Kabeltromlen with Henrik who is starting to learn to ring. Simon Sr also joined us for a few rounds. It was very quiet but this provided a good opportunity to show Henrik everything that we do at the ringing. He was able to practise handling the birds and learnt how to scribe for us. Whilst walking around the nets we also had a close view of a Bittern (Rørdrum) which was very nice to see.

Whilst we were ringing we were also able to enjoy the migration overhead. There were many Common Buzzards (Musvåge) and we were also lucky enough to see our first Barn Swallows (Landsvale) of the year. Another highlight were some Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) flying over. Isis spotted a bumble bee and the Chiffchaffs (Gransanger) were singing – it really feels like spring is here now!

Magnus and Simon Jr continued their count into the late afternoon whilst Hanalie worked on her university presentation and Isis and I enjoyed some amazing views of the Hoopoe (Hærfugl) in the lighthouse garden. It was so close and happily feeding around the back of the café. What an amazing sight! We also enjoyed some cake from Mette and the team in the lighthouse (it was delicious, tak!).

Hoopoe (Hærfugl). Photo by Simon Jr.

In the evening, we welcomed our new guests to the station. We hope that they will see some good birds this week. We have also just watched Hanalie’s Bachelor presentation on birds as biological pest controllers in onion fields in Israel which was very interesting.

A busy day!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 13

Ringing (Fyrhaven):

Total: 3

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

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Henrik Møller Thomsen, our guests Georg and Birthe

On Saturday morning, Isis, Hayley and I went to Kabeltromle and had a rather slow morning. We got some visitors at the ringing: Jørgen Hulbæk had arrived at Skagen for two exciting spring month and some Danish birdwatchers watched the ringing of a Dunnock (Jernspurv) and Robin (Rødhals). Guests are always welcome at Kabeltromeln to watch the ringing and on slow days some good talks delight the ringers. Also Simon and Lisa joined for a bit at Kabeltromle and went out to Worlds end and the Radar station.

There was enough time to take pictures of an angry Bluetit (Blåmejse) and a little flock of Redpolls ssp. flammea (Stør Gråsisken) delighted us.

Blåmejse

Stor Gråsisken waiting in the box

Together, we closed the nets and and I left Isis extract the big Thrush, that was hanging quite calmly in one of the last nets in the line of four. Looked like a Blackbird (Solsort) I thought unexitedly and began closing the first net of the line of four. But when I approached closer to Isis, I finally got excited. Isis was too. The Thrush had a white half moon on its breast. We caught a Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel)!

It was immediately put out on zello and Simon Jr. sprinted to Kabeltromle from observations to see it. Other birdwatchers came too to admire the pretty male. In the end, the unexcing ringing session had been worth it!

Ringmæking

Rødhals: 8

Ringdrossel: 1

Solsort: 1

Sangdrossel: 1

Vindrossel: 1

Fuglekonge: 2

Blåmejse: 1

Nordlig Gråsisken: 6

Total: 21

Ringmæking Jenne Sø/ Nordstrandvej

Nordlig Gråsisken: 16

Lille Gråsisken: 2

Rørspurv: 1

Total: 19

The morning obs had been busier, Magnus and Simon and Knud had over 11000 Common Scoters (Sortand), 4 Arktik Scuas (Almindelig Kjove), five shags and 90 Pink-footed Geese (Kortnæbbet Gås).

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Back at the station, the Easter bunny had finally been at Skagen Fuglestation and brought us some Chocolate, which Was very much appreciated, as we were again out of Chocolate! Thanks  to the Easter bunny!

In the late afternoon, it started raining again and the excess of precipitation in the last days made the whole station fall asleep one after the other. So it was very quiet when Dorthee and Kjeld came to our apartment to borrow some of the kitchen tools, as our guests were cooking for us today. We had a lovely and rich dinner on that last evening together with our guests and were a bit sad they had to leave the next day. Hopefully, there will be better weather at their next stay in Skagen.

But spring and its birds are on their way and we are looking forward to that. The weather is looking better for the next days and we are waiting for the first Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) in the nets and the first Pallid Harrier (Steppehøg) to turn up. It will be soon!

See you in the field!

Hanelie

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasn the same day

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Dorothe and Kjeld.

During the last week, the team has found a good way to split the different tasks between them in a way, so everyone is happy. Simon (SK) woke up at 05.30, to have breakfast and prepare for the day to come. We headed to Worlds End 1, where we positioned ourselves on the dune, closest to kattegat.

From there we had a good overview. Maybe a bit too good, in the way, that there was an overwhelming amount of birds in the air, which had to be clicked at once. In the first hour, there was an astonishing amount of migration, which sadly went down pretty quickly, and completely stopped during the third hour of counting, which also were the reason why we quitted the observations an hour early.

The best species of the count was Arctic Skua, 6 (almindelig kjove, 6).

In the ringing it was all the same. They closed the nets at the same point, and we all went back to the lighthouse. We had a nice luch, before SK and I shortly after went out, looking for raptors during the afternoon. We headed towards Kapka Tagung, in the hope of seeing an Osprey.

On our way there, we accidently flushed eight Song Thrush, which shortly after became seven, due to a Sparrow Hawk (Spurvehøg). We counted eight Sparrow Hawks (Spurvehøg), 54 common buzzards and one Red Kite (rød glente). Unfortunately, we didn’t see any Ospreys, but noticed the big numbers of scoters (sortand), which were roosting close to the shore, next to the lighthouse.

We checked more than 2000 scoters (sortand), but whithout finding any rarities.

The rest of the day was spent indoors, due to the rain.

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Wren Gærdesmutte 3 RI

Dunnock Jernspurv 3 RI

Robbin Rødhals 2 RI

Blackbird Solsort 3 RI

Song Thrush Sangdrossel 3 RI

Chifchaf Gransanger 2 RI

Goldcrest Fuglekonge 9 RI

Bullfinch Dompap 1 RI

Ringing: (Jennes Sø):

Robbin Rødhals: 1 RI

Blackbird Solsort: 1 RI

Goldcrest Fuglekonge: 1 RI

Redpoll Nordlig gråsisken: 7 RI

Redpoll Lille gråsisken: 2 RI

Ringing: (Nordstjernevej):

Dunnock Jernspurv: 1 RI

Robbin Rødhals: 1 RI

Great Tit Musvit: 2 RI

Chaffinch Bogfinke: 1 RI

Redpoll Nordlig gråsisken: 3 RI

Total: 46

The next day with wind, snow and rain should remind us on the day before. After our nice sleep in, we started breakfasting and thinking about possibilities, what we could do today. Luckily, Oluf found some interesting birds on the football field and our guests were so nice to take us there.

Unfortunately, there was no Pied Wagtail (Sortrygged Hvid Vipstjert) anymore among the 31 White Wagtails (Hvid Vipstjert), but a lovely Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) and two female type Black Redstarts (Husrødstjert) still got out attention.

Back in the warm station, we startet watching Gladiator and ate some nice chips. Hanelie also worked on her thesis, which seems to turn out really good! After the evening meeting, Simon Sr. joined us for a match of tabletennis. It was really fun and I was back on my high to defeat him.

We ended the day like we startet it - chilling in the living room, chatting about different topics or doing other stuff.

When we woke up this morning the wind and clouds from yesterday had all but dissipated leaving a trail of ice and snow behind. Blue skies and sun teased us with the thought of summer, yet the blankets of white snow reminded us that we were still stuck in the April frost. 

View from the Grey Lighthouse this morning.

Hanelie and Hayley were up much before sunrise to set everything up at Kabeltromlen for ringing. They were met by sheets of ice throughout the net lanes and the entire table was covered in ice! Regardless of this, they opened the nets and prepared for another day of ringing. Simon (Snr) joined them for the first round, and the day began. Although the first round was fruitful, the rest of the day was quite slow, and their main highlight was a Redwing (Vindrossel). 

Hayley taking notes on an icy table. (Photo by: Simon S. Christiansen)

While this was happening at Kabeltromlen, Magnus and I were making our way up to World’s End 1 for some counting. The first hour was fairly busy, with nearly 1,500 Common Scoters (Sortand), some Guillemots/Razorbills (Lomvie/Alk), some Gannets (Sule), some Northern Fulmars (Mallemuk) and a few Eiders (Ederfugl). We also saw a Merlin (Dværgfalk), which was nice! They are slowly becoming more abundant. After the first hour, unfortunately, migration slowed significantly. We got a lucky visit from Simon (Snr) before he was off to a meeting with the board, and he offered me his gloves which was very helpful to keep my hands warm. Tak! 

Simon (Snr) counting at World's End 1.

Dorothe and Kjeld, our guests, had an active day today too. They took advantage of the calm weather and joined us for a bit at Kabeltromlen and at World’s End 1, hopefully they got to see some cool things too. 

When we got back from our morning tasks, some of us entered data, some of us went to look for the Hoopoe (Hærfugl), and some of us took a nap. Simon (Jr) did not join us for our morning tasks since he was feeling a bit sick, but he was still hard at work at the apartment gathering rarity reports on White-Tailed Lapwings (Sumpvibe) around Europe. Hopefully he feels better soon! 

We also briefly joined the board meeting, introduced ourselves, and brought up some feedback to facilitate our work at the station. Everyone was very kind, and they even left us a generous amount of sandwiches after the meeting! Very much appreciated.

In the evening we discussed our tasks for the rest of the day and tomorrow, and realized we are caught up on almost everything! Simon (Snr) told us that, like yesterday, the weather will be too severe for us to go ringing and observing tomorrow, so we must complete the most important task of all: beating Simon (Snr) in a match of ping pong. 

Now Hayley is preparing dinner (which smells amazing) and Magnus has gone to town to see his family. 

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Wren (Gærdesmutte) 1

European Robin (Rødhals) 4

Dunnock (Jernspurv) 1

Redwing (Vindrossel) 1

Goldcrest (Fuglekonge) 4

Total: 11

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

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Dorothe and Kjeld, Board Members

This morning we woke to howling winds and our windows covered in snow. Definitely not the spring conditions we have been hoping for!

There was no ringing or counting today so we had a very relaxed time keeping warm and dry inside and completing our indoor tasks. All ringing data sheets were checked and quality assurance of DOFbasen completed.

We then enjoyed watching Indiana Jones with lots popcorn and other snacks. Our guests, Dorthe and Kjeld, made us some delicious pancakes later in the afternoon.

Later on, the tent at Kabeltromlen and the nets in the garden were checked. It was very cold but invigorating to be outside in the snow!

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

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Dorthe and Kjeld 

Hi everyone,

I arrived a week ago in Skagen and now it is my pleasure to write the blog of today.

I will start with the incidents of last night. In the evening, Simon jr. and I put up the net to catch Short-eared Owls (Mosehornugle). There were two in the area and Simon even spotted one on a three just next to the net! But it was too smart to fly in. We also went out with flashlight and hand net and could observe the owl hunting but there was no chance for us to catch it. But we had another interesting observation: In the light of the lighthouse, we could see birds close to the top of the lighthouse in the fog. Simon and I decided to climb up the lighthouse and took the hand net with us. There were some Robins (Rødhals) and some birds flew very close and a few birds were even so attracted by the light, that they were fluttering at the bright windows on top of the lighthouse. We managed to catch a Robin (Rødhals) and a Goldcrest (Fuglekonge). Hayley joined us on our nightly trip to the top of the lighthouse and back down in the lab, we ringed the birds. It was the first time birds were caught attracted by the light of Det Grå Fyr here in Skagen and an interesting observation to see that.

Ringing (Det Grå Fyr)

Rødhals: 1

Fuglekonge: 1

Total: 2

After Hayley and I went to bed and Simon took care of the owl net, but there was no owl this night.

It was a rather short night, still in the fog, Isis and I went to Kabletromle the next morning, but it cleared up, while we were opening. While opening we heard flight calls of many migrating Redwings (Vindrossel) and it continued the whole morning. They were too high though, to fly in our nets. Hayley came for the first round and we three had a slow day at Kabletrommle. The highlights were two Coal Tits (Sortmejse), which are always getting admired in hand.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Jernspurv: 2

Rødhals: 6

Solsort: 3

Fuglekonge: 7

Gransanger: 1

Sortmejse: 2

Blåmejse: 1

Musvit: 2

Total: 24

Simon jr. joined us for a bit in the ringing but then went to Worlds End one to join Jonas and Magnus. It was the right decision of him because this morning's observation had a record of this spring: 10 Shags (Topskarv) were observed from World´s End one, six of them in one flock. Also, a good number for the Skagen area of 41 Long-tailed Ducks (Havlit) were observed.

Todays observations from obseervers in the area

Our guests Dorthe and Kjeld joined us for a bit at the ringing and then went to the observers to World´s End one. After, they enjoyed being out in the area equipped with the camera.

It turned to be a bright and sunny day so I decided to have a walk after ringing. I went down to the tip, a bit along the beach and then to Cormorant Lake. Already 41 Cormorants (Skarv) were sitting on their nests in expectation to start breeding soon.

Back at the lighthouse, the team got a petrifying call from Simon sr.: The Hoopoe (Hærfugle) was hit by Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg) and should soon be placed in the care of the animal care centre.

Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg) ad. male by Kjeld Poulsen

Now, it was at Jørgen's place and we could go and see it. After the first shock, Simon jr. identified that as an April joke. So don´t worry the Hoopoe (Hærfugle) is still as healthy as before.

Jonas left the station this afternoon, ten Shags (Topskarv) is not bad as a farewell, thanks for your company!

When I came back to the station from my walk, Hayley and Isis had already taken care of the data entry and Simon and Magnus had had a beer with Rolf. But it was soon time for blowing easter eggs, which we then painted with birds – and a mouse! While we were painting, Martin and Tobias came to say hi, they will help the team in the weekends this spring. Simon sr. was our chief today and cooked us a tasty easter omelette.

After, the team had to choose the prettiest easter egg. My White-crowned Wheatear (Hvidkronet Stenpikker), a species from the far and hot desert won!

Tomorrow, the weather forecast looks very bad, with a lot of rain, maybe even snow and quite strong wind. Probably an indoor day, but we are looking forward to being in the field again as soon as possible.

See you!

Hanelie

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasn the same day

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Jonas Pedersen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, our guests Dorthe and Kjeld 

It seemed like someone planned to make this day a bit slow to give us more time for doing several indoor tasks and having a nice breakfast. Beside of that we were out in the field to follow our daily activities: ringing and counting.

Since there were not many birds around, the ringers did not get really busy. Following to that, a male Fieldfare (Sjagger) was appreciated even more!

If we would have ignored the Red-throated Divers (Rødstrubet Lom) and Ducks (And) at Nordstrand, there would not have been any birds left to count. Fortunately, at least the Diver and Duck counters had enough to do to not get bored. The others just enjoyed the chilled morning. When two adult Shags (Topskarv) passed by, the atention of everybody was back on the Sea. Scanning the ducks got rewarded with several Shovelers (Skeand), three Scaups (Bjergand) and six Long-tailed ducks (Havlit).

After having a nice breakfast with nice (Easter) Eggs, we were productive entering data, put our clothes in the washing mashine or taking a needed nap. Later Simon Sr. came around to check sheets and our first guests of the season arrived. They are very nice and joined our evening meeting. Afterwards, Hanelie and I set up a net in the old lighthouse garden in hope to catch a Short-eared Owl (Mosehornule) later. I think a Shorty in the hand would be one of the absolute greatest things now, I love those birds. Wish us luck, happy Easter!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 54

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Total: 36

Ringing (Nordstjernevej):

Total: 2

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

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Hanelie Sidhu, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Jonas Pedersen, Simon Kiesé, Knud Pedersen, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Michael Anker

After yesterday's evening meeting, we decided that Jonas and Simon (SK) should go counting with Knud at Nordstrand. The counting started pretty well, with fine numbers of ducks and passerines. After about an hour, a black kite turned up for five minutes, before it migrated further away - out of our view. It was nice seeing it for the first time this year, and was the first semi-rare raptor for the spring, except for the Golden Eagle.

 Meanwhile at Kabeltromlen, Hanelie, Hayley, Isis and I went ringing, but without the greater numbers of birds. Despite the low amount of birds, it was enough to get me calibrated to Lars Svensson. So now - if I should say it myself - I am able to go ringing on my own hand.;-)

 The best bird in the ringing was Reed Bunting (rørspurv), which was enough to get us smiling.

 Sadly, the fog turned up at Nordstrand, and forced the counters to stop early. The ringing also stopped early, due to the low number of birds (only three birds in the last 1,5 hours). 

 After the ringing, I decided to go to worlds end one, to see if there was any migration going on over sea. Sadly, it turned out not to be the case. But I saw a firecrest, cranes and might have heard a Serin (gulirisk), but RoC and I weren't sure.

 The afternoon was spent in the lighthouse, before having dinner.

 Ringing (Kabeltromlen)

Wren Gærdesmutte 6 RI

Dunnock  Jernspurv 1 RI

Robin Rødhals 6 RI

Blackbird Solsort 2 RI

Chiffchaff Gransanger 2 RI

Goldcrest Fuglekonge 8 RI

Blue Tit Blåmejse 3 RI

Chaffinch Bogfinke 1 RI

Redpoll Gråsisken 3 RI

Reed Bunting Rørspurv 1 RI

Total: 33