Halløjsa

Today Lucas and Andrew opened the nets. Tue joined them a bit later. They caught a Bullfinch (Dompap) and were able to see some of the migrating birds from Kabeltromlen.

Observing was very nice in the morning. The sun was shining most of the time and there was almost no wind. Due to the weather and many fantastisk birds, the four hours of counting went over very quickly. We were welcomed by the calls of several Rosefinches (Karmindompap) in the area. I hope I will remember his call now. In the first hours, Scoter migration was good- we counted around 2000 Scoters (Sortand). A highlight on the sea was a migrating Great Northern Diver (Islom).

After some time the Short-Eared Owl (Mosehornugle) showed. Later on, a Caspian Tern (Rovterne) was called out on Zello. Because they did not really say anything about location or direction it was a bit chaotic, everyone tried to find the Tern. Then a Spoonbill (Skestork) flew directly over us and caught the attention of many birders. While we were looking at the Spoonbill the Caspian Tern must have disappeared. Sadly, we were not able to see it. Tue at the ringing had more luck. He could spot a big Tern migrating far out. A lifer!

In the end of our count, many raptors occurred. We saw a Honey Buzzard (Hvepsevåge) in best light and two Black Kites (Sort Glente) in a flock of raptors. We decided to stay longer and enjoy the migration. We found far away a Barnacle Goose (Bramgås) and some more Black Guillemots (Tejst) in breeding plumage.

Morning observation of the resting Bee Eater!

From Worlds End 1 we could see a big group of people watching the ringing. It was the Ørneklubben with many interested children. Tue was telling them something about the ringing when a Bee Eater (Biæder) flew over and interrupted his talk. The Bee Eater flew in our direction and we were impressed by its colours. It came close and close, was flying around and caught many insects. Once it flew over us and made his rolling sound. We followed him and after some time it sat down on a stick. We were able to watch it through the Scope and made some not so good digiscopes. After that we tried to come back to Kab. That was a bit difficult, we had to squeeze past many observers.

After a break, Cora and I were inserting the data of today’s observations. We then heard a Zello of Red Rumped Swallow (Rødrygget Svale). Without thinking we ran outside, passed resting and chatting people and watched the air. When we ran out of the garden, we met Simon. He could tell us, that the swallow was seen in the south, too far to run. So we continued inserting data. While we did this, Tue and Andrew were out at Skarvsoen to see the Great Reed Warbler (Drosselrohrsanger). They were able to hear and even see it. For this tue climbed on a tree and saw the Drosselrohrsanger for three seconds. Later on, Rasmus was also able to hear the Drosselrohrsanger.

The Håret Mosaikguldsmed

At two O´clock Cora and I made a small walk to Batteriskoven. We could not find many birds. However, it was nice and we looked out for Dragonflies and Butterflies. I saw my first Hairy Dragonfly (Håret Mosaikguldsmed) for the year and we watched a female Broad-Bodied Chaser (Blå Libel). On yesterday´s walk we had seen the exuvia at Jennes sø, therefore it was nice to see the adult one today. When we headed back, we were able to see a Stonechat (Sortstrubet Bynkefugle) singing on a bush and Cora told me enthusiastically about the one they caught earlier. After our walk we listened to a talk about Alaskan wildlife. We really enjoyed the pictures and understood parts of it. Andrew continued birdwatching until the afternoon came and found some ringed gulls at the harbour.

The BBQ in our garden

In the evening, we had the big end-of-the-festival grilling. For that we prepared hot dogs, herb-butter, vegetable sticks and some other delicious things. After we had eaten Tue, Cora, Rasmus, Rasmus Dad, Simon and I played football on the meadow. It was pretty funny and exhausting.

So, all in all a very nice day. I am happy to be back at Skagen, many things changed since I have been here in march (the trees have leaves now and Swifts- Mursejler are flying around) but many things stayed the same. I am looking forward to tomorrow. There is still a Steppeorn from march open for me, so I hope it will show up tomorrow. Maybe it will be pushed in by the rain :).

Highlights

• Bee Eater (Biæder)
• Great Northern Diver (Islom)
• Spoonbill (Skestork)
• Caspian Tern (Rovterne)
• Shag (Topskarv)
• Great Northern Diver (Islom)

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Andrew Jacobs, Janna Ouedraogo, Lisa Vergin, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Lauren Homen

Hejsa Derude.

Så gik endnu en dag på Skagen Fuglestation. I dag var jeg på ringmærkning sammen med Cora og Lisa, hvilket var en fornøjelse. Da vi kom ud om morgenen så det egentlig rigtigt godt ud med vinden, men desværre tog den kun til derefter, så det endte med at vi måtte lukke en del net i løbet af dagen. Det var selvfølgelig ærgerligt, men sådan er det jo med vejret. Dog havde vi en ret fin morgen i forhold til omstændighederne, med højdepunktet værende et dompap par som fløj i nettet, og fik en lille vielsesring med videre. Derudover så vi også en smuk mosehornugle i morgen solen.  

Dompap Han 

På trækoptælling havde vi i dag Janna Andrew, som havde en dejlig morgen, hvor der var fint med Mallemukker og Terner. Derudover havde de en helt fantastisk oplevelse med en Mellemkjove, der fløj forbi dem, videre ud i Kattegat. Sikke en oplevelse, tillykke med den dejlige fugl. 

Da vi kom hjem og havde slappet lidt af samt indtastet data, tog vi ud til fuglefestivalen, hvor der virkelig var gang i den, skønt den hårde vind. Dejligt at se så mange fugleentusiaster samlet. Desuden var både Cora, Andrew, Janna og jeg nede for at se Magnus Houen holde et rigtigt fint lille oplæg om insektlivet her på Skagens Odde, det var vildt spændende og rigtigt godt gennemført. Vi krydser fingre for at vi også kan finde nogle af alle de sjældne og fascinerende insekter som kan findes i området nu!

Magnus Houen holder oplæg om insketlig på Sakgens odde. 

Efter vi havde besøgt festivalen gik Cora, Janna, Rasmus og jeg ud gennem storsig til Jennes sø, for at se hvad vi kunne finde. Det blev desværre ikke til så mange fugle, men vi havde en super dejlig tur. Desuden var der også blevet kaldt en turteldue ud et par timer før, så tillykke til alle dem der var heldige og dygtige nok til at se fuglen. Vi krydser fingre for at den kommer tilbage i morgen!!

Vi vil takke af for i dag, og ser frem til endnu en dag i morgen, med forhåbentligt mange flere fugle og gode minder i vente. 

Vi ses derude! 

Ringing 

Kærsanger 1

Gulbug 2

Rørsanger 2

Løvsanger 1

Munk 1

Gransanger 4

Dompap 1

Total 12

Observation Highlights from Skagen 

Mellemkjove 1

Turtledue 1 

Ringdrossel 1 

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Andrew Jacobs, Janna Ouedraogo, Lisa Vergin, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Magnus Houen.

Today marked the day that the Skagen bird festival would begin with opening ceremonies at 10:00 am. I went out to the observations at world’s end 1 with Lucas this morning where we had a good number of Northern Fulmar (Mallemuk) fly past as well as a pair of Little Tern (Dværgterne), there was a Black Tern (Sortterne) milling about the tip and a purple coloured 3k+ Common Rosefinch (Karmindompap) dropped down to sing for a bit. A lomg-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) flew across possibly one of the local ones. After we headed back to the lighthouse to get ready for the event. A little later the ringers saw a European Bee-eater (Biæder) fly past which was in good enough lighting to see the colours this time which was great.

Long-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) photo Andrew Jacobs

We went to the harbor to check for an interesting gull which we did not end up finding unfortunately and then rushed back for the start of the event. Simon gave a good opening speech and was interrupted by a White-tailed Eagle (Havørn) that flew directly above briefly. Many people showed up for the event which had presentations and tents with displays going throughout the day. Tue and Cora led a tour which had 60 people around the area looking for some birds.

Later on I went with Jana, Jørgen Hulbæk and Jeppe Overgaard to look for gulls with rings and interesting plumages at the harbor again where we found a very interesting pale gull which superficially gave the impression of a Glaucous-winged (Gråvingetmåge) type bird so we moved to a closer spot where we could pick out the details better, it had slight traces of black in the primaries and striations across the mantle that made it look better for a very worn European Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) over a hybrid Glaucous-winged (Gråvingetmåge) type from North America. We also found a 2k Great Black-backed Gull (Svartbag) with a ring from Norway. A third unusual bird was a 2k Great Black-backed type bird that had very dark secondaries, an elongated frame and a very unusual European Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) type tail with a white base with thick black band at the base completely unlike a typical Great Black-backed Gull tail. Some Black Guillemot (Tejst) hauled out on the rocks were also nice to spot at the harbor.

A European Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) pretending to be a Glaucous-winged Gull (Gråvinget Måge) probably photo Andrew Jacobs

A ringed Svartbag photo Andrew Jacobs

A Putative Great Black-backed (Svartbag) x European Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) hybrid photo Andrew Jacobs

When we went back the crew tried out the new football in the field as a big flock of Canada Geese (Canadagås) went over. Now we prepare for day two of the bird festival.

Ringing

Bogfink 3

Glbug 4

Kærsanger 1

Rørsanger 1

Havesanger 1

Observation Highlights

European Bee-eater (Biæder)

Black Tern (Sortterne)

Little Tern 2 (Dværgterne)

Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle)

A European Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) pretending to be a Glaucous-winged Gull (Gråvinget Måge) probably

A Putative Great Black-backed (Svartbag) x European Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) hybrid

Observations today in Skagen on DOFbasen

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Andrew Jacobs, Janna Ouedraogo, Lisa Vergin, Jeppe Overgaard and Jørgen Hulbæk.

Today started off quite differently for me than most days. For the first time in quite a while, I was up early, but not to go out to the ringing, but rather to go observing! Cora and I cycled out to Worlds End and found a large amount of people in the area. Many of whom were searching for yesterday’s Cetti’s Warbler (Cettisanger). 

Over the course of the hour, we had a very nice morning, with highlights including Great Northern Diver (Islom), Black Tern (Sortterne), the continuing 3k Iceland Gull (Hvidvinget Måge), the first Mediterranean Gull (Sorthovedet Måge) and a very nice amount of Red-backed Shrikes (Rødrygget Tornskade) which number to as many as 22. In one scope view, I was able to see six birds, 4 males and 2 females! 

Rødrygget Tornskade hun

Around 0730, we received a Zello from the ringing that they had caught two shrikes themselves! These were the first ones of the season. It was a two females which had flown into the new northern nets! 

Arriving home around 10 AM, Cora and I decided to go down to Stald Grenen to look for the continuing Red-breasted Flycatcher (Lille Fluesnapper). After about five minutes of looking and thanks too Lars Grøn, we were able to see the bird singing across the street from Nordlysvej! It was a very nice 2K male. 

In the afternoon, we prepared a bit for the festival and then we went out to Grenen to put up the Reed nets for the summer. We put these up so that we have better chances of catching the breeding Acrocephalus warblers. This year we have put them up quite late because it has been so cold and the weeds have not been tall enough to support breeding warblers yet. 

Kernebider han

In the evening, Andrew made a nice meal of veggie burgers and we prepared for the bird festival in the morning!  

And so another day passes Skagen Fuglestation. What will tomorrow bring? We will have to wait and see!

Highlights:

- 22 Rødrygget Tornskade

- Hvidvinget Måge

- Sorthovedet Måge

- Islom 

Ringing:

-Kernebider 2

-Rødrygget Tornskade 2

- Rødhals 2

- Rørsanger 3

-Kærsanger 2

-Gulbug 4

-Løvsanger 1

- Munk 5

-Havesanger 2

-Tornsanger 4

-Bogfinke 3

-Gransanger 2

Total: 32

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Andrew Jacobs, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Oluf Lou, Lars Grøn, Søren Leth Nissen, Mette & Johnny 

I got to sleep in a bit today because Lucas and Rasmus opened the nets. The ringing started really nice with some Marsh Warblers (Kærsanger) and two Spotted Flycatchers which I have not seen in hand before. We also had a recapture of a Redpoll (Gråsisken) which was very beautiful. As on many days we had company from Jørgen Hulbæk today and also Rasmus Momme dropped by for a chat. 

Then we went on our third round to get some more good birds. I took the short round this time to show the nets to our guests Mette and Johnny. When I came back to the Kabeltrommel there were already some bags with birds hanging. I asked what they catched and Simon told me that they got a CETTI'S WARBLER (Cetti Sanger)!!! First I thought he was joking but this bird was real and a new country record for Denmark!  

But now let's hear about what Lucas experienced who found this bird in the net:

Walking up to the second net, I noticed a chocolate-brown bird hanging in the middle rung of the net and I immediately began to walk up to it with a bit of pace. The bird was facing me but slightly down and had its tail fanned which sent alarm bells off in my head. However, when I finally got up to it, I could immediately tell it was a Cetti’s Warbler. I quickly and safely extracted the bird and noticed the brown body and large fanned tail with gray underparts. I turned to Rasmus and said to him, THIS IS A CETTI’S WARBLER. I quickly showed him and then headed back to the Kabeltromelen to show it to Simon. Quickly handing it to Simon, he confirmed what I thought to be true and said he would deal with the next steps while I finished the round. 

Cetti's Warbler (Cettisanger). Foto: Andrew Jacobs

So we quickly rang the other birds and Simon announced the bird on Zello. It took less than 5 minutes and Kabeltromelen was filled with excited birdwatchers looking forward to seeing this bird. So the bird was shown and then the others went down to the tent to ring it. Lucas and I started to close the nets because it was about to start raining soon. After they had a closer look at the bird they could tell that it was a 2K female. It also had a brood patch which is quite interesting. It's great that one bird can make so many people so happy!

Read more about this new species for denmark on netfugl.dk

Also the observers had two nice hours out at world's end 1 before they left to see the  Cetti’s Warbler (Cetti Sanger). Tue spotted an Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove)  and they had two Rose Finches (Karmindompaper) singing, one also sitting in a bush next to them.

Because it started to rain  we went back to the station and did our datawork. Later the others went to the DIY store and bought a piece of wood for Tue, who wants to build a floating hide.

In the afternoon Simon and Lisa came by and we went to the rescue center in Jerup to ring a Tawny Owl (Natugle), a Common Buzzard (Musvåge) and a Herring Gull (Sølvmåge).  The Buzzard and the Owl were really calm while ringing only the Gull made quite a fuss and bit into Andrew's scarf.  It was really nice to hold such a big bird as Bussard. 

Ringing a Common Buzzard (Musvåge)

At the rescue center Lisa also got two King Quailswhich are living in their greenhouse now. 

On our way back we stopped at Jerup Strand to try to find the Broad-Billed Sandpiper (Kærløber) again which was found there earlier today. We could not find that one but there were some other waders like an Avocet (Klyde). Just before we wanted to leave Andrew spotted a small Gull. It was a Little Gull (Dværgmåge)!, a new lifer for Tue and Me.

Back at the Station we celebrated the Cetti’s Warbler (Cetti Sanger) with Champagne and some nice Cookies Lisa baked. And we also got some nice Soda from Claus Brostrøm Niesen as thanks for our spectacular catch ;)

Afterwards we had a delicious dinner and rhubarb cake that our guests had prepared for us.  

Now we are going to bed. Just  Andrew went out again to hear the Nightingale (Sydlig Nattergal), which was found singing at Kabeltromelen in the evening. Maybe we will catch that one tomorrow.

Ringing Kabeltromlen:

Rørsanger 3

Grå Fluesnapper 2 

Gulbug 2 

Kærsanger 4

Løvsanger 1 

Broget Fluesnapper 1 

Munk 7 

Tornsanger 3 

Havesanger 2 

Bogfinke 1 

Gransanger 1 

CETTISANGER 1 

Total: 26

Ringing Highlights: 

CETTI'S WARBLER (Cetti Sanger)

Tawny Owl (Natugle)

Common Buzzard (Musvåge) 

Highlights:

Little Gull (Dværgmåge)

first Nightingale (Sydlig Nattergal) of the season

Rose Finches (Karmindompaper) 2 

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

Today’s raptor summary from the Skagen area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Tue Baaner, Andrew Jacobs, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Jørgen Hulbæk, Knud Pedersen, Søren Leth-Nissen and  our guests Mette and Jonny.

Hejsa folkens. Så får i her den daglige melding fra Skagen Fuglestation. 

I dag startede jeg med at stå tidligt op sammen med Lucas og Andrew for at køre til Skarvsøen og lave CES ringmærkning. Morgenen startede godt ud, og vi havde fint med aktivitet i nettene. Lidt senere hen ad morgenstunden tog vinden dog en del til, hvilket betød at aktiviteten også tog lidt af. 

Heldigvis var der en helt masse andet at give os til, da vi fik en besked på Zello om at en Buskrørsanger sang lidt længere nede af stien. Vi skyndte os derfor at færdiggøre de sidste fugle fra den forrige runde og styrtede af sted efter den. Heldigvis, efter en lang løbetur, ankom vi lige i tide til at høre den en enkelt gang, inden den stoppede. Sikke et dejligt møde, med denne fantastiske fugl. 

Da vi kom tilbage til ringmærkningsbordet, gik der heller ikke længe før det næste højdepunkt på dagen skulle vise sig. En helt vildt smuk Sortterne lagde vejen forbi Skarvsøen, hvor den rastede og fouragerede hele morgen. Det var virkelig en speciel oplevelse, og sikke heldige vi var, at den blev hængende. 

Sortterne over skarvsøen 

På Trækoptælling havde Cora og Rasmus også en dejlig morgen med en masse fede fugle. Højdepunktet værende 2-3 Piroler, som lagde vejen forbi grenen. Derudover havde de også, Sortternen, to Almindelige Kjove og en Hvidvinget Måge, Alt i alt en helt fantastisk morgen. 

Efter vi alle var kommet hjem og slappet af, tog vi afsted på en fed birding tour. Vi havde lånt min mord bil, og turen gik først til Gerrå, Hvor vi ledste efter kærløber. Desværre fandt vi ikke en, men til gengæld fandt vi både Dværgryle, Islandsk Ryle, Kobbersneppe, Skestork, Klyde og en helt masse Gravænder. Det var vildt fedt at se en masse vadefugle, som vi normalt ikke får så mange af her oppe. Efter Gerrå kørte vi mod Aalborg for at finde den lille pungmejse, som yngler inde ved Østerådal. Efter at have kigge rundt i lidt tid, hørte vi den kalde, og fandt den siddende fint i toppen af en lille busk. Sikke en dejlig fugl, og hvor er vi heldige at have den ynglende så tæt på. 

Pungmejse i Aalborg 

Efter Aalborg havde vi et lille stop ved Store Vildmose på vejen hjem, dog fandt vi ikke så meget, så vi kørte hurtigt videre til Hjørring hvor vi spiste en kæmpe portion af burgere, og købte nok til frokost i morgen også!! Det regner vi med bringer en masse held!! 

Burger på vej hjem 

Vi ses derude, til endnu en fantastsik dag!!

Ringmærkning: CES Skarvsøen 

Gærdesanger 1

Munk 3

Rørsanger 9

Bogfinke 2

Gransanger 3 

Tornsanger 3

Solsort 1

Havesanger 1

Total: 20

Highlights: Skagen 

Pirol 2-3 

Sortterne 1

Buskrørsanger 1

Almindelig Kjove 2 

Hvidvinget Måge 1 

Highlights: Tur 

Islandsk Ryle 

Dværgryle 

Skestork 

Klyde

Pungmejse 

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Andrew Jacobs, Simon S. Christiansen.

The story of this spring has once again returned. The rain and strong wind has come back once again. Yet another day this spring without observations and ringing due to intense weather. Waking up around 8 AM, the crew had been up early in the morning hoping the weather would have cleared; however, it did not much to out dismay. This allowed us to get caught up on some needed data entry and tasks around the station that needed completing, such as cleaning!

Around 11 AM, once we had thoroughly cleaned the station and the feather-covered lab, Cora and I jumped on our bikes and cycled down to Batteriskoven, Stald Grenen and Jennes Sø. Unfortunately, the wind was still quite strong and the fog quite thick leaving us relatively empty handed. A nice flock of Hawfinch (Kernebider) was quite nice, along with some of the regular breeding species such as Spotted Flycatcher (Grå Fluesnapper). While we were south of the lighthouse, Andrew opted to head out to Grenen in search of gulls and waders and was rewarded with a 3k Iceland Gull (Hvidvinget Måge). A beautiful white bird which was hanging out near the tip of Grenen with the other gulls. 

Hvidvinget Måge

The rest of the afternoon was quite slow and many of us took naps to catch up on sleep, something we don't get much of these days. After dinner, I then decided to take stroll along the rocks outside the lighthouse as the weather had cleared up. I was out in search of wheatears (Stenpikker) and Whinchats (Bynkefugl), but without any success, I began scanning Kattegat and noticed a pale mid-sized tern flying towards me from the southeast. As the bird got closer, I noticed it had a black cap and bill. Then as it passed me at approximately 100 meter range, I immediately noticed it was a Gull-billed Tern (Sandterne)!! The bird had a rounded black cap, dark edging to the trail edge of the primaries, a pale gray mantle and wings, and of course, a heavy, thick, all black bill. It *lacked* any yellow like the Sandwich Terns (Splitterne) noted at similar range earlier in the observation period. It rapidly passed the lighthouse and I followed the bird for 30 seconds more as it flew towards the Sandbunker and then eventually out of sight in the lingering mist near the tip of Grenen. This record represents the sixth record (post 2000) in Skagen!

Andrew, Cora and I immediately jumped on our bikes after it had already headed into the fog and zoomed out to Sandklit to search for the bird. We unfortunately were unable to see it again. However, we did have a nice pair of Sangsvane barreling NE towards Norway on the way to their breeding grounds as well as over 500 svale sp. (mostly Landsvale and Bysvale).

And so, another day passes at Skagen Fuglestation. What will tomorrow bring? We will have to wait and see.

Highlights:

Gull-billed Tern (Sandterne) 1

Iceland Gull (Hvidvinget Måge) 1

Sangsvane 2

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Cora Köberle, Andrew Jacobs, Simon S. Christiansen.

Andrew og jeg startede morgenen ude på Verdens ende 1 klokken 04.35. Jeg havde taget den store flyverdragt på, men frøs stadig under morgenobsen, hvilket jo er helt vildt i slutningen af maj! Fuglene var heller ikke begejstrede for det kolde vejr, og de fleste af dem valgte da også helt at blive væk:( Morgenens højdepunkter var 1 Alm. Kjove, 2

Karmindompapper og en Pirol. En Pirol de desværre ikke fik set ved Kabeltromlen, til stor ærgrelse og frustration for Lucas, der stadig mangler at se den i Danmark. Der blev heller ikke rapporteret om mange fugle i nettene fra Kabeltromlen, så jeg drog hjem på stationen da morgenobsen var slut. 

Efter en virkelig dejlig lur, gik jeg en lang tur ud over storsig, forbi saftevandsbakken og igennem batteriskoven, men uden at se noget specielt. I mellemtiden havde Tue og Cora smidt det døde rådyr vi havde i fryseren ud på storsig i håbet om at tiltrække nogle rovfugle. Målet er at fange rovfugle med en fælde, men i første omgang skal vi bare observere om der overhovedet kommer rovfugle til kadaveret i første omgang

Cora laver aftensmad i aften, og det glæder vi os altid til! Jeg har hørt rygter om noget halloumi, så det bliver virkelig lækkert:)

Vejret bliver vidst ikke helt optimalt i morgen, og det er ret træls! Men vi holder ud! 

Vi ses derude! (når regnen stopper)

Highlights: 

Alm. Kjove

Pirol

Karmindompap (2)

Ringing Kabeltromlen:

(Opdateres)

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

Another day, another day of wind and rain. The volunteers woke up early and were prepared to go out on a morning of observing and ringing only to find the rain belting down. Over the course of the next three hours, we as a collective woke up every hour to check the radar but the weather did not improve. At 8 AM the crew woke up for the day and began to finish up the remaining data and apartment improvements that needed to be done. 

At 11 AM, Jan Eske and Jørgen Hulbæk arrived at the station with Simon to go to the Natur Møde in Hirtshals. Because of the weather, we were able to leave earlier than expected and had time to stop off at Trold Kær to see the continuing Eurasian Dotterel flock (Pomeransfugl) which contained 10 birds and the single individual at Kandestederne. We then continued down to the festival. 

Rasmus had arrived a few hours earlier by train to meet up with his sister while the others and I arrived around 1 PM. Over the course of the afternoon, the volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the festival and spent time visiting all the different exhibits, going to talks and of course, a birder in Denmark cannot go to Hirtshals without spending time looking for the only breeding pair of Crested Lark (Toplærke) in Denmark. We spent several hours looking for the bird, but were only able to hear it. A shame, but we progress.

In the evening on the way home, those in Jan Eske’s car stopped at the Kandestederne Dotterel (Pomeransfugl) site and got some incredible looks. Below is a photo Tue took, which he is extremely proud of!

And so, another day passes at Skagen Fuglestation. What will tomorrow bring? We will have to wait and see.

No Ringing.

Highlights: 

• Pomeransfugl 11
• Toplærke 1

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Tue Baaner, Andrew Jacobs, Simon S. Christiansen, Karin Christiansen, Jørgen Hulbæk Christiensen, Jan Eske, Amanda Johannisson

When we got up this morning it was very rainy and windy, so we were unable to do the regular ringing and observing program and had to wait for the weather. When the skies cleared Søren, Karen-Marie and I went out to the beach at Grenen to see what birds were around. We had the Eurasian Bittern (Rørdrum) fly over the parking lot and once we got out to the beach there were some close Northern Gannets (Sule) and Sandwich Terns (Splitterne) feeding off the tip and Common Ringed Plovers (Stor Præstekrave) running around on the beach with a single Barnacle Goose standing on the beach before flying away.

We decided that with the strong winds there could be some birds sheltering at the harbor, so we went there to check it out and there was around 400-500 gulls which unfortunately mostly flushed when some workers came through the area. We did see a Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sildemåge) with what appeared to be a Spanish ring which was close enough to read. There were also 4 European Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) nests on the roof across from the tip.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sildemåge) photo Andrew Jacobs

In the afternoon Cora scratch built a new walk in trap so we now have two to try and catch Northern Wheatears (Stenpikker)  with. Then we walked down to the sandworm track and watched the Common Swifts (Mursejler)  and some other passing birds for a while. After dinner we went to go find some Eurasian Dotterel (Pomeransfugl) that had been reported, and they were out bobbing in and out of muddy ditches in a farm field that we viewed from the road.

Common Swift (Mursejler) photo Andrew Jacobs

We received news on the Common Chiffchaff (Gransanger)  recapture that we had from France on April 29^th. It was originally ringed as a 1k bird on November 5^th, 2024 having a gap of 175 days since it was first ringed and has moved a distance of 1678.8 km on its migration from there. Getting these internationally ringed birds is always great as we collectively get more knowledge on the temporal and spatial movements of the species we work with.

Map of where the Common Chiffchaff (Gransanger) was in France before comig to us in Denmark.

Highlights around Skagen:

Eurasian Dotterel (Pomeransfugl) 8

Glaucous Gull (Gråmage) 1

Colour ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sildemåge) from Spain.

Observations in the area today on Dofbasen

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Andrew Jacobs, Simon S. Christiansen, Søren & Karen-Marie Leth Nissen