I went out observing at World's End 1 with Ramus this morning. There was not so much migration going on when we started. So we were delighted when we received a message from Simon after the first twenty minutes of our counting. He found a singing Blyth’s Reedwarbler (Buskrørsanger) out there where our netlanes are. We went down to the Sandormentrack to try to hear the bird without getting wet feet. It was very far away but we could hear it briefly.

Back at the obs the fullmars (Mallemuker) suddenly picked up in the second hour and Rasmus had a lot to count. There also came a dark morph Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove). Which was chasing a Gull. It was really nice to watch this cool bird in action. Later we could see a Shag, which was flying past the tip. That One was probably the same which was seen in the last few days. In the last hour Rasmus left earlier to make a tour for a school class, which was visiting the ringing today.

After he left I saw another Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove), a light morph this time, flying quite close chasing a tern. The Blyth’s Reedwarbler (Buskrørsanger) moved a bit through the morning so I was able to get closer to it without getting wet feet to hear it singing really nicely. We were also able to make some recordings of it. 

Recording of the Blyth’s Reedwarbler (Buskrørsanger) 

Blyth’s Reedwarbler (Buskrørsanger)

When I went back I  met many people at the kabeltrommel who were watching the ringing today. Except our guest Kirsten, also Jeppe Ovegaard was joining the ringing today. They had a really good day of ringing with 41 birds today. Among them a female Red Backed Shrike (Rødrygget Tornskade),  a Pied Flycatcher (Broget Fluesnapper) and a Tree Pipit (Skovpiber). They also catched three Chiffchaff (Gransanger) chicks, the fist 1k birds this year. And they recaught a Reedwarbler (Rørsanger) which was ringed somewhere in Belgium.

Red Backed Shrike (Rødrygget Tornskade)

Also Rasmus and Tue’s  tour with the school class went pretty well, they were once again able to get more people interested in the birds and our work.

Hyggelig round at Kabeltomelen

In the afternoon Tue continued his work on the Floating hide and Rasmus and I went out to Storsig. There were not so many Birds but many caterpillars.

Later someone found a Beeater (Biæder) resting in the industrial area. We quickly biked out there but the bird left before we arrived there and also some big rain clouds were coming in. So we went back to make ourselves cozy in the station.

Ringing Kabeltromlen:

Rørsanger 6

Gulbug 1

Kærsanger 9

Munk 12

Havesanger 1

Bogfinke 2

Gransanger 4

Skovpiber 1

Gærdesmutte 1

Solsort 1 

Broget Fluesnapper 1

Rødrygget Tornskade 1

Gråsisken 1

Total: 41

Highlights:

Buskrørsanger 1

Almindelig Kjove 2

Topskarv 1

Biæder 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, Jørgen Hulbæk, Jeppe Overgaard and  our guest Kirsten

Today I went out to the observations at worlds end 3 where in the gull flock at the tip there were two seals, a larger number of Lesser black-backed Gulls (Sildemåge) which had arrived, and a Black-legged Kittiwake (Ride) and Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove) both roosting in the flock which is very unusual. We ended up getting rained on for awhile which brought down fog over the ocean blocking line of sight to the distant Northern Fulmars (Mallemuk). After the rain cleared some raptors started to come out including a few very close Western Marsh Harriers (Rørhog). A little later in the distance came a pair of White-tailed Eagles (Havørn) and a mixed raptor flock with Black Kite (Sort Glente), Red Kites Rød Glente), European Honey-buzzard (Hvepsevåge), Common Buzzard (Musvåge) and Eurasian Sparrowhawks (Spurvhøg) along with two Common Cranes (Trane) and a very distant White Stork (Hvid Stork).

Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove) photo Andrew Jacobs

Western Marsh Harrier (Rørhog) photo Andrew Jacobs

A seal (roosting) on the beach photo Andrew Jacobs

When we came back to the station we settled in for some data entry and got back some ages for some of the colour ringed gulls that we had been seeing one of which being a 9^th calendar year Great Black-backed Gull (Svartbag) that seems to spend a lot of time in the Netherlands.

In the evening we went to the black summerhouse near the Skarvsøen to look for swallows where we saw a few Common Swifts (Mursejler) and heard a Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) singing away, then it immediately started raining so we headed back to get ready for tomorrow.

Ringing totals

Greater Whitethroat (Tornsanger) 1

Eurasian Blackcap (Munk) 1

Common Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) 1                                                    

Total 3

Highlights from around Skagen today

White Stork (Hvid Stork)

Eurasian Golden Oriole (Pirol)

Black Kite (Sort Glente)

Observations in the area today on Dofbasen

 People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Andrew Jacobs, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Knud Pedersen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Kirsten 

Hejsa Derude.

Så gik endnu en dag på Skagen Fuglestation. I dag startede jeg dagen ud med at ringmærke, sammen med Lucas, Lauren, Andrew og Kirsten. Morgen forløb meget stille de første to runder, men derefter kom der nogenlunde gang i fuglene og vi endte faktisk med nogle ret fede arter. Highlights var da to Karmindompap fløj i nettet, hvilket var de første ringmærkede på sæsonen. Derudover havde vi en fantastisk flot rødrygget tornskade han, en grå fluesnapper, og en gråsisken, sikke en dejlig morgen det kunne blive til. 

Karmindompap

Rødrygget Tornskade 

Gråsisken

Hen mod slutningen af morgen lavede jeg også en fremvisning af ringmærkningen for en 4. Klasse der var på lejrskole her oppe i området. Det var en fornøjelse at vise dem nogle fugle, og hvordan det hele går til. Mange tak for besøget. 

Ringmærknings fremvisning 

Træk optællingsholdet bestod i dag af Cora og Rasmus, samt Knud og Jørgen, der også sluttede sig til dem ude på verdens ende 3, og jeg kan fortælle jer at der virkelig var fest ude over havet idag. Der blev talt over 2000 mallemukker samt en hel masse terner og andre havfugle. Dog kulminerede det hele da en da en atlantisk/scorpolis-skråpe lagde vejen forbi. Den havde nogle kendetegn der pegede i retning af scopolis, så det bliver virkelig spændende at se hvad eksperterne siger. Vi holder vejret imens vi venter. Den blev først fundet af Jimmy Skat Hansen. Derudover kom der også et par Almindelige Kjover, så det var alt i alt en vildt spændende dag for observatørerne på klitten. 

Video fra Knud Pedersen 

Da vi kom hjem stod den på en lur for de fleste af os, samt en lille indkøbstur ned i byen, så der var provianter til aftensmaden de næste par dage. Desuden arbejder jeg på at færdiggøre et flydende fotoskjul, som jeg har arbejdet på de sidste par dage. Jeg håber det snart kan komme på vandet, så der kan blive taget en helt masse fede billeder. 

Nu håber vi bare at vejret holder stik til i morgen, så vi kan få endnu en dejlig dag ude på Genen. Vi takker af for i dag, og ser frem til hvad i morgen bringer. 

Vi ses derude! 

Ringing 

Rødrygget Tornskade 1

Grå Fluesnapper 1 

Karmindompap 2 

Rørsanger 4

Gråsisken 1

Gulbug 1 

Kærsanger 3

Rødhals 1

Munk 5

Gransanger 1

Havesanger 1 

Total 21

Observation Highlights from Skagen 

Almindelig Kjove 3

Mallmuk 2114 

Atlantisk/scorpolis-skråpe 1

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Cora Köberle, Tue Baaner, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Andrew Jacobs, Lisa Vergin, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Lauren Homen, Knud Pedersen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Kirsten 

Today started off like most other days in Skagen, waking up in the middle of the night! Lauren, Andrew and I headed out to Grenen to open the nets and spent the first hours ringing and enjoying the sunrise. The observers later headed out to Verdens Ende 3 in search of seabirds with Knud and Jørgen Hulbæk and ended up counting over 1200 Northern Fulmars (Mallemukker)! This was a very good count for us and some of the highest numbers of the season. A nice way to spend a day. Those ringing at Kabeltromelen were also pleasantly surprised to see a pair of European Golden Orioles (Pirol) chasing each other around all over Grenen! 

On the ringing, Andrew and I spent time training Lauren and Kirsten on the ringing procedures as there were fewer birds today, meaning we were not in as big a hurry in between rounds. Over the course of the morning hours, we caught 23 birds (not including recaptures). Included in this total were two Hawfinch (Kernebider) which were the first ones that Cora had ever rung. Lauren, also had a major milestone in the first birds she rung start to finish! Her first bird she rung was an Icterine Warbler (Gulbug).

In the afternoon, we said goodbye to Janna as she headed back to Germany to finish out the rest of her university term. We wish her luck. In the afternoon, the weather was not the nicest as the winds were extremely strong, leaving most of us to catch up on work around the station. 

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

Highlights:

Hawfinches (Kernebirder) - 2

Golden Oriole (Pirol) - 2

Fulmars (Mallemukker) - 1200

Ringing: Kabeltromelen

• Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) 1
• Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) 1
• Icterine Warbler (Gulbug) 4
• Blackcap (Munk) 6
• Garden Warbler (Havesanger) 1
• Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) 2
• Wren (Gærdesmutte) 1
• Spotted Flycatcher (Grå Fluesnapper) 1
• Chaffinch (Bogfinke) 3
• Hawfinch (Kernebider) 2
• Bullfinch (Lille Dompap) 1

Total: 23

People: Lucas Corneliussen, Lauren Homan, Cora Köberle, Rasmus Mattiesen-Juhl, Janna Ouedraogo, Tue Baaner, Andrew Jacobs, Simon S. Christiansen, Knud Pedersen, Jørgen Hulbæk Christiensen, Kirsten Bregn

Jeg startede morgenen ud med en gåtur fra fyret ud mod Grenen. Det var egentlig meningen at jeg skulle cykle derud, men en misforståelse omkring cykelnøgler førte til en tidlig kratlusketur med min far. Ude ved Verdens ende mødtes jeg med Andrew og Janna, der allerede var i gang med at tælle trækket. Der var ikke mange fugle i luften, men dem der var, var fede!  Vi havde 5-6 Almindelige Kjover, syngende Drosselrørsanger, 2 Sorthovedet måger, Topskarv og 2 Bomlærker. Derudover havde vi i løbet af morgenen glæden af en pirol som forsøgte at trække ud flere gange.

Rinmærkningsteamet bestod i dag af Lucas, Lauren, Tue og Cora. De havde en fantastisk morgen med mange fugle! Der var især mange Gulbuge, men også Blåmejse, Rødrygget Tornskade og Skovpiber fandt vej til nettet. Tue fik besøg af sine forældre og bedsteforældre ved Kabeltromlen til en privat ringmærkningstur. Hyggeligt:) Tue fik også langt om længe set en Pirol, så det var stort for ham!

Da vi kom hjem fra morgenens arbejde cyklede jeg ned på Poul Eeg campingplads for at sige farvel til mine forældre som trak retur til Grenå. Senere på dagen stod den på rengøring af hele stationen, men da vi var 7 frivillige i de her dage, gik det meget hurtigt:) Cora og Janna besluttede sig derefter for at skulle en tur i vandet, hvilket jo er crazy. De påstod at det ikke var koldt, men det tror jeg simpelthen ikke på

Eftermiddagen blev brugt på Jerup Vildtplejestation, hvor vi skulle ringmærke en Sule, en Råge og en Gråkrage. Det var virkelig fedt at se en 5k+ Sule så tæt på! Cora fik æren at skulle ringmærke Sulen, og det var hun meget glad for:)

Nu skal jeg i seng, så jeg er klar til hits i morgen!

Vi ses derude!

Ringmærkning Kabeltromlen:

Rødrygget Tornskade (Red-backed Shrike) - 1

Sangdrossel (Song Thrush) - 1

Gulbug (Icterine Warbler) - 7

Blåmejse (Blue Tit) - 1

Rørspurv (Reed Bunting) - 1

Total: 60

Highlights:

Almindelig kjove 6

Topskarv

Pirol

Drosselrørsanger

Sorthovedet Måge (2)

Bomlærke (2) 

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 Homan

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.