Today, because of some strong easterly wind coming during the morning, we decided to try out another counting place to conduct our standardized migration counting. The goal was to be more sheltered form the wind, as well as being closer to the shore because the visibility was also quite limited. So here we are, taking our bikes and headed out to Nordstrand at 6:15!

This morning was also the first migration count and full day here at the observatory for our new volunteer from Germany, Julian. Welcome!

Upon arrival the promised sheltering and view didn’t disappoint, and we quickly set up and got the count started. 

Migration counting spot at Nordstrand

The first two hours were pretty sparse and calm because of the poor visibility with fog, so at the third hour Julian, Alvin and I left János to go survey the ‘Cormorant lake’. The goal of the survey, is to track the arrival and nest usage at a known breeding site of Cormorants (Skarv), as well as the age of birds present. We could now see that the birds have started choosing nests and filling up the space, with around 16 nests occupied and 24 adult birds present. 

Volunteers at the lake counting Cormorants (Skarv)

During the fourth and last hour, the inland migration picked up and János could count up to 650 Hooded Crows (Gråkrage), multiple big flocks of Whooper Swans (Sangsvane), and even a Peregrine Falcon (Vandrefalk).

This way of counting and observing birds was new for Julian, which he really liked, as well as discovering the landscape around the area during our Cormorant walk.

This afternoon was very stormy outside so we took a quiet time and all had a very needed rest. 

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)

Solsort - 2

Dompap - 1

Blåmejse - 3

Bogfinke - 2

Rødhals - 1

 Total: 10

Highlights of today:

Peregrine Falcon (Vandrefalk) - 1

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Julian Helbig, Simon S. Christiansen, Michael Ancher.

The day began by looking out of the window, determining whether it was worthwhile going out to do the morning migration count or not, as it was too foggy yesterday. Even though it was pretty foggy today too, we decided to try anyway. Despite the poor visibility, the migration for passerines and geese was decent. It was also cool to see all of the crows migrating out over the sea, into the fog. Additionally, we put out some food to feed the Snowbuntings (Snespurv), we plan to continue and may even be able to catch them if they hang around. After two hours of counting the fog engulfed us and we decided to stop the count early.

János and Alix at Grenen 

Then we went back to the station and ate some lunch before we biked to Michael Ancher to help out with the ringing in his garden. Within the first rounds we caught a Coal Tit (Sortmejse) with was very cool since none of us had ringed one before. In between the rounds we took a couple of short walks and looked at some moss and lichens. We also helped Michael Ancher move some boulders outside his hedge.

Coal Tit (Sortmejse)

In the afternoon Simon drove us into town to do some grocery shopping and pick up the new volunteer, Julian, who will be staying with us for the rest of the spring :)

In the evening, some of us also tried to nightcatch some woodcocks (Skovsneppe) but were unsucessfull. 

Ringing (Nordstjernevej):
Blåmejse - 21
Musvit - 4
Bogfinke - 1
Sortmejse - 1
Solsort - 1

Total: 28

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

 People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Julian Heleig, Simon S. Christiansen, Michael Ancher.

When we woke up this morning, the lighthouse was surrounded by fog. So much so that you could barely see the beach from the window. Doing a migration count was out of the question, so we decided to try a different technique than previously to catch the Rock Pipits (Skærpiber). We set a small net up on a rocky part of the beach and put a speaker with the song of the species. In the meanwhile, we did some bike fixing and tried to repair a pair of leaking waders, but the glue didn't really stick. After the Rock Pipits (Skærpiber) didn't react to the speaker, we decided to get the net in again and after a small lunch break, we biked to Michael Anchers place to help him with the ringing in his garden.

Rockpipit setup.

We ringed about 25 birds in three hours with some nice species being Yellowhammer (Gulspurv), Brambling (Khærkefinke), Siskin (Grønsisken) and many Chaffinches (Bogfinke) and Tits (Mejse). Between the rounds we went for a walk, helped Michael in his garden, or enjoyed the sun coming out a little bit. Alvin and I had a Coke and Alix some lemon water, so we definitely had a good time.

3CY+ male Siskin (Grønsisken)

Alix and János in the smallest bit of sunlight fighting against the fog.

When we went back, we met with Simon to discuss some organizational matters and finished the birthday cake from yesterday. Later Alix got a new haircut, and we finished the day with pancakes for dinner.

No risk, no fun!

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)

Musvit – 24
Blåmejse – 36
Grønirisk - 1
Grønsisken – 3
Bogfinke - 4
Khærkefinke - 1
Gulspurv - 1
Solsort - 2

Total: 72

 Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Simon S. Christiansen, Michael Ancher.

Today was our last migration count as a group of five birders for a little while, as Saxe and Gustav went on their way home in the afternoon. Having really liked their stay here they would like to come back in April or May of this year. We’re looking forward to having them amongst the team again!

The first hour of migration counting started out decently with some nice Auks (Alk), 4 Black Guillemots (Tejst) and some Red Throated Divers (Rødstrubet Lom). A couple of Woodlark (Hedelærke) were also spotted. The next hours slowed down drastically and with the arrival of rain we decided to end the count one hour early. We also discovered that under some sand dunes at Grenen, is in fact a snow dune! Quite a special sight!

Alix digging for the snow under the sand dune

In the afternoon all of us were feeling the fatigue rebound from yesterday's White-Throated Dippers (Vandstær) experience and adrenaline, so we took a quieter afternoon. Simon was around with us for a couple of hours and we had a look at some methods to conduct the raptor migration summaries; we also took advantage of his presence to set up a couple of Rock Pipit (Skærpiber) traps just outside the lighthouse, but without success, even though we had seen at least two individuals around for the past days in this area.

Today is also Alvin’s birthday, so we baked a cake and celebrated him. Happy birthday Alvin!

 Jànos and Alvin with the cake

Tonight we have plans of trying for the first night catching session of the year, which we are all very excited about. We hope for some Jack Snipes (Enkeltbekkasin) or Woodcocks (Skovsneppe) mainly. Tune in to tomorrow's blog to hear about how it went!

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)
Musvit (great tit) - 2
Blåmejse (blue tit) - 5
Jernspurv (dunnock) - 1

Total: 8

Highlights of today:
Black Guillemots (Tejst) - 4
Woodlark (Hedelærke) - 2

 Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Saxe Lind Christiansen, Gustav Juel, Simon S. Christiansen, Michael Ancher.

The morning's migration counting was slow-moving with little to no wind and not a lot of birds compared to previous days. It also had to be cut short due to rain. However, we saw a Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sildemåge), the first one for this spring.

The plan for the rest of the day was to try catching and ringing White-throated Dippers (Vandstær) in Blindslev. After the migration count, we took two cars to visit Morten Christiansen and wait for the rain to pass. Along the way, the first car stopped at the bakery to pick up some cake, and the second car made a stop at the yarn store. At Morten’s place we enjoyed coffee and cake while the weather cleared.

When we arrived at Bindslev Gl. Elværk, we quite quickly spotted three White-throated Dippers (Vandstær) and set up a net just downstream from the little bridge. In the end, we managed to catch all three birds. Me, Alix and Jànos got to ring one each, which was very exciting since none of us had ringed one before. It was Alix's first time closing a steel ring, something she found both challenging and fun, and it turned out very good. Saxe and Gustav also got to hold the bird, and for Gustav it was his second bird ever in the hand, the first being Blue Tit (Blåmejse) yesterday. A very cool second bird to hold! To finish it off, we of course celebrated with some more cake :)

Setting up net

Ringing table

White-throated Dipper (Vandstær)

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)
Blåmejse (Blue Tit) - 29
Sortmajse (Coal Tit) - 1
Musvit (Great Tit) - 2
Bogfinke (Chaffinch) - 2

Ringing (Bindslev Gl. Elværk)
Vandstær (White-throated Dipper) - 3

Total: 37

Highlights of today:
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sildemåge) - 1
White-throated Dippers (Vandstær) - 3
Green Sandpiper (Svaleklire) - 1

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Saxe Lind Christiansen, Gustav Juel, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Morten Christensen, Morten Christensen, Morten Jenrich Hansen, Mogens Neergaard, Carlo Pedersen, Oluf Lou, Michael Ancher.
 

We once again witnessed a beautiful sunrise when we walked to Grenen in the morning. There was very little wind, and the sun was shining all day.

János and Alvin on the way to the migration count site.

The first great bird was spotted by Saxe already before the official start of the migration count, with a Puffin (Lunde) migrating west. Unfortunately, still leaving some of us without good views of the species. After a while the resting Gulls on the beach flushed, and I spotted the Iceland Gull from yesterday in the huge flock. We ran down to the beach, just in time to have the bird fly directly over our heads. After the rather distant views yesterday, this was highly appreciated. Later we could also observe the bird roosting on the beach.

Icelandgull (Hvidvinget Måge)) flying over our heads.

After the first hour, Simon visited us with a group of students at Grenen. They will be back in two weeks to collect data on the disturbance of the Gulls resting on the beach, which are unfortunately regularly flushed by the many tourists visiting the northernmost point of Denmark. Hopefully we can use the data as an argument to set up a protected area on the beach to give the birds the needed rest.

It was also the first day with good raptor migration, with over 50 Common Buzzards (Musvåge) during the morning and many more in the afternoon. A Shag (Topskarv) and two Caspian Gulls were also nice (Kaspisk Måge).

Common Buzzard (Musvåge) over Grenen.

After the count we walked back and had lunch before we biked to Mikkael Anchers place to join him in the ringing in his Garden. We caught about twenty Great and Blue Tits (Musvit and Blåmejse). It was the first bird we ringed since the start of our stay at the Fuglestation, and for Gustav and Saxe it was one of their first overall. The birds literally gave a shit though… Among the Blue Tits (Blåmejser) were another bird with a swedish ring and one with a foreign danish ring.

Great Tit (Musvit) taking a shit on Alix hand.

During all of this, Buzzards (Musvåge) were flying over our heads, sometimes in groups of up to twenty birds. We later tried to catch and ring the Black Redstart (Husrødstjert), which has been hanging around in the Lighthouse garden for the past few days, but again without success. Tomorrow we will make a trip south of Skagen, where we will try to ring a Dipper (Vandstær) and are very much looking forward to this.

Total: 149

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Alvin Johannson, Saxe Lind Christiansen, Gustav Juel, Simon S. Christiansen, Michael Ancher

This morning started with another beautiful sunrise and even the moon showed at the start of the count. 

(The full moon in the start of the obs.)

The weather was really nice this morning, the sun was showing and a light breeze blew from SW. Our migration count started well with a lot of passerines and a lot of Northern Gannets (Sule). We had good numbers of Skylarks (Sanglærke), Reed Bunting (Rørspurv), European Starling (Stær) and over 2300 Jackdaws! The sea was quite quiet today, still good numbers for Kittiwakes (Ride) and Red-throated Diver (Rødstrubet Lom)

One of the day's best birds was a Pied Wagtail (Sortrygget Hvid Vipstjert) flying past the counting site, landing briefly on the beach before it continued southwards along the beach. A very nice bird and the biggest highlight of the day, or at least we thought...

(The Pied Wagtail, Motacilla alba yarrelli on the beach by Verdens Ende 3)

Jørgen Kabel paid us at short visit, and just before he left, he got a message from Rolf that an 3cy Iceland Gull (Hvidvinget Måge) was resting at the shore just north of the Sandormen Track! We quickly went down on the beach and found the gull sleeping quite a long way out on the water. Since it was only looking up in very short periods of time while preening its feathers, it was hard to get a good look at. Still a nice bird and a lifer for Alvin, János and Alix. 

(The Iceland Gull looking up for a short moment)

After watching it closely for some time, and it still only rarely looking up, Alix and Alvin went back to the station and took a swim in the ocean, me and Saxe also going back a little after. János stayed with the gull, but it disappeared before it gave better views. Alvin and Alix got groceries and when they came home, we tried to catch Rock Pipits (Skærpiber) and the Black Redstart (Husrødstjert) that has been in the lighthouse garden for a few days now. The Black Redstart was jumping and sitting right next to the net, somehow avoiding them. The Rock Pipits managed to get the worms out of the ringing traps, also avoiding getting caught.

Michale Ancher had a very productive ringing day in his garden with a total of 80 birds! Mainly tits including a Blue Tit (Blåmejse) with a Swedish ring and one with a foreign Danish ring. Two pretty Goldfinches also reached the nets.

In the evening Alix sent in the data for the ring we found on a dead Cormorant (Skarv) on the beach walk, and Alvin made a very nice dinner for us all.

Total: 80

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Alvin Johannson, Saxe Lind Christiansen, Gustav Juel, Simon S. Christiansen, Jørgen Kabel.

Endnu en dag og endnu en smuk solopgang. Alix, Alvin og János gik til Verdens ende 3, stedet vi laver vores træktællinger, mens Gustav og jeg cyklede.

Solopgang på Grenen (Sunrise)

Dagen startede godt af med solskin, der lidt senere forsvandt bag skyerne. Vinden blæste kraftigt fra vest, hvilket gjorde det noget koldere. Der var godt gang i fuglene fra starten af med 197 rødstrubede lommer (red-throated loon), 126 rider (black-legged kittiwake) og 167 suler (northern gannet). János havde en lunde (puffin) trækkende, men den landede før vi andre fik set den. To tejster

I dag var der også et godt antal småfugle fx en hedelærke (wood lark), der forsøgte at trække ud, men vendte hurtigt om igen. Den sang et par strofer før den forsvandt i klitterne. En stor korsnæb (parrot crossbill), der blev efterbestemt af Alvin og János. 9 bjergirisker (twite) kom kaldene forbi, men ligesom hedelærken (wood lark) vendte de hurtigt om.

På vejen til vores cykler så Gustav og jeg en snespurv (snow bunting), der overhovedet ikke var sky, hvilket førte til nogle gode billeder. Vi så også fire røde glenter (red kite) og tre musvåger (common buzzard), der svævede rundt over hovederne på os. Der lå en død alkefugl tæt ved sandormesporet, som vi tror var en alk.

Snespurv (Snow Bunting)

Lige da Gustav og jeg ankom til stationen, så vi 3 små korsnæb (red crossbill) komme flyvende og lande i haven. Husrødstjerten fra i går var fortsat på plads i haven og fouragerede rundt mellem bænkene i haven.

Lille korsnæb (Red Crossbill)

Vi spiste frokost sammen, hvor Gustav og jeg tog på en tur til Stald Grenen, hvor en sortmejse (coal tit) sang og en topmejse (crested tit) kaldte. Vi kørte videre mod Byfogedskoven, hvor vi på vejen så to tyrkerduer (eurasian collared dove). Nede i skoven var der en grønspætte (green woodpecker) og mange mejser. Bl.a. en topmejse (crested tit), nogle halemejser (long-tailed tit) og musvitter (great tit) og blåmejser (blue tit) i høje tal. Mens vi var ude, havde Alix og János rengjort lidt. Vi holdt et lille møde før vi alle tog ud. János tog ned på havnen for at se på måger, hvor han fandt 3 kaspiske måger (caspian gull) og en flok snespurve (snow bunting).

Tyrkerdue (Eurasian Collared Dove)

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Alvin Johannson, Saxe Lind Christiansen, Gustav Juel, Simon S. Christiansen.

Today started with the first real and colorful sunrise of our stay, which was very welcome and made the walk to our migration counting spot ever-so pleasant in contrast to yesterday.

Sunrise

A beautiful day with some clouds that cleared up quickly in the early hours, and some wind that picked up around 10am also brought us some nice birds for our count. The raptors were present for the first time today and we had the pleasure of witnessing several Common Buzzards (Musvåge) and Red Kites (Rød Glente) attempting migration, as well as steady numbers of sea birds including a notable number of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Ride) and a surge of Common Scoters (Sortand) in the last hour which made the counting challenging and extra fun for Alvin who was in charge of their count.

Other surprises for our morning were the migration of 2 European Shags (Topskrav) which gave us the opportunity to train our eyes to the differences in flight style compared to the Great Cormorant (Skarv). Gustav was particularly excited about because getting better at identifying European Shags (Topskrav) in migration was a goal for his trip here with us. Saxe also had a possible sighting of an Atlantic Puffin (Lunde) which was unfortunately too far away to be certain. For two days in a row now we have had sightings of small Auks which could either be a Little Auk (Søkonge) or an Atlantic Puffins (Lunde), but each times too far away to be sure! We hope for a good observation of one of them soon! 

Towards the end of our count Simon paid us a little visit as he was checking the walking path of our ringing site in sight of the upcoming ringing season which will start on 20th of March, and he brought with him the news of seeing the first Common Chiffchaff (Gransanger) and Black Redstart (Husrødstjert) of the season!

Our afternoon arrived quickly as Simon took us to conduct a ‘Beach Count’ where the goal is to survey the mortality of sea birds by taking a walk along the beach and reporting findings of dead sea birds. Our walk was 10km of beautiful sand and stones, which we conducted over 3h30 total. 

Nordstrand

During that time, we were on the lookout for dead sea birds (or parts of them) and we reported all identifiable deaths, as well as picking up a few selected species. Among these are Black-legged Kittiwakes (Ride) which we found today. However not picked up but reported was a ringed Great Cormorant (Skarv), from which we collected the ring and will be reporting it.

This survey project has for aim to track the mortality rate of sea birds and to explore the possible death causes by analyzing collected samples and individuals, which would help track diseases, pollution related harm, environmental related harm, etc.

Beach walk

As you can imagine we were also on the lookout for live birds of the area during that time, and had some great sightings of many Sanderlings (Sandløber), 5 Bar-tailed Godwit (Stor Kobbersneppe), and a great 124 Great Crested Grebes (Toppet Lappedykker).

 Sanderling

A long day spent nearly entirely in the field was a good start of the season!

Link to today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Alvin Johannson, Saxe Lind Christiansen, Gustav Juel, Simon S. Christiansen, Knud Pedersen.

The weather forecast for the morning looked quite rainy and foggy, but thankfully there was no rain, and the morning's migration count turned out pretty good with some decent numbers on Reedbunting (Rørspurv) and Skylarks (Sanglærke). We also had a couple flocks of Jackdaws (Allike) appearing from the low clouds after hearing them for some time without seeing them. To everyone’s delight, a group of Snowbuntings (Snespurv) also showed very well and surprisingly close, giving us excellent views. We were also pleased to spot a Slavonian Grebe (Nordisk lappedykker), adding another nice highlight to the morning’s observations.

 Snowbuntings (Snespurv) at Grenen

Observers at the migration counting site 

After finishing the standardized migration count, Saxe and Gustav continued birding along the beach and saw even more Snowbuntings (Snespurv) as well as a Caspian Gull (kaspisk måge) and a few Ringed Plovers (Stor Præstekrave) starting their spring display already. Meanwhile, me and János faced a rather sweltering bike ride back to the station through the soft and wet sand that made up the road, only to arrive at exactly the same time as Alix who had simply just walked the whole way back along the beach. 

When we got back to the station, Simon had just installed the new washing machine and was there to welcome us. In the afternoon we assigned everyone their keys and had a meeting about some practical information and guidelines for the coming weeks. We also prepared for tomorrow's beach walk, which we are all very much looking forward to.