We woke up to the sound of the storm howling through the house. Because of the wind and rain, we could neither go out to do the ringing nor carry out the migration count, which allowed us to catch up on some sleep. 

In the morning we did some computer work like sorting pictures into the archive. In the late morning, János bravely decided to go out in the storm and look for some seabirds, which turned out quite successful, with 6 Arctic Skuas (Almindelig Kjove) including one being a light morph, as well as some Fulmars (Mallemuk) passing closely. Meanwhile, those of us back at the station did some cleaning and had some leftover risotto for lunch.

When János came back, he made a humongous banana bread, which was very much appreciated and almost entirely devoured by the evening. 

Banana bread enjoyers 

János licking the pot, with plastic wrapped around his head, to protect his precious hair

In the afternoon most of us wanted to go out and experience the storm, having the plan of going to the same spot János had gone to in the morning, but seeing that the visibility had worsened, that spot was not ideal anymore. Instead, we walked out to the tip and experienced some serious gusts of up to 37 m/s. The wind carried sand from the dunes that painfully stung our eyes. The wind also carried away Dylan's glasses, which ascended out to sea. Luckily, he has a spare pair, although they are not his favorites. 

Walking in the storm 

Observing the storm at the tip of Grenen

After making our way back, slightly shaken and with a bit of motion-sickness, we rested and had dinner.

Sunset

In the evening, once it had gotten dark outside, Dylan went out to look for roosting birds to catch. Shortly after going out, he called saying that he had caught a Cormorant (Skarv). It already had a ring on its leg, so we read the ring number and will soon find out where and when it was ringed. Handling Cormorants can be difficult to handle as they have very storng manouverable necks and a very sharp bill. So it is important to have a firm, but not too tight grip of the neck to insure that the bird and the handler remain safe. 

Measuring the wing

Closeup of the beautiful head with the turquoise eye

Inspired by this quick success, János and I joined to walk out to the tip again to look for more birds. During the day we had spotted some rusting Kittiwakes (Ride) which we were hoping to catch, but when we got there, they were nowhere to be found. 

Highlights of today:
Arctic Skuas (Almindelig Kjove) - 6

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

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Julian Helbig, Dylan Daunt, Shuyu Deng

The weather today was getting quite stormy, with some very strong winds throughout the day. For this reason, we could not ring any birds today, as the strong winds would have made it unsafe for our feathered friends. 

János and Dylan still bravely went out for some migration counting and sat in a more sheltered area at Grenen, which unfortunately meant that their view of the sea and inland was not as ideal as usual. They were even joined by a young local birder, Alfred! They still had some nice numbers of birds all throughout and enjoyed seeing their behaviour in such strong winds and harsh weather conditions, because their flight styles can change quite a bit in these conditions and big waves meant the resting birds were also challenging to see.

On the way there Dylan saw a washed up squid on the shoreline and promptly returned it to the waters!

Alive squid found on the beach at Grenen, and returned to the waters

In the meantime, Alvin, Julian, Shuyu and I enjoyed a slow morning that felt like holidays. I made pancakes for everyone, it was really cozy! The counting team could also enjoy some when they came back home from their morning, which they loved!

Pancake breakfast

After that, Alvin and I went out with his parents and brother who were visiting for the weekend, and enjoyed a very windy tour of the lighthouse, a good lunch at the cafe and a visit around the Skagen town with a sandy ending at Stokmilen, a very high dune with a beautiful view.

Alvin on Stokmilen sand dune

View from the top of Stokmilen sand dune

In the meantime at the station, Julian started the « storm preparations » which included securing nets with extra ties at the ringing site, as well as taking down our equipment tent and the equipment for safe keeping indoors at the station until the weather clears up. As you can see in the picture, bringing everything back in one bike ride was challenging, but he succeeded! 

Nets securing

Julian with all of our equipment, clever packing!

We also had the pleasure of having the visit of Peter Brodersen and his son from the University of Copenhagen today, who were here to pick up some feather samples for their project about DNA in vagrant birds. They had a variety of feathers to choose from, and we will be taking more samples for them in the future as the occasions arrises. Their interest for this project would be to see if and what genes could be the cause for birds flying « wrong » by looking at the DNA in feathers of vagrant birds we have encountered here.

Peter Broderesen and his son picking out feathers for their project on vagrant birds DNA 

People at the station: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Julian Helbig, Dylan Daunt, Simon S. Christiansen, Shuyu Deng, Katrin, Tove, Eik and Inger, Peter Brodersen and his son, Alfred Godsk Geckler.

Alix, Alvin and I went out for the morning ringing session. We were unsure about how the weather would be, but it seemed okay enough for us to open the nets. The first couple hours of ringing were really slow with only a couple birds. Though this meant that we could cut back some of the buckthorn that has grown in places it shouldn’t have over the last couple years. All three of us ended up with thorns in us but I guess that made cutting the bushes more satisfactory in the end. By 9am the weather had gotten a lot worse. The wind increased and there was steady rainfall. In these sorts of conditions, we have to close the nets to ensure that no birds get too wet whilst laying in the mist nets. Kabletromlen is also good for watching migratory birds. We saw some nice species like Hawfinch (Kernebirder) and some Red Crossbills (Lille Korsnæb).

Me holding my buckthorn bush trophy!

János and Julian were doing the migration count this morning. But unfortunately for them, the only animals getting soaked were them. Even during the rain, we have to continue our migration count to make sure the data from the counts over the spring are as good as possible. When it is rainy, very few songbirds migrate. So, the main focus for them was towards the sea where thousands of seabirds were passing including Guillemots (Lomvie), Kittiwakes (Ride), Gannets (Sule) and Common Scoters (Sortand). They also had a brief visit from the Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge) which is always nice to see.

Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge) flyby 

At lunch we had a surprise visit from a local who said they had found a Gannet (Sule) washed up on the beach. But this time it was carrying some jewellery. All the way from the UK! Very few Gannet rings have been re found in Denmark from the UK. The two most recent have been from colonies in Scotland. Including from one of the world’s largest Gannet colonies called the Bass Rock. We will also be able to find out how old this bird was. There are so many interesting questions. Where is this bird from? Was it ringed as a chick? We will let you know all this information as soon as we find out about it. This also shows how important the collection of rings from washed up birds is. So much amazing information can be found out from just one ring.

In the early afternoon Simon picked up our next short-term volunteer called Shuyu. She has come from Aarhus and will be staying with us until Tuesday. Let’s hope that we can have a good day of weather when she is here.

In the evening we had another wet spell, so we decided to go and try catch some Jack Snipes. Unfortunately, there were very few birds around, so all our efforts were not rewarded. But hopefully we will catch a few more birds in the coming evenings.

Me and Julian where the first to arrive at the ringing site in the morning to open the nets. We saw the first birds fly into the nets while opening and it was the start of a very good ringing session. We were joined by Simon and Julia for the first netround and ringed good numbers of Robins (Rødhals) and Chiffchaffs (Gransanger). Highlights being two Redpolls (Gråsisken) and a Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg). Not a single Blue Tit (Blåmejse) was caught.

Julian ringing the Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg)

The Observers also had a good time with very good numbers of Scooters (Sortand) and they also saw the Orcas (Spækhugger) again. Alix was also happy to see a Harbour Seal (Spættet Sæl) on the beach. At the end of the session we had some close flyby Red kites (Rød Glente) which made for a good photo oportunity.

 4CY+ Red Kite (Rød Glente)

After a short lunch break, Alix and Alvin went for a walk to Nordstrand. They saw a Great White Egret on the way, as well as the Golden (Kongehørn) and three White-tailed Eagles (Havørn). Me and Dylan where just about to take a nap, when a Black-winged Kite (Blå Glente) was called out on Zello. We biked to Nordstrand as fast as we could, just to find out that the finder had made a translation mistake and had actually seen a Hen Harrier (Blå Kærhøg). At Nordstrand we met Alix and Alvin and got very good views of the Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge) again. So it was overall worth the effort.

Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge)

When we came back we finished some data entry tasks and played a bird call quiz. Alvin and Dylan tryed to catch the Moorhen (Grønbenet Rørhøne). Without success.

It was a windy and foggy morning, while Alix, János and I were at migration count. Many Guillemots (Lomvie) and lots of young Kittiwakes (Ride) were spotted during the day, in addition to the first Osprey (fiskeørn) of the season. 

Alvin, Dylan and Julian were already ringing at Kabeltromlen. Although it was a fairly quiet morning, with Dunnocks (Jernspurv) and Chiffchaffs (Gransager), Dylan was heard calling out “Holy shit” at the sight of a male White-spotted Bluethroat (Syldig Blåhals) in the net.When it comes to blue birds, they have only had a lot of Blue Tits (Blåmejse) recently,funnily enough they had none that day. Dylan had also only seen a female blue throat before and was surprised the blue was that vibrant on the male, hence the reaction. János also received a call, telling us about the Bluethroat, we considered going up there to see it, but ended up not going. A little later, and after the bluethroat had been released, I did end up going to the ringing, so I got to experience a bit of both during the day, which was nice. The Bluethroat is the White-spotted subspecies, which has been spreading North. But they are most common in countries like Germany and the Netherlands.

White-spotted Bluethroat (Syldig Blåhals) from three angles!

Then wewere so pleased to get gifted two cardamon buns by some of the birders who we had shown the Bluethroat to. They were delicous and it was amazing to finally eat some food of high quality! After we were done with our tasks we went home and János made hot chocolate with whipped cream for us, which he had promised previously, this was delicious. Afterwards Simon paid us a visit and told us very alarming news. He said that a ringer had been tested positive with bird flu, which would mean that we might have to wear masks to ring now or even stop completely stop the ringing all together. Luckily this was an April fools prank which we all fell for terribly! Well done Simon, you got us well.

Hot chocolate and buns

Then me and Dylan went out by bicycles to try and see the great grey shrike (stortornskade), we didn’t end up seeing it, but instead we saw a white-tailed eagle (Havørn), which was fun aswell. Later Dylan and János went out to explore and to try see the great greyshrike aswell, unfortunately they didn’t succeed. Then me and Julian went on an evening walk to north beach, where we saw the carcass of a great black-backed gull (Svartbag), among other things. Thereafter we went home and had a lovely dinner made by Alix and for dessert we had a delicious cake by Alvin. 

Totals from today’s ringing (Kabeltromlen):
Gransanger - 11
Gædesmutte - 2
Jernspurv - 3
Rødhals - 4
Sydlig Blåhals - 1
Rørspurv - 1
Total = 22

It was a beautiful sunrise with only some clouds and a decent wind blowing from the southeast, as Alvin, Dylan and I biked to Grenen for the migration count today, while Alix, János and Julia, the Danish volunteer who arrived yesterday evening and will stay with us for four days, were already ringing at Kabeltromlen. Both the migration and the ringing started off pretty slowly with not so many birds in total. Nice sightings although were two White-tailed Eagles (Havørn), the Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge) again and a 2cy Gannet (Sule), which means an individual that hatched last year and is very uncommon to see here this time around, because they normally remain on their wintering grounds during summer. Apart from that, there weren’t any other highlights in the birds, but nevertheless there was more going on out at sea… At half past nine, it was me to spot the first whale. I only saw it once, blowing and then diving away, but judging from its size and the shape of its dorsal fin, it should’ve been a Minke Whale (Minkhval). However, the whale-watching didn’t stop there: About half an hour later, a group of six Orcas (Spækhugger) appeared. Over the course of the next two hours, we were able to observe them very well, getting some great views on them at times.

Whale in sight!

For Alvin and me it was the first time ever to observe this very impressive species, and therefore also a little bit exciting. After performing a silly but cheerful activity we call “sand dune jumping“ (sdj) which warmed us up after the four hours of sitting in the wind, we biked back to the station.

Sand Dune Jumping!

In the afternoon, Dylan and Alvin wanted to build a moth trap to set up in the next days and maybe catch some interesting moth species, but there were some complications to it, so they couldn’t complete the contraption. It’s a project for the following days then. Later on, János and Dylan had the opportunity to guide a bird-watching tour, going to Grenen and Nordstrand, keeping an eye out both inland and on the sea. They’ve had a very kind and interested audience, and all together they were able to observe some nice birds, for example a singing male Stonechat (Sortstrubet Bynkefugl), Sanderlings (Sandløber) and Teals (Kirkand); they also heard a Bittern (Rørdrum). In the meantime, Alix and Alvin went shopping for groceries, while Julia and I both went on a small and very sunny evening walk. On the way to Grenen, a little Grey Seal (Gråsæl) was laying on the beach.

Grey Seal (Gråsæl)

Grenen and evening sun.

The day was rounded off with a delicious spinach ceviche made by Alvin.

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Dylan Daunt, Julia Skytte, Julian Helbig, Simon S. Christiansen, Knud Pedersen, Katrin, Tove, Eik and Inger

Today’s ringing session started with a beautiful view of the setting moon over the dunes. The weather was quiet and clear. The whole morning was filled with an overall lower number of ringed birds than the previous days, but that was due to the fact we had a much lower amount of Blue Tits (Blåmejse) that day. 

Female Bullfinch (Dompap)

 Lesser Redpoll (Lille Gråsisken) (subspecies cabaret) on top, and the fenno-scandinavian subspecies flammea (Nordlig Gråsisken) on the bottom.

GPS-tagged White-tailed Eagle (Havørn)

The morning began with a beautiful sunrise, starting the morning's migration count. There was considerable movement of Guillemots (Lomvie) especially in the first hour, with around 4500 birds in total. A Little Gull (Dværgmåge ) was also seen feeding, adding to the highlights. Later in the morning, two Shags (Topskarv) were spotted far out at sea.

Meanwhile, the ringing team started their morning with a Treecreeper (Træløber) and a nice Redwing (vindrossel). 

Ringed Treecreeper (Træløber)

Although the number of Blue Tits (Blåmejse) was lower than on previous days, it was still a solid 41 birds. Because the birds were spread out over the course of the morning, it gave everyone a better chance to look at them closer and appreciate each one. 

Adult male Blue Tits (Blåmejse)

Towards the end of the standard time, the ringing team also spotted a golden eagle, which they believed to be a different individual from the one seen yesterday.

After returning home, everyone enjoyed a nice lunch along with some delicious pancakes prepared by János. The rest of the day was spent on various office and data tasks, planning for the upcoming week and the arrival of new volunteers, as well as getting some well-needed rest.

Ringing (Kabeltromlen)
Wren (Gærdesmutte) - 1
Great Tit (Musvit) - 3
Blue Tit (Blåmejse) - 41
Redwing (vindrossel) - 1
Chiffchaff (Gransanger) - 5
Treecreeper (Træløber) - 1
Robin (Rødhals) - 3
Dunock (Jernspurv ) - 2

Total: 57

Highlights of today:
Little Gull (Dværgmåge ) - 1
Golden Eagle (Kungörn) - 1
Shag (Topskarv) - 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, Julian Helbig, Dylan Daunt, Simon S. Christiansen, Knud Pedersen, 

This morning János, Alvin and Lars Bo woke up at 05:15 to start today’s ringing session. The conditions were really nice which meant they were able to catch some nice birds. On the first round they had a really nice surprise in the shape of a lovely 3K+ male Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg) that János found in the first net. The first one of hopefully a few birds that we will catch throughout the spring. Though I think this one will be hard to beat looks wise! Later in the morning they caught lots of Blue Tits (Blåmejse) again. The number of Blue Tits (Blåmejse) caught has been much higher than usual because lots of these birds passed through Skagen in the autumn and are migrating back North to their breeding grounds. Other sightings by János and Alvin were 1 2K Goshawk (Duehøg), 10 Red Kites (Rød Glente), 84 Buzzards (Musvåge) and 3 Bearded Tits (Skægmejse).

3K+ male Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg)

Julian and I got up a bit later to do the morning migration count. It was a fairly quiet day, but we counted a very high number of Common Scoter (Sortand), a type of sea duck that passes the tip in large numbers throughout the sping. We also had some really nice views of two male Hen Harriers (Blå Kærhøg) and two Brent Geese (Knortegås). Unfortunately, some fog arrived at the tip which meant less birds were migrating, but it did mean that the view was very atmospheric. The mix of the fog, sea and sun was amazing. Sadly, Alix did not join us as she was not feeling well. So she had some extra rest to make herself stronger for the coming days.

Fog and sun!

The Grey Lightouse from Grenen at sunrise

After lunch we completed the days data entry and heard news that the Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) had returned from yesterday. Given that none of us had seen the bird yesterday we were very pleased to have nice views of the bird. We were able to get some nice views of it with an immature White-tailed Eagle (Havørn). Later on, János and I saw the Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge) flying towards the harbour with other large gulls. I think it will be sticking around for a while longer so we should be able to get some more nice views of it.

2K Golden Eagle (Kongeørn)

The weather for tomorrow looks nice so we all hope that the ringing and migration will be good. We are still waiting for our first big finch migration. Maybe tomorrow will be the day…

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

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: Dylan Daunt, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Alvin Johansson, Julian Helbig, Johan Thor, Lars Bo

Today Julian and I biked to the migration count, which worked fine when we had the wind in our backs in the morning, but the way back was rather exhausting. It was a morning of clear sky and warming sun, which are the perfect conditions for Shags (Topskarv) and we also saw two of them in the third hour. They were flying together with a Cormorant (Skarv) which made for a nice comparison.

Sunrise at Grenen.

We also had good numbers of Guillemots (Lomvie) and two White-tailed Eagels (Havørn). One of them was tagged, so we can hopefully find out more about it.

Tagged White-tailed Eagle (Havørn).

The ringing team had a busy morning ringing 55 birds. They also recaught the partially leucistic Bluetit (Blåmejse) we ringed a few days ago. As Simon is still in the Netherlands, we were joined by Oluf Lou in the ringing, so thanks again for the help!

Alvin at the nets.

After a short lunch break, we headed out for a long walk to try and find the Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge) again. We walked to Grenen and over the beach to Nordstrand. On the way back we split up, and I and Julian counted the Cormorant colonie while the others went back the most direct way. They also saw a Rough-legged Buzzard (Fjeldvåge) which was a lifer for Dylan.

We arrived at the same time at the lighthouse and were pleasantly surprised by the opening ceremony of the new exhibition in the lighthouse building. We enjoyed free champagne and cake and had a look at the exhibition.

Drinking champagne in the proper way.

Total: 55

Link to today's observations in the DOF base from observers in the area

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Julian Helbig, Dylan Daunt, Lars Bo, Knud Pedersen