This morning’s weather was promising, with a medium cloud coverage and low wind, so our hopes were up for a beautiful migration morning out at Grenen. Unfortunately, despite the supposedly great conditions, the whole morning was really slow migration wise, both for passerines, sea birds as well as raptors. 

As we mentioned in a couple of previous blog entries, we have been keeping an eye on a flock of Snow Buntings (Snespurv) and have been bringing them some seeds out at Grenen, and today they showed up in big numbers! We counted a flock of 31 birds, with a little group of 7 birds migrating towards the South West direction. 

Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be relatively bad, so we decided to postpone our first catching test for the little Snow buntings (Snespurv), and will try in the coming days when the weather permits a safe catching session. 

Litte flock of Snow Buntings (Snespurv) eating seeds

After a little lunch and relaxation, some of us went food shopping and some others on a nice walk around the lighthouse since the sun decided to show. Julian made pancakes which everybody really enjoyed!

View of Grenen on afternoon walk 

Highlights of today: 

2 black throated divers (Sortstrubet Lom)

1 black guillemot (Tejst)

31 snow buntings (Snespurv)

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

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

The morning migration count was good, with calm winds and several exciting species, such as Puffin (Lunde), Fulmar (Mallemuk) and Red Knot (Islandsk Ryle), among others. We also put out some more food for the Snowbuntings (Snespurv) at Grenen to encourage them to gather in one area. We are still hoping to catch them some day, and things are looking promising with two Snowbuntings (Snespurv) actually feeding on the seeds today.

In the afternoon we carried out a beach walk from Gammel Skagen to Det Grå Fyr with the aim of finding and collecting dead birds for the SUPRE project. Last time we completed this route, it took us three hours and thirty minutes, but today’s walk took us five hours and thirty minutes. Because of yesterday’s strong winds and rain, many dead birds have washed up on shore, which slowed our progress. By the time we got back to the lighthouse, the sun had already set and it was dark outside.

János, Alix and Julian walking

During the walk we encountered many Woodcocks (Skovsneppe), blackbirds (Solsort), gulls (Måger) and several auks (alkefugl). Although it was quite sad to see many dead birds, we took the opportunity to study the feathers of birds that you normally don't see up close, such as gulls and auks. In that sense, it turned into a valuable learning experience for us all.

Julian, János and Alvin identifying a wing

Highlights from the observations:

Puffin (Lunde) - 1

Great Egret (Sølvhejre) - 2

Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker) - 1

Fulmar (Mallemuk) - 1 

Red Knot (Islandsk Ryle) - 1 

Caspian Gull (kaspisk Måge) - 9

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

Summary of todays raptor migration on DOFbasen

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

The morning was windy and rainy, but nevertheless Alvin and I biked to Nordstrand to do the migration count. It was raining throughout, and at the end of the four-hour count we were completely soaked. But today proved again that it is always worth going out and that constant effort and time spent observing pays off with some good observations at some point. In this case we were rewarded with many large flocks of Red-throated Divers (Rødstrubet Lom) and an early Sandwich Tern (Splitterne).

János braving the rain

After the end of the count, we biked back to the lighthouse, put our clothes to dry, and had some nice hot chocolate and the leftover cake from yesterday. Later Simon came over, and we entered some ringing sheets and the observations of the morning. Alix also started fixing the ringing tent, and Julian drew a very beautiful Eider (Ederfugl) painting.

In the afternoon the weather had gotten much better, and so I and Julian went out to Grenen, and Alix and Alvin went for a walk. At Grenen I went to the tip to photograph the Gannets (Sule) flying low through the waves.

Gannets (Sule) at Grenen

A short seawatch produced a Little Gull (Dværgmåge) before we went back to the lighthouse, walking into a colorful sunset.

Lighthouse in the evening sun

Highlights from the observations: 

Little Gull (Dværgmåge) - 1

Sandwich Tern (Splitterne) - 1

Kaspisk Måge - 1

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 Johansson, Julian Helbig, Simon S. Christiansen

It’s János’ birthday today, and, appropriate for this occasion, we had pretty nice weather in the morning already, with a much clearer view compared to the past days, the sun and clouds taking turns and cold winds blowing from the north.

Grenen this morning.

At Grenen during the migration count, we were able to observe quite a decent amount of birds with especially high numbers of Whooper Swans (Sangsvane) and Common Buzzards (Musvåge).

In general, we could follow our daily routine without any unexpected interruptions, only once we were surprised by a Woodcock (Skovsneppe) landing right next to us in the dunes, and, after a brief moment, flying back to where it came from. Maybe it just wanted to congratulate János for his birthday, who knows…

After four hours of counting and sitting rather exposed to the winds, we were content with our work and at the same time happy to go back to the station and warm up again over some hot chocolate.

The afternoon was predominated by indoor activities such as baking several birthday cakes, drawing, testing a ringing tent and entering data.

After dinner, Simon and Lisa picked up Alvin, Alix and me for night catching, which ended up successfully: Alvin managed to catch a Woodcock (Skovsneppe), that János then ringed at the station. To celebrate, we all went up to the kitchen to enjoy the delicious and pretty cake Alix prepared, with 20 little paper birds on top. What a way to end this day!

Woodcock (Skovsneppe)

János with his birthday cake

Ringing (Nordstjernevej)

Dompap - 3

Jernspurv - 2

Blåmejse - 33

Bogfinke - 5

Grønirisk - 4

Musvit - 3

Total: 50

Highlights from the observations: 

Whooper Swans (Sangsvane) - 817

Common Buzzards (Musvåge) - 247

Grey Plover (Strandhjejle) - 1

Black Guillemot (Tejst) - 1

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sildemåge) - 1

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 Johansson, Julian Helbig, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Michael Ancher

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

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

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

Summary of today's raptor migration in DOFbasen

 People: Alvin Johansson, János Schadl, Alix Bortolussi, Julian Helbig, 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