Sean, Søren and I headed out to Skarvsøen for our seventh CES of the season. This was Sean’s first time ringing and Søren’s first time ringing as a volunteer and doing net rounds! We had a surprisingly good catch with 36 birds, dominated by Rørsanger (Reed Warblers), as well as 2 Kærsanger (Marsh Warblers) and 1 Topmejse (Crested Tit). We were also joined by our guests Lars and Janne, and we treated to excellent views of Trane (Crane), Hvepsevåge (Honey Buzzards) and Hvidklire (Greenshank).

Dante headed to Saftevandsbakken for raptor watching and his highlights included the returning Steppeørn (Steppe Eagle), 11 Rød Glente (Red Kite) and 7 Hvepsevåge (Honey Buzzards).

This is my last blog and mine and Dante’s last full day at Skagen Fuglestation. We would like to thank all the volunteers who we have spent the last 4 months with- you’ve made our time here truly special. Thank you to all the local birders for sharing their knowledge and experience with us all. And finally, thank you to Simon for having us here at Skagen Fuglestation- we’ve had an amazing 4 months, seen some fantastic birds and definitely learnt a lot.

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Sean Walsh, Søren Leth-Nissen, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Lars & Janne.

Skarvsøen CES Ringing Totals:

Torsanger (Common Whitethroat)- 5

Rørsanger (Reed Warbler)- 18

Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat)- 4

Topmejse (Crested Tit)- 1

Havesanger (Garden Warbler)- 1

Munk (Blackcap)- 1

Blåmejse (Blue Tit)- 2

Solsort (Blackbird)- 2

Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler)- 2

Total: 36

Dante and Lauren headed out to World’s End and started observing at 05.00. Lars, Séan, and Søren joined the windy and showery morning around 06.45.

While a small band of bloodthirsty mosquitoes insisted on tasting our blood, Arctic Skuas spend their morning chasing gulls, terns and fellow skuas (Kjove) trying to steal their hard earned prey.

My personal highlight included a flock of 19 Black-legged Kittiwakes (Ride) blending in with 56 Sandwich Terns (Splitterner).

On the dark side of World\s end, a Common Whitethroat aggressively defended its territory by singing its lungs out.

A full list of today’s observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Seán Walsh, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Søren Leth-Nissen, Lars & Janne.

The morning opened up with plenty of rain and wind to rival yesterday’s. Søren and I decided that the one minute drive to Grenen and walking from there was the best option rather than biking. We started our morning not long before 07:00, bracing the winds of Grenen point and managed once again to see the Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua) along with three Almindelig Kjove (Arctic Skua) at close range. The wind seemed to bring good waders as we were also blessed with a Hvidklire (Common Greenshank) and some Almindelig Ryle (Dunlin).

We pursued south from there, stopping off at the Nordstrand and later Jerup Strandenge. The weather at Jerup was far better than Grenen Point and the Nordstrand as it was far better sheltered than the other locations, and we were blessed with some more Almindelig Ryle and Svaleklire (Green Sandpiper) here.

Søren and I decided after a hardy, cold morning that we would visit his friends in Tolne to warm up further inland and have some coffee. Along the way, I called out a pair of Trane (Common Crane), and Søren abruptly pulled the car over to check them out. As we were parked on the side of the road, I looked away from the Trane and noticed from afar what I thought to be some herons, but was actually an immature Havørn! The bird showed no shyness at all and flew almost directly over our heads and gave us some great views as it flew north-west. The two sightings gave us some nice things to talk about with Sørens friends.

Lauren & Dante had their final meetings with Simon as they prepare to leave the observatory on Thursday. They went out seawatching in Grenen in the afternoon and also managed to catch sight of the Lille Kjove and even spotted two Almindelig Skråpe!

It also looks like the worst of the weather has passed now, and all of us at the station are looking forward to potentially going ringing later in the week. Sadly, it would also be Lauren & Dante’s last session with us.

We also learned that a Spurvehøg (Sparrowhawk) recaptured at Kabeltromlekrattet on 09-05-2023 was ringed on Fair Isle on 04-09-2022! Very far to have travelled for a Spurvehøg.

A list of todays observations can be viewed here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Seán Walsh, Dante Shepherd, Søren Leth-Nissen, Lauren Evans, Lars & Janne.

The westerly winds had dropped a little this morning but have built up throughout the day and are now buffeting the lighthouse and station windows!

Dante and I headed to World’s End for seawatching again this morning whilst the wind was slightly calmer. Migration was slightly slower than yesterday with 7 Mallemuk (Fulmars) passing in 3 hours as well as 1 Fiskeørn (Osprey) and 150 Stær (Starling) seen over the sea!

Gulspurv (Yellowhammer).

In the afternoon, we all headed out for thirds of the Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua) which is still harassing Splitterne (Sandwich Terns) and resting on the beach. We were, again, treated to excellent views as the bird flew overhead which made battling the strong winds and sand-storm worth it. Spring seems barely over, and already autumn wader migration appears to have begun with Hvidklire (Greenshank) and Almindelig Ryle (Dunlin) seen migrating south-west over Skagen as well as a 1 Krumnæbbet Ryle (Curlew Sandpiper). We were also delighted to see that all 7 of the Landsvale (Swallow) chicks, that we ringed a few weeks ago, have fledged and can now been seen flying with their parents. 

Today we welcomed back Søren, who has stayed in the station’s apartment as a guest for many years but is back this time as a volunteer. We also said goodbye to Anders and Dorthe and welcomed our news guests Lars and Janne.

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Sean Walsh, Dante Shepherd, Søren Leth-Nissen, Lauren Evans, Lars & Janne.

Dante and I were up early for seawatching from World’s End. Although not super busy, we had a good morning with 14 Mallemuk (Fulmar) and 1 Almindelig Skråpe (Manx Shearwater) while the 2k+ Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua) from yesterday afternoon remained on the beach. Our guest, Anders, also managed to see the Lille Kjove this morning. Overland, the highlights were 7 Rød Glente (Red Kites) and 1 Rosefinch (Karmindompap). 

Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua). Photo by Anders Østerby.

Sean used his first morning to get to know Skagen a little better and had a resting Hvepsevåge (Honey Buzzard) and singing Bomlærke (Corn Bunting) in Batteriskoven before the heavy rain hit Skagen mid-afternoon.

We also said goodbye to Zach this morning who has headed back to London and, although sad to be leaving Skagen, is very excited to see his local patch again!

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Sean Walsh, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Anders & Dorthe.

Strong westerly winds buffeted Skagen all day. Dante and I decided to try some seawatching from World’s End in the morning although migration over the sea was rather slow. Zach headed out round Storsig and Stald Grenen and enjoyed 2 adult and 2 juvenile Topmejse (Crested Tits) as well as Sortmejse (Coal Tit). Our guests Anders and Dorthe birded Nordstrand and Skarvsøen. Overall, our highlights of the day included 3 Havørn (White-tailed Eagles), 3 Hvepsevåge (Honey Buzzards), 1 Sortstrubet Lom (Black-throated Diver) and 1 Sortstrubet bynkefugl (Stonechat).

Today was Zach’s last full day at the station before he heads back to London tomorrow. We also welcomed Sean, our newest volunteer from Galway, Ireland, who will be volunteering at the station for the next 6 weeks.

After dinner, just as we thought we were winding down for the day, Dante recieved a text from Erik Christophersen who had found a 3cy Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua) resting on the beach. The four of us battled the wind and raced out to the tip and had outstanding views of the bird chasing Spliterne (Sandwich Tern), tussling with a Almindelig Kjove (Arctic Skua), flying round our heads and resting on the beach. Such amazing views of an amazing bird! 

Lille Kjove (Long-tailed Skua). Photo by Erik Christophersen, see more on his blog here: https://ecskagen.blogspot.com/

Whilst on the beach, we also spotted 3 Stor Præstekrave (Ringed Plover) chicks. I quickly headed back to the station to gather the rings and we managed to catch and ring 2 of the chicks. Quite a last evening for Zach and first evening for Sean! 

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Zach Pannifer, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Sean Walsh, Anders & Dorthe.

Zach and I decided to make the most of the calm winds and headed to Kabeltromlen for a last ringing session for Zach before he heads home later this week. We had a good morning catching 25 new birds including the first juvenile Tornsanger (Common Whitethroats), Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat) and Munk (Blackcaps) of the year. We also caught another unseasonal Vindrossel (Redwing), but the highlight of the morning came just as Zach was ringing the last bird when a Biæder (European Bee-eater) flew low overhead calling. This was undoubtedly my best view of this species and Zach’s first, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching it literally catch bees as it flew with Mursejler (Common Swifts) and Bysvale (House Martins).

Juvenile Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat).

After ringing, Zach joined Dante out birding and for a spot of raptor watching. Their highlights included 23 Hvepsevåge (Honey Buzzards), 4 Havørn (White-tailed Eagles), 2 Sort Glente (Black Kites) and the return of the Steppeørn (Steppe Eagle).

In the evening, Zach and I joined our guests Anders and Dorthe on a guided Natravn (Nightjar) walk round Sandmilen. Unfortunately, we did not hear or see any Nightjars but it was amazing to see how light it still was at 23:00 when we finished!

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Zach Pannifer, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Anders & Dorthe.

Kabeltromlen Ringing Totals:

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat)- 8

Gransanger (Chiffchaff)- 2

Lille Gråsisken (Lesser Redpoll)- 2

Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat)- 4

Rørsanger (Reed Warbler)- 1

Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler)- 1

Topmejse (Crested Tit)- 1

Munk (Blackcap)- 4

Vindrossel (Redwing)- 1

Solsort (Blackbird)- 1

Total: 25

This morning, we said goodbye to Michael who has headed home to The Gambia after 3 months volunteering at the station. It’s been a pleasure working alongside Michael and he’ll be sorely missed by the rest of us. We spent the rest of the morning continuing with our computer-based jobs.

In the afternoon, Zach headed out to Stald Grenen and enjoyed his best views yet of Trane (Crane) as well as 2 Karmindompap (Rosefinch). Lauren and I went to Nordstrand to continue looking for Stor Præstekrave (Ringed Plover) nests on the beach. Lots of the nests are still on eggs however, we did manage to catch a ring one large chick!

Stor Præstekrave (Ringed Plover) chick. All nests are checked and chicks handled under license.

Whilst on the beach, I also saw 1 light-morph Almindelig Kjove (Arctic Skua) and 3 Mallemuk (Fulmar).

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Zach Pannifer, Lauren Evans & Dante Shepherd

Nordstrand Ringing:

Stor Præstekrave (Ringed Plover) pullus- 1

Knowing that there was rain with thunder and lightning was forecast to hit Skagen in the afternoon we all decided to get some birding done in the morning, except for Michael who focused  on packing as he leaves tomorrow morning (we are all going to miss having him here).  Lauren went out for a run and also checked for Ringed Plover Stor Præstekrave chicks along the beach. Dante went raptor watching at Batterivej and I later joined him at around 10am. He had 29 Honey Buzzard (Hvepsevåge) before I got there and by the end of our watch he finished on 66, which is a decent total for late June. They provided a great opportunity to try out ome different settings on my camera after being given some very useful tips from Dante. He also had a Spotted Redshank (Sortklire) and together we had a couple of Greeshank (Hvidklire) and 1 Crested Tit (Topmejse). Just after we had packed up to go back to the observatory before the start of the rain a presumed female Red-footed Falcon flew north past us, but it was just too distant for us to say fo certain using just our binoculars. In the afternoon we all stayed inside the observatory and kept out of the rain, but I was a bit disappointed we did not get the thunder and lightning that had been predicted on the weather radar. Then in the evening thankfully the rain had stoppped, and we all went round to Magnus's house (who works at the lighthouse) s he had kindly offered to cook us some dinner. We all had a very good time and the food was very tasty. We got back to the observatory quite a bit later than what our normal routine has been for so long so I doubt we will be out early tomorrow morning!

Link to today's sightings.

Skagen Bird Observatory: Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Michael Colley, Zach Pannifer

Grey Heron (Fiskehekre) by Zach Pannifer

Lauren and Michael had opened the nets at kabeltromlen for sunrise. The weather was nice this morning because it was cloudy with less Wendy but there was quite a lot of mosquitoes, it was a nice morning session with a lot of birds, which includes the recapture chuffing which was ring in Belgium and we looking forward to seeing the data from it, and it was nice for me to see my first Brambling in hand and being ring with some baby Great Tits. Egon and his family visited us at the ringing site, but they could not stay long because the mosquitoes were too aggressive this morning. We had 42 birds this morning which were of 16 species and the highlights of the ring blow.

Lesser Whitethroat / Gærdesanger 7

Chaffinch / Bogginke 1

Icterine Warbler / Gulbug 1

Chiffchaff / Gransanger 2

Common Whitethroat / Tornsanger 2

Marsh Warble / Kærsanger 3

Great Tit / Musvit  8

Black Bird / Solsort 1

Reed Warbler / Rørsanger 3

Lesser Redpoll / Lille Gråsisken 2

Wren / Gærdesmutte 1

Robin / Rødhals 1

Blackcap / Munk 6

Garden Warbler / Havesanger 1

Reed Bunting / Rørspurv 1

Bramblin / Kvækerfinke 1

The journey of thousands miles has come to end and today makes my last day of ringing in Denmark in which I will be leaving in two days’ time to The Gambia and a special thanks to the people of Skagen , light house, the management of Skagen Birds Observatory and Denmark in General, this has been a life experience for me and I have learned a lot on my three month of stay here, which will help me a lot as an ornithologist and ringer. Please whenever one visits The Gambia never hesitate to pay us a visit at Kartong Bird Observatory.

Skagen Fuglestation: Michael Colley, Zach Pannifer, Dante Shepherd and Lauren Evans.

Dante and zack were on the observation side, there is the list of the observation below.

Common Buzzard / Musvåge 3

Honey Buzzard / Hepsevåge 27

Black Redstart / Sortstjert 1

Red-backed Shrike / Rødrygget Tornskade 1

Wigeon / Pibeand 1