Today was the coldest weather we have had for a little while now. The wind gusted from the NE and temperatures remained above zero, however felt a lot lower with the wind chill. Full cloud cover remained all day and it was another day where we did not see the sun. Migration count was undertaken but no ringing was completed today.

Figure 1: Record photo of the Taiga Bean Geese [Tajgasædgås]. The bill colour was seen in the scope well.

The day started with Gustav and I going to the migration count at Nordstand. Between the frequent snow, hail, snail (mix of snow and hail at the same time), rain and drier periods there was some nice migration. In the first two hours the count started quite busy for birds moving East. There was a nice passage of Razorbills [Alk], Gannet [Sule] and Kittiwake [Ride] as well as nice numbers of ducks. Ducks are a feature of strong NE to E winds here and they are always super cool to see flying past just metres off the waves. Ducks included the usual Common Scoters [Sortand], flocks of Eider [Ederfugl], Goldeneye [Hvinand], Mallards [Gråand], a few Long-tailed ducks [Havlit], a few Velvet Scoter [Fløjlsand], low numbers of Red-breasted merganser [Toppet Skallesluger] and the odd Wigeon [Pibeand] too. Once the showers decreased, the wind increased, and the temperature fell again. In the last two hours migration was slower but included flocks of birds arriving in off the sea, probably from Norway or Sweden where they either left at dawn or late last night. This included flocks of Greylag Geese [Grågås], Whooper Swans [Sangsvane], a flock of Redpoll [Stor/Lille Gråsisken] and the highlight of the count, three Taiga Bean Geese [Tajgasædgås] who almost flew right overhead. Record photo attached above (Figure 1). The Taiga Bean Geese were super exciting as they were the first ones Gustav had ever seen, and only my second ever flock!

Figure 2: Cake!

After cycling back with the wind in our face, Gustav and I could not feel our feet or our hands. We were freezing cold, and it took quite a while for us to be able to feel ‘normal’ again. However, with the warmth of the observatory, as well as the consumption of some cake (see Figure 2), and lunch, we soon felt alright again.            

Whilst we were out, Mathilde and Simon chose the more sensible option this morning and had a nice lie in. I mean we all deserve one of those every so often, so it was nice to see them feeling a bit more awake than recent. After lunch, while Gustav and I were planning sessions and data inputting, Mathilde and Simon started to reduce the number of ringing ‘sheets to be checked’ by checking the already inputted data for any mistyped numbers. It is always great to get started so thanking you both! I am grateful for you guys doing it after the number of hours we spend inputting the data to begin, and to have an almost empty folder by the end of the day is always a good sign. Other afternoon/evening tasks involved placing apples in the old garden ready for some potential thrush ringing as well as picking up a dead Hare to go in the freezer. Simon made us a lovely meal and we ended with a small table tennis tournament before bed, for most of us, at the early time of 20:30!

Ringing totals

No ringing was undertaken today due to the weather.

Overall total: 0

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Thomas Weston, Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé and Simon S.C.

It was still dark,

we were on our way,

with Knud to Nordstrand,

for a four-hour-stay.

Even at the most sheltered spot,

It was pretty cold,

If Gustav would have offered Mulled Wine,

It would've been directly sold.

Geese (Gås) and Whooper Swans (Sangsvane) were passing by,

some flew low and some flew high.

Soon the clickers were on fire - 

and the numbers just got higher.

Many Goosander, in danish Stor Skalleslugger - 

We stayed there sitting in the cold - I tell you - we are not out of sugar.

The total numbers were very nice

and we also had many Goldeneyes (Hvinand).

In the meanwhile at KAB,

Thomas and Mathilde were out to see

How many birds there are to catch -

To ring them in our local patch.

A Bluetit (Blåmejse) and some more came,

"They are biting us" - it is a shame.

The coldness made them feel sleepier -

Three lovely nordish Treecreeper (Træløber)!

After a nice lunch break - 

Thomas was sleeping, the rest of us was awake.

Gustav thought about catching a snake.

Then we went shopping before it's getting too late.

It is Gustav's turn for cooking tonight,

The pizza is shining in the oven so bright.

Now I end this blog, we are very hungry now.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the show!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 16

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Thomas Weston, Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Knud Pedersen.

Denne morgen tog jeg ud og observerede. Her kom de forventede arter såsom; Alk, Lomvie, Sortand m.m. Derudover fortsatte gåsetrækket, hvor der kom både Grågæs og Canadagæs. Senere kom der syngende Sangsvaner. Alt i alt en stille og rolig morgen ude på Grenen. Jeg observerede de første to timer sammen med Simon Jr., der ellers forlod mig for at se om han kunne finde nogle Bjergpibere. Han fandt ingen rastende fugle, men hørte og så to flyvende over kabeltromlen. 

Han tilsluttede sig ringmærkningsholdet, der bestod af Thomas og Mathilde, de havde en morgen med 16 genfangster og 26 nye fugle ringmærket. Heriblandt fik de Rødtoppet Fuglekonge og Blåmejser. 

I det, jeg kom lidt tidligere tilbage på stationen end de andre, gik jeg i gang med den tiltrængte og ugentlige rengøring. Det er ofte en god ide at placere Simon Jr. til at lave mad dagen inden rengøringen, ellers vil det hurtigt være nødvendigt igen ;)

Ellers gik jeg en tur rundt i terrænet og så en flok Gråsiskener som de eneste fugle på min rute. Et sjovt tilfælde var at netop denne flok valgte at flyve ind i vores net ved Det Grå Fyr, hvilket gjorde at vi fik ringmærket en masse Gråsiskener i dag. 

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Opdateres senere.

Ringing (Fyrhaven):

Opdateres senere.

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Thomas Weston, Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé

The morning looked good for ringing this morning, so Thomas and me headed out to open the nets. Simon Jr joined us later due to phone battery problems which meant no alarm. The morning was very slow with only a few birds at each round. The highlight of the morning was very pretty female Greater spotted woodpecker (Stor Flagspætte).

A nice picture comparing the Stor vs Lille subspecies of Bullfinch (Dompap).

A similar slow day happened for Gustav during migration count. A few Red throated divers (Rødstrubet Lom), the usual Gannets (Sule), Eiders (Ederfugl), Common scoter (Sortand), Black-legged kittiwake (Ride) and many Auks. Gustav’s highlight is a flock of Whooper swans (Sangsvane) flying. A really quiet day.

Simon Sr was busy all morning with a board meeting for the observatory and headed out for the weekend. We were given a few food surprises which are always welcome, thank you! A nice surprise actually happened while eating, we saw a Little auk (Søkonge) from the kitchen window. As it was still early in the day, we decided to head to the industrial area in the hopes to see something more exciting. Sadly, no special sighting although I got to pet a very cute horse! On the way back, we spotted a nice flock of Tree sparrow (Skovspurv) and a solitary remaining Waxwing (Silkehale) and an orange cat let me pet him!

The rest of the day was plain, no exciting happening. Simon Jr and Thomas just came back from night catching, 10 Woodcocks (Skovsneppe) but sadly none caught. Better luck tomorrow.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Goldcrest – Fuglekonge 2

Robin – Rødhals 1

Chaffinch – Bogfinke 1

Bullfinch – Dompap Lille (ssp. europaea) 3

Bullfinch – Dompap Stor (ssp. pyrrhula) 1

Blue tit – Blåmejse 3

Blackbird – Solsort 2

Great spotted woodpecker – Stor Flagspætte 1

Total : 14

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

En råkold morgen med frisk vind der tog til i løbet af formiddagen fra NE og 5 graders varme. Efter en farverig solopgang var det overskyet og gråt indtil sidst på formiddagen, hvor skydækket gradvist dækkede himlen. God sigt og ingen nedbør.

Så blev det dagen for mit indlæg på denne blog fra Skagen Fuglestation. En begivenhedsrig uge, der begyndte med iagttagelse og senere fangst og ringmærkning af Mongolsk Piber. Se artikel her:

https://netfugl.dk/artikler/3023/mongolsk-piber-anthus-godlewskii-ringmaerket-i-skagen

Fra lige før solopgang blev der obset fra Verdensende 3. Her satte vi et spejlnet op på stranden i håbet om at fange rastende pibere. På trækket dominerede alke og lomvier, og vi så rider og en enkelt dværgmåge (reference til DOFbase). Simon Jr. og jeg gik en tur i retning af Nordstrand langs strandsøerne. Måske kunne vi finde bjergpibere? Det blev blot til en engpiber og en skærpiber. Retur mod Verdensende 3 opdagede vi en storkjove, der rastede på stranden. Flere gange fik storkjoven alle de rastende måger på vingerne med sine dovne, men robuste og dominante karakter. Simon Jr. var meget motiveret af tanken om at sætte en ring på kjoven – det viste sig dog helt udelukket at fange fuglen med hænderne.

Det er tydeligt at sæsonen går mod afslutningen – her var alt i alt ganske fuglefattigt. Og mennesketomt. Eneste ringmærkede fugl var en rødhals, der blev fanget i Fyrhaven. Vel nok periodens mest stille dag?

Det har været en fornøjelse at bo i Det Grå Fyr og følge stationens mange forskellige opgaver og ikke mindst at møde de passionerede ornitologer, der bebor stationen i denne tid. Stor tak til alle for hjælpen med fuglene, godt selskab og mange gode samtaler????

Jacob Jensen

Ringing [Fyrhaverne]

Rødhals - 1

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Thomas Weston, Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Knud Pedersen, Jacob, Simon S. Christiansen.

Today started with a light breeze from the South and full cloud cover throughout the day. The conditions already this month have been a lot more settled than October and with the shortening of the number of daylight hours, the migration has noticeably slowed. However, with these settled conditions we decided to do both migration count and ringing this morning, followed my more ringing this afternoon.

Figure 1: The morning’s ringing team by Mathilde.

Mathilde and I went ringing this morning at Kabeltromlekrattet and were joined by fellow ringer Ib. Due to the conditions, we had just over three quarters of the nets open which was ample for the three of us. Throughout the morning we were joined by Simon S.C and Jacob who were assessing Gustav on his last student tour. Gustav’s tour included showing the students some bird ringing as well as going into small discussions relating to certain topics related to the university degree course. According to the group, and the feedback by the assessors, Gustav did a great job! The morning ringing was slow but steady with Blue tits [Blåmejse], Great Tits [Musvit], Chaffinches [Bogfinke], Redwing [Vindrossel] and a few Fieldfare [Sjagger] caught up to midday. Birds overhead included small flocks of Fieldfares [Sjagger] migrating NW and a couple of flocks of Redpoll (Nordlig/Lille Gråsisken) still present in the area. Meanwhile, Simon Jr went to migration count and had lower numbers of all species than recent. However, standout species included two out of the six Black-throated Divers [Sortstrubet Lom] resting very close offshore and a Great Skua [Storkjove]. Simon left just after 3hrs of recording and came back to input his sightings at the obs.

Figure 2: Black Redstart [Husrødstjert] by Simon.

On our arrival back to the observatory, Simon S.C went to check the MOTUS tower with Jacob to make sure it will surive the upcoming winter weather. In the meantime, us volunteers decided to make a cooked lunch and with such calm conditions set up the garden nets. Simon S.C had seen a Black Redstart [Husrødstjert] in the garden so we attempted to catch the bird using a tape lure for half an hour. After a Robin [Rødhals], Wren [Gærdesmutte] and a retrap Great Tit [Musvit], we had success! The Black Redstart [Husrødstjert] flew over our heads and straight into the net, I've never known them so responsive. The bird was identified as an unsexed 1^st year (EURING Age: 3/Danish Age 1K). The bird was carrying quite a bit of fat and was later seen feeding all across the buildings, the nearby beach and shoreline rocks meaning this was probably a quick pit-stop for this young migrant.

Figure 3: Setting up the new net by Thomas.

After the very quick success, we set up a third net for Rock Pipits [Skærpiber] and Twite [Bjergirisk] thinking we may have success after having seen both in the garden recently. A couple of hours passed, and no birds were near the net. At some point we then started to get some ‘near misses’ with both species flying low over the top of the net. Simon Jr, Mathilde, and I decided to check out the beach for any close birds, but this only resulted in Simon getting some very wet legs as he was waist deep in Kattegat at one point! Those Razorbills [Alk] can swim and dive very well. Gustav decided to go for a birding walk and didn't see too many species.

Figure 4: Twite flock [Bjergirisk] by Simon.

Back to the obs for Simon to dry off and with data entry almost completed we saw a small flock of three Twite [Bjergirisk] flying around the garden as well as two Rock Pipits [Skærpiber]. One of the pipits were very close to the net and it looked promising. We decided to twinkle the birds into the net (a technique whereby birds are flushed by a gradual walk towards the flock in hope they fly into the net) and we successfully caught the flock of three Twite [Bjergirisk] (Figure 4). Success again! Gustav arrived back just in time to see the ringing and it was interesting to see that we caught an adult male, adult female and a juvenile female. A family flock or just a coincidence? Now I’ve not had the chance to investigate this too deeply but if you’re reading this part of the blog and know of any literature out there that would back this theory up, we would love to know. Answers via email please!

Following our successes, the data entry from this afternoon’s session was inputted and Simon Jr was determined to catch owls again after many unsuccessful nights the last month. He unfortunately only saw a Bat spp and has since packed up. Jacob made us a lovely meal for us all which was very much appreicated.

At the time of writing, Matilde and Gustav are out night catching so we shall see what they bring back, maybe a few more thrushes or Woodcock.

Thanks for reading and have an nice evening :)

Ringing totals

Ringing [Kabeltromlekrattet]

Total: 25

Ringing [Fyrhaverne]

Total: 6

Overall total: 31

Today’s observations on DOFbasen from observers in the area.

People: Thomas Weston, Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Knud Pedersen, Jacob, Poul, Ib Albin Olsen, Simon S. Christiansen.

One more day without wind means one more day with nice late autumn/early winter weather. At the End of the World four tough counters sat, equipped with their clickers to count the passing birds. Fitting to the fresh weather a total of 8 Little Auks (Søkonge) passed by and made the observers happy. This cute and tiny Auk species has had strong days here, but we did not expect to see so many now, since the cold nothern wind is already gone. Many Greylag Goose (Grågås) used the leck of wind to migrate too. The last hour of the count was slower. This is kind of expected, because the most birds have already finished their migration here. In anyway, there are still many birds around and now some nice winterly species like a Rough-legged buzzard (Fjeldvåge) at the lighthouse arrived.

In the meanwhile the ringing team was at Kabeltromlen. We were still tired, because we went nightcatching last night. Unfortunately this time the Woodcocks (Skovsneppe) were jumpy, but we managed to handcatch a Fieldfare (Sjagger) and a Blackbird (Solsort). Both were sleeping on the ground in the wet scrubs near Ellekrattet. This morning at KAB there were not super many birds, but two Fieldfares (Sjagger), a new Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge) and a recapture Firecrest were nice. Since it was not busy, we had enough time to finally fix all the big holes in the nets from this season. Luckily the nets were in good conditions. It took some time, but now all nets are fixed. The morning was very productive and I’ve got wet feet the fifth day in a row. This time because I’ve probably got a hole in my waders when we caught the Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolspiber). But it was definitly worth it!In the afternoon (which is now very short, because the sun sets early) we went to our raptor trap in order to get higher chances to catch one in there. Then we entered the data. October is always a super good month for birding, so I was much outside and had less time to do indoor and „office“ tasks. Now I’ve finally got the time to finish the last rarity report or write the article for the year report.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 22

Ringing (Ellekrattet):

Fieldfare (Sjagger) - 1

Blackbird (Solsort) - 1

Total: 2

Overall total: 24

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Jacob, Poul, Ib, Simon S. Christiansen.

I går aftes ringmærkede vi Skovsneppe og så Nordlys!

Tidligt i går aftes begav vi os ud på markerne nær Det Grå Fyr, hvor Simon og jeg stødte på flere Skovsnepper. Men Skovsnepperne var ikke særlige samarbejdsvillige og fløj hurtigt af sted, da vi nærmede os dem. En valgte dog at blive siddende, og denne fugle var nok så fed at denne ikke gad lette. Efter ringmærkningen af Skovsneppen fik Simon øje på, at Nordlyset var i bevægelse. Vi kunne få øje på Nordlysets søjler og ane den grønne og lilla farve med det blotte øje.

I dag tog Simon og jeg ud til Grenen for at observere. Vi sad sammen med Knud, Jørgen, Jakob og Poul. Her fik vi set tre Islommer, en Søkonge og så kom der en sen Sodfarvet Skråpe flyvende ned langs kysten. Den var super tæt på, og det var nok den bedste observation man kunne have håbet på af denne art. Den Sodfarvet Skråpe er på vej sydpå, da den yngler i Australien, og dernede foråret er allerede godt i gang. Andre observatører så en enkelt Eremitibis langt langt ude over Skagerak. De Eremitibisser der ses i Danmark lige nu kommer fra nogle forskellige projekter i Europa, hvor man er i gang med at genintroducere denne art i et forsøg på at genetablere levedygtige bestande.

Imens vi havde en fin morgenobservation, var Thomas og Mathilde i gang med ringmærkningen. De fik ringmærket 45 nye fugle, og ud af dem var der rigtig mange Rødhalse, Gærdesmutter og Blåmejser. De havde også Dompap han og Halemejser. Derudover aflæste de 27 fugle, som allerede havde en ring på. Ved genfangster af fugle kan vi altså finde ud af, hvordan fuglen har udviklet sig siden sidst vi havde den i ringmærkningen. Måske har den fået mere fedt, en ny fjer eller noget helt tredje. 

På billedet herunder kan der ses forskel på Nordlig Gråsisken (venstre) og Lille Gråsisken (højre). Nordlig Gråsisken er mere lys og grå, hvor Lille Gråsisken er mindre og mere brun.

Senere på dagen tog vi en lille tur ud i området både for at nyde det gode vejr, mens det er her, men også for at se om der var lidt småfugle i området. Vi fandt ikke mange småfugle udover Fuglekonger, men derudover stødte vi på en Fjeldvåge, der havde en Gråkrage lige i hælene. 

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 45

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers.

People: Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Jørgen, Jacob, Poul, Simon S. Christiansen.

I woke up for my first day back in Skagen and weather was good – no sun but low winds and no rain- so ringing was on! Me, Simon Jr and Thomas headed towards Kabeltromle to set up while Gustav headed to Nordstrand for migration count.

KAB ringing was not so busy today but a step up from yesterday with a high variety of species landing in our nets. Only 38 birds but 13 species not including some exciting recaptures which was a nice treat for my first day back. For recaptures, we greeted the two Firecrests (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge) and a Siberian chiffchaff (Gransanger, Sibirisk) again. First timers in the nets included Redwings (Vindrossel), Blue tits (Blåmejse) and Blackbirds (Solsort) and other smaller passerines. Although many fieldfare were present, flying around and over Grenen, only one recaptured bird ended up in the nets. Some nice surprises were the three Bearded tits (Skægmejse) and five Bullfinches (Dompap).

After yesterday’s near successful capture of the Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolsk Piber), the Simons decided to give it a second go and left me and Thomas after seeing that KAB ringing was relatively quiet. Heading towards the dunes and the bird’s known hanging out spot. It took a few hours of looking and flushing out the bird but they were determined to catch him. And successful they were! We receive a message around 11am, they were headed back to Kabeltromle with the prized bird! This is the first time a Blyth’s pipit has been rung in Denmark and neighbouring countries. We now know this birds take an X ring! It was very cool to get so close and see so much of the feather detail on this rarity.

Photos by Simon Kiesé

On the side of migration counts, some of highlight consists of the now daily sighted of the White-billed diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom) as well as many of the other species, an unexpected sighting of a Black swan (Sortsvane) slightly far from its original range, flocks of Greylag geese and Whooper swans and a nice Peregrine falcon (Vandrefalk) fly by. Ducks have finally moved on from Denmark and the usual auks were present. Gustav was saved by the long last hour by the catching of the Blyth’s pipit., usual auks, saved from last hour by blyth’s pipit

Now time for night catching near the station. Fingers crossed for some interesting catches! (Update: three woodcocks were spotted but not caught :()

Ringing (Grenen):

Blyth’s pipit – Mongolsk Piber 1

Total: 1

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Wren – Gærdesmutte 4

Dunnock – Jernspurv 1

Robin – Rødhals 2

Blackbird – Solsort 4

Redwing – Vindrossel 7

Chiffchaff – Gransanger 1

Goldcrest – Fuglekonge 3

Bearded tit – Skægmejse 2

Blue tit – Blåmejse 4

Great tit – Musvit 3

Treecreeper – Træløber Nordlig (ssp. familiaris) 1

Chaffinch – Bogfinke 1

Bullfinch – Dompap 2

Bullfinch – Dompap Lille (ssp. europaea) 3

Total : 38

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Wren – Gærdesmutte 4

Robin – Rødhals 3

Redwing – Vindrossel 1

Crested tit – Topmejse 1

Blue tit – Blåmejse 6

Great tit – Musvit 5

Mealy redpoll – Nordlig Gråsisken 23

Lesser redpoll – Lille Gråsisken 4

Total : 47

A link to today's observations from volunteers and local observers 

People: Mathilde Ducroz, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Jacob, Simon S. Christiansen.