This morning was wet and a bit windy, however, me and Hayley still left the station before sunrise to open the nets at Kabeltromlen for another morning of bird ringing. Although, we were not feeling very optimistic about the number of birds we would catch in the nets as it was a bit too windy, and the birds would likely be sheltering amongst the bushes. Throughout the first two to three rounds we caught three to four birds and two recaptures, which included a juvenile Blackbird (Solsort) that was ringed two days ago by Antonia. It was interesting to re-measure this Solsort to discover that it had lost 0.2 g over two days. As the morning went on the weather deteriorated sharply as the wind became stronger blowing all the important ringing data sheets everywhere – good thing some are laminated though!

The last round was the best out of the others as we caught a beautiful female juvenile Goldcrest (Fuglekonge). I have ringed this species before back home, but it was the first one I have ringed here in Skagen so it was a nice surprise when I pulled it out of the bag. The Goldcrest is a very small bird, and I just can’t get over how such a small bird can withstand extremely bad weather and still manage to survive most of the time. It was interesting to look at the yellow head as this is how an individual can sex the bird: completely yellow = female; yellow with orange hues = male.

We decided to close the nets around 9am as the rain became very heavy and we weren’t catching any more birds. When we returned to the station, we entered the ringing data from the morning.

Whilst we were out ringing this morning, Gustav and Simon were at World’s End Three doing the migration count, however it was fairly slow, and the weather was bad so there wasn’t great visibility. Although, some species counted included one Fulmar (Mallemuk), seventy-seven Common Scoter (Sortand) and four Eurasian teal (Krikand).

As the weather was bad, we did not do the Cormorant (Skarv) count today, but we will do it tomorrow and on Sunday. The guests also left this afternoon as they are going to visit some friends and therefore had to leave two days earlier, but it was nice to meet them. Michael left after the ringing today and we all enjoyed bird ringing with him. Later in the evening, Esben will join us at the station for the next two days to bird ring with us until Simon returns next week.

The rest of the day was quiet and everyone at the station did their own thing, and Simon K. went to the supermarket to buy ingredients for tonight’s dinner.

My time here is going fast and I only have 15 days left!

 Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Blackcap (Munk) - 2

Blackbird (Solsort) - 1

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) - 5

Rødstjert (Redstart) - 1

Rødhals (Robin) - 2

Musvit (Great Tit) - 1

Total = 12

People: Antonia Greil, Hayley Land, Rebecca Cheape, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Michael Fink, Helle and Niels.

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

I dag tog jeg del i ringmærkningen sammen med Simon, Hayley og Antonia. Det var dejligt forfriskende at ringmærke igen efter en længere periode med havobs. Simon og jeg tog tidligt af sted for at sætte nettene op, mens Hayley, Antonia og Michael sluttede sig til Kabeltromlen ved den første runde ud til nettene. 

Første runde bød på lidt over en håndfuld fugle, heriblandt var der Gransangere, Blåmejser og Munk. Mens Simon og jeg gik og indsamlede fuglene, var der noget større og højlydt, der baskede rundt i nettet. Det var en Vandrikse! Simon spurtede af sted, men den var for hurtig for ham og fløj ud af nettet.

Anden runde bød på flere fugle, og det var her vi fik fat i to Store Flagspætter. Det er første gang jeg ser fuglen i ringmærknings regi, og det var en fed oplevelse at ringmærke sådan en smuk fugl. Larme det kan de, og det med at hakke ens fingre er de også ret gode til. I samme runde havde Simon og jeg en dejavu oplevelse, fordi der endnu en gang var en større fugl i nettet. Denne gang en Spurvehøg! Men det skulle heller ikke lykkedes denne gang selvom Simon ihærdigt prøvede at løbe i waders gennem knæhøjt vand. Selvom vi missede to eftertragtet ringmærkningsfugle var vi alle godt tilfredse med de 28 fugle vi fangede i alt samt de 5 genfangster. 

På Grenen, hvor Rebecca var denne morgen, stod det i gentagelsernes navn i form af en stille havfugle-migration. Der er endnu ikke meget gang i det store hav, men der dukkede til Rebeccas glæde Knopsvaner op fra det kolde nord. 

Vores gæster Helle og Niels havde en god dag i byen og fik kigget på en masse malerier.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Stor Flagspætte - 2

Gærdesmutte - 4

Jernspurv - 2

Rødhals - 4

Rødstjert - 1

Tornsanger - 1

Munk - 3

Gransanger - 8

Blåmejse - 2

Rørspurv - 1

Total: 28

People: Antonia Greil, Hayley Land, Rebecca Cheape, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Michael Fink, Helle and Niels.

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

Rebecca and Antonia opened the nets early this morning at Kabeltromlen and Michael, Simon and I joined them in time for the first round. There was a stunning sunrise as we cycled there to meet them. What a nice way to start the day!

It was a very quiet ringing day and quite windy but we still caught some nice birds. Highlights included this young Great Spotted Woodpecker (Stor Flagspætte). It was just beginning to grow red feathers on its neck showing that it is a male bird.

We also ringed a very nice young Blackbird (Solsort), a first in the hand for Antonia and the biggest bird she has ringed so far.

It was very windy morning for Gustav who did the migration count at World’s End 3. The migration was slow, particularly in the last hour. However, he had a good sighting of a Great Skua (Almindelig Kjove) which we also managed to see from Kabeltromlen. There were also some flocks of Canada Geese (Kanadagås) flying over and lots of Fulmar (Mallemuk) were also seen.

In the afternoon, Rebecca went to do the Cormorant (Skarv) count at the harbour and some shopping. Back at the fuglestation, data was inputted, nets untangled, and Antonia climbed to the top of the lighthouse for the first time. It was very windy at the top but there were great views! Later on, our apartment guests, Helle and Neils, cooked us a delicious dinner.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Robin (Rødhals) – 3

Blue Tit (Blåmejse) – 2

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) – 1

Blackcap (Munk) – 1

Blackbird (Solsort) – 1

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Stor Flagspætte) – 1

Total: 9

People: Antonia Greil, Hayley Land, Rebecca Cheape, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Michael Fink, Helle and Niels.

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

After a few foggy days, we were all hoping that the sun would come out again. And today it did. When Hayley and I cycled to Kabeltromlen early in the morning to put out the nets, there were still a few raindrops in the sky. When Michael joined us it quickly got better and when Rebecca and Antonia joined us the sun came out. The birds don't seem to have had much desire to migrate last night, but at least a few Dunnocks (Jernspurv) have now arrived. All in all, it was again a great experience to carry a lot of responsibility and the ringing worked out great. Besides, we were delighted by some birds that flew overhead. Among them were two Grey Wagtails and some Common Crossbills. Then a troop of 30 Brent Goose (Knoregås) came through. Most were Pale-bellied (ssp. Hrota), but I could also spot two dark-bellied (ssp. Bernicla) at a glance. Communication with Gustav, who was now at World's End 3, worked great and so we were able to prepare him early for the incoming goose party.

Gustav also enjoyed the better weather, as there were finally a few more birds to count. For example, there were Teals (Krikand) and Wigeons (Pibeand). But when the sun became too strong, the bird migration decreased and it became boring. But then Gustav spotted two Arctic Skuas, which were just the right medicine against boredom. It quickly informed us and so we could see the birds from Kabeltromlen.

After the morning activities I deserved a shower. Afterwards Hayley and Antonia did the cormorant count at the harbour. There was not much going on and the count was boring. The AIDA ship in the harbour meant that only a few cormorants were resting. At least there were Wheatears (Stenpikker) to see. Meanwhile, Gustav went shopping and prepared dinner for the guests and us. I listened to some music and enjoyed the sun at World's End. The weather was now wonderful and I could see a Merlin (Dværgfalk) and an Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove).

Another ringing day, another early waking up – even though every day we get around 2 minutes more of sleep, as the sun starts rising later. Simon Jr. and I were opening the nets at Kabeltromlen today and were joined by Rebecca and Hayley for the first control walk. And we were immediately generously rewarded – a Common Snipe (Dobbeltbekkasin) was caught in the net! It was my first time seeing one up close, so you can imagine how euphoric that moment felt.

The Common Snipe (Dobbeltbekkasin)

It was a very misty and wet day, and the fog was rather thickening then lifting. Accordingly, there were fewer and fewer birds per round, and we closed the nets rather early. Still, we had a nice mix of birds, for example Bluetit (Blåmejse), Dunnock (Jernspurve), Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) and a Common Redstart (Rodjstjert). I hadn’t held a Bluetit before and quickly realized how much they like to pinch your finger – ouch. Today was the last time Henning was attending our ringing session, and tomorrow we will get to meet Michael, who will stay ringing with us for the next days.

A Dunnock (Jernspurve)

No migration count was going on today, as the view was not sufficient, but early afternoon was used for birding around the lighthouse. We saw a Rock Pipit (Skærpiber) and some Turnstones (Stenvender), and Simon Jr., who was very persistent in his observations, could watch several Arctic Skuas (Almindelig Kjove) flying across the sea and some Velvet Scoters (Fløjlsand) roosting.

The rest of the day was pure autumn weather, made of rain, wind and some more hot chocolate. Perfect weather to take some phone calls, do some writing and data stuff, and taking walks in the forest to search for mushrooms. As we call it here: Normal human stuff.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Common Snipe (Dobbeltbekkasin) – 1

Lesser Whitethroat (Gaerdesanger) – 1

Common Redstart (Rodjstjert) – 1

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) – 1

Dunnock (Jernspurve) – 1

Blackcap (Munk) – 5

Bluetit (Blåmejse) – 1

Total: 11

People: Antonia Greil, Hayley Land, Rebecca Cheape, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Henning, Helle und Nils.

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

I dag tog jeg afsted til observation, hvor der igen i dag viste sig at være lidt tåget ud over vandet. I stedet skete der lidt anderledes ting end det sædvanlige. Der var Strandtudser, der hoppede rundt ved obsposten. Det var vældig hyggeligt, det er lang tid siden jeg sidst har set denne art. Strandtudsen er en af vore mere sjældne padder, men her oppe på Grenen skulle der være en temmelig god bestand. Man kan bedst kende den på dens karakteristiske gule rygstribe. Dernæst var der en sæl, der måtte aflives. Der kom en jæger ud og skød den ved solopgang, så jeg tænker det nok har været smittet med den orme sygdom flere af sælerne heroppe bukker under for. Ellers var der en flagermus, der i dagslys fløj rundt på stranden i et godt stykke tid. 

Efterhånden som tågen lettede kom der lidt gang i fuglene, men det blev ikke til det helt store. Den svage migration af fugle skulle skyldes det meget stille og rolige vejr, vi har haft den seneste uge kombineret med sydlige vinde. Senere på dagen observerede andre fuglekiggere en Sodfarvet Skråpe, der rastede ved Grenen, men den blev der desværre ikke længe. 

Imens jeg var ved spidsen tog det andre til Kabeltromlen sammen med Henning. Under ringmærkning blev der ringmærket 9 forskellige arter, men Munk var klart den dominerende art i dag med hele 11 ringmærket. 22 fugle blev det til i alt, så det var en dag folk var tilfredse med. Imorgen kommer Michael, som vil erstatte Henning tirsdag morgen og frem til fredag. Der er lidt rotation i ringmærkere, mens Simon er væk. 

Efter vi var færdige med både ringmærkningen og observation tog jeg med Hayley til Skarvtælling ved havnen. De har været i gang med at regulere fuglene, men vi lagde ikke mærke til nogle nye tendenser ved flokken denne gang. 

Simon tog igen ud til Grenen, hvor han så Dværgfalk, Rød Glente og Skærpiber.

Rødstrubet Lom - Simon Kiesé

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Dompap - 1

Løvsanger - 1

Gransanger - 1

Rødstjert - 1

Grønsisken - 1

Rørsanger - 1

Kærsanger - 1

Rødhals - 4

Munk - 11

Total: 22

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Gærdesmutte - 1

Jernspurv - 1

Gærdesanger - 1

Munk - 2

Gransanger - 6

Topmejse - 1

Musvit - 3

Lille Gråsisken - 5

Total: 20

People: Antonia Greil, Hayley Land, Rebecca Cheape, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Henning.

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

Maybe getting up early for the last time this year is a ray of hope. Nevertheless, too early for the inner clock, we set off for ringing at Skarvsøn and opened the nets. Since Simon was away ringing, we were joined by Henning, a ringer from the south of Denmark. Our guests did not miss the opportunity to watch the scientific bird ringing on their last day here. The wind of the last days had almost completely disappeared and for the first time in a week we had the impression that it could be a really good day.

The nets are opened and we set off for the first round. I walk in front and a Water Rail (Vandrikse) flies up in front of the first net. Oha, Water Rail! But it turns away and flies parallel to the net. Shit, we don't get it. Then it turns just before the end of the net and bang - we've got it. Quickly, very quickly, I sprint to stop it from flying away out of the net, which is too fine-meshed for such large birds. What a take-off. The especially cool thing was that it was even a magnificent adult bird. 

even steel rings worked well, because Simon the first had shown us before how to do them

There were also some Reed Warblers (Rørsamger). Then suddenly we heard squawking cries from the net and we had caught the second big bird. A Jay (Skovskade)! How awesome. This one pleased me personally even a little more, as I had never held the species before.

The ringing went well without Simon the first and I now have a good pace in ringing (which was required because we had quite a lot of birds in the round) with consistently good quality. I think it's really cool how much I've learned in the last month and a half here. I also want to give this compliment to all the other volunteers here. Together as a team we have managed everything well, helped each other and discussed interesting features together. Just the way it's supposed to be. Other cool catches were Sedge Warbler (Sivsanger) and an early Brambling (Kvækerfinke). The first Rock Pipit (Skærpiber) of the autumn flew over and some Meadow Pipit (Engpieber) and Yellow Wagtail (Gul Vipstjert) flew around. We also saw a Shoveler (Skeand) and a Little Grebe (Lille Lappedykker). What a nice day!

Meanwhile, the migration count was also a bit better than the last few days. We are still waiting for the next big surprise, but we were able to observe some eastbound Black Scoters (Sortand) from World's End 3. Okay, it’s the same as every other day (that’s Gustav’s quote). But I’m sure that will change soon. There will be some good birds soon, definitely! As the ringing team took down the nets at Skarvsøn afterwards (CES season is over), Gustav was home early and kindly tidied up and cleaned the flat. I think it's really great how everyone helps out and contributes to everyone having a really great time here.

taking down 120m nets is a hard job, but with 5 people it works well

Ringing (Skarvsøn):

Jay (Skovstade) - 1

Water Rail (Vandrikse) - 1

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) - 5

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) - 9

Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) - 3

Sedge Warbler (Sivsanger) - 1

Blackcap (Munk) - 8

Reed Bunting (Rørspurv) - 1

Chaffinch (Bogfinke) - 1

Brambling (Kvækerfinke) - 1

Total: 31

Ringing (Jennesø (Michael)):

Wren (Gærdesmute) - 2

Robin (Rødhals) - 1

Blackcap (Munk) - 2

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) - 3

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) - 2

Great Tit (Musvit) - 4

Lesser Redpoll (Lille Gråsisken) - 3

Total: ?

People: Antonia Greil, Hayley Land, Rebecca Cheape, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé,  Ole and Birgitte, Henning.

A Link to Today's Observations From Volunteers and Local Observer's

In the morning a thick fog obscured the ocean creating a very autumnal atmosphere, however, this made the morning migration count a little difficult for Gustav as birds were not able to be identified very clearly due to it being so foggy. Although, some bird species were able to be counted for such as Velvet Scoter (Fløjlsand) and Great black-backed Gulls (Svartbag).

Whilst Gustav was out doing the migration count with the guest Ole, the rest of us had a longer lie in bed before getting up to help Michael Ancher (local ringer), set up nets at Jennes sø. It was nice to be in a different area near a large wetland and woodland. Hopefully we will be able to bird ring with Michael at Jennes Sø sometime soon, as we would all love to catch and ring some Bearded Tits (Skægmejse).

Later in the morning after the migration count and setting up of nets, we all had some strawberry cake for breakfast that the guests kindly bought for us. Then Simon Jr. and Antonia went to the harbor to do the Cormorant (Skarv) count. There was nothing unusual to report from during the Cormorant count, however, apparently the fishermen have started shooting some Cormorants, so the counts throughout the next week will be very important. Afterwards, they both went to the shop to buy ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Meanwhile; myself, Hayley and Gustav cleaned the kitchen and bathroom in the afternoon, then we all went on our own separate walks to search for interesting birds.

In the early evening, we had the daily meeting to plan out the next days ahead, which will involve ringing with different ringers as Simon is away for a week. We will go out ringing tomorrow morning at the Cormorant Lake (Skarvsøen), so we are all excited about catching some interesting birds at this CES site for the last time as we will take the nets down tomorrow after ringing.

Antonia and Simon Jr. cooked us a lovely meal: veggie chili

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Antonia Greil, Simon S. Christiansen, Magnus Mygind, Ole and Birgitte.

A Link to Today's Observations From Volunteers and Local Observer's

Let us start with a short review of yesterday’s evening! We spontaneously decided to go and watch the sunset at Nordstrand, as there were only a few clouds on the evening sky. It was nice to enjoy the peace and quiet on the beach, as there are hardly any people around at this time and only the calls of the gulls and the sound of the waves could be heard. The sunset was beautiful, and it was a good atmosphere to end the day (even if quite a few mosquitoes were there, but for this view we were happy to accept that).

Today we started the morning by going to the Migration Count, this time at World’s End 1. The counting included Hayley, Rebecca, Simon Jr. and I, whilst Gustav was guiding a tour of 27 people around the dunes and beach. He showed them how to distinguish different species of gulls, talked about migration and encouraged them to try out an activity, where they had to sit 5 minutes in silence and just listen to the sound of nature. They really liked it and were having a great time. 

The Migration Count was slow today, with mainly Common Scoters (Sortand) and many Velvet Scoters (Fløjlsand). At one point we could see a Great Skua (Storkjove), but other than that there wasn’t much going on. When we came home, Simon Jr. made hot chocolate for all of us and we started watching Sherlock, the BBC series, which was such a nice warm-up after this windy morning.

Rebecca went to do the Cormorant (Skarv) Count at the Harbor and had an interesting conversation about Skagen’s history with a local man spending his midday at the harbor.

The rest of the day we took care of usual stuff: Data entering, cleaning and shopping. Haley and Simon had a pleasant walk outside and discovered some Long-tailed tits (Halemejse). In a moment of great spontaneous motivation, we cleaned and sorted the entire fridge, which is indeed a pleasant sight every time we open the door now.

Simon Sr. and Lisa was leaving to Sweden today to go to the Island Stora Fjäderägg in the Bothnian Bay for some exciting birding. And as a late highlight of this day, our guests Ole and Birgitte prepared a delicious dinner during which we chatted and had a great time.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Antonia Greil, Simon S. Christiansen, Magnus Mygind, Ole and Birgitte.

Last night we went on a second Great Snipe (Tredækker) adventure! We travelled down to the same fields as last week, just outside of Støvring. Our guests, Ole and Birgitte, were really keen to see a Great Snipe too so kindly gave Rebecca, Simon Jr. and I a lift to the location, whilst Gustav and Antonia went with Simon Sr.

We started the catch at 10pm once it was completely dark. Simon Sr. used a thermal camera to spot birds roosting in the fields and then used a flashlight to dazzle them. Gustav walked with him with the hand net ready to catch the dazzled birds. Simon Jr. also got to practice his hand net catching technique.

There were a few near misses with Skylark (Sanglærke) but no Great Snipe (Tredækker) were seen at all. We think they have now left the area and have started their migration south to Africa. Although it was disappointing not to see or catch any Great Snipes it was still a very enjoyable adventure. We heard several Lapwing (Vibe) and enjoyed some star gazing. We were even lucky enough to see a couple of shooting stars!

As we got back late last night, there were no early starts today. Which fitted well since Grenen was covered in fog early in morning. However, later in the morning there was a call over Zello; a Barred Warbler (Høgesanger) had been spotted at World’s End 1. We grabbed our bikes and rushed over there as quick as we could. Again, we were unlucky and didn’t see the bird but were fortunate to get great views of an Osprey (Fiskeørn) flying past, a flock of Common Crossbill (Lille Korsnæb) and a very pretty Yellowhammer (Gulspurv) sat in a tree.

In the afternoon, Simon Jr. went to do the Cormorant (Skarv) count and buy more groceries. Whilst he was at the harbour, he also spotted Razorbill (Alk), Black Guillemot (Tejst) and a Merlin (Dværgfalk) which were nice to see. Also today data from the Fulmar (Mallemuk) survey was inputted, preparations were made for a guided walk tomorrow, and Simon Sr. had a meeting with the directors of DOF, the Chairman of the Bird Observatory and the our partners in the Nature Agency.

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Antonia Greil, Simon S. Christiansen, Ole and Birgitte.

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