Last night we opened two owl nets with sounds playing for Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) and Tengmalm’s Owl (Perleugle). We were very hopeful as a Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) had been seen roosting at Grenen earlier in the day. Gustav did the night checks but unfortunately there was no sign of any owls. Meanwhile, Thomas and I took a hand net to the beach and caught another Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle) on the Sandormen track. Such a nice bird!

It was a great morning at the migration count today. Thomas and Gustav joined Knud at World’s End 3 and counted over 2000 Razorbills (Alk) and over 100 Fulmar (Mallemuk)! Lots of species of duck were also seen migrating including the usual Common Scoter (Sortand), Velvet Scoter (Fløjsand) and Eider (Ederfugl) plus Wigeon (Pibeand), Tufted Duck (Troldand), Long-tailed Duck (Havlit) and Greater Scaup (Bjergand). Other highlights were a Caspian Gull (Kaspisk Måge) roosting on the beach and three Sooty Shearwaters (Sodfarvet Skråpe) migrating.

We were lucky enough to spot one of the Sooty Shearwaters (Sodfarvet Skråpe) and the Greater Scaup (Bjergand) from Kabeltromlen where Simon Jr and I were ringing with Karen and Søren. It was a bit windy so we only had the more sheltered nets open. To start with it was very quiet, with only one or two birds per round, but then it started to pick up a little bit. One of the highlights was a small flock of four Siskins (Grønsisken) in the net; two males and two females with really nice yellow-green plumage. We also ringed another northern Treecreeper (Nordlig Træløber, spp. familiaris) and our first Bullfinch (Stor Dompap) of the larger subspecies (spp. pyrrhula). Simon’s photo below shows a male of the smaller subspecies (spp. europaea) on the left and a female of the larger subspecies (spp. pyrrhula) on the right.

Whilst we were ringing Søren also went for a walk to the beach to do some birding. He took these amazing photos of a Common Scoter (Sortand) and a Golden Plover (Hjejle).

In the afternoon, Simon went to spend some time with his family, whilst Thomas, Gustav and I headed out on more birding walks. Thomas found a big pipit near World’s End 1 so Gustav and I joined him to try and help confirm the species. We walked up and down the dunes a few times and finally we heard it call too. There was no doubt, it was a Richard’s Pipit (Storpiber)! The same bird was seen yesterday and is only the second record for Denmark this year so a very exciting find. We also saw a flock of Twite (Bjergirisk), a Marsh Harrier (Rørhøg), and lots of Reed Buntings (Rørspurv) and Meadow Pipits (Engpiber). A very good afternoon!

Later on, Simon also headed out to try and see the Richard’s Pipit (Storpiber) and Gustav wrote a description of the bird for DOFbasen. Thomas walked into Skagen to get some shopping and the ringing data was entered. Gustav prepared for a night tour this evening with Niels who is the Chairman of the board of directors for the Fuglestation. The tour has 32 people attending and the plan is to try and find some deer (hjort), seals (sæl) and waders, and to show the visitors how the thermal binocular works.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 23

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Niels Eriksen, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.

After yesterday’s beautiful weather, a strong thrush passage occurred overnight with both Blackbird [Solsort] and Redwing [Vindrossel] heard in good numbers while we were night catching. After a late night with no birds caught, it was an early start for Hayley and me as we opened the nets ready for the morning ringing. 

Figure 1: Sunrise from migration watch by Gustav

This morning was dark to start, however, as the sun began to rise above the horizon it led to one of the most beautiful sunrises with a fiery red sky. The first net round saw the arrival of our new guests Karen and Soren who came to help with the ringing. The morning was busy with flocks of Wren [Gærsmutte], Goldcrest [Fuglekonge] and a few thrushes caught in the first round. The birds continued to arrive with flocks of Blue tits [Blåmejse], Coal tits [Sortmejse], Siskin [Grønsisken] and even a Nuthatch [Spætmejse] flying over calling. The Nuthatch [Spætmejse] was most unexpected for us, a bird we associate with woodlands was currently flying around a reedbed and sand dunes!

Ringing continued for the whole of the morning with quite a few people coming to see what was going on and watching the ringing process. Alongside the birds caught (see totals below), a birding highlight came when a flock of Greylags [Grågås] came high in off the sea from the direction of Sweden! This was closely followed by a flock of eight Waxwing [Silkehale] which flew in off the sea and landed in the sea buckthorn near the ringing table. They then made several flights around the area and provided nice views. These were Hayley’s first ever and a sign of what was to come later in the afternoon. Brownie then followed soon after, courtesy of the guests, which was much appreciated and went down a treat. We then completed the last round and packed up for the day. After some technical issues with the bike (somehow getting a bungie cord caught in the chain) we got back ready for lunch.

Simon and Gustav came back from a very productive sea-watch. They saw a Puffin [Lunde], Long-tailed Skua [Lille Kjove], Great-northern Diver [Islom] and a nice mix of other birds. They were quickly out birding again with Simon relocating the Great Grey Shrike [Stor tornskade]. Hayley went to join whilst I sorted the bike and the trio put up a new owl net. Meanwhile, bungie cord extracted; the bike was good to go again.

Figure 2: Sun halo and circumzenithal arc by Simon

However, an atmospheric phenomenon occurred causing excitement amongst the visitors and volunteers as a sun halo and circumzenithal arc occurred over the bird observatory. This drew crowds of guests (and us volunteers) to look at the sky and many photos were taken. A quick run up the lighthouse and we had stunning views across the area, and we watched a flock of Jackdaws [Allike] arrive in/off. After we came down, we opened the mist nets in the observatory garden whilst data inputting and caught three birds including a ‘Northern Treecreeper’ [Træløber ssp familias], Goldcrest [Fuglekonge] and Wren [Gærdesmutte]. A Norwegian couple passing by were very interested in what we were doing and when they saw the Goldcrest [Fuglekonge] and the Wren [Gærdesmutte], they explained the Norwegian folk law these two species shared between the species which was very interesting to hear.

Figure 3: Waxwing [Silkehale] in Skagen by Simon

Meanwhile, Gustav went Waxwing [Silkehale] searching in the city and found at least 80 birds in one flock which we all later saw in varying flock sizes. Apparently, this is the highest flock counts so far in Denmark! Simon’s beautiful photo shows the beauty of this whirring berry eating bird.

A great day!

Ringing totals

Ringing [Kabeltromlekrattet]

Total: 61

Ringing [Fyrhaven]

Total: 3

Ringing [Grenen]

Total: 1

Ringing [Jennes Sø ]

Total:106

Overall total: 171

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Michael Ancher; Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.

I dag sagde vi farvel til Kirsten, der tog hjemad efter en uges ophold, der efter hendes mening synes at være gået alt for stærkt. Det kender vi selv, dagene går med hastige skridt, og vi kan knap nok huske 2 dage tilbage, fordi vi oplever så meget hver dag. Kirsten var super glad for hendes ophold og vender stærkt tilbage flere gange i 2024.

I dag tog Simon og jeg ud for at tælle migrationen af havfugle, og i dag var der mange fugle! Vi så mere end to tusinde Alke, flere hundrede Mallemukker og Sortænder. Derudover så vi Islom og Sodfarvet skråpe som dagens højdepunkter. Vi var også temmelig glade for at se mere end en Havlit han, der kom susende tæt på kysten. 

Imens vi tog os af affæren ude over havet, havde Thomas og Hayley gang i en stille og rolig dag med lidt over 30 fugle. Heriblandt var dagens fugl nok en Sjagger. Sjaggeren er kommet hertil for de nordligere himmelstrøg som blandt andet er Norge og Sverige. 

Da vi atter allesammen var samlet igen, gik vi ud og kratluskede i Reservatet og Batteriskoven. Vi fandt ikke det helt store på vores tur, men vi fandt en flok Stor Korsnæb, hvor der var 2 rigtige flotte hanner i den helt røde farve. Her sad de lidt og pillede frøene fra fyrrekoglerne, og engang i mellem kunne vi høre deres sang. 

Senere på dagen tog vi endnu en tur, da vi synes vi manglede at se nogle flere fugle, og fordi forholdene er blevet mere optimale for at finde nogle sangfugle efter de seneste par dages stormvejr. Her tog vi ud til Nordstrand, hvor vi ville prøve at finde nogle af de lidt mere specielle Værlinger. Det lykkedes os efter en tid at snuse os frem til en Lapværling efter at have kigget og lyttet mere end 50 Rørspurve i gennem. 

Nu her får vi snart besøg af nye gæster, der har været i lejligheden før, og vi ser frem til at møde dem hen over en middag lavet af Hayley her til aften. 

Og i skal da ikke snydes for det billede jeg fik af en Hugorm fra i går!

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Gærdesmutte - 4

Rødhals - 1

Sjagger - 1

Vindrossel - 3

Munk - 10

Fuglekonge - 3

Blåmejse - 2

Musvit - 1

Træløber - 1

Lille Gråsisken - 1

Dompap - 4

Gulspurv - 1

Rørspurv - 3 

I alt - 35

Ringing (Jennes sø)

Stor Flagspætte - 1

Gærdesmutte - 1

Solsort - 1

Gærdesanger - 1

Gransanger - 1

Fuglekonge - 7

Topmejse - 2

Blåmejse - 13

Musvit - 10

Træløber - 1

Skovskade - 1

Kvækerfinke - 1

Nordlig Gråsisken - 4

Lille Gråsisken - 28

Dompap - 1

I alt - 73

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Simon S. Christiansen

It is still stormy and of course we took the chance to go out with the handnet last night in the hope to catch birds on the beach. But first we played "Turnstone" or "turn stone". Then Thomas and Simon sr. left. After about an hour they came back and brought back an unexpected bird. A female horned lark! Oha how cool! The females are a bit plainer in the face, but still have the yellowish colouring. The feathery ears are only partially visible, which also gave it the name "ear lark" in German.

Look at this beauty!

I spent the whole evening writing the rarity report of the Eastern Yellow Wagtail and doing a lot of research on the taxon and subspecies. A really confusing but super exciting topic. Since I was in the flow, I kept going and actually finished at 01:30am. After that I went to bed. In the morning I started with the Saturday cleaning and finally played some guitar.

Meanwhile, the others were in the storm at Grenen. There they were surprised by a wide variety of weather, but luckily there was more shelter from the wind today than yesterday. Several beautiful species flew by and even a Manx Shearwater (Almindelig Skåpe) flew out of the Kattegat. It's really impressive that it seems to have made it against the 20 m/s wind without any effort.

In the afternoon we looked at the ageing of some birds with Simon and then we went outside. Even if it was windy, some nice birds or in Gustavs case adders could be found.

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Total: 7

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Kirsten Bregn, Simon S. Christiansen.

Last night Simon Jr and Gustav headed out with the hand net, flashlight and thermal hoping to catch one of the birds roosting on the beach at Grenen. There are some ponds near the Sandormen track where we have seen several species roosting including Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle), Jack Snipe (Enkeltbekkasin), Common Snipe (Dobbeltbekkasin), Golden Plover (Hjejle) and Bar-tailed Godwit (Lille Kobbersneppe). Even though it was very windy they managed to catch a Jack Snipe (Enkeltbekkasin). A very successful night!

This morning, Simon and Gustav went to World’s End 3 to do the migration count. The wind was blowing the sand everywhere which made counting difficult, but they did see some nice birds including a Great Skua (Stor Kjove) and six migrating Shelduck (Gravand). They also saw three flocks of Parrot Crossbill (Stor Korsnæb), a flock of Twite (Bjergirisk) and four Shore Larks (Bjerglærke). A couple of Woodpigeon (Ringdue) were seen coming in from the sea which we also saw flying over Kabeltromlen.

As the wind had dropped since yesterday, Thomas, Kirsten and I were able to open most of the nets at Kabeltromlen this morning, and Simon Sr joined us too for a few rounds. It was a steady morning with some nice species ringed. The biggest highlight of the morning was a beautiful young Mistle Thrush (Misteldrossel). This is a large species of thrush with a proportionally longer tail and more upright stance than the similar but smaller Song Thrush (Sangdrossel). You can see our bird’s stunning plumage in Simon’s photos below.

Michael was also out ringing at Jennes Sø and had a great morning. He caught both Lesser Redpoll (Lille Gråsisken) and the larger and paler Common Redpoll (Nordlig Gråsisken). He also caught the larger subspecies of Bullfinch (Stor Dompap, ssp. Pyrrhula) and a Great Grey Shrike (Stor Tornskade). He sent this amazing photo of the shrike. What a stunning bird!

We closed the nets when the wind started to pick up again and, after fixing Thomas’ bike chain again, we cycled back in the strong headwinds. It was hard work! It then started to rain and Kirsten kindly gave Simon Jr a lift to the shop to buy food so he didn’t have to cycle in the bad weather. We entered all the data, updated the picture archive, and Simon Jr worked on the rarity report for the Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Alaskavipstjert) found at Grenen at the start of October. We are now preparing to go out night catching again. After last night’s success we are keen to try again. Fingers crossed we’ll catch something tonight!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 24

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Total: 71

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Kirsten Bregn, Simon S. Christiansen.

After the storm arrived yesterday, it was yet another day of storm force winds from the West but luckily no rain. As a result, no mist netting was undertaken today but it did result in the whole team completing the migration counts.

Figure 1: The Common Scoter (Sortand)

On the way to the migration counts, an unexpected Common Scoter [Sortand] emerged from the dunes, presumably from a pool where it had roosted overnight. The bird flew around the beach before dropping down close to the shore near us! The team managed to catch the bird and on closer inspection it was healthy, had good fat on the body and was a strong flyer (see photo above). The bird was taken back to the bird observatory where it was ringed and released. On release it flew strongly out to sea before it was watched swimming and diving underwater for food.  

Migration watchpoint was quieter than expected. Highlights included a Sooty Shearwater [Sodfarvet Skråpe], four Long-tailed ducks [Havlit], two Goldeneye [Hvinand], Kittiwakes [Ride] and the usual Gannet [Sule] flocks. Simon went for a walk and found a Purple Sandpiper [Sortgrå Ryle] on the beach as well as some Reed Buntings [Rørspurv].

After we packed up, we all came back to the observatory for lunch and a photo ageing session lead by Simon C. This is a session to discuss individuals that we found difficult to age in the field, or just birds of particular interest. The session works best by taking standardised photos of the individual bird so everyone can talk through the relevant features together. Today our focus was on the Jack Snipe [Enkeltbekkasin] and a couple of tricky Reed Buntings [Rørspurv] we recently caught. This session was highly productive, and I think it was great because of the wealth of knowledge within the team.

After the photo session, we completed a bit of vegetation clearance for some upcoming catching efforts and some of the team went birding to find some passerines. However, due to the wind it was incredibly difficult and there were very few birds about. Early evening came and it was the task of Hayley and I to help put up some nets for a visiting ringer in a nearby woodland. The woodland itself was very quiet but it was nice to find a Little Grebe [Lille Lappedykker] and Eurasian Wigeon [Pibeand] on a small pool nearby. We timed our arrival back to the observatory perfectly and arrived back to our guest cooking food for us all, thank you so much Kirsten!

Gustav and Simon have just gone out night catching so we wish them luck! 

Ringing [Grenen]

Total: 1

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Kirsten Bregn; Simon S. Christiansen.

I gar havde vi en god aften, hvor vi spiste med Det Grå Fyrs personale samt folket bag restaurant Blink. Vi havde forberedt 2 retter, og vi fik heldigvis god respons på maden. Det var hyggeligt endelig snakke med de andre og lære dem bedre at kende.

I dag havde vi regn fra morgenstunden, hvilket betød vores havobservstion blev udskydt til lidt senere hen på morgen, hvilket betød vi kunne sove en smule længere end normalt. I mens de tre andre stod og kiggede på havfugle, tog jeg en tur ud og kratluskede i området. Der var ikke mange småfugle at finde, men jeg fik dog hørt og set to Store Korsnæb ved Ellekrattet, så der kom da lidt ud af det. Ellers var det en stille og rolig dag uden for megen aktivitet pga. det meget stormfulde vejr.

Til trod for blæsten begav vi os ud igen hen på eftermiddagen, hvor vi ledte efter Lapværling og Dværgværling. Lapværlingen var vi heldige at se og høre, men vi fandt ikke Dværgen.

Om aftenen stod den på resterne for gårsdagens måltid og så tog vi derefter ud på nightcatching. Simon og jeg tog til Den Hemmelige sø, mens Hayley og Thomas prøvede lykken ved Nordstrand. Begge hold gik tomhændet hjem denne aften.

Last night, once it was dark, we opened two nets near to the Fuglestation. We really hoped to catch an owl! Thomas did the night checks this time and came really close to catching a Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle). Unfortunately, it escaped from the net before he could get to it even though he ran as fast as he could to reach it! However, he got some great views of the bird and we hope to be able to try and catch it again tonight.

This morning was very quiet, particularly at the migration count. Gustav was at World’s End 3 and saw migrating Common Scoter (Sortand), Razorbills (Alk) and Red-throated Diver (Rødstrubet Lom), plus two Brent Geese (Knortegås) and a Shore Lark (Bjerglærke). Although there were not many birds it was a very sunny morning and a nice day to be out.

Meanwhile, Simon Jr, Thomas, Kirsten and I went ringing at Kabeltromlen. It was also a quiet morning for us, especially compared to the last couple of days, with a total of 27 new birds ringed. Highlights included some nice autumn finches. We ringed three new Bullfinches (Lille Dompap), a Lesser Redpoll (Lille Gråsisken) and three Brambling (Kvækerfinke). Thomas’ photo below shows the stunning plumage of a male Brambling that we caught.

Another interesting catch today was an adult male Blackbird (Solsort). We looked up his ring number and found that he was first ringed in November 2021 as a first-year bird. Amazingly, today was the eleventh time he has been recaptured, every time at Kabeltromlen.

In the afternoon we inputted data, checked sheets and analysed sound recordings. We then had time to relax and enjoyed watching some birding videos and playing table tennis. Later we started to prepare food for the dinner this evening which we are cooking for the lighthouse and café staff. We are looking forward to eating with everyone and hope they all enjoy the meal!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 27

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Kirsten Bregn.

After days full of highlights, it was clear that at some point a quieter day had to come. And that was today.

There were fewer birds than the last few days, but we still had fun and new guest Kirsten was able to ring a few birds. Both Bramblings (Kvækerfinke) and Redwings (Vindrossel) delighted us. Then suddenly a troop of 35 Bearded Tits (Skægmejse) flew over us, a few of which also landed in the area. This was Hayley's first observation of the species - super cool! Unfortunately they did not fly into our nets. Maybe next time.
There was also much less bird migration on the sea today. The highlight, however, was the passing Purple Sandpiper (Sortgrå Ryle). Plus the usual seabirds. It is also very cool that the Twites (Bjergirisk) have arrived in the meantime.

This afternoon we ringed in the garden and caught three birds. Then we went shopping and prepared dinner for tomorrow, as we invited the people from the café and lighthouse shop. Thomas found a young seal on his walk, which was very trusting in the most beautiful light. So I went back and took a few photos. He didn't look very healthy, but I'm not an expert on seals so I can't really judge. Let's hope for the best for the seal. We spent the rest of the day entering the ringing data and checking the data from the last few days. This takes a bit of time, but it also ensures the high quality of the data. Now it's closing time and I'm looking forward to trying to catch and ring Tengmalm's Owls later. That would be a real first. The chances are quite low, but definitely high enough to try as often as possible.

Have a look at this beautiful Red-throated Diver (Rødstrubet Lom), Thomas photographed this afternoon. The quite small and upwards directed bill is a good feature to identify the most common Diver (Lom) here.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Ringing (Fyrhaven):

Total: 56 (KAB) +3 (FYR) = 59

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Kirsten Bregn.

I dag drog vi alle afsted til ringmærkningen, idet vi vidste at denne dag nok kunne byde på et højt antal fugle i nettene. Simon og jeg var de første på pletten, fordi vi skulle åbne nettene denne tidlige morgen, så alt var klar til solopgangen. Allerede første omgang bød på lidt over 30 fugle, hvilket bekræftede os i, at vi lavede den rette prioritering med at være fire mænd stærk ved ringmærkningen. Knud sad selvfølgelig klar til at registrere trækket, mens vi havde hænderne fulde med fugle. 

Ringmærkningen foregik over 7 timer fra solopgang, og hen på formiddagen var vi alle klar til at fuglene i krattet snart gerne måtte slappe lidt af, smide fødderne op til sofabordet og tage sig en drink. I alt blev der ringmærket 126 fugle! Af disse kan der nævnes: Enkeltbekkasin, Træløber og Dompap han!

Efter vi var færdige med den travle dag, begav jeg mig ud til Skarvsøen. Det gjorde jeg for at registrere de rastende fugle, særligt vandfugle, der var til stede ved søen. Det er en opgave vi har i forbindelse med et projekt, der kaldes NOVANA. Det er et overvågningsprojekt af bestemte fugle i en begrænset periode. Ved søen var der ikke megen aktivitet, men det blev dog til lidt forskellige andefugle; Hvinand, Krikand og Gråand. Ellers kunne jeg få øje på nogle Skægmejser og høre nogle Vandrikse i rørskoven. 

På cykelturen hjem fik jeg øje på en Hugorm, der lå og solede sig i, hvad der må formodes at være den en af de allersidste solskinsdage dette år. Jeg skulle selvfølgelig hen og se om jeg kunne samle den op, men den her var ikke helt ligesom den sidste jeg fik fingrene i. Denne her var meget defensiv og ville ikke lade mig løfte den, så den fik lov at slange sig videre i det høje græs. 

Imens jeg rendte rundt ved Skarvsøen tog Simon ind til byen for at handle ind. Han står nemlig for maden i dag. Når han har madlavningen, er folket her altid lidt spændt på at se, hvad det ender ud med. Han er meget eksperimenterende. 

Hayley og Thomas registrerede alle de mange fugle, vi fik ringmærket denne morgen, hvilket også er et lige så udmattende arbejde som at ringmærke selve fuglene. Det hyggede de sig med i en time eller to. 

Vores gæst for ugen Søren forlod os efter ringmærkningen. Han har været en super duper-gæst, der har været en hjælpende hånd med madlavningen og indkøb. Han var også så flink at diske op med en chokoladekage og hjemmebagte boller. Vi håber han har en god tur hjem, og at han med sig har nogle fine billeder fra sit ophold heroppe ved fuglestationen. Tak for denne gang Søren!

Kirsten, vores nye gæst er også ankommet. Hun har været her før og er allerede bekendt med rutinerne her på stationen. Hun ser meget frem til at deltage i ringmærkningen, og se dette arbejde på nært hold. 

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Enkeltbekkasin - 1

Gærdesmutte - 17

Jernspurv - 2

Rødhals - 6

Solsort - 1

Sangdrossel - 2

Vindrossel - 1

Munk - 8

Gransanger - 3

Fuglekonge - 36

Halemejse - 9

Blåmejse - 11

Træløber - 2

Kvækerfinke - 10

Lille Gråsisken - 1

Dompap - 4

Rørspurv - 12 

Total - 126

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Søren Wilhelmsen, Kirsten