We went to bed last night unsure what the morning would look like with strong winds and rain forecasted, but planned on going out anyway. When we awoke at 4:00, the wind was whipping but the rain had not materialized so we biked out to World’s End 1 to start the morning count in a more sheltered place. However, the rain arrived soon after us and soon it was difficult to see past the breakers. There were few birds moving, and what was moving was not easy to identify through the mist and haze. We finally ended early once the rain picked up and obscured the ocean almost completely, with close to zero migrating birds to show for our efforts.

Arriving back at the lighthouse, we warmed up with some hot chocolate and then all went to our beds and napped for the next three hours. After we reemerged, the rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent doing computer work and data entry while the wind rattled the windows. Simon K left to go into town with his father, and they had a nice afternoon visiting the art museum and Skagen Bakery. As the weather abated slightly, Jule set out to go look for some birds and enjoyed a nice walk by the sea, but saw few birds in the weather.

Around 16.00 we drove into town and went grocery shopping before meeting Simon’s father and going to the bowling alley! We bowled two games and had a lot of fun— Simon and Juliane tied the first round and Jule won the second, miraculously beating her first score by over 100 points.

Action shot of Juliane

After bowling we returned for an evening meeting with Páll, who had spent the day canoeing eight hours from Mosbjerg to Teersted. He saw a Common Kingfisher (Isfugl) along the way. We also welcomed our new arrival in the guest apartment, Søren— welcome to the station! The rest of the evening was spent eating potato leek soup in front of the world cup final. As it got dark, Juliane went to sleep while Jule, Simon and I grabbed the hand nets and went out to go night catching. Jule walked through the heath while Simon and I walked the beach to Grenen, but we all returned at the same time empty handed. With an early start tomorrow morning for ringing at Kabeltromen tomorrow, we jumped quickly into bed.

Det Grå Fyr on our way back from night catching

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

People: Brian Browne, Juliane Rößler, Jule Tappe, Simon Kiesé, Páll Kærbo, Kersten Kiesé, Søren Røed

This morning, a loud bang woke us up. There was a thunderstorm outside! Heavy rain beat against the windows and there were loud rumbles, so we had to postpone our daily migration count by an hour. On our way to World’s End 3, I was greeted by a very cute Common newt (Lille Vandsalamander) that had dared to walk the paths around the lighthouse after the rain.

Common Newt (Lille Vandsalamander) next to the lighthouse

The migration count that Brian, Juliane and I did, was slow with only a very small number of passerines and little activity on the sea. However, after the rain, the views of the rising sun and calm sea were magnificent!

After the count, we all went our separate ways. I decided do some more birdwatching in the bushes behind World’s End, coming across a number of Common Whitethroats (Tornsanger), Siskins (Grønsisken), Linnets (Tornirisk) and Great Tits (Musvit). The highlight of the walk was an unexpected Cuckoo (Gøg) that was perching on a branch. Also, I came across a Common Toad (Skrubtudse) that was lying on the sand in the middle of the pathway. A very nice sight! After a short lunch break, I went on another walk around Storsig where I was surrounded by Common Kestrels (Tårnfalk) and saw an extremely fast Woodpigeon (Ringdue) flying with the wind.

Meanwhile, Juliane and Brian went back to the lighthouse and entered some data on the computer. In the afternoon, Juliane biked to the CES site to cut vegetation so we are prepared for some bird ringing next week! While cutting, she even got to see an Adder (Hugorm), a common snake around the heathers of Skagen. After that, Juliane looked at the sea from Nordstrand and was amazed by the high number of Northern Gannets (Sule) and the interesting pattern of waves that the wind created in the sea.

Our team at the observatory also expanded today! In the afternoon, Simon (not to be confused with Simon S. Christiansen) arrived and will be staying with us until the end of August. After his arrival, he used his chance to see the Cinereous Vulture at Hulsig and got some nice pictures of the impressive bird.

Cinereous Vulture (Munkegrib) at Hulsig

He later joined Brian who was seawatching at World’s End 1 where they spotted a Northern Fulmar (Mallemuk) close to the beach. After this day of wind and rain, we all enjoyed a nice dinner together.

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

People: Brian Browne, Lærkebjørn Desholm, Mark Desholm, Simon Kiesé, Juliane Rößler, Jule Tappe

Alles vækkeure ringede rigtig tidligt i dag, da afgangen mod dagens morgenobs på Grenens yderste klitrække var sat til kl. 04.15. Vi må dog indrømme, at det ikke helt lykkedes familen Desholm at komme op så tidligt. Men de gæve observatører fra fuglestation og samt Páll, der også deltog var klar med kikkerterne. Det blev en varm men stille morgen med vildt god sigtbarhed og de sædvanlige måger og terner (der blev også aflæst nogle), og også med en dejlig overraskelse i form af en fouragerende mosehornugle mellem klitrækkerne. Dertil en havlit, ederfugle, sortænder, en enkelt fløjelsand, en smålom og en større, (end marsvin) uidentificeret havpattedyrsrygfinne.

Omkring kl. 10 lød munkegribbe-alarmen igen igen på Zello, og fuglen lod sig nydeligt beskue fra Saftevandsbakken sammen med ca. 40 røde glenter og 3-4 hvepsevåger over og omkring den store radarkuppel. Familien Desholm var igen ude ved Tværvej i Hulsig bed aftenstid og se gribben på relativt tæt hold både siddende i et højt grantræ og cirklende lavt over tilskuernes hoveder.

Brian observerede en forbitrækkende lærkefalk, 34 røde glenter, vores allesammens munkegrib, et par musvåger og hvepsevåger senere på dagen på vej ud til Skarvsøen, hvor han talte skarverne (442) og så 20 fiskehejrer.

Til aften var Juliane ude og beskære vegetationen omkring netbanerne til CES-mærkningen i de kommende uger ved Skarvsøen. Jule indtastede data for første gang og lavede dejlig mad.

Alt i alt må vi sige, at dette års juli-tur til Skagen mest af alt minder om en fugletur til det sydlige Europa – både hvad angår luft- og vandtemperatur og ikke mindst den store majestætiske munkegrib, som nu på anden uge kredser over Skagen og Hulsigs glade ornitologer.

Vi sluttede dagen af med et dejligt aftenmøde udenfor (se foto) i det fine Skagenslys.

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

People: Mark Desholm, Lærkebjørn Desholm, Brian Browne, Juliane Rößler, Jule Tappe, Páll Kærbo

Today Brian, Magnus, Rasmus, Jule and I all went out early to start migration counting at sunrise. It was quite a slow and warm morning, without much activity on sea. A highlight for me was the Long-tailed Duck (Havlit), which I missed yesterday and have seen it today for the first time in my life! Jule was very happy about a Crested Tit (Topmejse) passing by just a few meters away from us, since she hasn’t seen them one a long while. Rasmus and Magnus had to catch their train in Skagen, so they left a bit earlier and said Goodbye to us. We wish you all the best and hope you visit the station again soon!

Sunrise at Verdens ende 

After counting time was over, Brian took a nap on the dune while Jule and I headed back to the station. On our way we saw a Honeybuzzard (Hvepsevåge) very close, a special moment for both of us. After some rest and data entry, Jule went up the lighthouse and got a great view on the Cinereous vulture (Munkegrib) from up there. Brian looked out of the window, saw around 50 Raptors soaring above Saftevandsbakken and decided to cycle there immediately. Jule went with him and I joined them a bit later after getting computerwork done. There were a couple of Honeybuzzards (Hvepsevåge), Common Buzzards (Musvåge), Common Kestrels (Tårnfalk) and tons of Red Kites (Rød glente), but no rarities amongst them.

Red Kite (Rød glente)

Afterwards we went shopping together, I prepared Dinner and went for a fantastic swim at the beach. Mark came over for the evening meeting and told us about the Raptors and Whimbrels (Småspove) he observed today together with his kids. The meeting developed into an hourlong conversation, talking with him about bird migration studies and his former experience in politics. For me, having the opportunity to exchange with our guests of all different scientific backgrounds and perspectives, is one of the most valuable things about staying at the station! We all enjoyed it a lot, but it got quite late and we all hopped into bed very soon to be prepared for our next migration count tomorrow.

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

People: Juliane Rößler, Brian Browne, Simon S. Christiansen, Páll Vang Kjærbo, Magnus Lund Christensen, Rasmus Matthiesen-Juhl, Jule Tappe, Lærkebjørn & Mark Desholm 

Magnus og jeg blev vækket i nat af Brian, der kom for at fortælle at Juliane havde fanget en Natravn på Storsig. Det er altid en stor oplevelse at se en Natravn i hånden, og især for Magnus, der aldrig havde set en før!

Natravn

På trods af nattens fangst, stod alle mand klar på Grenen klokken 04.40, spændte og parate fordi den standardiserede-efterårssæsons-morgenobs startede i dag! Dagens højdepunkt var en havlit, som er ret sjælden i Juli måned. Et par hvepsevåger trak ud og mange mursejlere fulgte dem. Ellers var det en ret stille, men varm morgen. Jeg er ikke sikker på at jeg har siddet i t-shirt klokken 07.00 på en morgenobs før:)

Tilbage på stationen begyndte der at komme meldinger fra Hulsig om at Munkegribben var på vej ind over byen. Vi satte os derfor ned bag stationen og kunne i lang tid nyde gribben flyve rundt skiftevis over byen og storsig. I dag skulle vi også sige farvel til Julian, som har været på stationen siden marts. Men det var ikke kun farvel i dag, for vi tog også imod Jule som skal være her indtil slutningen af Oktober

Magnus og jeg besluttede os for at gå en tur ned i byen for at handle ind til aftensmad, og for at se hvad den såkaldte Hellerup-uge (uge 29) kunne byde på. På vejen derned havde vi 11 Røde Glenter der kredsede over Storsig. Inde i byen fik vi købt en is og en øl, og kunne stadigvæk se Munkegribben flyve rundt højt over byen.

Vi fik bakset en solid gang rødkarry sammen til aftensmad, og nu skal vi se fodbold:)

Det har været en fornøjelse at være tilbage på Skagen Fuglestation for et par dage! Jeg vil også lige lade Magnus sætte et par ord på hvordan det har været at besøge Skagen Fuglestation for første gang:

Første indtryk af fugleverdenen ved Skagen fuglestation har været intet mindre end fantastisk! Jeg har kun været her i fire dage, men ved allerede, med sikkerhed, at det ikke er sidste gang jeg er her. Selvom dagene nogle gange kan føles lidt lange og søvnen nogle gange kort, gør højdepunkterne det hele værd. Højdepunkter såsom at blive vækket midt om natten fordi der er fløjet en natravn i nettet eller mit første møde med den enorme munkegrib som majestætisk kredser over fyrtårnet. Men det er ikke kun oplevelserne med fuglene der gør Skagen fuglestation til noget særligt. Fællesskabet med de andre fugleentusiaster på stationen spiller en ligeså stor rolle. Lige fra første morgenstund, til sent ud på aftenen er der god stemning og hyggelige momenter. Alt i alt en fantastisk oplevelse og en kæmpe anbefaling.

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

People: Juliane Rößler, Julian Helbig, Brian Browne, Simon S. Christiansen, Påll Vang Kjærbo, Magnus Lund Christensen, Rasmus Matthiesen-Juhl, Jule, Lærkebjørn & Mark Desholm 

My big plans last night to do a whole night of owling did not come to fruition as I slept through all my alarms, as did Juliane. That meant that instead we slept to a luxurious 7:30 and woke up well rested. Rasmus and Magnus awoke early to seawatch from World’s End 3, but the ocean was slow and the only highlight was good numbers (200+) of swifts (Mursejler) overhead. They returned to the lighthouse just as I was about to leave.

With a late start and reports of a slow ocean, I decided to head in a big loop, doing some passerine birding at Batteriskoven and along the edge of town before making my way up to “The Pencil”. Then I would walk the beach back from Nordstrand all the way around Grenen to the lighthouse as it got hotter, checking for shorebirds and pipits and looking for plover nests. Birds were not particularly active, but in the pine stands at Batteriskoven I found my first European Robin (Rødhals) since arriving and near the nature center I saw my first Long-tailed Tits (Halemesje). 

An adorable Long-tailed Tit (Halemesje)

Along the path that cuts through the marsh west of Batterivej, there were a pair of Common Cranes (Trane), probably one of only four breeding pairs in the area, and five Red-backed Shrikes, two of which seemed to have a nest. Once I reached the beach I kept my head down, stepping gingerly as I assessed each patch of pebbles underneath me in fear of crushing a clutch of plovers as I walked through the dunes. Although I saw at least 15 Common Ringed Plovers (Stor Præstekrave), I was unable to find any nests. However, I did see my first Sanderlings (Sandløber) of the season, resting and avoiding the tourists on a small sandbar off the beach. Finally I reached the tip at Grenen to find hundreds and hundreds of people enjoying the warm weather. However, the gull flock had moved to the water and I was able to pick out a decently close second-year Mediterranean Gull (Sorthovedet Måge).

Mediterranean Gull (Sorthovedet Måge)

Meanwhile, Rasmus and Magnus had ventured out to the trails behind the nature center after I passed by and went on a walk, highlighted by an Osprey (Fiskeørn) and a singing Common Rosefinch (Karmindompap). After returning they went on a nicke walk along the beach. In the afternoon Juliane struck out for Skarvsøen, where she was excited about some nice looks at a Redpoll (Gråsisken) and saw a Black Kite (Sort Glente). Julian has been hard at work all day finishing up computer work before he leaves on Wednesday.

Just south of Skagen a Black Stork was called out by others, but unfortunatly it turned around before reaching us.

Sunset over the heath

Finally, we all went out in the evening to our nightjar nets in Storsig to tear them down and relocate them to another location closer to the lighthouse. The mosquitoes were abundant and vicious as the sun set and my foolishly bare legs, arms and feet got massacred. But before too long we had packed it up and walked over to the old lighthouse garden where we will set up the nets and try for nightjars (Natravn) tonight. However, when we took it back out, the carefully packed net was hopelessly tangled and looped. We were at a loss as to how it happened, and spent an hour in the dark deknotting and looping while the mosquitoes feasted. Eventually we had to give up and bring out another net. Hopefully we catch some nightjars!

Julian and Magnus work to take down the net

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

People: Brian Browne, Julian Helbig, Juliane Rößler, Páll Kærbo, Magnus Lund Christensen, Rasmus Matthiesen-Juhl

Today it was time for another Ringing day. For me and Brian it was the first time ringing at Kabeltromeln, while for Julian it was his last ringing session at the Fuglestation this year. It was very hard for him to believe that after staying for over four months! Bao was also with us and very excited to ring european birds for the first time in his life. Påll and Family Rasmussen gave us a visit too, and the kids were once again fascinated by the birds.

Common Chiffchaff (Gransanger)

It was interesting how the site changed with the start of summer season. Where there was water all over before, there is now only mud left. The reeds and shrubs have grown a lot as well. The weather has been quite windy today, so we had to close up some nets after a short while. Nonetheless, we had a total of 14 birds, so there were enough for all of us to practice. The biggest Highlight we caught was a Common Linnet (Tornirisk), which is the first catch of the species at the station this year. Of course, as a matter of celebrating his last ringing day, Julian got to ring this special bird!

Common Linnet (Tornirisk)

There were a lot of passerines and other birds flying above our heads every now and then. There were a bunch of Common Crossbills (Lille korsnæb), three Honey-Buzzards (Hvepsevåge) (a lifer for me!), a Yellow Wagtail (Gul vipstjert) (a lifer for Brian!) and some Redpolls (Gråsisken). But just while we were already packing up, a European Bee-eater (Biæder) flew right above our heads! A lifer for me and Brian, and an exciting observation for the rest of the team. On our way back to the bikes, Brian started to clap near the reeds to attract some Waterrail (Vandrikse). The flushing worked, but not in his expected way – a few meters away, Påll saw a Bittern (Rørdrum) flying up. It quickly vanished into the reeds, so we didn’t have a chance to see it. But we are very happy for Pålls new lifer of course!

Brian went for a nap and some seawatching on the beach, where he observed some Little Terns (Dwærgterne). The rest of us returned to the station to do computerwork. In the afternoon we said Goodbye to Bao, who will continue with his student exchange in Denmark. We wish him all the best and it was very nice having him here! And another farewell had to be taken – our lovely guests Kristine, Martin and their kids were leaving us today. But not before they saw the Cinereous Vulture (Munkegrib) one last time, perched on a tree a few meters away from them! It was such a pleasure to have the Rasmussens as our guests and we hope to welcome them again sometime. The rest of the day was spent with completing tasks, until Rasmus and Magnus arrived at the station in the evening. They will join us for birding in the next couple of days. And also welcome to our new guests Lærkebjørn and Mark! We are very excited to have all of you over!

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

People: Juliane Rößler, Julian Helbig, Brian Browne, Bao Shen Yap, Simon S. Christiansen, Martin & Kristine Rasmussen, Páll Vang Kjærbo, Erik Christophersen, Magnus Lund Christensen, Rasmus Matthiesen-Juhl, Lærkebjørn & Mark Desholm 

Today was our expedition to the island of Hirsholm! Páll picked us up at 7:30 (although he only had four seats so Julian took the train) and we drove down to Frederikshavn. There we boarded a small boat in the harbor that pushed off on the 30 minute journey to Hirsholm, a small island about 5km off the coast. The sea was impossibly smooth and glassy, and we enjoyed a beautiful smooth ride over as we watched Black Guillemots (Tejst) buzzing by the boat.

Páll looking out over the smooth seas from the boat

We soon docked in the small harbor on Hirsholm, where the water, docks, breakwaters, walls, and houses were coated in a thin layer of guillemots! Hirsholm is a nesting colony of not only Black Guillemots (Tejst), but also gulls such as Common (Stormmåge) and Black-headed (Hættemåge) and Sandwich Terns (Splittetern). There were nests everywhere, and adorable fledglings were waddling up and down all the paths! Looking briefly into one nest while the parent was away, I even got to watch a chick starting to hatch!

Vocal Common Gull (Stormmåge) family

The island is quite small, and although we only had 3 hours to explore, we were able to see the whole thing quickly. As we wandered around the grassy paths and beaches, we saw both Black and Common Redstart and many shorebirds, including a group of Ruddy Turnstones (Stenvender) on the rocks and several Common Sandpipers (Mudderklire). I discovered a pair of Rock Pipits (Skærpiber) that seemed to be visiting a nest and gave nice view to several of us. This is one of very few scattered breeding locations of this species in Denmark! The nesting guillemots are incredibly photogenic, and we spent some time taking photos as pairs visited burrows, brought food to each other, and performed courtship dances. Before we knew it the boat had returned and we were climbing back in. We had a great time and we all agreed we could’ve used a few more hours while Julian claimed he could spend four weeks.

On our way back the water was so calm that I could prop up a scope between my legs and scan the island of Kølpen, where there is a huge colony of Great Cormorants (Skarv), and in years past, the only nesting pair of European Shags (Topskarv) in the country! I was able to pick out a smaller slimmer cormorant on the rocks, and Bao got some photos to confirm it as a shag. Did not see its mate, but it looks like they’re back nesting another year!

Back in the harbor we met some people who told us they had seen a group of spoonbills (Skestork) just south of the harbor. We drove over to where they told us to go but unfortunately they were nowhere to be seen. However on our drive back our spirits were lifted by a majestic kettle of a dozen Red Kites (Rød Glente) and one Black Kite (Sort Glente) circling just over the road, giving us amazing views at these beautiful raptors. We arrived back at the lighthouse around 2:00 and dispersed to rest, take naps, and make lunch. Julian, having taken the train, was still on his way back, and he called me as he walked up past Batteriskoven that there was a White-tailed Eagle (Havørn) circling with the Cinereous Vulture (Munkegrib) over Storsig. What a duo! I stepped outside and was able to view both, but at that point they were separated and the vulture was fairly distant. It was a warm sunny afternoon and raptors were evidently taking advantage of the thermals as a steady procession of Honey-buzzards (Hvepsevåge), Common Buzzards (Musvåge), Red Kites (Rød Glente), and Kestrels (Tårnfalk) soared out past the lighthouse. I went out to watch them and take a nap on the beach in the sun before jumping in the sea. Julian went out to swim just after me and we both agreed it was the warmest and nicest it has felt.

It's not easy to find a bird that makes a White-tailed Eagle (Havørn) (above) look small.

Meanwhile, as it was their last day (and Kristine’s birthday!), the Rasmussens were setting up a lovely dinner for us all outside. Martin made some delicious lasagna and Kristine decorated the picnic table in the garden. Simon and Lisa arrived with their 9 week old puppy, which made for an adorable scene as two year old Otto and four year old Karl Anker played with him. We sat down to eat around 6:30 with the perfectly glassy sea behind us and a buzzing cloud of Common Swifts (Mursejler) swirling around the lighthouse above. After dinner, Juliane brought out a lemon cake she made with a blueberry guillemot on top, and we sang the english and danish happy birthday songs for Kristine.

Guillemot cake!

Finally after everything was cleaned up, Julian, Juliane and I did some computer work and sat in the garden, while Bao walked to Skarvsøen, where he saw his lifer Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker) and Common Grasshopper Warbler (Græshoppesanger). I climbed up to the top of the lighthouse to watch the sunset and watched a low fog bank creep across Storsig as the sun went down, arriving to the lighthouse as it began to get dark. A beautiful end to a wonderful day!

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

People: Brian Browne, Julian Helbig, Juliane Rößler, Bao Shen Yap, Páll, Martin Rasmussen, Kristine Rasmussen, Otto & Karl Anker, Simon Christiansen, Lisa Vergin

When I came back from our night out at Storsig at 05:15, Juliane and Brian were already in bed catching up on the sleep we didn’t get during the night, and I then did the same.

Coming back home from a long sleepless night.

We all woke up at about nine, when the sun was already shining bright outside and it started to get warm. Henrik Rask had already left. After breakfast, I went out the door and noticed there were quite a few raptors soaring high up in the cloudless blue sky, mainly Common Buzzards (Musvåge), Honey Buzzards (Hvepsevåge) and Kestrels (Tårnfalk). Together with them, also the Cinereous Vulture (Munkegrib) had come up to Skagen again. It’s so crazy how it has become almost a daily bird to watch! Because of the raptor activity, Brian and I decided to bike to Saftevandsbakken for some hours of raptor watching. Juliane went grocery shopping first, and joined us a bit later.

On our way to Saftevandsbakken.

We had our hopes up to find a special raptor among them, but unfortunately we didn’t (apart from the Cinereous Vulture (Munkegrib) of course). Juliane was looking for insects, especially beetles, while Brian and I were taking a little nap in the sun, and found an interesting ant species (Narrow-headed Ant, Rød Hedemyre). All the raptors didn’t really come close or overhead today, so we only saw them from far away. At 15:00, we left the place, and went into town to get some fantastic, refreshing ice cream, since it got very hot. Back at the station we met Simon and Páll, who moved to Skagen from the Faroe Islands, and will join us in the field during the upcoming weeks. After we took an Evening Meeting and did some data entry, Bao arrived at the train station and got picked up by Simon. Bao is an exchange student from Singapore and will stay with us for the next few days. Great to have you here!

People: Brian Browne, Julian Helbig, Juliane Rößler, Simon S. Christiansen, Martin & Kristine Rasmussen, Páll, Bao