Last night Simon and Hayley put out the nightjar nets at about 8.30pm just after sunset which was very exciting, and we were all feeling optimistic about catching one as the weather conditions were perfect. After a little time passed around 9:10 pm, Simon and Hayley went to check the net and were very excited to have caught a lovely Nightjar (Natravnen), once they returned with the bird, they came up to wake me and Gustav. I was the lucky one to have ringed the Nightjar which was amazing, and it was so calm to hold in the hand. It was also interesting to look at the incredible feather patterns this species has up close. Once the bird was successfully ringed and then measured, it was photographed and then returned outside. What a special evening with a very special species.

Nightjar (Natravnen)

This morning myself and Hayley were a little bit more tired than usual due to being up late seeing the Nightjar, but it was definitely worth it! We both went to Kabeltromlen to set up the nets to bird ring in the morning, however, we did not catch many birds today unfortunately, but that’s okay as we got a Wryneck (Vendehals) yesterday which we were still very much amazed by. We ringed the regular species today such as Blackcap (Munk), Common Whitethroat (Tørnsanger), Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) and Willow Warbler (Løvsanger), but we also got a nice Robin (Rødhals).

Whilst we were out ringing, Simon and Gustav were at World’s End Three doing the migration count. The count was a little slow, however, they did spot a Pomarine Skua (Mellemkjove), which was a new species to tick off Gustav’s ‘must see’ bird list.

On the way back from the migration count and bird ringing, it was announced through Zello that there was a lovely juvenile Slavonian Grebe (Nordisk lappedykker) swimming around close to shore out at the back of the lighthouse. It was the first time me, Hayley and Gustav have come across this species but Simon has seen it once before in Germany. Simon got a great photo of the Grebe which can be viewed below.

We are now going to try nigh catching again for Storm Petrels, fingers crossed we get one tonight!

Slavonian Grebe (Nordisk lappedykker)

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Kim and Bodil.

Today we got up especially early and cycled to Skarvsøn. It was the last time CES was on the agenda. On the way, a Nightjar (Natravn) flew over us in the darkness. Then the nets were already open.

Hayley and I ringing at Skarvsøn (picture: Simon the first)

In the first round, a large wader suddenly flew into the net directly in front of Hayley. Oha, that's a Ruff (Brushane). What an unexpected and good start, this is the first ringed one from the Bird Observatory!

Ruff (Brushane) - portrait (pictures (if not other mentioned): Simon the second)

Ruff (Brushane) - one picture can't be enough of such a bird!

After this encouraging start, things continued well and we were able to ring many Reed Warblers (Rørsanger) and Chiffchaffs (Gransanger) and also had a few, albeit few, recaptures. The sun came out and the ringing was really fun. Then suddenly a Wryneck (Vendehals) was hanging in the net. This was the first ringed one for this year. The species is a lot of fun. It has a cool shape, a cool pattern and lives up to its name - it twists its neck to scare off the "attacker". With the lines on its back, it then pretends to be a snake. We didn't fall for it, however, and realised that he wasn't a snake and gave him the fitting ring. Lisa and Gustav also came for this great bird.

Wryneck (Vendehals)

look at this eye - the color tells you that it is a young bird

Gustav had previously been to World's End with Knud to do the migration count. It is noticeable that there are more migrants and three Arctic Skuas (Almindelig Kjove) of the dark morph could be observed during the count. I’m looking forward to join the count again, but at the moment every ringing day is so much fun, that it is hard to do something else.

Back home, Rebecca left for the cormorant count, while Hayley and I had our fourth breakfast, including cake. After that I had a really long sleep. That was good, very good. After the delicious dinner we sat down at the laptops, had fun conversations and entered all the data we had collected for the day. Now that I've finished writing the blog, we're opening the nightjar net. Keep your fingers crossed for us! On that note...

 ...10:58pm:

We ringed a Nightjar (Natravn), yeah (a story for tomorrows blog post). That's why we finished entering the ringdata now. So here we go:

Ringing (Skavsøn CES):

Wryneck (Vendehals) - 1

Ruff (Brushane) - 1

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) - 20

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) - 2

Icterine Warbler (Gulbug) - 1

Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) - 2

Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) - 1

Blue Tit (Blåmejse) - 2

Blackcap (Munk) - 1

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) - 10

Total: 41

 People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Kim and Bodil.

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

Simon Jr. og Hayley drog spændte ud til ringmærkning endnu en dag. I går havde vi jo den fantastisk flotte Isfugl og Stenpikker. Det betød, at de så vældig meget frem til at gå endnu en ringmærknings session imøde. I løbet af dagen kom der også godt gang i fuglene. Der blev ringmærket 41 fugle i alt, og ud af dem var over halvdelen af dem løvsangere! Derfor kunne de sammen med Simon studere denne art godt og grundigt ift. fuglens fældning og lære om forskellen mellem juvenile og adulte fugle. Af de mere specielle fugle var der Rødstjert og Skovpiber. 

Jeg tog af sted til Grenen, hvor jeg i dag sad sammen med Knud på spidsen af Danmark. I starten var der lidt overskyet og køligt, men som tiden skred frem blev det ligefrem en ganske udmærket sommerdag. Vi fik også besøg af en ligesindede birder fra Schweiz, der havde været på rundtur i Norge og Sverige og som nu havde besluttet sig at tilbringe en morgen i felten med os. 

På vandet forholdt fuglene sig stille og roligt, og der var ikke de store bevægelser. På trods af det, kom der ganske gode arter flyvende. Vi fik blandt andet øje på 2 Almindelige Kjover i den mørke udgave. Senere kom der en Almindelig Skråpe, der var dagens hit, men den var i hård konkurrence med Vandrefalken, der lige havde krydset over fra Sverige til Danmark. Falken kom flyvende lige henover os og videre ind i landet. 

Det skal også nævnes, at andre birders på Grenen i dag så en Pomeransfugl, hvilket ikke sker så tit på disse kanter. 

Derefter tog jeg til Skagen Havn og lavede Skarv-tælling. 

Mens vi andre var i felten følte Rebecca sig ikke helt frisk og valgte at blive hjemme, hvilket nok var en klog beslutning, eftersom hun oplever fremgang i dag.

I skrivende stund venter vi spændt på at se hvad Hayley finder på at lave til aftensmåltidet. 

God vind derude!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Skovpiber - 2

Rødstjert - 4

Stenpikker - 1

Rørsanger - 3

Tornsanger - 2

Havesanger - 1

Gransanger - 1

Løvsanger - 23

Broget Fluesnapper - 3

Sortmejse - 1

Total: 41

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

Simon, Simon and I were back at Kabeltromlen early this morning for another exciting ringing session. A Kingfisher (Isfugl) was caught and ringed! This was the first time this species has been ringed at Kabeltromlen, the second time one has been ringed since the Fuglestation started, and the fifth ringing record for Skagen. The bird we caught was a first-year female. Simon’s photos below show her beautiful plumage.

Another very nice bird ringed today was a Wheatear (Stenpikker). This was also a first-year bird.

There were also several Chiffchaff (Gransanger) caught and a Coal Tit (Sortmejse) in the very last round which was a nice way to finish the session.

Whilst we were ringing, Gustav and Rebecca did the migration count at World’s End 3. Although migration remains slow, they did see lots of waders including a large flock of roosting Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle). Other species recorded include Red Knot (Islansk Ryle), Oystercatcher (Strandskade), Bar-tailed Godwit (Lille Kobbersneppe), Sanderling (Sandløber) and Little Stint (Dværgryle). They also popped over to see the Kingfisher (Isfugl) at Kabeltromlen, not a bird to miss!

After the nets were closed at Kabeltromlen, Simon and I kept our waders on and were given a lift to Skarvsøen, the CES site. We checked the nets there and cut some reeds in preparation for the last CES session which we plan to carry out on Tuesday. It was very warm working in the waders and we were glad there wasn’t too much to cut.

Whilst we were out, there was a sighting of a Red-footed Falcon (Aftenfalk) from World’s End 1. Gustav and Rebecca went out in search of it but unfortunately had no luck. Hopefully there will be more sightings of this amazing species soon.

Later in the afternoon more cleaning was done, ringing and migration data was entered, food shopping bought, and the picture archive was updated. We have also welcomed new guests to the appartment, Kim and Bodil, who are first time visitors to the Fuglestation. We hope they enjoy their stay here.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) – 6

Garden Warbler (Havesanger) – 1

Blackcap (Munk) – 1

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) – 1

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) – 2

Wheatear (Stenpikker) – 1

Blue Tit (Blåmejse) – 1

Coal Tit (Sortmejse) – 1

Bullfinch (Dompap, Lille) – 1

Kingfisher (Isfugl) – 1

Total: 15

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pederson, Kim and Bodil.

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

Today was dominated by night catching. Later in the evening (yesterday) we set up the net on the beach and opened the net on the heath. When we did the first net check, to our delight a 1st cy Nightjar (Natravn) was hanging in the net and I was able to give him with a brand new ring. Since Hayley and Rebecca were supposed to leave for ringing the next morning, they went to sleep afterwards, while Gustav and I now ran the next round. And in contrast to last time, even with success in the beach net! As we stood together with Simon at the net to attach a new tensioning line, Gustav suddenly saw a Knut flying through the thermal imaging camera. It flew in our direction and straight into the net. "We've got a bird!" exclaimed Gustav. Very cool, especially that we now have a video of the bird flying into the net. You really rarely see that! As agreed, the girls were woken up for the ringing. There was a Stone Marten running around on the beach, and it even ate a dead Seal. I really wonder if this has been documented before? At some point, when we wanted to close the nets after unsuccessful rounds, there was another knot hanging in the net. And the next round, a third Red Knot and a Turnstone. What a cool surprise!

all pictures today by me :-) - Red Knot 1st cy

Look at this beautiful wing!

This allowed Simon to show us how to close steel rings properly and we were able to successfully apply what we had seen directly. Steel rings are more difficult to close than aluminium rings, but they are used for the birds' benefit as they last longer even in the harsh maritime conditions, as some waders can also grow quite old.

After this successful night, the girls left for Kabeltromlen with Simon. The first round was promising with 14 birds. After that it got a bit quieter and the birds seemed to have disappeared all at once. The most special bird was probably the Robin (Rødhals). Yeah, it is a very very common species, but I still miss it on my Denmark-List, that's funny hahaha. I'm now here for one month and I've seen many really good birds from Zitting Cisticola over White-billed Diver to Greenish Warbler but I still miss Robin.

Meanwhile, the migration count was just as quiet, no birds seemed to be migrating at all. However, as it was windless, it was very easy to spot even distant birds floating on the water. For this reason we saw Harbour porpoises almost continuously, sometimes very close and sometimes at a greater distance. Then suddenly a group of 6 (probably Bottlenose) Dolphins swam around a little further away - how cool! Probably the same animals that were seen the day before yesterday. What a cool observation and nice to see the dolphins compared to porpoises. Then even a Great Skua (Stor Kjove) and a Merlin (Dværgfalk) passed through and one Little Stint (Dværgryle) was between about 50 Dunlins (Almindelig Ryle) foraging.

Now, after 26 hours of bird stuff, Gustav and I got our well-deserved sleep, while Rebecca and Hayley took care of the remaining tasks and cleaned our flat. What a successful day, 5 birds last night is really good and was a lot of fun!

Turnstone (Stenvender) - 1st cy

Ringing  (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) - 1

Garden Warbler (Havesanger) - 1

Blackcap (Munk) - 4

Reed Bunting (Rørspurv) - 1

Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) - 1

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) - 3

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) - 4

Robin (Rødhals) - 1

Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) - 1

Total: 17

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Rebecca Cheape, Simon Kiesé, Bjørn Laursen, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Stig og Grethe 

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

Dagen startede med lidt regn, hvilket forhindrede os i at ringmærke og observere ved Verdens ende 3. I stedet lavede vi ugens sidste optælling af skarver, hvilket har været på dagsprogrammet de seneste par dage. Det var en våd oplevelse idet regnen blev mere og mere intenst. Det var med længselsfulde blikke, da Simon endelig kom tilbage, hvorefter vi trak os tilbage til stationen og fik varmen. 

Derefter stod de næste 6 timer på Tredækker jagt. Tredækkeren trækker lige nu, og vi prøvede ihærdigt at finde deres raste lokaliteter men uden held. Der blev ellers trasket igennem den ene eng efter den anden med tvivlsomme blikke fra køer og hester på tilgrænsende marker. Det lykkedes os at se Dobbeltbekkasiner og to Bynkefugle, men Tredækkeren må vente til en anden gang. Forhåbentligt får vi den snart af se. Vi havde også lige et kort stop ved en lokal mand i Tårs, fordi vi skulle samle en Musvåge op, som stationen gerne vil bruge til formidling af fugle. 

Med alt det hårde arbejde håber vi inderligt, at det bringer noget god karma med sig til vores Stormsvale nattefangst, der finder sted her i aften og ud på natten. Forholdene er helt optimale, og vi håber på det bedste. Alle er klar til at springe ud af sengen, hvis vi skulle være så heldige at fange en. God vind derude!

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Simon S. Christiansen, Stig and Grethe.

This morning I got up early to do the bird migration count at Worlds’s End Three on my own whilst Simon and Hayley were out bird ringing in the morning at Kabeltromlen. They did not catch very many birds to ring but they still ringed some nice birds, including a young Chiffchaff (Gransanger). The migration count started off a little slow, however, there were 460+ gulls roosting along the shore in the first hour. Within the second and third hour there were 60+ Gannets (Sule) diving, lots of Common Scoter (Sortænder) and the lovely Black Scoter (Amerikansk Sortand) which was also spotted on yesterday’s migration count. Their bill colour stands out very brightly during sunrise, which makes it easy to spot. The last hour was very slow with 6 Cormorants (Skarver) feeding and 100 + Gulls roosting. Some of the locals reported a flock flock of probably Bottlenose Dolphins.

Young Gransanger (Chiffchaff): Simon S. Christiansen.

After the migration count, I went back to the station to make some breakfast and input data from the morning count into the database. I then made some sea buckthorn marmalade with the guests Stig and Grethe which was enjoyable, and it tasted amazing too.

In the afternoon around 12:30pm, me and Hayley went to do the Cormorant (Skarver). The weather was nice and sunny, which made for good counting conditions. There were no fishing boats at the nets for the duration of the count which was a little unusual. There were also many gulls at the nets and many feeding and roosting Cormorants.

Once the count was completed Hayley went to get some food from the supermarket and I went home to input data from the count today.

Some exciting news… a colour ringed adult Common Tern (Fjordterne) read by Knud at Grenen on the 11th August turned out to be ringed by dutch ringers in Senegal on the 29th March this year!

In the evening Gustav returned to the station and then we sat down to have the nightly meeting with Simon and the others, then Hayley made a nice dinner. Hayley, Simon, and Gustav set out the Nightjar nets, but we unfortunately did not catch any to ring as the rain started and it was best to close the nets.

Tomorrow we will hopefully be going to ring some Great Snipes (Tredækker) in the morning, which will be exciting!

Ringing - (Kabeltromlen);

Munk (Blackcap) - 2

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat) – 4

Rørsanger (Reed Warbler) - 2

Løvsanger (Willow Warbler) - 4

Gransanger (Chiffchaff) - 2

Gærdesmutte (Wren) - 1

Grå Fluesnapper (Spotted Flycatcher) - 1

Blåmejse (Blue tit) - 3

Broget Fluesnapper (Pied Flycatcher) - 1 

Total; 20

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Stig and Grethe.

It was an early start for Rebecca and Simon junior who were at Kabeltromlen this morning before sunrise to open the nets. I joined a little later having been up late last night checking the Nightjar (Natravn) net. Although earlier in the evening we had seen a one flying around near the net, we had no luck catching any. Fingers crossed for next time!

It was a very nice morning ringing at Kabeltromlen. Sadly no more Greenish Warblers (Lundsanger) were caught today but we had plenty of Willow Warblers (Løvsanger) and a beautiful young Spotted Flycatcher (Grå Fluesnapper). There were also several Common Whitethroat (Tornsanger), Blackcap (Munk), Chiffchaff (Gransanger) and a Garden Warbler (Havesanger). It was good to put into practice the things we had learnt about moult from Simon yesterday when ageing the birds.

Whilst we were ringing a message came over Zello from Knud who was doing the migration count at World’s End 3. He had spotted an American Scoter (Amerikansk Sortand) amongst the Common Scoters (Sortand). Simon junior shot off to see it and managed to get this photo where you can identify the bird by its yellow bill. A very exciting sighting!

This afternoon has also been very productive with another cormorant count completed, food shopping, ringing data entered and checked, and cleaning done. Meanwhile, Gustav has gone away for a couple of days to work on school stuff and Simon has met with Peter Kristensen to discuss a radio tagging project. A busy day!

Ringing - (Kabeltromlen)

Munk (Blackcap) - 3

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat) – 4

Havesanger (Garden Warbler) - 1

Rørsanger (Reed Warbler) - 1

Løvsanger (Willow Warbler) - 11

Gransanger (Chiffchaff) - 3

Gaerdesmutte (Wren) - 1

Grå Fluesnapper - 1

Total: 25

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Rebecca Cheape, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Peter Kristensen, Stig and Grethe.

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

While I slept until 7am and thus improved my negative balance a bit, Rebecca and Hayley were already at Kabeltromlen opening the nets and ringing the first birds together with Simon. The morning was good and some long distance migrants arrived. For example, some Willow Warblers (Løvsanger) and also Common Redstarts (Rødstjert) could be ringed. After my arrival we had a Tree Pipit (Skovpiber) in the next round. I was really pleased about that, because I really like beepers, but until now I've only rarely had them in my hands. The next round was a real challenge. I went out and checked the first net. No bird. I went on to the next one and there was no bird there either. This continued until there were two birds in the last net.

I saw a very whitish Warbler, but right in front of me hung a Sedge Warbler (Sivsanger) that caught my attention. Delighted with the Sedge Warbler, I took the warbler out of the net and happily walked back to the place where we ring the birds. Then, when Simon saw the bird and asked me if I knew what it was, I realised that the over-eye streak was too strong for an adult fat-tailed warbler. On looking at it more closely for the first time, I also noticed a very slight wing banding, which now shows that the bird is a new species for me - a Greenish Warbler (Lundsanger). How awesome is that??? We were all totally happy about this year's bird. See for yourself!

Tak Knud, for these beautiful pictures!

 Compare how it looks in sun and in shadow!

Even though the bird looked like a Greenish Warbler, we wanted to be on the safe side to exclude a pale Green Warbler. To do this, we de-clined the bird, collected lost feathers and hoped for a call when we released it. And indeed - it did call! The call was clearly Greenish Warbler, so we did everything right. If you are interested in the call and species identification in the Spectogram, you can watch and listen to my recording at Xeno-Canto here.

Look at us, how we supported Knud to make shelter so he could get these perfect pictures:picture by Magnus, who arrived just in time

Happy and with masses of photos in the bag, we set off for the next round. The first bird in the net looked exciting even from a distance and with every step it looked more like the bird of the last round. Freeing it from the net, I looked at the legs - unringed. I could hardly believe it, this was another Greenish Warbler!!!! Wow! But that wasn't to be the only good bird of the round, as Hayley and Rebecca brought back a good bird from a subspecies new to me - a bluethroat of the northern subspecies svecica (Nordlig Blåhals). What a crazy day! There's not much more to say, just enjoy the pictures.

1st cy Greenish Warbler - the second one today!!!

Compare it in the light again:

1st cy male Common Bluethroat

the only picture from me today

The day was rounded off with a Pied Flycatcher (Broget Fluesnapper).

Meanwhile, Gustav was scheduled with a meeting in the city. As part of his stay here, he took part in planning an event in which children are to explore nature by bicycle at various stations in about a month's time. Afterwards he started the Cormorant Count. Then came our news about Zello, so Gustav packed the spotting scope again and set off in our direction. But then a bike breakdown got in his way and as much as he wanted to, he had no chance of getting to us in time. So he set up the spotting scope again and completed the count. On the other hand, the guests in the flat and Knud were luckier, as they could all see the beautiful catches at cable drums. Such is life sometimes, but of course we hope that the autumn will bring more exciting birds.

After ringing in the warm weather, we first cooled off in the sea. Afterwards Simon held a session on Moult and Moult Strategies. This two-hour interactive session was super helpful in understanding the processes of moulting and how to age more difficult species by understanding their moult strategies. It was informative but also fun, which I'm sure is because Simon is a really good teacher.

 last but not least a picture of Simon

So, that's (almost) it from this successful day. Entering data, buying groceries, writing this blog and saving and sorting pictures - there is a lot to do after such a day. But that's okay, for two Greenish Warblers in one day it's a lot of fun!

Thanks again to Knud for the great photos!

Ringing  (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Greenish Warbler (Lundsanger) - 2

Bluethroat (ssp. svecica) (Nordlig Blåhals) - 1

Pied Flycatcher (Broget Fluesnapper) - 1

...

Total: the ringed birds will be added soon :-)

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Rebecca Cheape, Simon Kiesé, Bjørn Laursen, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Stig og Grethe 

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

Today started at 4.20 am for me and Gustav as we had to get to the harbour for the Cormorant count 1 hour before sunrise. There were many gulls feeding around the fishing nets which was a little unusual, however, this occurrence could have been a response to the fishing boat workers cleaning the nets, which could have attracted the gulls as they are opportunistic feeders. There were many passing Cormorants and a very low number of roosting Cormorants. It is obvious to state that Cormorants are sensitive to fishing boats and the noise produced from them, as they often fly away quickly once a boat reaches close to the nets.

The others went to do the morning routine migration counts at World’s End Three as usual, and the weather was good, albeit a little windy. The migration was slow again like the other previous days, but there are still some interesting birds to count. There is always a Great Skua (Stor Kjove) and good migration of waders. The most exciting bird species counted for today were Red Knots (Islandsk Ryle). As the migration was slow this morning Hayley, Simon and Bjorn decided to walk to the point for the first time to see where the two seas meet and were mesmerised by the colours created as the water clashed against each other. They also spotted a Honey Buzzard on the way home (I am jealous).

Later after the Cormorant and migration count, we all said goodbye to Bjorn as he left this afternoon. Later in the evening we had our meeting with Simon to plan and go through daily tasks for the week ahead. Hayley and Simon fixed a bike up so that I can use it to get around Skagen.

Then we all had a nice dinner made by Gustav and went to sleep to get up early to open the nets to bird ring! Yay! ????

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Rebecca Cheape, Simon Kiesé, Bjørn Laursen,