I got up for counting on my own at 03.25 - an hour before sunrise. I because of the recently lack of bikes, I have to leave a bit earlier. I arrived around sunrise at Worlds End 1, as the 3rd person. To my big surprise, the talented german (SK) arrived just a minute later, to join me in the count. Even Though the migration is almost done, we always hope for a rarity to show up. Unfortunately, nothing really happened, and it turned out to be the ringing that had the best numbers of the day, with 11 Black Caps and four Marsh Warblers as the best.

Simon and I joined the rest of the volunteers at Kabeltromlen when the count was done. Simon stayed until the ringing was done an hour later, and I for two hours, because I started chatting with Henrik Knudsen and Ole Zoltan Göller. They told me stories from way back. Before Zello was invented. Back when there was no electricity in regular houses, and they had to dig themselves out through 2-3 kilometres of snow to the nearest road to go shopping by foot. In a thunderstorm. With hail. Against the stormy wind. Not to forget it was uphill in both directions. Back when birds had wings and could fly away before you got to see them. They told about their heroic findings and legendary twitches for rare birds. I don’t know who of them to believe the most, but they were good story tellers and the little kid (me) listened very carefully to the legends about birds like Rock Bunting (klippeværling), Elegant Tern (aztekerterne) and Roseate Tern (rosenterne).

Back at the station, I felt fresh like a white-tailed eagle (at least a danish saying/phrase), until I sat down on the couch and fell asleep for five hours. When I woke up again, it was time for data entering, before having dinner with SK as the chef and at last heading for the pillow once again.

Another day passed by at the Grey Lighthouse.

/Magpie/Krøllebille/Magnus/MHL.

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Total: 33

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Jørn and Marianne

Our routine broke today as for the first time in what feels like forever, there was rain in the early hours of the morning; during our usual hours of operation. All of us were awake by 4am, but none of us, neither ringers nor observers, could do our jobs with the rain. We waited and waited and watched the radar continually extend the rain forecast from stopping at 4am, to eventually stopping at 7am. Only then could we leave to open nets.

Simon left a bit earlier than us ringers with some excitement on his face to go observing, even as there was still some rain. His instincts were right, as he managed to find a Sydlig Nattergal (Common Nightingale) singing at Grenen! These birds are only seen (more often just heard) once or twice a year at Skagen, so it was a nice find.

Opening nets at Kabeltromlen was a grueling task this morning. The nets were sopping wet, and heavy with water. Putting the nets up often resulted in a quick spraying of one of us with rainwater. I had two sticks break trying to put up the water-logged net shelves, which was very inconvenient. Thankfully, once opened, the nets dried themselves out fairly quickly. They also began catching birds immediately, as we had two Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler) in nets as we opened them. Even though we began ringing three hours after sunrise, the rain clearing brought us many migrants. On the radar, it looked like Grenen was the only place in Denmark, or at least in Jutland, that was raining, so there must have been lots of passerine birds waiting to migrate once the rain cleared. The next rounds would be full of birds, with anywhere up to eight birds each net check round. The highlight of the day was a late Kvækerfinke (Brambling) which should have left long ago by now. There was also a male Gulspurv (Yellowhammer) recapture from 2021, which was a very pretty bird to have brighten up our day.

Due to our late start, we were all quite sleepy and just napped the rest of the afternoon away. Simon decided to go 'twitch' some Skovspurv (Tree Sparrows) because he has not yet seen them this month.

And that brings us up to date.. it feels weird, despite the long day due to the late start we really didn't get up to much.

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) - 5

Eurasian Blackcap (Munk) - 8

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) - 2

Common Chaffinch (Bogfinke) - 3

Icterine Warbler (Gulbug) - 2

Blackbird (Solsort) - 1

Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) - 4

Sedge Warbler (Sivsanger) - 1

Common Whitethroat (Tornsanger) - 1

Chiffchaff (Gransanger) - 1

Common Whitethroat (Tornsanger) - 3

Hawfinch (Kernebider) - 2

Total: 28

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

Sum of observations of raptors on DOFbasen from today

God morgen friends, today I joined Magnus at the count for a change! The extra sleep felt incredible, and the whole walk to World’s End 1 was very scenic. It felt as though my energy had doubled… or maybe even tripled! Unfortunately, I did not have much of an outlet for all my newfound energy, as there was very, VERY, little to count this morning. As Magnus said, “the spring migration is officially over.” But not only that, a couple birds (including a Sparrowhawk - Spurvehøg) were even seen migrating South. Does this mean Autumn migration is already beginning? 

Look how beautiful and green Grenen is now!

A couple of highlights from the count this morning were a Golden Oriole (Pirol) and a Little Stint (Dværgryle - sadly we did not see this one though). I was happy to click away some of the regular Chaffinches (Bogfinke) and Magnus was excited to see quite a few Northern Fulmars (Mallemuk). Magnus also spent some time trying to teach me the Danish æ, ø, and å, and I tried my best to pronounce all the bird names correctly. I also got to hold some fun beetles including two weevils and a Black Snail Beetle (Phosphuga atrata - or Snegleådselbillen in Danish). 

Black Snail Beetle (Phosphuga atrata - Snegleådselbillen).

Magnus counting ALL the birds.

The ringers had a more productive day, with quite a few birds in the early rounds. The highlight of their day being a male Hawfinch (Kernebider - we have only caught females thus far!) along with a female, what a cute pair of lovebirds. 

Female (left) and male (right) Hawfinch (Kernebider). Photo by Simon Kiesé. 

I joined Seán, Hayley, and Simon at Kabeltromlen after Magnus and I finished the count, and got to see a nice adult male Chaffinch (Bogfinke) before helping close the nets. Jørgen Hulbæk, who was birdwatching at Kabeltromlen, also told us there were 6 Black Kites (Sort Glente) passing by and 1 Red Kite (Rød Glente), that was cool to see! A lot of raptors (Rovfugle) were flying rather low around the area. 

Simon (Sr) had a busy day too, joining us at Kabeltromlen and World’s End 1 in the morning, and then meeting up with an old school friend of his (who is also the son of our current guests). They went around and saw some birds - among them a Mantagu's Harrier and a very odd and big falcon without a tail. One that surely has escaped from captivity. It's a bit of a problem that falconeers can't manage to hold their hybrid birds away from escaping into the wild. It's something that happens too often. Anyway, they had a great day walking around on northern part of the peninsula.

Simon (Sr), his friend Rasmus, and our guest Jørn.

We also received news from Simon (Sr) about a great generosity which has been bestowed upon the station (in the form of a donation) from Melsen Fonden. With this donation, we can finally buy new bikes and a brand new scope for the station! We are all incredibly grateful (and excited), mange tak!

In the afternoon, Seán prepared a lovely vegetarian Paella for us, and Simon (Jr) went out on a small adventure. He came across many birds, including the Little Stint (Dværgryle) which we missed earlier today.

This time, unlike the last time I wrote the blog, I really think we will have an early night. We expect (and hope) tomorrow will be a busy day.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) - 2

Eurasian Blackcap (Munk) - 8

Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) - 2

Common Chaffinch (Bogfinke) - 2

Wren (Gærdesmutte) - 2

Robin (Rødhals) - 1

Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) - 2

Icterine Warbler (Gulbug) - 1

Common Whitethroat (Tornsanger) - 3

Hawfinch (Kernebider) - 2

Total: 25

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Jørn and Marianne

And with this blog title it should be obvious, what the daily blog should be related to: cake!

If there is one thing, we volunteers love even more than birds, it is cake!

Strawberry cake, chocolate cake, we are very tolerant for all the variety of cake, but if you want to do us a favor, you know how to do it now. 

Finally, it should be a good day for cake migration. At the cake count at pie end 1 there were not many birds at all, but a Great Nothern Cake - ehm Diver - (Islom) in breeding plumage (with whip creme) passed by and gave nice views. Still hungry we continued the count at Kabeltromlen, because a rare cake was caught in the nets. Jørgen Hulbæk visited us and brought a good cake, this made the low numbers in the count very acceptable. In the meanwhile, the ringers - ehm bakers - were following the recipie and doing net checks. There were more birds than yesterday including one Spotted Flycatcher (Grå Fluesnapper) and a very pretty Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger). 

The cherry on the cake should follow soon: a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Lille Fluesnapper). Look at this cuty:

It is already the second one, we could ring this year. The white pattern and the small size are very characteristis in this species. A fun thing was that is had a pronounced brood patch. Not because it's breeding but brood patch is among some species developed homonally when the breeding period comes.

Brood Patch on the Red-breasted Flycatcher 

After taking a nap, the afternoon started the same for everyone of us: doing data entry and getting up to date with all the administrative tasks, so we do not have to do them on the hopefully more busy next days. I worked on the quality check of our entered data. This is a very important task and it gives you a nice overview about the data we collect in the counts.

Then it was time to celebrate - the Lesser Kestrel (Lille Tårnfalk), Isis birthday and maybe even Jørgen Hulbæks birthday again?

For this Simon Sr. brought Champagne and the typical danish Strawberry Cake (it is amazing!!). It was very nice and the mood is like always - in contrast to our amount of sleep - on a high level. 

From Sweden we recived a picture from the Chairman of the Board of our Bird Observatory; Niels Eriksen. He is right now on Öland visiting our friends at Ottenby Bird Observatory. We hope you have a nice trip there!

Niels Eriksen at Ottenby Bird Observatory on the southern point of Öland, Sweden.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 19

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

Sum of observations of raptors on DOFbasen from today.

People: Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Jørgen Hulbæk, Jørn and Marianne.

Divide and conquer was the plan today with the station team splitting into three groups for the morning field tasks. And conquer we did!

Magnus was at World’s End 1 for the count and saw the first immature Arctic Skua (Almindelig Kjove) of the season. There was also a Corn Bunting (Kornværling) and several Rosefinches (Karmindompap).

Simon Jr, Seán and Oluf were nearby at Kabeltromlen and had a fairly quiet morning. Their ringing highlights were a Tree Pipit (Skovpiber), Bullfinch (Dompap) and Spotted Flycatcher (Grå Fluesnapper).

Isis and I went to Skarvsøen for the third CES session of the season. Simon Sr also joined us with Emma Ellis, a visiting bird ringer from France and we were very happy to see the pair of Ferruginous Ducks (Hvidøjet And) flying over Skarsøen. Between rounds Simon heard a Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Buskrørsanger) singing in the bushes near our nets so got out his recorder. Then the bird stopped singing. We were a little confused about why but then checked the nearby net and realised it had stopped singing because we had caught it!

Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Buskrørsanger)

Simon Sr took lots of measurements to confirm the species whilst Simon Jr ran at lightning speed from Kabeltromlen to see the bird, as did Jørgen from Nordstrand. It is only the third of this species to be caught by the station since 2017!

It was particularly interesting to compare the Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Buskrørsanger) with a Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) which we had also caught. On the right you can see that the Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Buskrørsanger) which has a greyer plumage and a strong supercilium. It also has short wings (a short primary projection) and a long beak.

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) – Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Buskrørsanger)

Otherwise it was also quiet for us at the CES site. As Isis and I were closing the nets, the clouds were starting to roll in and rumbles of distant thunder could be heard; as we cycled back the rain started and we got absolutely soaked!

After drying off and refuelling, data was entered and with the rain now stopped Magnus headed off on an entomology trip with a friend to look for a rare spider which they were very pleased to eventually find. A bit later in the afternoon a Short-toed Eagle (Slangeørn) was reported south of Skagen so of course Seán, the two Simons, Mette and I all sprinted to Simon Sr’s car to try and see it. We stopped at several places on our way south and searched the sky but unfortunately didn’t see the bird.

Short-toed Eagle (Slangeørn) by Jeppe Therkildsen Madsen.

We didn’t have much time to keep searching as we had to return to the station to ring a Tawny Owl (Natugle) chick from the Jerup Rescue Centre. It was a very fluffy stinky little thing!

Tawny Owl (Natugle)

And then an unexpected visitor was found walking in the lighthouse shop, a Feral Pigeon which Knud has now taken to look after.

We hope it likes its new home!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 19

CES Ringing (Skarvsøen):

Total: 14

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

Sum of observations of raptors on DOFbasen from today

People: Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Oluf Lou, Emma Ellis, Jørgen Hulbæk, Jørn and Marianne.

Simon and I went up an hour later than the ones that put up the nets for ringing, because we went for the count. We had breakfast together with Freya, before heading out for counting birds. Simon by bike and I by foot, because we are low on bikes. There was fog in the air. Quite a lot actually. We could barely see the sea, and that’s why we decided to move down to Kabeltromlen, where we could hear and see the passerines even better.

After four hours of counting, it was clear to us that it was one of the slowest days of the year so far, and that not even the passerines were migrating in high numbers. But we were able to participate in the ringing and mostly just see what they caught. Unfortunately, it was quite slow as well, but with a nice variety of species. Among the species were the Redbacked Shrike, which mostly are seen from distance. Also a sparrowhawk showed up, which always is a nice species in hand.

Sparrowhawk 2. calender year, male. Poto by Simon Kiesé.

Redbacked Shrike. Photo by Simon Kiesé.

In the afternoon, the weather turned better and the migration increased. My family and friends came by to invite me for lunch at a restaurant in town. I gave them a room tour at the lighthouse, before we had coffee and cake in the garden. Unfortunately, the weather turned bad after a few hours, and turned into a thunderstorm at the end.

The late afternoon and evening was spent with data entering and having a nice dinner, with SK as the chef.

We said hi to the new guests in the apartment, Jørn and Marianne, and bye to Kirsten and Freya.

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Kirsten, Jørn and Marianne.

Ringmærkning (Kabeltromlen)

Spurvehøg (Sparrowhawk) 1

Rødrygget Tornskade (Redbacked Shrike) 1

Solsort  (Blackbird) 1

Gulbug (Icterine Warbler)1

Tornsanger (Common Whitethroat) 3

Bogfinke (Chaffinch) 6

Munk  (Blackbird) 3

Sum: 16

This morning the other volunteers and I bravely woke up to begin our morning duties as professional mosquito breakfasts. To add to our pain, midgets/knats had also mass spawned the day after some mild wet weather, completely eating alive any part of our uncovered (and sometimes even our covered) bodies. It was completely not worth it on the migration counting side of things. The most exciting time of the morning was when four Sortstrubet Lom (Black-throated Divers) flew right over our heads. Later, a little after 7am, Simon found an Orca which later turned out to be one of three in Skagerak, which were the first to be seen from Grenen this year. Simon also managed to guide a research ship in the area close to the Orcas, though unfortanately they couldn't get a biological sample. They did manage to get some pictures which were enough to identify each individual uniquely.

Foto af Olga Filatova, Syddansk Universitet

The ringers could only have been subject to more torture than us counters at World's End, with zero birds in some of the net check rounds. There were some cool birds though; notably a Landsvale (Barn Swallow) and a Blåhals, ssp. cyanecula (White-spotted Bluethroat) - the first colorful male ringed in Skagen of this subspecies.

Later in the day, Simon SC and I went to the Naturmødet in Hirtshals to see the various stalls and talks. We participated in a Danish gull quiz, and because of my lack of proficiency in Danish, proceeded to get 9th place, which isn't horrible. We also met with Simon's family while we were there, at which point the conference became a little less nature oriented and more food and beer oriented which was very fun.

Proof of me third-wheeling Simon's family while looking like the main character.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) 1

Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger) 2

Icterine Warbler (Gulbug) 3

Garden Warbler (Havesanger) 3

Bluethroat (Blåhals) 1

Spotted Flycatcher (Grå Fluesnapper) 1

Common Redstart (Rødstjert) 1

Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) 3

Common Whitethroat (Tornsanger) 1

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) 1

Common Chaffinch (Bogfinke) 2

Barn Swallow (Landsvale) 1

Total: 20

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

Sum of observations of raptors on DOFbasen from today

People: Frya Mørup-Ptetersen, Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Kirsten Bregn

It did not seem like promising weather today with both rain and mist in the early morning but we were all up with our usual early alarms hoping for the best. Although Simon Jr and Magnus did not stay at World’s End 1 for long, they counted an impressive 65 Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle) and also saw three Black-throated Divers (Sortstrubet Lom) roosting in the Kattegat. Due to the low numbers of birds migrating and the increasing fog over the sea, they then joined us at Kabeltromlen instead. It was very fun to have all five of us in one place for once! We started Isis’ birthday celebrations early with plenty of cookies!

Simon and Magnus continued the count from Kabeltromlen and counted two Rosefinches (Karmindompap) and five Golden Orioles (Pirol). The highlight however was a Turtle Dove (Turteldue) attempting to migrate. A great spot by Simon Jr! Sadly this species is declining across northern Europe; this was the first individual seen in Skagen since 2022.

Thanks to the change in weather conditions we finally had more birds in the ringing. Highlights were two Icterine Warblers (Gulbug), four Spotted Flycatchers (Grå Fluesnapper) and seven Pied Flycatchers (Bruget Fluesnapper). We also caught our first two Marsh Warblers (Kærsanger) in the ringing this spring.

Marsh Warbler (Kærsanger)

We also found a very interesting spider on the Kabeltromlen which, after some research, we found out was called ‘Pumpkin Spider’ in German and ‘Cucumber Spider’ (Agurkehjulspinder) in Danish and English. It’s colouration was stunning!

Cucumber Spider (Agurkehjulspinder)

On our way back to the station we bumped into Jørgen, Hans and Knud who had been out at World’s End 3 counting birds whilst also celebrating Bob Dylan’s birthday. We hear it was quite the party out there with music and plenty of cake! They very kindly gave us their leftover birthday cake, which was very very good, tak!

But it wasn’t just for Bob that we were celebrating today! As it is also Isis’s birthday (happy birthday Isisi!!) our party continued later in the afternoon with Simon Sr joining us with champagne, flags and singing the traditional Danish birthday song.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with raptor summaries, data entry, fixing bird bags and more birthday celebrations – the guitar came out and the party continued! We also received information about the colour-ringed Waxwings (Silkehale) which were read earlier in May in Skagen. The two birds were both originally ringed in Scotland in November 2023 and one was also re-sighted in Derbyshire, England in January this year. Fascinating stuff!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 41

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Kirsten Bregn.

Ahoy there friends, I don’t suppose you can guess what I have to say about the progression of our morning, given there has been no considerable change in the weather lately. That’s right, it was excruciatingly slow at best. That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy it, though. We started the day with two recaptured Blackbirds (Solsort), one male and one female. The female had a brood patch, and since they were next to each other in the net (and shared the same grumpy attitude) we assume they were a lovely young couple! We also got to watch a cruise ship float in from the distant ocean, into the Kattegat, and then dock at the Harbour. The town is full of life now!

The grumpy lovebirds.

After this, unfortunately, we had quite a few rounds with no birds. Our highest round (and the only ones we ringed so far) by 8 in the morning: 3 birds. We had started losing hope, so we decided to close half an hour earlier than usual… and what happened during the closing round fell right in line with the usual tomfoolery of the birds up here, 5 new birds! They really find a way to play with your toes, those feathered fiends. 

Though as compensation for the lack of birds, we did have two Wood Warblers (Skovsanger) today. Kirsten was very excited to be able to ring one of these vibrant little warblers. Considering how few birds we caught and ringed today, two Wood Warblers (Skovsanger) is quite good. 

And who doesn’t love looking at those little faces:

Wood Warbler (Skovsanger).

The count went as usual, with the main highlight being a singing Greenish Warbler (Lundsanger).

We also lost two of our team members today, Hayley and Simon (Jr), who have migrated to Gothenburg, Sweden in a most traitorous manner to enjoy a jazz concert, the station is very empty now. All jokes aside, we wish them a safe journey and lots of fun during their little field trip!

Hayley Land at Trafalgar Sqaurd. 

When we got back from the station, we immediately got to work entering data and checking sheets. Then we had a little bit of free time before Simon (Sr) came around to enter more data and check more sheets, but now all of that is done so we can focus on being out in the field the next few days as the birds (hopefully) pick up again!

I also spent some time updating the picture archive, so we don’t fall behind on that either.

Now the day is coming to a close, and Magnus is preparing dinner. It will be an early night for us at the station.

Catch us in the field!

UPDATE: We DID NOT in fact have an early night… As we neared the end of our dinner, Magnus received a Zello message from Erik Christophersen announcing a Lesser Kestrel (Lille Tårnfalk) by Storsig! This is only the 3rd record for Skagen, and a big wish list bird (and lifer) for me! Magnus was out in a flash, Seán and I were a bit slower, trying to see if we could catch it on foot first, before rushing back to get our bikes. 

In all the chaos, though, everybody was very glad to get a great look at this beautiful bird, along with a Red-Footed Falcon (Aftenfalk). Many pictures were taken, many new mosquito bites were received, and many happy birders paraded the streets. Now it nears 21:30, much beyond our bedtime. Let us dream of all sizes of Kestrels (Tårnfalk) as we prepare for the birdy days to come.

Lesser Kestrel (Lille Tårnfalk) and Red-Footed Falcon (Aftenfalk). Photo by: Magnus Houen Lauritsen.

Lesser Kestrel 2cy. Male with The Grey Lighthouse in the background. Video by Kent Olsen

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet)

Reed Warbler (Rørsanger) 1

Eurasian Blackcap (Munk) 1

Lesser Whitethroat (Gærdesanger) 1

Willow Warbler (Løvsanger) 1

Common Chaffinch (Bogfinke) 2

Wood Warbler (Skovsanger) 2

Total: 8

Today’s observations in Dofbasen from observers in the area.

Sum of the raptors in the area based on observations typed into Dofbasen the same day.

People: Seán Walsh, Hayley Land, Isis Khalil, Magnus Houen Lauritsen, Simon Kiesé, Simon S. Christiansen, Kirsten Bregn