Hej!

To spice things up, and because Knud offered Emma to do the migration count, we all three went to do the ringing today. The wind finally took a beak and let us open all the nets. Greeted by sunshine, we had a good amount of birds in our first rounds. We caught two Redwings/Vindrossel and a Songthrush/Sangdrossel, see photo for a nice comparison. A Whinchat/Bynkefugl and a Stonechat/Sortstrubet Bynkefugl where observed by Knud at World's End 3. 

Redwing/Vindrossel and Songthrush/Sangdrossel - Photo by Søren Wilhelmsen

All of a sudden a wall of fog came from the south, first swallowing the lighthous and then surrounding us at Kabeltromlen. The fog gave the ringing a mystical atmoshere, but also caused the temperature to drop.

Kabeltromlen in the fog

With 32 new birds ringed, we closed our nets at 1 pm and drove back to the station. The sun also fought back the fog, so we quickly had lunch and cleaned the apartement, to then head out to enjoy the sun. Thomas and Emma went along the beach to look for catchable waders. They found none. Thomas later had some nice views on a Brent Goose/Knortegås (Geese are his favourite) that roosted on the beach. Emma extended her wak to the Cormorant Lake, where she found a Goldeneye/Hvinand and bushes full of Redwings/Vindrossel, Blackbbirds/Solsort and Fieldfares/Sjagger. I also went on a walk, to mainly look for Pine Grosbeaks/Krognæb, I also wasn't successfull, but I enjoyed a nice sunset from World's End 1.

Sunset from World's End 1

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Jernspurv - 1

Rødhals - 7

Sangdrossel - 1

Vindrossel - 2

Munk - 2

Fuglekonge - 10

Gærdesmutte - 7

Blåmejse - 2

Total = 32

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People at the station: Thomas Weston, Mara Glane, Emma Fabré, Søren Wilhelsen, Knud Pedersen, Jorgen Hulbaek

Today, I went to the obs with Knud and Jørgen. When we arrived, there were around 20 seals at the tip roosting together with a flock of gulls. Among this flock, we had two Caspian Gulls (Kaspisk Måge), resting.

Otherwise, it was a slow morning, with few auks, Kittiwakes (Ride) and Ganets (Sule). But during the first hour, a Great Skua (Storkjove) came from the sea and flew around the tip. Then, two Fulmar (Mallemuk) arrived and fed far away for a few minutes. We also saw a Red-necked Grebe (Gråstrubet Lappedykker) flying to the southeast and one Slavorian Grebe (Nordisk Lappedykker) resting close to the shore.

The sea with two Common Scoter (Sortand)

Later, during 30 min, sevral large flock of Golden Plover came from the sea on flew over us. In total, we had 377 birds. One of the flocks landed in front of us for 20 minutes. During the last hour Knud and Jørgen left to read some Gull rings. I continued to count the migration. Then, the ringers called me... so I left the migration to saw a nice bird which I wanted to see for a long time.

For the ringers, the wind was strong. They caught only 11 birds. But they had some nice species! They ringed a Yellohamer (Gulspurv), a Bullfinch (Dompap) and the bird which I want to see, a male Bearded Tit (Skægmejse)! After seeing the Tit, I returned to the migration count, Thomas and Mara closed the nets because of the wind.

  Bearded Tit (Skægmejse)

Highlights from the observatory:
Great Skua (Storkjove) – 1
Golden plover (Hjejle) – 377 SE

Ringing (Kabeltromlen)
Gulspurv - 1
Solsort - 1
Gærdesmutte - 3
Rødhals - 2
Skægmejse - 1
Dompap - 1
Fuglekonge - 2

Total: 11

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Thomas Weston, Mara Glane, Emma Fabré, Søren Wilhelsen and Knud Pedersen, Jorgen Hulbaek

The day started off well with the team sticking to their tasks. There was another change in wind direction with the wind decreasing and veering slightly SE. Changes in wind are always great for Skagen and today did not disappoint.

Mara, and I went to ringing at Kabeltromlen. The morning started quite quiet with the reduced wind allowing us to open all the nets. We had some migration overhead which was nice with finches moving about today. This included flocks of Bullfinches (Dompap), Chaffinch (Bogfinke), Crossbill (Lille Korsnæb) and Brambling (Kvækerfinke) moving after a slow start. A migration highlight we do not generally see in the UK, are the flocks of Blue tits (Blåmejse) trying to migrate and showing signs of Zugunruhe: migration restlessness where they circled, gained height calling very excitedly before dropping back down and dispersing within the bushes. It is no surprise these are genuine migrants here. Three flocks of Golden Plover flew South equating to roughly 230 birds (Hjejle). The morning was slow but steady round wise with a single Redwing (Vindrossel) one of the highlights, and one of very few seen today. No Fieldfare (Sjagger) or Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) were seen today, though the former is still in very very low numbers this autumn. We packed up around 13:15 today.

Our guest Søren went to see the Crested Lark (Toplærke) and found one before joining us.

One of two migrant Peregrine (Vandrefalk) that came in off the sea today. Photo Emma.

In comparison, Emma was joined by Knut and Jorgen for the migration watch from World’s End 3. There were less numbers of Kittiwake (Ride), Razorbill (Alk) and roughly the same number of Guillemot (Lomvie) as yesterday. There were some standout highlights from the morning with 3 Sooty Shearwaters (Sodfarvet Skråpe), a very lost Manx Shearwater (Almindelig Skråpe), 2 3^rd calander year plus Shags (Topskarv), a Common Tern (Splitterne), an Arctic Tern (Havterne), 2 Peregrine (Vandrefalk), and a Fulmar (Mallemuk). Once the migration counts ended around midday, Jorgen and Emma joined the ringing team in the final closing round.

Sunset from Det Grå Fyr by Thomas

Back at the observatory, lunch was had and data from today was inputted. Everyone felt quite tired so we all did our own little things. This resulted in me ending going up the lighthouse just before sunset to share a sunset virtually which was very lovely in all ways and was very stunning and orange. It was one of those evening's that were worth sharing and I'm glad I did.

1st year Purple Sandpiper (Sortgrå Ryle) caught and ringed this evening. Photos by Mara.

Meanwhile, Mara and Emma tried to find Purple (Sortgrå Ryle) Sandpipers between the lighthouse and the Seal Bunker and had no luck. However, just after sunset, whilst Mara was holiday organising with her partner, Emma stumbled across a Purple Sandpiper (Sortgrå Ryle) closer to the bunker than the lighthouse. Based on previous success, Skagen Fuglestation has found a great way of catching these classy waders and we were able to catch the individual and ring it before dinner.

Highlights from the observatory:

• Three Sooty Shearwater (Sodfarvet Skråpe)
• One Manx Shearwater (Almindelig Skråpe)
• Purple Sandpiper (Sortgrå Ryle) caught and ringed – our second of the year.

Ringing totals

Ringing (Kabeltromlen)

Total: 27

Ringing (Det Grå Fyr)

Total: 1

Overall total: 28

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Thomas Weston, Mara Glane, Emma Fabré, Søren Wilhelsen and Knud Pedersen, Jorgen Hulbaek

Hej!

With the wind still going strong and with many gusts to rustle through our nets, Thomas and I only opened 19 nets today. After a nice sunrise - which is super late these days - we had our first round at 8:15. We caught one (very cute) Robin/Rødhals.

Robin/Rødhals

Stor Dompap - Photo by Søren Wilhelsen

Luckily we got some more birds in the following rounds, with two nice Chaffinches/Bogfinke and a Bullfinch of the nordic supspecies /Stor Dompap. We closed our nets around 12 and had the perfect timing to meet Emma on our way back to the station. She just finished the migration count with Knud. They had a rather good day, with many Razorbills/Alk flying by and a Yellow-billed Diver/Hvidnæbbet Lom.

As we got back to the station we were greeted by the tasty smell of freshly baked bread. Søren prepared us a nice breakfast, so we all sat together and enjoyed a nice after-work break. In the afternoon Thomas, Emma and I went out on a little bird watching walk to Jenne Sø. Empty as the trees seemed, we were able to find some Goldcrests/Fuglekonge and a Crested Tit/Topmejse. When a flock of Pink-footed Geese/Kortnæbbet Gås flew over, Thomas could explain really well to me how to identify them by their calls.

Nice walk to Jennes Sø

Just before the sun set, Thomas and Emma saw a Purple Sandpiper/Sortgrå Ryle on the beach. Quikly they decided to try and catch it, but when they got back to the spot with the net and equipment the bird was already gone. Next time we have to be prepared!

Highlight of the observations:

Yellow-billed Diver/Hvidnæbbet Lom - 1

Great Northern Diver/Islom - 1

Razorbills/Alk - 1347 migrating SE

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Gærdesmutte - 2

Rødhals - 2

Munk - 2

Fuglekonge - 2

Blåmejse - 2

Bogfinke -2

Dompap - 1

Stor Dompap - 2

Lille Dompap - 2

Total = 17

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People at the station: Thomas Weston, Mara Glane, Emma Fabre, Søren Wilhelsen and Knud Pedersen

In the reedbeds!

After what feels like a few days of no sun and constant cloud and wind, it was lovely to see the rays and feel some nice warmth on the face. It really does bring a smile to the team and the birders around as everything glows in a Skagen way.

Our 'Crossbill' Blue tit (Blåmejse)

The day started well. Mara, our guest Søren, and I went to ringing at Kabeltromlen and it was certainly dark to begin. We were there earlier than the first birds started moving and there was surprisingly no thrush migration which was the theme of the last week. The morning was lovely with the sun appearing after a while and a nice mix of species coming through with each round. The Bullfinches (Dompap) have really started to move with flocks circling around as well as Southern (Lille Dompap), Northern (Stor Dompap) and intermediate Bullfinches (Dompap) all caught. The ringing was consistent with birds caught in each round. We had a funky looking Blue tit (Blåmejse) who had a bill similar to a crossbill, and another Goldfinch (Stillits) adding a big splash of colour to the ringing. Overhead, migration was strong with nice numbers of finches moving: Crossbill (Lille Korsnæb), Brambling (Kvækerfinke), Siskin (Grønsisken). A Ring ouzel (Ringdrossel) feeding on berries only a few metres away was a personal highlight, making all kinds of calls and vocalisations. This bird has been seen/heard a few times over the last week, so it seems very set. No photos from the team yet.

An amazing picture by our guest Søren of the Yellow-browed Warbler (Hvidbrynnet løvsanger).

One slightly quieter round where a quick close of the eyes and a little sunbathe by the team lead to the distinctive single call of a Yellow Browed Warbler (Hvidbrynet Løvsanger) in the bushes just below us. The single call was not enough for Mara, who had yet to see the species in the field, and only once in the hand a few weeks ago. However, the next round, the Yellow browed Warbler (Hvidbrynet Løvsanger) had made it into the net, and it was good timing as the migration team were passing so they popped on in. A couple of close by birdwatchers came too and saw the bird. Søren took some amazing photos for the photo archive, and the bird was soon back in the bushes.

Close encounter with a Rough legged Buzzard (Fjeldvåge).

Emma remained and joined the ringing team and had the delight of ringing Blue tits (Blåmejse), a lovely species who have great personality and look incredible! Mara and I started to close the nets very soon after as we had gone past the 5hr ringing mark, making it even past the 6hr mark today – a great effort! It was lucky we did as it start to rain rather heavily as we closed the last few nets. After an incredible flypast by our 6^th Rough legged Buzzard (Fjeldvåge) over the last 3 days, and the 18th over the past couple of weeks, we cycled back and had some lunch before getting on with a mix of personal and observatory tasks.

We said goodbye to Simon as he is taking some holiday birding elsewhere (our mission to find some good birds here we come). Mara posted the new recruitment video for next year’s team, a massive achievement and if you are interested, please do get in contact - no matter how old you are! Emma inputted this morning’s migration count data from Worlds End 3. This morning, data was collected by Knud and Emma with the standout highlights including 2 Great northern Diver (Islom), a Sooty Shearwater (Sodfarvet Skråpe), a passage of 221 Gannet (Sule), 159 Kittiwakes (Ride), the 2 Arctic Terns (Havterns) and a Black Guillemot (Tejst). I ended up helping with data inputting from this morning’s ringing, some Greylag stuff and a short walk south to the bunkers. We all had a lovely meal cooked by Mara this evening, a festive pumpkin pasta dish. Emma also got some cheese from her family back home but we do not have any photos of that for the blog unfortunately. It's a little bright out there tonight to go nightcatching so a chilled one here at Skagen Fuglestation. We look forward to tomorrow and hopefully some more birds to come. Keep posted...

Highlights from the observatory:

• A Yellow browed Warbler (Hvidbrynet Løvsanger) caught and ringed
• A push of Kittiwakes (Ride)
• A flock of 24 Bearded reedlings [Skægmejse].
• A Lesser Redpoll (Gråsisken, Lille (ssp. cabaret)) recaught at Kabletromlen had been ringed in Brovst 100.5km away in 1^st September 2023 and recaught on the 16^th October 2024, 411 days later.

Ringing totals

Ringing (Kabeltromlen)

Total: 50

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Thomas Weston, Mara Glane, Emma Fabre, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Søren Wilhelsen and Knud Pedersen

This morning I went to the obs with Knud at World’s End 3. The first two hours were particularly good and we had the chance to see one Great Northern diver (Islom). We was also a really high number of Razorbilll (Alk) with 716 individuals going Southeast. In comparison, yesterday we only had 49 Razobril (Alk).

A flock of Snow bunting (Snespurv) was resting on the beach. The young Arctic Tern (Havterne) with the broken feather was still here, feeding with another young Arctic Tern. Two Purple Sandpipers (Sortgrå Ryle) were resting on the beach with some Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle) and Sanderling (Sandløber).

Two Purple Sandpipers (Sortgrå Ryle) and five Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle)

Knud found a total of twelve Caspian Gulls (Kaspisk Måge) among the other gulls on the beach, with all ages, 1k, 2k, 3k and adult. It was a good exercise to identify these Gulls. We also had a flock of six Pintails (Spidsand) going Southeast. There were other species present, we had a good number of Kittiwake (Ride), Red-throted Divers (Rødstrubet Lom), Gannets (Sule) and some Little Gulls (Dværgmåge).

One Caspian Gulls/Kaspisk Måge (middle), lot of white one the wings, long bill

One young Caspian Gulls/Kaspisk Måge flying, we can see the white undercover

For the ringing it was too windy. They caught only three bird with one recapture. They ringed one Siskin (Grønsisken) and a Bullfinch (Lille Dompap). They also saw one Common Buzzard (Musvåge) and one Rought-legged Buzzard (Fjeldvåge). They closed the nets early, and joind us to the migration as well as Simon and Søren . By the end, we were all at the migration count together. Mara took the last videos for the recruitment video.

Siskin (Grønsisken)

In the afternoon, Mara finished the recruitment video, and I went for a walk. In the evening, we all helped Thomas to make pizza for the dinner.

Highlights of the observation:
Great Northern diver (Islom) - 1
Razorbill (Alk) - 716 SE and 10 NO
Purple sandpiper (Sortgrå Ryle) - 2  resting                                                                                                                        Caspian Gulls/Kaspisk Måge - 12 resting

Ringing (Kabletromlen):
Grønsisken – 1
Dompap, Lille (europaea) – 1

Total: 2

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People at the station: Thomas Weston, Mara Glane, Emma Fabre, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Søren Wilhelsen

Hej!

We can really feel it quieting down here at the observatory. Ragnar left the station this morning for a well deserved vacation and many tourists found their way back to their routines outside of Skagen. With less people around at the station we sadly had to realise that the birds seem to be gone as well, at least for today. At the ringing this morning, Thomas and I ringed 18 new birds. But we had our first Greenfinch/Grønirisk for this season.

Greenfinch/Grønirisk

While Thomas and I were closing the nets a little earlier than usual, we saw two Rough-legged Buzzards trying to fly against the wind. At the same time, Simon spotted two additional ones from the panorama view of Kabeltromlen. Emma was joined by Knud at the observations, so she had some company while counting the seabirds. The Arctic Tern/Havterne still hangs around on the beach and they sighted two Slavonian Grebe/Nordisk Lappedykker.

Arctic Tern/Havterne

We then all had a cozy sunday afternoon, doing some admin work, me editing a social media video and Emma analyzing some NocMig recordings. Søren arrived at the guest apartment today and sweetend the afternoon with some cake.

Tea and cake - it was delicious!

Highlights of the Observation:

Slavonian Grebe/Nordisk Lappedykker - 2

Snow Bunting/Snespurv

Arctic Tern/Havterne

Rough-legged Buzzard/Fjeldvåge - 4

Crested Lark / Toplærke - 1

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Gærdesmutte - 6

Jernspurv - 1

Rødhals - 3

Solsort - 1

Munk - 1

Fuglekonge - 3

Grønirisk - 1

Dompap - 1

Lille Dompap - 1

Total = 18

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People at the station: Thomas Weston, Mara Glane, Emma Fabre, Simon Sigaard Christiansen, Søren Wilhelsen

This morning, I went to the obs. There were some interesting divers, unfortunately I didn’t see them. These included a single Great Northern Diver (Islom) and a duo of a Great Northern (Islom) and a Yellow-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom). There was a lot of corvid movement with Hooded Crows (Gråkrage) and Jackdaws (Allike), arriving from the sea with one Carrion Crow (Stortkrage) among the flocks. Two barnacle Gooses (Bramgås) were migrating alone. During the last hour, three groups of Golden Plover (Hjejle) flew around Grenen. One of them landed right in front of me, so I could take a picture of them.

Golden Plover

During this time, Ragnar was leading a guided tour.

For the ringers, the birds were quite. They ringed 13 birds, with one Song Thrush (Sangdrossel) and two Bulfinch (Dompap, Lille europaea).

Song Trush

This afternoon we went out to film the recruitment video. We got distracted by some Kittiwake (Ride) near to the lighthouse. But we finally took some videos. Then the rain came, so we had to stop and go back to the lighthouse. Later in the evening we continued to take some videos.

Now Thomas and I are going out for a night catch! We hope to catch some of the Water Pipits (Bjergpiber) resting on the beach.

Highlights of the observation:
Great Northern diver (Islom)
Yellow-billed diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom)

Ringing (Kabletromlen):
Sangdrossel - 1
Gærdesmutte – 3
Rødhals – 2
Munk - 1
Dompap, Lille (europaea) – 2
Kvækerfinke - 3
Fuglekonge - 1

Total: 13

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

Peope at the saqtion : Thomas Weston, Ragnar Smith, Mara Glane, Rasmus Matthiesen, Emma Fabre, Simon Sigaard Christiansen.

A change in the wind direction led to the wind coming from the south. This weather brought a moist warm front that brought birds and fog to Skagen. A very different, but much appreciated change for the team as the temperature did not require as many layers as the previous few days which have been a little on the chilly and sandier side.

Myself and Mara ringing at Kabeltromlen. Thanks Emma for the photo of us at work.

Due to the fog, migration counts were not undertaken as nobody could see the sea. As a result, Mara, Simon and I went to Kabeltromlen where we managed to open all of the nets. The first two net rounds were surpringly busy with birds migrating through the bushes rather than the sky. This resulted in nice numbers of Redwing (Vindrossel), Mistle Thrushes (Misseldrossel) and Fieldfare (Sgagger) flying around the lighthouse/Kabeltromlen just before dark before diving into any bushes they could see as the sun rose. The rounds were not only joined by our feathered friends, but Ragnar and Emma too so the whole team united for a moment in the field. We were also joined by a couple of couples, our guests, some passing birders and one very cute dog (Igor) so a busy little session.

Due to the lack of visibility at Worlds End 3, Emma undertook an inland observation watch where she counted all the visible migrants passing the ringing site overhead. Highlights from her observations included Water Pipit (Bjægpiber), a flock of Bearded Tits/Reedlings (Skægmejse), a Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) in the bushes, and 2 Sparrowhawks (Spurvhog) using the lifting cloud base to find smaller passerines. On the other hand, Ragnar enjoyed a little lie in as he was running a tour for a group this morning for a couple of hours. There were in fact two groups walking around, and Ragnar’s arrived at the right time seeing Goldcrest (Fuglekonge) and Redwing (Vindrossel) in the hand is not an everyday occurrence for people and showed just how crazy these migrants are! His group wandered off to Elle Krattet and the tip looking for wildlife. The group had a great time, despite poor visibility, and were very very happy. For the guests, seeing small and large birds up close was fun and interesting but what I find crazy is the number of migrant Wrens (Gærdesmutte) we caught today, making up over half the number of the catch, followed by Robins (Rødhals). Two migrants most people assume are ‘just their usual garden birds’, but here migrants leaving the colder weather that will sink through soon.

Look at this funky looking Wren (Gærdesmutte) who obviously had a hard time growing its last two primary feathers (P1 and P2) ahead of migration! A nice pic by Mara showing this odd bit of leucism.

An unexpected gift from one of the kind couples who watched the ringing all morning was some cake! This was much appreciated, and it did not make it back the observatory which is not a problem as on arrival to the observatory, we had been gifted even more cake by Simon’s family. I have stared to get some de ja vu to last autumn when cake was a staple diet for the observatory team. However, we ate lunch, Mara and I opened a couple of the garden nets (with no success) whilst we inputted ringing data from today. We also checked previously entered data with very few corrections needed, good work team! Ragnar, Emma and Simon went out on a trip to the industrial estate to find migrants and came back with news of lots of Goldcrests (Fuglekonge). Evening meeting was undertaken and the team have either been napping or undertaking odd bits and bobs as the fog is really making people feel sleepy today. Anyways, Ragnar went shopping and at the time of wiritng is making some food and we will be going out nightcatching for a little all being well and the weather is not too damp.

The team completed their relevant ‘office’ tasks and had a relaxed afternoon ready for nightcatching later.

Highlights from the observatory:

• An impressive number of Wrens (Gærdesmutte) caught and ringed today.
• A couple of Water Pipits (Bjægpiber) in the reedbeds.
• Thrush movement continues….
• A flock of 12 Bearded reedlings [Skægmejse].

Ringing totals

Ringing (Kabeltromlen)

Total: 36

Ringing (Jennes Sø)

Total: 6

Overall total: 42

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Michael Ancher, Thomas Weston, Ragnar Smith, Mara Glane, Rasmus Matthiesen, Emma Fabré, Jeppes and Linda, Simon Sigaard Christiansen.

Strong SE winds braced Skagen today gusting up to 15 – 20 metres per second which I think translates to about 30 -40mph winds so it was pretty strong and not the warmest overall. A day of being wrapped up and embracing the weather to complete the tasks of the observatory.

Full team out at migration counts. Thanks to Simon SSC for the team photo, we now have a pic of Ragnar trying to immitate a seabird or something? I am not particularly sure, but either way we did see birds!

No ringing was undertaken due to the wind so the whole team went to migration counts (apart from Mara to begin with who had a leisurely lie-in, fried breakfast, and a casual walk out to the observations joining the other team members after the first hout)!! Woop Woop, the team was united!! Cycling was not going to be fun today as getting to World End 3 would have been very very quick but getting back would have been a proper slog, so an observatory team walk was required this morning. In some of the warm clothes, there was no way we were going to be cold to begin!

Migration counts from World’s End 3 started well with a couple of Skuas seen almost instantly. One looked very much like a Long tailed Skua (Lille kjove) but was seen for only a few seconds, and the other looked good for an Arctic Skua (Almindelig kjove) but passed all too briefly after harassing the distant gulls to get a good enough view of either of them. However, the third skua, found by Emma as it came close offshore as it came out of Kattegat, was a stunning first year Pomarine skua (Mellemkjove) and showed well. If we were stood at the tip, it would have been breathtaking, not only with the strong wind, but the views of this beast of a skua as it flew only a few metres away. Other birds seen throughout the morning included a nice little passage of waterfowl including Goldeneye (Hvinand), Red-breasted Merganser (Toppet skallesluger) who mostly associated themselves with the Common Merganser/Goosander (Stor skallesluger), Eider (Ederfugl), Velvet Scoter (Fløjlsand) and the ever-present Common Scoter (Sortand)! The latter have been moving quite a bit so it will be interesting to see how the numbers change over the coming weeks.

A Great Grey Shrike (Stor tornskade) from Worlds End 3 by Ragnar.

A few other bits and pieces included a Puffin (Lunde), over 450 Gannets (Sule) in an hour, healthy number of corvids coming in off the sea, large numbers of thrushes moving over the land, a Merlin (Dværgfalk) and Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg) in off and a Great white egret (Sølvhejre) headed NE out towards Sweden – I wonder if it ever made it in a strong headwind. A highlight for the team was a very showy Great Grey Shrike (Stor tornskade) hopping between post and branch behind the main observation spot. Great photos Ragnar!

The team came back for some much-needed lunch and said farewell to Rosa who headed off back to the UK today. Rosa has been here for 3 months and in her own words has enjoyed her time and adventures at the observatory. Rosa starts a job in the coming months so we wish her luck with her next adventures and all the experiences she will get over the coming years. //Added in subsequently// Randomly, Rosa inadvertently took one of the observatories Bananas back to the UK, so that is currently getting a tour of the local reserves away from Skagen

.

Bike cleaning team in front of the observatory.

Back at the observatory, I got a lift into Skagen with Simon and completed some shopping before cooking food for the team later. I walked back and there were not many birds in the wind but good to be out. Whilst I was walking back, the rest of the team were having naps and taking it steady, as well as inputting the sightings from the morning.  On arrival, we cleaned the bikes and we all got a bit of a soaking from the hose, oops – sorry about that! We had showers, evening meeting was complete and the evening was chill and relaxed for sure. A much needed early night too for the team.

Highlights from the observatory:

• Pomarine Skua (Mellemkjove) plus two other skuas (kjove sp.)
• A Puffin (Lunde) flew SE, then NW later this morning
• Great Grey Shrike (Stor tornskade) showing very well at Worlds End 3.

Ringing totals

No ringing due to the weather today

Overall total: 0

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Thomas Weston, Ragnar Smith, Rosa Hicks, Mara Glane, Emma Fabré, Jeppes and Linda, Simon Sigaard Christiansen.