Another day without ringing at the station today, but it appears the winds should reduce tomorrow so we hope to get back out in the morning. Perhaps the winds will deliver some rarities in the nets and out at sea.

Myself and Augustin went observing from Kattegat bunker this morning, hoping to find shelter from the strong winds. After two hours conditions proved too challenging and unfortunately, we had to leave observations early. Justine and Angela joined for general observations at the end, and we found a group of Horned Larks (Bjerglærke) near the tip, which is always a birding treat.

For those who are interested I have included an in-depth view of something that has been occupying much of our time and thoughts recently at the observatory, the recent influx of Auk (Alk sp.) deaths here in Skagen.

Ringmærkning - Det Grå Fyr

Enkeltbekassin - 1

Ringmærkning - Jennes Sø

Gærdesmutte - 1

Solsort - 1

Blåmejse - 3

Musvit - 4

Kvækerfinke - 1

Lille Gråsisken - 21

Total                    32

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Knud Pedersen, Lisa Vergin, Kirsten Bregn, Esben og Line.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

As some may be aware there has recently been an unusual number of dead or dying Auks (Alk sp.) washing up on the beaches around Skagen. Many who have not recently visited the coastline may not have heard anything about the topic, therefore we are providing a brief overview of the situation. I will provide links at the end so readers can read further about the situation in the U.K as well as some more general information. Please be aware that I am no conservation expert, but all efforts have been made to ensure that all information provided is correct.

At the end of August reports started to emerge of large numbers of dead Auks (Alk sp.) washing up dead around the British coast, many of whom appeared to have died from starvation. Soon after we began to find unusually high numbers of Guillemots (Lomvie) and Razorbills (Alk) dead or dying along the coastline around the observatory; local birders such as Knud Pederson and the teams’s lead – Simon - both believe the situation is highly unusual compared to previous years. There have also been similar reports from other locations including in Norway. Whilst the numbers here are of concern, the numbers of dead guillemots in Britain appears to be of a far higher magnitude than what is currently happening locally here.

Credit: Eva Hvelplund

The precise numbers of deaths is difficult to measure, but we have set in place protocol which should aid our understanding of the magnitude and possible causes of the situation. After talks with Aarhus University, we have agreed to start documenting and collecting specimens we encounter for later study at the university. We have already collected several dozen birds, but have unfortunately seen many times more. Today we encountered five dead Auks (Alk sp.) just around Grenen; four of the specimens were not in good enough condition for collection and will not be included in the study. Along with keeping a more accurate track of total numbers of affected birds we have begun weighing our collected specimens. The average weight of collected specimens is far lower than that of a healthy individual of the specimen’s species, therefore it appears that starvation was most likely a contributing factor to the deaths of our specimens. The emaciated individuals washing up on our shore mirror the condition of those in Norway and Britain.

The exact cause of these mass starvation events is probably linked to a lack of suitable food items, though what caused this shortage is yet unknown. While Guillemot (Lomvie) numbers are increasing in Denmark it is widely acknowledged that global Auk and wider seabird populations are greatly decreasing. Factors contributing to decreasing sea bird populations can be complex, such as: as collapsing fish stocks from overfishing; climate change and rising sea temperatures, and various types of pollution. The fact these deaths are happening simultaneously in several localities highlights how conservation in an international project

We will do our part in the continued monitoring of the situation locally and will report any new developments.

Further reading and links:

Sea bird population trends in Scotland: https://www.nature.scot/seabird-numbers-decline-almost-50

The effect of climate change on sea bird population in Svalbard: https://seapop.no/en/2021/09/global-warming-alters-the-seabird-community-on-svalbard/

Auk deaths in the U.K : https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/an-update-on-seabirds-on-the-east-coast and https://www.birdguides.com/news/investigation-launched-as-auk-crisis-worsens/

Guillemot population trends in the EU: (http://datazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/Species/erlob/supplementarypdfs/22694841_uria_aalge.pdf

I dag var der for meget blæst til at ringmærke så nogle af os observerede i morges i stedet. I dag var vores praktikant Lines sidste dag, og vi har været glade for at have hende her. Justine og Angela tog hende med til Jennes Sø for noget observation i morges. Ved hendes afgang fik vi en stor spand chokoladeskildpadder af hende, og det var vældig skægt at introducere det danske chokolade for de andre frivillige som ikke havde smagt det før.

I eftermiddags satte vi nettene op i Fyrhaven i håbet om at fange nogle fugle. Indtil videre er der ingen gevinst, men Angela og Justine er taget ud på natfangst så vi håber de fanger noget :)

Jeg har selv brugt dagen i Birder’s Club og har været i gang med at slæbe græskar frem og tilbage på matriklen, for at færdiggøre noget af den fine pynt vi (fyrtårnspersonalet, mfl.) lavede her i onsdags. Det er blevet rigtig fint.

Om aftenen kom Esben, Lisa og Kirsten til aftensmad. Vi fik hjemmelavet pizza og det smagte fantastisk!

Vi håber vejret bliver bedre i morgen.

Ringmærkning - Fyrhaven

Rødhals - 1

Ringmærkning - Jennes Sø

Gærdesmutte – 3

Rødhals – 7

Solsort – 5

Fuglekonge – 7

Blåmejse – 4

Musvit – 1

Nordlig træløber – 1

Bogfinke – 1

Nordlig gråsisken – 1

Lille gråsisken – 26

Rørspurv - 1

Total - 58

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Knud Pedersen, Lisa Vergin, Kirsten Bregn, Esben, og Line.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

Due to the strong wind today, we could not go ringing but instead we went for a walk with Line, who is an intern here at the Observatory, and showed her some birds feeding in the trees such as Bramblings (Kvækefinke), Siskins (Grønsisken) and Chaffinches (Bogfinke). We then joined Augustin who went observing with Rolf Chrestensen and Henrik Rask at Wolrd´s End 1. Despite the unideal conditions, they saw 3 flocs of Parrot Crossbills (Stor Korsnæb) and some Velvet Scoter (Fløjlsand). When we were heading home we saw a seal chilling on the bunker with some Eiders (Ederfugle) and that was really nice! Rosalina walked a lot today in the search for wook to carve, but couldn´t find any to bring home, but she bought some really nice watercolours and enjoyed a yummy cake at the local bakery.

Once back home, we had a lovely lunch together and then we cleaned a bit, entered and checked data and fixed some boxes who are ready for the next ringing days!

Simon had a good tour today at Blåvand for Fugle for alle and Lisa joined us tonight for dinner, which was very lovely. Justine cooked a delicious gratin of cauliflower and Kirsten was so kind to bring some cinnamon rolls for us to share.. thank you very much!

We all hope that the next days will be good for some more field work!!!

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Knud Pedersen, Kirsten Bregn og Line.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

We had a nice day ringing at Kabeltromlen with a lot of birds we had some Coal Tits (Sortmejse) and Siskins (Grønsisken). But the highlight of the day was for sure the Great Grey Shrike (Stor Tornskade) wich we found in the nets while closing. Rosalina and Simon had some guided ringing tours in the old lighthouse garden and even caught a Treecreeper (Træløber). 

In the afternoon we did some data entry and will join the guys from the lighthouse in a halloween BBQ. 

Ringmærkning - Kabeltromlen

Blåmejse - 2

Bogfinke - 1

Fuglekonge - 20

Gærdemutte - 25

Gransanger - 4

Grønsisken - 2

Jernspurv - 1

Munk - 4

Rødhals - 6

Rørspurv - 2

Sortmejse - 2

Stor Tornskade - 1

Ringmærking - Fyrhaven

Blåmejse - 2

Fuglekonge - 1

Rødhals - 3

Musvit - 1

Træløber - 1

Vindrossel - 1

Total - 79

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Knud Pedersen, Lisa Vergin Kirsten Bregn og Line.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

Today it was a good day for both ringing and observing, so Augustin and Knud met at World’s end 3 this morning whereas Justine and Rosalina went opening nets and me, Robbie, Simon, Kirsten and Line joined them for the first round.

Even though the wind was a bit strong, we had some more Bearded tits (Skægmejse) which made Robbie really happy.. but the highlight of the day was definitely a Water rail (Vandrikse) that was waiting for us in one of the nets in the Southern part ! It was an exciting day for Line who got to see many new bird species up close and came out on the rounds with us, which she enjoyed very much. Kirsten is very optimistic for tomorrow, so we all hope her wishes come true.

Augustin and Knud spotted a Grey Phalarope (Torshane), some Great skuas (Storskjove), two Fulmars (Mallemuk) and a Great grey shrike ( Stor Tornskade).

When we came back there was a bright shining sun who invited us for a cold and regenerating swim just in front on the Lighthouse! That felt very good.. and luckily a warm shower was waiting for us back home.

In the afternoon, after a nice lunch all together, we showed Line how we enter data on Dofbasen and Fuglering and then me and Justine went cycling to the forest to look for mushrooms, but instead enjoyed the view of many beautiful deers under the sunset´s light.

Ringmærkningsdata KAB

Dompap               2

Fuglekonge         21

Gærdesmutte    14

Gransanger         1

Jernspurv            1

Kvækerfinke       3

Munk                   4

Musvit                1

Rødhals               4

Skægmejse         4

Vandrikse            1

Vindrossel         1

Total 57

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Knud Pedersen, Kirsten Bregn og Line.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

I dag var Robbie og Justine ude og observere ved Grenen sammen med Knud, de så bl.a. en spurvehøg og havlit. Justine fik set en storkjove tæt på, hvilket hun længe har drømt om.

Augustine og Angela tog på gåtur langs stranden ifm. Mallemuk-projektet. De fik to døde lomvier med hjem, men ingen mallemukker.

Jeg skulle i dag vise en ny praktikant rundt, Line, som skal være her til på fredag. Vi tog ud og observerede med de andre i morges og så bl.a. kortnæbbede gæs.

I eftermiddags tog de andre ud for at sætte et whoosh-net op, idet vi håber på at kunne fange bjerglærker i morgen. Simon har researchet farverringe og i eftermiddags tjekkede vi aflæsnings-ark.

Kirsten har haft en stille og rolig dag i dag og var så flink at tage med os ud og købe ind så vi kunne bruge hendes bil til de mange varer:)

Billede af Eva Hvelplund

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Knud Pedersen, Kirsten Bregn og Line.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

Another Sunday and we have to regretfully say goodbye to another set of wonderful guests; we hope to see you again Eva and Klaus. I have included some of Eva’s wonderful photography throughout today's blog, please enjoy. Esben was visiting today and helped out with the ringing along with the rest of the team apart from me (Robbie). They continued their lucky streak catching yet another Bearded Tit (Skægmejse), and also adding a real highlight with 3 Crossbills (Lille Kornsnæb). Erik Christophersen also took some great pictures of our noteworthy birds today, which I have also included.

(Erik Christophersen)

(Erik Christophersen)

My luck at the observations didn’t quite match the others with the highlights being a close Black-throated diver (Sortstrubet Lom) and a few active Red-breasted mergansers (Toppet Skallesluger). My numbers weren’t as high as usual, as I think I may have been a bit close to hypothermia at one point, Autumn is definitely progressing. I had a member of the public – Tina – deliver a deceased Chiffchaff (Gransanger) which appeared to have died from exhaustion during migration, luckily for science this individual was ringed in Stavanger, Norway. We thank Tina for bringing the individual to us.

(Eva Hvelplund)

This afternoon we spent some time learning how to age birds via skull ossification with Simon, which this week’s guests Kirsten also joined in on. Unfortunately due to the high winds tomorrow we won’t be able to practice our new skills, but I am sure we will get the opportunity soon enough.

(Eva Hvelplund)

Ringmærkning - Kabeltromeln

Blåmejse - 4

Bogfinke - 2

Dompap - 2

Fuglekonge - 2

Gærdesmutte - 4

Gransanger - 1

Kvækerfinke - 1

Lille Korsnæb - 3

Munk - 6

Rødhals - 5

Rødstjert - 1

Rørspurv - 1

Skægmejse - 1

Total - 33

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Erik Christophersen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Esben, Justine Costa og Kirsten.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

No one went observing today because of the fog. Angela and I opened the nests and we were joined by Esben and Augustin for the first round.  The fog stayed late in the morning so we didn't have many birds but some nice species: two Siberian Chiffchaffs (Sibirish Gransanger spp. tristis) and four Bearded tits (Skægmejse)! We really enjoyed ringing them.

After a good lunch, we spent the afternoon cleaning the apartment and doing daily tasks. The Board of The Bird Observatory came to have a meeting during the day.

Ringmærkning (Kabeltromlen)

Blåmejse              10

Dompap               2

Fuglekonge         2

Gærdesmutte     12

Sibirisk Gransanger         2

Gransanger         3

Jernspurv             1

Munk                    3

Musvit                  1

Rødhals                4

Rørspurv              4

Sangdrossel        3

Skægmejse          4

Total      51

Folk på stationen: Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Esben Hansen, Jørn Kabel, Eva, Klaus, Simon S. Christiansen & the rest of the Board of the Bird Observatory.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

We all went out for a nice morning of ringing at Kabeltromlen and caught good numbers of birds and a nice variety of birds. The highlight for me were defenitely the two male Bearded tits (Skægmejse)! Simon also spottet a Richard`s Pipit (Storpiber), what a great morning!

Photo: Eva Hvelplund

In the afternoon we did some data entry and I listened to some Night Migration files from the last nights. In the evening Esben arrived to support us in the next days with the ringing, we will try to catch some Jack-Snipes (Enkeltbekassin) and Owls tonight.

Ringmærkning – Kabeltromlen

Blåmejse - 2

Bogfinke - 2

Fuglekonge - 9

Gærdesmutte - 17

Gransanger - 5

Gråsisken - 4

Grønirisk – 3

Grønsisken – 1

Jernspurv – 6

Kvækerfinke - 1

Munk – 5

Musvit – 2

Rødhals – 15

Rørspurv - 5

Sangdrossel –2

Skægmejse – 2

Total - 81

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Charlotte Stewart, Jørn Kabel og Eva & Klaus.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen

I dag åbnede Angela og Justine nettene ved Kabeltromlen kl. 7, og blev mødt af Robbie og Charlotte lidt senere.

Vi fik i dag 128 fugle. Blandt dem var 3 vindrosler og en bogfinke og et par dompap. Augustine var ude ved Verdens Ende 1 og observere. Han så bl.a. rødstrubede piber, en dværgfalk, skægmejser og bjerglærker.

Jeg assisterede Simon på en guidet tur for nogle studerende fra Hjørring som læser til pædagog. Efter lidt rundvisning og fortælling om ringmærkningens historie og udførelse, spillede vi et par lege og et etikspil med dem. Det var ret sjovt og satte gang i nogle gode debatter og diskussioner.

Eva og Klaus tog ud og observerede i dag og Eva tog nogle gode billeder af bl.a. en stenpikker og to tårnfalke.

Om eftermiddagen indtastede Justine og Angela data fra de mange fugle, imens Augustin og jeg fiksede stativet til vaderne ude ved Kabeltromlen, hvor vi derefter købte ind.

Billede af Eva Hvelplund

Ringmærkning – Kabeltromlen

Blåmejse - 10

Bogfinke - 1

Dompap - 4

Fuglekonge - 11

Gærdesmutte - 19

Gransanger - 14

Gråsisken - 4

Jernspurv - 16

Kvækerfinke - 2

Munk - 10

Rødhals - 18

Musvit - 5

Rødstjert - 1

Rørspurv - 5

Sangdrossel – 5

Vindrossel – 3

Total - 128

Folk på stationen: Simon S. Christiansen, Augustin Sticksel, Rosalina Sø Leth-Nissen, Robbie Lawler, Angela Di Pumpo, Justine Costa, Charlotte Stewart, Lisa Vergin, Jørn Kabel, Rolf Christensen og Eva & Klaus.

Klik her for at se dagens observationer fra DOF basen af fugle i Skagen