Today started breezy from the North-East with full cloud cover throughout the day. The conditions were similar to a couple of days ago with a stiff NE wind coming from Sweden, full cloud cover and a drop in temperature provided good migration conditions. However, with such great conditions it was interesting to see that Redpoll were the only species moving in numbers and this species was a feature at both Nordstand and Grenen. Totals within the first four hours of the morning resulted in an estimated 2010 – 2700 Redpoll recorded, there could have been anything up to 3500 though! The flocks arrived from the South and went low North out to sea at the tip primarily. Some birds gained height and turned around, but the majority continued out to sea, maybe bound for the UK – watch out tomorrow East coast birders! Flock proportions between the species were interesting and it was crudely estimated that about 95% were Mealy Redpoll [Nordlig Gråsisken], roughly 5% were Lesser Redpoll [Lille Gråsisken] and less than 1% were Arctic Redpoll [Hvidsisken]. There were at least four candidates for Arctic Redpoll [Hvidsisken] seen today but the variation amongst these Redpoll [Gråsisken] (sub)species is rather large with many probably missed.

Figure 1: A recent Mealy Redpoll [Nordlig Gråsisken] caught and ringed

Besides the Redpoll influx that is currently happening, Simon, Hayley and I had a challenge to catch the ‘Eastern’ Stonechat [Sibirisk Bynkefugl/Japansk Bynkefugl) that has been hanging around between Worlds End 1 and Worlds End 3 this morning. The bird is currently unknown at the species level and the aim was to catch the bird for DNA sampling to help with the field observations already collated. This task was considered a high priority as we recently received special permissions from the bird ringing centre to undertake this fieldwork, and it was thought best to do during sub-optimal ringing conditions at our usual site. To cut a long story short, we failed to catch the Stonechat after many attempts but managed to somehow catch some of the migrating Redpolls [Gråsisken] and a Meadow Pipit [Engpiber]. I saw 7 Wrens (Gærdesmutte) fly individually in-off the sea and land in some Sea Buckthorn as well as a Chiffchaff (Gransanger) doing the same. Whilst waiting for the Stonechat we also got good views of a White-billed Diver [Hvidnæbbet Lom] migrating North and the Blyth’s Pipit [Mongolisk piber] that has been hanging around for the last 10 days in the same area.

Meanwhile, Gustav was at Nordstand with Knut et al. undertaking the migration count and had a good movement of ducks, Kittiwake [Ride], Redpoll [Gråsisken] and 2 White-billed Divers [Hvidnæbbet Lom]. See DOFbasen for full counts.

We all came back for lunch roughly the same time and with the weather and the night’s drawing in, especially with the changing of the clocks soon, we decided to make the most of the dry weather and go walking/birding. Simon, Hayley and I started at Elle Krattet where we found a Firecrest [Rødtoppet Fuglekonge] (still quite unusual here), flocks of Goldcrest [Fuglekonge], a couple of ‘northern’ Treecreepers [Træløber, Nordlig (ssp. familiaris)] and a few ‘continental’ Coal tits [Sortmejse]. We then went along the tractor tracks and along the beach towards Nordstand. The flocks of Snow Buntings [Snespurv], Twite [Bjergirisk] and Reed Buntings [Rørspurv] were nice to see as well as a single Lapland Bunting [Lapværling]. Let’s hope some of the species are roosting on the beach tonight for nocturnal counts/catching. Our return from Nordstand was a bit quieter for species and numbers but was nice to hear some Crested Tits [Topmejse].

Our evening consisted of our evening meeting, data inputting/checking and a lovely meal.

Now out night-catching so keep updated to see how we do!

Ringing (Grenen):

Total: 19

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Lorne and Lars.

I dag var vi indendøre, eftersom regnen bankede på ruderne hele dagen. Vi indtastede de mange data fra 234 fugle, der blev ringmærket i går, ellers forberedte vi os på de næste dages ringmærkning. Senere spillede vi Wingspan, som er et rigtig godt spil for fugleentusiaster. Det er et spil der går ud på, at man skal tiltrække de bedste fugle til sit habitat. Vinderen er den, der er bedst til at skaffe føde, lægge æg, lave synergier med forskellige fugle og opnå bonus point. I dag vandt jeg det første spil, men det lyder til vi skal ud i anden omgang senere i dag. 

Magnus fra Det Grå Fyr gav os en gave fordi det var hans sidste dag på jobbet. En dejlig gave, der bestod af nogle lækkerier som vi får brug for når de dagene bliver mørkere og hverdagene lidt tungere. Tak for det! Magnus har været super hyggeligt selskab. Han har altid været klar til en snak, når vi er kommet tilbage fra observation eller ringmærkningen. Altid spændt på at høre hvad vi har oplevet. Tak for denne gang Magnus, mon ikke vi ses engang igen ude i felten.

Thomas var så heldig at få et lift til byen af vores gæst Lars, da han i dag står for maden. Han siger, at maden er i ånden af fastfood. Det bliver spændende at se, hvad han har forberedt. 

Thomas og Simon er efter aftensmaden taget ud på nightcatching. Lad os håbe de kommer tilbage med en fugl! Det vil i høre mere om i morgen.

Ingen Ringmærkning.

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Lars and Lone.

Another very busy day started before sunrise for Thomas and I as we opened the nets at Kabeltromlen. It was windier than yesterday but the conditions soon proved to be great for ringing. Simon Jr joined a little later as he was up late last night doing night checks of the owl net. Sadly we still have had no luck with any owls!

The first round at Kabeltromlen was busy with birds and the second even busier. Simon Sr, Lisa, Ib, Lars and Lone all also joined us at the ringing and we were all kept busy with the number of birds. Simon Sr and Lisa did a lot of the ringing whilst Thomas, Simon Jr, Ib and I did more net rounds. Thomas and I found a massive 45 Redpoll (Gråsisken) in a single net and Simon and Ib had another 30. Unsurprisingly, Mealy Redpoll (Stor Gråsisken) was the most ringed bird of the day with 90 individuals ringed! There were also 15 Lesser Redpoll (Lille Gråsisken). One of the biggest highlights of the day was two Arctic Redpolls (Hvidsisken). This species is paler than the Mealy Redpoll (Stor Gråsisken) and has a white rump with no streaks.

Photos: Simon Jr.

Due to the easterly wind, Gustav did the migration count at Nordstrand with Knud this morning. They had a very good count seeing two Puffins (Lunde) and three White-billed Divers (Hvidnæbbet Lom). It was also good for Razorbills (Alk) and Gannets (Sule). They had a really good sighting of a White-billed Diver migrating close to the beach. A Long-tailed Duck (Havlit) was also seen and they got nice views of several Purple Sandpipers (Sortgrå Ryle).

Gustav also came to see the Arctic Redpoll (Hvidsisken) and then stayed to help scribe during the busiest rounds. Lone also scribed making it easier for Simon Sr and Lisa to ring at the same time. On one of the rounds, I flushed a Woodcock (Skovsneppe) into the net which was an unexpected highlight. It was a young bird and the age was determined by juvenile primary coverts

Photos: Thomas

Other highlights at Kabeltromlen included lots of Bullfinches (Stor Dompap) of the larger northern subspecies (ssp. Pyrrhula). Also the smaller subspecies (Lille Dompap, ssp. Europaea) were also ringed. We also enjoyed seeing a lovely male Siskin (Grønsisken), a Brambling (Kvækerfinke) and a three Coal Tits (Sortmejse). Whilst we were ringing, Simon Jr and Magnus saw the White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom) migrating through the scope. A large flock of Waxwing (Silkehale) was seen flying over, plus more flocks of Redpoll (Gråsisken) and Fieldfare (Sjagger).

In the afternoon, Simon Sr and Lisa went to look for the Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) to see if it was worth trying to catch it to get some DNA. They found both the Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) and the Blythe’s Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) so Gustav, who had just returned from the migration count, headed out with the poles, net and speaker to meet them and set up the net in a sheltered spot in the dunes.

Photo: Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) by Egon Østergaard.

Photo: Blyth's Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) by Egon Østergaard.

We finished up at Kabeltromlen but were a delayed again by another flock of 20 Redpoll (Gråsisken) caught in the net in the closing round. Thomas, Simon Jr and I then joined Simon Sr, Lisa, Gustav and lots of birders near World’s End 1. We saw both the Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl) and the Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolsk Piber) together with other visiting birders twitching these rare birds from east. Unfortunately also many tourists were walking around in the dunes making the attempt to catch the Siberian Stonechat even more difficult. We used a very special thin net (usually made for catching bats) which are even more difficult to see for the birds than the normal mist nets. Despite this we were unsuccessful in out attempts and headed back to the Bird Obs.We then walked back to the station, had some food, updated social media and entered so much data! What a busy day!

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 234

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Knud Pedersen, Ib Albin Olsen, Egon Østergaard, Mogens Neergaard, Torben Sørensen, Lars and Lone.

A brilliant day starts like any other - early and still in the dark when we cycle to Kabeltromlen and open the nets for ringing. Two Woodcocks (Skovsneppe) flew over us in the darkness. Maybe the one we were able to ring last night? Take a look at this magnificent bird:But even after sunrise there were beautiful birds out and about. We were able to ring a Bullfinch of the subspecies pyrrhula (Stor Dompap) and there were also many Goldcrests (Fuglekonge). Lisa and Simon were also there and were very happy about a nice Coal Tit (Sortmejse). Almost 100 Waxwings (Silkehale) flew over.

Meanwhile, the sea in front of the newly formed World's End 3 was very calm. Before the fog came, we were able to observe three large divers. Two Great Nothern Divers (Islom) were of course cool, but a White-billed Diver (Hvidnæbbet Lom) topped it again. There was also cake and good conversations with Knud.

The ringing continued with top quality. 5 Northern Long-tailed Tits of the subspecies caudatus (Halemejse, Nordlig) and some Bearded Tits (Skægmejse), yes, Bearded Tits!!! further improved the day. Then we were able to ring a Siberian Chiffchaff (Sibirisk Gransanger), which even called appropriately. My first one in hand, really cool!

In the afternoon we went to Grenen and found the pipit again, that had been resting there for several days. Now I finally saw it and even got photos. He actually looks pretty good for a Blyth’s Pipit (Mongolisk Piber), which would be really awesome! Unfortunately, we couldn't hear a call and visual identification is almost only possible with good photos. 

Update 8:56 p.m.: According to dofbasen, J. Kirkeby managed to record its sound, which confirms the suspicion that it is a Blyth's Pipit!!! Super crazy, it should be the fifth record for Denmark. As a pipit-lover, I am super happy about it! The Siberian Stonechat (Sibirisk Bynkefugl), which was reported in the morning, was also there and showed itself wonderfully. Then we were even able to ring two Twites (Bjergirisk) at the end of the day. What a great day filled with good birds! 

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 75

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Total: 77

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Lars and Lone.

After the past four days of stormy weather and strong East winds, it was great to get out birding in some slightly milder conditions. The conditions were so mild that for most of the day a mist/fog lay low over the sea and frequent showers of super fine rain fell in the area. It wasn’t until the afternoon the rain became heavier but was still good to be out.

Figure 1: The view from migration watchpoint by Thomas

This morning was very dark to start, and the sun never made it through the cloud this morning. Gustav and I went to migration watch while Simon and Hayley went ringing. Migration watch was different to recent, we were back at Worlds End 3 but something was different. The storms have added at least 1m of sand to some areas of the dunes, and it felt like walking over freshly fallen snow in other parts due to the windblown sand changing the entire landscape. Worlds End 4 (a new dune) has rapidly grown in the past four days and it will not be long before we can use this site to count birds!

 Migration watch itself was quiet in numbers but had a nice range of species recorded. Over 500 Common Scoter [Sortand] were the highest numbers of the day recorded with all birds heading SE, followed by good numbers of Velvet Scoter [Fløjlsand] too. Duck species have been a highlight of the past few days and it was nice to see Teal [Krikand], Wigeon [Pibeand], Long-tailed duck [Havlit], Scaup [Bjergand] and Pintail [Spidsand] moving again in low numbers. Regular flocks of Parrot Crossbill [Stor Korsnæb], Skylark [Sandlærke], Twite [Bjergirisk] and Snow Buntings [Snespurv] entertained us during the quietest periods and we came back just after midday. We received a nice message from our guests as they had to depart today. It felt very rewarding and really showed how much they respected us as volunteers and the work that we do here at the bird observatory. So, thank you Soren and Karen Marie, you have been great this week!

Figure 2: A Woodcock caught this morning. One of three caught today. Pic by Simon

 Over at the ringing there was a bit of excitement with the first Firecrest [Rødtoppet Fuglekonge] and Woodcock [Skovsneppe] of the Autumn caught. The Woodcock [Skovsneppe] have only just arrived with the first sightings of these migrant waders being reported yesterday during night catching. However, Hayley and Simon located three during net rounds this morning alone meaning there must be more out there amongst the dunes and wet areas. The ringing totals (see below) were a welcome return to the ‘norm’ and this was probably helped due to the fog and misty rain causing birds to be in the bushes rather than migrating over at height. As a result, ringing continued for the whole of the morning and other species of note seen flying over included a flock of 100 Waxwing [Silkehale], a Water Pipit [Bjergpiber] and two Whooper Swans [Sangsvane]. Simon S.C joined the last round of ringing and the ringing team arrived back around 1pm.

Figure 3: There was a Red-flanked Bluetail [Blåstjert] here today by Thomas Weston

Due to the sun never showing itself and the threat of heavy rain, we all went out birding together around an industrial estate in Skagen. This area was an area we previously have visited and was sheltered enough for good numbers of Goldcrest [Fuglekonge]. With the recent easterly winds, it was presumed this could be a good place to try finding some nice passerines. We checked our normal spots and quickly found a couple of Blackbirds [Solsort], a few Great Tit [Musvit], a nice flock of Goldcrest [Fuglekonge], a ‘pale’ Siberian type/or intergrade Chiffchaff [Gransanger] and then a Red-flanked Bluetail [Blåstjert]. It was nice to get almost everyone who was present on to the bird (sorry Simon S.C) when it was stood on a nice branch, and then subsequently in flight, but to show for less than a minute or two come on! We sort of expected it would be hidden and come out again but after an hour and a half of waiting and watching, with help from a couple of local birders, there was no sign of the bird. This was the first of the species in Denmark this Autumn, the third record for Skagen Bird Observatory (1st field observation record), first local record since 2020 and only the 4th in the country over the last five years.

We came back to the observatory, had our evening meeting, and was provided with a lot of free food from Blik. The team have been super kind to us recently and we really appreciate the free food, even if it means we have had to eat cake (given by a variety of people) every day for the past one, or two or three weeks! I can only think of two days where cake hasn't been part of observatory meals.

A good end to the day, now on to the night catching!

***Edit: We caught 2 out of 5 Woodcock [Skovsneppe] seen this evening!!!***

Ringing totals

Ringing [Kabeltromlekrattet]

Total: 54

Ringing [Jennes Sø]

Total:35

Ringing [Grenen area]

Total: 2

Overall total: 91

Today’s observations on Dofbasen from observers in the area

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen; Simon S. Christiansen, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.

Not much to report today. The strong easterly storm brought a lot of rain, so we stayed indoors in the dry and spent the day with indoor activities. As it is Saturday, it was cleaning day, but after breakfast together, that was quickly done. We did some shopping, but then quickly moved on to eating cake and playing Wingspan. Only our guests dared to go out in this weather and they have seen some Common Snipes (Dobbeltbekassin) and White Wagtails (Hvid Vipstjert). We are already looking forward to tomorrow, as we will finally be going out again and many October birds are waiting for us!

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Simon S. Christiansen, Knud Pedersen, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.

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

We had an unexpected start to the morning as we walked down the stairs all ready to go to the migration count. The wind was so strong overnight that it had blown out one of the windows over the doorway into the station. Thankfully it hadn’t smashed and we managed to dislodge it from the door so we could get out!

Karen-Marie very kindly gave Thomas, Simon Jr and I a lift in her car to Nordstrand so we didn’t have to struggle our way there on our bikes in the strong winds. Knud met us there and showed us a nice sheltered spot in one of the dunes where we could do the migration count from and not get completely blown away.

There were a lot less birds migrating today compared to yesterday. No Red-throated Divers (Rødstrubet Lom) were counted at all and there were lower numbers of Gannets (Sule), Kittiwakes (Ride) and Razorbills (Alk). It was quite good day for ducks again with over 400 Common Scoters (Sortand) counted, plus Velvet Scoters (Fløjsand), Wigeon (Pibeand), Teal (Krikand), Greater Scaup (Bjergand), Mallard (Gråand), Long-tailed Duck (Havlit), Goldeneye (Hvinand) and Eider (Ederfugl).

We also saw Hooded Crows (Gråkrage) and Jackdaws (Allike) coming in from the sea and three more Whooper Swans (Sangsvane). A Hen Harrier (Blå Kærhøg) was a really nice sighting near the end of the count and three Snow Buntings (Snespurv) were also spotted on the beach.

Whilst we were counting, Gustav led a tour for 15 visiting people. He spent a couple of hours out, walking with them along the Sandormen track and out along the beach. He also showed them all the ringing equipment back in the lab and explained all about the ringing that we do at the station. The people all really enjoyed the tour.

Karen-Marie kindly gave Thomas, Simon and I a lift back to the station again after the migration count and on the way back we enjoyed seeing two Lapwing (Vibe) flying over. Before we had a chance to warm up inside the apartment we set off again, walking into the wind to Kabeltromlen. We checked all the nets were securely closed and added some extra ties to make sure none of them will unravel in the strong wind. As we were walking around, we flushed two Common Snipe (Dobbeltbekkasin) in the reedbed which were very nice to see. Simon had so many layers on that he struggled to get out of his waders when we were finished!

The walk to Kabeltromlen and back warmed us up a lot so we cooled off with some ice cream back at the station, and then warmed ourselves up again with hot chocolate kindly made by Magnus from the lighthouse shop downstairs. We then had some time to relax inside out of the wind although we could still hear it howling around the building! Gustav made a social media post about the two Waxwings (Silkehale) we ringed over the last couple of days and all the migration count data was entered.

Thomas, Gustav and I then enjoyed a very wild and windy walk all the way to the tip at Grenen. The sand looked amazing as it was blown in the wind and there were massive waves crashing on the beach. It was very fun to try and lean on the wind and to run back with the wind pushing us along. Whilst we were out, we enjoyed watching some Kittiwakes (Ride) and Razorbills (Alk) migrating very close to the beach.

Thomas particularly enjoyed the sea form blowing in the wind!

Meanwhile, Karen-Marie and Søren braved the elements and went into Skagen to see a photography exhibition which showed how the landscape at Grenen has changed over time. When we were all back at the station, Simon Jr did a presentation on nocturnal migration and sound recordings which was very interesting. He showed us how to analyse the recordings and identify which species made each call.

Karen-Marie and Søren then cooked us a delicious dinner and we had a brief table tennis match before enjoying a cake for desert too. A very nice busy windy day!

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Simon S. Christiansen, Knud Pedersen, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.

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

Denne morgen tog vi alle sammen ud til Nordstrand, hvilket ikke er den sædvanlige observationspost. Den kraftige østenvind, der rammer Skagen lige nu og de kommende dage, betyder, at vi ikke vil være i stand til hverken at ringmærke eller sidde ved Verdens ende 3 og tælle havfugletrækket. Men Nordstrand er helt perfekt fordi, der kan vi sidde i læ (sådan da) af vinden, og fortsætte vores daglige arbejde med tællingen af trækket. 

Vi skulle ikke mere end 9 minutter ind i tællingen, før vi stødte på vores første Søkonge! Den kom flyvende tæt på kysten, men det var kun mig og Thomas, der nåede at observere den, da den lille fugl hurtigt forsvandt ind i mellem bølgerne. Denne morgen så vi en del andefugle, der var bl.a. Hvinænder, Pibeænder, Krikand, Spidsand, og derudover så vi Lille Skalleslugere, hvilket var vores første observation af denne flotte art. Ellers så vi vores anden Nordiske Lappedykker siden jeg ankom, og så kan vi mærke at sangsvanerne er på vej, da vi havde 29 svaner flyvende over os under observationen. 

Foto: Søren Leth-Nissen

Imens Thomas, Hayley, gæsterne og jeg stadig sad ude ved Nordstrand tog Simon med hans familie til Det Grå Fyr og spiste morgenmad sammen, inden de igen vender tilbage til Tyskland. Her modtog Simon et opkald fra Johan, der bor i Skagen By. Det var hos ham, jeg dagen forinden havde fået fat i en Silkehale. Han fortalte Simon, at han havde 4 silkehaler, der desværre havde fløjet ind i hans vindue og var omkommet ved stødet. Vi tog ind i byen og hentede de 4 Silkehaler, der nu kan bruges til formidling om fuglenes fantastiske rejse fra det kolde nord til sydligere himmelstrøg i søgen efter de røde bær. 

Da vi hentede fuglene, spurgte vi om vi kunne få lov at slå et net op i hans have, da denne have huserer store flokke af Silkehaler hver eneste dag. Det fik vi lov til, hvilket var til stor begejstring, da det giver os mulighed for at ringmærke denne specielle fugl og bidrage til at undersøge dens videre rejse, hvis fuglen bliver aflæst et andet sted i verden. 

Foto: Søren Leth-Nissen

Foto: Søren Leth-Nissen

Resten af dagen befandt vi os i Johans have og prøvede at se om nogle af Silkehalerne ville gå i nettet. Blæsten gjorde det lidt svært, men vi fik heldigvis en Silkehale i nettet, hvilket var til stor glæde for os alle og Johan. Derudover fik vi 2 solsorte og 2 musvitter i haven, hvilket nok er lokale fugle. 

Dagen i dag gik stærkt, da vi konstant havde gang i noget, og tiden her på stationen flyver generelt bare af sted. Det var alt fra i dag, tak for i dag!

Ringing (Skagen By):

Silkehale - 1

Solsort - 2

Musvit - 2

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen, Johan Fynbo.

Every golden day starts with a golden sunrise and some good birds should quickly follow. At the ringing there was finally some more activity and especially many Goldcrests (Fuglekonge) got a new ring. Then many guests came to watch us ringing. Some guests from yesterday's night tour were there with their children, but also Knud's and my family came to watch the birds from close up. Fittingly, we also had some really beautiful birds. Finally we caught some Common Redpolls (Nordlig Gråsisken) and as a highlight we could even catch and ring a Common Snipe (Dobbeltbekassin). Really cool. Beautiful birds and nice to be able to show them to so many interested people. Also 50 Waxwings (Silkehale) flew overhead.

In the meantime, there was also a lot of activity at the migratory bird registration. The wind had shifted to the northeast and many birds flew out of the Kattegat. The highlight was a Sooty Shearwater (Sulfarvet Skråpe). There were also an impressive number of Kittiwakes (Ride) and a few song birds tried to fly over the sea. The young Arctic Tern (Havterne) was still stationary in search of food.

Then came the news that a probable eastern Stonechat had been found. At first no one could find the bird again, but when the bird reappeared, Gustav and Thomas also quickly got a good look at it. We at Kabeltromlen then closed the nets in record time to run to World's End 3 as well. After the brisk walk, we too were able to see the pretty bird. Since the species has been split into two, it is unfortunately impossible to identify such birds without DNA. Accordingly, it could be either a Siberian or a Japansk Bynkefugl. Perhaps, unfortunately, we will never find out. But at least as a "Siberian" Stonechat or an Eastern Stonechat it now enriches our life-list.Afterwards, I went out and about in the city with my family, who are visiting me here at the moment. We went to Skagen Bakery and later to Green's for a good meal. Meanwhile, the others were in town looking for Waxwings (Silkehale). We quickly got into conversation with the people who live where the pretty birds always sit. Then we were told that a Waxwing is very trusting. And Gustav once again proved his talent at catching and shortly afterwards we were able to ring the pretty bird. Oha, how cool. Waxwing (Silkehale)!!!!

What a pretty adult male. That makes the day perfect. Beautiful birds, a nice time with the family, a rarity and a rare bird in the ringing. Perfect!

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Ringing (Fyrhaven):

 Waxwing (Silkehale) - 1

Total: 48

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Niels Eriksen, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.

Last night we opened two owl nets with sounds playing for Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) and Tengmalm’s Owl (Perleugle). We were very hopeful as a Short-eared Owl (Mosehornugle) had been seen roosting at Grenen earlier in the day. Gustav did the night checks but unfortunately there was no sign of any owls. Meanwhile, Thomas and I took a hand net to the beach and caught another Dunlin (Almindelig Ryle) on the Sandormen track. Such a nice bird!

It was a great morning at the migration count today. Thomas and Gustav joined Knud at World’s End 3 and counted over 2000 Razorbills (Alk) and over 100 Fulmar (Mallemuk)! Lots of species of duck were also seen migrating including the usual Common Scoter (Sortand), Velvet Scoter (Fløjsand) and Eider (Ederfugl) plus Wigeon (Pibeand), Tufted Duck (Troldand), Long-tailed Duck (Havlit) and Greater Scaup (Bjergand). Other highlights were a Caspian Gull (Kaspisk Måge) roosting on the beach and three Sooty Shearwaters (Sodfarvet Skråpe) migrating.

We were lucky enough to spot one of the Sooty Shearwaters (Sodfarvet Skråpe) and the Greater Scaup (Bjergand) from Kabeltromlen where Simon Jr and I were ringing with Karen and Søren. It was a bit windy so we only had the more sheltered nets open. To start with it was very quiet, with only one or two birds per round, but then it started to pick up a little bit. One of the highlights was a small flock of four Siskins (Grønsisken) in the net; two males and two females with really nice yellow-green plumage. We also ringed another northern Treecreeper (Nordlig Træløber, spp. familiaris) and our first Bullfinch (Stor Dompap) of the larger subspecies (spp. pyrrhula). Simon’s photo below shows a male of the smaller subspecies (spp. europaea) on the left and a female of the larger subspecies (spp. pyrrhula) on the right.

Whilst we were ringing Søren also went for a walk to the beach to do some birding. He took these amazing photos of a Common Scoter (Sortand) and a Golden Plover (Hjejle).

In the afternoon, Simon went to spend some time with his family, whilst Thomas, Gustav and I headed out on more birding walks. Thomas found a big pipit near World’s End 1 so Gustav and I joined him to try and help confirm the species. We walked up and down the dunes a few times and finally we heard it call too. There was no doubt, it was a Richard’s Pipit (Storpiber)! The same bird was seen yesterday and is only the second record for Denmark this year so a very exciting find. We also saw a flock of Twite (Bjergirisk), a Marsh Harrier (Rørhøg), and lots of Reed Buntings (Rørspurv) and Meadow Pipits (Engpiber). A very good afternoon!

Later on, Simon also headed out to try and see the Richard’s Pipit (Storpiber) and Gustav wrote a description of the bird for DOFbasen. Thomas walked into Skagen to get some shopping and the ringing data was entered. Gustav prepared for a night tour this evening with Niels who is the Chairman of the board of directors for the Fuglestation. The tour has 32 people attending and the plan is to try and find some deer (hjort), seals (sæl) and waders, and to show the visitors how the thermal binocular works.

Ringing (Kabeltromlekrattet):

Total: 23

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

People: Hayley Land, Gustav Nyberg, Simon Kiesé, Thomas Weston, Knud Pedersen, Niels Eriksen, Karen Marie & Søren Leth-Nissen.