Strong winds and persistent drizzle meant ringing was impossible and morning observations would have been challenging, however, the whole team was extremely grateful to not have to set our alarms at 4:30am for once! After we all spent the morning catching up on data entry (and sleep!), our newest volunteer Jeppe headed out to bird Elle Krattet and refamiliarize himself with the area. Michael and Yehonatan headed to Skagen Harbour and had excellent views of a pair of displaying, summer plumage Black Guillemots (Tejst).

A brief relapse in the rain had Dante and I cycling out to Flagbakken to see if the switch to southwesterly winds would produce many migrating raptors. We arrived at 11:55am, shortly after the rain had stopped, and had 5 Marsh Harriers (Rørhøg), 4 Hen Harrier (Blå Kærhøg) and 28 Common Buzzards (Musvåge) within the first 30 minutes. At 12:25pm, we noticed a distant Aquila eagle which Dante identified as a Greater Spotted Eagle (Stor Skrigeørn). The bird circled over Flagbakken and slowly drifted Northeast, giving excellent views, before we lost it high at 13:07pm. The bird was seen by many local and visiting birders futher north and then further south at Lodskovvad by Alex Sand Frich. The bird was aged by Alex as an adult and is the same individual which was seen briefly 3 days prior on the 8^th April, also at Flagbakken.

Greater Spotted Eagle (Stor Skrigeørn) over Lodskovvad. Photos: Alex Sand Frich.

This evening, the King Eider (Kongeederfugl) gave excellent views off the Grey Lighthouse (Det Grå Fyr), alongside a Pochard (Taffeland), and the Black Redstart (Husrødstjert) remains in the lighthouse garden. The juvenile Glaucous Gull (Gråmåge), which was reported earlier in Skagen Harbour, was seen at the tip.

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Today's raptor summary can be found here.

People: Yehonatan Ben Aroia, Jeppe Madsen, Michael Colley, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans, Lisa Vergin, Simon Christiansen.

Dear Blog Readers

Welcome to another day of research work. We started ringing this morning by opening the nets that was 5:57 am with 18 nets of ten (10) meters each .

The first round of the ringing was 6:30 in which we catch 9 birds and the second 4 birds and third round was 3 birds, The total birds that where ring was 15 birds that were Gransanger 2, Fuglekange 2, Gærdesmutte 4, Rødhals 4, Jernspurv 2 and Sangdrossel 1, The ringing team where Simon, Yehonatan and Michael.All the nets where close by 9:15 because it was windy than there was no catch on the final round.

From the ringing we came back to the observatory where Simon and Michael were entering the data from the ringing while Yehonatan was writing the bog from the day before, there after we went to the big Raptor trap to put the roof on and ativate it for catching because since a Red Kite (Rød Glente) was seen there on the camera this morning.

Lauren and Dante where out on bird migration count and the highlights from here was Sparrow hawk 351, Hen harriers 23, White stork 2, Shore lark 3, Raven 62 and a  Caspian gull.

In the afternoon, which was the most interesting part of day, when Simon received a call from Carlo that the trap has catch a bird , which is a COMMON BUZZARD,Than we drive to that place were the trap is , the group were Simon, Lisa, Yehonatan ,Lauren and Michael.

When we rich there yehonatan extract it from the trap then Lisa ring it which follow by Simon putting the GPS tracker on it.

That was a very good experience for some of us seeing Buzzed on hand for the first time that was good us all.

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

People: Yehonatan Ben Aroia, Dante Shepherd, Jeppe Madsen, Lauren Evans, Carlo Pedersen, Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin & Michael Colley.

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Fuglekonge (Golcrest)- 2

Gransanger (Chiffchaff)- 2

Gærdesmutte (Wren)- 4

Rødhals (Robin)- 4

Jernspurv (Dunnock)- 2

Sangdrossel (Song Thrush)- 1

Ringing (Tversted):

Musvåge (Common Buzzard)) - 1

Total: 16

Another routine morning, Yehonatan, Michael, and Esben went to Kabletroumle to ring, while Dante, Lauren, and Simon went to North beach for observation, with high expectations to see a Steppe Høg. Ringing was very busy, with more than 70 birds on the first round, and total of over 200, almost all of then Goldcrests (Fuglekonge) and Robins (Rødhals).

At north beach, sadly no Steppe Høg was seen, but it was still a fantastic morning with planty of cool birds.The highlight was a Mediterranean gull (Sorthovedet Måge), and in Grenen the first White billed diver (Hvidnæbbet lom) for the year was seen.

Photo by Erik Christophersen

The day way very busy for everybody in the station, we all came back back form the field around 15:00 exhausted, and took a very needed power nap, I think we are starting to feel the spring here, with less hours to sleep and the days getting more and more busy, and of course more and more birds everyday.

People: Yehonatan Ben aroia, Micheal Colley, Dante Shepherd, Esben Hansen, Lauren Evans, Lisa Vergin, Simon S. Christiansen.

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

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

Ringing (Kabeltromlen):

Blåmejse-1

Dompap-4

Lille dompap-3

Fuglekonge-107

Gærdesmutte-9

Gransanger-13

Jernspurv-1

Musvit-3

Rødals-63

Solsort-1

Vindrossel-1

Ringing (Jennes Sø):

Rødhals-2

Gærdesmutte -2

Fuglekonge-21

Bogfinke-6

Grønsisken-1

Gulspurv-1

Nordlig gråsisken-20

Lille gråsisken-18

Total: 277

This morning started with a slight north-easterly and some cloud cover as Micheal, Esben and I opened the nets. As soon as we arrived, we had Redwings (Vindrossel) and Mistle Thrushes (Misteldrossel) migrating over the ringing site. We were joined by Simon and Uffe again and had a slightly slower morning compared to yesterday’s fantastic number, but still managed 39 birds including plenty of Chiffchaffs (Gransanger). I wonder how long it will be until the first Willow Warblers (Løvsanger) arrive back.

Gransanger (Chiffchaff).

Dante and Yehonatan headed to Verdens Endes for morning observations. The undoubted highlight was an adult, male Pallid Harrier (Steppehøg) which represents the third record this year so far. Plenty of other birds were also moving through including 1 White-tailed Eagle (Havørn), 1 Black Kite (Sort Glente), 2 Great Grey Shrikes (Stor Tornskade) and 5 Ring Ouzels (Ringdrossel).

The remainders of the afternoon were spent entering data and generally catching up on observatory administration after our busy day yesterday!

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

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

People: Yehonatan Ben aroia, Micheal Colley, Dante Shepherd, Esben Hansen, Lauren Evans, Lisa Vergin, Simon S. Christiansen, Uffe Damm Andersen, Jørn & Marianne.

Kabeltromlen Ringing Totals:

Dompap (Bullfinch)- 1

Fuglekonge (Goldcrest)- 8

Gransanger (Chiffchaff)- 8

Gærdesmutte (Wren)- 5

Musvit (Great Tit)- 1

Rødhals (Robin)- 13

Rørspurv (Reed Bunting)- 1

Solsort (Blackbird)- 2

Total: 39

Jenne sø Ringing Totals:

Rødhals (Robin)- 2

Fuglekonge (Goldcrest)- 10

Bogfinke (Chaffinch)- 1

Grønsisken (Sisken)- 1

Nordlig Gråsisken (Common Redpoll)- 1

Lille Gråsisken (Lesser Redpoll)- 1

Total: 16

A light southeasterly wind and clear blue sky meant we all had high hopes for the day to come as we headed out for sunrise. Dante and I, headed to Verdens Endes 1 for morning observations, while Yehonatan, Michael, Lisa and Simon opened the nets at Kabeltromlen. The ringing team had a brilliant catch of 84 new birds including an incredible 32 Goldcrest (Fuglekonge), and 26 Robins (Rødhals).

Meanwhile at Verdens Endes 1, the highlights of 8 hours observing include: 2 Black Kite (Sort Glente), 8 Rough-legged Buzzards (Fjeldvåge), 12 Hen Harriers (Blå Kærhøg), 1 Golden Eagle (Kongeørn) and 1 Serin (Gulirisk) which represents the first of the year and 3 Great Grey Shrike (Stor Tornskade), as well as plenty of finches and thrushes. I had such an incredible day, as we simply do not have migration like this anywhere in the UK.

Mid-afternoon we received the news that the GPS-tagged, third-calendar-year, female Bonelli’s Eagle (Høgeørn) had been spotted further south and was heading our way. Dante and I were just leaving Verdens Endes 1 at this point, and raced for high dune. Unfortunately, the bird turned around and headed south at Flagbakken, not quite making it as far as where we were eagerly scanning. It did, however, give wonderful views to those who were already at Flagbakken and Simon happened to be at the right place at the right time and saw it.

An incredible photo by Erik Christophersen of the Bonelli's Eagle (Høgeørn) over Flagbakken. See more of Erik's photo's here: https://ecskagen.blogspot.com/

Esben, a former volunteer from 2019 and 2020, arrived at the station in the evening and will be staying with us for the weekend.

An excellent day for both ringers and observers at Skagen Fuglestation!

People: Yehonatan Ben aroia, Micheal Colley, Dante Shepherd, Esben Hansen, Lauren Evans, Lisa Vergin, Simon S. Christiansen, Uffe Damm Andersen, Jørn & Marianne.

A full list of observations in the area can be found here.

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

Kabeltromlen Ringing Totals:

Solsort (Blackbird)- 4

Gærdesmutte (Wren)- 10            

Fuglekonge (Goldcrest)- 32

Gransanger (Chiffchaff)- 6

Rødhals (Robin)- 26

Jernspurv (Dunnock)- 1

Bogfinke (Chaffinch)- 1

Rørspurv (Reed Bunting)- 1

Musvit (Great Tit)- 1

Vindrossel (Redwing)- 1

Total: 84

Dear Blog Reader

This morning was a bit wet because it was raining, which makes us of not ringing .I was out this this morning for Birdwatching which am trying to familiar myself with some the birds here, which are new to me, I meet with some of the locals who happen to be Erik Christophersen and Rolf Christensen, they help me in Identifying some of the birds like, Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg), Bittern (Rørdrum), Great Black-backed Gull (Svartbag), Herring Gull (Sølvmåge) and Cranes (Trane).

Lauren Evans and Dante Shepherd were out on birds migration count in which they have recorded good  numbers of birds species like, 1 Great Gray Shrike (Stor Tornskade), 5 Hen harrier (Blå Kærhøg), 4 Ring Ouzel (Ringdrossel) and thousands of finches.

Female Hen Harrier (Blå Kærhøg). Photo: Erik Christophersen. https://ecskagen.blogspot.com/

Yehonatan Ben Aroia was busy on the data, which was on entering data from the past ringing and that took a while before it was finish.

In the afternoon, I went with Simon to check the Raptor traps which was a good experience for me because I get to lean a bit how to set a Raptor traps, because back at home in The Gambia we try to set a trap which will be good for vulture catching but now that I have the idea now. I can then take it back to Kartong Bird observatory in which will help the observatory in catching vultures.

For my colleges in the afternoon, Dante went back on birds migration count and Lauren and Yehonatan where also fixing the waders that has holes on them.

But to round it up it was a great day for me to lean something that will benefit my observatory and have a pleasant day. This is Michael colley from kartong bird observatory The Gambia.

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

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

Skagen Fuglestation: Dante Shepherd, Michael Colley, Yehonatan Ben aroia & Lauren Evans

A cold, crisp start to the day saw Yehonatan, Michael, Simon and myself, headed to Kabeltromlen to open the nets for sunrise. We had a diverse catch of 10 different species, including 2 Gulspurv (Yellowhammers) which is the first time I’ve seen this species in the hand. We also caught a control Gransanger (Chiffchaff) which was ringed elsewhere in Denmark. Michael had his first experience of Danish ringing and enjoyed seeing plenty of new species. We also were joined by plenty of visitors and a tour group throughout the morning, which was a great opportunity to explain the importance of ringing and collecting valuable data.

Two Yellowhammers (Gulspurv) caught at Kabeltromlen today- female (left) and male (right).

Dante headed to Verdens Endes 1 for morning observation which produced 4 Shags (Topskarv), 4 Rough-legged Buzzards (Fjeldvåge), the first Coal Tit (Sortmejse) of the year and the first Great Spotted Woodpecker (Stor Flagspætte) of the year. Undoubtedly, his highlight was finding a Short-toed Treecreeper (Korttået Træløber)- only the fourth Skagen record and a new species for him. He first picked it up on call, which is diagnostic in this species, and is described as sounding like a Coal Tit (Sortmejse). Another excellent find by Dante! 

Short-toed Treecreeper photographed at Verdens Endes 1 today. This photo shows the even steps along the wing bar with obvious pointed tips, as well as the distinctive small white tips to the primaries. Photo: Erik Christophersen. https://ecskagen.blogspot.com/

We also received the original ringing data of the British-ringed Blackbird we caught last week; the bird was originally ringed in Kilnsea, Yorkshire, UK on the 13^th October 2020.

Map showing the original ringing location (Kilnsea, UK) and the recapture site (Skagen, Denmark).

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Today's raptor summary can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Yehonatan Ben aoria, Dante Shepherd, Lauren Evans & Michael Colley

Kabeltromlen Ringing Totals:

Gærdesmutte (Wren)- 7

Gransanger (Chiffchaff)- 3

Fuglekonge (Goldcrest)- 2

Rødhals (Robin)- 3

Solsort (Blackbird)- 1

Bogfinke (Chaffinch)- 1

Jernspurv (Dunnock)- 2

Rørspurv (Reed Bunting)- 1

Dompap (Bullfinch)- 2

Gulspurv (Yellowhammer)- 2

Total: 24

We started our day as usual, Dante and Lauren went out to worlds end counting migating birds, while me Yehonatan and Lisa went out ringing in kabeltromlen. Weather was fabulous, might be the warmest day we've had this spring so far, sun was shining and close to non winds. The ringing was quite busy with many (23) goldcrests (Fuglekonge) in the nets, and a total of 60 birds. Highlight from observtions are Black kite (Sort glente) Short-eared owl( Mosehornugle). 4 Rough legged buzzards (Fjeldvåge), 4 Arctic skua (Mellemkjove), 2 Peregrines (Vanderfalk) and many more great birds.

After a long morning for all of the volunteers, we all had to have a nap so we could continue our day with renewed energy. In the after noon we tried to put a net right outside the lighthouse to try and catch the Grey wagtails (Bjergvipstjert) that has been feeding on the rock, and we were very lucky to catch one of them! it is not so we catch one of theese out here, and it was really cool to see one in hand.

Later that evening, our new volunteer Michael arrived from The Gambia and we are all very excited to have here for the next 3 months.

Observations from today could be found here

Raptor summary can be found here

People: People: Yehonatan Ben aroia, Lauren Evans, Dante Shepherd, , Simon S. Christiansen, Lisa Vergin, Michael Colley.

Alex Sand Frich and I had a nice morning counting birds at Verdens Ende. Highlights were the first Great Grey Shrike (Stor Tornskade) of the year up here, 2 Shags (Topskarv), 2 Rough-legged Buzzard (Fjeldvåge), 2 White-tailed Eagle (Havorn), 200 Mistle Thrush (Mistledrossel), 6400 Chaffinch (Bogfinke), a Wheatear (Stenpikker), a Hawfinch (Kernebider) and 2 Parrot Crossbill (Stor Korsnaeb). Meanwhile Lauren, Lisa and Yehonatan ringed 40 birds at Kabletromlen, their highlight being 2 Brambling (Kvækerfinke).

DS counting from Verdens Ende

The King Eider remains off the Grey Lighthouse, I wonder how long will he stay with us for? Raptor migration is slowly picking up, the first Pallid Harrier (Steppehøg) is bound to grace our presence soon.

Brambling (Kvækerfinke)

Ringing totals from Kabletromlen:

Blackbird (Solsort)- 5

Robin (Rødhals)- 5

Wren (Gærdesmutte)-  5

Bullfinch (Dompap)- 1

Chaffinch (Dompap) - 1

Brambling (Kvækerfinke) - 2

Goldcrest (Fuglekonge)- 15

Great Tit (Musvit) - 1

Blue Tit (Blåmejse)- 2

Total: 39

Raptor totals

Todays observations

A beautiful calm and sunny morning meant Yehonatan, Lisa and I had the nets open at Kabeltromlen for sunrise. We had a good catch of 33 birds including plenty of Wrens (Gærdesmutte) and Robins (Rødhals). Meanwhile, Dante headed to Verdens Endes for morning observation with a small crowd of other birders. His highlights included one Golden Eagle (Kongeørn), three Osprey (Fiskeørn), one Hen Harrier (Blå Kærhøg), one Puffin (Lunde), 11 Shags (Topskarv) and thousands of migrating finches.

In the afternoon, Lisa and Yehonatan set up the raptor net with the stuffed Eagle Owl (Stor Hornugle) in the hope of catching a migrating raptor. The stuffed owl acts to lure to birds towards the net and then when we catch the raptors, we hope to fit them with a GPS as part of the project we are undertaking with Aarhus University. Although we didn’t manage to catch any raptors today, an adult Black-headed Gull (Hættemåge) ended up in the net, and was swiftly ringed and released. We had lots of interest in our owl and net from visitors to Skagen, and so it made for a great opportunity to engage the public in the projects we’re currently working on.

Yehonatan with the raptor net and stuffed Eagle Owl.

Adult Black-headed Gull ringed today at the station.

To end the day, Yehonatan and I set up a few more nets in some reeds in Kabeltromlen and we’re looking forward to seeing what this slightly different habitat will produce.

We also said goodbye to Emilia, who has been staying in our guest apartment for the week- you’ll be sorely missed!

A full list of today's observations can be found here.

Today's raptor summary can be found here.

Skagen Fuglestation: Yehonatan Ben aroia, Dante Shepherd & Lauren Evans

Kabeltromlen Ringing Totals:

Blackbird (Solsort)- 8

Robin (Rødhals)- 8

Wren (Gærdesmutte)- 9

Bullfinch (Dompap)- 1

Goldcrest (Fuglekonge)- 3

Dunnock (Jernspurv)- 1

Blackcap (Munk)- 2

Blue Tit (Blåmejse)- 1

Total: 33