As the days are getting earlier, the hope for good species is also increasing. The day started with a good variety at the ringing with a female bluethroat “Blåhals”, waterrail “Vandrikse”, a redwing “Vindrossel” and two long tailed tits “Halemejse”  as highlights. One of the long-tailed tits was a newborn of this year, the first 1k of this year! Not only the nets took care of good species. Later during the morning, the first migrants arrived as well, with a black stork “Sort stork” attempting to migrate several times. The whole team was present and enjoyed the good species and weather together with visiting birdwatchers. It was especially nice to have Rita at the ringing who we would like to thank for her generous donation.

A bit later in the morning, they called a bee-eater “Biæder” out on Zello and we were so lucky to see it hunting above our heads. This bee-eater was having a big bumblebee as lunch! While Manuel and I continued the ringing and Hanelie cut the grass around the nets, the others left already to take a nap. The migration slowed down with only a few honey buzzards “Hvepsevåge” left but we got a wake up zellocall about a dark morph booted eagle “Dværgørn”. Unfortunately, this one didn’t fly our way, so we could only talk and dream about this species.

After some sunbathing and enjoying Manuel’s delicious cake; Hanelie, Manuel and I went back to the station. Leona and Alice were awake again and went to Bateriskoven where their found two new butterflies for their list: the mazarine blue “engblåfugl” and the large skipper “stor bredpande”.

I tried to take a nap but another bee-eater surprised me with his beautiful call.  Simon was out with Jan Speiermann to observe the raptors but unfortunately, they flew really high. The evening ended with a short session about entering data and a quiz about how to react in the ringing during some exceptional cases. Followed by an amazing Georgian bread made by Manuel and a short talk with the new guests Jan and Kristine.

For me it’s probably my last blog, but it is definitely not my last visit to Skagen. I saw some pretty amazing species in the best conditions possible (close birds in good company!). The next days may be the icing on the cake with the easterly winds. Let’s keep or fingers crossed!

I hope to see you in the field one of the next days. Good evening.

Robbe

Observations of birds seen in Skagen entered on Dofbasen today

Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

People at the station :Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, Esben Hansen, Lisa Vergin, Jan Speiermann, Jan Hjort Christensen, Kristine Kleffel

Ringing totals at Kabeltromle: 54

Vindrossel: 1

Løvsanger: 3

Gulbug: 2

Gærdesanger: 4

Kærsanger: 5

Rørsanger: 5

Blåhals: 1

Rødstjert: 3

Munk: 17

Havesanger: 1

Tornsanger: 2

Bogfinke: 4

Skovpiber: 1

Gransanger: 4

Halemejse: 1

Today was the day. We finally went on the trip to the Island Hirtsholm! It was actually planned earlier this week already, but we had to postpone it. In the early morning Hanelie and Esben opened the nets and started ringing. They then were accompanied by two new “oneday” volunteers: Erik and Jørgen!

Our "oneday" volunteers Erik Christophersen and Jørgen Kabel in the field with Esben, Photo by Hanelie Sidhu

Around 6:45 Hanelie left the ringing and joined us at the station, so we could start our long awaited excursion. Simon and Lisa joined us, so we were able to go by car. We took the boat at Frederikshavn were we already enjoyed watching jellyfish in the harbour and Eiders with little ducklings. On the boat the seabirds lead the way to “Hirtsholmene”. From far away we could already see the small lighthouse coming closer and closer.

Our group on the way to Hirtsholmene, Photo by Alice Scalzo

When we arrived on the Island we already saw Black guillemots on the rocks and some Black-headed gulls and Common and Arctic terns over our heads. We were able to explore the Island for 3 hours which felt like minutes. The gras was only cut on the paths that you were allowed to walk on, so the green sprouted all around us. 

Green wood, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Glaux maritima, Photo by Robbe Cool

From the lighthouse you could see the huge breeding colony of Black-headed gulls and Sandwichterns and with our binoculars we could even see them feeding their chicks.

View from the Lighthouse, Photo by Manuel Tacke

Hanelie setting up her scope, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

But the highlight for me were the Black Guillemots(Tejst). I sat down calmly next to them, trying to get some good pictures of them in action. It really made me happy to see such an interesting species up close.

Black Guillemot sitting, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Black Guillemot making supersonic sound, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Also, the boat trip itself was nice because it really puts one in the mood of a holiday. After our trip we got the last things we needed for our barbecue and went back to the station.

Goodbye Hirtsholmene, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Back at the station we had our barbecue and enjoyed some marshmallows, we even convinced Hanelie to try some but she remains sceptical. Now I sit here next to the bonfire enjoying the last rays of sun before going to bed after another amazing day.

Have a nice evening as well,

Leona

Ringing Totals:

Landsvale: 1

Skovskade: 1

Rødhals: 1

Gærdesanger: 1

Løvsanger: 3

Gulbug: 3

Rørsanger: 1

Kærsanger: 1

Havesanger: 1

Tornsanger: 5

Bogfinke: 3

Munk: 1

Total: 23

Observations of the day in DOFbasen from observers in the area

 Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

People at the station :Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, our guests Bent and Lisbeth, Esben Hensen, Lisa Vergin.

This morning Hanelie and Manuel, joined by Bjorn, braved the strong winds to do morning observations in world's end 1. They got very few birds but the sun was up to warm them while they observed. Bent our guest also joined them. They saw a few Fulmars (Mallemuk) and a Great Skua (Storkjove). After the counting hours had passed Hanelie went on a walk along the beach to try to find Common ringed plovers (Stor Præstekrave) chicks, and she actually found one ! Running alongside with its parents. We decided we would try to catch it in the afternoon, so she came back to the station. Leona checked the entered ringing data with Bjorn after he had had the pleasure to get a little guided tour through the lighthouse. It was his last day with us, we said goodbye to him in the beginning of the afternoon, pleased that he enjoyed his week here with us. Then Lisa arrived at the station and with her Leona, Hanelie and I, we went to the beach to find the chick. We found it rather quickly, and could ring it under the supervision of it's parents that stayed very close to us. It was then reunited with its parents.

We continued our search but couldn't find more, and we had to go back to the station as we had plans for the afternoon. Beer house it was ! All of us, accompanied by our guests, and Lisa and Simon, took the car to get there. We enjoyed good drinks and fine company!

Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

People:  Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, our guests Bent and Lisbeth, Bjørn Erik Hasslanger, Lisa Vergin.

Good evening!

Today mainly Lisa, Simon, Alice and I were at the ringing. Bjørn was also there and accompanied us for a few rounds and was also birdwatching and releasing our birds. Manuel took over the observations from Kabletromle. The Higlights were some Fulmars "Mallemuk" and a nice Golden Oriole "Pirol". Robbe joined us later and helped with the observations and ringing. Bent also joined us at Kabletromle. We had many Icterine Warblers “Gulbug” again, eleven today, and also many Marsh Warblers “Kærsanger”, seven! But the highlights of the ringing today were two female Red-backed Shrikes “Rødrygget Tornskade” in the nets.

Red-backed Shrike "Rødrygget Tornskade"

We also saw two males in the morning and hope that they will be caught in the nets in the next few days. Just as we arrived back at the station and were about to eat the Croissants Manuel had bought for us, we received a zello call: a male Red footed Falcon “Aftenfalk” was roosting in the field next to the tractor track. That meant back again for most of us: Robbe, Bjørn, Manuel, Leona, Lisa and I came, together with Knud, Erik, Jørgen and other birdwatchers we saw it for a long time and very well, sitting on bushes and catching Dragonflies “Guldsmed”.

Red-footed Falkon "Aftenfalk"

For Leona it was a new species! Back at the station we finally had Croissants and a nap for most of us. Leona entered data with Simon. After a short talk about tomorrow with Simon, we finished one of the Wizard games we had started in the last few days. Robbe won. Now he's going to cook for us, then we'll have the evening meeting and crawl into bed tomorrow with the hope of seeing some nice birds tomorrow (and also in our dreams?)

Take care, see you in the field tomorrow,

Hanelie

Ringed Birds at Kabletromle:

Rødrygget Tornskade: 2

Tornsanger: 3

Rørspurv: 1

Bogfinke: 1

Havesanger: 1

Munk: 2

Husrødstjert: 1

Gærdesanger: 2

Rørsanger: 1

Gulbug: 11

Kærsanger: 7

Total: 32

Observations of the day in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Summary of the raptors entered in Skagen on Dofbasen

People: Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, Lisa Vergin, Bjørn Erik Hasslanger, Knud Pedersen, our guests Bent and Lisbeth

Efter nogle tidligere morgener fik jeg lov at sove lidt længere i dag. Jeg vågnede klokken 6:00 ved lyden af en ornitolog der melder ringdrossel ud ved Batteriskoven. Kom ud til Kabeltromlen omkring klokken halv 7. Ved ankomst trak en skestork mod syd meget fint! Et kvarter senere blev to Nordlige Blåhalse fanget I samme net nord for kabeltomlen. En Han og en Hun. Da de blev meldt ud på Zello kom der pludselig masser af ornitologer der ville have billeder af de flotte blåhalse. En halv time senere kom Jørgen Hulbæk med kage til ringmærkerne. Mange tak for det! I løbet af formiddagen hørte/så vi fire Karmindompaper, men pludselig dukkede der også en op I nettet! Meget fint med både Blåhals og Karmindompap i mærkningen. En flot bjergvipstjert hun fik også ring på. Den sjette mærkede af denne art dette forår. Ellers var gulbug den mest dominerende art i mærkningen denne morgen med hele 14 individer. Kan det være ny dagsrekord i ringmærkningen for Skagen?

Picture by Bjørn Erik Hasslanger

Der kom også lidt rovfugle - nogle røde glenter og spurvehøge og musvåger, men de gik højt. Der var også en lærkefalk tidligt om morgenen. Vi lukkede nettene ca. kl. 10:45. Da jeg og de andre fra fuglestationen kom tilbage til Det Grå Fyr havde to landsvaler forvildet sig in på loftet over laboratoriet. Måske de ledte efter et sted at bygge rede? En han og en hun var det i hvert fald. Lisa og Manuel gik op og fangede svalerne med og vi fik dem mærket inden de blev sluppet ud igen.

Hanelie, Robbe og Leona tog efterfølgende til Skarvkolonien og optalte de ynglende skarver. Der var 51 reder aktive med liggende fugle, men der blev ikke set nogle unger. Det er meget sent på sæsonen at der ingen unger er at se. Laboratoriet blev gjort rent om eftermiddagen efter det var levet brugt til opmagasinering under fuglefestivalen, mens Simon fiksede lågen til et skab i lejligheden.

Det synes jeg var en god dag! Glæder mig til hvad mogendagen bringer.

Knud Pedersen har skrevet en lille nyhedsartikel om den Lille Tårnfalk som blev fotograferet i Skagen den 20. maj, men som først blev opdaget senere foran computerskærmen. Læs artiklen på Netfugl.

Observations of the day in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

Ringmærking Kabeltrommeln:
Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler) 1
Rørsanger (Reed Warbler) 3
Gulbug (Icterine Warbler) 14
Gærdesmutte (Wren) 1
Havesanger (Garden warbler) 2
Tornsanger (Common whitethroat) 2
Munk (Blackcap) 5
Bogfinke (Chaffinch) 5
Blåhals, Nordlig (Nordic Bluethroat) (ssp. svecica) 2
Karmindompap (Common Rosefinch) 1
Bjergvipstjert (Gray Wagtail) 1

People: Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, Lisa Vergin, Bjørn Erik Hasslanger, our guests Bent and Lisbeth

We had a bit of a yellow phase while ringing today, because we haven't had seven Icterine Warbler Gulbug on one day this year. These little guys are quite defensible and make quite a lot of noise in the hand and in the pocket. You can also hear their song in the field in many places around Skagen at the moment. Apart from that there were a few Reed Warbler Rørsanger and other warblers in the net, 35 birds in total. As there was almost no bird migration today, Manuel and Björn joined the usual gathering at Kabeltromlen for some socialising, while Alice, Hanelie, Leona and Lisa took care of the nets. Our guest Bent also got a glimpse of ringing.

So it was a quiet morning, but at least we could connect with a quite distant Great Northern Diver Islom, also a late Shag Toppskarv migrated northwest - only visible with the spotting scope though.

After an ice cream breakfast together at the station, we split up for the afternoon. Together with Bjarke Huus Jensen, Hanelie, Robbe, Leona and Alice went into the woods south of Skagen for a longawaited botanical excursion, Jørgen also accompanied them and once again gave the driver (merci, as always!). Together with Bjarke (also big merci!) they were able to find many really exciting species and his passion was really contagious. The beautiful weather did the rest.

Björn, Manuel and Lisa meanwhile set up a net in Nedermose - hoping for some birds of prey that might get lost in the net. There were three birds of prey in total. To see. But far away from the net. Instead, a Common Rosefinch Karmindompap sang its melodious verse several times, but the bird could not be seen.

Observations of the day in DOFbasen from observers in the area

Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

Ringmærking Kabeltrommeln:
Kærsanger (Marsh Warbler) 1
Rørsanger (Reed Warbler) 8
Gulbug (Icterine Warbler) 7
Gærdesanger (Lesser Whitethroat) 1
Havesanger (Garden warbler)  3
Tornsanger (Common whitethroat) 4
Munk (Blackcap) 7
Gransanger (Chiffchaff) 2

People: Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, Lisa Vergin, our guests Bent and Lisbeth, Jørgen Kabel, Thomas Kjær Christensen, Bjarke Huus Jensen

Hi eyeryone!

Today was the last day of the Bird Festival. Finally it was not so windy and we hoped to have a good ringing day. But the nets in disappointed us. Although there was a cool surprise in the first round: a big bird wriggled in the net right after the ditch on the south side. I expected a Blackbird "Solsort", saw some brown too, but no, not a Blackbird "Solsort" at all - a Water Rail "Vendrikse" had gone into the bottom pocket of the net. Every day we hear water rails squawking around Kabletromle, at dusk Alice and I spottet one some time ago. But in the hand it is really a cool species. Leona and I were delighted and a lot of visitors came to see it, because today was finally a Bird Festival day with good weather. Otherwise the nets didn't deliver anything special, but three Reed Warblers "Rørsanger"  were nice. We also had visit from Jeppe, a former volunteer, who helped us at the ringing.

Water Rail "Vandrikse"

And in the morning Simon told me, that I had won the DOF Osprey Binocular in yesterday's raffle from Naturbutikken! That and the Water Rail "Vendrikse" made the morning really good, although unfortunately we still don't have a rarity in the nets. It's about time folks! When we returned to the bird station I was very happy to get my new binoculars from Naturbutikken.

In the late morning Alice also came back from her hike with overnight camping. She enjoyed the last days all to herself and in nature a lot.

There was still some data to enter from yeterdays Fulmar "Mallemuk" Survey.

Robbe and Manuel did the Laser Shooting of Worlds End 1 this morning and were able to track Honey Buzzards "Hvepsevåge" and Red-Throated Divers  "Rødstrubet Lom" with the Laser Binocular. In the distance they saw a Great Northern Diver "Islom". Marianne and Curt joindes us at the ringing today, then they left us again and in the late afternoon we welcomed our new guests. Today was also cleening day and also in the garden a lot was cleared because the Bird Festival is now over and all tents were taken down again. Our new guests Lisbeth and Bent were lucky, at the right time in the right place, because in the evening a Surf Scoter "Brilleand" was found south of Skagen in a large group of Common Scoters "Sortand". We got a lift from Erik and other birders and we all saw it very well.

For Alice, Leona, Robbe and me this was a new species, Manuel had already seen a Surf Scoter "Brilleand" 15 years ago in Canada but that is quite a long time ago and a new European species for him, so a reason for all of us to return to the bird station highly satisfied. Then we had a good meal prepared by Maunel and now it is already late again and tomorrow early day awakening. So off to bed, see you tomorrow in the field!

Ringed Birds at Kabletromle:

Vandrikse: 1

Solsort: 1

Tornsanger: 2

Munk: 4

Bogfinke: 4

Gærdesanger: 2

Rørsanger: 3

Gærdesmutte: 3

Total: 20

Observations of the day in DOFbasn from observers in the area

Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen todayHanelie

People at the station: Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, Jeppe Overgaard, Erik Christophersen, our guests Marianne, Curt, Bent and Lisbeth

Today Manuel started to observe alone but soon was joined by others. First a Sooty Shearwater was announced but sadly he wasn't able to see it very well. But later there was a Manx Shearwater and he was able to see it. Shortly after this Robbe arrived and together they saw a Great Northern Diver really close in perfect light!

Erik Christophersen captured the moment when the Great Northern Diver came really close

Manuel continued observing and Robbe came back in the hope to get a look at the Rosefinch. I just finished my breakfast and decided to join him. Together we went close to Poul Eeg Camping with our bikes. In the Area we were able to hear and see an Icterine Warbler, later we were able to hear the Rosefinch very shortly, so we decided to take a look around. Sadly without success but the walk was really nice between blooming lilac bushes.

Hanelie took the opportunity today to go on a big morning walk and could hear and see a lot of different species.

Around Lunch all of us were back at the station so we could do the Fulmar survey walk. The Tour started at Solnedgangspladsen, Gammel Skagen so we celebrated that Manuel saw the Manx Shearwater and got a nice icecream. The hiking along the shore was really nice because the sea was really wild. Beside the purpose of getting to know the coast we were supposed to document dead birds and if they were in good condition collect them. We were able to find 3 Gannets which were in really good condition but also really heavy so around Northbeach Simon came with his car so we didn't have to carry them all the way back to the station.

 One of the Gannets we found, Photo by Robbe Cool

As we continued we were able to collect 1 more Gannet so in total we collected 4 Gannets! We also found a lot of Black Guillemots, Great Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls, which were not in a good condition to collect but to collect data.

Identifying dead birds, Photo by Robbe Cool

Robbe making the beach a better place,  Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

Tropical Feeling created by Robbe, Photo by Leona Gottschalkson

At the End of our walk around Grenen we could see 2 Sandpipers in Breeding plumage and a jellyfish species rolling down the sand which made us laugh.

Have a nice day!

Leona

Today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

 Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

People at the station: Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, our guests Marianne and Kurt

The second day of the festival started for me way before the tents opened. From the moment the rain moved away, I went to Worlds end 3 to start the morning observations. Later in the morning, Manuel joined me as well. A lot of birds that got blown into Kattegat yesterday, tried to escape today. Although this was still difficult with the strong winds, we could observe almost hundred kittiwakes “ride”.

And even though it was too windy for ringing, we still opened the nets and catch 6 birds. But the birds we caught were worth it. We got the help from Merit Link who came here with Dof Ung. We had a lot of visitors and some young bird enthusiast really enjoyed the ringing.

After taking a rest, entering data and enjoying the lovely tea Hanelies mum sent us, it was time for the highlight of today. Together with Dof Ung, we competed 1,5 hours to see as many species as possible. Divided in 4 teams, we ran out into the fields to practise the most hardcore birdwatching possible.

Run, STOP, check bird, shout species name, make sure everyone sees the bird, repeat… We couldn’t think about anything else.

A crazy amount of bird was seen by all of us but at the end of the contest, only one team could win, and that was our team. A big thank you to everyone that joined the game and special thanks to my team to find no less than 43 species in this short amount of time. Some nice species were seen by the teams such as marsh warbler “Kærsanger”, golden oriole “pirol” and a grey plover “strandhjejle”.

Hereafter, we treated ourselves with a nice ice cream. Hanelie and Leona took care of the groceries while Manuel and I saw a resting golden plover “hjejle” from our living room. A nice species for our precious garden list!

Simon, Lisa and guests were at Kabeltromle too. Simon and Lisa joined the ringing. Simon went back to the station to have a meeting with Sigrid and Niels about the bird station. After the bird race, Simon, his mum and Lisa enjoyed their afternoon at Blink. The guests continued their day in the church. Not to pray but for a nice accordion concert.

Alice left for three days to explore the region. Packed with all my camping equipment, she will walk to the south towards new adventures.

Tomorrow will be cold weather for the time of the year again. We decided to do the Fulmar survey and make the 10km walk on the beach. Let’s hope we don’t only find dead birds but also living birds. With the northerly winds, some of us will probably dream about a Ross gull coming from Norway.

Today’s observations in DOFbasen from observers in the area

 Raptor summary of the raptors entered on DOFbasen today

Ringing(Kabletromle):

grønsisken: 1

Gærdesmutte: 1

Grå fluesnapper: 1

Munk: 1

Kvækerfinke: 1

sivsanger: 1

Total: 6

People: Simon S. Christiansen, Hanelie Sidhu, Alice Scalzo, Manuel Tacke, Leona Gottschalkson, Robbe Cool, Lisa Vergin, Gustav Nyberg, Merit Link, Sigrid Andersen, Niels Eriksen, our guests Marianne and Kurt