Strategy for Skagen Bird Observatory 2025- 2029

 

Introduction

Skagen Bird Observatory was established in May 2017 and is an integral part of the visitor center – The Grey Lighthouse, which features an exhibition on nature, birds, and bird migration. The site also includes access to the lighthouse, a nature shop, and a restaurant. All stakeholders are committed to develope the center as a unified entity, which presents both opportunities and challenges.

At the Bird Observatory, we collect bird data year-round, train young assistants, contribute to scientific projects, and offer guided nature experiences and tours. Our dedicated team consists of the station manager, bird ringers, observers, and educators.

Members of Birdlife Denmark (DOF) have the opportunity to book accommodation on-site, gaining insight into and actively participating in our activities.

Every May, we host the annual Bird Festival, attracting birdwatchers from near and far. Skagen has long been recognized as Northern Europe’s premier site for observing migrating raptors in spring, making it a hotspot for bird enthusiasts.

The Observatory conducts project-based fieldwork in collaboration with universities and other partners, continuously publishing data and findings. We integrate cutting-edge technologies such as radar, radio telemetry, and acoustic monitoring with traditional observation and bird ringing techniques.

A key focus is education and skill development through School of Birds, where assistants and volunteers, regardless of experience level, acquire new knowledge and practical skills.

Our activities are guided by the core values of Birds, Experiences, Education, Knowledge, and Community, which shape everyday life at the observatory.

 

The Mission

Skagen Bird Observatory is part of a broad, community-driven initiative based around The Grey Lighthouse. Birdlife Denmark (DOF) collaborates closely with the Danish Nature Agency (NST), Frederikshavn Municipality, and other key stakeholders to establish and operate The Grey Lighthouse. As an integral part of the center, Skagen Bird Observatory plays a crucial role in ensuring that science and nature education go hand in hand -benefiting birds and their habitats, enhancing outdoor experiences, and enriching the visits of thousands of nature enthusiasts in the stunning landscapes of Skagen. 

 

The Vision

Skagen Bird Observatory aims to be a driving force within five key areas:

• 1. Scientific fieldwork and data collection – Conducting research, collecting, and publishing bird data.
• 2. Education and training – Providing long-term placements for young bird enthusiasts and engaging volunteers in hands-on learning experiences.
• 3. Public engagement and outreach – Communicating knowledge about birds and nature to both specialists and the general public, fostering inspiration, shared experiences, and knowledge exchange.
• 4. Collaboration and partnerships – Engaging in dynamic local, national, and international partnerships.
• 5. Sustainable operations – Ensuring the station’s financial sustainability to support its activities and long-term development.

 

Strategy towards 2029

• 1. Scientific Research Hub

The observatory functions as a centre for the systematic collection of bird and habitat data, which is used by DOF, governmental bodies, organisations, and researchers. This work directly supports DOF’s mission to protect birds, improve their habitats, expand ornithological knowledge, and engage people in birdwatching and conservation.

• 2. Educational Programmes for Young Bird Enthusiasts

The observatory offers extended study and training placements for young people from Denmark and abroad, enabling them to engage in learning and data collection within a professional and social community under the School of Birds concept. Additionally, shorter educational stays are available for Danish students with an interest in ornithology.

• 3. Structured and Ongoing Collaboration

The observatory maintains structured, long-term collaboration with individuals, governmental institutions, scientific organisations, NGOs, and the tourism sector, ensuring a strong and diverse network of partners.

• 4. International Partnerships with Leading Bird Observatories

The station will establish formal and mutually beneficial partnerships with leading bird observatories in Denmark, the Nordic region, and beyond—particularly through the BirdLife network.

• 5. Strengthening Local Engagement

A key focus will be developing strong ties with dedicated local volunteers who actively contribute to data collection, daily operations, and social activities at the observatory.

• 6. Annual Bird Festival

Every May, the observatory will host a bird festival featuring guided tours, lectures, social events, and exhibitions of birdwatching equipment. The festival will continue to evolve, offering activities that appeal to both young enthusiasts and experienced birdwatchers.

• 7. Sustainable Organisational Development

Together with DOF, the observatory will establish a sustainable structure with the necessary paid staff and volunteers to manage leadership, education, communication, knowledge-sharing, and fieldwork.

• 8. National Education and Outreach Projects

The observatory will actively contribute to national projects aimed at communicating knowledge about birds and their conservation.

• 9. Bird and Nature Events for the Public

Skagen Bird Observatory will develop and host birdwatching and nature activities for local residents, visitors, tourists, and DOF members.

• 10. Publishing Research and Findings

The observatory will ensure that collected data is shared through annual reports, DOF publications, and various media channels.

• 11. Engaging DOF Members

Visitors from DOF who come to Skagen will be encouraged to actively participate in the observatory’s work or contribute through independent data collection, fostering greater engagement in ornithology.

• 12. Securing Financial Sustainability

The observatory will finance its activities through a combination of DOF member stays, grant applications, voluntary contributions, project funding, and revenue from public events and activities.

• 13. Enhancing The Grey Lighthouse as a Visitor Destination

The observatory will play an active role in ensuring that The Grey Lighthouse continues to develop into a leading attraction in the North Jutland region, drawing in visitors interested in birds, nature, and conservation.

By focusing on these strategic goals, Skagen Bird Observatory will continue to be a hub of knowledge, engagement, and conservation - connecting people with nature and fostering a deeper understanding of migratory birds and their habitats.

 

Goals towards 2024

The strategy’s key points have been condensed into eight main focus areas, each with specific goals and action plans covering all 13 strategic objectives. Areas 3, 4, 5, and 12 are grouped under “Collaboration with External Partners”, while areas 8, 9, and 10 fall under “The Observatory’s Public Engagement”. The main focus areas, in no particular order, include:

• 1. Scientific Data Collection and Research at the Observatory
• 2. School of Birds – Skagen’s Bird School
• 3. Collaboration with External Partners
• 4. Skagen Bird Festival
• 5. The Organisational Structure of the Observatory
• 6. The Observatory’s Public Engagement
• 7. Funding the Observatory
• 8. The Observatory and The Grey Lighthouse/Danish Nature Agency

For each of these areas, the Board of Skagen Bird Observatory, together with its daily management, has outlined goals and action plans for the period 2025-2029. These goals and plans will be continuously reviewed, and no specific years have been assigned to individual actions.

Scientific Data Collection and Research

Goal:

Skagen Bird Observatory will continue the work initiated with the establishment of the physical station in 2017. This includes bird ringing, monitoring bird migration, and participation in scientific projects.

Action Plans:

• 1. An annual monitoring plan will be developed for planned activities.
• 2. Bird ringing will continue using both traditional methods and CES (Constant Effort Sites).
• 3. Migration monitoring will be maintained from manned observation posts.
• 4. The observatory will contribute to migration monitoring using new methods (e.g., tracking technologies) in collaboration with other stakeholders.
• 5. The observatory will support university research and contribute to scientific publications.
• 6. In-house statistical analyses, songbird migration studies, and disease monitoring will be prioritised.

School of Birds

Goal:

The education of young people with an interest in birds and nature—both Danish and international—will be a top priority. Expanding the station’s physical capacity will also be a focus.

Action Plans:

• 1. A new work and sleeping area will be created above the Birders’ Club in collaboration with the Danish Nature Agency and Realdania.
• 2. Once this expansion is complete, the number of young people accommodated at the station will increase from 4-5 to 5-6 at a time.
• 3. Priorities for the coming period:
• 4. More returning participants rather than new ones, with longer stays.
• 5. A preference for four young participants staying a minimum of one month at a time.
• 6. More externally funded placements and increased participation of Danish youth (representing more local DOF branches).

Collaboration with External Partners

Goal:

Existing collaborations will be maintained and expanded in the areas outlined in the action plans.

Action Plans:

• 1. Guests staying in the on-site apartment will be further integrated into the observatory’s daily work, with an evaluation of the results during the planning period. Rental availability will be extended to include winter months.
• 2. Efforts will be made to engage children and young people from Skagen and surrounding areas in the observatory’s activities.
• 3. A broader network with foreign bird observatories will be established, particularly in Norway, Sweden, and Germany.

Skagen Bird Festival

Goal:

The festival will be expanded, and other stakeholders as The Grey Lighthouse will be more involved in planning. Over time, the festival should contribute financially to the observatory.

Action Plans:

• 1. Other stakeholders at The Grey Lighthouse and the regional part of DOF in Northern Jutland will be involved in festival planning to introduce new activities and reach a broader audience.
• 2. Stallholder fees will be gradually increased.

The Organisational Structure of the Observatory

Goal:

Assess whether the current organisational structure (DOF central/REP – DOF in Northern Jutland – Station Manager – Board) is optimal, or if there is a need for greater local representation. These considerations will be central in the coming period.

Action Plans:

• 1. The Board will evaluate whether the current organisational structure is appropriate, and if not, explore alternative models.
• 2. The Board aims to recruit more local (bird) enthusiasts who are eager to contribute to the station’s work.
• 3. A focus will be placed on recruiting a more diverse Board.

The Observatory’s Public Engagement

Goal:

Maintain guided tours with volunteer guides, station-led ringing tours, and bookable excursions. Ensure a strong presence on the website, station blog (daily logs), and in DOF publications, media, and the annual report.

Action Plans:

• 1. Guided tours will be evaluated annually (number, locations, pricing, etc.).
• 2. Individual communication initiatives will be periodically reviewed.
• 3. Identify potential new contributors to the station’s work through outreach events.
• 4. Expand the network of individuals contributing articles to platforms such as Netfugl.dk.
• 5. The observatory will organise more events within the framework of DOF’s Eagle Club.

Funding the Observatory

Goal:

The observatory should be partially self-financed to support expanded activities in the coming period, as DOF’s financial contribution is expected to remain stable.

Action Plans:

• 1. Future equipment and projects should increasingly be funded through external grants and subsidies.
• 2. Fieldwork and related services for universities and other institutions will only be offered on a paid basis.

The Observatory and The Grey Lighthouse/Danish Nature Agency

Goal:

The partnership with the Danish Nature Agency will be maintained and strengthened to develop The Grey Lighthouse/Skagen Bird Observatory into an attractive visitor center for nature enthusiasts.

Action Plans:

• 1. The Bird Festival will be expanded to attract a larger audience of bird and nature enthusiasts from North Jutland and generate financial benefits for both partners.

 

Strategy and Mission for Skagen Bird Observatory (2025 - 2029) prepared by the Board of Skagen Bird Observatory (November 2024)

Here are the institutions mentioned in the text along with their respective links:

Skagen Bird Observatory

The Grey Lighthouse – Det Grå Fyr

Birdlife Denmark – Dansk Ornitologisk Forening (DOF)

Danish Nature Agency - Naturstyrelsen

Realdania

Netfugl

DOF’s Eagle Club - Ørneklubben