Ringing: Today was a quite slow day in the garden, but the Yellow-browed Warbler (Hvidbrynet Løvsanger) from yesterday came back, so we could adore it again, and just as we had processed it, Strummer came back with a Sparrowhawk (Spurvehøg) in hand! Also such a beautiful bird, and I hope we'll catch some more!

The young male Sparrowhawk from today, sexed by the size (the females are BIGGER), and aged on the overall plumage characteristics and the lack of moult limits - in older birds there will usually always be several generations of feathers present. Pictures by Henrik Böhmer.

Another interesting bird from today was a young Bullfinch (Dompap), that unlike our last young bullfinch was finally growing it's male-coloured feathers!

A young Bullfinch with male-coloured (red) pinfeathers on the flank. Picture by Strummer Edwards.

Today's numbers:

Observations: Man, am I beginning to sympathise with Johan by now…

Lately, if you have been reading the obs-blog, you might have noticed a pattern with westerly
winds resulting in blogs where either Johan or I complain about boring obs with no exciting
species. And this was just another day of that… almost.

The most prevalent species today were the usual suspects: 884 Common Scoters (Melanitta nigra), 54
Red-throated Loons (Gavia setallata), and 208 Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) - not terrible, but
not exciting either.

The other species migrating today were also “just” the usual passerines, with mostly Grey
Wagtails (Motacilla cinerea), Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs), Eurasian Siskins (Spinus spinus),
and Tree Pipits (Anthus trivialis). The day was looking to be incredibly boring, until Jakob
suddenly said: “Anton, I have a weird bird in my scope; could you take a look?”. I looked into my
scope, and lo and behold, a beautiful Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) was making its way
across the horizon. While Arctic Skuas aren’t rare by any stretch of the imagination, in the last 4
days I have been at obs, ZERO Arctic Skuas were present. I was beginning to doubt they even
existed at Blåvand!

All in all, that Arctic Skua saved the obs today, and I left "Hukket" with a somewhat satisfied disposition. 

Todays observations

Other things: In the evening, just as we were about to sit down for dinner, Jacob came running in the door shouting about a Great Skua (Storkjove), that he had been chilling with on the beach for 15 minutes (without his phone), and soon after we were all out looking for it. We never refound it, but we got some fresh air and a nice sunset.

A sunset without a Great Skua. Picture by Mathilde Sif Eiby.

At the station: Strummer Edwards, Mathilde Sif Eiby, Jakob Hansen, and Anton Ræbild Jensen

Ringing: *Loading*

Observation: Today the wind was from the west, which of course means another day with a prerequisite for slightly unimpressive species and numbers. Luckily, Henrik joined us at obs today, so we managed to squeeze everything out of the day we could. This resulted in a surprisingly good diversity with species like Greylag Geese (Anser anser), Wingeons (Mareca penelope), Weed Buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus), and Jays (Garrulus glandarius).

As for the “impressive numbers”, we managed to produce 1061 Common Scoters (Melanitta
nigra), and 406 Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis), which are the highest numbers since I have arrived at Blåvand! We also counted a total of 53 Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata), another okay number. Hopefully the wind will become better soon, so we can blow these numbers out of the water.

 Todays observations

Observation: Today was a day for seabirds, and with strong headwinds of 16 m/s from the NW, Jakob, Johan,
and I were hopeful.

The day started with an almost empty sea, with only a few common scoters (Melanitta nigra)
moving, and some resting gulls close to the beach.

The all-star team desperately searching for shearwaters and storm-petrels. Photo: Anton Ræbild Jensen.

As the sun rose, the number of scoters moving picked up, but somehow the proper seabirds
refused to show themselves. We were really hoping for some shearwaters, as Jakob hadn’t
seen either of the 2 most common species here, sooty shearwater (Ardenna grisea) and manx shearwater
(Puffinus puffinus). By 9, none had shown up, and we were beginning to doubt it would happen today, until
Johan suddenly spotted one way out by the windmills. Jakob and I only managed to see it for a
couple of seconds before we lost it in the meter-high waves out at sea. We were still stoked,
though, as this bird was one of the bucket list species for today.

Unfortunately, Johan had to leave obs a bit early today, and by 10 it was only Jakob and I who
kept watch at obs. We weren’t, however, lonely at all, as almost as soon as Johan left, another
sooty shearwater appeared in the left side of my scope field, this one much closer. We managed
to get good looks at it, as it slowly flew north.

Here the best digiscoped photo we could manage - close for a tubenose, but still a tubenose…  Photo: Anton Ræbild Jensen.

As if two sooty shearwaters weren’t enough, while Jakob and I were talking about packing up
around 11, we heard one dry and slightly electrical trill. I immediately yelled “RED-BREASTED
FLYCATCHER” (Ficedula parva) and looked at Jakob. He had also heard the call and agreed with me, so
we decided to see if we could try to find it. It was, however, not to be found, which really is a
shame after Jakob missed yesterday's ringed bird. This might as well have been the same
individual, and it would have been a really cool bird to show off to our guest. Maybe we will try
for it tomorrow, and see if it still is in the area.

The most remarkable numbers if the day were 379 common scoters (which was okay), 23
red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) and 2 gannets (Morus bassanus).

Ringing: Cancelled due to strong winds.

Other things: Johan is taking a few days at home, and will therefore not be featured in the blog for a short while.

At the station: Strummer Edwards, Mathilde Sif Eiby, Jakob Hansen, and Anton Ræbild Jensen

Ringing: Today we were prepared for anything, but the garden was much more quiet during opening round, than yesterday, and it also showed through some smaller first rounds. The birds kept a steady flow throughout the day though, and we ended up with 54 birds in the nets. 

Among the birds, we had another beautiful specimen of my favourite (read the blog from yesterday ;-) ), and some really nice Tree Sparrows (Skovspurve), who also frequents the station's roof. 

Our third Tree Sparrow today :-) Picture by Mathilde Sif Eiby.

Late morning I (Mathilde) was bringing some birds from the station garden to the lighthouse to ring, and I pass a fellow birder who tells me he's spotted a Red-Breasted Flycatcher (Lille Fluesnapper) in the lighthouse garden, to which I respond: "Cool, maybe we'll get it in the nets". And next round, GUESS WHAT?! I call Strummer, who calls Johan and Anton etc, and it ends up being Antons DK-species number 300!

A young Red-breasted Flycatcher, distinguished on the tail, and aged from the light spots in the wing feathers called greater coverts. Picture by Mathilde Sif Eiby.

Lastly, at the end of ringing, after (second) last round didn't give a single bird, we were expecting a fast closing round, until Strummer shows up with 5 Coal Tits (Sortmejser) among more. 

Two of the Coal Tits from today, all of which were young, seen from moult limits in the wing - in this case a clear contrast between the feathers within the feather group called greater coverts. Picture by Strummer Edwards.

Today's numbers:

Observations: Today was my (Antons) first day at obs, and expectations were high after yesterday's influx of passerines. The weather still looked good, and I was hopeful for hundreds upon hundreds of small songbirds. That, however, was apparently not destined to happen.

The day started with a few meadow pipits (Anthus pratensis), some common scoters (Melanitta
nigra), and a few red-throated loons (Gavia stellata); however, not in large numbers. I was
optimistic that as the sun rose, so would the numbers. They did, but not remarkably, and by the
end of the day, we had only seen 318 meadow pipits, 298 common scoters, and 54 red-throated
loons on the obs.

As for the other passerines I was so hopeful for, the most notable numbers were 16 dunnocks
(Prunella modularis), 81 linnets (Linaria cannabina), 30 redpolls (Acanthis flammea), and 3
yellow wagtails (Motacilla flava). And as for the coastal birds, the only notable observation was
a razorbill (Alca torda) resting extremely close to the beach.

Furthermore, we were joined by a few birds of prey at obs today: 1 2k white-tailed eagle
(Haliaeetus albicilla) and 2 sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) flew by.

Tomorrow the wind looks good for a proper sea watch with chances for storm-petrels,
shearwaters, and skuas. After missing Sunday's obs, I am really looking forward to some
seabirds, hopefully a storm-petrel or a shearwater.

Todays observations

Other things: The station also welcomed a new guest, Jakob Hansen, who will be joining us at obs over the next couple of days.

Here is Jakob picking up the slack by cleaning the fridge as soon as he arrived! Picture by Johan Them Steffensen.

While Jakob managed the fridge, I (Mathilde) threw myself at sorting the pantry, which I've been side-eying since I arrived.  

Who doesn't like labels? Picture by Mathilde Sif Eiby

At the station: Strummer Edwards, Johan Them Steffensen, Mathilde Sif Eiby, Anton Ræbild Jensen and Jakob Hansen

Ringing: WHAT A DAY! As we couldn't ring yesterday, today was gonna be my (Mathilde's) first day ringing here, and the change in weather was promising some good numbers - and it did not disappoint!

Already on the first round, we were almost overthrown with Robins (Rødhalse), and with a great effort from Bent doing rounds, and eventually Johan joining in after Obs, we managed to ring and recapture a total of 220 birds today. Both mine and Strummers highest number ever! It also means we almost doubled the station's total number of both Robin, Chiffchaff (Gransanger), and Chaffinch (Bogfinke) ringed this season - I've heard it's been a rather slow season so far though. 

We had 100 Robins today! This one is a young bird born this season, seen from the light spots on the wing feathers called greater coverts. Picture by Mathilde Sif Eiby. 

Since ringing in Gedser this spring, I've been so excited to get back at ringing, and today was just an incredible start. I even got four new ringing species! My first Coal Tit (Sortmejse), Tree Sparrow (Skovspurv), Redpoll (Gråsisken) and Bullfinch (Dompap) - I'm in heaven.

A beautiful male Redpoll from today, seen by the red feathers on the head. Picture by Strummer Edwards. 

Of the 18 species we had today, was represented both my favourite bird, the Yellowhammer (Gulspurv), as well as some cute pairings, including this pair of Blackcaps (Munk). 

Two Blackcaps - the male with the black cap, the female with the brown. Picture by Strummer Edwards.

Today's numbers:

Observations: *loading*

Other things: In other news, Anton arrived this afternoon, and to top off a great first day, and celebrate our new additions (Anton and me) to the team, we had dinner outside. 

The current dream team! Picture by Mathilde Sif Eiby

At the station: Strummer Edwards, Johan Them Steffensen, Mathilde Sif Eiby, Anton Ræbild Jensen and Bent

Yesterdays triumph had to carry over to today. Right? We thought so when heading out to the Sabines bunker this morning. Strummer, having missed many of the good birds yesterdays, was a bit more optimistic about the westerlies than myself. I think I've been burned by too many NW days with no birds. 

Todays news was that we were joined by Mathilde, who has arrived for her stay. Mathilde will be featured on the ringing team for the remainder of the season, but with strong winds today, joined in on obs.

Sadly we didn't have anything resembling yesterdays greatness. We had a few Razorbills (Alca torda), decent wader numbers, and Common Gulls (Larus canus), who according to Strummer, are enough to account for a good seawatching day. Good with some positivity joining me on the beach.

The strong western winds we've had of late are quieting down tomorrow, so we're hoping for all the passerines that have waited it to mellow out to migrate into our nets tomorrow.

Todays observations

Good day. Forecast said stronger winds; yay, more western; yay, and better outlook from the bunker. When I landed in the bunker I was actually quite suprised that Kristoffer, Leon and myself were the only people getting ready for some seawatching this morning. The day set off quite nice, and we were quickly rewarded with Leach's Storm petrels (Hydrobates leucorhous) quite early, close and in numbers. A species that isn't exactly normal and always feels amazing to churn out as it really isn't for the lazy birder. The day ended out with 14 being observed from the bunker which is actually insane!

One of the 14 (14!!!) Leach's Storm Petrels that swinged by photographed by Leon Pedersen

It's weird to get to a point where I don't even mind that I weren't there for 5 of them :). Other than that we had Sooty Shearwaters (Ardenna grisea) to keep us on our toes where we spotted 4 today. A single Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus) also put it's way past the bunker, but the true highlight was the Sabines gulls. Plural. The first had us quite suprised. None of us had tried the bunker experience of getting them straight in the face! Throughout the day we had a total of 4 where the best individual flew right over our heads to the front of the bunker. Sabines gull from literally 10m away is and experience I will not soon forget.

One of the Sabines that jumped into the bunker photographed by Leon

Sadly we also said goodbye to Alba today who is abandoning us for Gedser to share some of her wisdom. She will be sorely missed from the work and the company around the house. 

We are welcoming new volunteers the coming days so we are hoping they'll be hungry after missing today and find us some rarities.

Todays observations:

At the station: Johan, Strummer, Alba, Kristoffer, Leon

A day with strong-ish winds from west-south-west. Myself, Alba and Kristoffer hit the Sabines with hopes of maybe a shearwater or two and maybe even a storm petrel. What we got in return was a whole lot of nothing. Our outlook was greatly limited by constant rains over the water, so even though we counted until 11am and started again at 5pm till sundown we didn't get anything to enjoy other than our daily dose of Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus), Red-throated Divers (Gavia stellata) and few mixed waters.

With the rarities staying away I had plenty of time to count Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fucus), which yielded a nice amount (54).

Tomorrow winds look even stronger, so we might get some stormbirds. Hopes are even higher than they were this morning.

Todays observations

At the station: Alba, Strummer, Johan, Kristoffer, Leon

Today, we had no ringing due to strong winds and periodic downpour. Because of this, Johan was lucky enough to get my company for morning obs, where he was already joined by Kristoffer. Together, the three of us settled in for a rather boring one and a half hour, although a congregating flock of Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) gave us some entertainment with practicing ageing the birds. 

About one and a half hour in, I spotted something that at first glance looked like a gull, but it flew with very stiff wings in the typical storm-bird swoops up and down along the reef. This is exactly the giss I have been told to look out for in Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis), but as I had never actually seen one before, I wanted someone else to confirm the sighting. Just after I had said "That's not a gull, is it?", Johan spotted it and confirmed my suspicions, loudly exclaiming "Fulmar!!!" The three of us all managed to get very good looks at this amazing bird, as it flew very close by. 

Just after we lost the Fulmar, we were all still very excited and discussing the experience amongst each other, and while I was recounting the storm-bird flight pattern and how it was similar to for example Shearwaters move, Johan suddenly shouted at us to shut up as he had just spotted a Shearwater just at the reef. After a few seconds, I was also able to locate the bird, and quite quickly we were able to determine it to be a Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea). This was another individual that came incredibly close, closer than any of the other Shearwaters any of us had seen thus far, and close enough that we could even see the light underwings. In less than a minute, it had passed by us. 

For the last hour, Strummer joined us as well, and we had a nice and relaxing time

Today's observations

At the station: Strummer, Alba, Johan, Kristoffer

Observations:

After a few days at home, I was really looking forward to seeing some birds today. Again, we had western winds, so I got a calm day back in action. Rain hit me sporadically on the post today, where I think I scrambled together 2 hours that could count as standardized. Very few birds today, but it was nice to get back to my Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus), 184 today; Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata), 38 today; and 2 Arctic Skuas (Stercorarius parasiticus). One came really well in extremely good light, really showing off its "white commas" juxtaposed against an otherwise dark morph. Always a favorite bird of mine.

Todays observations:

Ringing:

Today we only had a few rounds of ringing before the rain hit, although in that time we managed to catch a few birds.  In the lighthouse Alba had one recapture Robin (rødhals) while in the station we had 4 new Blackcap (Munk).  Amongst those Blackcap, there were multiple young first cycle males who had a really nice contrast in the crown!