8m/s winds and frequent showers on site this morning, yet more Redwings (Vindrossel) and Greenfinches (Grønirisk) than I've seen so far. Mostly observed between the station and lighthouse gardens, 10+ Greenfinches and a couple of Redwings were at one point all feeding in the car park area.

The Goldcrest (Fuglekonge) ringed today was a female, as was the Blackbird (Solsort). Also spotted a few Common Redpolls (Gråsisken), 4 Starlings (Stær) and a not-so-shy roe deer hanging around during the net rounds...

(photo taken last week)

Ringing: 1 Blackbird (Solsort), 1 Dunnock (Jernspurv), 1 Goldcrest (Fuglekonge)

Folk: Tim

The morning hours were not ideal, as both rain and wind gusts exceeded the weather forecast. Afternoon sea watching included 1 Gannet (Sule), 4 Red-throated Diver (Rødstrubet Lom) and a few Common Scoter (Sortand). The usual gulls and waders were also present, avoiding the 'sandstorm' patches of the beach.

Two ringed White Wagtails (Hvid Vipstjert), vocal Song Thrushes (Sangdrossel) and Chaffinches (Bogfinke) occupied the lighthouse garden while work on improving the vegetation within the helgoland trap was underway. More shrubs were planted at the widest entry section and some birds, particularly thrushes, were already frequenting these new trees by the evening.

Folk: Svend R., Svend C., Tim

Strong winds hindered the ringing this morning, and persisted throughout the day. We found some shelter in the dunes and later on the beach for some birding. There seemed to be few predated toads near the ponds, probably taken by Hooded/Carrion Crows (Gråkrage/Sortkrage). Though a relatively slow morning, we did spot 4 (3,1) Red-breasted Mergansers (Toppet Skallesluger) migrating north, plus a few Sanderlings (Sandløber), Black-headed Gulls (Hættemåge), 1 Rook (Råge) and 4-5 Snow Buntings (Snespurv). Bird species present in good numbers today include Meadow Pipit (Engpiber) and Blackbird (Solsort).

Later, a few Oystercatchers (Strandskade) were observed feeding along the coast. With quite high tide, the Herring Gulls (Sølvmåge) and Common Gulls (Stormmåge) were less numerous by the evening.

Haematopus ostralegus

Folk: Bent, Tim

It was sunny and calm this morning. Migration is truly unpredictable, and after the early arrival of two Blackcaps yesterday, the number and diversity of birds depends on so many variables. Wind direction has a major influence, and being south westerly today, we did not have as many birds as one would expect. However, we did record a new species, the distinctive Crested Tit. It was briefly heard, seen and subsequently ringed at the station. Having seen this species on very few occasions, it is my first in Denmark and also the very first up close. On close inspection of plumage, iris colour and wing length, it's likely a second calendar year male.

Lophophanes cristatus

Ringmærkning: 1 Dunnock (Jernspurv), 3 Blackbird (Solsort), 1 Robin (Rødhals), 1 Chiffchaff (Gransanger), 5 Goldcrest (Fuglekonge), 1 Crested Tit (Topmejse), 1 Chaffinch (Bogfinke)

Folk: Xenia, Tim

This morning was rather busy ringing, once again comprising mostly of Goldcrests, Blackbirds and Dunnocks. With a majority of them in their second year, it seems that female Goldcrests arrivals are slowly increasing. Besides these, two male Blackcaps were amongst the earliest birds, both in good condition and interesting to have had - they usually do not arrive before April. Also in migration mode were the second Eurasian Treecreeper and the fifth Firecrest (male) ringed this season.

Sylvia atricapilla

After the intially busy hours, Bent pressed on with some birding, sighting 3 Red-throated Divers (Rødstrubet Lom), c.400 Sanderlings (Sandløber), plenty of gulls and even a Woodlark (Hedelærke) migrating over the beach. My evening walk was lovely with Stonechat (Sortstrubet Bynkefugl), Meadow Pipit (Engpiber), Skylark (Sanglærke) and Yellowhammer (Gulspurv) calls. The few ponds in the dune area were also emitting 'calls', from numerous toads whose surface activity was noticed earlier by Bent.

Emberiza citrinella

Ringmærkning: 3 Wren (Gærdesmutte), 9 Dunnock (Jernspurv), 10 Blackbird (Solsort), 6 Robin (Rødhals), 2 Blackcap (Munk), 2 Chiffchaff (Gransanger), 12 Goldcrest (Fuglekonge), 1 Firecrest (Rødtoppet Fuglekonge), 1 Eurasian Treecreeper (Træløber), 2 Chaffinch (Bogfinke), 2 Greenfinch (Grønirisk), 1 Siskin (Grønsisken)

Folk: Bent, Lars, Bjørn, Tim

Fotos: Lars og Tim

The morning air was once again filled with Goldcrest and Firecrest chirps. A handful of Dunnocks and Blackbirds also made their presence known, followed by a beautiful Redwing. The light southerly breeze perhaps facilitated its arrival, the first individual seen here this season. Other thrushes such as Fieldfare (Sjagger) and Mistle Thrush (Misteldrossel) have also been recorded at Blåvand this month.

Turdus iliacus

Jonas had another demonstration mid-morning, coinciding well with a variety of birds for the beginning of spring. Even with misty conditions throughout most of the day, Bullfinch (Dompap), Tree Sparrow (Skovspurv), Starling (Stær) and White Wagtail (Hvid Vipstjert) were seen or heard. The haze even caused confusion at one point, when I briefly mistook a male Chaffinch for a pinkish warbler-like bird at a distance. Otherwise we did not spot many finches...but there should be more decent weather to facilitate their migration in the remaining days of March.

Prunella modularis

Ringed birds: 3 Blackbird (Solsort), 1 Redwing (Vindrossel), 2 Robin (Rødhals), 4 Dunnock (Jernspurv), 1 Wren (Gærdesmutte), 1 Chiffchaff (Gransanger), 10 Goldcrest (Fuglekonge), 2 Chaffinch (Bogfinke)

Folk: Bent, Jonas, Lars, Tim

Fotos: Lars Ejlersen

Today's birds: 1 Blackbird, 3 Dunnock, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrest, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Common Redpoll (ssp. flammea)

Folk: Bent, Tim

Apart from 10 Blackbirds and 2 Song Thrushes in the early hours, the gardens seemed full of Goldcrests this morning. In fact 20 males and 1 female Goldcrest were ringed today. Today's Regulus influx also brought two male Firecrests to Blåvand.

Regulus ignicapilla

Even with a breeze and less bright skies than yesterday, the diversity and number of birds today gave us a real spring sensation. The Firecrests were perhaps the most striking in plumage, compared to others such as a few Robins, Wrens, Chiffchaffs and Siskins we also ringed. It was also interesting to see how many of the thrushes, warblers and finches were identified and observed by a group during their ringing demonstration led by Jonas!

Today's ringing: 10 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 3 Wren, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest, 21 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin, 1 Common Redpoll

Folk: Bent, Jonas, Tim

Just as a promising dawn chorus indicated, the ringing started off well with numerous Blackbirds and Dunnocks. Goldcrests, Great Tits and a Blue Tit capture followed by mid-morning. A few Linnet, Siskin and Redpoll flocks were also observed from the station and the lighthouse garden, where the tree planting project needed some finishing touches in the sunshine.

Here it goes, my first time posting...

Following a very warm welcome and induction at the station, plus a few mentions on previous posts (tak Bent!), I need not introduce myself at length. Well, Micallef certainly does not sound Scandinavian! It's one of the commonest surnames in the much smaller, and warmer, Maltese Islands. Nonetheless, a few summer/autumn seasons in Skåne have been invaluable for my birding and ringing experience. Rest assured that compared to my home country, an array of issues ranging from transport to conservation are better managed and prioritised here, amongst other customs and attitudes I personally appreciate. Skåne is precisely where I intially got to know of Blåvand Fuglestation, having met Bent at the international bird observatory conference in Falsterbo (IBOC 2014). After plenty of online correspondence and also completing some studies back home, I am finally spending a few weeks here!

Relentless winds and precipitation have hindered the bird ringing opportunities since my arrival at the start of the month. With spring on our doorstep, passerines such as Goldcrest (Fuglekonge), Blackbird (Solsort) and Starling (Stær) have begun reaching Denmark, the latter being the most evident today with a few flocks eagerly reaching the shore. We also recorded the first Song Thrush (Sangdrossel) and Chiffchaff (Gransanger) for Blåvand this year during rather limited ringing late last week. Both were healthy individuals with high fat scores, in good condition to venture even further north.

Unfortunately this morning was too windy and unsuitable for bird ringing, so I joined some ongoing work at the lighthouse garden. It was ideal with the fresh gusts blowing through while removing some dead trees and planting new (also heavy) saplings within the helgoland trap. Apart from the Starlings I mentioned, we also heard and observed some other species, namely Stock Dove (Huldue), Common Redpoll (Gråsisken) and some Chaffinches (Bogfinke).

Tomorrow should be great with no rain or strong winds forecasted, positive news for both the birds and our monitoring. Instead of heavy rain or wind, military exercises will keep awaking me tonight - at least two hours of gunfire and bomb blasts now, honestly nothing new for me (do look up 'Malta daytime fireworks' to see what I mean).

Finally, mange tak to the local volunteers and visitors who have made me feel at home! Looking forward to meeting more people, and hopefully birds!