| Leading Tours since 1987
This short winter tour to Denmark produced a remarkable passage of Little Gulls off the West Jutland coast numbering c10000 birds. In addition to this unusual sight we observed a wide selection of wintering swans, ducks and birds of prey. The latter group included close views of White-tailed Eagles. Due to rather un-seasonal weather patterns several winter birds were not present or indeed hard to locate. I am sure the following report will bring back memories of an excellent few days in Denmark.
December 11th: Gatwick - Billund - Langeland We left Gatwick on time for the short flight to Billund in Western Denmark. On arrival heavy rain and strong winds were in evidence which was to stay with us until late afternoon. Very few birds recorded as we made our way to Langeland. The weather forecast for tomorrow looks much better.
December 12th: Langeland - Brandegard - Faaborg In the hotel grounds of Lindelse Kro we recorded Song Thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare flying overhead. We travelled south to visit the southernmost point of Langeland a known hot-spot for birds. Offshore large numbers of Great Cormorant, Common Eider and Common Scoters and Red-breasted Mergansers. A short walk into the adjacent woodland produced Great and Blue Tits. We left the point passing a pond with Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal and continued to Bagenkop. Outside the village winter thrushes and Chaffinches feeding on berry-laden trees. We reached the reserve only to find it closed because of recent storm damage. Disappointed we retraced our steps towards Ristinge, stopping en route for a mixed flock of Mute and Whooper Swans. Nearby, Greylag Geese feeding on winter wheat fields. On the lake itself Little and Great Crested Grebes, Mallard, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Eurasian Wigeon and rafts of Common Coots. Ristinge Harbour was visited and then inland to Brandegard Lake a large shallow expanse of water bordered by woodland. On arrival we quickly located an adult White-tailed Eagle sitting motionless in a tree. On the lake impressive numbers of Goosanders and up to five drake Smew. Also present were Common Buzzard, Raven and Yellowhammer. A general exploration of the area including Faaborg produced the commoner wintering wildfowl and swans. Returned to Langeland for a final night before heading north tomorrow morning.
December 13th: Langeland - Vejle - Hanstholm We left Langeland and followed the motorway network north towards Aarhus and Aalborg. The journey was quick and fast as we arrived at Vejle a huge wetland in north-west Jutland. Unfortunately heavy rain had made the extensive grasslands and dykes into a huge shallow inland sea. From the main hide we recorded the commoner ducks and impressive numbers of Common Goldeneye. Smew and Common Shelduck. The few remaining 'high' areas of grass attracted Whooper Swan, Canada and Greylag Geese and several flocks of Dunlin. I visited several other hides in the area adding two Hen Harriers and Grey Herons. At the last hide bordered by reedbeds we heard Bearded Reedling calling from the reeds. A rather frustrating and disappointing day in many respects due to unseasonable weather. Lets hope we have a change in fortunes tomorrow.
December 14th: Hanstholm Harbour - Road 181 - Agger Lakes
- Bedsted - Vejle Little did we realise that overnight storms and high winds would have on the days birding. This became apparent when we visited Hanstholm Harbour an important fishing port on Denmark's north coast. In the harbour Kittiwake and Little Gulls the latter being a surprise in midwinter this far north. Also present were Great Black-backed, Herring and Black-headed Gulls and a few Guillemots. I decided to visit the old breakwater further up the coast. The sea here was extremely rough making viewing difficult at times. We soon realised we were witnessing one of the biggest movements of Little Gulls ever recorded in Europe. A rough estimate was a minimum of c10000 birds. Offshore movements of Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter were also impressive. We travelled south along the coast road visiting two villages both having the Little Gull experience. Feeders at the second village attracted Tree and House Sparrows, Great and Blue Tits, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. At the pier a single Purple Sandpiper. Agger Lakes were next on the agenda an extensive area of flooded marshes and reedbeds. Mixed herds of Mute and Whooper Swans, Goosander, Northern Lapwing and Common Redshank. After lunch we headed inland towards Bedsted looking at flooded fields and an assortment of ponds and small lakes. Luck was with us as eight (Taiga) Bean Geese were located resting in a field. Along the road a mixed group of Whooper Swans, Greylag and Canada Geese. The light was starting to fade as I made tracks to Vejle. On arrival the same birds as yesterday with the added bonus at dusk of Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese coming into roost.
December 15th: Hanstholm - West Stadil Fjord - Tipperne
- Billum Checked out at Hanstholm and headed south along the coast road. I decided to take a detour inland as the ferry service appeared to be uncertain. Severe flooding of fields and marshes made locating goose flocks and other birdlife more difficult. However, West Stadil Fjord again came up with the birds and appeared to be less affected by flood waters. The first grasslands held thousands of Northern Lapwings and European Golden Plovers. In among these flocks were Dunlin, Common Snipe and European Starlings. On fence posts Common Buzzards and a single Peregrine Falcon. Up to two Hen Harriers were also seen flying low over reeds and fields. Whooper and Mute Swans present in family groups plus the usual ducks on open waters. At the south end of West Stadil Fjord we located several flocks of Barnacle Geese numbering c8000 birds in total. In a seasonal pool Pale-bellied Brent Geese and Common Shelduck. The light was starting to fade as we entered Tipperne a large wetland reserve. On this occasion access was difficult due to flooded roads. Scanning the flooded fields revealed more Barnacle and Greylag Geese, Northern Lapwing and resting Eurasian Curlews. Headed to Billum for our final two nights in West Jutland.
December 16th: Billum - Skallingen - Blavand - Romo After breakfast we set off for the barren landscape of Skallingen a remote peninsula overlooking Esbjerg. Very few birds on the open areas so we headed to the village of Ho. Alder trees within the village attracted European Siskins, Great, Blue and Coal Tits and flocks of Chaffinches. I followed a rather rough track adjoining an enclosed bay with the latter having Brent Geese, Common Eider, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Mergansers. Next was the Blavand area and a village next to the North Sea. This was exceptionally good for birds with offshore species comprising of Red-throated Diver, Little Gull, Common and Velvet Scoters and thousands of Common Eiders. On the shoreline and rocky groins Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone and an assortment of gulls. At 1100 we headed south towards the German border passing the old city of Ribe to the island of Romo. From the causeway thousands of Eurasian Wigeon and isolated groups of Brent Geese, Grey Plover and Eurasian Oystercatchers. On arrival at Romo I turned north to visit an area used by the Danish military. Thankfully the site was not active today so birders and birds went undisturbed. On the open fields feeding shorebirds including Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Redshank, Knot, Northern Lapwing, European Golden Plover and Eurasian Curlews. Passerines were few with European Goldfinch, Twite and Corn Bunting being observed. We checked another area nearby next to a working farm. Behind the farm flocks of Barnacle Geese, hunting Hen Harriers and a male Peregrine Falcon perched and preening on a fence post. We checked other areas of Romo without success and returned to the causeway and went south again. Our final stop overlooking the sea produced Greylag, Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese and two unusual winter birds in Great Skua and Avocet. The light had started to fail as we returned north to Billum and our last night in Denmark.
December 17th: Billum - Skjerne For
a change the dawned rather bright and sunny in contrast to the
previous few days. We checked out of Billum Kro and headed towards
the vast and varied Skjerne river delta and lake system. A short
detour to the coast produced the usual gulls and Common Scoters
loafing offshore. Further inland we visited Skjerne but the hides
were inaccessible due to flood waters. However we drove around
various roads and tracks looking for birds. Off the main road
we located a flock of Corn Buntings a rather surprising find in
West Jutland. To our left a huge flock of feeding Barnacle Geese
and nearby a large female Peregrine Falcon preening on top of
a small mound of earth. Next we checked another field with an
area of mud. This amazing place held Whooper, Bewick’s and
Mute Swans, Taiga Bean Goose, Canada and Greylag Geese and Northern
Lapwings. Time was running out as we headed to the rather pleasant
environs of Billund Airport with a female Merlin near the entrance
road. Our flight left on time for Gatwick and we arrived ahead
of schedule.
This was an inspection trip to Denmark an extremely interesting country for birds. Our tour took us through most of West Jutland and the migration hot-spot island of Langeland south of Funen. Several interesting species were observed during our stay including Bittern, Common Crane, White-tailed Eagle, Horned Lark and impressive numbers of migrant geese and ducks. Birdwatching Breaks are operating a tour to Denmark in October 2007. October 2nd: Stansted - Esbjerg - Snuem Sluse - Esbjerg Harbour - Filsoe. Weather: Overcast with frequent rain showers, west wind, 15c After leaving Stansted we made the short hop across the North Sea to Esbjerg in West Jutland. On arrival we picked up our bags and Jacob, our guide from the local tourist board. The first birding stop at Snuem Sluse south of Esbjerg is an area of flooded farmland, lagoons and marsh adjacent to the vast Wadden Sea. Poor weather made a thorough search of Snuem Sluse almost impossible. On the first lagoon Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Teal and Common Shelduck. In adjacent fields hunting Eurasian Kestrels, Common Buzzard and the first flocks of Northern Lapwings. Returned to Esbjerg and checked the harbour where the commoner gulls were present along with Great Cormorant and Ruddy Turnstone. The weather again turned for the worse so we decided to check-in at our accommodation at Billum. A flock of Bramblings flew over the car park. The remainder of the day was spent around Filsoe a large inland lake surrounded by farmland and reedbeds. In no time at all Greylag, Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese had been found feeding in a stubble field. European Golden Plovers also present with Northern Lapwings. Last stop at an elevated position overlooking Filsoe Lake with Mute Swan, Common Terns and rafts of distant ducks mainly Eurasian Wigeon. Back to Billum our base for the next two nights. October 3rd: Billum - Fano - Skallingen - Blavandshuk Weather: Early showers giving way to sunshine, west wind, 12c/19c We left Billum in order to catch the 0830 ferry from Esbjerg over to the small island of Fano. On arrival we met up with our local guide for the morning. Fano is simply an incredible place for birds especially at migration periods. First area on the agenda was the vast swathe of sand adjoining the Wadden Sea. Gulls were in abundance with Great Black-backed, Herring, Common and Black-headed in large numbers and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull, mainly a summer visitor to Denmark. Along the shore and in muddy pools Dunlin, Little Stint, Common Knot, Sanderling, Ringed and Grey Plovers. Overhead a young Peregrine Falcon chased after a small wader eventually catching it after a chase of almost five minutes. At the end of the beach a walk into the dunes added Meadow and Rock (Scandinavian race) Pipits, Bearded Reedling, Linnet and a steady passage of Skylarks. Offshore a movement of Eurasian Wigeon moving south. Next stop was a viewpoint over a large marsh and inter-tidal area. Substantial numbers of roosting Eurasian Oystercatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit and Dunlin. In grassy areas a few Greylag and Barnacle Geese whilst Brent Geese gathered on the shore edge. Checked a few bushes and gardens for migrants where Song Thrush was the commonest bird. In the reeds below us the constant calling of Water Rails. Further up the road a party of Horned Larks were feeding in a field with cattle. Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Kestrel and Eurasian Sparrowhawk were also observed. Lunch taken in the main town of Nordby and then back to Esbjerg via the ferry service. Early afternoon visit to the peninsula of Skallingen a vast area of saltmarsh grazed by livestock. Northern Wheatears perched on fence posts were the only addition. Final stop of the day was the ringing station at Blavandshuk a Danish hotspot for rarities. Met up with Bent Jacobson the warden. He gave us information on birds of the area and a walk towards the beach and sand dune system the latter being attractive to migrant passerines. Offshore passing Red-throated Divers and a rather ugly wind farm in the distance. Back in the observatory garden migrants from Northern Scandinavia included Robin, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Grey Wagtail and Coal Tit. Resident birds present comprised of Great, Blue and Crested Tits and Yellowhammer. October 4th: Billum - Bork - Skjern River Delta - Tipperne Weather: Showers with sunny spells, west wind, 14c Checked out at Billum to make the short journey over to Bork our base for the next two nights. The hotel gardens had Tree and House Sparrows and large concentrations of Starlings. Our main interest today was the reclaimed marshes and lagoons of the Skjern River Delta. At the entrance to the first hide two migrant Eurasian Hobby and a juvenile Merlin chasing finches before perching in a tree. From the hide we added Great Crested Grebe, Common Goldeneye, Common Pochard and surprisingly, the first Mallards of the tour. Marsh Harriers were seen hunting over the reeds in every direction. Next stop was an area where Little Grebe and Common Snipe occurred in good numbers. Picked up lunch in a nearby town and then set off for Tipperne another extensive area of marshes and grassland dotted with pools. Lots of raptors here including Hen Harriers. A stand of pines attracted Chaffinch and Brambling along with Song Thrushes. As dusk approached a skein of Greylag and Barnacle Geese landed in a field to feed a fitting end to an interesting area for birds and wildlife. October 5th: Bork - West Stadil Fjiord - Agger - Hanstholm - Vejle Weather: Sunny with occasional rain showers, north west wind, 13c This morning we travelled north alongside the North Sea to West Stadil Fjiord an important staging post for geese and ducks. On arrival stubble fields attracted flocks of Greylag, Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese. Walked along a line of coniferous trees adding Redwing to the trip list. We continued north and crossed a section of the Limfjiord to Agger another interesting coastal site for birds. Near the ferry terminal Peregrine Falcon, Brent Geese, Common Eider, Common Guillemot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Twite. Further up the road more lagoons attracted thousands of ducks and Mute Swans. On arrival at Hanstholm we checked the derelict north pier for birds. Offshore we recorded Red-throated Diver, Northern Gannets, Common and Velvet Scoters and Arctic Terns. Remainder of the day was spent at Vejle a huge marsh dotted with lakes, trees and flooded fields. Met up with Sabine the ranger who guided us around this fascinating reserve. Canada Goose (uncommon in Denmark), Northern Goshawk and Spotted Redshanks observed near the main vantage point. We visited a wide range of other habitats often overlooked by excellent hides. One lake held Little, Great Crested and Black-necked Grebes. The finale at dusk was geese and c100 Common Cranes coming into roost. October 6th: West Stadil Fjiord - Langeland Weather: Cloudy with heavy rain showers, 16c We left Bork and travelled up the west coast as far as West Stadil Fjiord where I checked another area of pools and grassland. Usual wetland species present but the majority of geese had moved south overnight. As today was essentially a travel day we returned toward Esbjerg and onto Odense and turned south to Langeland. The island is rather long and thin in shape and ideal for autumn migrants. Visited a farm near our base where Common Chiffchaff was noted along with Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. Checked in at Lindelse our base for the next two nights. In the evening we met up with Nis our bird guide for tomorrow, an interesting day awaits. October 7th: Langeland Weather: Cloudy with strong west winds, 14c Met up with Nis at 0800 and travelled to the most southerly point of Langeland. Habitat here comprises of low cliffs, woodland and extensive areas of sea and bays. On arrival birds of prey were starting to move south including Merlin, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Marsh Harrier. Offshore a steady stream of Brent Geese, Common Eider, Red-breasted Mergansers, Great Cormorant and Herring Gulls. We walked around the woodland but strong winds made birding difficult. Eventually caught up with Goldcrest and mixed parties of tits. From the first hill we watched a lagoon for birdlife - commoner ducks present. Next on the agenda was a reserve near Bagenkop owned and managed by the Danish Ornithological Society. This was extremely productive with Eurasian Bittern, Osprey, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, European Honey Buzzard and a migrant Great Egret being present. On the water, grebes, ducks and geese. Muddy fringes lured Common Snipe, Temminck's Stint and a party of Spotted Redshanks. Visited another sector of the reserve where we watched a female Merlin catch and consume an unfortunate passerine. Several Ruff were located among the flocks of Northern Lapwing and European Golden Plovers. Remainder of the day spent revisiting areas of southern Langeland an excellent and productive birding hotspot within Denmark in autumn. October 8th: Langeland - Funen - Esbjerg - Stansted Final species total 117 Weather: Cloudy with rain showers and a west wind, 15c Checked out of the hotel and made the short trip into Funen. Our major birding stop was an old estate with an abandoned country house overlooking a lake. On stepping out of the car we immediately found four White-tailed Eagles. Two sitting in trees and two young birds flying around before settling down on an island with cut trees. Needless to say the eagles were followed by Common Ravens and disturbed everything in sight on the water surface. Time was getting on as we left Funen and travelled west to Esbjerg for the flight back to England. A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding inspection trip had come to an end. For details of the full species list or to request further information about the next time we will be offering this trip. Contact us at enquiries@birdwatchingbreaks.com. |
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