Blogbirder

Great Grey Owl; Hagalund; Uppland; 8th March 2012

2012-03-08T13:19:00.002-08:00

Approaching the area I knew to be that where a Great Grey Owl I arrived early at 4pm., I was totally made up to see the bird immediately as t floated out of the forest and sat in a large oak. The was my first view of the bird which continued to work it's way towards me. I ran to find a couple of birder's to alert them..

The bird flying across the field giving a stunning view. Camera settings were not stunning in dull light..

Another flight shot of the bird from the same flight towards waht was now a group of three birder's!

The bird gave stunning views all evening, at one stage like this. It doesn't get a lot better than this, a Great Grey out in the open in front of you...

Close up. A totally stunning species this in every way..

The bird later in the evening as the light dropped, still showing well. After it was relocated we enjoyed stunning vies util 17.45pm.

News that a Great Grey Owl had been present two evenings in a row in Ekero Kommun in Uppland saw me make the long journey today, changing underground trains to get to Brommaplan, then taking the 312 bus for an hour and twenty five minutes to reach the site. The site was Hagalund and I decided to get off the bus some distance awawy to check out other areas, though nothing really seemed to be odd, with many common woodland species noted, the best of which was a Common Buzzard and a small flock of Waxwing. On then to the site where the owl had been seen from dusk feeding into darkness, so I was early really, at 4pm. As soon as I left the track and looked up the field I seen the beast, flying out of a group of trees and over the field to a large oak! I was delighted and watched it for a couple of minutes, alerting Nils Forselius and a Melcher Falkenburg who were close by. We all enjoyed stunning views over the next 20 minutes. The bird worked its way up the woodland verge, occasionally launcing hunting forays onto the ground where it made several attempts at prey. Then it simple flew straight towards us and perched on a narrow post in the open! At this stage I got some nice shots and video footage before the bird flew into cover and dissapeared.
I was waiting in the field, a couple of birders had arrived and were keen to relocated the bird so they moved off. Then I saw Matts Anderson and Ulf Nilsson waving at me, they had located the owl on the other side of the woods. I moved over and got onto the bird, whilst we discusses the eagle, they were also positive of it's identity. We were then treated to another 35 minutes of superb views of Great Grey Owl, often out in the open, at one point hovering over the grass in front of us. Ulf and Matts then kindly offered a light back to Stockholm, many thanks! A wonderful evening was rounded off by the sight of three Moose feeding beside the road, a female and two fully grown young perhaps. A quite incredible evening...video below.

VIDEO FOOTAGE HERE;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox4vy6wuQyQ&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plcp

White-tailed Eagle; 8th March 2012

2012-03-08T12:50:00.001-08:00

Whilst out looking for a Great Grey Owl, which showed well, this flies over!. Note the long tail in this record shot, no white apparent on the underwing or tail bases..

A view of the wing shape, a long winged bird with 5-6 pmaries fingered...

A view here of a bit of the upperwing, note the paler tones on the wing covert's..

Whilst I was out for Great Grey Owl and was thinking of nothing else I looked up to see a raptor heading my way. It was still far, but my initial view through the binoculars saw me think Common Buzzard, then instantly dismiss this when I realized this was a far bigger bird. Longish tail on the bird, though surely an eagle, pale upperwing coverts, dark underwing and no signs of white on the tail. All the pieces seemed to fall together quickly and I thught I was looking at my first Golden Eagle, a long overdue sighting considering the amount of birding I do. Later this bird was confirmed a a young White-tailed Eagle, so a bit of a come down! A mistake, though a lesson learned and I thought I'd publish the photos---

Eurasian Eagle Owl; Stockholm; 28th Febuary 2012

2012-02-27T10:34:00.001-08:00

Eagle Owl at rest on an aerial. Tried a long exposure to try and get some light, but only with moderate success. The bird present at dusk yet again, though a different sequence of appearance tonight...

The male bird on a man made structure, lots of these around providing plenty of perches to display from...

This is the male of the pair at rest on an aerial. It soon moved a short distance and sarted to display, before it was answered briefly by the female, who was then picked up 100metres away on a rooftop!

Back to see the Eagle Owl tonight, this time there was a different twist to the evening. I arrived with my girlfriend Linda at 16.00 and we waited. The previous evening had been much brighter than this one and the birds were calling then by 16.45. Not on this occasion. I eventually picked up the bird in the trees flying up to perch at the back of th tree. A few minutes later it flew towards us and gave a stunning view as it floated right over our heads, It flew to an aerial and strarted to display. Whilst watching the bird through the scope the female was heard answering the male, it was soon located just 100m away on a rooftop. Both birds stayed about for just a few minutes before moving off, though superb views were had whilst they were in view...

Video Footage Here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_D1W0yCgV4&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plcp

Eagle Owl; Stockholm; 27th Febuary 2012

2012-02-26T11:40:00.003-08:00

Every now and then there is a birding experience that really is special and this evening was just that. John Costello joined me for a stakeout at a site where I saw the beast the previous week and we arrived a 16.40. Within minutes we heard a male bird displaying from an area of woodland, very possibly a second male bird too! The bird closest continued to call for some minutes as we strained to hear whether there was in fact a second, more distant male. A small flock of Hooded Crows flew then over and immediately drew our attention as they began to call in agitation and sive bomb a large oak tree, they had located the displaying bird and mobbed it until it beat a retreat. A short while late the calls resumed distantly before we saw the bird fly into an oak thee where it gave stunning views as it displayed, whilst I forgot the correct sttings on my camera! It was very impressive in flight, a very large bird indeed. As we watched, the views through the scope were superb, the light still good and we had this incredible bird in front of us at 200metres for half and hour, an unforgetable experience. The bird called at roughly eight second intervals, throwing it's head forwards and puffing out his throat, showing a gleaming white gorget in the process. It remained there displaying for almost 25 minutes before it flew over us and on to another perch where it call briefly before flying off into the night. We decided not to follow, content with the views given..

The birds, should they be breeding will have eggs by now, or very soon, incubating will take the female 30-35 days. The male will feed her at the nest thoughout this period. The nest will be in an old crows nest, on a rocky outcrop or even on the ground. The chicks, when they hatch will be looked after by the female and fed by the male at the nest. The young grow quickly and will be able to feed themselves at 21 days. At about 35 days they become mobile and make their first flights at around 52 days. During this time thy are fiercely protected by the adult birds and it is rather dangerous to approach either the nest or the young after they have left it. The young will stay in the area and are cared for by the adults for about 24 weeks after which time they are driven away and have to seek their own territory, becoming mature at 2-3 years of age. Eurasion Eagle Owls life expectancy in the wild is over 20 years, captive birds have lived for up to 60! These birds pair for life, like many other long lived species. Hopefully these birds will breed at this site successfully in the coming months, a female has been heard calling at the site in the past weeks. In addition there is certainly a second male at the the site, an overlapping territory or perhaps one of the pairs previous young now having taken up residence nearby?

Record video footage here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1KnGbrPJ9c

Norra Järvafältet; 27th Febuary 2012

2012-02-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

Above and below; One of three Long-tailed tits at Faboda Gård today...

Willow Tit, not so abundant with just a singleton at Faboda Gård. A yeartick nonetheless..

An enjoyable day out with John Costello started at Norra Järvafältet, though no sign of either the Tawny Owl or Brambling st the site. After sitting at the Ravalen feeding station we moved on to find Hawfinch, only hearing a single bird briefly...
Onwards to Faboda Gård where a few yearticks were added, best of all was Willow Tit. Crested Tit, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit followed after a while and we moved on, enjoying great views of a cracking male Green Woodpecker on our way back...

Dipper; Tyresta National Park; 22nd Febuary 2012

2012-02-22T01:40:00.001-08:00

Out early to Tyresta National Park on what would prove to be a very difficult day due to the weather. On arrival the conditions were dull and overcast, with compacted snow underfoot. After a short time it began to rain and conditions became treacherous as the falling water froze immmediately to form sheet ice, making any purchase on the ground very difficult. Soon I found myself sliding about dangerously and I decided to cut my visit short. I did manage to get my first Goldcrest of the year as I approached the falls at Nyfors, a singing bird in the pines. Then my main target was found at the running water in freezing conditions, Dipper. Two birds were present, probably a breeding pair and the male bird was busy singing and feeding among the rapids. I managed a few shots before deciding to had for home...

Above and below; shots of a Dipper, a male bird which was singing and feeding at the waterfalls at Nyfors on a very difficult day due to the weather...

Pintail; Luxparken; 20th Febuary 2012

2012-02-20T08:46:00.001-08:00

A serires of shots here of the female Pintail which has overwintered at Luxparken. Nice to get this species on the yearlist as it can be a tricky bird to catch up on in any given year. The bird was very confiding and the light was superb this evening, so some nice results here...

Video Here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViNkDVzw3Hk&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plcp

Common Gulls; Luxparken; 20th Febuary 2012

2012-02-20T08:41:00.002-08:00

Adult type Common Gull in flight allowing the primary tips to be seen rather well. 48 birds present today at Luxparken affording great photo opportunities..

Adult Common Gull in flight from underneath...

Adult Common Gull at rest on the ice. Note the bill pattern, typical of the species at this time of year...

Two adults here, the bird in the foreground bearing a yellow colour ring on the right leg which read 9E6.

A second calender bird here at rest on the ice. Note the covert's and tertials of this bird in its first winter plumage, the bill tone and dark tip ans well as the markings on the underparts and lack of white tips on the primaries...

A 3rd calender bird in flight. Aged by the dark marked upper primary covert's....

A 2nd calender bird from below showing the underwing and the dark band on the tail..

2nd calender bird at rest...

Another 2nd calender. These birds are quite variable in appearance...

2nd Calender...

2nd Calender...

Shots here from Luxparken of Common Gulls, where 48 birds were present at a winter gull roost at the site. Great photo opportunities...

Luxparken; 20th Febuary 2012

2012-02-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

Mute Swan preening...

Herring Gull; A 3rd Calender bird in the foreground. Over 400 Herrong Gull present today at a very impressice gull roost which I was not aware of until today...

Herring Gull; A 2nd calender bird here showing a rather unusual bill for a bird of this age...

Herring Gull; A 2nd calender bird shakes off some water in flight...

A visit to Luxparken today, the aim to see the wintering Pintail at the site, which was seen easily. What I had not expected was to find a superb winter gull roost at the site! 415 Herring Gull, 11 Greater Black-backed Gull, 48 Common Gull and 120 Black-headed Gull were counted. Although nothing unusual was seen amongst them the site surely has potential. Also at the site were Tufted Duck, a few Goosander and a single White-tailed Eagle which flew past and caused all the gulls to take to the air...

Eagle Owl; Stockholm; 17th Febuary 2012

2012-02-17T11:48:00.002-08:00

After taking a look around Skeppsbron this evening I decided on impulse to go and stake out an area where a pair Eagle Owl has been known to display. I arrived around 4pm., too early really, but I was able to familiarize myself with all of the potential perches in the area and their shape. I waited. At 5.18pm I thought I heard the bird calling in the distance. I had been scanning the area since before dusk through the binoculars and on another routine sweep, a shape on a mast where there had been nothing earlier. I moved a little closer, a heavy silhouette with the ear tufts just visible, my first ever views of Eagle Owl! I was very ecstatic with the sighting and despite the darkness I grabbed the camera in order to get some sort of record of the bird. I had to crank up the ISO and open the shutter...

Eagle Owl silhouette against the early night sky, my first view of the species ever despite hearing them of several occasions. Despite hearing them in the past I consider this a lifer in some ways, a memorable experience was just begining. ISO 2000 and shuter open for half a second!

The bird the flew downwards and out of view, I waited. Within two minutes the deep call of Eagle Owl came across the darkness, then again. It repeated at intervals of eight or nine seconds as it displayed, though I could not see it at this point. After ten minutes the calling stopped. I was delighted at this point, then the bird began calling again fifty metres away and after some trying I located it on the roof, calling repeatedly, raising its tail and moving its heads downwards and forward as it did so. It stayed there for 25 minutes before moving to the woods nearby where it was very close but I could not see it. The call at close range though, was an incredible experience. I left after the bird went quiet, a superb hours birding..

Another record shot in darkness, the bird atop a building calling and displaying. A remarkable sight so close to a major city, demonstrating how this species can adapt and live alongside mankind. The species is making a major comeback from the brink here in Sweden...

Little Grebe; Skeppsbron; 17th Febuary 2011

2012-02-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

The Little Grebe here again from Skeppsbron, a great subject in good light this evening...

Skeppsbron; 17th Febuary 2012

2012-02-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

Above and below; Goosander. Numbers have dropped a lot as the ice dissapears. nevertheless stil great opportunies to photograph the species at the site...

Above and below; A 2nd calender Great Black-backed Gull. note the iris is begining to lighten and there is also a pale tip on the bill. The primaries are plain without any white tips and clearly second generation as are the scapulars and covert's, so this is clearly a second calender bird, despite the pale iris...

A Mute Swan swims towards the camera lens in stunning evening light...

A pair of Tufted Duck

Above and below; Black-headed Gulls are often fed by tourists and I can neer resist grabbing a few flight shots...

A visit to Skeppsbron followed a last minute call from work to say I could take the night off. The light was wonderful and as I arrived the Little Grebe was immediately picked up. I spent a while photographing it before moving on and checking through the gulls, nothing odd about as it happened. As always at this site, there were a stack of photo chances of a range of species, the best of which are posted above...

Goldeneye in Display; Skeppsbron; 13th Febuary 2012

2012-02-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

A displaying drake Goldeneye in stunning light...

Goldeneye pair...

Stunning views of these birds from beside the Auf Chapman...

Shots here of displaying Goldeneye from Skeppsholmen this morning in glorious light...

Little Grebe; Skeppsbron; 13th Febuary 2011

2012-02-13T07:02:00.000-08:00

Shots here of the Little Grebe from Slussen this morning.....

Skeppsbron; 13th Febuary 2012

2012-02-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

Above and below, Goosander, albeit a rather small individual. Initially the birds size drew our attention as there is a Red-breasted Merganser in the area. However, closer inspection shows a rather dark reddish brown head, sharply contrasting white throat patch, pale breast and thick bill base, thus the bird is indded a Goosander...

Above and below; Lots of Mute Swan at the site right now as the freeze continues....

Arrived onsite at 0915am. and immediately located the Little Grebe alongside the Vindhem ferry, busily diving and feeding. As I wathch the bird crossed the open water toward the Djurgården ferry where I eventually got really close and was able to secure some decent shots of this locally scarce species. I stayed with the bird until John Costello arrived and grabbed a few shots before we moved onwards....
Eventually it became clear that the Glaucous Gull was not present after a careful scoping of the area. Herring Gulls were checked, a few Great Black-backed Gull were noted and we moved on checking the wildfowl, among the Tufted Duck near Matflotten was a single drake Pochard. On then to Skeppsholmen where we had great opportunities to photograph displaying Goldeneye. Further on there were 20 Pochard near the Goosander flock before we headed off enjoying views of an adult male Goshawk overhead in very nice light...

Glaucous Gull; Skeppsbron; 9th Febuary 2012

2012-02-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

Glaucous Gull, a second calender bird. Flying off to the west here, the closest I got to it today. Nice to get this bird for the yearlist today, a rare soecies this far north in the Baltic Sea, only my second ever, the first also at this site...

The bird resting on ice as the Djurgården ferry passes by behind amongst argentatus Herring Gull. A large bird this, clearly bulkier and heavier than the birds beside it...

White-tailed Eagle overhead. Amazing to see these birds right in the centre of Stockholm...

I was late out of bed, a text from John Costello told me the Glaucous Gull was present at Skeppbron and showing well. I made my way to Slussen and immediately had a breif view of a Little Grebe near the dock from which the Djurgården ferry departs, this was my first of the year. The bird was skulking close to the dock sides in a small area of water which was free from ice. With so many large gulls and other predators in the area it was not hard to understand why this bird was generally so difficult to see, it has been secretive.
I moved along quickly and found birder's watching the gull which was now a little distant. John Costello was among them and quickly pointed out the gull, which was now resting on floating ice, which had drifter further away fron the wharf. It remained on the ice for some time before it was put up by the Djurgården ferry and flew towards us initially. It came around before us before gaining a little height, then it flew off to the west, towards Riddarfjärden perhaps. Raul Vicente picked up the wintering Red-breasted Merganser from the Goosander flock, which made the third year tick of the day. The bird is associating with Goosander and has been in the area for some time. After that we went towards Matflotten and looked for Pochard without success, before heading back to Slussen and heading off after a few very productive hours birding...

Pochard; Skeppsbron; 5th Febuary 2012

2012-02-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

A Pochard drake just afte surfacing. These are scarce birds here in Sweden and they took a little finding today. I saw several birds though this male was a star and gave me some great photo opportunities...

Note the blue/grey on the bill, chestnut head with red eye, blackish breast and tail a grey, vermiculated body...

The bird looking up at me as I fired off shots and the shutter whirred....

The bird caught in mid dive...

A. The bird gets ready to dive...

B. The bird thrusts its legs back and the head is thrust downwards..

C. Just the tail shows as a neat arcing dive takes the bird underwater,,,

D. Nothing left to see here...

The bird back on the surface, note the large bill and sloping forehead...

Shots here of a very confiding Pochard from this afternoon at Skepsbron. Not an easy species to find here in winter and it was nice to finally get some shots close up and personal. Cracking bird these...

Goldeneye; Skeppsbron; 5th Febuary 2012

2012-02-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

Stunning ducks these, a drake Goldeneye close in at Skeppsbron...

Single drakes were plentiful, though females were scarce and more distant...

Concentrated of a few sequences to of diving duck, Goldeneye sequence below here...

A. The bird prepares to dive, the head moves upwards and the tail is raised from the water...

B. The bird propels itself out of the water with the feet whilst the head is thrust downwards into the water..

C. The tail dissapears last. In the shallow areas near the sid the birds could be seen undewater scouring the bottom for food...

Shots here of Goldeneye drakes, including a diving sequence of shots od a feeding bird. At least 35 birds present today at Skeppsbron and the courtship rituals will soon begin...

Goosander; Skeppsbron; 5th Febuary 2012

2012-02-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

An adult male, a cracking bird ful of contrast. Just try and get the birds eye exposed properly through the lend, a tough challenge even in excellent light...

A group of males on the water...

These birds are plentiful right now, large flocks cover the surface...

A young bird here, note the lack of a crested appearance. The white breast hints this to be a drake...

A trio of Goosanders scythe through the water...

Goosanders are a feature right now at Skeppsbron and they are everywhere. There are now over 700 birds onsite and it is quite a spectacle....

Tufted Duck; Skeppsbron; 5th Febuary 2012

2012-02-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

Male Tufted Duck.

Above and below, preening male birds...

A female at the moment of surfacing...

A few shots of Tufted Duck from this afternoon, I counted over 600 birdsat the site today. Tough rather common here they are smart birds and the site is a superb plce to photograph them in late winter when frozen conditions force birds to gather here at the open water...

Great Black-backed Gull; Skeppsbron; 5th Febuary 2012

2012-02-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

An adult type GBBG from today at Skeppsbron, where over 20 birds were present in cold conditions. Adult birds are obvious, though many second calender birds are at the site right now due to the big freeze..

Argentatus Herring Gull in Febuary

2012-02-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

A 2nd Calender bird showing the underparts in very good light today, a classic individual.

Another 2nd Calender bird here at rest. Note the dark eye, mostly dark bill just begining to fade at the base, dark primaries with no obvious fringes, dark centred and notched tertials and broadly marked greater covert's...

Another 2nd Calender, note the worn tertials on this bird...

A 3rd Calender bird. Note the whiter head, pale iris- The upperparts contain more grey and advanced plumage, note that the tertial pattern is totally different to 2nd calender birds above. Rather pink legs on this bird...

A second third calender bird. Note the tertial pattern again. Also the patterned mantle and scapulars, where moult is now apparent...

A bird in at least its 4th Calender year. Note the bill pattern and yellow colour, lemon iris, white head and underparts as well as largelt grey upperparts. Note the retained tertails and covert's and the pattern of the primaries...

An adult bird with light markings on the head. Many are clean headed by now...

Some shots of Argentatus Herring Gull from Skeppsbron today...

Two-barred Crossbill; Adult Males; Uppsala; 24th January 2012

2012-01-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

More images here of Two-barred Crossbill males from a couple of days ago, naturally with such incredibly close views a lot of images were taken. Going through some two hundred shots after the event you realise that several more shots are worth a second look, so here they are...

Brambling; Ravalen; 25th January 2012

2012-01-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

The bird I went for today, a male Brambling. This bird has wintered here near the feeding station and I was happy when it appeared after about 20 minutes and began to feed. Always a nice bird to see well and very distinctive, both in voice and appearance...

The bird feeding on seed with Yellowhammers. The birds right wing appears to be drooping down slightly, perhaps the reason it didn't migrate? This is a scarce species in midwinter here in Sweden..

Bullfinch, a female bird approaches the feeding station. Six birds were present today at the site..

A cock Bullfinch, a blaze of colour amid the other birds. Alway nice to see this wonderful finch, this is one site were they can be guaranteed in winter..

Marsh Tit. Three birds at least visiting the site for food. Willow Tit does not use this feeding station as far as I know, though a few kilometres away another station does attract them. This bird here has a rather small bib, although is rather small headed. Always safest to distinguish the two species on call were possible...

The ubiquitous Yellowhammer, a very common species here in Sweden and very quick to take advantage of feeding stations...

A visit to Ravalen today, principally to see the Brambling that has been wintering at the site. On arrival it wasn't around, though there was plenty of activity in the area. 20 Yellowhammer, 3 Marsh Tit, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Robin and 6 Bullfinch were the best of it, amonst the Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch and Blackbirds also present. After 25 minutes I picked the Brambling up in cover, though eventually it showed very well indeed on the ground...

Hawfinch; Viby; 25th January 2012

2012-01-25T06:21:00.000-08:00

Hawfinch. It took me some time to get any kind of decent shot of these birds today, an elusive and wary species. They are worth the effort though as they are stunning birds. Today there were good numbers of this species in the trees at Viby, perhaps as a result of the recent winter weather..

The birds were moving about a great deal, but there was no doubt that many were visiting the local bird feeders, of which there are several in the area. Nevertheless they were very difficult to approach and would not tolerate a close approach...

These are beautifully marked birds. The tan brown head is given much character by the dark mask and bib. The bill is huge and can apply massive force to crack the toughest of seeds...

The blue grey nape and neck sides is one of my favourite features, subtle from some angles, very obvious from others. The full depth of the bill can be appreciated here. Note also the white secondaries, forming a distinct pale area on the upperwing. The underparts combine a wonderful mauve brown breast and belly, with a clean white vent and undertail. Most curious of all though are the crimped tertials, unique to the species...

These are curious birds, seemingly intelligent and always aware of my presence and position today. This was a typical view, the birds were sitting high in the tall trees in the area, very vocal and associating loosely over a couple of hundred square metres...

Viby lies just north of Ravalen in Norra Järvafältet and is the best site I know for Hawfinch. As I approached today it was immediately apparent that the birds were present in numbers, their calls unmistakable and frequent. As I got into the area I realized many were present and I counted at least 32 birds in the area, generally high above me. I spent a couple of hours trying to get close to them but the birds were elusive and very aware of my presence. In the end a few record shots were forthcomong. It was very nice indeed to watch these birds for a few hours...

Two-barred Crossbills at Uppsala; Video Footage

2012-01-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

Very happy with this video footage of the Uppsala Two-barred Crossbills, without a doubt my best footage to date. Click on the link below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aza7Xm-ANc&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plcp

Two-barred Crossbill; Adult Males; Uppsala; 24th January 2012

2012-01-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Two-barred Crossbill. A bird I have seen a few times this winter due to the eruption, though never managed any really close up shots, mind you I was happy with the few decent images I did get. Then yesterday I saw Zacke Svennson's images of Two-barred Crossbills at Fålhagen, Uppsala. The birds, which he found at a stand of Larch trees in the suburbs, were feeding low and fearlessly, allowing incredibly close approach. Many thanks to Zacke for the directions kindly provided...
I got onsite early and quickly located two birds on call. Soon there were at least seven birds high up in the tress. After a while I saw a few birds split from the flock and drop down to the trees near the road. I approached quietly. A second calender male, a female and two adult males the proceeded to give me the most incredible views, down to just a few inches. It was an incredible experience to have these birds right in front of me feeding and calling. They were so close, in fact, I had to step back constantly to allow the camera to focus. I spent a few hours photographing and watching these stunning, characterful birds at incredibly close quarters. Quite simply one of the most incredible bird encounters of my life, the photo's speak a thousand words..

Two-barred Crossbill; 2nd Calender Male; Uppsala; 24th January 2012

2012-01-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

Here a 2nd calender male Two-barred Crossbill, a stunning bird and the only one present. This bird me unforgetable views down to a few inches, it was completely fearless and totally unconcerned by my presence. Despite poor light the photos give an indication of how memorable an experience this was. Though the adult males were more arresting in colour, this is a subtle and beautiful birds. Orange/Red tones hinted through the plumage, the contrast afforded by the black and white retrices and dak feather centres on the scapulars, as well as streaked vent and undertail, ensured this was a bird to savour...the photos speak for themselves.

Two-barred Crossbill; Female; Uppsala; 24th January 2012

2012-01-24T06:36:00.000-08:00

Shots here of the females seen on the day, two of which were present today. These are very beautiful birds in their own right and the sulphur tones in the plumage are incredible. These birds were so close to me that I had to back up to get the birds into focus! A quite incredible day that will live long in the memory..

Shoveler; Råstasjön; 23rd January 2012

2012-01-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

A female Shoveler at rest on the ice. A medium sized duck with large flattened bill and orange feet. The flanks and belly show some lovely ochre tones...

The bird showing the blue forewing and green base to the secondaries here...

Above and below, the bird on the water. Not a difficult bird to identify given a reasonable view, mainly due to the bill, from which the species gets it's name...

The bird preening, showing the full breadthe of the bill, which really is quite amazing...

A nice view of the open wings here, a wonderful blue grey forewing and irredescent green speclum on the secondaries...

A female Shoveler here has spent the winter at Råstasjön to date. The bird first appeared in the autumn and as the winter progressed and the freeze worsened the bird was forced to seek out the remaining open water. The bird is now present at a small area of open water where a stream flows from the lake, giving close range views and great photo opportunities...

Video Here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Fud3zNzUw&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plpp_video

Grey Heron; Råstasjön; 23rd January 2012

2012-01-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Shots here of Grey Heron from this morning. The birds were at close range and giving brilliant photo opportunities on the day...

Video Here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Jye5UqHmY

Råstasjön; 23rd January 2012

2012-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

Chaffinch; Three birds at the feeding station today...

Great Spotted Woodpecker; Also around the feeding station...

Robin; Three birds seen around the lake tiday...

A trip to Råstasjön saw mr arrive early at the lake. I spent the first part of the day photographing the Grey Heron flock, 38 birds were gathered around the open water at the west side of the lake. I then went to the east side to catch up on a wintering Shoveler, the bird duly obliged and gave point blank views. A brief view was had of Sparrowhawk at this point. Then onwards to the Water Rail, after a stakeout the bird was eventually seen in cover and did not allow any photos today. John Costello had now joined me and we worked our way back through the woods, checking carefully for the Ural Owl, which is still present at this site. No joy today though and we made our way to the feeding station. Siskin, Yellowhammer, Robin, Chaffinch and other common species were quickly noed, whilst a young Goshawk put in a brief appearance...

30 M Kärret; 19th January 2012

2012-01-20T00:51:00.000-08:00

Sparrowhawk, the first of three new birds for the year today...

Back to 30 M Kärret today with John Costello after sleeping out an early ferry to Sandhamn, the weather was excellent throughout the day. On arrival we learned that the Great Grey Shrike has again been present early morning and we moved off to look for it. A Sparrowhawk was a year tick high overhead, though there was no passage of raptors to speak of. We climbed up a high point to no avial before a large group of Siskin were found, leading us to my second year tick of the day, Green Woodpecker. Back then, along the road the the marsh where I picked up a bird, far away in a treetop, a Great Grey Shrike. This was not a good view to to the range, nevertheless it was a new bird for John. It then dissapeared as we were approaching it which was annoying. We had views of more Siskin and Common Redpoll overhead before we moved off, checking the feeding station on the way, nothing out of the ordinary there..

Rough-legged Buzzard; 2nd Calender; 30 M Kärret; 18th January 2012

2012-01-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

Long winged buzzard, rather less compact than Common Buzzard. Note the creamy tones on the head and upper breast. The lower belly is rather solidly dark blackish. Dark primary tips here and diffuse trailing edge the secondaries..

Note here the white flashes on the upper primaries, indicative of a young bird, rather than an adult. Pale tips to greater coverts can just be made out here on the upperwing. Note the white, unpatterned inner primary/secondary window. The dark carpal is not solidly blackish. The primaries show no moult limit, these are typical of a first winter bird, which is supported by the features in plumage noted here..

A view here of the pale iris and well streaked upper breast over a creamy base...

Heading away from me, the best image to how the rather diffuse darrk band on the undertail.Note again the paler tips to the greater covert's shown here on the upperwing on the furthest wing...

An outing today to Norra Järvafältet started at Barkarby Flygplats, where there were few birds present, the best being a Chaffinch among the Yellowhammers. On then to 30 M Kärret where I learned on arrival the Great Grey Shrike had been present earlier in the morning, so I decided to search for it, alas without any success yet again! A single Common Crossbill flew over calling, as well as a small flock of Siskin. I had view of a Common Buzzard low over the woods before a second Buzzard was spotted perched in a tree, this bird appeared very dark on the lower breast and a closer approach was made. My suspicions were confirmed on a closer view, a Rough-legged Buzzard. The bird flew soon enough, happily in my direction and I was able to grab a few reasonable record shots as it pased to my right. Afterwards I checked the bird feeding station where a host of common species were seen well. A Treecreeper on my way home was a yearlist addition...

Herring Gull; Adult in January; Skeppsbron

2012-01-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

Images here of Adult Herring Gulls from Skeppsbron...

Herring Gull; 4th Calender in January; Skeppsbron

2012-01-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

Not sure if this bird belongs in this age group, though it is certainly a sub adult, note the primary covert's are marked, as well as the tones in the bill. A retarded bird in it's 5th calender year or and advanced 4th calender?

Images here of 4th Calender Herring Gulls from Skeppsbron...

Herring Gull; 3rd Calender in January; Skeppsbron

2012-01-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

Images here of 3rd Calender Herring Gulls from Skeppsbron..

Herring Gull; 2nd Calender in January; Skeppsbron

2012-01-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

Images here of 2nd Calender Hering Gulls from Skeppsbron...

Siskin; Sandemar; 16th January 2012

2012-01-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

Shots here of male Siskin feeding at close range from this morning at Sandemar Reserve. These are cracking little finches when seen well and are incredibly nimble in extracting their food among the branches, as these shots show. A difficult day for camera work, it was dark, snowing and very cold! I was forced to resort to 1600 ISO in order to get these shots, though it is remarkable how well the Nikon D90 can cope with bad light, the shots coming out quite well..

Sandemar; 16th January 2012

2012-01-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

Large flocks of Tufted Duck out on the water held the odd Goldeneye, Goosander and a single Smew...

Above and below; Whooper Swans in snow, a total of 19 birds present at the reserve today...

Mute Swan, a second calender bird...

Out early today to Sandemar, upon arrival it was clear to me the going might be tough. It was just into minus degrees and there was constant snowfall, making visibility poor all round. There was also seroius problems underfoot, black ice concealed undet a couple of inches of soft snow made footfall hazardous in places and I took to walking in areas where rough grasses showed through the snow to avoid a fall.
On arrival there were few birds, though a few Blackbird and a single Marsh Tit were soon picked up. Nothing then for a while, before I got to Hogarn and began to search for my target secies, Great Grey Shrike. Whooper Swans were soon seen, whilst a Raven flew over calling. A pair of Crested Tit were my first of the ear, calling in the pines. I searched carefully for the shrike to no avail, having to content myself with locating a large flock of Tufted Duck which held a few Goldeneye, 2 Goosander and a single redhead, a female Smew. Large areas of open water have now frozen over and diving duck numbers have dropped as a result at this location. I headed for the observation tower, which produced more Tufted Duck and Whooper Swan.
I approached the racetrack areea hopefully and searched it carefullt, alsa, no Shrike. A real shame as I had hoped to get the bird today, usually a great place to see the species. I worked my way back carefully and had a few more Marsh Tit before running into a flock of feeding Siskin, about thirty birds feeding low down on catkins and I was able to grab a few shot before leaving...

KF Lägret/Bro IP; 14th January 2012

2012-01-14T04:13:00.000-08:00

An early morning outing with John Costello was made difficult by a stiff breeze which was bone chilling, as well as driving snow at some points in the morning. Happily we scored one of the target birds straight away, a Rough Legged Buzzard, seen well first thing and very nice too! The bird was very mobile and remained distant troughout the morning. Not a lot else going on birdwise, though a Black Woodpecker calling was new for the year. A second calender Goshawk was my fourth of the year! Small parties of Fieldfare were noted as well as some common species...

Arctic Redpoll; 2nd Calender?; Eriksdalslunden; 9th January 2012

2012-01-09T04:32:00.000-08:00

Note here the frosty central mantle running down the back, a rather grey and white bird, which drew attention on first view...

Here you can see the clean white fringes to the terials ans outer secondaries.Also note the gleaming white wingbar at the tips of the greater covert's.The bill was noticably small, though obscured a little in this record shot..

Note here the small bill again, as well as the yellowish buff tones around the throat and upper breast.

Note here the flanks are whitish toned with broken markings, not as prominent or solid as in nearby Mealy Redpoll. There were no brownsh wash on the flanks, rather a clean white impression...

The undertail covert's were clean white with a single dark shaft on the longest undertail covrt. This is best seen in the video below, as well as other features mentioned in the captions...

Shots here of an Arctic Redpoll seen at Eriksdal today, initialy drew attention as it was rather pale and large.

Video here;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdG6Y7z0jmU&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plcp

Arctic Redpoll; Eriksdalslunden; 9th January 2012

2012-01-09T03:50:00.000-08:00

My first ever adult male Arctic Redpoll. Once it was finally pinned down it didn't dissapoint, a stunning bird. Note the salmon pink flush on the breast and the faint marking on the underside...

Note here the small amount of red on the crown as well as the small bill, classic Arctic Redpoll. A better view here of the undertail covert's, white with just a single long central shaft...

Having located the Redpoll flock at this site I had though it would be straightforward to locate this bird, it being an adult male and not so difficult to identify as a young bird. In reality, this was not how things panned out. Most of the flock remained high in the trees feeding on catkins, it was dark and overcast and the birds were very active and moving constantly. Some birds dropped to the ground and I checked them carefully, no Arctic Redpoll. Finally I had a couple of glimpses, a nice salmon pink flush and plain underparts! Eventually I had a decent view and grabbed a few shots as well, a really stunning bird. These birds are very much birder's birds, closely resemling their comoner cousins and often difficult to identify, not so this bird!

Mealy Redpolls; Eriksdalslunden; 9th January 2012

2012-01-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

Mealy Redpoll. I'm very fond of these birds and can never pass up a good opportunity to photograph them...

An adult male sporting a splash of wine red on the upper breast...

This one was training for the olympics...

The birds were feeding in snow at close range. Most of the flock stayed in the trees feeding on catkins..

A series of images here of Mealy Redpoll from Eriksdal this morning. The flock was 90 birds strong and harboured a cracking northern relative, a male Arctic Redpoll.

Lotsjön/Råstasjon; 8th January 2011

2012-01-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Moorhen at Lotsjön. A rather scarce bird here in Sweden, particularily in winter, so good to get it on the yearlist early...

Having seen Two-barred Crossbill at Kungsholmen over the past few days, we decided to check the Blue Spruce trees near the west side of the lake where a second group had been reported and lo and behold, there they were, 5 Two-barred Crossbills. These trees are a lot taller here and I grabbed a record shot of these two males, This was a new bird for John and we had good views...

Mealy Redpoll. Always nice to see these birds at close range, the feeding station at Råstasjön always holds these birds in winter..

Above; A series of images of cock Yellowhammers. Yellowhammer is very common here all year round and these birds showed well right in front of me at the feeding station...

Yellowhammer. A female/1st winter bird. Notice the buffy fringes on all of the flight feathers and covert's...

Met up with John Costello today and we had a look around the Solna lakes of Råstasjön and Lotsjön. We headed for the west side of Lotsjön first to look for Two-barred Crossbill first, catching up on some common species on the way as well as a passing Goshawk. Moorhen was looked for and found by the lakeside before we arrived at the Blue Spruce trees where the Crossbills had been reported. Happily they were present and we eventually had great views of five birds, at least three of which were spanking males. After enjoying the views we headed for the feeding station at Råstasjön were several common passerines were found feeding, we grabbed some images and video footage here. No sign of the Water Rail at dusk, but not to worry, it should be present all winter and theres always another day. Grey Herons flew in to roost as we left on a very chilly evening indeed...

Video Here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksi_IvPCf8I&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plcp

Two-barred Crossbills; Kungsholmen; 7th January 2012

2012-01-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

A male Two-barred Crossbill feeding in the Blue Spruce. This bird showed very well through the early morning, a stunning bird...

Note the two broad wingbars, clean gleaming white. Dark lores and chin, note the dark centred scapulars and uppertail covert's. The rump and flanks a luminuous, glowing orange tone..

Above and below; A couple more images of the feeding bird as it fed in strong sunlight...

Soon after arrival at Kungsholmen I was looking through feeding Crossbills and it wasn't long before I had a brief view of a male Two-barred Crossbill. The bird was elusive, though it gave a few decent views before it, as well as all of the birds in the area, were spooked by a hunting Goshawk. The bird eventually returned and in blazing sunshine I was treated to amazing views of the bird as it fed on pine cones. It seems this species of Blue Spruce is much sought by this species as the other stationary group of Two-barred Crossbill to the north of the city are also frequenting a stand of this species.
A short while later I enjoyed view of a pair of Two-barred Crossbill high in a bare tree, the male of which I thought a different bird to the earlier individual, though I could not be sure due to the earlier strong light...

Video of Two-barred Crossbill here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhVUGL5oRKw&list=UUUWm0gG93nKzlG2XotE1F3A&index=1&feature=plcp

Common Crossbills; Kungsholmen; 7th January 2012

2012-01-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

My favourite shot of the day, a male crossbill backed by golden morning light boucing off windows in the background and lit from the morning sun directly...

Another shot of a male bird. The bird is searching for snow, which these birds were eating. Male Common Crossbills are stunning birds when seen well and in bright light the red plumage gleams..

A female type eating snow. Eating snow is a remarkable adaptation and shows how these birds can survive in bitterly cold habitat. The resin from pine cones ensures these birds must take in water on a very regular basis, in frozen conditions water freezes. Eating snow ensures the birds take in enough fluid to survive. The birds eat ate little and often as a stomach full of snow would drop their core temperature and could prove lethal...

The upper bird drew my full attention due to the wing-barred appearance. Not also the white fringes on the tertials. The bird finlly revealed it's identity by calling, a classic 'Glip' call and proving this bird to be a Common Crossbill...as in many species, as soon as you look closely, variablility becomes apparent.

A sulphur yellow flushed breast and flank on this female type....

Spent the morning at Kungsholmen looking at Common Crossbills carefully and searching for rarer Two- Barred Crossbill. In total there were 19 Common Crossbill present just after dawn and eventually I got some very good views. Of most interested was a wing barred bird, certainly a Common Crossbill due to the diagnostic 'Glip' call of the species, which the bird was heard to utter on several occasions. Notes in the captions below the photographs...

Two-barred Crossbills; Kungsholmen, 5th January 2012

2012-01-05T03:31:00.000-08:00

The best shot of the day, this male dropped down briefly onto the top of the lowest pine, allowing me some decent shots. Cracking birds these, they were calling constantly to each other..

A pair drank from the gutter on a nearbly building early in the morning, giving superb views..

A more typical view of a feeding male from this morning. The birds generally stayed at the tops of the tallest pines in the square...

Again, a typical view, this time of a female or first winter bird...

A closer view of a male bird on the building...

A closer crop of the best image. The white double wingbars are visible here. Note the relatively slim bill, dark lores and well marked undertail covert's...

2012 is off to a fine start thanks to superb views of 5 Two-barred Crossbill this morning at Radhusetsparken, Kungsholmen. The light was quite superb throughout and the birds were quickly found on arrival, they were calling constantly. It was great to hear the calls as they fed and flew around, the double flight call and trumpet call were heard throughout the morning. There were three males and two females present, feeding in the tall conifers at a small park square in the middle of Stockhom City! Also present were 4 Common Crossbill for comparison, which were noticably bigger and deeper billed and calling with the usual 'glip' type calls. The Two-barred Crossbills gave stunning views throughout the morning and allowed some photos too. This is only the third occasion I have seen these birds and the first time I have managed some images with the camera, so a very happy birder on this end...
Two-barred Crossbill erupted last year in summer after the Larch crop failed and the species, which specializes in Larch cones, found itself having to move westwards in huge numbers. Tens of thousands moved across the Finnish Archipelago and into Sweden. Many are still present throughout the country, giving birder's an opportunity to see this glorious little bird, often in small flocks. I have a feeling the species may feature for some time to come...

Argentatus Herring Gull in December

2011-12-22T06:06:00.000-08:00

1st Calender

2nd Calender

2nd Calender plus, on balance probably at the end of its second year due to dark eye, largely dark bill. These birds can be tough to age and I have difficulty ruling out a third year bird due to hint of white tips to primaries, the appearance of the tertials etc.

2nd Calender, based on dark eye, largely dark bill, lack of white spots on primary tip and appearance of wing covert's...

2nd Calender? Note the newly moulted inner tertials, dark eye. The bill is rather pale and there is a suggestion od white primary tips..

3rd Calender? Some of these birds can be tough to age..

A comparison here between a 2nd calender bird to the fore, with a 1st calender bird at the rear.

2nd Calender or older? A slightly confusing bird, a little advanced on the mantle and scapulars? Primaries lack white tips and are seconde generation, eye is dark, bill mostly dark. Note the new inner tertial.

3rd Calender. Not as advanced as the bird below, note the smaller white spots at tips of primaries, pale iris, largely yellowis bill and tertials are all 3rd generation. Not as much moult evident on the wing covert's as yet...

3rd Calender, median and lesser coverts have been replaced, white spots at tips of primaries, note the yellowish tones on the bill...

4th Calender. Note the dark flecks on the tertials. In flight showed dark markings on the primary covert's. The bill differs from the adults below, a more extensive and darker, complete band near the tip..

Adult

Adult. A dark eyed individual that has benn around the site for at least two years, this bird never shows a heavily patterned head in winter, rather lightly streaked. The orbital ring is bright red.

Photos here of Argentatus Herring Gulls, aged and captioned, the youngest age at the top and the oldest, adult birds, at the bottom..

4th Calender Argentatus Herring Gull; Skeppsbron; 22nd December 2011

2011-12-22T05:53:00.000-08:00

The bird on the water. Hints to it age include small dark flecks on the tail....

The bird landing, note the dark markings on the primary covert's which help age this bird..

Detail of the head and bill...

The wing here outstretched showing the detail on the primary tips. Note the complete, though thin band on P5. Yellow-legged Gull would show a broader band on P5, often dark marking on P4 and a larger amount of dark on the primaries in general...

Notes and photos here of a 4th calender Argentatus Herring Gull from Skeppsbron this morning...

Ural Owl; Rästasjön; December 12th 2011

2011-12-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

Finally!! This Ural Owl has been present at a suburban area for the past three weeks beside Råstasjön lake in the north of Stockholm. This was my sixth attempt at this bird!
On arrival the bird was present and had attracted the attentions of birder's, it really couldn't have been easier, I simply walked up and started to watch the bird. It remained high up in a pine throughout, sleeping most of the time. It seemed tame and was oblivious the the scenes below it. John Costello arrived a while later and we enjoyed stunning views of this large northern owl, only my third ever. It was a lifer for John happily. Delighted to get my best images to date of this enigmatic northern species...

I also took some record video footage which I have edited, click on the link below to view...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBtJR8--zxE

Goshawk; Råstasjön; 5th December 2011

2011-12-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

A series of shots of a cracking adult male Goshawk here from Råstasjön this orning. I saw the bird in flight briefly in a belt of pines along the ridge whilst looking for thr Ural Owl before I located it perched. I approached carefully and the bird was not to bothered by my presence, perhaps used to human presence in a rather built up area. This pair breed right in the supurbs! Had to manual focus for these shots in the end, not a bad few frames posted here...

Råstasjön; 27th November-4th December 2011

2011-12-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

A small number of Barnacle Geese are present at the lake, part of the large feral population in wider area. A few shots here from over the past few days...

The lake is well known as a site for Water Rail, these birds showing well here during the winter, attracting large amounts of bird photographers to the lake to capture images of this secretive species...

Poor light meant using a flash, this is reflected in the birds eye in this shot....

Råstasjön is a well trodden site in the north of the city suburbs and it attracts many birder's. A while ago a superb find was a Ural Owl at the site that has showed well on occasion when the day roost could be located. I have had quite a few visits now and have put a lot of effort in looking, to no avail to date. I have been very unfortunate to be working on days when the owl was located, whilst the bird could not be found on my days off.
Other birds on the lake included Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, 15 Gadwall and a single Pochard thoughout. Up to 2 Water Rail were present also and I managed a few hurried shots in poor light. On land were 1 Robin, a handful of Yellowhammer, 2 Chaffinch and good numbers of Jay. Goshawks were a feature throughout with an active adult pair present in the area...

Dusky Thrush; Låssa 2011; Fieldsketches

2011-11-29T04:56:00.000-08:00

A selection of field sketches of the Dusky Thrush at Låssa, done with black ballpoint biro...

Dusky Thrush; A first for Sweden; Låssa; 14th November 2011

2011-11-14T17:46:00.000-08:00

My first clear view of this stunning thrush, a Swedish first, a very distinctive bird which thrilled the crowds today...

The bird reappeared every fifteen minutes feeding in the berry tree, then retireing to an area of pine to digest food before reappearing. The bird would gorge itself on a dozen berries before moving off.

Note the supercilium, breastband of crescented feathers, marked flanks ovet a whitisish base, A stunning bird...

Thr birds wing caught on the branches as it flopped down to feed. Throughout the observations the golden berries provided an incredibly colourful backdrop..

Again, a stunning bird. Note the pale fringes to the tertials...

The bird fed actively throughout the day...

Note the fresh outer greater coverts contrasting with the inner covert's, active post juvenile moult which confirms the bird to be a first calender bird. A small thrush, though rather thick legged and sturdy billed.

Thee bird was occasionally seen high in the nearby treees. Variable light meant difficuly conditions for photography and I constantly had to reset the camera settings in manual mode. Eventually I reverted to the telescope and just enjoyed the views, taking some fieldsketches...

The only flight shot of the day...

Dusky Thrush, what can you say, a European Mega Rare and this one, a Swedish first record. Arrived just after first light and was relieved to find it still present, what a bird. Without doubt one of the best birds I have ever seen, it gave stunning views at times.
The bird was found at Låssa two days ago, feeding on a large ornamntal berry tree, possibly a Fireberry or Pyrocantha variety. It is thought the bird may have been present for a week, what a surprise it must of been for the local birder that found it..
I arrived just after dawn to find birder's present and on my arrival they already seen the bird moments before. I waited anxiously, confident the bird would reappear. Ten minutes later it flew into the berry tree from a large spruce at the back of the garden and I got the scope on it and had the first of many stunning views. Over the next few hours it showed well every fifteen minutes or so feeding on the berries before retiring to the spruce tree nearby. The light early on was poor, so I used the scope and got lots of notes and sketches done before eventually trying to get the shots posted here. Hopefully the bird will stay n...

Waxwing; Låssa; 14th November 2011

2011-11-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

Waxwings here from Låssa. Initially I had 45 birds at Bro train station, then later, whilst onsite waiting for the Dusky Thrush up to 50 birds were present. It took a while for them to descend, whilst in the treetops they concentrated on Mistletoe berries. Great birds in every way...

Mistle Thrush; Låssa; 14th November 2011

2011-11-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

Shots here of the single Mistle Thrush present today at Låssa. my irst decent images of the species. This was the dominant bird at the fruiting tree, often chasing off fieldfares and the Dusky Thrush.

Fieldfare; Låssa; 14th Novemer 2011

2011-11-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of shots of Fieldfare from Låssa taken while waiting for the Dusky Thrush to show. Again, quite remarkable the colours provided by the orange berries, making for some remarkable images...

Common Gulls; Skeppsbron; 1st November 2011

2011-11-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

1st Calender. Note the newer mantle and scapular feathers.

1st Calender. The same individual.

A view here of the underwing of the same 1st calender bird, the underwing covert's well marked at their tips. Note the spotted necklace effect..

One last shot of this cooperative individual...

Above and below; Sub adult Common Gull, note the dark markings on the upper primary covert's. There are two large mirror's on P9 and P10. Note also the diffuse grey 'necklace' effect, overlaid with neat spots...

A selection of images here of Common Gull from earlier today, spent the afternoon checking out the gulls at the site..

Black-headed Gulls; Skeppsbron; 1st November 2011

2011-11-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Shots here of adult Black-headed Gulls from Skeppsbron. The light was not good at all, in the end I had to shoot at ISO 1250 in oder to get these birds in flight...

Herring Gulls; Skeppsbron; 1st November 2011

2011-11-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

1st Calender with a well marked underwing here. The bill looked rather deep...

Above and below, the same 1st calender bird...

A 1st calender bird in flight showing it's upperparts.

A second calender here in flight...

Above and below; Adult Argentatus in flight...

A selection of shots here of Herring Gulls from Skeppsbron today. Not a lot of birds around, alarmingly there is a large building site developing right where the gulls tend to loaf. If nothing else viewing the birds at this site may become more difficult in the future. It's impact on the birds itself will be harder to predict...

Moorhen; Lotsjön; 31st October 2011

2011-11-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Spent the day looking for Two-barred Crossbill beside the lake today, the birds having been present for the past four days. I had been working solidly and hoping they would stay as they were giving great views to local birder's and I still needed photo's of the species. They were gone!
On the lake itself there were two first year Moorhen, which is a very local species this far north. These were in fact only my second record this year in Sweden! Decided to grab some shots as both birds were showing well at close range around some Bistort...
Autumn is remarkable this year and it is still mild. Birding has been phenomenal on the archipelago around Stockholm. Chestnut Eared Bunting(Swedish first record), Hume's Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, Siberian Thrush, Olive-backed Pipit have been the cream of the crop...

Greater Black-backed Gull flight shots

2011-10-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of nice flight shots of 1st Calender Great Black-backed Gull taken on Cape Clear Island a couple of weeks ago...

Tyresö Slott; 26th October 2011

2011-10-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Tit

Northern Long-tailed Tit

Goosanders

Mute Swan

A trip to Tyresö today in the hope of Waxwing. Checked the area about Bollmora without success and then headed for Tyresö Slott. Things were quiet, though I had nice views of Long-tailed Tit, Siskin and other common species. The Slott held a handful of Great Crested Grebe, Goosand and Goldeneye, though no Bearded Tit today.

Argentatus Herring Gull, Skeppsbron; 25th October 2011

2011-10-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Above and below; Two typical 1st Calender Agentatus Herring Gulls on the deck at Skeppsron. Note the newly moulted mantle and scapulars, marked head, breast and flanks. dark bill, coarsely notched greater coverts, dark brown centred tertials with notching on fringes. short legs and structure of the bill..

Ist Calender Agentatus Herring Gull in flight. Note the pale inner primary window and markings on the innertail...

A 2nd Calender Argentatus here. Note the whiter head. breast and flanks. There is some pale areas at the base of the bill. Note the second generation coverts and tertials, very different to those of first year birds. Note the third generation mantle and scapulars, much grey now visible on these feathers..

Another 2nd Calender bird. Variation is the rule rather than the exception among birds of this age. Note this birds more subtle patterning on the mantle and scapulars and finely marked greater covert's, as well as the more extensively pale bill..

Three birds squabbling over food in the air overhead, two second year birds to the right and a single 1st calender to the left. Most useful in separating these in flight are the differing tail and greater covert detail.

A bird probably in its third calender year. Note the adult type primaries already showing the typical pattern of Argentatus Herring Gull. Note the dark primary coverts and rowning juvenile markings on the coverts which help age this individual..

A fully adult plumaged bird on the deck. Note the heavy structural build, deep chest and large head..

A sub adult bird in flight from below. Note the dark on the tail as well as the dark band on the bill..

A adult bird in flight displaying the classic upperwing pattern of Argentatus Herring Gull. Note that P10 is not quite fully grown, though is close. Note the head markings.

An afternoon spent looking at Argentatus Herring Gull at Skeppsbron. A Yellow-legged Gull was reported here yesterday, though I have not seen the bird here in quite some time. About 80 Argentatus about though today...

Bull Island; Dublin; October 2011

2011-10-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Brent Geese in flight...

Brent Geese, a family group on the saltmarsh...

Brent Geese in flight...

A lone Dunlin with a couple of Grey Plover...

Wheatear

Spent a few days in Dublin after Cape Clear, which meant birding on Bull Island with my father. The light was not great most of the time though I did get a few shots which I have posted here. My first Brent Geese of the year were about, almost 300 birds had already returned to winter at the site. Also notable were large numbers of Little Egrets, with at least 30 birds present. The species has greatly increased in the area and now breeds on the east coast. More worrying though were the low numbers of wildfowl, numbers seem well down here in comparison to ten years ago. Shoveler, Shelduck and Wigeon seem to be very much scarcer, there used to be hundreds, even thousands of these birds here. The returning female Blue Winged Teal was seen on a couple of occasions among the Teal.
Waders were seen in good numbers, Black Tailed Godwit were very numerous with almost 400 birds present. Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper(2), Little Stint(1), Bar Tailed Godwit, Knot, Oystercatcher. Greenshank, Redshank, Lapwing and Curlew were also noted. Curlew numbers are down hugely, I struggled to find ten birds, hundreds were the norm not so many years ago.
Passerines were about too. Lots of Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Linnet and Meadow Pipit about. Skylarks were also heard and seen, whilst Wheatear were plentiful on passage along the causeway and saltmarsh.

Skeppsbron; 21st October 2011

2011-10-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Adult Argentatus in flight. Most birds at the site, such as this one, are coming toward the end of their moult. Here the longest primary(P10) can be seen growing out on the leading edge of the primaries.

A 2nd Calender bird. Note the finely patterned greater coverts, second generation wing coverts and pale head and chest. The base of the bill is pinkish. A typical bird, though there is wide variation amongst birds of this age..

Another 2nd Calender Argentatus, note the advanced moult shown by this individual. Third generation feathers are obvious on the mantle and scapulars. Note the new inner tertials also. Th iris is still dark, as is much of the bill...

All four above photos are of the same 2nd Calender Argentatus which has been present at the site for some months now. A very striking, well marked bird. The tail pattern is rather striking in flight. Amazing light today in the afternoon allowed some nice shots to be taken of this lovely bird...

Had some difficulty with this bird, not its identity, but rather its age. At first glance it appeared rather like a 1st Calender. After closer scrutiny though I think this bird is a year older, a 2nd Calender. Hints to this include the rather uniform greater coverts, tail pattern, pale iris and pale areas on the bill, amongst other features...

A 1st Calender bird bearing leg metal on the left leg. After some time and difficulty I managed to read this ring, a Finnish Ring; HT 267-331. A rather typical bird of it's age...

A 1st Calender Black Headed Gull resting on the wharf, about 85 birds now present at the site...

An afternoon off today, decided to have a look at the gulls at Skeppsbron. About 62 Argentatus Herring Gull about, with a handful of Common and Greater Black-backed Gulls as well. Black Headed Gulls have increased in front of the winter, 85 birds present at least. Will be checking the area regularily this winter...

Sketches; Cape Clear; October 2011

2011-10-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Above and Below; Red Eyed Vireo

Short Toed Lark

Above and below; Reed Warbler

Above and below; Wryneck

Some of the drawing from the small A5 Daler Sketchpad I brought to Cape Clear. All done with a black biro...

Lesser Whitethroat ; Cape Clear Island; 13th October 2011

2011-10-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Above; Three shots of Lesser Whitethroat I overlooked from the 13th October, the bird at the Youth Hostel. An adult bird, note the dark iris and lack of pale crescents above and below the eye, also the plumage is rather worn. A rare bird in Ireland, though I do see so many in Sweden it really didn't get the adrenlin moving!

Cape Clear Island, the view from the mass track back towards Blananarragaun....

Cape Clear Island; 15th October 2011

2011-10-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Above and below; Two of three Rose Coloured Starlings found on an amazing mornings birding, a large fall occuring on the island..

Another rarity found this morning was this Red Backed Shrike at the Post Office...

Common migrants such as this tired Song Thrush were everywhere...

An amazing mornings birding saw 2 Yellow Browed Warblers and a Black Redstart in Cotters, whilst Meadow Pipits, Skylark, Chafffinch and other birds streamed past. I heard one Brambling and later had five more on the Low Road. Incredibly there were 3 Rose Cloured Starling there! Soon after there were 2 Red Breasted Flycatcher found in Brids garden, but did not see those. Had more Black Redstarts, about 6 in total. A Red Backed Shrike was found at the Post Office. Another Yellow Browed Wabler showed itself in the bracken in the Glen.

Right now I gotta run for the ferry. What a wonderful two weeks birding, quality stuff.

Yellow Browed Warbler; Cape Clear Island; 14th October 2011

2011-10-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yellow Browed Warbler from today, cracking....

Chiffchaff; Cape Clear Island; 14th October 2011

2011-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Shots here of Chiffchaff, all of the same individual from today. My best shots of the species to date...

Cape Clear Island; 14th October 2011

2011-10-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

Blackcap, the most abundant species today in a classic October fall of migrants, what a days birding today..

After a night of southeasterlies expectations were high and I was first out in the field. Cotter held 6 Goldcrest and a single Chiffchaff, with a single Blackcap above on the bank. I had expected more to be honest and was a little dissapointed, I moved on to the bogs. At the lake a flock of 5 Grey Herons went over and I had a few Chiffchaff coming in from over the sea, interesting. Then I met Derek charles at the Lake Gardens and we had a Spotted Flycatcher there, before moving to the bogs where there was a single Blackcap, a Merlin, a Sparrowhawk and a Whitethroat. Then news came of a Black Redstart at Cotters Garden and things began to change. Blackcaps became more numerous and were moving in small groups, Chiffchaff were moving. I had a brief Red Throated Pipit in The Waist, found by Paul Kelly, only my second irish. Migrants were now arriving on the island off the sea. I went to the lighthouse road as a Yellow Browed Warbler was found at Mc Loughlans...

Grey Heron

On arrival at Mc Loughlans the bird was immediatly present and was a little star, performing down to a couple of metres! I spent time enjoying incredible views and taking some shots of the bird, then a few drawings. Then I had a Black Redstart, lots more Blackcaps too. Birds were everywhere and I headed for the Post Office. On the way there I found a second Yellow Browed Warbler bouncing down the Glen calling as it went. At the back of the Post Office were Blackcaps, which I was watching when a bird flew down the slopes to my right calling, Ring Ouzel. I had fantastic views of the bird for ten minutes before moving on, thoroughly enjoyable...

Yellow Browed Warbler

Back down at the Waist the Wryneck was seen for a couple of minutes. I heard a Red Breasted Flycatcher had been foung and headed back towards the Post Office, bumping into an adult Lesser Whitethroat at the Youth Hostel! I dipped on the fycatcher, though it was seen at dusk so theres always tomorrow. On the way back in the evening there was a third Yellow Browed Warbler in Cotters! Quality birding. The Red Eyed Vireo was seen late in the day by birders, as were up to 7 Black Redstarts.

Ring Ouzel behing the Post Office..

Cape Clear Island; 13th October 2011

2011-10-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yellow Browed Warbler, the first of the year on the island and very welcome...

Southwesterlies were blowing in the early part of the day and there were lots of Meadow Pipit, Redpoll and Siskin moving overhead during the morning. I was hungover after a night socializing in Club Chleire and decided to electrocute myself on an electric fence to snap my brain out of it's torpor. A short while later Mark Stewart found a Yellow Browed Warbler, the first of the year here on the island. I eventually saw the bird very well after a while, the bird initially not playing ball.
Generally a quiet day, though there were a few bits and pieces hanging around, such a Rose Coloured Starling, 2 Short Toed Lark, Wryneck and Lesser Whitethroat...

Cape Clear Island; 12th October 2011

2011-10-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

It just keeps coming on Cape Clear. A cracking juvenile Rose colured Starling found on the island today at the Secret Valley...

Again on the bank where it sat for some time in the sunlight...

Looking over it's shoulder...

The best shot of the day, very happy with this, the bird caught spreading its tail...

Stonechat at the lake...

The view south from The Bill at 150mm...

The Red Eyed Vireo gave itself up to me today, just a few metres away here, a stunning bird..

Up early today and straight to Cotters. 2 Goldcrest, a female Blackcap and and few Meadow pipit went over calling, the thick fog really made things difficult. Visibility was about 25 metres! I civered the Waist as best I could, much the same there, a male Blackcap showed well and a brief view of the Wryneck was welcome. Then the Low Road, more Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and a Merlin the best. though the bogs were quiet. I had cracking views of the Short Toed Lark at the lake while, amazingly, another was found at the east end of the island. News came through of a Rose Colured Starling at the Secret Valley after lunch and I went for it straight away.
On arrival at the site I crossed a few fields to where the bird was performing incredibly well. All of a sudden the mist lifted, the sun shone and the photos speak for themselves. A cracking juvenile bird, very nicely marked...
A male Whichat followed before I headed back west, having crippling views of the now elusive Red Eyed Vireo. Stunning! Not long after came more amazing views of Short toed Lark! Then out to The Bill where I had Choughs, Curlew and Harbour Porpoise, nice just to relax and take in the incredible view. Another Whinchat at East Bog rounded off a quite incredible days birding....

Chough; Cape Clear Island; 12th Ocyober 2011

2011-10-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

Shots here of Chough from The Bill, a promotory of rock that juts out into the Atlantic from Cape Clear. Four birds landed close to me and allowed me to get my best photos of the species to date. A cracking corvid which is scarcein Ireland, on of the island signature resident species...

Short Toed Lark; Cape Clear Island; 11th October 2011

2011-10-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

A cracking bird found today at Lough Errul, a star bird that performed incredibly well for the photographers on the island...

Cape Clear Island; 11th October 2011

2011-10-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Song Thrush at Brids Garden...

Another day on the island where Cape Clear Islands ability to produce quality birds was demonstrated. I started in Cotters Garden, there was little there, just 2 Goldcrest, a female Blackcap and 5 Greenfinch, hardly groundbreaking! On then to the Waist where the Wryneck was sitting on it's favourite perch on the corner of the tennis court, I had cracking views. A few Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were about also and I spent a fair bit of time searching the area. On to Brid's Garden where ther was 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Goldcrest, 12 Blackbird, 9 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap and a single Willow Warbler. Down at the bottom corner at Coosaneska there was a single Reed Warbler, not a bad result. The Red Eyed Vireo was not seen at this point and I went on to the bogs which were devoid of migrants. Back again at the Low Road and I eventually had a brief view of the Vireo behind Mairtin's house. Then i went over the top at Cotters Hill and checked the Kale fields, no result there. Back toward the harbour and there was something wrong....there were no birders in any of the gardens...

Stonechat at the Kale Fields. Very scarce at the minute after two cold winters..

The reason for the absence of birder's began to preoccupy my mind as paranoid thoughs invaded mt brain. Eventually I found Chick Mc Nally and Dave Dillon and the told me "that the bird was showing again". I replied "What ####€# Bird?" and was told there was a Short Toed Lark at Lough Errul. Lunch then turned into a Double Decker and a can of Coca-Cola and I legged it to the lake, only to find that the bird had flown off. I waited for an hour but it didn't show and I resigned myself to dipping the bird, though held a little hope of it being refound. I headed backed for thr clug for a Lamb Roast and devoured it. I then headed back up the hill where I heard the bird had returned. I then bumped into Derek Charles and we headed up for the bird. As we arrived and walked along the lake the bird appeared to our left in flight, calling as it went, before landing on the road in front of us. thers in the area were alerted and we then enjoyed stunning views down to a few metres. The bird performed for an hour or so in good light and let me take some shots to remember it by, only my second irish Short Toed Lark, Cape had produced the goods again....

Short toed Lark, the bird gave itself up completely this evening...

Red Eyed Vireo and other birding; Cape Clear Island; 10th October 2011

2011-10-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Red Eyed Vireo at Brid's Garden, Cape Clear Island, a transatlantic passerine found this morning by Steve Wing, the Observatory Warden. A cracking bird in every way this, my best shot above...

Above and below, two shots of the bird which were also good, note the blue/grey crown and striking white super bordered by dark above and below...

Again here two shots from the same position. Note the long wings, green toned upperparts and very clean whitish underparts..

A typical view of the bird from today...

The bird was mobile and moved about a lot. Here its along the cliff edge at Coosaneska...

A great days birding out of the blue today. Ed Carthy and Peter Mc Dermot came on to the island for the day and I was with them in Cotters Garden, the odd Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and a northern type Willow Warbler had been seen there. At some stage the house above us had a phone call and we were informed the was a Red Eyed Vireo off the Low Road at Brid's Garden, found by Steve Wing, so we tore down the road and seven or eigt of us waited. After just a short while it showed, I got breathtaking iews in the scope and we were all well happy. I stayed with the bird for a couple of hours, got some shot and sketches and generally enjoyed the bird, Cape Clear's 19th record!
Back at the Waist, whilst this was going on there was a Barred Warbler, as well as the Wryneck showing. I got the Wryneck, but not the Barred Warbler. The bird we seen last night would be seen later in the day though and confirmed as a second Barred Warbler at the top of the Mass Track. Also on the Mass Track was a second Wryneck! Just to round the wholw day off Chick Mc Nally found a Rose Coloured Starling at the east end at last light, something to see tomorrow happily. All in all a very special days birding and we are really hopeful for tomorrow...

Northern Willow Warbler; Cape Clear Island; October 8th-10th

2011-10-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

Shots above all of a probable Northern Willow Warbler seen over the course of a few days and photographed at Cotters where me and Peter Philips saw the bird very well. A striking bird in the field due to the cold grey tones on the upperparts and rather pale underside, a really cracking little bird this. Some cold lemon tones can be seen in these hots around the upperflank and throat, note also the well marked supercilium. The bird had amazing yellow feet.

Cape Clear Island; 7th-9th October 2011

2011-10-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Linnet at The Waist

Hummingbird Hawkmoth, a real feature at the minute with up to 12 present...

The view from outside north harbour along the north coast...

White Wagtail, one of two found on Teddy Mc Carthys lawn...

Direct comparison of both Ped Wagtail on the left and White Wagtail on the right. Both are first year birds...

The Wryneck at The Waist was present throughout....

The view west from the mass track looking towards Blananarragaun...

A fairly tough few days on the island due to the dreaded northwesterly winds, which eventually veered westerly and gave us a little hope for improvement. The Wryneck was present throughout at The Waist. A Grey Wagtail on the 7th was my first of the trip in North Harbour, Cotters proved quiet though. At The Waist there were 232 Meadow Pipit eventually, all flying west and migrating. Sikin were the feature of the day with a total of 275 noted on the island, with a flock of 140 at the Post Office. A Wheatear was at the Waist, whilt a single Redpoll flew widely about the east end. I covered the entire east side of the island an it was tough going, though 2 White Wagtails at Teddy Mc Carthy's were notable and let me get some useful shots.
Thw next couple of days were even tougher, the weather really deteriorated badly and there was little migrantwise available. It was soul destroying stuff out there! A pair of Peregrines were seen on both days all the same, whilst the odd Blackcap was found and the Wryneck continued to show well.
On the ninth I covered the east side again with Mark Stewart and Sean Ronayne. Again it was tough, an oiled Wheatear gave us a surge of adrenlin before we realized it was oiled. A single Chiffchaff was scant reward, though there was a surprise at the top of the mass track whre we flused a large Warbler, grey with a long tail. It gave only a brief view but my suspicion was very much Barred Warbler...