Blogbirder

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...

Gannets; Cape Clear Island; 6th October 2011

2011-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

Shots of Gannet from today off the north coast of the island, cracking birds...

Shag; Cape Clear Island; 6th October 2011

2011-10-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

Shots here of Shag from earlier today...

Cape Clear Island; 6th October 2011

2011-10-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

Dunnock

A tough day today and not much love raritywise. The wind was northwest, a force 8 gale swept the island and made birding very difficult. I started around Cotter's Garden, a Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrest were the best there. Numbers were down on yesterday and there was no sign of the Blyth's Reed Warbler, though it may still be skulking about. The Common Rosefinch was the bird of the day and showed well for the new birder's on the island in the morning sun...
The Youth Hostel garden was quiet, as was the lighthouse road, though there were large numbers of Blackbird feeding on Hawthorn berries in on garden. A White Wagtail was noted at the Post Office.

O Driscoll's Castle

Spent a while after lunch on the north shore photographing Gannets which were passing close in due to the wind. Shag were present along with a few Great Black Backed Gull. Afterwards another check of Cotters and then off to the bogs...

Hooded Crow

The bogs were very quiet, with very few birds and no migrants at all. Chough were about, as was a Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. I went through Olly Gully carefully for no result, then the lake gardens which held a couple of Goldcrest. The lake was a late highlight, with 12 Little Grebes! Hopefully there will be better weather developing in the coming days..

Stone Wall

West Bog

The Low Road with Pointbullig in the distance...

Cape Clear Island; 5th October 2011

2011-10-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

Up early and straight to Cotters. the weather changing for the worst. A large low pressure came over last night and force 7 southwesterlies were the order of the day. Things were tough amd birds were lying low, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler were all noted, a single Spotted Flycatcher and the the suspected Blyth's Reed started to call. I decided to plant myself in the mist net lane, later sqiurming through the escalonia trunks under the birds favourite cover where I found myself in the old central mist net lane. I waited. Nothing happened. I was dropping off a while later when the 'teck' stirred me. I spotted the bird behind me, it moved allong my right side at a couple of metres range in a thick tangle of escalonia before it jumped into a nearbly willow and gave me a cracking view. It moved through a few more willows and escalonia giving me another superb view in the open as well as great partial views where I could check on several features. The bird called several times as I watched, a grating 'teck' with a tongue clicking quality, very different to Reed Warbler and most like Lesser Whitethroat...

Fieldsketch of the bird ith a few scribbled notes...

The following features were noted, or rather confirmed...

1. Short primary projection, judged half the length of the tertials, which where difficult to see due to lack of contrast. Noticablly shorter than Reed Warbler, two of which were also seen on the day..
2. Well defined supercilium which extended beyond the eye. Widest in front of eye. The birds most notible feature and gave a very different facial appearance to Reed Warbler, which looks much more open faced with an obvious eyering.
3. Very clean underparts and undertail covert's. Suffuse greyish wash on flanks, though not very noticable at times.
4. More pot bellied than Reed Warbler.
5. Upperpart tone lacking the warmth of Reed Warbler, cold toned brownish grey, striking. Simular to Garden Warbler in some rspects, but looking at the face most reminiscent of Chiffchaff, due to the striking super...
6. Call a short, very slightly grating 'teck', the bird witnessed calling!

Other birds seen included a second Reed Warbler at the Youth Hostel and a White Wagtail at the same spot. The Wryneck was seen again at the graveyard, whilst the Rosefinch was back in The Waist, though yours truly did not see them due to acro efforts. I had one more fleeting view of the Blyth's in the evening, whilst trying to get a photo, a nightmare bird to photograph and there was no joy there...

The bird

Cape Clear Island; 4th October 2011

2011-10-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Another day of tough weather on Cape, hounded by visibility problems here as mist rolls over the island with little warning. Nevertheless a few brighter moments through the day..

Up at dawn again and out the door, first priority was an attempt to secure evidence to confirm the Blyth's Reed Warbler at Cotters Garden. Soon after arrival the bird was heard calling, just a bit after that we had the Reed Warbler calling at the same time as the suspected Blyth's from the opposite side of the garden. Views were not good though, neither bird showing well. We had a flight view of the target bird, again the tone noted as colourless in comparison to the Reed Warbler present. Attempts to see, photograph and net the bird all came to no avail before 2pm., frustratingly the bird was regularily heard calling from within the same area of Fushia right through this period. The Reed Warbler was trapped again.
After lunch I again returned to Cotters where Steve decided to erect a 10 foot mist net along a favoured route of the bird and tape lure it. This also failed, the bird was much less active again today in the afternoon, though did call a few times. Eventually when Brian Haslam came into the garden to say there was a Wryneck at The Waist and we piled down there for a look...

Hummingbird Hawkmoth, cracking moths these, I had four today...

Wryneck on Mc Carthy's patio, right in front of me, brilliant birds they are too...

After a search of the Nordy Wood, where the bird was last seen, I located the Wryneck beside Mc Carthy's sitting up on brambles. All present goot great views of this cracking bird, jst the tonic after the days frustrations in Cotters. The bird then moved about the waist before it went back to Mc Carthy's and I had it right in front of me on the outside patio, a stunning view. The bird then performed for all on the rocks over the waist, we really couldn't have asked for more...

My first view of the bird on the brambles, a classic autumn rarity to liven any day..

Perched in the waist...

The bird performed for all on the rocks above the waist...

Fter that it was off the the Glenn, little out of the ordinary though. In South Harbour Gannets were feeding, always a sign of oncoming weather, there is in fact the tail in of Hurricane Ophelia comong over the next two days and it will hit Ireland directly, westerlies will follow after the worst has past. Wouldn't a yank or two be nice, here's hoping...I'll leave you with a few Robin shots!

Reed Warbler; Cape Clear Island; 4th October 2011

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Shots here of a first calender Reeed Warbler from this morning...

Spotted Flycatcher; Cape Clear Island; 4th October 2011

2011-10-04T04:56:00.001-07:00

Shots here of Spotted Flycatcher for this morning, trapped in Cotters Garden by Steve Wing. Note the new outer covert's, a sign of post juvenile moult, thus a first calender bird. Cracking birds these, two present in the garden...

Sedge Warbler; Cape Clear; 3rd October 2011

2011-10-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Shots here of a juvenile Sedge Warbler that confounded when it hit the nets at 12.30pm in Cotters Garden, we had been watching the garden like hawks since dawn and not seen or heard a sign of this bird. A little stunner, note the gorget of spots on the upper breast, a feature of juvenile birds...

Garden Warbler; Cape Clear; 3rd October 2011

2011-10-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Shots here of todays Garden Warbler, caught and ringed in Cotters Garden...

Cape Clear ; 3rd October 2011

2011-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Reed Warbler. Spent the day chasing Acro's around Cotter's Garden, a frustrating excercise-this bird in the afternoon was calling with a more familiar rattling'trrrrrr' I would expect from Reed Warbler. The earlier Acro was colder toned than this bird and callled constantly, a single note, a tongue clicking 'teck'.

Arrived at Cotters at 0715am, birds were about and activity was high. Goldcrests buzzed, Chiffchaff were up in numbers and I had a calling Lesser Whitethroat at the top of the garden. Almost immediatly Steve wing picked up an unsreaked Acro warbler with a short primary projection. I joined him straight away, not getting on the bird but hearing it call, a new call for me, a soft, tongue clicking 'Teck'. It continued to call from cover and proceeded to skulk around the garden 'teck' calling constantly. Eventually I had a brief view in the binoculars and was stuck by three things 1. A a rather colourless overall upperpart tone.2. The primary projection looked rather short. 3. The remarkably clean looking underparts. Could it be a Blyth's Reed? The bird was not helping and it stopped calling and went off the radar for a while after about 10.30am, with only two brief views given in all that time. I went to the Waist where the Common Rosefinch was again present. Then on to the Youth hostel where the Pied flycatcher was still about with a handful of Goldcrest and Chiffchaff. I returned the way I came and popped into Cotters.
By now the light had improved and Steve Wing had got the mist nets up. I watched from the left side from a height from a while and had a male Blackcap feeding in the trees over the garden before another bird caught my eye in the bracken. I got the bins on it straight away and was delighted to find a juvenile Barred Warbler! The bird was in view only briefly before flying a shot distance and dissapearing into cover, good views of the tail in flight as it did so. I enjoyed good views of Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler(where was that hiding!), Goldcrest and Chiffchaff. The Garden Warbler had been seen earlier by us both, I had gotten a shot though was glad to get this bird in the hand. Brian Haslam then arrived on the island and was interested in the mornings Acro.
We did get a view of an Acro, the bird photographed above, this one was in the fushia in the centre of the garden. It drew attention by calling, though with a rattling 'trrrr' and not the call from this morning. Eventually I got some images of the bird which seemed to have a warm rump, akin to Reed Warbler, longish primary projection and wrong tones, surely a different bird to the mornings. This bird, or another, was later trapped and confirmed as Reed Warbler. Later in the afternoon the 'Teck' call was again heard, though the bird not seen. In the end it was decided to leave it until tomorrow and try and trap the calling bird due to its skulking nature.

Garden Warbler

Moved on eventually after a bit of lunch and hit Ballyeiragh. The managers garden held some Chiffchaff and Goldcrest. The bogs were quiet, which was a little suprising given the activity in Cotters. I checked the Wheatear Field and Firbreaga, Chough, Wheatear and a few Meadow Pipit were scant reward for the hard going over rough ground and hills. Back at Olly Gully there were 3 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff, the gardens were quiet though. The lake held 8 Little Grebes and I watched them for a while as I have not seen these little birds in about two years! A yeartick and a rarity in Sweden where I live..Bavk to cotters on the way home at dusk, a Sparrowhawk the best, an adult female. An interesting day with some good birds, there seems to be a few bits and pieces around, will be back out first thing in the morning....

The west side of Ballyeiragh, a stunning place..

Above and below; Chough feeding around this area on the clifftops with eight birds present...

One last shot...

Cape Clear; 2nd October 2011

2011-10-02T10:38:00.001-07:00

Above and below, a Grey Heron in North Harbour, this shot taken later in the afternoon after the mist had cleared...

Woke early and had a litle breakfast, looked out the window and decided to watch the Ireland v Italy rugby world cup match because of the weather. Appalling conditions for birding, with thick mist and rain, not what the doctor ordered. Headed out at half time, Cotters Garden the first stop. 6 Goldcrest, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted flycatcher and a single female/juvenile type Blackcap were noted here, the conditions were very difficult as can be seen from the photo below...

Spotted Flycatcher through the mist, really difficult conditions today...

Onwards to the waist were a simular cast were waiting, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock. I took the high road next, a couple of Goldcrest were moving through the bracken, whilst a single Dunlin flew over my head calling. At the lake there was a striking Wheatear, biggish and deeply buff, perhaps a passage greenland bird. At the lake garden there were more of the same, though a nice male Blackcap here was the first of the day, well seen too. By now I was soaked on the outside, happily the rain gear did its job and I was enjoying the morning despite the weather...

Chiffchaff, a typical view of a bird in the bracken. There's a lot of it on this island...

Above and below; Robin. Things are quiet when you are photographing Robin on Cape Clear. Very common and very tame here, these two shots simply presented themselves. I'm hoping for something very rare with the same attitude at some stage...

Then on to the bogs, where there were some different birds. Four Wheatear were bouncing about the fields over West Bog. Then came Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting and Chough. Central Bog was lively, though nothing rare, the same bird species again. A Water Rail called from the reedbeds at East Bog, Stonechats were in evidence here. All this time its still raining and the visibility is terrible, I'm thinking theres got to be a good bird somewhere...back on down the low road. There was a good concentration of birds in the Managers Garden, a site with lots of willow and sycamore. Goldcrest and Chiffchaff took time to sort through, though my hopes for something good were dashed. Some more Blackcap were not quite what I had in mind, but they came anyway. Song Thrush were about in small numbers, their calls often the first sign of their presence...

Song Thrush

At this stage I went back to the observatory for a bite to eat and headed back out. Cotters had nothing new, though at the waist I heard a call I know well, Common Rosefinch. The bird has been present for a couple of days, though I was glad to pick it up nevertheless. Not the most attractive bird in the world to be honest! At South Harbour there were Rock Pipits, Pied Wagtail, Herring Gulls and Hooded Crow. A Pied Flycatcher was better at the youth Hostel garden, where there was another Blackcap. Further up the hill was a juvenile Kestrel, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest. The mass track was simular before I headed back the evening now approaching. 6 Swallow over Cotters were the only new birds noted, though I take some encoragement from a scattering of good passerines along the south coast at the minute, surely something good must drop in over the coming days....

Rock Pipit

Above and below; Pied Flycatcher. Note the rather worn tertials with only thin white fringes, an adult female perhaps...

Cape Clear Island; 1st October 2011

2011-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Spotted Flycatcher; The bird present in Cotters Garden.

A day of travel. Caught the train from Dublin's Heuston Station, conditions were horendous on the way with much flooding due to torrential rain. Arrived in Cork city just before 11am. and then cught two connecting buses and finally, the ferry to Cape Clear. The ferry journey was enjoyable and I noted my first Gannets and Shags of the year! Guillemot followed before a real surprise in the form of a juvenile Sabines Gull sitting on the sea! The bird remained on the water as we passed it and I had a nice view through the binoculars...
I stepped onto the island just before 3pm. and was greeted by Steve Wing and Mary on the pier. I dropped my gear, bought a few supplies in the shop as it closes Sunday and headed out into the rain. The weather was appalling, though eventually the rain became lighter. Cotters Garden was the first port of call, here I found a Spotted Flycatcher hawking from the trees. 15 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff and a single Willow Warbler were also seen here long with a glut of Robin, Dunnocks and Wrens. The Waist, like Cotters Garden, looks fantastic habitat wise. Here there were Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and a pair of Chaffinch. This general area looks like it will attract and hold birds in the coming weeks. Onwards to the Youth Hostel, a careful look around produced 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrest and best of all, a Pied Flycatcher. Further up the hill at the Post Office I had yet more Goldcrest and a brace of Chiffchaff. Overhead Meadow Pipit were moving through the mist. I retraced my steps, a couple of Rock Pipit were feeding on the beach at South Harbour. Cotter's Garden was busier on the way back, perhaps birds arriving late, a female Blackcap was a nice bonus. No sign of a Common Rosefinch over the evening, perhaps in the morning. Tonights weather will not see any migrants moving, hopefully the rain will clear and allow some drawing and photos tomorrow...

A day birding on Bull Island; 30th September 2011

2011-10-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Above and below, juvenile Black-tailed Godwits, cracking birds that were rather tame..

Adult Black-headed Gull off the causeway..

Above and below; Three off six Curlew Sandpiper present on the rising tide, just north of the causeway..

Curlew Sandpipers in flight, a very distinctive bird in the air, not especially the white rump...

Knot

Oystercatchers

Black-tailed Godwits in flight...

A couple of trips down to Bull Island produced 6 Curlew Sandpipers on the day, though there was dissapointment as I failed to locate a pair of Buff-breasted Sandpipers present on the saltmarsh north of the causeway. Skylark were a feature of the day, a total of eighty were counted migratin northeast after first light. Wheatear were also abundant on the day. nice to catch up with some of the commoner species, well documented here in photos...