With a full house and the Christmas season upon us birding opportunities were limited. However, the weather was pretty much as good as it can get so time spent in the field was productive.
Whooper Swans sangsvane numbers seemed to increase during the period - but only to a maximum of 12 on Rotevatnet. Unfortunately all were adults - pointing to yet another poor breeding season wherever these birds come from.
Small numbers of Waxwing sidensvans still hanging around - but almost invariably only seen in flight. Brambling bjørkefink numbers continued to be high for the time of year - seemingly tempted to stay in the area due to the high number of pine cones. Common Crossbill grankorsnebb were also a common sight.
On 23 December I spent the day guiding away from Øygarden in the Bergen area. Around 45 species were noted during the day with highlight being a (the) female Smew lappfiskand on Kalandsvatnet. Great Northern Diver islom, Velvet Scoter sjøorre, Marsh Tit løvmeis, Dipper fossekall, Goosander laksand and Crested Tit toppmeis were among the other species seen.
I was not out on 24 December but a Goshawk hønsehauk over the house along with the usual White-tailed Eagles havørn was a bonus bird.
On 25 December a family walk to Hjelme Vest was a great success with a White-billed Diver gulnebblom on the sea as the best bird. Also present were at least four Great Northern Diver islom, a couple of Little Auk alkekonge, Black Guillemots teist, 15 Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt, Curlew storspove, a minumum of four White-tailed Eagle havørn, 17 Long-tailed Duck havelle and more besides.
Another family walk, this time to Skogsøy, on 26th gave Peregrine vandrefalk as the best bird. Other sightings included Otter, Grey Seal and at least three White-tailed Eagle havørn
Whooper Swans sangsvane numbers seemed to increase during the period - but only to a maximum of 12 on Rotevatnet. Unfortunately all were adults - pointing to yet another poor breeding season wherever these birds come from.
Small numbers of Waxwing sidensvans still hanging around - but almost invariably only seen in flight. Brambling bjørkefink numbers continued to be high for the time of year - seemingly tempted to stay in the area due to the high number of pine cones. Common Crossbill grankorsnebb were also a common sight.
On 23 December I spent the day guiding away from Øygarden in the Bergen area. Around 45 species were noted during the day with highlight being a (the) female Smew lappfiskand on Kalandsvatnet. Great Northern Diver islom, Velvet Scoter sjøorre, Marsh Tit løvmeis, Dipper fossekall, Goosander laksand and Crested Tit toppmeis were among the other species seen.
I was not out on 24 December but a Goshawk hønsehauk over the house along with the usual White-tailed Eagles havørn was a bonus bird.
On 25 December a family walk to Hjelme Vest was a great success with a White-billed Diver gulnebblom on the sea as the best bird. Also present were at least four Great Northern Diver islom, a couple of Little Auk alkekonge, Black Guillemots teist, 15 Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt, Curlew storspove, a minumum of four White-tailed Eagle havørn, 17 Long-tailed Duck havelle and more besides.
Another family walk, this time to Skogsøy, on 26th gave Peregrine vandrefalk as the best bird. Other sightings included Otter, Grey Seal and at least three White-tailed Eagle havørn
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