Øygarden Birding

Øygarden 17 January 2012

2012-01-17T13:39:00.001+01:00

Southerly winds and overcast.

Moorehen sivhøne at Blomvåg

The Moorehen sivhøne was still present at Blomvåg.

At Tjeldstø good birds included a Goshawk hønsehauk, a single Greylag grågås and a Starling stær.

A walk in the woods beside Storevatnet produced little other than a Woodcock rugde.

Herdlevær 16 January 2012

2012-01-16T13:56:00.000+01:00

Light southerly, calm and overcast.

A quick dash around Herdlevær produced nothing unexpected today. A couple of Black Guillemots teist, a Little Auk alkekonge and a Fieldfare gråtrost were the best of what was on offer.

Hjelme Vest 15 January 2012

2012-01-16T13:54:00.000+01:00

Calm and mild

Excellent conditions again but once more little doing on the sea. Finally picked up a feeding Great Northern Diver islom. Otherwise just 60 Long-tailed Duck havelle and small numbers of Common Scoter svartand and even fewer Eiders ærfugl.

Øygarden 14 January 2012

2012-01-14T20:11:00.001+01:00

Wonderfully calm and relatively mild.

Above and below: record shots of the second year (first winter) Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke

Took things relatively easy today picking up a Kestrel tårnfalk at Ormhilleren, a Curlew storspove and a Puffin lunde at Solberg and a second year Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke at Tjeldstø.

A flock of 60 Common Crossbill grankorsnebb at S. Straumsundet was the biggest flock for some time.

Elsewhere an Eagle Owl hubro gave a single hoot during an hour or so of waiting.

Øygarden 13 January 2012 - Jackdaw

2012-01-13T13:35:00.001+01:00

Strong north westerly gales, occasional wintery showers.

Spent the morning tramping through some pretty heavy terrain seeing very little indeed - but a male Black Grouse orrfugl made it all worthwhile.

A Jackdaw kaie near the "car park" at Skogsøy was the bird of the day and probably the first January record for Øygarden.

A couple of adult Iceland Gulls grønlandsmåke seen from the comfort of my living room provided some additional interest.

Skogsøy 12 January 2012

2012-01-12T14:25:00.000+01:00

North westerly gale with occasional wintery showers

Herring Gull gråmåke at Skogsøy

With strong winds from the north some seawatching was called for. Unfortunately the winds were a bit too strong and there was very little passing. Luckily a Great Northern Diver islom came past struggling into the wind but gave up and turned south again. Otherwise just a few Gannet havsule and small numbers of gulls including a couple of Kittiwake krykkje.

Glaucous Gull polarmåke at Tjeldstø

Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke

Once again Tjeldstø produced the best sightings with the Glaucous Gull polarmåke still present and an adult Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke flew over as I tried to go to the shop.

Øygarden 11 January 2012 - White-winged duo!

2012-01-11T17:25:00.000+01:00

Strong westerly with occasional short showers.

Once again work curtailed the birding but a brief dash out was most productive.

Above and below: heavily cropped record shots of the Glaucous gull polarmåke

First bird I got onto when I lifted my bins at Tjeldstø was a 3rd year Glaucous Gull polarmåke resting with the other gulls at Husvatnet. Other birds at Tjeldstø included a flock of four Fieldfare gråtrost (first of the year), a Snipe enkeltbekkasin, a pipit piplerke, a few Kittiwake krykkje and the usual flock of 10 Tree Sparrows pilfink.

Above and below: Adult Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke

Alvheim was just about dead but produced a nice adult Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke that flew past a couple of times. This is turning into a good winter for this species in Øygarden and the rest of Hordland too. Shetland is also getting more than its fair share of these....

Breivik 09 January 2012 - Iceland Gull

2012-01-09T17:15:00.000+01:00

Southerly with heavy rain most of the day.

Work and familiy commitments meant there was virtually no time out and about today.

Above and below: record shots of the adult Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke at Breivik

However, picked up the elusive Moorehen sivhøne at Blomvåg during some errands and later in the day a quick stroll at Breivik produced a cracking adult Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke feeding in the fields. Little else seen.

Skogsøy 07 January 2012

2012-01-07T14:27:00.000+01:00

Fresh west north-west wind, couple of showers.

Conflicting weather forecasts yesterday evening meant it was a late snap decision to head to Skogsøy, something that paid off reasonably well.

The onshore winds produced some movement, but some species still not showing. Best bird was an unseasonal Fulmar havhest heading north, two Razorbill alke were also new for the year. Other stuff included 45 adult Kittiwake krykkje heading north, a Puffin lunde, small numbers of Little Auk alkekonge and a couple of Gannets havsule.

Øygarden 06 January 2012

2012-01-06T16:10:00.000+01:00

Light northerly with occasional showers.

Rather little about considering the relatively good conditions.

Gannet havsule at Hjelme Vest

Hjelme Vest was again crushingly disappointing, just a few Gannets havsule and several Kittiwake krykkje of note. Very few duck and precious little else on the sea.

Much the same story pretty much everywhere I went today.

Things were somewhat better at Tjeldstø with a flock of three Greylags grågås the first of the year. Other birds inlcuded a Snipe enkeltbekkasin and a Great-spotted Woodpecker flaggspett.

Elsewhere in Øygarden the Moorehen sivhøne was seen again at Blomvåg.

Skogsøy 05 January 2012 - Iceland Gull

2012-01-05T14:00:00.000+01:00

Light northerly with occasional short showers.

Above and below: record shots of Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke

Fantastically long bill on this Curlew storspove - must be a female

Surprisingly pleasant conditions. Sat for a little over 1.5 hours and had a slow but steady trickle of stuff moving north. Most surprising bird was the very first - a Puffin lunde heading north. Not long after this a third year (or perhaps an adult) Iceland Gull grønlandsmåke flew past. An excellent start to the day!

Other stuff on the move were small numbers of Little Auk alkekonge, 14 Kittiwake krykkje, several Gannets havsule and the first Curlew storspove of the year. A Common Gull fiskemåke was a slightly unusual winter bird for Skogsøy.

Looked for the Lesser Scaup purpurhodeand but again it was not to be seen. Looks like it has probably moved on....

Øygarden 04 January 2012 - Scaup

2012-01-04T13:56:00.000+01:00

North westerly with wintery showers.

Covered a number of localities further south than I usually cover - something that paid off quite well. In the Toftøy area we picked up a Water Rail vannrikse and a female Scaup bergand at the first locality. Water Rail are rather uncommon in winter so this was a good find. A single Redwing rødvingetrost was the first for some time.

Part of a mixed flock of Scaup bergand and Tufted duck toppand at Nordlavatnet

The next stop, Nordlavatnet, produced four more Scaup bergand together with seven Tufted Duck toppand. A Great-spotted Woodpecker flaggspett was another new species for the year.

After that it was more of the usual fare at the usual spots with an obvious northbound movement of Kittiwake krykkje and a Gannet havsule at Solberg.

At Tjeldstø the nine Bean Geese sædgås were seen on Rotevatnet.

Øygarden 03 January 2012 - Bean Geese return

2012-01-03T14:38:00.000+01:00

Chilly southerly wind with wintery showers.

Hjelme Vest was very quiet and it was a struggle to get even some of the usual suspects. A Black Guillemot teist was the best of the stuff on the sea. Crested Tit toppmeis and Wren gjerdesmett were also new for the year.

At Hjelme condtions were little better but I managed to pick up a couple of Woodcock rugde and a Goldcrest fuglekonge.

Alvheim produced a distant Peregrine vandrefalk and another small raptor that escaped identification. Also of interest was a flock of small finches on one of the islands - just like last time I was there. Would be nice to know what they were....

Tjeldstø was yet again best with the flock of nine Bean Geese sædgås together with one Pinkfoot kortnebbgås, also a Sparrowhawk spurvehauk, a Starling stær and the first Robin rødstrupe of the year.

White-tailed Eagle havørn "everywhere"

Herdlevær 02 January 2012

2012-01-02T20:28:00.000+01:00

South westerly with occasional showers.

Work and family commitments put something of a brake on the birding today but still managed a few new birds for the brand new year-list. Highlights were a Goshawk hønsehauk and three Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin.

Other new species for the year included a few Rock Pipit skjæprpiplerke.

Øygarden 01 January 2012 - Bird Race Day 3

2012-01-01T17:34:00.000+01:00

Light southerly, rain

Took things rather easier today and only saw a few good birds.

At Alvheim a Pergegrine vandrefalk was the best bird of the day, four Velvet Scoter sjøorre also seen here along with White-tailed Eagles havørn and a single Kittiwake krykkje.

Solberg produced just a few Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt and a Kittiwake krykkje along with most of the usual species.

Tjeldstø produced little for me - just a few each of Common Gull fiskemåke, Black-headed Gull hettemåke, Little Auks alkekonge and a Sparrowhawk spurvehauk. The nine Bean Geese sædgås and a Kestrel tårnfalk were also reported from Tjeldstø

Øygarden 31 December 2011 - Bird Race Day 2

2011-12-31T19:14:00.002+01:00

Fresh and chilly SE wind, snow showers later

Another day marred by species missed - once again many of the regular species failed to show which put a downer on the first part of the day. However, had it not been for the fact this was meant to be a bird race this would have been a superb day's birding.

At Hjelme Vest a couple of Curlew storspove, a few small flocks of Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt and a Common Gull fiskemåke were the only new species. Small numbers of Little Auk alkekonge and the usual seaduck also present.

At Hjelme a couple of Woodcock rugde were just about the only birds to be seen.

A good alternative to turkey dinner at New Year - a freshly dead Whooper Swan sangsvane

Passing Nautnes I found a feshly dead Whooper Swan sangsvane - probably killed by collision with overhead lines. Briefly considered as an alternative to the New Year Turkey I took the bird home with me.

Female Scaup bergand at Alvheim

Next stop was Alvheim where the only bird of note was a female Scaup bergand.

Three of the European Whitefronts tundragås at Tjeldstø

Final locality was Tjeldstø which again saved the day with nine Tundra Bean Geese sædgås, a Pinkfoot kortnebbgås, a Razorbill alke and a Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin. I thought that was that for the day but after a tip off I headed out again to Ådnevika to see a flock of six European Whitefronts (albifrons) tundragås. All the previous Whitefronts this year in Øygarden have been of the European form albifrons.

Øygarden 30 December 2011 - New Year's Bird Race Day 1

2011-12-30T18:01:00.000+01:00

Light northerly with hail / snow showers.

A day that seemed dogged by failure with lots of "no-shows" on species I had expected to see. Such is birding.

Started the day at Skogsøy - somewhat predictably at the "Pollane" but there was no sign of any American ducks there today.

Gannet havsule at Skogsøy

Althought there was a little movement over the sea a number of hoped-for species did not show. Eight Gannets havsule and five Kittiwake krykkje heading north and small numbers of Little Auk alkekonge was all I had to show for my efforts.

Best bird of the day by far was seen on the way back to the car - a rather unseasonal Short-eared Owl jordugle. Also seen on the way back was a flock of seven Greylags grågås heading south. Other species included a Fieldfare gråtrost with 15 Starling stær near the car park.

Eagle Owl hubro - a nice bonus bird

I then proceeded to a variety of localities which by and large failed to produce the expected species - with one notable exception: Eagle Owl hubro. You beauty!!

Tjeldstø produced an unusual fresh water Common Scoter svartand, a Velvet Scoter sjøorre on the sea, Whoopers sangsvane and the usual.

Øygarden 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T14:19:00.000+01:00

Strong southerly gale and rain. Challenging conditions to put it mildly.

With very little light and a lot of water scanning the sea at Dåvøy and Solberg produced little - although the duck flocks were relatively close in at the latter locality. At Solberg a diver on the sea managed to evade identification.

Once again Tjeldstø saved the day with the flock of nine rossicus Bean Goose sædgås and two Pinkfeet kortnebbgås back in the fields. Hope they stay for the upcoming New Year Bird Race....

December 27 December 2011 - Herdlevær

2011-12-27T15:08:00.001+01:00

Very strong westerlies, hail showers but generally quite pleasant.

A few scarce winter visitors made the trip worthwhile - two Lapwing vipe and seven Starling stær may have been blown in by the recent storms. A Curlew storspove was probably new in whereas three Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin were long-stayers.

Four Black-headed Gulls hettmåke flew past the house in the afternoon - a massive winter flock for these parts.

Road kill at Oen - the knife is 13cm long so this bird was not small....

Øygarden 24 December 2011

2011-12-27T15:05:00.001+01:00

At least one birder attempted to see the Lesser Scaup purpurhodeand but without success.

I pottered about several localities seeing rather little - a Goshawk hønsehauk flying over the road at Breivik being the best bird.

An intriguing bit of road kill at Oen in the form of some interesting legs and feet provided something of an ID challenge. Given the time of year Turkey might be a good guess...

.Common Crossbill grankorsnebb - still plenty about

Øygarden 23 December 2011 - Lesser Scaup still present!

2011-12-27T15:02:00.000+01:00

Reasonable weather.

Predictably a number of birders found time out of the run-up to Christmas to twitch the Lesser Scaup purpurhodehand. Most who tried connected with the bird but there was at least one failure....

Personally I daw little of consequence - 15 Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt and a Jay nøtteskrike at Avheim being the most noteworthy sightings.

Skogsøy 22 December 2011 - LESSER SCAUP CONFIRMED!

2011-12-22T15:17:00.000+01:00

Southerly, dull and overcast.

The first flap confirmed suspicions about the identity of this bird - grey on all primaries!

Getting slightly closer - but light still terrible

Head profile clearly visible in this shot

The high peak at the back of the head is unlike any Greater Scaup

Spooked by raptor or Raven it took flight - giving a clear view of the underwings. Dark bases to the flight feather s were another nail in the ID coffin....

Better view of the wingbar - clearly showing the brown-grey colouration on all primaries

A clearer shot of the underwing

And finally a gratuitous flight shot that adds little or nothing to the above...

It was a good call to go back out for another look for the intersting duck I found a few days ago. The bird was present again in exactly the same place I found it first time. After a long wait during feeding, diappearing and sleeping the bird finally flapped its wings....and the wingbar fit LESSER SCAUP PURPURHODEAND exactly!

Further waiting brought the bird no closer so bill detail was difficult to document with photographs. Luckily, the other birder present - newly moved into Øygarden - managed to confirm lack of / very limited black nail on the beak.

If accepted this record will be the first record for the county of Hordaland and possibly only the fifth for Norway (someone correct me here as I am not sure about this) depending on whether one counts returning birds as new.

The bird finally started to come closer but was spooked by something (heard Ravens alarming but didn't dare look away from the viewfinder). It then flew a short distance but this gave the long awaited view of the underwing - again confirming the identification and hopefully ruling out all talk of hybridisation...

Many thanks to all those who have been assisting (and encouraging me!) with this tricky bird!

Finally an introduction to something almost as rare as the duck - a birder living in Øygarden. Nigel Goodgame has recently moved to Øygarden from inland UK. He has already found a number of goodies on previous trips and will no doubt find plenty more -but what a way to kick off living and birding in Norway!

Nigel Goodgame - one of two very happy birders at Skogsøy today

There are now three birders living in Øygarden. Only one of them is Norwegian.....

Øygarden 21 December 2011

2011-12-21T15:03:00.000+01:00

Calm and sunny, light covering of snow. Fog rolled in off the sea in the afternoon.

Above and below: Jay nøtteskrike

Just about a record shot of the Golden Eagle kongeørn - it looked a lot better in the telescope!

Alvheim was decidedly the best spot today with a number of decent sightings - the best of which was a young Golden Eagle kongeørn - the first I've seen in Øygarden this year (missed the previous one in March). Other good birds inlcuded a Jay nøtteskrike, the female Scaup bergand and an adult Goshawk hønesehauk.

At least five White-tailed Eagle havørn present and a couple of Black Guillemot teist too.

At Tjeldstø a flock of five Snipe enkeltbekkasin and a lone Redwing rødvingetrost were the pick of the day.

Skogsøy 20 December 2011

2011-12-20T17:48:00.000+01:00

Clear and sunny cold SE wind.

A Woodcock rugde flew over the garden before I left the house.

I was out at Skogsøy before the sun came up but despite searching for a few hours yesterday's duck was nowhere to be seen - just the Common Scoter svartand it was associating with.

Above and below: hunting Kestrel tårnfalk

The reason the Kestrel was rather warmly coloured....spectacular sunrise

Goshawk hønsehauk

All was not lost as a couple of good winter sightings put in an appearance - a Kestrel tårnfalk and at least one Snow Bunting snøspurv. Other raptors included a Peregrine vandrefalk, a Goshawk hønsehauk and at least two very vocal White-tailed Eagles havørn.

Nothing strange about this Scaup bergand...

Domestic duties produced a quite normal looking Scaup bergand at Alvheim - a bird that gives more confidence to yesterday's bird....

Skogsøy 19 December 2011 - Small Scaup?

2011-12-19T18:15:00.000+01:00

Cold north-westerly wind but nice day in shelter....

Interesting head profile and small compared to Common Scoter svartand

Here the size of the bird compared to Common Scoter svartand (left) and Long-tailed Duck havelle (right)

Above and below - seems to have a high crown and flat top to the head rather than sloping backwards

Spent rather a lot of time on a Scaup bergand that seemed rather small and high-crowned. It never came any closer and the light didn't get any better so I gave up and left it at that.

Whilst watching the Scaup a Black-throated Diver storlom flew south - a nice bonus bird.

Little doing over the sea though a Peregrine vandrefalk came past at close range.

Still plenty of Common Crossbill grankorsnebb about - no Parrots though...

At least three White-tailed Eagles havørn about today

Other birds incluced several Razorbill alke and a flock of five Greylag grågås heading south.

Hjelme Vest 18 December 2011 - White-billed Diver

2011-12-18T18:50:00.000+01:00

Calm and relatively mild, some light rain.

Above and below: Heavily cropped shots of White-billed Diver gulnebblom at Hjelme Vest.

Hjelme Vest was easier to check out than of late due to calm sea conditions. Best sighting was an adult White-billed Diver gulnebblom on the sea. Seems like this species is becoming a commoner winter visitor in recent years.

Other birds here included a Great Northern Diver islom, a Curlew storspove (overwintering birds finally arrived!), a few Black Guillemots teist, a couple of Little Auk alkekonge, a Razorbill alke, several White-tailed Eagle havørn and increased numbers of seaduck inlcuding a few Velvet Scoter sjøorre.

Above and below: Tundra Bean Geese sædgås at Tjeldstø

The nine Tundra Bean Geese sædgås remain at Tjeldstø together with a couple of Pinkfeet kortnebbgås.

A Little Auk alkekonge seen later in the day whilst not birding

Øygarden 17 December 2011 - Moorehen

2011-12-17T16:05:00.000+01:00

Relatively calm and mild. Light rain in the afternoon.

Whooper Swans sangsvane at Tjeldstø

An unforgivable camera battery mix-up meant that the eight rossicus Bean Geese sædgås, the Great Whitefront tundragås and a Pinkfoot kortnebbgås went unphotographed at close range and in good light. It was good to see a small flock of Whoopers sangsvane in the reserve. Other birds inlcuded 10+ Starling stær and Common Crossbills grankorsnebb.

Record shot of the Moorehen sivhøne

A tip-off about a Moorehen sivhøne at Blomvatnet meant a slight diversion to pick up this hard to get Øygarden species - the last time I saw Moorehen in Øygarden was in November 2005.

A stroll at Herdlevær produced nothing out of the ordinary - the highlight being a party of three Snipe enkeltbekkasin.

Tjeldstø 16 December 2011 - Tundra Bean Geese

2011-12-16T17:56:00.000+01:00

Another day of good weather - and another spent not birding.

In rapidly failing light a short stroll at Tjeldstø really produced the goods in the form of nine Tundra Bean Geese (rossicus) sædgås. With them were an adult albifrons Whitefront tundragås and a couple of Pinkfeet kortnebbgås.

Other sightings of interest included a couple of Redwing rødvingetrost and a flock of 10 Starling stær.

Øygarden 15 December 2011

2011-12-16T17:52:00.000+01:00

Calm and mild.

Velvet Scoter sjøorre

Excellent weather so I was predictably stuck inside all day. A run to the shops produced a couple of Greylags grågås and Kollsnes and a pair of Velvet Scoter sjøorre on the sea at Oen.

Chaffinch bokfink flock in the garden now at 17.

Øygarden 14 December 2011

2011-12-14T16:48:00.001+01:00

Southerly strong gale force winds.

At Solberg just a couple of White-tailed Eagle havørn and an Otter. Duck numbers increased as mountainous seas force the birds into relatively sheltered waters.

At Alvheim the best bird was a Guillemot lomvi - first for some time and a Gannet havsule also passed.

Cormorant storskarv - quite possibly a sinensis bird.

Tjeldstø produced little - just a Little Auk alkekonge and a Black-headed Gull hettemåke of near interest.

Tjeldstø 11 December 2011

2011-12-11T20:26:00.000+01:00

Fresh SSE, mildish.

Highlight was an unseasonal Turnstone steinvender. Late migrants / overwintering birds included a Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin, a Redwing rødvingetrost and a Starling stær.

Otherwise just a couple of Rock Pipit skjærpiplerke, a Little Auk alkekonge and the usual.

Good numbers of birds at the feeders including up to 70 Greenfinch grønnfink, several Tree Sparrow pilfink and a small flock of Chaffinch bokfink.

Herdlevær 10 December 2011

2011-12-10T17:38:00.001+01:00

Calm and mild again.

Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt

Song Thrush måltrost

Soon spring......?!

Pleasant conditions but a short stroll produced only a handfull of late migrants - nine Redwing rødvingetrost, a Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin and a Song Thrush måltrost (rare December sighting!)

Several Purple sands fjæreplytt, Black Guillemot teist, Rock Pipits skjærpiplerke and of course several White-tailed Eagles havørn also seen.

Hjelme West & Sæle 09 December 2011

2011-12-10T17:34:00.001+01:00

Calm and relatively mild.

Best sighthing was probably Woodcock rugde in the woods at Hjelme West where there were also at least five White-tailed Eagle havørn, a Black Guillemot teist, Rock Pipit skjærpiplerke and small numbers of the usual seaduck. Nice views of an Otter catching and eating crabs here.

At Sæle several Little Auk alkekonge, a few Kittiwake krykkje and the usual.

Øygarden 08 December 2011

2011-12-08T18:22:00.001+01:00

Southerly wind and cold with it.

One of four Great Northern Diver islom seen today

At Dåvøy there were two Great Northern Divers islom on the sea, a Black-headed Gull hettemåke (no doubt the same bird as recently seen at Herdlevær), a couple of Redwing rødvingetrost and two Rock Pipit skjærpiplerke.

Solberg was rather quiet with just a couple of Little Auk alkekonge knocking about and a Great Northern Diver islom heading south. Also a Gannet havsule and a single Kittiwake krykkje here.

A brief stop at Alvheim produced yet another Great Northern Diver islom on the sea, a distant Peregrine vandrefalk and at least four White-tailed Eagle havørn.

Solberg 07 December 2011 - Hen Harrier!

2011-12-07T18:38:00.001+01:00

Calm and sunny.

The weather was fantastic so typically I was busy with other commitments all day - only managing half an hour or so at Solberg.

The distant speck to the top left is a Hen Harrier myrhauk (honest!) - the perched raptor is White-tailed Eagle havørn

White-tailed Eagle havørn at Solberg

Highlight by far was a ringtail Hen Harrier myrhauk circling over one of the islands before heading north. Rare at the best of times this is probably the first December occurrence in Øygarden.

A Great Northern Diver islom was almost certainly the same bird seen yesterday. Other sightings included 10 Greylags grågås heading north, a Black Guillemot teist, a Common Seal steinkobbe and an Otter.

Dolphins jumping at Tjeldstø

Common Crossbill grankorsnebb in the garden

At Tjeldstø a pod of approximately 20 Dolphins were an excellent bonus.

Øygarden 06 December 2011 - Don't land on the ice!

2011-12-06T17:47:00.000+01:00

Started clearish and calmish but rapidly deteriorated to a day long snow storm.

Ice-skating Little Auk alkekonge

I was heading away from the auk by the time this happened...

It was barely light when I spotted a Little Auk alkekonge out on the ice on Husvatnet. After a few half-hearted attempts at take off it was snatched by one of the local Hooded Crows kråke and carried off. Had it landed on the open water just a few metres away it could easily have dived and escaped....

Male Pochard taffeland on Husvatnet

A male Pochard taffeland on Husvatnet and a couple of flocks of geese also flew over Tjeldstø.

A short boat trip around Alvheim and Solberg produced a couple of Great Northern Divers islom, a few Fieldfare gråtrost, three Starling stær and at least two White-tailed Eagles havørn. But with visibility virtually nil and appalling conditions we gave up and headed home.

Bad news on getting home was that my camera has stopped working....this will no doubt be expensive.

Herdlevær 05 December 2011 - winter

2011-12-05T16:44:00.000+01:00

A bitingly cold north-westerly wind with prolonged hail / snow showers meant that things felt pretty wintery today.

Pick of the sightings were a Black-headed Gull hettemåke and three Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin but the best experience were a few Purple Sandpipers fjæreplytt rumaging around on the shore. Cold work lying on the rocks trying to take some pictures in the atrocious light conditions.

Rock pipit skjærpiplerke with pale legs and pale wingbars..

At least two Rock pipits skjærpiplerke - one of which made me look twice....

Øygarden 04 December 2011

2011-12-05T16:37:00.000+01:00

Strong westerly but little in the way of rain.

Spent the day in the Rong area but apart from at least three White-tailed Eagle havørn, a couple of Gannets havsule and a small flock of Redwing rødvingetrost there wasn't much to be seen.

Saw more from the house with Brambling bjørkefink in the garden and a flock of geese dropped in - four fabalis Bean Goose sædgås, three Pinkfeet kortnebbgås and 12 Greylags grågås.

A hunting Goshawk hønsehauk over the car was another bonus bird.

Øygarden 03 December 2011

2011-12-03T19:23:00.002+01:00

Gale force SW with showers at times.

Best bird today was seen from the house - a Great Northern Diver islom heading down the fjord. Also most of the usual including a couple of White-tailed Eagle havørn, 11 Chaffinches bokfink and small numbers of Tree Sparrows pilfink.

Leaving the house for a bit of a walk didn't really add to the species list but several more White-tailed Eagles havørn seen.

Skogsøy etc 02 December 2011

2011-12-02T16:55:00.001+01:00

Fresh north westerly but CONSIDERABLY calmer than the last few days. Steady hail showers most of the morning.

As if by magic the birds turned out in force - goodness knows where they go during the storms but they turn up as soon as the weather abates.

At Skogsøy there was again no "morning after" movement of stuff but a HUGE falcon almost caught a Raven ravn it was chasing. Looked Peregrine-like but was really massive. Another much smaller Peregrine vandrefalk was in the usual spot hunting - and caught what looked like a Little Auk alkekonge. At least three White-tailed Eagle havørn knocking about along with usual Long-tailed Duck havelle, Crested Tit toppmeis etc.

The goose flock at Breivik consisted of 28 Greylags grågås, four Bean Geese sædgås (probably fabalis) and a single Pinkfoot kortnebbgås. Best bird here - and an Øygarden year tick for me - was a Yellowhammer gulspurv. So still some migration going then...

First year Black-throated Diver storlom at Solberg (it had an obvious flank patch at other times - so don't get funny ideas...)

Goldeneye kvinand in the fading light

Wren gjerdesmett - the mild weather is at least good for this species - something they deserve after the last two killer winters.

At Solberg a first year Black-throated Diver storlom (a good winter bird), a Peregrine vandrefalk and a flock of 15 Redwing rødvingetrost were the best of the sightings.

Tjeldstø 01 December 2011

2011-12-02T16:46:00.000+01:00

Very strong gale force winds and heavy showers.

Finally stayed in and got some work done for once. A brief look at Solberg produced just a couple of Purple Sands fjæreplytt and a flock of gulls trying their best to shelter from the wind and waves. Sea spray reduced visibility considerably and it was impossible to hold the scope steady.

Cormorant storskarv at Tjeldstø

At Tjeldstø a small flock of Comon Crossbills grankorsnebb and most of the usual stuff.

Øygarden 30 November 2011 - Great Northern Diver

2011-11-30T17:37:00.000+01:00

Gale force winds yet again but only a few showers.

Started the day in the north of Øygarden but had very little of interest there. No noticable movements over the sea or the fjord. A small flock of Redwings rødvingetrost at Hellesøy were the only thing almost worth mentioning.

A few late Woodpigeon ringdue and a Rock pipit skjærpiplerke were the best of what little there was at Sæle.

Jackdaw kaie - a late autumn migrant

A Jackdaw kaie at Skjold after I'd given up and was on my way home was the bird of the day in an Øygarden context and proof that new stuff must still be coming in....First of the autumn for me.

First year Great Northern Diver islom

The daily chores proved altogether more productive with nice views of a first year Great Northern Diver islom at Heggøy.

Skogsøy 28 November - Morning after the night before...

2011-11-28T16:47:00.000+01:00

Brisk onshore winds but considerably calmer than yesterday!!

At least things looked good today....

Great Northern Diver islom

Long-tailed Ducks havelle

Cormorant storskarv over rough seas

Hoping for some morning after effects at Skogsøy after yesterday's storm I slogged out knee deep in the mush that is now the path only to confirm that there was in fact little in the way of passage. A Great Northern Diver islom was the best bird, otherwise just small numbers of Kittiwake krykkje, Little Auk alkekonge and Common Scoter svartand.

A couple of Woodcock rugde in the woods along with Sparrowhawk spurvehauk, White-tailed Eagle havørn and the usual suspects meant there was stuff to see despite the lack of storm driven birds.

A dead Heron gråhegre illustrated very well why cables should go in the ground in bird rich areas like Øygarden. It is unbeleivable that the power people have suggested power lines next to / through the reserve at Tjeldstø. Don't get me started on that one....

Grey Heron gråhegre killed by overhead cables

Next stop was Kollsnes Næringspark - had to check the fjord in case everything was coming down the inside today. No birds passing and, perhaps more interestingly - no windmill. The owner, Sway, was unaware of this development at the time the picture below was taken....

Sometimes it what you don't see...in this case a windmill would normally have shown up here.

Øygarden 27 November 2011

2011-11-27T15:52:00.000+01:00

Strong SW and rain during the morning, NW storm for a period in the afternoon.

Herdlevær produced a late Golden Plover heilo as a surprise bird. Other stuff here included a flock of at least 12 Pinkfeet kortnebbgås flying over, 15 Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt sheltering from the weather and a minimum of six Rock Pipits skjærpiplerke.

Common Crossbills grankorsnebb at Herdlevær

Breivik held a decent selection of geese again - with four Bean Geese sædgås, seven Whitefronts tundragås, several Pinkfeet kortnebbgås and at least 20 Greylags grågås.

fabalis Bean Geese sædgås at Breivik

Looking out over Hjeltefjorden from my sitting room window during the afternoon produced at least a couple of Fulmar havhest, a late Curlew storspove (first for ages), Little Auks alkekonge and more.

Herdlevær 26 November 2011

2011-11-26T14:53:00.000+01:00

Strong SW winds, showers. Dull.

Just a quick stroll which produced barely even the usual suspects - just White-tailed Eagles havørn, a Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin and a small flock of Common Crossbills grankorsnebb.

A roadside Goshawk hønsehauk feeding on a freshly killed goose gave superb roadside views. Don't get to see them like this every day!

Øygarden 25 November 2011

2011-11-25T13:43:00.000+01:00

South westerly gale, heavy seas

White-tailed Eagle havørn at Solberg

Little at Solberg other than the usual White-tailed Eagles havørn and a flock of 15 or so Purple Sandpipers fjæreplytt - forced onto one of the nearest islands by high water levels and very heavy seas.

Tjeldstø was slightly better with the Pochard taffeland pair still present on Rotevatnet. A Wigeon brunnakke, a couple of Razorbill alke and two Velvet Scoter sjøorre were other species seen here.

A drive-by at Breivik produced 26 Greylags grågås and eight White-fronts tundragås.

Øygarden 24 November 2011 - the one that got away

2011-11-24T14:28:00.003+01:00

Calm and mild.

Started the day at Svellingen where there was very little movement. A Little Auk alkekonge, a Snipe enkeltbekkasin and at least two White-tailed Eagle havørn were among the few birds seen.

Then a report of an unidenfied pale raptor further south meant we sped off in an attempt to head the bird off somewhere. Unfortunately we failed but picked up a few compensatory birds along the way...

At Kollnes næringspark a very unseasonal Great Skua storjo headed north up Hjeltefjord and a White-billed Diver gulnebblom flew south. Little Auk alkekonge, Kittiwake krykkje and at least three White-tailed Eagle havørn were the pick of the bunch.

Record shot of two Pochard taffeland on Rotevatnet, Tjeldstø. Bird on the left is a Goldeneye kvinand.

Tjeldstø was far from dead with two Pochard taffeland and a Scaup bergand on Rotevatnet together with a Whooper sangsvane. A Teal krikkand was with the Mallard stokkand on Husvatnet.

Otherwise Sparrowhawks spurvehauk and Common Crossbills grankorsnebb "everywhere", a couple of Fieldfare gråtrost flocks.

All in all not a bad morning out.

Herdlevær 23 November 2011

2011-11-23T13:05:00.000+01:00

Southerly gale and very dull. Rain from around 10:30 onwards.

Wish I could say this arty speed effect was deliberate - three Little Auks alkekonge passing.

More conventional image of Little Auks alkekonge

Herring Gull gråmåke

Cormorant storskarv

Three Bean Geese sædgås

Very much the usual suspects - the strong winds slowed down any passage considerably. About 20 Little Auk alkekonge heading south, several Rock Pipits skjærpiplerke and five late Lapwings vipe were the pick of the sightings.

The goose flock was still present at Breivik - today there were still eight Whitefronts tundragås, three Bean Geese sædgås and 26 Greylags grågås. At least four Woodpigeon ringdue fed in the fields with the geese.

Skogsøy 22 November 2011

2011-11-22T18:57:00.000+01:00

Strong SSW and overcast.

A good morning out. A short seawatch produced plenty of birds heading south - in 1.5 hours the following passed (all south):

Little Auk alkekonge 84
Common Scoter svartand 98
Velvet Scoter sjøorre 2
Red-throated Diver smålom 7
Goldeneye kvinand 2
Kittiwake krykkje 13
Common Gull fiskemåke 30
Herring Gull gråmåke 100
Razorbill alke 2

Common Scoter svartand

Little Auk alkekonge

Velvet Scoter sjøorre

On the way home the roadside fields held what may be the most interesting flocks of geese ever seen in Øygarden:
Albifrons White-fronts tundragås 8 (2 ad, 6 first years)
Fabalis (TAIGA) Bean Goose sædgås 4
Pinkfoot kortnebbgås 13+
Greylag grågås 23

Bean Goose sædgås in the foreground together with Pinkfeet kortnebbgås, two more behind.

Four fabalis Bean Geese sædgås in the above picture, two Pinkfeet kortnebbgås (left hand birds), a 1K Whitefront tundragås bottom right and a Greylag grågås in the background.

Fabalis Bean Goose sædgås

Albifrons Whitefronts tundragås with a Taiga Bean Goose sædgås in the background

Breivik 21 November 2011

2011-11-21T17:58:00.001+01:00

Rather better conditions today but still very overcast.

Greylags grågås

A short stroll at Breivik showed that the Bean Goose sædgås was still present with 13 Pinkfeet kortnebbgås whilst the Greylag grågås flock grazed at Kollsnes. No sign of the White-fronts tundragås today.

Barely even the usual stuff seen elsewhere - Solberg very quiet and not much at Tjeldstø either other than a few White-tailed Eagles havørn.

Hjelme Vest 20 November 2011

2011-11-20T14:21:00.001+01:00

Southerly and overcast.

A quick look at the sea produced nothing unexpected - a nice Great Northern Diver islom, flocks of Common Scoter svartand, Long-tailed Duck havelle, a few Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt and a flock of eight Red-throated Diver smålom heading south. Small numbers of Kittiwake krykkje, a Otter and a couple of Porpoises also seen.

A Woodcock rugde was the only bird of note in the woods.

Common Crossbill grankorsnebb

Female Blackcap munk at Sæle

An even briefer stop at Sæle on the way home produced a couple of Blackcap munk and two Woodpigeon ringdue. Sadly a large number of the elderberry trees which are so attractive to migrants have been cut down.

Breivik 19 November 2011 - Wild Goose Chase 2

2011-11-19T19:44:00.000+01:00

Slightly less wind with very little rain but foggy. WAY better conditions than yesterday.

Altogether more successful today. A fabalis (Taiga) Bean Goose sædgås together with 13 Pinkfeet kortnebbgås were virtually the first birds of the day. At least 25 Greylags grågås joined them and in the next field seven albifrons White-fronts tundragås were a welcome bonus. Seems like my suspicions from yesterday were correct on both counts.

First view of Taiga Bean Goose sædgås with Pinkfeet kortnebbgås in the fog

Above and below Bean Goose sædgås with Pinkfeet kortnebbgås

A late Woodpigeon ringdue shared the same fields along with Starling stær, Snipe enkeltbekkasin and Fieldfares gråtrost.

Other stuff included a Goshawk hønsehauk at Herdlevær and a Pochard taffeland and a late Meadow Pipit heipiplerke at Tjeldstø.

Small numbers of Whooper Swans sangsvane seen at both Kollsnes and Tjeldstø.

Breivik 18 November 2011 - Wild Goose Chase

2011-11-19T19:33:00.000+01:00

Very strong southerly winds and constant driving rain. Truly foul conditions.

Plenty of gesse but playing hard to get in the, to put it mildly, difficult conditions. At least 30 Greylags grågås was a respectable flock for the time of year. A single Bean Goose sædgås thankfully called as it passed quite close overhead, Pinkfeet kortnebbgås also heard and a flock of 10-15 birds were probably this species. A flock of seven smaller geese could well have been White-fronts tundragås.

Tried following the elusive gesse from field to field but only really managed to pin down the Greylags grågås. In the end I admitted degeat and went home....

Other stuff included an unseasonal flock of 11 Lapwing vipe and a flock of Starling stær.

Whilst I was away....

2011-11-19T19:26:00.000+01:00

Just my luck for the weather to change the moment I left Øygarden.....

Good birds came thick and fast with Gadwall snadderand, Bean Goose sædgås, Rough-legged Buzzard fjellvåk (surprisngly rare out at the coast!), Shorelark fjelllerke (ditto that for RLB) as the best of the bunch.

Other stuff included Pochard taffeland, White-fronts tundragås and more.

Interestingly I had both Bean Goose and White-front on the same day - whilst well offshore in the German Sector. Plenty more good stuff onboard inlcuding Bittern rørdrum, Water Rail vannrikse and an assortment of owls.....more on this at a later date.

Herdlevær 31 October 2011 - Shrike

2011-10-31T16:21:00.002+01:00

Fresh southerly, overcast but very little precipitation.

Just about the first bird today was an interesting shrike. The orange tail started the adrenalin pumping but after some observation I think this bird is "just" a Red-backed Shrike tornskate with a redder than normal tail. A few birders came out and twitched it - a year tick for some and county ticks for others....

Other birds included a decent flock of Common Crossbill grankorsnebb, a late Wheatear steinskvett (looking rather Greenland-like as have many of the recent birds), several Kittiwake krykkje and a Little Auk alkekonge.

Kittiwake krykkje

Common Crossbill grankorsnebb

Øygarden 30 October 2011

2011-10-30T13:36:00.001+01:00

Fresh southerly and heavy showers at times.

A Jay nøtteskrike and a Brambling bjørkefink at Hjelmo.

At Sæle a minimum of 10 Blackcap munk fed in the elderberry bushes and plenty of Common Crossbill grankorsnebb again.

Hjelme West was largely quiet with best sightings a flock of 80 Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt and an Otter.

Record shot of a male Two-barred Crossbill båndkorsnebb (right hand bird) together with a Common Crossbill grankorsnebb.

Bird of the day was seen on the way home - a Two-barred Crossbill båndkorsnebb together with a Common Crossbill grankorsnebb between Hatten and Nautnes.

Herdlevær 29 October 2011

2011-10-30T13:31:00.001+01:00

Very strong southerly, showers.

Goshawk hønsehauk being chased by Hooded Crow kråke

Rock Pipit skjærpiplerke

Difficult conditions yet again. Not much seen with best bird being a massive Goshawk hønsehauk.

Seven Greylags grågås at Breivik.

Øygarden 28 October 2011

2011-10-28T19:45:00.000+02:00

Fresh WSW, sunny with some showers.

A late start today. Popped in at a few localities which produced some typical late autumn species.

Mistle Thrush duetrost at Tjeldstø

White-tailed Eagle havørn at Solberg - it seems the vast majority are ringed

Above and below: Wheatear steinskvett at Alvheim

At Solberg there was an obvious but frustratingly difficult movement of seabirds inlcuding Little Auks alkekonge and Kittiwakes krykkje. Seeing distant flocks disappear in wave troughs most of the time was too much to cope with and lacking the time to make it to Skogsøy I gave up.

At Alvheim a late Wheatear steinskvett gave good roadside views - a continuation of the excellent late autumn run this year. A Chiff-chaff gransanger was another late migrant here.

At Tjeldstø a Mistle Thrush duetrost was the bird of the day, other species included a Woodcock rugde, three Skylark sanglerke, several Little Auk alkekonge, the first Velvet Scoter sjøorre for some time, a very late Oystercatcher tjeld, a couple of Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt and at least 60 Common Crossbill grankorsnebb.

Herdelvær 27 October 2011

2011-10-28T09:38:00.002+02:00

Strong SSE winds and torrential rain most of the time.

Difficult to say the least. Highlight was at least one Wheatear steinksvett. Other migrants inlcuded Common Crossbills grankorsnebb - a species that has been very obvious recently.

Other stuff inlcuded a few Purple Sandpipers fjæreplytt and most of the usual suspects.

A flock of eight Lapwing vipe were at Breivik / Kollsnes.

Hernar 26 October 2011 - Black Redstart

2011-10-26T15:13:00.000+02:00

Strong Easterly and sunny.

A decent enough half day on the island - though quiet compared to Monday.

Highlight was a Black Redstart svartrødstjert that gave brief views just before the boat back to the mainland. A couple of Tree Sparrow pilfink were the first I've had on Hernar this year.

Other stuff included a Jack Snipe kvartbekkasin and a late Wheatear steinskvett.

Lots of Blackbird svarttrost on the move recently

One of two Tree Sparrow pilfink on the island today

Common Redpoll gråsisik

Mink

Song Thrush måltrost

A brief stop at Sæle on the way home produced 10 Blackcap munk and a Chiff-chaff gransanger.

Herdlevær 25 October 2011

2011-10-25T18:39:00.000+02:00

Fresh easterly wind, warm and sunny again.

Another good morning out, although nothing quite like yesterday. Highlights were a flock of four Wheatear steinskvett, a Great Northern Diver islom, Peregrine vandrefalk and a Lapland Bunting lappspurv.

White-tailed Eagle havørn

First year Great Northern Diver islom

Sparrowhawk spurvehauk

Gannet havsule

Red-breasted Merganser siland

Herring Gull gråmåke

Other sightings included a decent passage of Sparrowhawk spurvehauk (at least 10), a Goshawk hønsehauk, several Little Auk alkekonge and good numbers of Fieldfare gråtrost, Starling stær and Woodpigeon ringdue on the move.

At Tjeldstø a Swallow låvesvale flew south and at least one, probably two Pintail stjertand were seen briefly on Husvatnet.

A harrier sp kjerrhauk and a Two-barred Crossbill båndkorsnebb were among other birds reported today.

Hernar 24 October 2011 - Migration!

2011-10-24T22:45:00.000+02:00

Fresh south-easterly and SUNNY. Very warm for so late in the year.

A SUPERB day spent birding Hernar. There was non-stop action from dawn until we left at 16:45. Plenty of visible migration and lots of stuff on the island itself.

Rook kornkråke

Twite bergirsik - numbers have now dropped to only seven birds

Above and below Little Auk alkekonge - good numbers passing with many at close range

Goshawk hønsehauk

Above and below Sparrowhawk spurvehauk

Red-throated Diver smålom

Female Blackcap munk

Part of a Waxwing sidensvans flock

Highlights included a Two-barred Crossbill båndkorsnebb and a Rook kornkråke (both new species for the island), 10 Waxwing sidensvans, two Lapland Buntings lappspurv, a Jack Snipe kvartbekkasin, at least one Water Rail vannrikse, Short-eared Owl jordugle and Goldfinch stillits.

The supporting cast included a couple of Great Northern Diver islom, 700 or so Little Auk alkekonge, a couple of Goshawk hønsehauk, several Sparrowhawk spurvehauk, a Woodcock rugde, four rather late Swallows låvesvale, a Wheatear steinskvett, small numbers of Twite bergirsik and around 20 Red-throated Diver smålom.

Hundred of thrushes, 150 or so Woodpigeon ringdue, several flocks of Greylag grågås, Bramblings bjørkefink and a steady passage of Common Gull fiskemåke meant there was always something to see.

At least seven Blackcap munk and a couple of Chiff-chaff gransanger also present.

What a day!

Breivik 22 October 2011

2011-10-23T18:57:00.000+02:00

Strong SSE wind and rain.

So-called waterproofs woefully ineffective again.

Best bird was a Jack Snipe kvartbekkasin, also a couple of Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin, a flock of Brambling bjørkefink and the usual suspects.

A breif look at Herdlevær produced a couple of Reed Bunting sivspurv and a Blackcap munk of interest

Herdlevær 21 October 2011

2011-10-21T13:25:00.000+02:00

Very strong southerly winds, dull and wet. Again.

Highlights today were a tristis-like Chiff-chaff gransanger and a late Wheatear steinskvett.

White-tailed Eagle havørn #1

White-tailed Eagle havørn #2

Above and below Cormorant storskarv

Common Gull fiskemåke

Other birds inlcuded the first Kittiwake krykkje for some time and the usual White-tailed Eagles havørn etc.

Photography only possible using obscene ISO values today.

Skogsøy 20 October 2011

2011-10-20T18:45:00.000+02:00

North-westerly near gale and showers.

A late start to an hour or so seawatching. Unsurprisingly little passing, just small numbers of Gannets havsule and seaduck including a several Long-tailed Duck havelle.

Gannet havsule diving

Adult White-tailed Eagle havørn

Sparrowhawk spurvehauk

As good as the weather got whilst I was out...

The walk out produced the best bird of the day - a lone Waxwing sidensvans - the first I have seen in Øygarden this year. Otherwise just White-tailed Eagle havørn, Sparrowhawk spurvehauk etc.

Back home the garden proved quite productive with a couple of Blackcap munk, a Brambling bjørkefink and a small flock of Tree Sparrow pilfink as the best sightings.

Herdlevær 17 October 2011

2011-10-17T23:23:00.000+02:00

Just for a change gale force southerly winds....

Not quite up to yestarday's standards but far from a waste of time.

Two Dunlin myrsnipe

Common Scoter svartand

Song Thrush måltrost

Gannet havsule

Above and below Purple Sandpipers fjæreplytt

Best bird today was a Jack Snipe kvartbekkasin. Other waders were a Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin, a couple of Dunlin myrsnipe and two Purple Sandpiper fjæreplytt.

Not much in the way of migrant passerines other than some mixed thrush flocks, a Great Spotted Woodpecker flaggspett and a couple of Common Crossbill grankorsnebb.

Three Long-tailed Duck havelle were the first of the autumn.

A brief look at Husvatnet, Tjeldstø, produced the same four Greylags grågås that have been present for a few days, a Goldeneye kvinand (the first I've seen this autumn) and several Wigeon brunnakke.

Herdlevær 16 October 2011 - Short-eared Owls and the one that might have got away

2011-10-16T15:12:00.001+02:00

Strong southerly winds yet again.

First bird was a pipit seen and heard calling - sound "off" for Tree Pipit trepiplerke and very likely to have been an Olive-backed Pipit sibirpiplerke. Having checked the field guides and "Calls of Eastern Vagrants" the call was absolutely spot on - less hoarse and less drawn out than Tree Pipit - but who dares claim OBP on call.....? Unfortunately I did not manage to find it again.

Above and below: Short-eared Owl jordugle

Chiff-chaff gransanger

Shag toppskarv

Part of a flock of Common Scoter svartand

Best of the rest were four Short-eared Owls jordugle sheltering from the wind - sightings of multiple owls are virtually unheard of in Øygarden so these put a nice Yellow-browed Warbler gulbrynsanger into second place.

Other migrants included the first Woodcock rugde of the autumn, two Wheatear steinskvett, a Dunlin myrsnipe, a couple of Blackcaps munk and a Chiff-chaff gransanger.

All in all an excellent few hours birding....

Tjeldstø 15 October 2011

2011-10-16T15:03:00.000+02:00

Barely out.

Four Greylags grågås and two Lapwing vipe beside Husvatnet were the first here for some time. Otherwise just the usual selection of thrushes, Brambling bjørkefink etc.

A Little Grebe dvergdykker and two Common Scoter svartand were seen on Rotevatnet earlier in the day.

Herdlevær 09 October 2011 - Bad weather, good birds

2011-10-09T18:30:00.001+02:00

A howling southerly gale and torrential rain meant conditions were difficult today.

My so-called waterproff Paramo gear failed miserably to keep me dry but the first Jack Snipe kvartbekkasin of the year was ample compensation for any discomfort. A male Ring Ousel ringtrost was another bonus bird whilst a Short-eared Owl jordugle was blown in off the sea and sat on the rocks for a short while before being blown away again.

Record shot of Short-eared Owl jordugle

Redwings rødvingetrost feeding on rowan berries

Loads of thrushes about with hundreds of Redwings rødvingetrost and smaller numbers of Fieldfare gråtrost, Blackbird svarttrost and Song Thrush måltrost. Small flocks of Brambling bjørkefink also sheltering in the bushes.

Herdlevær 03 October 2011 -Yellow-broweds

2011-10-08T16:17:00.001+02:00

An hour spent at Herdlevær produced two Yellow-broweds gulbrynsanger as the best birds.

Above and below: record shots of one of the Yellow-broweds

Other migrants included Goldcrests fuglekonge, a couple of Blackcap munk and a Common Sandpiper strandsnipe.

Tjeldstø 02 October 2011 - sibes

2011-10-02T18:22:00.001+02:00

Light NW wind, very pleasant conditions.

Barely out of the garden before a Richard's Pipit tartarpiplerke flew over calling repeatedly. Always a good start to the day....A Yellow-browed Warbler gulbrynsanger also put in a very vocal appearance a little down the road.

Richard's Pipit tartarpiplerke

Tree Sparrows pilfink

Lots of birds, largely finches and thrushes on the ground were already moving on as I did the rounds. A couple of lateish Swallows låvesvale fed over the marshes and other sightings included a migrant Great-spotted Woodpecker flaggspett, a Blackcap munk, a Chiff-chaff gransanger and a flock of 16 Tree Sparrows pilfink.

At least 10 Snipe enkeltbekkasin about but only a few Golden Plover heilo.

Skogsøy 01 October 2011

2011-10-01T18:21:00.000+02:00

Frash southerly, sunny but hazy over the sea.

Rock Pipit skjærpiplerke

Arctic Tern rødnebbterne

Oiled Gannet havsule

Steady passage of Gannets havsule today - part of plock pictured here

Common Gulls fiskemåke were obviously migrating

A good migration day, most passerines passing inland of the lookout. A little over two hours seawatching around dawn proved that southbound migration was in full swing. At least four Kestrel tårnfalk, two Sparrowhawk spurvehauk, three Red-throated Diver smålom, an Arctic Tern rødnebbterne, the first Black-headed gull hettemåke for some time, a couple of Grey Plover tundralo, a Turnstone steinvender, a Tree Pipit trepiplerke and at least 11 Lesser Black-backed Gulls sildemåke were the best sightings. A single Great Skua storjo headed north.

Other birds included over 170 Gannet havsule, 105 Cormorant storskarv, 80 Common Gull fiskemåke and a Wigeon brunnakke.

In the woods and overhead there were plenty of migrants with a Grey Wagtail vinterle the best of the bunch (first in Øygarden this year), many flocks of Chaffinch bokfink, plenty of Brambling bjørkefink and a few Reed Bunting sivspurv were among the passing flocks. Singles of Common Crossbill grankorsnebb and Ruff brushane were also noteworthy sightings on the way back to the car.

Barely a drive-by at Herdlevær produced the first Grey-headed Woodpecker gråspett I've had this year.

Tjeldstø 30 September 2011

2011-10-01T17:58:00.000+02:00

Light southerly and sunny.

Adult male Wheatear steinskvett

Immature / female Wheatear steinskvett

An evening stroll around the reserve produced relatively little. A couple of Whetear steinskvett, two Twite bergirisk and a Kestrel tårnfalk were the best of what there was.

Herdlevær 29 September 2011 - Pinkfeet

2011-09-29T18:12:00.000+02:00

Very strong southerlies, almost sunny.

Generally pretty quiet. Highlights were a flock of four Pinkfeet kortnebbgås flying south and a hunting Peregrine vandrefalk.

Waders were limited to a few Dunlin myrsnipe and a couple of Golden Plover heilo.

Peregrine vandrefalk

Above and below: Pinkfeet kortnebbgås

Raven ravn

Gannet havsule

Cormorants storskarv

Common Gull fiskemåke

Migrant passerines included a Willow warbler løvsanger, a Wheatear steinskvett and a few flocks of Blue tit blåmeis.

Hernar 28 September 2011 - Nuthtach

2011-09-28T18:19:00.000+02:00

Strong SW and very dull with occasional light showers.

Not exactly ideal conditions for Hernar but took the chance anyway. Plenty of birds about including a few potentially interesting things that got away....

Highlight was a migrant Nuthatch spettmeis - the first I have seen in Øygarden this year. Migrants included a couple of Blackcap munk, two Willow warbler løvsanger, a Chiff-chaff gransanger and three Siskin grønnsisik.

Nuthatch spettmeis on Hernar - perhaps there will be an irruption this year

Sparrowhawk spurvehauk

Goldcrest fuglekonge at Hellesøy

Other sightings were around 40 Twite bergirisk, a couple of Red-throated Diver smålom and a Sparrowhawk spurvehauk.

Herdlevær 27 September 2011

2011-09-27T17:32:00.000+02:00

Strong south westerly, sunny at times.

A rather better day than yesterday on all counts.

Highlights were a Peregrine vandrefalk going after Common Gulls fiskemåke and a Common Sandpiper strandsnipe (starting to get quite late for this species).

First year Peregrine vandrefalk and Common Gull fiskemåke

Common Gull fiskemåke

Dunlin myrsnipe and Ringed Plover sandlo

Dunlin myrsnipe

Golden Plover heilo

Kestrel tårnfalk

intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull sildemåke

Other stuff included a Kestrel tårnfalk, a couple of Red-throated Diver smålom, several Dunlin myrsnipe, a Ringed Plover sandlo, a couple of fly over Common Crossbill grankorsnebb and a male Blackcap munk.

Øygarden 26 September 2011 - wet and windy

2011-09-27T17:17:00.000+02:00

Gale force southerly winds and rain - torrential at times. Conditions difficult to say the least.

At Solberg a few very dark looking Lesser Black-backed Gulls sildemåke sheltered with other gulls on the islands.

Sæle produced a Grey Plover tundralo but otherwise just the usual White-tailed Eagle havørn, Sparrowhawk spurvehauk etc.

A few Red-throated Diver smålom flew past the house later in the day - amazingly the first for Tjeldstø this year.

Øygarden 25 September 2011

2011-09-25T17:53:00.000+02:00

Strong southerlies and overcast once again.

At Herdlevær star bird was a nice Yellow-browed Warbler gulbrynsanger but generally few migrants about.

A couple of Lapwing vipe at Breivik were the first I have seen for some time.

Other birds reported included a fly over Richard's Pipit tartarpiplerke at Hellesøy and a Grey-headed Woodpecker gråspett at Sæle.

Herdlevær 24 September 2011

2011-09-25T17:48:00.000+02:00

Southerly and overcast.

Waders included a Common Sandpiper strandsnipe, a Dunlin myrsnipe and some small flocks of Golden Plover heilo. A Common Tern makrellterne flew past - no doubt one of the last we will see this year.

A heavily oiled Gannet havsule dived into the sea after fish but did not manage to take off again - seemingly waterlogged.

A couple of Wheatear steinskvett, Rock Pipits skjærpiplerke and most of the usual suspects also seen.

Above and below: Dunlin myrsnipe on the shore

Oiled Gannet havsule looking rather worse for wear

Shag toppskarv shwoing off a fine "beer belly".

Later in the day a Spotted Flycatcher gråfluesnapper and a Common Redstart rødstjert were seen.

Skogsøy 23 September 2011 - Onshore winds

2011-09-23T14:51:00.001+02:00

With the wind firmly onshore since yesterday the only choise for a seawatcher was Skogsøy. However, as usual, onshore winds in autumn failed to produce the hoped for seabirds.

Gannets havsule

For the first couple of hours there was at least plenty to see:

Gannet havsule S 166
Red-throated Diver smålom S 4
Great Skua storjo N 2
Kittiwake krykkje S 1
Guillemot lomvi S 3
Black Guillemot teist S 1
Arctic Tern rødnebbterne S 4

Other stuff included small numbers of the usual waders, some distant auks, a couple of White-tailed Eagle havørn and a Peregrine vandrefalk giving chase to a Curlew storspove.

Migrant passerine included a feeding flock of Fieldfare gråtrost and a lone Wheatear steinskvett.

Tjeldstø 22 September 2011

2011-09-22T12:50:00.000+02:00

Strong SW with a few short but heavy showers.

Little at Solberg, just the usual White-tailed Eagle havørn etc.

At Tjeldstø the highlight was the Grey Plover tundralo still in the reserve with around 20 Golden Plover heilo.
A flock of 30-40 Meadow Pipit heipiplerke also present together with a couple of Wheatear steinskvett.

Tjeldstø 21 September 2011

2011-09-21T14:10:00.001+02:00

Strong southerly, mostly dry.

Checked Breivik breifly without anything much of interest.

Part of a Golden Plover heilo flock

Grey Plover tundralo

Raven ravn

At Tjeldstø around 60 Golden Plover heilo, a Grey Plover tundralo and four Ruff brushane were present. Other birds of note included a Peregrine vandrefalk and a Kestrel tårnfalk.

Øygarden 20 September 2011 - Richard's Pipit

2011-09-20T17:50:00.001+02:00

Southwesterly wind, sunny after a wet start.

A late start to seawatching showed that I managed to catch the tail-end of some movement. Around 15 Red-throated Diver smålom, a flock of eight Pale-bellied Brents ringgås and a couple of Arctic Terns rødnebbterne all headed south along with a selection of waders and a small flock of Common Scoter svartand.

View at Skogsøy

Gannet havsule

Herring Gull gråmåke

Ruff brushane at Tjeldstø

Whilst thinking about giving up and heading elsewhere a report of a Richard's Pipit tartarpiplerke at Breivik meant there wasn't much to think about anymore. After a thorough search I gave up - only to hear (and see) it flying over.

Migrants at Herdlevær included a Pied Flycatcher svarthvit fluesnapper and a couple of Chiff-chaff gransanger.

Øygarden 19 September 2011

2011-09-19T16:55:00.000+02:00

Calm and wet.

Little new to be seen at the few localities I checked. Obvious increase in the numbers of thrushes on the ground - many feeding on the abundant rowan berries.

Small flocks of Snpe enkeltbekkasin, Golden Plover heilo and Twite bergirisk.

Herdlevær 18 September - frustration

2011-09-19T16:53:00.000+02:00

Calm conditions continue.

A very vocal Yellow-browed Warbler gulbrynsanger proved all but impossible to see. Even a rather skulking Garden Warbler hagesanger proved easier to see.

Quite a bit about but a little quieter than yesterday - largely thrushes but most of the usual suspects too.

Overhead migrating Swallows låvesvale were very obvious and a flock of 50+ Greylags grågås headed south - around 40 more were seen later in the day over Tjeldstø.

The Hen Harrier myrhauk was seen again at Breivik and a Common Redstart rødstjert was reported from Solberg.

Herdlevær 17 September 2011 - YB Warbler and Hen Harrier

2011-09-17T18:21:00.001+02:00

Easterly winds, sunny and calm.

Herdlevær came good again today. Highlights were a ringtail Hen Harrier myrhauk and at least one Yellow-browed Warbler gulbrynsanger - probably at least two. Lots of activity with several phylloscopus warblers that "got away".

Hen Harrier myrhauk

Peregrine vandrefalk

Hen Harrier myrhauk

Other birds included a Spotted Flycatcher gråfluesnapper (same from yesterday?), a Peregrine vandrefalk, a Kestrel tårnfalk, several Goldcrest fuglekonge and another Wren gjerdesmett showing that some of these are heading to the coast or perhaps even further afield.

Øygarden 16 September 2011 Rosefinch and Red-backed Shrike

2011-09-16T19:58:00.001+02:00

Calm and sunny. Plenty of migrants about without anything really mega.

Spent the morning on Hernar. Highlights here were a Rosefinch rosenfink and a fly over Pinkfoot kortnebbgås. Other stuff included a couple each of Lesser Whitethroat møller and Blackcap munk, Willow Warbler løvsanger, Common Whitethroat tornsanger and a Chiff-chaff gransanger. Two Wrens gjerdesmett were the first for ages - hopefully the coming winter will not finish the species off completely.

A couple of hundred Starling stær and a Peregrine vandrefalk were at Hellesøy

A quick look at some other places produced Brambling bjørkefink, Blackcap munk and Chiff-chaff gransanger at Sæle and a Spotted Flycatcher gråfluesnapper and a Garden Warbler hagesanger at Herdlevær.

Record shot of Common Rosefinch rosenfink at Hernar

Adult Peregrine vandrefalk at Hellesøy

Willow Warbler løvsanger

To finish the day off a distant Red-backed Shrike tornskate at Tjeldstø was a new species to the garden list.

Skogsøy 15 September 2011

2011-09-15T13:39:00.002+02:00

Strong NW, showers

Don't really like to use the words "waste of time" but there really was nothing much to see today during a short mid-morning seawatch. Several Gannets havsule, an Arctic Tern rødnebbterne and a few Common Scoter svartand. That's pretty much it.

Tjeldstø 12 September 2011 - Lap Bunting

2011-09-12T11:47:00.000+02:00

Strong southerly winds and heavy rain.

Highlights today were a Black-throated diver storlom flying over the reserve and at least one Lapland Longspur lappspurv - the first of the autumn.

At least 45 Golden Plover heilo, 12+ Snipe enkeltbekkasin, some small flocks of Wigeon brunnakke and Teal krikkand and a White-tailed Eagle havørn were among the other birds seen.

Tjeldstø 11 September 2011

2011-09-12T11:44:00.000+02:00

Small numbers of the usual waders including Ruff brushane and Golden Plover heilo were out in the reserve.

A flock of 18 Tree Sparrow pilfink was the largest for some time - not sure if these are migrants arriving for the winter or local breeders that have now flocked together.

Herdlevær 10 September 2011 - Barred Warbler

2011-09-10T17:15:00.001+02:00

Light SE and sunny.

Plenty of birds about today - the fields full of White Wagtails linerle and Meadow Pipits heipiplerke and an obvious passage overhead. At least a dozen Wheatear steinskvett and plenty of migrating thrushes also present.

Small numbers of the usual waders on the shore and / or passing overhead.

Dunlin myrsnipe

Meadow Pipit heipiplerke

Highlight was a Barred Warbler hauksanger which gave brief views before disappearing into a bush and not coming out again during the time I had left. A female Blackcap munk was the only other warbler seen.

Tjeldstø 09 September 2011

2011-09-09T20:13:00.000+02:00

First bird of the day was a Grey Plover tundralo flying over the house - a new for the year in Øygarden.

Later on a stroll in the reserve produced a Spotted Redshank sotsnipe, a Bar-tailed Godwit lappspove or two and around 30 Golden Plover heilo. Small numbers of other common waders, a Kestrel tårnfalk and a Sparrowhawk spurvehauk also noted.

At least 12 Teal krikkand and well over 100 Meadow Pipits heipiplerke were others signs of migration.

Above and below: Golden Plover heilo

Bar-tailed Godwit lappspove with Golden Plover heilo

A small calidrid - a stint of some description was the one that got away today - if pushed I would have said Temminck's Stint temminksnipe.

West of Shetlands, 30.08-07.09

2011-09-09T18:15:00.002+02:00

Not that much in the way of birds but up to four Sooty Shearwater grålire daily, Storm Petrels havsvale and all the usual suspects at sea. Only a few common passerines seen offshore.

Best bird was seen south of Shetlands on the way south to Peterhead - a Citrine Wagtail sitronerle which gave brief flight views as it attempted to land on the deck. The bird also called a few times.

This find highlights once again that vessels are like islands in that they attract a much higher percentage of rarities than mainland locations.....

Citrine Wagtail sitronerle

Location of vessel when the Citrine Wag turned up

Intriguingly a Citrine Wagtail was observed on North Ronaldsay earlier the same day - tempting to think this may have been the same bird...?

Solberg 30 August 2011

2011-09-09T14:30:00.000+02:00

A couple of Great Skua storjo and an Arctic Skua tyvjo were the best sightings. Also a White-tailed Eagle havørn and several waders including Common Sandpiper strandsnipe and a few Turnstone steinvender.

Two Jays nøtteskrike flying over Tjeldstø later in the day were the first of the year for that locality.

Herdlevær 29 August 2011 - Curlew Sandpiper

2011-08-29T16:58:00.000+02:00

Light northerly wind, partyl cloudy.

Another productive few hours at Herdlevær though once again few passerines about. Numbers of resting / feeding wader well down from the other day but still Sanderling sandløper, Knot polarsnipe, Turnstone steinvender, Ringed Plover sandlo, Dunlin myrsnipe and Common Sandpipers strandsnipe about. Unusually a single Curlew Sandpiper tundrasnipe was among the resting birds.

Above and below: Curlew Sandpiper tundrasnipe

Above and below: Sanderling sandløper

Whinchat buskskvett

A couple of Black-tailed Godwit svarthalespove headed south along with small numbers of other waders. Cormorants storskarv were the most numerous species on the move today with around 140 heading south in 1.5 hours. Several Great Skua storjo and at least two Peregrines vandrefalk about meant that there was always something to see.

Øygarden 28 August 2011 - Peregrines

2011-08-28T13:42:00.000+02:00

Strong southerly, mostly sunny

A trip to Solberg showed that it would have been good for seawatching - lots of Gannets havsule, a small flock of Common Scoter svartand and a Red-throated Diver smålom passed in the few minutes I spent there. Best bird here was a Peregrine vandrefalk that gave excellent views - typically I had left the camera in the car....

Peregrine vandrefalk at Tjeldstø

Tjeldstø produced another Peregrine vandrefalk, a couple of Kestrel tårnfalk, a Wood Sandpiper grønnstilk, a Greenshank gluttsnipe, about 30 Golden Plover heilo and at least 12 Snipe enkeltbekkasin.

Skogsøy 27 August 2011 - One less mink

2011-08-28T13:37:00.000+02:00

Almost no wind. Very overcast and more or less constant rain.

Not the best of seawatching weather and nothing like the level of activity as at Herdlevær yesterday.

One less Mink to worry about

Some birds on the move with the best one being a Manx Shearwater havlire heading south shortly before I gave up and went home. An obvious passage of Great Black-backed Gulls svartbak again today as well as smaller numbers of waders including Ruff brushane, a couple of Little Stint dvergsnipe, a few Whimbrel småspove, a Spotted Redshank sotsnipe along with most of the usual passage waders.

On the way home the dog and I managed to catch and kill a Mink - a good team effort. Not far from where the dog nailed his previous one...

Herdlevær 26 August - Little Gulls!

2011-08-26T18:20:00.000+02:00

Southerlies with light showers

A quick look at Solberg produced small numbers of waders and an Otter eating a huge flatfish but little else.

Herdlevær was very quiet for passerines but for everything else it was a different story. Despite the late and lazy start there was non-stop action at the coast. Flocks of waders were passing constantly - most too far off to be identified. Oystercatcher tjeld, Golden Plover heilo and Ruff brushane were the commonest identified but plenty of Dunlin myrsnipe, Ringed Plover sandlo, Knot polarsnipe and other species. Several hundred waders passed in total.

Dunlin myrsnipe

Ringed Plover sandlo

Many waders also stopped to feed on the islands - largely Knot polarsnipe, Ringed Plover sandlo, Dunlin myrsnipe and Sanderling sandløper.

However, the undoubted highlight was a flock of FIVE Little Gulls dvergmåke - an adult summer and four first year birds. This is probably the biggest flock ever recorded in the county. Two Little Stint dvergsnipe - always a good bird in Øygarden passed in a mixed flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

Other sightings of interest included the first pale-bellied Brent Geese ringgås of the autumn heading south, a couple of dark phase Arctic Skua tyvjo, a Great Skua storjo and a Red-throated Diver smålom - the first of the autumn for me.

Tjeldstø 25 August 2011 - Common Tern

2011-08-26T18:05:00.000+02:00

An evening stroll in front of the house produced little out of ordinary but nice views of a couple of Common Tern makrellterne feeding young - almost a rare sight in itself these days

Hernar 25 August 2011

2011-08-25T16:43:00.001+02:00

Southerly winds and partly cloudy at first.

One of the first birds seen was a Common Rosefinch rosenfink - probably the same bird also seen later on together with another. Other migrants included a couple of Garden Warbler hagesanger, a Tree Pipit trepiplerke, a Spotted Flycatcher gråfluesnapper and a Pied Flycatcher svarthvit fluesnapper with a hint of a second wing bar.

Over 60 Twite bergirisk, plenty of waders flying over, a couple of flocks of Greylags grågås and most of the local breeders still present meant things were pretty busy for most of the morning.

Pied Flycatcher svarthvit fluesnapper with hint of second wing bar

Loads of Twite bergirisk about

Dead sheep in trawl net

Whitethroat tornsanger

White Wagtail linerle

Record shot of one of the Rosefinches rosenfink

A strange find was a dead sheep entangled in a trawl net floating in the sea....perhaps the animal became caught in it whilst grazing on seawed at low tide only to be drowned at high tide?