A lot of normal people complain about the weather here in the west of Norway. I love it! Weather brings the birds - in this case the strong winds of yesterday afternoon / evening pushed seabirds close to land and gave a spectacular backdrop.
I can cope with a few days of what the general population call good weather and may even spend time with my family under such conditions - as has been the case of late. The last few days I've been fishing, swimming and even camping in attempt to fit in.
However, today I was back at the coal face for an early morning shift. Cracking light and a westerly breeze after the very strong winds during the night meant there were plenty (92) of Gannet havsule to see in the two hours or so I spent out there. Many passed very close giving amazing views.
Highlight were among the first birds to pass - a flock of three Sandwich Terns splitterne together with a 2cy Kittiwake krykkje. Whilst they were a long way off this caused some initial confusion as I kept thinking Sandwich Tern but the gull kept popping into view. Next best bird was a nice Long-tailed Skua fjelljo - though not a full adult.
As so often at this time of year it was quality rather than quantity - not much else passed - just a couple of Puffin lunde, a Guillemot lomvi, a few Red-throated Diver smålom and a Fulmar havhest.
Heard the Corncrake åkerrikse singing again from Herdlevær on the way out.
I can cope with a few days of what the general population call good weather and may even spend time with my family under such conditions - as has been the case of late. The last few days I've been fishing, swimming and even camping in attempt to fit in.
However, today I was back at the coal face for an early morning shift. Cracking light and a westerly breeze after the very strong winds during the night meant there were plenty (92) of Gannet havsule to see in the two hours or so I spent out there. Many passed very close giving amazing views.
Highlight were among the first birds to pass - a flock of three Sandwich Terns splitterne together with a 2cy Kittiwake krykkje. Whilst they were a long way off this caused some initial confusion as I kept thinking Sandwich Tern but the gull kept popping into view. Next best bird was a nice Long-tailed Skua fjelljo - though not a full adult.
This might just be a record shot - the three birds in front are Sandwich terns splitterne, the one on the left is obviously a second year Kittiwake krykkje.
Even more cropping shows two of the terns....
...and three
The welcoming committee - an adult Raven ravn with a recently fledged youngster
Adult Rock Pipit skjærpiplerke with food for its young
Two southbound Red-throated Diver smålom
2cy Kittiwake krykkje - not the same bird as with the terns but very similar in terms of plumage.
As so often at this time of year it was quality rather than quantity - not much else passed - just a couple of Puffin lunde, a Guillemot lomvi, a few Red-throated Diver smålom and a Fulmar havhest.
Heard the Corncrake åkerrikse singing again from Herdlevær on the way out.
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