Øygarden 21.11-26.11.2024 - Cold snap shows what is around

 I returned home on the evening of 21.11 and was greeted by some nice Northern Lights.

Northern Lights from my terrace

The next day work prevented me getting out of the house but this didn't stop me seeing some birds. Highlight was a nice Great Northern Diver islom feeding busily just off the terrace. Also a late Oystercatcher tjeld, three White-tailed Eagles havørn and small flocks of various finches flying over.

Oystercatcher tjeld photographed from my terrace

It was still cold and calm on 23.11, I covered Hjelme Vest hoping to find some stuff on the sea, it was rather quiet but a couple of Little Auks alkekonge showed up, small numbers of Purple Sandpipers fjæreplytt, a few Oystercatcher tjeld looking at an overwintering attempt, small numbers of the usual seaduck, at least five White-tailed Eagle havørn, a Sparrowhawk spurvehauk and a Rock pipit skjærpiplerke were among the species seen. Woodcock rugde were evident only by their tracks.

I followed this up with some drive-bys picking up both Water Rail vannriske and Snipe enkeltbekkasin at likely looking spots.

Common Snipe enkeltbekkasin

Water Rail vannrikse giving the usual kind of views.....

The next couple of days it was back to work and the weather turned milder. A Velvet Scoter sjøorre flew past the house and a couple of Teal krikkand turned up with Mallards stokkand on Husvatnet.

Common Scoter svartand at Heggøy

Eider ærfugl on Skjoldepollen - an unusual species at this locality

Red-throated Diver smålom at Skjoldepollen

Two Teal krikkand with Mallards stokkand on Husvatnet

On 26.11 it was time to leave again. Good weather and the thaw well and truly completed - the birds wasted no time turning up at their favoured spots. Sightings on the way to the airport included the female Scaup bergand on Husvatnet and another Scaup bergand on Blomvatnet. Whoopers sangsvane were back on two fresh water localities too.

Scaup bergand on Blomvatnet

Tufted Duck toppand on Blomvatnet

Whoopers sangsvane at Kollsnes

White-tailed Eagle havørn at Kollsnes. Seemed to be feeding on a dead sheep but not 100% certain.