Temperatures have risen to 5-6C and there has been very little wind, so apart from some reduced visibility on some days conditions have been ideal. Although the ground seems to be thawing fast freshwater remains largely frozen over. Hopefully the Snipe and Woodcock are managing to get some feeding in before the next cold period:)
On Saturday17th I did my first walk of the year at Herdlevær, one of the first birds seen here was a Snipe enkeltbekkasin - out in a field instead of in a tiny stream for once. The best bird was a lone Black-headed Gull hettemåke - a scarce winter visitor locally. A Great Northern Diver islom, a Velvet Scoter sjøorre and the usual suspects were seen.
A few Whoopers sangsvane were back in place - indicating that they have been somewhere close during the recent big freeze.
In the afternoon I went fishing for the first time in 2026, quite a few fish of three species but only a couple of dinners worth of keepers. A Great Northern Diver islom was ample compensation for the lack of big fish:)
On 18th there was some fog so visibility was not the best. I had a quick look at Hellesøy which gave a nice Little Auk alkekonge and a Great Northern Diver islom. I also gave Hjelme West a go but the fog proved challenging. A flock of five Razorbill alke flew in and a Great Northern Diver islom fished offshore here too.
A Sparrowhawk spurvehauk in my garden was the first I've seen locally this year..
It was back to work on 19th but whilst on the phone I spotted two Otters feeding just off my terrace and whilst I watched these a Shelduck gravand flew in! This is the first January record for Øygarden according to the national database.
I did a quick trip out and it was much of the same with Great Northern Diver islom here and there, At Sæle Little Auk alkekonge and Razorbill alke as well as a Velvet Scoter sjøorre and over 30 Long-tailed Duck havelle were present.
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