Oslo and Hamar 22-27 December 2023 - Christmas in the east

Another period of no birding although I was out for an hour or so with both binoculars and camera on 24.12.

Flocks of Waxwing sidensvans seen whilst going about the usual Christmas activities both in Hamar and downtown Oslo. Biggest flock in Oslo was 25, biggest in Hamar 45 - but just random sightings really. Still flocks of Redpoll gråsisik knocking about in both places.

Near Hamar a flock of 70 Yellowhammer gulspurv was the most I have seen in one place for years! Also on Hamar good views of Beaver, Roe Deer and Fox. Goshawk hønsehauk here and there and, in a Hamar context at least, a Robin rødstrupe was probably the most unusual sighting.

Beaver were very active near Hamar

Redpoll gråsisik flocks still numerous in the east of Norway

Roe Deer struggling in the cold

Goshawk hønsehauk in downtown Oslo

Engerdal, Hedmark 04-16 June 2017 - Broad-billed Sandpipers, Slav grebe and early morning Beaver

My hopes and plans for this trip to Engerdal went straight down the pan as work once again put an enormous spanner in the works. So I didn't get to explore some of the new areas I had targeted and only managed a few short trips out and about.

Broad-billed Sandpiper fjellmyrløper

Broad-billed Sandpiper fjellmyrløper display flight

The results, as usual, were pretty good with a few displaying Broad-billed Sandpipers fjellmyrløper at the same site as I had them last year.

Some early morning Beaver shots 

Brambling bjørkefink - one of the commonest breeders in the woods

Common Scoter svartand were seen at a few locations

Dunlin myrsnipe taking a break down in the valley

Icterine Warbler gulsanger

Pinkfoot kortnebbgås

Slavonian (Horned) Grebe horndykker

Wood Sandpiper grønnstilk - a common passage migrant and breeder in Engerdal

A few Little Gull dvergmåke, Crane trane, a selection of the usual waders, an unseasonal Pinkfoot kortnebbgås, a couple of singing Icterine Warbler gulsanger and plenty more besides.

Sometimes things don't quite go to plan.....

In other places roads/tracks were closed due to recent flood damage.

Mother Teal krikkand with a few of her chicks

Crane trane sneaking off into hiding....

Other highlights were some new species for me in Engerdal including Black Woodpecker svartspett and Slavonian (Horned) Grebe horndykker. Both these species are probably a lot more regular in other parts of Engerdal that I have yet to visit.