Tyresta Slott; 17th October 2006

A wonderful time of the year to be out in woodlands. Colour is everywhere you look! Leaves falling in earnest now, as is the beech mast, which attracts hordes of birds. Had this Hawfinch this morning among the commoner species feeding in the leaf litter. One of my favourite birds, I love the subtle bluish half collar on the hindneck.

Other birds included 32 Goosander, 20 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Pochard, tufted Ducks and 185 Siskin.

Photos; Tyresta Slott and Hawfinch, Hawfinch Sketches

Sandemar; 16th October 2006

A quiet day on the reserve. Winter is closing in quickly and the summer species are less evident everyday now this far north.
Best was a juv. Marsh Harrier, unfortunatly this bird had a badly damaged leg. A few migrants about, mainly Siskins and Goldcrest. A few Skylark also noted.
Wildfowl returning. Whooper Swans, Goldeneye, Coot and Tufted Duck all increasing.

Photos; Bracket Fungus and Whooper Swan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B69CDkrqu48

Landsort; 13th October 2006

Out onto the island at dawn. Conditions unfavourable with northerly breeze and fairly clear skies overnight, still birds were interesting all the same. Best were 2 Long-Eared Owls which were flushed early in the day from cover near the lighthouse at Sodra Udden. Great Grey Shrike was another highlight, one present all day. This bird was bearing a ring. White Fronted Goose was a reasonable bird, migrating east at 10.40am. A constant flow of migrants over head and on the ground insured interest all day, species involved included Bramblings, Chaffinches, Redpolls, Siskins, Goshawk, Long Tailed Tits, Chiff Chaffs, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Tree Pipit, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammers and stacks of Goldcrests.

Photos; Sodra Udden at dawn, Lighthouse, Long Tailed Tit, Great Grey Shrike and Goldcrests (photo and sketch).

Utö; 11th October 2006

Finally got out birding for a day, decided on Utö, one of the southerly islands in the archipelago. This island has a good track record and despite being seriously underwatched has produced many good birds over the past few years, including Yellow-Browed and Pallas Warblers. It also boasts good raptor and diurnal passage in the right conditions, a west or northwest wind...
Today was north-easterly and a little dissapointing. Nevertheless three Great Grey Shrike were seen, which was great for me! Great Grey is a major rarity in Ireland and so I am always happy to see one...three is even better and my only ever multiple day for this species. Also had a Woodlark, White-Tailed Eagle and 9 Crossbills, most probably Parrot Crossbills flying over calling. Good numbers of Goldcrest seen, as were a handful of Meadow Pipit and Skylark. Only a single Brambling noted...