Can´t get enough of Waxwings

Waxwings keep entertaining us around the Black River Valley. Today Skultuna had a nice flock of 160 or more. Light was better on saturday though when I took these pics just before sunrise in -14° centigrades.

New species for Sweden and Europe

An American Tree Sparrow/ Tundrasparv (Spizella arborea) was located near Staffanstorp in Skåne, southern Sweden yesterday on the 12.th of November.  This North American species have previously never been documented from Sweden or in fact Europe or even the Western Palearctic at all. The bird was still present today during the morning. Picture here: https://www.artportalen.se/Media/Image/1685447

Waxwings by the hundreds

Hundreds of Waxwings have been swarming around the gardens in Fläckebo the last few days. Feeding on apples and berries. In one garden I estimated some 800 birds and just shortly after at least 400 were in my garden. Very satisfying to see that the apples I left got so appreciated. These lovely birds are among my favorites all categories.

Hawk Owls remain

At least 10 different Hawk Owls are still present around the Bergslagen area in Västmanland. Roger and Margot Cattin got some nice shots this weekend. Thank you for sharing!

Eagle bonanza on season premiere

The first two days of the Eagle winter season gave full hands for the photographers. 9 respective 10 Eagles came down to feed in front of the hide on friday and saturday, and gave plenty of good chances for photography. The majority being White-tailed Eagles, but at least one Golden Eagle was also present. A dark, nice looking juvenile bird without any rings. These sample pictures where taken by Roger and Margot Cattin from Nordfriesland, Germany. Thanks for sharing.

First snow and Pine Grosbeaks

The first snow came these last days and painted the landscape white as a winter wonderland.  At the same time Pine Grosbeaks are starting to turn up and we had some great encounters with a couple of small flocks (6+12+4), revealing their presence with fluty calls. Although constantly tree top high, feeding on spruce cones, we got good views and some record shots of these lovely birds.

Yesterday´s Hawk Owl

Another Hawk Owl
Driving home after feeding the Eagles, taking a detour to scan the area. In the corner of my eye I catch a glimpse of something perched in a spruce tree top. Just about the right size for… or was it a crow? Hitting the breaks, reversing…Yes! It´s a Hawk Owl! In a new place, where I´ve often looked for Owls but never seen one. I get the camera out to take a few snapshots, although it´s getting afternoon dusky. The bird is very active and move constantly between perches. I might not get the moments I´d hoped for photographically, but a spontaneous encounter with a Hawk owl is always a memorable moment.

Vagrant downfall

The passed weekend became an epic megararity downfall event over Sweden and especially on the east coast and the islands. I went to Öland and saw Azure Tit, 3 Siberian Accentors, Dusky Warbler, Pallas´ Warbler, Little Bunting, Hawk Owl (not a rarity over here although a bit scarce in the south) and eventually discovered a Desert Wheatear. More pics to come here but first a few samples of Azzar - the lovely Azure Tit.

Lynx with 3 kittens!!!

Oh, my god what a lucky guy I am today. On my way home from Fläckebo a couple of animals puzzled me on long distance. Were they Boar? Hares? Foxes? I couldn´t get my head around what I saw first, when I started to suspect Lynx. And Yes! when I got closer I could see an adult (female) with  3 little ones, in slightly different sizes. The female disappeared instantly, the kittens slower, but one - the smallest I think - lingered on the gravel track leading into the forest. Luckily the camera was just beside me and I managed to get some shots although it was dusky. I used 2.500 iso. The first blurry shot is through the windshield, the others through the side window opening. They are all totally uncropped. The baby Lynx appeared a bit curious, looking a bit at me before it turned and followed his mother and brothers into the forest. I stayed to look for them but they vanished totally in the vegetation.

Nutcrackers and allies

Had a go on the Nutcrackers in afternoon back-light the other day. Autumn can provide a nice color and atmosphere on this site. I hope to get a bit more yellow the next time. Finished the day with 2 Pygmy owls at dusk. One of them calling like a juvenile begging parents for food and perched low and really close (5-6 meters).