Hawk Owl in sunshine

One of the now at least 10(!) Hawk Owls in Västmanland showed off pretty well today. Hovering like a Kestrel and perching in various trees and bushes.

Waxwings coming too

Waxwings have turned up in rather good numbers the last week. Flocks of 60-100 are seen all over town right now. Not too many rowan berries around though.

Pine Grosbeak invasion

Lots of Pine Grosbeaks are on the move and reports from eastern and central Sweden reach out every day. A flock of 60 was seen yesterday and this little flock of 5-7 has been present the last days now. I saw just female-coloured birds today but a male has also been present. This is already the biggest invasion of Grozzies since 2004 and it´s only just started. They are drawn to Rowan berries in suburb areas and towns as well as major pine forests.

More Hawk Owls

The last couple of weeks a Hoopoe has been present in the village Ramsberg. Today there´s a Hawk Owl on the same site. Have a look at a picture here!

Three Hawk Owls in Västmanland today

No less than 3 different Hawk Owls where reported in Västmanland today. It looks like we´re in for a really good Hawkie season. This one was portrayed on the 27:th of April this spring but might be one of the birds still around the area.

Northern Carmine Bee-eater on tour

Northern Carmine Bee-eaters have been touring central Sweden for a while now. 3 where found on the 4.th of October, disappeared after a couple of days and on the 11.th 2 turned up on the coast outside Stockholm in a garden/ villa area. Apparently they found a wasp´s nest or beehive and have been busy catching and feeding on these little creatures despite cold and damp weather. Regardless of their origin (escapees or not) the colour they present is a little marvel in this drab, dull, grey, rainy part of the year. My friend Erik Hansson got the better picture. Enjoy!

Hawk Owls in Västmanland

The last 2 days Hawk Owls have been found on at least two different spots in Västmanland. This might be a really good season coming up for these lovely birds. Enjoy a few pictures here!