Restarting blog in autumn

Decided to give it a try and restart my blog again. (inspired by you Ann Chase!) Here are some pictures from last weekend in central Sweden with a british group, visiting the Black River Valley and Kvismaren.

Camberwell season

The best season for Camberwell Beauties (Nymphalis antiopa) have just started up here in the Swedish forest and fresh specimen of this large and striking butterfly is flying along forest tracks and in clearings. Every now and then they turn up in my garden as well to feed on rotting fruit among Red Admirals and Commas. This one even landed on the handle to my rucksack for a while.

Richard´s or Blyth´s?...Pipit

This pipit has been seen at Sandemar outside Stockholm the last 3 days. Richard´s or Blyth´s is the question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-wM5W7z-pc&feature=youtu.be

Sandhill Crane remains

The Sandhill Crane remains in the Black River Valley and was seen on the morning of the 2:nd May again, just south of Västerfärnebo. It stays on the fields along the road towards Skultuna and especially a flooded field west of the wooden church which is also a good place to park, as well as a good viewpoint. Picture by Mikael Bergman.

Sandhill Crane in the Black River Valley

Yesterday I found a Sandhill Crane in the Back River Valley. It is the first time this bird has been seen in Sweden. I have been looking for it for years, since it appeared in Europe a few years ago, convinced that it should turn up on migration in our Crane-rich area....and of course... I proved right. So well deserved! Good job Daniel! Very few photos of any quality out yet, at least this is one! or better yet these ones! 

Goshawks linger

I didn´t expect the Goshawks to keep visiting the feeding station in April but yes, they do. Daniel Andersson saw 2 birds and got this picture on this last sunday afternoon session in our hide!

Great Greys showing occasionally

Great Grey Owls are still a bit difficult to see, but a pair have been showing, even mating in public and several others have been heard so we believe in a strong season for these enigmatic birds. Göran Ljunggren got this picture the other day. See more of his excellent work on www.trut.se