The over-wintering gyr falcon has finally started to settle in the Rönnen area at last, so we thought we would give it a go this morning. This bird was first seen in January 2005 and has returned every winter ever since. It seems to roost at Rönnen but can be absent or out of view for lengthy periods during the day. We arrived too late this morning and had to make do with great views of offshore Slavonian grebes (3), red-necked grebe (1) and black-throated diver (1).
Next we tried our luck at Sandön. A big flock of 70 dunlin and two oystercatcher were all we had time for. The phone went, it was a message from Martin Åkesson (thanks again) across the border, someone had reported some shorelark on the patch at Lervik. I never get these calls when I am actually on the patch... So off we went round the bay to Lervik, finding three of the shorelark pretty quickly (only my second patch record, be nice if they stick around). Nearby Grytskaren had just two curlew of note.
Dropping off the family I headed to Ripagården alone, this time chasing another bird, reported yesterday by Leif Dehlin - a black redstart. This also surrendered quickly, feeding on rocks below the harbour wall. Nice one - only my second patch record too and like shorelark still to be added to my self-found list. Also here an amazing total of 6 little grebes and a single redshank.
Shorelark is a cracking patch bird ! Only seen em a couple of times on my patch and that was a good few years ago now.... maybe you could boot one over here ?!
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