Birding with Mrs B - 22/03/10

Mrs B and I headed out for another walk between Lervik and Ranarpsstrand this morning. En route we checked the big field at Ljungbyholm again and were rewarded with not one but two year-ticks. First up was an adult lesser black-backed gull, resting by the side of one of the many pools in this poorly-drained field. Nearby a flock of at least fifty golden plovers provided our second year-tick. Also here at least 100 lapwing, a single curlew, seven oystercatcher and a small flock of whooper swan (19, increasing to 31 on the return journey).

The coastal walk was good too, with the sea flat-calm. Eider were everywhere, at least 1000 between Lervik and Grytskaren. Lervik produced two redshank and a surprise purple sandpiper. Ringed plovers were displaying and overhead a few reed buntings were heard as they migrated north. A flock of 80 starling was easily the largest of the year so far.

Grytskaren was rather quiet, examination of the eider flock again drew a blank for other eider species but turned up a solitary Slavonian grebe. Behind us a green woodpecker called. Ranarpsstrand produced a third year-tick, a fine pair of gadwall. Two cranes silently flew north.

In the afternoon we took the kids out for a run to Glimminge. Highlights here included at least 12 Slavonian grebes (they are obviously on the move) and seven common crossbill. The ugly male wigeon x mallard hybrid was still around.