Few birds in the mountains

We were staying in a cabin this weekend near Veggli in Buskerud. The cabin was on the tree line at 1000m and would I was sure result in some good birds on the cross country skiing trips that were planned. The trip started well with both Willow and Rock Ptarmigan seen from the sofa on the first evening:

Rare view of both Willow and Rock Ptarmigan together in flight against a snow covered mountain. They are still in autumn plumage - has the mild winter caused them to delay adoption of their full white winter plumage?

It is unusual to see them so close and especially both species flying together. I noted that the Willow Ptarmigan has 4 primary fingers showing whereas the Rock has 5 - is this an identification feature?

After this great start things rather slowed down due to the strong wind that was constantly blowing. In three days all I saw was a Magpie, a Great Tit and I heard a Greenfinch. I was especially disappointed not to see Siberian Jay which must have been present in the forest.









Apolgies for the badly photoshopped imaged above. Here is the real photo :-)