Some sunshine

The weather cleared up today with some blue skies and sun. Unfortunately the Hawk Owl does appear to have moved on. Its preferred verge is now covered in mucky snow from the snow plough so I doubt it will be easy to catch rodents there. On Maridalsvannet I couldn’t locate the family party of Whooper Swans (sangsvane) but a group of three adults were new in and an indication that there is movement going on perhaps related to the cold weather. Later on I also had a single Whooper Swan overflying Fornebu which strengthens this thought. At Fornebu I had hoped to find some Bearded Tits (skjeggmeis) in the sunshine but instead had to be content with a Chiffchaff (gransanger) that briefly popped up out of the reeds. It did not show too well and didn’t call but was quite frosty in colour so must likely of one of the eastern subspecies.

Chiffchaff (gransanger) probably of an eastern subspecies

Also in Maridalen a couple of Dippers (fossekal) - Norways national bird (does the UK have a national bird?) - were on show at Hammeren which is a favoured winter locality for them. One was even singing.

Dipper (fossekall) Maridalen

Finally, the local "newspaper" on Værøy, Værøyposten, has carried an article written by yours truly. I have included a screen shot of the article or you can follow this link. I think they need to take the "amatør" out of my title though!