Maridalen

An early visit to Maridalen was a joy for the senses. There was no wind and the sun was shining on dew covered grass and there was a lot of bird activity. When I first arrived it was seeds eaters that were most obvious with quite a few finches, buntings, Nutcrackers and Jays being seen and later on as it warmed up the insect eaters such as Meadow Pipits and White Wagtails suddenly appeared. Thrushes are also more obvious now as they have completed their moulting and are coming out of the forests. Redwings seem to disappear in July and August when they are moulting after breeding and are presumably deep in the forests but now there calls are once again to be heard as they fly over.

Warblers were, as usual this year, shockingly scarce with just three Willow Warblers and two Blackcaps – I wonder whether there will be anything to see on Værøy in a weeks time? On the lake single Wigeon and Teal were keeping some Mallards company and a group of Goosander are the first I’ve seen for a while. Raptors were limited to singles of Buzzard and Sparrowhawk but I left before it had got warm enough for any real thermal activity.

This Nutcracker (nøttekråke) wasn't entirely sure what to do with this hazel nut

 

Blackcap (munk) - the black head with some traces of brown show this to be a 1cy male

Four Goosander (laksand), probably mum and  youngsters

Wigeon (brunnakke) and Teal on Maridalsvanet - actually an unusual sight here

just one Whinchat (buskskvett) remaining

and only 3 Willow Warblers (løvsanger) seen

quite a few Yellowhammers (gulspurv) though