Auks

After having so many Little Auks heading north on Tuesday I thought I would see if I could find some offshore from Huk, Bygdøy today. There were only 2 but they were at point blank range and one swam so close to the shore (and me) thst it grounded itself and had to push itself over a submerged rock. It was fascinating watching this tiny bird and especially watching it swimming. Like other auks the feet are right at the back of the body and when it is swimming with sny purpose it looks just like an old-fashioned paddle steamer boat with the legs pumping around.

In contrast to Tuesday the Little Auks were the least numerous auk species with 25 Guillemots dominating alongside 7 Razorbills. One Guillemot was still in close to full summer plumage and at some range I had to work a bit to be sure it wasn’t a Brunnich’s.

Most passerines have cleared out now but a flyover Rock Pipit was a good local bird and a lare Chiffchaff was calling.

Little Auk (alkekonge) with the Dyna Fyr restaurant in the background

paddling away

here it had grounded itself

diving 

when it closes its eyes it reveals white eyelids 

alongside a Red-breasted Merganser (siland) it is easy to see how small it is

Razorbill (alke), Guillemot (lomvi) and Little Auk (alkkonge) for comparison