Pygmy & Hazel

 As we enter December things are quietening down but winter hasn’t arrived properly yet and the first big freeze and large dump on snow should result in some new birds as they are forced once and for all out inland and more northerly localities.

I have been in the forest a lot searching in vain for large owls but Pygmy Owls have entertained me with one particularly cooperative individual that posed and sang at close range. A pair of Hazel Grouse also gave themselves up feeding on catkins of alder trees. As is usually the case the female was difficult to see but the male was very obvious and I am quite sure the male often places himself in between the perceived threat (me) and his mate. I did see the female well though and she was a particularly well marked individual.

Another visit to Fornebu revealed the female Grey-headed Woodpecker and male Bearded Tit again but the Kingfisher only revealed its presence by calling. A single Jack Snipe remains.

it really is strange to see a bird the size of a Hazel Grouse (jerpe) high up in tree clambering along thing branches to reach an alder (or) catkin

here the male is about to grab a catkin

......

that one....

got it

and the female with a very well marked and black throat suggesting an old bird

note in this video how the Pygmy Owl (spurveugle) pumps his throat when singing

Pygmy Owl (spurvugle)

a second and even more cooperative bird (the same as in the video)

turning its head

looking left....

and looking right

Bearded Tit (skjeggmeis)

Blackcaps (munk) are still very scarce over-wintering birds in Norway but this male at Fornebu has at least found some berries should he be tempted to stay

the female Grey-headed Woodpecker (gråspett)

how long will the Jack Snipe (kvartbekkasin) stay/survive?