Nothing new

It has remained cold with northerly winds so no new migrants have arrived in Maridalen and the Lapwings have gone presumably as far south as they need to find soft mud to probe in.

There has been a good congregation of Skylarks (now up to 45) and Snow Buntings (17) though which have proven to be experts at hiding themselves away.

On Sunday I had to visit Jessheim and was able to make up for that forgettable experience by going on a wild goose chase and finding the Taiga Beans again. This time the flock numbered 108 including 2 collared birds and nearby a pair was associating with Whooper Swans and I wonder whether these were “vagrant” birds from a different breeding area.

The weather is forecast to change from Wednesday with southerly winds and plus temperatures so we should get a small rush of migrants and my money is on a Red Kite gracing the Dale.

Snow Buntings (snøspurv) in flight

part of Taiga Bean Goose flock

the whole flock

and the pair associating with Whooper Swans

a visit to Fornebu revealed the continued presence of Bearded Tits (skjeggmeis) although all apart from this female were feeding on the ground and only giving their presence away through frequent calling

The GGS still shows well in the Dale

Roe Deer on Maridalsvannet. The ice is still very thick but I would not feel safe walking on it