A Singular Quest

This weekend I ignored the gulls in favor of better game.

The Baltics had been going mental during the week with a major influx of Red-Footed Falcon and I was desperate to get in on the action. 

I bundled Lyra into the car on Saturday morning and we set off towards Inkoo, where several had taken up residence.

Signs of migration where everywhere, and barely a kilometer out of the gate and I picked up a Marsh Harrier and Osprey moving together over our nearest fields.



Marsh Harrier



Osprey

We arrived at Lillabreds in Inkoo and it wasn't difficult to pick up the Red-foots. They weren't always playing ball for views and photos though, and were ranging widely. 

In total I had 6-7 individuals, mostly juvs with one adult female.

We then made our way back towards Saltfjarden for a cafe break and vis-mig from the terrace, picking up birds such as Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk,  Hobby, Common Crane, White Tailed Eagle and Grey Headed Woodpecker.

We returned to Saltfjarden on Sunday morning, with decent migration ongoing.

Several Hen Harriers caused a slight increase in heart rate, but Pallid Harriers are few and far between having had a bad year. We may go without this autumn.



Hen Harrier



Common Cranes were present in large staging flocks.

I managed to pick up a very distant Red-Footed Falcon, at the extreme limit of what is identifiable, but did get everyone on to it.

I also had my second Red-Throated Pipit calling (my first was last weekend in Tampere).

In the evening we made our way to Siuntio where we finally connected with some very tame Red-Foots.



Red-Footed Falcon - Juvenile


Red-Footed Falcon - I guess with it being late evening, all their hunting for the day was done. These two birds sat serenely and didn't provide much in the way of action. No complaint here though.




Red-Footed Falcon - stunning little birds.


Black Woodpecker - this forest demon was giving itself up by the road on the way home. Behemoth.


An interesting quirk of our bay is the use by Cormorants for fishing and roosting at this time of year. I guess the combination of juvs moving and the tern colony now no longer a deterrent allows for relaxation.



Obviously, all Cormorants here are sinensis, and look the part.







A very enjoyable weekend, hopefully those Red-Foots hang around a few weeks.

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