Out Of The Frying Pan

Midsummer once again rolled around, marking the half way point of the year and the inflection point towards shorter days. Days shortening hasn't stopped the temperature soaring, however, with the mercury hitting near the 30s C making things difficult.

Midsummer is a big holiday here in Finland, usually requiring families to migrate to their mökki for a few days. We were no different, and made our way back to Hämeenkyrö for a five day weekend and to celebrate Lyra's birthday.

The birding around the house was really good considering the time in late June, with Marsh Warbler, Blyth's Reed and Icterine still singing away in the orchard.

The Marsh Warbler had actually moved some 50 meters out of the wood into the orchard itself and was actually fairly annoying in the sense that he often decided to sing at 3 in the morning right outside the bedroom window. Amazingly loud when up close and really messed with my sleep.



This bird gave some nice views over the stay, though with the lush vegetation now present and it constantly being on the move, getting prolonged and unobscured views for phone-scoping was impossible.

A family of Grey Headed Woodpecker, recently fledged, also provided entertainment over the visit and some excellent views. 







Grey Headed Woodpeckers - fantastic birds, one of those excellent staple species which are always a joy to see. 

Good numbers of Common Rosefinch as per usual, often in little family groups.





Common Rosefinch - Thou shalt not call them Grotfinches





Common Rosefinch - slightly grottier

As always, a visit to Hämeenkyrö meant a trip to Tarastenjärvi dump.

Mid summer is a terrible time to watch gulls. Generally speaking they're a mess. Combined with the mind bending array of shape and appearance, birds in toxic moult conditions and bleached beyond recognition make for a nightmare...and a good experience opportunity.

As usual, some Finnish beasties were interesting in terms of plumage and structure.









Hideous mutant beast











No juv Baltics yet, but plenty of adults looking crisp.





And the first Black-Headed Gull juv looking well.



Black-Headed Gull - juv - endearing little things 

Otherwise it was the typical grassland species on offer, the best being several Corncrake.

Back home, a quick visit to Myrans produced a briefly singing Ortolan Bunting and yet more Marsh Warbler. Seems to be a bumper year for Marsh. No complaints from me on that score.


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