Hel Hath No Birdies

I'm really enjoying migration at the moment. We currently have huge numbers of geese constantly migrating over, flocks of Brambling and Chaffinch hundreds strong in fields, and raptors such as Goshawk, Rough-Legged Buzzard and Golden Eagles in the skies. On Sunday I made my way down in late morning to Saltfjarden. It had been heavy rain all morning, but was due to clear, so I figured it would be good for dropping stuff. As I drove in, the first fields had a huge mixed flock of Brambling and Chaffs which were so actively feeding they allowed me to exit the car and scope them.  A large mixed flock of Tundra Bean, Eurasian White-Fronted and Barnacle geese was also present in the fields behind them. Tundra Bean Goose I carried on, taking a look at what I call "The Pallid lane" (ever since my wife found a 2nd cal male Pallid here years back). There was a fair sized flock of Reed Bunting here on the embankment and I was hoping one of the rarer buntings might join them, but no s...

Prime time for Goshawk migration here at the moment, and I've been lucky to be out and about connecting with dozens of the great destructors. Goshawk - Juv The above bird did a close flyby at Saltfjarden. Juveniles are somewhat different structurally than adults, slightly longer winged looking and combined with the brown colouration can often give a harrier-like impression. This was on an evening where I encountered a staggering 25+ individuals pushing through the Porkkala area. Goshawk - adult. Not the most fantastic pics, but instructive in terms of structure. Look at that massive chest and almost Peregrine type vibe. Goshawk - murderous - the hooded crow never stood a chance. It was still alive when the Gos began to pluck it by the way.  Still plenty of Rough-Legged Buzzards moving through. I absolutely adore this time of year, scanning the sky and picking up those white uppertails soaring around. Rough-Legged Buzzard Great Grey Shrikes are also moving in numbers now and quite s...