A Shift To Spring

Warming temperatures after prolonged snow and subzero temperatures are a recipe slippery, neck breaking conditions as ice pack roads and paths become skating rinks.

Spiked boots are essential for outdoor activities, but at least we can shed a few layers as we start to feel actual heat and power in the sun.

I made my way to Villa Elfvik this weekend, as I fancied catching up with White-Backed Woodpecker for my year list. 

I had made a couple of attempts for this bird last year, each ending in failure with what can be a surprisingly secretive species. 

This time, however, I was pleasantly surprised as I rounded the corner of the villa itself, to hear the fantastic long and distinctive drum of this species emanating from the small patch of forest between paths.

Nevertheless, it did take some time to actually locate the bird, as it was highly mobile, performing a drumming circuit in the area and getting a bit of flak from several Great Spotted Woodpecker, also in drumming mode.

Once I latched on to it a great performance was given.


White-Backed Woodpecker - what a bird, and what a drum.

From Elvik I moved back West, hoping to come across some Spring migrants already on the move, such as Lapwing and Skylark.

Suurpelto had only a single Great Grey Shrike, with no migrant action, and so I carried on to Morsfjarden. Still no migrants of note, but I did run into another birder watching a Pygmy Owl. 
An easy tee-up and a real sitter in perfect light and setting.



"Yawn. Haven't you had enough of Pygmy Owls?" - no...no you can never get enough of Pygmy Owls.



Those eyes. Incredible little grumpster.








The great thing about Pygmys (and other owls of course) is how frequently they will just sit contented for you. As long as they've chosen a perch that's unobscured, you're golden.














Fantastic Owl.

Regardless of not connecting with any migrants, the signs of Spring continue.

Black Woodpecker present in the garden is always a good sign, as they feed on grassy banks and stumps exposed from under snow for the first time in months.

This male and female were present together this morning, giving excellent views. Amazing beasts. 











That eye.




Black Woodpecker - female




Black Woodpecker - demon king of the forest.

Other signs are Crested Tits becoming more vocal in nearby forest.



Crested Tit - an underrated beauty. 


White-Tailed Eagle - fewer of these around when the lake freezes solid and there's no goosander to hunt.

Soon there will be Cranes and Geese. Bring it on!

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