Protracted Spring
It's been a strange, quiet winter up until now. Mild temperatures meant there wasn't much of the usual winter fare around. Things like owls and woodpeckers, or any traditional winter rarities were very few an far between. In contrast, what I refer to as temporal rarities, otherwise common birds, out of season and overwintering were notable. I managed to find things like Oystercatcher of all things. Hawk Owl - I had to make a special effort for this individual in Inkoo. Usually they are very convenient around the city. Not so this year, but I had to get my fix. Goshawk - as per usual there were plenty around all winter. Absolute beasts. Lynx Tracks - finding evidence of Lynx around our new neighborhood was something special. Nutcracker - a lone bird was a garden staple throughout the winter Smew - relatively open sea bays in early spring meant plenty of these beauties hanging around. White-Tailed Eagles - limited ice meant good concentrations of loafing eagles scrounging fish...