Can't Beat A Bit Of Shrike-age

June 15, 2020

Early June is an excellent time for Birding in Finland. The last of the migrants trickle in, night trips are a cacophony of nightsinging warblers, Thrush Nightingale and crakes, and the odd decent rarity pops up.

Whilst back in Kirkkonummi, I took the opportunity for some year tickage, nipping over to Laajalahti to see both Red-necked Phalarope and Broad-billed Sandpipers.

Red-necked Phalarope - A star bird no matter where you see them

Another weekend visit recently to Hämeenkyrö meant enjoyable experiences with nightsinging species.

This, admittedly grot-finch looking Common Rosefinch was one of many seen and heard over the trip, but the only one giving itself up in this manner.

I still think they have an appealing look about them though, even when grey and brown.

Common Rosefinch

And always a great little singer. PLEASED TO SEE YOU!

Birding around the house was excellent, with Icterine, Blyth's Reed and Marsh Warbler all singing in or near the orchard. Though the real surprise came in the form of a migrant Nightjar flushed from the path to the house, which gave a couple of good flight views.

This Marsh Warbler was uncharacteristically showy and a special treat.

Marsh Warbler - Those primaries, long like a japanese samurai sword and wonderfully pale tipped.

The often raised forehead feathers giving that "Great Northern Diver" effect

That light rump, no sign of rufous.

Hello there!

Marsh Warbler - normally horrifically skulky. Most birds tend to obscure themselves, at least partially, when singing. This one was a gem.

Marsh Warbler in song - Always a joy to listen to and pick out the wide array of calls and songs of other species they mimick. As is often the case, this bird also fed and sang from high up in trees.

This year seems to be quite good for nightsinging species, especially Marsh Warbler, which is often the scarcer of the smaller acro warblers. This bird at Laajalahti was just one of 6 singing birds I encountered in a 200 meter stretch of habitat, and was more typical in terms of views, always obscuring itself in song. Had it not been for an obliging mound of gravel I would not have seen it at all.

Marsh Warbler - 4K video

After enjoying the birds around the garden, we made our way out in a night trip, checking out an area of bog I had discovered on our last trip. This paid off with 3 cracking male Black Grouse and numerous Snipe and Woodcock.

We then went on to our regular Nightjar site where a displaying male gave excellent views.

Nightjar - You will have to trust me on the excellent views part. Phonescoping in twilight tends to yield questionable results.

The sound of Nightjar - pure summer

Back at home in Kirkkonummi, a Lesser Grey Shrike popped up on patch at Saltfjarden, prompting me to do an emergency "supermarket run". I enjoyed a solid hour watching this bird feed up and down the track down to the tower as it was mobbed by Whinchats and Yellow Wagtails.

Lesser Grey Shrike - one of those birds I always take the chance to see when they pop up close. Fairly regular here, but always a brilliant rare.

Watching this bird brought back fond memories of a June trip to Hungary with Robert Vaughan and my brother, where we encountered them near daily.

One of those birds whose rarity in Ireland is somewhat of a mystery. You can only imagine that the ususal Irish tact of "It is now June. June means summer. Time to go to sleep until September" plays a huge part in that".