Birds And Birding In Norway

The lake and part of the valley. For more info on Voss click here

Today was my first opportunity to get in some birding after returning from England, and even though there was still a lot of snow about, spring was in the air. First stop was an area where 12 Bohemian Waxwings were seen on Friday, but no luck! No doubt they were on their way further north. I turned my attention to the lakes and river systems that creep their way through the valley. If any migrants were to be found it would be here, and I wasn’t to be disappointed. Small flocks of Northern Lapwing, Common Starling and Snow Bunting were recorded. A flock of 72 Whooper Swans were also feeling the signs of spring. They were very vocal and were no doubt impatient to get under way to their arctic breeding grounds. Mallard, Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye had been joined by this year’s first flocks of Common Teal, while at one locality there was a pair of Goosander, the male showing a pink tinge to his plumage. The only other interesting species to be seen at the wetland habitats that were visited was a single Grey Wagtail. If this was the bird that was recorded during February, or an arrival it is impossible to say. No matter what, it was nice to see a splash of colour. It was also nice to hear the bubbling call of a White-throated Dipper. The woodlands were also starting to come alive with both Blue Tit and Great Tit checking out prospective nesting holes. A pair of Marsh Tit were picking at the new buds on a willow tree while further amongst the trees a Eurasian Nuthatch was calling loudly. Most surprising was a Nutcracker, also calling loudly. This species tends to be very quiet before and during its breeding season.