July 24, 2005
The “Tara” Experience
Unlike most of my previous “Tara experiences”, this one did not involve a cute girl …
For Finnish gull enthusiasts, “Tara” refers to the Tampere dump – a virtual mecca for larophiles. I made my pilgrimage on Saturday, spending ten full hours scouring through thousands of gulls with one of Finland’s resident experts.
It was great opportunity to study approximately 3000 Herring Gulls (Harmaalokki; of the northern argentatus race), with lots of all age classes present. More importantly, “Tara” is maybe the best place in the world to see the nominate fuscus form of Lesser Black-backed Gull (“Baltic Gull”; Selkäloki), of which there were close to 1000 present. Additionally, a good number of other forms of this species were present for inspection - while most of these were probably heuglini ("Heuglin's Gull), there were a few which were more typical of the western race graellsi, and at least one which was a candidate for intermedius. (See why I love gulls ?!?!)
The definite highlight, however, was a juvenile Caspian Gull (Aroharmaalokki) - which is quite uncommon in Europe. Two Great Black-backed Gulls (Merilokki) were also uncommon but regular visitors to the area. Loads of Black-headed (Naurulokki) and Common Gulls (Kalalokki) rounded out the action.
As the day proceeded, the gulls were kept increasingly nervous by a pair of Northern Goshawks (Kanahaukka) prowling for lunch. Just before hitting the highway for home, we were surprised with a visit from a much more exciting hunter – my first Black Kite (Haarahaukka). It put on quite a show, soaring very close to us and causing havoc with the gulls and crows.
Earlier this past week, I spent a morning checking out some shorebird migration in nearby Siilinjarvi. Among the 11 species seen, I was especially pleased to find two Curlew Sandpipers (Kuovisirri). Flocks of Dunlin (Suosirri) were moving through in full force, and there were good numbers of Temminick’s Stints (Lapinsirri) at two locations.
Some of the "wild and crazy" action at the Tampere dump ... (Click to enlarge)
A horribly digiscoped picture of the juvenile Caspian Gull (Aroharmaalokki) ... all the regular excuses (Click to enlarge)
July 14, 2005
Scottish Excursion
Back from a whirlwind trip to Scotland. It was a great visit with a close friend in a spectacular country ... Despite long travel times (low-cost flights = horrible connection times) and having to stopover in London just hours after the terrorist attacks, it was well worth the time.
Even though I did absoultely no "birding" during my trip, I did manage to pick up a few new birds in passing. From the ferry enroute to the Isle of Arran on the SW coast, I saw my first Water Pipit on the pier, a European Shag on the breakwater, and some more familar faces that also appear on my own side of the Atlantic (e.g. Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Northern Gannet, and Manx Shearwater). On the island itself I picked up a male Capercaille on a country road, and a Grey Heron feeding in the tidal pools.
The rest of my time was spent in Glasgow, where I enjoyed amazing weather, great scenery and architecture, and some fine single malt whiskey. So much more to see, though ...
An "argenteus" Herring Gull against the scenic backdrop of the Isle of Arran.
It was great to be so close to the ocean again - even if just for a day. The bird sanctuary of Elsia Claire (distant left) lies just off the SW coast of Scotland.
Enjoying a drink with some Canadian friends we met, in one of the oldest watering holes of Glasgow.
July 06, 2005
Taking a Break ...
After spending the bulk of my spare time birding the last few weeks, I took a bit of a break from it all this weekend ... instead enjoying th weather relaxing in at the Tori (city centre and market area), sipping fine Finnish beer, and just taking it all in.
My one foray into the birding world was 1.5 hours spent at the Kuopio dump on Sunday, hoping to see and photograph Heuglin's Gulls. Unfortunately, I found only one (a 1st summer bird), and the bright sunlight from directly above made photography difficult. I also find that the gulls here are quite "flighty", and flush up and away at even the slightest approach, making it difficult to get anywhere near them.
Last evening, I spent a few hours in Maaninka. There many young swallows and martins hawking insects over the fields, and many Common Teal (Tavi) at one of the local ponds. I finally found my first Ortolan Bunting (Peltosirkku) sitting on a wire, and enjoyed great looks as a Short-eared Owl (Suopöllö) hunted nearby.
I take another break from it all starting tommorrow afternoon ... taking a short trip to Scotland to visit with a friend. Trading in my Finnish beer for fine single malt Scotch ...
July 01, 2005
Quick Recovery
My alarm clock went off at 7:00am this morning. Having second-thoughts about heading into the university a bit early, I drowsily hit the snooze button. Before I could settle back in for an extra few minutes of shut-eye, my phone started beeping -- a text message. It read: "RANTAKURVI, SIILIN. RAASIO". I didn't need a Finnish-English dictionary to decipher that one.
I jumped up, got dressed in yesterday's clothes, grabbed my gear, and headed for the highway. Half an hour later, I was walking the trail at Raasio, Siilinjärvi -- a great birding spot I know well. A few minutes after that, I was staring down the barrel of my scope at a Terek Sandpiper (Rantakurvi) on the mudflats across the lake. Not amazing looks by any means - but even in the harsh light the front-heavy, dumpy silhouette was more than obvious, and that odd upturned bill a dead giveaway.
After missing this species during my recent trip to the Oulu region (its only European breeding area), I had only hoped that one might show up close enough to chase. But for one to be found close to home, at a place I am familiar with, and on a morning that I could go for it immediately ... How sweet is that!?!?
Swimming nearby were also three Red-necked Phalarope (Vesipääsky) - not particularily uncommon, but still a new species for my Finland list.
Wonder what the weekend might bring???