Mattscott Photography: Blog

Day 6 - Day 2 In Batsjford the tundra hunt

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:00:52 GMT

It was the final day in Norway before heading back to Finland and after another decent breakfast in the hotel we headed back out on the tundra in search of the elusive Dotterel. It was another beautiful day and felt pretty warm in the sun.

Tundra, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

We first stopped as last nights destination to check again on the Shorelarks. Within minutes of pulling up we had a pair of Snow Bunting with the cock bird serenading us with his beautiful song. The pair were joined by an another cock bird and then another and before long we had up to 6 birds. They didn’t hang around for too long. Adrian and Ricky took a direct route in and I went around the outside to cover a bit more ground. I had another Pair of snow Bunting and not much else. I couldn’t join up with the others the way I went due to ground being to wet. I back tracked and joined the others. They had watched the Shorelarks feeding chicks so we had no chance of unearthing another new nest here. I did a bit of research before bed and it appears that Shorelarks are early breeders and most will have chicks already. The Shorelarks didn’t play for the camera but still great to see.
Shorelarks, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Shorelarks, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

We turned our attention back to the dotterel. We had seen a roadside pull in a couple of miles down the road and that was to be our next stop. It looked over a beautiful valley and onto a whale back pleatau perfect for Dotterel. We pulled up and saw a LT Skua feeding to our left, our experiences of these birds so far told us there would be an incubating bird nearby. Turned out later we would find one there and it was to the right of us about 200m ahead. Adrian planned to walk up the road on the right side and Ricky and I planned to cross over and go up the left side. We had read that the local Dotterels often nest close to the road. So the tactic this morning was to stick close to the road. Ricky crossed over ahead of me and it was then I heard those famous words again. Matt I got a wader here. On the other side of the road was a large patch of melting snow and a very wet area. Ricky had spotted a wader in the snow. It turned out to be a Purple Sandpiper. It was feeding on the snow line probably feeding on insects that die as they hit the snow.
Purple Sandpiper, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Purple Sandpiper, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Purple Sandpiper, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Purple Sandpiper, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

I then caught site of another bird. Boom it was a stunning female Dotterel. It too was feeding along the snow line but it was a start. Ricky and I started to tog the waders taking it in turns both birds were very confiding. The Dotterel walked right up to me and passed my lens not bothered by me at all. The Purple Sandpiper did the same, it was an awesome experience. Adrian walked on heading up to a nearby ridge to scan for the Dotterels boyfriend.

Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

As we togged the Dotterel and Sandpiper there was another wader joining us and it was easy to call what it was before we saw it. We had several Temmincks Stints doing there butterfly flight routines and trilling all around us. They must be breeding nearby. They would at times join the other waders on the snow patch. Other birds were around as well we had a few snow buntings feeding, but always to quick to get any decent pictures. We also had a few pairs of Lapland Buntings and Red-throated pipits calling around us. We had hit another hot spot. Clearly this patch of snow was the place to be.

Wader hot spot, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

The Dotterels flew off over the car and towards the ridge we had seen from the car. I lost it and didn’t see it drop down. I was also watching the Temmincks and they appeared to launch their display flights from an area of rough grass about 20m up the ridge. Clearly an area they must be nesting in. I had a walk along and first put out a few lemmings that got my heart racing and then a pair of Dotterel. I didn't currently have my camera on me as I had left that by the snow patch. I watched them for a while but they didn’t seem to be doing much. I marked the area to check again later. Adrian had come back down of the ridge and had seen a pair of Laplands but not much else. We decided to walk the side of the road as planned to see if we turned anything up. The area was pretty wet with a rapid snow melt on the higher parts filtering down to were we now walked. We put out a Willow Ptarmigan that got the blood pumping. We also had a pair of Dunlin that were very vocal and probably had chicks in the area.

Dunlin, Batsfjord, June 2023 Dunlin, Batsjford, June 2023

Willow Ptarmigan, Batsjford, June 2023

We were again treated to a lovely song flight of a Red-throated Pipit and as we walked back to the car a female Ruff flew into the snow melt to feed. We decided to use Adrian’s skills to see if we could find another Temmicks nest and it wasn’t long before he had watched a bird back from a feeding foray back onto its nest. Boom number 4 of the trip and in complete different habit to the first ones we had found. These were several 100m above sea level in a montane setting. The ones we had found previously were pretty much at sea level along an estuary. We were sure there were a few more pairs to be found but we needed to put some time into the Dotterel. We were now buoyed by the fact we had seen 3 birds.

Temmicks Stint, Batsjford, June 2023

Temmicks Stint nest site, Batsjford, June 2023

Temmicks Stint nest site, Batsjford, June 2023

We moved a few miles or so down the road past some random garages that were in the middle of nowhere. We guessed these garages were maybe were the locals kept their snowmobiles. Just looked very strange having a row of garages miles from any civilisation. We took a small track we had seen yesterday that lead onto the tundra. We found a place to pull over and after tucking into some lunch we headed off across the tundra we had snow bunting pretty much after leaving the car. We headed higher up and then walked across the plateau. It was a beautiful but some what empty landscape, I could imagine how bleak it is out here in the winter.

Tundra, Batsjford, June 2023

Tundra, Batsjford, June 2023

Tundra, Batsjford, June 2023 - random middle of nowhere garages

Tundra, Batsjford, June 2023

Tundra, Batsjford, June 2023

After not seeing anything we headed back down across some large snow patches it was here we caught site of another pair of Dotterel. Both females. They weren’t very accommodating and flew off. As I crossed the snow I heard the sound of one of my favourite waders. A series of short, high-pitched whistles that suddenly increase in frequency. A Purple Sandpiper again it was feeding on the snow it wasn’t the easiest to get down to so I moved on. Soon after it flew off probably to its montane breeding grounds. We headed toward the main road a few miles west. We could now see the garages again. The ground was wet in place’s probably due the rapid snow melt. The temperature was into double digits and the sun was high in the Arctic sky. Again not the weather we’re had been expecting all week. We had certainly been blessed. We caught site of another Dotterel again a female this one i managed a few distant pictures of.

Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

The question was where are all the females boyfriends? Female Dotterels are unlike most birds they don’t incubate the eggs or raise the chicks, that is left to the male. We continued to walk across the Tundra I was just ahead of Ricky and Adrian slightly down hill when I heard the shout. I got a wader here!! Boom Ricky had struck again a male Dotterel came up at his feet literally right in front of him. Golden boots!!!!! It did what a lot of waders do and that’s to fake an injury so you (or predator) follow it and move away from its precious cargo the eggs. It’s really clever and amazing to watch. I had my camera to hand so managed a few pictures. We had a search at the area it come up from for its eggs. Their camouflage is amazing we know where it had come from but it took some looking to locate the scrape. A one point we were on our hands and knees going very careful with every movement. It was well worth the many miles we had put on over the last 48hours. I have dreamed of seeing the nest of a Dotterel for a long time and now I was staring at a beautiful full set of 3 eggs. It’s common for Dotterel to lay 3 eggs which I have always seemed is rather odd!!

Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel nest, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Dotterel nest, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel nest, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel nest, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Dotterel nest, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

We took some quick photos and I set my GoPro up on the nest to return to later. We had only moved away about 10meters and the male was already on the move within minutes he was back incubating. It was a great opportunity to get some pictures of him incubating on the nest. These pictures will be passed onto a team of scientists who are looking at incubating waders and their camouflage. The GoPro was probably far enough away for me to remove it without disturbing the bird so I slow crept in and removed it. These birds are incredible confiding I could of probably reached out and touched it.

Dotterel approaching nest site, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Incubating Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Incubating Dotterel, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

The walk back to the car was made a lot easier now we had found our first and only Dotterel of the trip, it was made even better by a very showy Rock Ptarmigan. The Ptarmigans here are much like Iceland they seem to be a lot more cautious of people than the Scottish population. I wonder if that’s because they could be hunted here.

Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Rock Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Rock Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Rock Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Rock Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Rock Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Rock Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Next on the agenda was to have a look the Long-tailed Skua we had spotted early on in the day. The off nest bird was again feeding on the same spot and we could see the incubating bird sat on a 100m up the road. We walked towards the bird and it took flight we walked in on the area we thought it was in to find another c2. I have later learnt that it’s common for Long-tailed Skuas to lay 1 egg. All the sets we had seen were c2s, these often happens in a good Lemming year when food is plentiful. We quickly took a w3w location and a few photos and left. I understand that nest recording isn’t very everyone and people may claim it causes a lot of distress to the birds but these birds are fairly resilient and like the Dotterel it had returned to its nest within minutes. We had earlier watched this pair leave the nest and chase off a Rough-legged Buzzard.

Long-tailed Skua, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua habitat, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

We had been in the hills for a few hours and had ticked our major targets so tired and hungry we headed back to our base in Batsjford for some food. We had a big drive tomorrow so I didn’t plan on returning to the hills tonight. As I didn’t need to dive later we celebrated the successful day with another Pizza and a couple of Norwegian beers.

After tea we had a walk around Batsfjord it was a lot nicer than some of the other ports we had visited. We saw the floating hide which is used in the winter to tog the sea ducks. Hopefully I will be back on day to have a go at this.

Batsjford harbour, Norway, June 2023

Batsjford harbour, Norway, June 2023 - Floating hides

Batsjford Hotel, Norway, June 2023
Icelandic Poppies, Batsjford, June 2023

Icelandic Poppies, Batsjford, June 2023
Icelandic Poppies, Batsjford, June 2023

Day 5 - The journey to Batsjford

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:26:34 GMT

On the road early doors as we take the 2 hour journey to Batsjford. Really excited to hit the tundra around this part of northern Norway. I had done lots of research about this area and it sounded fantastic. Hopefully we would have another chance for Dotterel. Long tailed Skua was high on the agenda as well. It was another glorious day with the sun already high in the sky. Won’t be great for togging though sadly. First stop was a garage an Varangerbotn, about 30mins into the journey for some much needed food after yesterdays cock up. I ordered some kind of continental sausage thing that looked pretty grim and basic but was actually spot on. It was so good I almost went back for another.

Brekkie, Norway, June 2023

Across from the garage was a bird hide overlooking the end of the Varangerfjord it was part of the Varanger Sami museum. It was closed this early in the day but we walked out to the bird hide as it was so say good for Bluethroats. None seen again. The search continues. The hide looked great but no birds seen apart from a family of Hooded Crows. This was mainly because the tide was out. As we walked back we caught site of a family of stoats they gave us 30 mins of entertainment. They were catching rodents at a very good rate. The sun didn’t help with the photograph here but was great to watch.

Stoat, Varangerbotn, Norway, June 2023

We took the E6 inland to Tana Bru and then headed back towards the coast at Batsjford. We would pass over some good high ground before reaching Batsjford and this is where we planned to spending most of our time in the search for Dotterel. As we reached the higher ground the scenery changed and the tree lined roads soon became open Tundra. It was a stunning drive up. It wasn’t long before we caught a glimpse of one of our top targets a Long-tailed Skua. There were 2 birds present one was clearly sat on whilst the other stood guard on a nearby rock. It allowed a very close approach and posed for some stonking shots. Such elegant birds

Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023

We next walked towards the incubating bird who rose to greet us. Skuas are very aggressive birds but these two took it to another level. Im used to be being dive bombed but generally the birds miss. These didn't and bosh it hit me on the back of head and knocked my baseball cap off. I had planned to leave a Gopro on the nest for a few hours but bugger that. I took a few quick snaps before retreating back to the car. The off nest bird followed and attacked us all the way back to the car. The incubating bird was back on sat tight by the time we had managed to take cover.

Long-tailed Skua nest, Norway, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua nest, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua nest, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua nest, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua nest, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, nesting area, Norway, June 2023

Next stop was at Geatnjajavri a large lake. We had some great views here of Red-throated Pipits one sat on the notice board and sang for most of our pit stop. The water didn't hold much so we quickly moved on.

Red-throated Pipit, Getnjajavri, Norway, June 2023

We headed further into the mountains stopping next at a road intersection at Berlevag. There was what looked like a disused building here which housed numerous Fieldfare nests all empty apart from one with chicks. A few white Wagtails were clearly nesting nearby. The surroding pools had Black-throated Divers and Long-tailed ducks on. This hills around were full of bird song it looked to be a great area.

Fieldfare nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023

We continued onwards stopping at another body of water Magisttarjavr here we had some lunch. I watched a Wheatear back in and went to investigate, but they bloody thing just vanished either it was sat tight or it gave me the slip. We decided to spend the next few hours on a nearby hillside here looking for breeding bird. First birds were encounterd were a pair of Red-throated Divers followed by a female Long-tailed Duck. This also did the disapearing act and most have been sat tight somewhere nearby. A male Ruff posed nicely but a tad distant and the results weren't great in the high afternoon sun.

Ruff, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

We also came across, Lapland Buntings, Golden Plovers and Snow Buntings as we trekked for several miles across the Tundra. After a few blank hours we headed back to the car. I had run out of water so headed down first. As i approached the car a wader shot out at my feet. I shit myself before trying to establish what had I had just flushed. It was a stunning Northern Golden Plover, who had done the dying rat routine before disappearing. She revelaved a magnificent set of 4 eggs. the nest was a stones throw from the car and on the way up we would of passed it by a few feet.

Northern Golden Plover nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Northern Golden Plover nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Northern Golden Plover nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Northern Golden Plover nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Northern Golden Plover nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Northern Golden Plover nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023

Northern Golden Plover nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023

Whilst I had been back at the car Adrian and Ricky had been watching a very suss pair of Lapland Buntings. I joined them a little way back up into the hills. I sat back as I approached because Adrian was on the case. Another nest of the Lapland Bunting was uncovered. It was in a little hole on a grassy tump and again lined with what looked like Ptarmigan feathers, another beautfiul looking nest. Same scenario as the last nest we found the male bird was present and singing. He would move around his territory singing. When we got to close to the where the undiscovered nest site was he would stop singing and make a different call. This would call the female of the nest and the clear sign a nest was in the area. All we had to do then was sit and wait and watch the female back to her nest. It was eventually uncovered and a beautiful nest lined with what looked like Ptarmigan feathers was found.

Lapland Bunting nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023

Lapland Bunting nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Lapland Bunting nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Lapland Bunting nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023

Lapland Bunting nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023
Lapland Bunting nest, Berlevag, Norway, June 2023

Although we had walked miles in search of Dotterel and not had a sniff of a bird we had still had a pretty productive day. It was now early evening and time to head to our digs in Batsjford. It wasn't to far so we planned to head back after tea. We were staying in the Batsjford Hotel and the place was probably the best accommodation we had all trip. We had a 3 bedroom suite this was decorated with lots of bird and whale pictures. Turns out it’s run by the same person who operates the floating hides in the Batsjford for the Steller's Eiders. The only downside was the heating was on and yet it was pretty warm outside so the rooms become super hot and sleeping wasn’t easy. The food was decent and enjoyed yet another Pizza. Outside the hotel there were lots of Icelandic Poppies I saw more here than I did in the whole of Iceland.

Batsjford Hotel, Norway, June 2023

Pizza at the Batsjford Hotel, Norway, June 2023

Icelandic Poppies, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

After tea Adrian and I set off again for the hills. We again put in some decent miles. The snowy landscape was beautiful and went as far as the eye could see, but finding birds was proving difficult. We had a brief sighting of a Willow Ptarmigan and a Rock Ptarmigan was heard calling. Eventually we found a pair of Shorelarks. Another target for us so we invested a bit of time to see what they were up to they gave us the round around for a while and i really struggled to get any pics. They werent that approachable. We marked the area and planned to return tomorrow, we were sure if they had a nest nearby.

Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

We continued our search further into the hills we came across some kind of way finder in the form of rocks on top of each other you could clearly see a patch that disappeared deep into the middle of nowhere. Would love to know how long and who put them there. Nearby i found a pallet which was pretty large. I hoped it might be a Snowy Owl but i still have no idea what left it.

Unknown Pellet, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

The sun was just starting to set behind a nearby hill creating some beautiful light but sadly we couldn't find anything to tog. Eventually we came across a Rock Ptarmigan they showed distantly. I managed a few pics before it walked off into the shadows. It was fast approaching midnight and time to head back for some sleep. Mission Dotterel had failed so far but tomorrow is another day.

Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023 Ptarmigan, Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Batsjford, Norway, June 2023
Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Batsjford, Norway, June 2023

Day 4 up to Vardo the Temmincks Hunt continues.

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:28:55 GMT

After drawing a blank yesterday on Temmincks Stint the plan was to head out again today to try some other areas. We had also located a few areas that might be good for breeding Turnstone. We hoped to get to the end of the main road through Varagner if time aloud, to the old fishing port of Hamningberg. Today was also Father’s Day and I had great pleasure opening the card my five year old daughter Isabelle had drawn and popped in my case before we left. We had seen numerous White-tailed Eagles about and a few probably were togable but we didn’t stop until we saw one near a parking spot. It was sat posing on a huge rock on the shoreline. Ricky and I took a slow walk in to photograph this beast of the skies. It’s not until you’re within a few feet of one’s of these magnificent birds that you realise how big they are. Their talons and beaks are humongous. The eagle aloud really close approach and we sat togging it before it got bored of us and flew off. Again we struggled to get a background to photograph against.
White-tailed Eagle, Vadso, Norway June 2023

White-tailed Eagle, Vadso, Norway June 2023

White-tailed Eagle, Vadso, Norway June 2023
White-tailed Eagle, Vadso, Norway June 2023

White-tailed Eagle, Vadso, Norway June 2023

After leaving the Eagle we headed along the road towards Vardo. Historical it’s been good for Stints so would be a good place to start todays quest. As we approached Vardo we came to a village called Skallelv it was on the river Skalleelva. As we approached the village we crossed the bridge and I noticed a small bird flying a bit like a butterfly. It had got my heart racing, it was tiny and everything about it said Temmicks Stint. Parking areas are not that common in the Arctic, but lucky for us just after the a bridge was a little area to park. We would be greeted on arrival by a vocal Common Gull more on this later as we had Temmicks on our hit list. We sat on the banks and waited.

Bridge over River Skalleelva, Norway, June 2023

There were plenty of Eider Ducks, Red-breasted mergansers on the river and a few Redshanks were feeding on the mudflats. Within about 5 minutes I could hear the sound of a trilling wader it could only be one thing a Temmincks stint. I couldn’t see it yet but they were definitely here. Adrian and Ricky struggled to hear the distant bird and for a few minutes I thought maybe I was hearing things but soon enough one came within earshot of everyone and landed in front of us on the mudflats below. I haven’t seen one of these tiny waders for a few years and it may have been a lifer for the others. Through the bins we could see the yellowish legs to clinch the ID. It wasn’t long before we heard and saw numerous birds and there was probably about 4 pairs here. I caught site of one displaying on the other side of the road bridge and was using a post and a large rock to display from. It would launch itself off from here trilling in the sky and flying around in a kind of butterfly flight. It was amazing to watch. I managed a few distant shots of it on the post before a car drove past and it took off to the other side of the river. I settled down near to the rock it was using and waited, within about 15 minutes it was back and this is where I filled my memory card. It was very accommodating and allowed some close ups. I also managed to film it on my phone. My only regret is I didn’t film it on my camera. They are so tiny and I imagine it would have been very difficult anyway.

Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Photographing these waders was my number one Arctic target. Some might say why as they can be a bit dull looking. But waders are my favourite genus and I have a big affection to rare breeding waders of the UK. Temmincks are definitely rare breeders and for that reason you need a license to look for these breeding in Scotland. I have visited some historic sites in Scotland but they haven't been recorded breeding for many years. So here we were on their breeding grounds in Arctic Norway. I love the way they displayed to attract a mate they fly up trilling and then float down like a butterfly. They then land on one of a selection of song post where they continue to call and display with their wings in the air. As I sat watching these birds do their thing a pair of Reindeer crossed the road ahead of me, these were different to most of the others we saw as they weren’t tagged in anyway. Also in this picture you can see the issues with heat haze something i wasn't expecting in the Arctic circle.

Reindeer, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Temmincks Stint, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Whilst I was photographing the Stints. Adrian had located a pair of Arctic Skua on the sandy ground about 150m back along the road . We checked them out to find a newly hatched chick and an another egg ready to hatch.

Arctic Skua nest, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Arctic Skua, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Arctic Skua, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Arctic Skua, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

The plan was to now check the area for breeding Temmincks the habitat looked great for them the only downside being the Arctic Skua living next door. We spent the next few hours checking the area. I had a few close calls with Lemming’s running out at my feet which gets the heart pumping. I also had two Meadow Pipits come out at my feet the first a c5 in a small overhang on a sand dune and the 2nd had chicks. We also had our first Eider of the trip. It was a Strange nest as it had no down unless it had been taken. No luck with the target bird the Temmincks stints.

Eider Duck nest, Skallelv , Norway, June 2023

Meadow Pipit, under a sand dune, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

Adrian had located a Wood Sandpiper but the area it was on just looked like a feeding area. It was acting very strange though and got very vocal as we approached its vantage point. At one point if flew and landed within a few feet of me allowing so very close photos. It was acting like the last Wood Sandpiper I photographed so we guessed it had chicks in the wet marsh. We left it alone and headed out. Was still are real treat to get some close range pictures of these stunning waders.

Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023

Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023

Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Norway, June 2023

I had watched a small bird come off the river and had gone further upstream so Adrian and I walked further up stream to see if we could locate it again. No luck after another 30min search. We turned and headed back to the car we walked an area we had all passed earlier that day when a small wader came up at our feet and did the famous dying rat routine and disappeared. Your heart starts to race when a wader gets up at your feet and does this and the adrenaline starts to flow. We watched as a the Tiny wader disappeared into the grass and we confirmed the ID as a Temmicks Stint. After a few high fives we set about locating the nest. What was surprising was how long we took to find the nest normally you can see it straight away as the bird has popped up only a few feet in front of you. Not being able to see it meant we had to tread very carefully and at one point i was on my hands and knees. Eventually Adrian uncovered it among some grass on a small bank a few meters from the river. It’s an amazing feeling when you are staring down at the prize you have spent so long looking for. It was a stunning set of eggs and you can see why many years ago people would collected and display them. Lucky now most people understand the fact that egg collecting is not acceptable and can have a detrimental effect on many species. I feel the advances in camera technology has aided this as you can get some great pictures of these eggs in their natural habitat which in my opinion is far better than seeing them on cotton wool in an old set of draws. Nest recording still has its issues and its often looked upon negatively but be rest assured with us the welfare of the bird always comes first and great effort and consideration is taken which each potential nest target. Plus there is some serious experience within our group who always calls the shots. The nest and eggs were tiny but still quite large compared to the size of this bird. We took some photos and recorded the location of the nest before retreating. We could see the incubating bird already moving its way through the grass back towards the nest site.

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023
Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023
Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023
Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023 (iphone)
Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023 (iphone)

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023 (iphone)

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

It was now earlier afternoon and our hard work had paid off. There must be other birds nesting in this area though with 3-4 pairs displaying in the vicinity. I spent some more time photographing the individual that was posing on the roadside. Whilst Adrian and Ricky went in search of more birds. It wasn’t long before Adrian had located another pair by watching an off duty bird back to its nest. I walked over to where they were and they forgot to mention an Eider they had come across that came up at my feet. I shit myself and so did the Eider, all over its eggs. It’s not uncommon for them to do this.

Eider Duck nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

The Temmincks was another complete set of 4 similar type of habitat to the last one just a little further away from the river. We wondered how many more could be in this vast area. It would take time to survey such a large area and time wasn't on our side.

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023
Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023
Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023
Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

Temmincks Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

The Temmincks had nested on the edge of an Arctic Tern colony we weren’t looking for these but did find one nest as we walked back to the car. It had been numbered up so someone I guess someone was surveying them here.

Arctic Tern, Vadso, Norway, June 2023 Arctic Tern, Skallelv, Norway, June 2023

Next stop was Vardo the most Eastern most town in Norway and is further east then Istanbul and St Petersburg. Its also another Norwegian Island and is connected to the mainland by a 2.8Km tunnel that runs under the Bussesundet Strait. Its another hot spot mentioned in the books. We weren’t just here to see the birds we hoped to pick up some food as well, Being a Sunday we discovered most shops were closed by had hoped Vardo would offer us some sanctuary. Sadly we were wrong there was very little on Vardo and nothing was open. Looks like we were going hungary for the day we had a few snacks and some bottled water but not really enough to see us through the day. So lesson for anyone travelling to the far north remember things don't open on a Sunday. The town was a bit run down and has seen better days. Its home to 1000s of kittiwakes who nest among some abandoned buildings.

Vardo Fulmars, Norway, June 2023

Next we parked up near to Vardohus Fortress which was first built in 1306 and was used a POW camp for german soliders during World War 2. We didn't have time to look around but it looked pretty impressive. We sat here and had some lunch well the few basic supply's we had left. We watched a pair of Tundra Ringed Plover they were clearly nesting and soon lead us to our first nest of this subspecies it was a C3 so probably not a complete set still nice to find and just meant we had to find a 4 before we went home.

Tundra Ringed Plover nest, Vardo, June 2023
Tundra Ringed Plover nest, Vardo, June 2023
Tundra Ringed Plover nest, Vardo, June 2023

The area surrounding it was said to be good for Bluethroats. Guess what it wasn't. We did have Sedge Warblers here. It seemed strange to hear these birds so far north also here was good numbers of Red-throated Pipits. The tidal pool was empty and no waders were seen in or around the area. We did see numerous Cormorant’s flying up the channel between the island and the mainland. We also had a Black Guillemot here.

Red throated Pipit, Vardo, June 2023

There was also a very strange looking building and a monument by the shore it was some kind of vistor's attraction so we went in for a look around. It was pretty dark inside and very spooky made even more spooky when we found out it was a monument called the Steilneset Memorial. It was built in 2011 to commemorate the trial and execution in 1621 of 91 people for witchcraft. 77 women and 14 men were tried and burnt at the stake. Inside the 328 foot long narrow wooden structure are 91 windows. Through each window is a lightbulb to represent all those executed. Each one is accompained by the story of the indivudals executed.

Steilneset Memorial, Vardo, Norway, June 2023
Steilneset Memorial, Vardo, Norway, June 2023

Steilneset Memorial, Vardo, Norway, June 2023

After not having to much success on Vardo we left the island and headed back to the mainland we didn’t have enough time to make it all the way to Hamningberg so we headed back towards Vadso. On the way up to vardo we had spotted a Biotape bird hide over looking Vardo near to the village of Kiberg. We decided to stop here and have a look. It was a good idea as we stepped out the car we heard a bird calling that i didn’t recognise. There was also a pair of Red-necked Phalarope on a road side pool. It didn't take long to work out the unknown calling bird and It was a lifer for us all. It was a stunning male Lapland Bunting or if you prefer a Lapland Longspur. It was frequently calling and moving around from rock to rock. It was very mobile and tricky to photograph which was a shame as i really wanted to get some decent pictures of this species.

Lapland Bunting, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023
Lapland Bunting, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023

Lapland Bunting, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023
Lapland Bunting, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023
Lapland Bunting, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023

Phalarope Pool, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023

We left the Bunting and headed towards the hide as we approached a pair of Arctic Skuas took flight it was a mixed pair of a dark phase and light phase. I haven’t got any decent pictures of a pale phase bird before so i focused my efforts on this bird they stayed loyal to the area and where very vocal so with previous knowledge we knew they would be nesting nearby. We retreated and watched the pale bird back onto the nest.

Arctic Skua, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023

Arctic Skua, Kiberg, June 2023
Arctic Skua, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023 Arctic Skua, Kiberg, June 2023
Arctic Skua, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023 Arctic Skua, Kiberg, June 2023
Arctic Skua, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023 Arctic Skua, Kiberg, June 2023
Arctic Skua, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023 Arctic Skua, Kiberg, June 2023
Arctic Skua, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023 Arctic Skua, Kiberg, June 2023

Arctic Skua, Kiberg, Norway, June 2023 Arctic Skua nest, Kiberg, June 2023

We headed back towards the car and on approaching the car the male Lapland Bunting appeared again and was joined by a female. Now we were interested he had clearly called her off the nest as we approached the car. We moved away form the area and settled down out if sight to see what happened it wasn't long before the female slowly made her way back to her nest site we marked the area and moved in. It took a little finding but was a nest we didn’t expect to see and it was a beauty. Lined with white feather probably Ptarmigan and well consealed in the grass. They can have as many as 7 eggs this one was a C5 a fantastic find on what was already a superb day. What next????

Lapland Bunting nest, Kiberg, June 2023

It was now early evening but with 24 hours of daylight we had plenty of time for more stops on the way home. I wanted to try again for the stints in what I hoped would be some better light. Firstly we did a bit of off road driving on some tracks that went around the Komagvaerstranda nature reserve . We stopped to listen at points around the reserve at one stop we saw Whimbrel and Tundra Ringed plovers. Adrian also spotted a sitting Arctic Skua in the distance. It was miles away but looked good to be incubating so he marked his spot on the barren landscape and off he went. There was no chance he was going to keep his mark from such a distance so I walked slowly and distantly behind him. Over 400 steps later he walked right to the spot. Even I was pretty impressed, both birds flew off which is very unusual for this species.
Arctic Skua nest, Komagvaerstranda, Norway, June 2023

Arctic Skua, Komagvaerstranda Naturreservat Norway, June 2023
Arctic Skua nest, Komagvaerstranda, Norway, June 2023

Arctic Skua nest site, Komagvaerstranda, Norway, June 2023

It looked a great area and if we had more time here we would have loved to it explore further. I wanted to have another crack at the Temmicks in the late evening light and we were sure there were more nesting in the area. We arrived greeted by the sounds of trilling Stints and the tide was now heading back in. I set up by the song post of the individual I had photographed earlier and waited. Adrian and Ricky went off to explore more potential nesting sites. It was now past 8pm and it was a lovely calm evening with little cloud. It was really peaceful to just sit and watch the birds coming and going. At one point a local stopped and asked if I would be interested in seeing whales as a pod of killer whales had been seen near to Vadso. It would have been nice to see but I had eyes on the stints for the rest of the evening. Sadly they didn’t perform as well as they did earlier in the day but I still managed a few pictures.
Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023
Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023
Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023

Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023
Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023
Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023
Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023
Temmicks Stint, Norway, June 2023

Adrian and Ricky had been successful on their walk across the neighbouring dunes and had discovered at least one more Temmincks and a c4 Tundra Ringed Plover. Adrian was adamant there was at least one more Temmincks in the close proximity. Three c4s in a day wasn’t to bad a day, also not to forget the Lapland Bunting amongst others we had found.

Temminck Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Temminck Stint nest, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Tundra Ringed Plover, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Tundra Ringed Plover, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

Tundra Ringed Plover, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

To Finish off the day the vocal Common Gull that was sat on near to the car was off the nest when we walked back to the car so we had a quick peep at that. We also walked down to the river mouth as we had heard that Steller's Eiders were in the area none were seen by us. A few weeks after our visit a Stilt Sandpiper was seen in the river that would have been a good bird to connect with on our travels.

Common Gull nest, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Common Gull nest, Skallelv, Norway June 2023
Common Gull nest, Skallelv, Norway June 2023

River Skalleelva, Norway, June 2023

Few stops on the way home for turnstone with no success but we did have another showy Long-tailed Skua. Who wouldnt want to stop and have a look at these stunning birds.
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023 Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023 Long-tailed Skua, Norway, June 2023

Day 3, Vadso and surrounding area

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 17:13:20 GMT

Day 3 Vadso - The Temmincks hunt begins

The plan today was to head to Vadso. Part of it is the island of Vadsøya joined to the mainland by a road bridge. It’s the 170th most populous municipality in Norway with a population around 5,500. It’s a great place for bird life and in winter is one of the best spots to see Stellers Eider. We had hoped to see Stellers Eider and had heard a few birds were still in the area. We did check the harbour but only saw Common Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and a Greater black-backed Gull trying to hull a huge fish out of the water. We caught up with it later were it had been successful. The fish looked bigger than the bird when in the water.
Greater black-backed Gull, Vadso, June 2023
Greater black-backed Gull, Vadso, June 2023

Vadso harbour, Norway, June 2023

The guides all say how good the wasteland next to the birders hotel can be and it is the place to go for Red-throated Pipits and Temmincks stint. We walked the area and only founda pair of Oystercatchers, nesting Common Gulls, a nesting Lesser black-backed Gull, we did however had a single RT Pipit which was a lifer for Adrian and Ricky. Also randomly about 20 mountain hares come running out of the long grass and into the port. Strange place to find these.

Lesser black-backed Gull nest, Vadso, June 2023

Birders hotel, Vadso, Norway, June 2023

We next headed to the island pool on the opposite side of the island. It’s meant to be a good place for Red-necked Phalaropes. We checked every bush for Bluethroats but drew a blank. Lots of Redpolls about maybe even the odd Arctic Redpoll but I didn’t see enough of them to call it. Adrian found a few Redpoll nest that had all been predated. We also started to see a few Red-throated Pipits but they were always distant.

Red-throated Pipit, Vadso, June 2023

The pool was busy with birds, Mallards, Tuffed Ducks, and Black-headed Gulls and plenty of Red-necked Phalaropes. They were very busy feeding and never stayed still. I love these birds but they are a bugger to photograph. I took about 1000 photos with about 99% being binned. Normally because the bird was facing the wrong way. The ones below aren't the best with the high soon reflecting off the water it was a bit of a nightmare to get any thing decent. 24 hours of daylight does have its draw backs lol. These were pretty much the only ones we saw all trip. Some times it’s just better to just sit back and and watch them for what they are. They came so close i was able to film them on my phone.

Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023 I phone video

Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023
Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023

Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023

Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023
Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023
Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023

Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023
Red-necked Phalarope, Vadsø, Norway, June 2023

Vadsøya Island Pool, Norway, June 2023
Vadsøya Island Pool, Norway, June 2023

There is a large structure on the island which is listed as being the airship mask used by Roald Amundsen and Umberto Nobile for their expedition over the North Pole with the airship Norge in 1926. Not just about the birds we learn a bit of history on these trips as well.

Airship Mask, Vadsøya Island, June 2023.

So although we saw some good stuff we hadn’t seen what we were really looking for Temmincks Stint and Bluethroat. We tried behind the hotel for Bluethroat but only saw Mountain Hare and a single Wheatear. There was some nice views across the fjord from here

Varangerfjord, Norway, June 2023

We next headed up in to the hills behind Vadso. We checked a few lakes out with not much success. It was then I caught sight of a bird flying in and around some bushes!!! Boom it was a Bluethroat infact it was better than that it was a pair of Bluethroat. We pulled up and got out hoping to tog some of these stunning birds. Sadly it wasn’t to be they had completely disappeared. We spent a a while checking out the area only turning up a Wheatear and I’m pretty confident I clocked an Arctic Redpoll as well. After no further success with the Bluethroats we left the area defeated and headed further inland we reached the end of the road at a small dam where we stopped for lunch. The usual £8 garage sandwich. Whilst here we watched a Wood Sandpiper, 5 Ruff and 2 pairs of Tundra Ringed Plover. We watched one making a scrape which was pretty cool. We also had a fly past cuckoo.

Tundra Ringed Plover Scrape, Vadso, June 2023

We took a walk across the hill top hoping for Long-tailed Skua we saw one but it was just hunting the ridge. It was a long walk for very little success. Had a few Lemming sightings and even came across what looked like an old nest I guess exposed after the snow melt. The hills here are said to be good for Snowy Owls when the conditions are right.

Lemmings nest, Vadso, June 2023

Returning down from the hill back to the car we had some good views of 4 Tundra Ringed Plovers joy flighting and displaying I sat and watched them taking what I thought would be some great photos but sadly my lens let me down and they were all slightly out of focus.

Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023
Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023
Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023

Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023

It was now mid afternoon and we hadn’t had a very successful day we moved onto Ekkroya. Here are some bird cliffs with breeding Kittiwake. It’s also a good place to try for Gyr Falcons. It was an impressive sight you can walk above or below with Ricky and I going below and Adrian walked the top. The cliff rises steeply 40-50 from the sea the cliff are about 1km in length and the home to about 20,000 pairs of Kittiwakes. I understand locals are aloud to take a quota of eggs for consumption. Not only was it an impressive sight the smell was also pretty impressive. A fishy poo stench filled the air. We didn’t stay lo long.

Kittiwake cliffs, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

Kittiwake cliffs, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023
Kittiwake, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023. Kittiwake, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

Kittiwake, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023
Kittiwake Nest, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

Kittiwake, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023 Kittiwake Nest, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

We then headed onto the cliff tops for a look around there were a couple of Reindeer carcasses around picked clean by the sea eagles I guess. Also on the top was two ladies Gerda and Paula these are the names of two buildings build by the Germans during the 2nd world war. It’s one of the best places in Finmark to see buildings built by the Germans as most were destroyed as they retreated. The slopes also held massive man made caves which were probably where they stored their ammunition. The buildings looked like a great place for wheatears to nest with one empty nest found.
German world war 2 buildings, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

German world war 2 buildings, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023
German world war 2 buildings, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023
German world war 2 buildings, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

German world war 2 buildings, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

View across towards the Barents sea, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

The top was pretty devoid of bird life some nice plants were seen. I promised myself I would do better this year at recording the plant life but yet again I didn’t take many pictures and any I did take I just used my phone rather than a macro set up. We headed down back towards the car checking a small area around here for breeding waders. None found again apart from a pair of Oystercatchers and a Common Gull was sat on the fish drying racks.

Common Gull, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023
Common Gull, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023

Ekkeroy is a small spit of land that stick out into the Varangerfjord the causeway that links it to the mainland has a nice sandy beach on its north side. This looked great for waders so we stopped have a look. There was already some toggers here so it felt good. There was a fence keeping in some sheep that were grazing the dunes. From the fence was could see a small flock of waders, Dunlin, Tundra Plovers, Sanderling all feeding on the timeline. There was an area of seaweed that had Ruff, Turnstone and a small flock of brick Red breeding plumage Bar-tailed Godwit. These looked stunning up but weren’t in an area to get any good photos off. The Turnstones weren’t either this was another bird we had on our target list. Adrian had spotted another little wader on the tide line it was noticeable smaller than the Sanderling but a similar plumage and it was being bossed around by the other waders. As it turned we saw the light v shape feather feature on birds back it was a stunning Little Stint in breeding plumage. They breed here in small numbers and very much something we all wanted to see. The other toggers were focusing on the godwits so I accessed the beach just down from were the bird were feeding via a sty over the fence. I slow moved down the beach into a position were I could see the birds and also being careful not to disturb them. It was difficult to single out the Little Stint and when I did it never stayed still for long enough to really capture it as it’s best. Still I had a Little Stint feeding in its breeding grounds in front of me. Sadly this was the only time we saw this species and we never come close to finding a nest. Something for a return journey.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.
Little Stint, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Sanderling, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023 Sanderling, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Sanderling, Ekkeroy, Norway, June 2023 Sanderling, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

Wader beach, Ekkeroya, Norway, June 2023.

We finished up on the beach and headed in the direction of our digs we stopping a few times but didn’t turn anything up. After a bite to eat at our digs, Adrian and I headed out again. We had done a bit of research on Nesseby and thought it would be a good spot for our main targets. We stopped at a new raised beach with lots of good habit for Turnstone but after a good search we turned up nothing. The area was also an old Sami burial ground so we took great care when walking across this area.

Sami Burial ground, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023

After leaving the Sami Burial ground we had our only Short eared Owl of the trip. It was a bit distant but posed nice in the late evening light. It sat for ages in a tree just watching me as I photographed it from the car.

Short-eared Owl, Vestre Jakobslev, Norway, June 2023
Short-eared Owl, Vestre Jakobslev, Norway, June 2023

Nest stop was the church and surrounding area at Nesseby it was after 10pm when we arrived and it all seemed very quite. The tide was out and not many waders were in the bay. We had distant Curlew and Whimbrel. Behind the church was a small pond on here we had a feeding Wood Sandpiper and a small party of male Ruff. The Ruff were also feeding on the grassy banks allowing distant photography.

Church, Nesseby, Norway, June 2023

Nesseby Pool, Norway, June 2023

Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June 2023 Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June
Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June 2023 Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June
Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June 2023

Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June
Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June 2023 Ruff, Nesseby, Norway, June

Whilst i was trying in vain to get decent pictures of the Ruff Adrian had found a C2 Oystercatcher along the beach just above the tideline we sae numerous nesting Oystercatcher but they werent really on our radar so they went under recorded.

Oystercatcher nest, Nesseby, Norway, June 2023

We stopped off en route back to the digs at the river in Vestre Jakobselv at around 23.20 just as the sun went behind the hills. This was about as dark as it got all week. Nothing of note was seen apart from the usual Redshanks and Common Gulls. We did so some pretty impressive buttercup like flowers. I think they where Globeflowers and if correct you can see where they get there name from. They brought the end of a slightly disappointing day but we still had time on our side.

Vestre Jakobselv, Norway,June 2023

Globe flower, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway,June 2023

Arctic Adventures Day 2, Pasvik Valley, journey to Vadso

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:56:39 GMT

Day 2 Pasvik Valley

We were awoken to the sound of the local Brambling again. Definitely the sound of this years trip. The plan was to drive into Norway today and into the Pasvik valley. Lots of targets to hit and even a chance of Bear. Although highly unlikely it’s pretty cool to think you could cross paths with a European Brown Bear. We were also going to be close to the Russian border today as the River Pasvik is the border between Norway and Russia. I’m sure we could think of something nice to say to the locals.

Singing Brambling, Finland, June 2023

First stop was the church at Neiden. It’s in all the guide books as a good place for Arctic Warbler although June the 16th might have been a bit earlier as they are one of the last migrants to reach the Arctic. We had a good look and listen around and heard numerous birds including, Fieldfare, Redwing, House Sparrow, Siskin, Greenfinch, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and Pied Flycatcher. I used the Merlin sound ID app to see if it could pick anything else up. To be fair it was bang on with what it was picking up. We also had a flyover Crossbill sounded like common. The fieldfare had nested at numerous sites around the church all too high for us to look into. There was plenty of young Fieldfares in the surrounding area so most were probably empty. There was also a nice plant in the grounds of the car park. Dwarf Cornel or Bunchberry which we ended up seeing all over the Lapland. It’s a species of the dogwood family and native to cool temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia.

Neiden Church, Neiden, Finland, June 2023

Fieldfare nest, Neiden, Finland, June 2023

Dwarf Cornel, Neiden, Finland, June 2023
Dwarf Cornel, Neiden, Finland, June 2023

We stopped a few times to admire the view the stunning views at one stop we saw a White Wagtail. It looked very smart in its summer plumage. Didn’t pose in the best of places. The fjords here are stunning but like small in comparison to others around Norway.

White Wagtail, Norway, June 2023 White Wagtail, Bjornevatn, Finland, June 2023

Bjornevatn, Finland, June 2023

We continued our journey into the Pasvik Valley this road sign told us we were close to the Russian border we took note of the signs saying don’t make rude gestures at any Russians!
Bjornevatn, Finland, June 2023

We took numerous stops at areas of water throughout the drive and we didn’t find a great deal. First stop we had a pair of Red-throated Divers calling distantly on the water and a Cuckoo was also in the neighbourhood. We were looking for waders and hadn’t turned up any. A bit like yesterday waders were very thin on the ground. The habitat looked good but there was so much of it over a vast area. We next headed to a place called birk Husky it was a place that had feeders that attracted some of the star species too. The first birds we heard were Pied Flycatchers there were numerous birds using the nest boxes around the cabins. Also in attendance were House Martins that were hunting flies over the open grassland. The feeders had lots of common stuff like House Sparrows, Greenfinch, Great tit, Blue Tit, and a few Red Squirrels. The occasional Brambling dropped in as well. The setting wasn’t the most photogenic area but we had good fun watching the squirrels interacting with each other. There was a small lake below the lodges and this had a few distant ducks on with plenty of House Martin’s and Swallows hawking the water. Also had what looked like a Sand Martin fly through.

Red Squirrel, Birk Husky, Norway, June 2023

Red Squirrel, Birk Husky, Norway, June 2023
Red Squirrel, Birk Husky, Norway, June 2023

Pied Flycatcher, Birk Husky, Norway, June 2023

We had stopped en route to re fuel and pick up a sandwich so lunch was next on the agenda I had read about an old Norwegian Army watch tower that looked over the border into Russia. From the view point you can see the Russian mining town of Nikel. It looked a shit hole from were I was standing lots of big chimneys and high rise buildings. Further reading about the town suggest it’s been a pollution nightmare which has angered the Norwegians.

Height 96” border observation tower, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Height 96” border observation tower, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Views across to Nikel, Russia, from Svanvik, Norway, June 2023

Views across to Nikel, Russia, from Svanvik, Norway, June 2023

Views across to Nikel, Russia from, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023

As we sat and had dinner at what is known as Height 96” border observation tower. I could hear the distance sound of chicks calling I had a look around and found a small nest box. I stood and watched it for a while and watched a pair of Siberian Tits flying in and out. I’m not one for posting pictures of birds in or on nest boxes but I didn’t think I would get to see Siberian Tits let alone photography them. There was a few other boxes around, they all appeared empty. I climbed up to one to find the box lid was nailed on. It’s great to see so many nest boxes in numerous habitats.
Siberian Tit, Svanvik, June 2023
Siberian Tit, Pasvik Valley, Norway, June 2023 Siberian Tit, Svanvik, June 2023 Siberian Tit, Pasvik Valley, Norway, June 2023

Siberian Tit nest box, Pasvik Valley, Norway, June 2023

We headed further along the road and we were now really close to the River Pasvik and the Russian border we saw the occasional border guard driving the road who always seemed friendly as they would always wave. We found a little pull in and stopped for a wonder around. Again the ground looked great boggy with dead trees around it. Within minutes of getting out the car we had numerous Grey-headed Wagtails making their presence known there must have been a good 3-4 pairs breeding in here. 3 cranes flew across the bog. I could and should probably count this as a lifer. I have only seen these birds on the levels and slimbridge before and these are released birds although they are now breeding in the wild.
Bog, Pasvik Valley, June 2023 - great habitat for Waxwings

Grey-headed Wagtail, Svanvik, June 2023 Grey-headed Wagtail, Pasvik Valley, June 2023

Its also where we come across our first photographable Waxwings we had had a pair feeding low in the dead trees. This give good opportunities to photography them. Sadly they didn’t hang around for long but I managed a few snaps of these stunning birds. We were in perfect breeding habitat for them. Open ground with wet bogs near to a small mixed wood.

Waxwing, Svanvik, June 2023
Waxwing, Pasvik Valley, June 2023

Waxwing, Pasvik Valley, June 2023
Waxwing, Svanvik, June 2023
Waxwing, Pasvik Valley, June 2023

We traveled further into the bog hitting some solid ground here we saw a Wood Sandpiper fly up and start alarm calling then a raptor came into view. Boom a Rough-legged Buzzard and another lifer it disappeared quickly but the Wood Sandpiper had now seen us and stood on alert at the top of a pine tree. It wasn’t togable and that was a good thing as my battery in my camera died. I took some video on my phone (below) Adrian and Ricky stayed in the area to watch what the Wood Sand, whilst I walked back to the car to change batteries.

Wood Sandpiper, Pasvik Valley, June 2023

On the walk back I had a couple of fly over Bean Geese and the Wagtails followed me back to the car. Just before I reached the car I saw a Waxwing being chased off by another Waxwing it looked like it was being seen off from the other bird’s territory. I watched it back into a small wood but didn’t see anything as I walked through the wood. I changed battery and headed back into the bog. Adrian and Ricky were still watching the Wood Sandpiper but hadn’t found any evidence of breeding. As i approached them I noticed a butterfly that looked like some kind of Fritillary. Not 100% sure but I reckon it could be another Arctic Fritillary.
Arctic Fritillary, Norway, June 2023 (iPhone pic)

We decided to leave the Wood Sandpiper and head back towards the road but it decided to follow us which was odd it got very vocal and was clearly not happy about us being in the area. I took a few pictures of it at the top of tree that it had landed in which was a few feet in front of me. As I moved away from the bird I caught sight of why it had followed us back into the boggy area it was because it had chicks here. We saw at least 2 here before retreating from the area. They were probably only a few days old. Amazes me how quickly wader chicks leave the nest. The tricky part with the birds here is that it was quite flat and they like to sit in the tops of the trees. This means you struggle to get a decent background to photograph the birds against. I managed to manoeuvre a few times so that I had a slightly larger tree behind the subject to get some kind of background.

Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023

Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, June 2023

Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, June 2023

Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, June 2023

Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023
Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, June 2023

Wood Sandpiper, Svanvik, Norway, June 2023

As we approached the road a Willow Grouse took off in front of us another life tick. Walking back to the road I told Adrian about what I had saw with the Waxwings. We decided to check the wood out in a bit more detail as it was highly likely the birds were breeding amongst the pines trees in there. After about 10 minutes of looking I called to Adrian about a Rough-legged Buzzard I saw high over the woods his response back was I have a nest here. I headed into the woods and could see the excitement on Adrian’s face as I walked in a saw what I thought was a Waxwing fly off the nest. It looked good from the ground. It looked a bit like a twiggy mistle thrush nest and was fairly large. It also felt good as we had seen a bird leave the area. The only issue and it was a big issue was it was about 8m up a tree and on the edge of some very thin branches. Basically it was unclimbable. We had to see what was in there as if this was a highly likely a Waxwing nest it would be an amazing find. We went through numerous ideas and together we hatched a basic plan using my GoPro camera. This we could use remotely with my phone and so we attached it to a selfie stick ( I didn’t bring this to take selfies with, this was the reason I bought it for any nest out of reach) This would still be far to short so we then attached 2 walking poles using red electrical tape. I careful tried to guide it in but it was obvious even with my extra reach we were still a few feet short. Adrian found a suitable sized stick, (thin tree trunk) that we attached to the home made extension pole and now we were in business. The GoPro was now linked to my phone so Adrian and Ricky guided me in with the live feed they were watching via my phone. It wasn’t long before a few swear words were coming from Adrian’s mouth something along the lines of it’s only a bloody Waxwing with 3 eggs in. Bloody hell why can’t it be a 6 LoL. Ricky used my phone to remotely capture a short video and a few stills of the nest. I then carefully removed the camera from above the nest. After a few high fives we quickly left the area to allow the female to return to the nest. What a moment it was from thinking there is no way we can reach that to peering into a Waxwing nest via live feed from a GoPro. Hopefully the offspring will be visiting a nearby supermarket car park this winter. We were only on day 2 and we had already achieved some awesome results.
DCIM\100GOPRO\G0012773.JPG
Waxwing nest, Pasvik Valley, June 2023
DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR2771.JPG
Waxwing nest, Pasvik Valley, June 2023
DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR2762.JPG

Waxwing nest, Pasvik Valley, June 2023

Waxwing nest, Pasvik Valley, June 2023
Home made photography props

Having spent a fair few hours here we didn’t have too much time to head further into the Pasvik Valley as tonight’s accommodation was near the Norwegian town of Vadso about 2 hours from where we were. We decided to head in that direction stopping at suitable sites en route. We all wanted to see Bluethroat and despite stopping in great areas we had yet to see one. First we stopped just west of Niden to view a pretty impressive set of rapids. Not much bird wise here. We had hoped to see Dipper which would be the Black-bellied form.

River Neiden, Rapids, Neiden, June 2023.
River Neiden, Rapids, Neiden, June 2023

River Neiden, Rapids, Neiden, June 2023.
River Neiden, Rapids, Neiden, June 2023.

We had further stops along the way we resulted in our 2nd Brambling of the trip. Adrian had located this one. It was an about 3 meters up a silver birch tree. We found a few other empties nearby.

Brambling Nest, Norway, June 2023

Brambling Nest, Norway, June 2023

Neiden, Norway, June 2023

As we approached the Varagner one thing become evident and that was the amount of White-tailed sea Eagles in the area they soon became one the most common birds we saw. I have only seen them distantly on Mull a few years ago so it was great to get some close views of these magnificent birds. We stopped at a river mouth near Varangerbotn and watched several birds effortlessly glide around the area. We also noted a pair of Tundra Ringed Plover on the beach a smaller subspecies of the Ringed Plover.

Varangerbotn, Norway, June 2023

Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023 Tundra Ringed Plover, Varangerbotn, June 2023
Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023 Tundra Ringed Plover, Varangerbotn, June 2023
Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023 Tundra Ringed Plover, Varangerbotn, June 2023
Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023 Tundra Ringed Plover, Varangerbotn, June 2023
Tundra ringed Plover, Norway, June 2023 Tundra Ringed Plover, Varangerbotn, June 2023

We also had another lifer in the area in the form of a Northern Hawk Owl. We were driving along when we spotted something unusual on the wires I thought it looked like a big shrike so we turned around to check it out and glad we did . It’s was a bird on our radar but never expected to see one. It was sat on the wires in someone’s garden and it aloud a pretty close approach. Not a fan of photographing birds on wires but beggars can’t be choosers.

Northern Hawk Owl, Varangerbotn, June 2023

We continued along the main road towards our digs for the night which were just outside of Vestre Jakobselv. We a Greater black-backed Gull sat on with a few feet of the road we parked up and walked back along. Another new nest for me with a lovely set of 2. All the way along the road we continued to see White-tailed Eagles. We also saw the occasional Rough-legged Buzzard.

Greater Black-backed Gull nest, Norway, June 2023

Greater Black-backed Gull nest, Norway, June 2023
Greater Black-backed Gull nest, Norway, June 2023

We soon arrived at our digs for the night called Bestemorhuset, it was a nice house on the edge of Vestre Jakobselv. It was spacious and had facilities to make tea. This was good as there wasn’t many restaurants in the area. We had stocked up en route and had a delicious home cooked meal of pot noddles and crips. Washed down with what I would describe as a blueberry milkshake. We planned to head out again so had some beers in the fridge ready to toast an already successful day.

Bestemorhuset, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023

View from the window, Bestemorhuset, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023

view from the window at 1am, Bestemorhuset, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023

After tea we headed back to the other side of Vestre Jakobselv. On the way in we had noticed a nice River delta which may be good for Temmincks Stint, a bird we all hoped to see. We scanned the area and could see a large gull nesting colony which probably wouldn’t be good for the stints. A few birds were in the estuary Redshank, Ringed Plovers and then mainly gulls and Red breasted mergansers they were probably the most numerous duck we saw on the trip. Mainly males I guess after mating the leave the females to it. We headed up a track into the hills and came across we was described as a Bird park. There was a sign telling you that there was no admittance and the area was watched by cctv. It looked like someone had a professional togging set up there. The area was pretty devoid of bird life so we moved on. We then checked out the coastal area and this was also pretty quite just a pair of Oystercatcher and a few Gulls. We did have time to have a look around the wooden fish hanging frames that were in and around every village we passed. There was an old hooded crows nest in one of the stacks of wood.

Fish drying racks, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023

Fish drying racks, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023

Fish drying racks, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023 Fish drying racks, Vestre Jakobselv, Norway, June 2023

We ended the day at about 1am all was pretty quiet now so we went back to celebrate a successful day with a few cans of Norwegian beer. I have had better but beer is beer. Big day planned tomorrow visiting vardo and vadso with the hope of photographing one of my main targets Temmincks Stint.

Arctic adventures day 1 Finland

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:56:33 GMT

Arctic Adventures Day 1

After a few months in the planning it was time to depart for 9 days north of the Arctic Circle. Planning was done using old trip reports from the internet and a few books. I mainly used Gosney guide to Lapland and also Birding Varanger the biotope guide to the best birding sites in Varanger. Gosney is a bit dated but still useful at times. The Biotope guide was excellent with some brilliant pictures. This time of year in the Arctic circle the sun doesn’t set. This meant we had the potential of 24 hours a day birding and could tailor our day depending on the weather. Lucky for us the weather across our trip was awesome and we only had a few spots of rain across the 9 days My five year old daughter Isabelle was kind enough to lend me one of her unicorn sleep masks which came in very handy across the trip. We flew Finnair from Heathrow to Helsinki were we had a 4 hour wait until our connecting flight to Ivalo (Lapland) which is inside the Arctic circle. We had boarded our flight to Ivalo when we were all told to leave the aircraft as there was some kind of problem with the aircraft. Another 2 hour wait before we were up and away. We landed in Ivalo and picked up our car for the trip which was a Toyota C-HR booked through Europcar. We set off for our first stop which was the House Sevetin Rautu in Sevettijarvi this was our base for the next 2 days. All our accommodation was booked through booking.com.

It wasn’t long before Adrian had spotted his first nest. Somehow he had spotted a Black-throated Diver sat on from the back seat of the car. We stopped and turned around to investigate further. Sure enough there was a nest containing 2 eggs the bird had snuck off without us seeing. I tried to take a few pictures from the shore as it was just off the mainland on a small area of reeds but I was having issues with my camera for some reason the auto focus wasn’t working and the lens was making a horrible noise. This is isn’t what you want to hear within the first minutes of your trip. I tried a few different things but nothing would work it looked like something major was up. I used my other camera body and that was the same. By now I felt pretty shit and resigned to the fact I was probably going to have to rely on manual focus something I don’t really do. Months in the planning to an area I have wanted to visit for years and first stop and my lens was having issues. It sounded like something internal was knocking. Gutted was an understatement. We were also being eaten alive by the mosquitoes so headed back to the car to continue our journey.

Out of focus Black-throated Divers nest, Ivalo, Finland, June 2023.

After a bit of thinking time in the car i decided that if my lens was buggered I wasn’t going to let it define the trip. It’s been a pretty shit year for the family and we have had some tough times and this was meant to be a trip to briefly put those things to the back of my mind. If it’s broke then so be it I just need to rely on manual focus and enjoy the trip for what it is. Just means I will have to come back again to tog the wildlife. Lucky for me I managed to get the lens working again but I didn’t feel it was getting the same results as I have had previously with the lens. Service required when we arrive back home. We arrived at our accommodation just after midnight which is no problem here as it’s still daylight. It was basic but clean and tidy. It even had a sauna.

Hire Car outside our accommodation, June 2023

House Sevetin Rautu, Sevettijarvi, Finland, June 2023

House Sevetin Rautu, Sevettijarvi, Finland, June 2023

House Sevetin Rautu, Sevettijarvi, Finland, June 2023

We unloaded and had a look around. We were staying just off a large lake which had a pair of Red-throated Divers on. The surrounding woods had Fieldfares, Redwings and Willow Warblers singing. There was also a bird we didn’t recognise it sounded very nasally a little but like a Greenfinch. I used my Collins app to work out what it was and it was a male Brambling. I have seen these throughout the winter and the look pretty special but in their summer bib they look spectacular. These ended up being the most common bird of the trip and we heard them all over Lapland. The below video was taken at 00.50 and the photos of the lakes at 1.15am. Welcome to 24 hours of daylight.

Brambling, Sevettijarvi, Finland, June 2023

Surrounding lakes, Sevettijarvi, Finland, June 2023

First full day in Lapland and we planned to look for Dotterel on Mount Aliigas which is close to the border of Norway. We planned a few stops en route firstly at the Neljan Tuulen Tupa cafe which if you have read any trip reports for Lapland is the best place to see Pine Grosbeak. It wasn’t what I was expecting and you could only view the birds from inside unless you paid a fee to the visit the garden. We didn’t enquire about how much it’s was instead sitting in the window to enjoy a brew and see what arrives. There was lots of Greenfinch ,Brambling, House Sparrows and a few Red Squirrels. A Redpoll flew in but didn’t look like an Arctic one and we also had a brief glimpse of a male Pine Grosbeak what a beauty he was and my first lifer of the trip. It wasn’t long before a female was on the feeders right in front of us. I took the below photos on my phone. Whilst here we also had a brief glimpse of a male Northern Bullfinch. A slighter bigger version of the bullfinches we see back home.

Pine Grosbeak, Neljan Tuulen Tupa cafe, Finland 2023

Red Squirrel, Neljan Tuulen Tupa cafe, Finland 2023

Just passed the cafe is some bogs and pools which are said to be good for waders like Broad-billed Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank and others but none were seen we did however see these dragonflies. I am not 100% certain of the ID but doing about of research I would say they were Northern White-faced Darters. (Leucorrhinia rubicunda) also known as ruby whiteface. They found in Europe as far east as the Altai Mountains. They are predominantly northern in its distribution, being one of the few dragonflies common north of the Arctic Circle. Northern White-faced Darter, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023
Northern White-faced Darter, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023
Northern White-faced Darter, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

Surrounding landscape, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

We carried on towards our destination stopping en route to check out a few of the roadside nest boxes we had started to notice. Every wood next to a pool or bog had a few big boxes ideal for Smew, Goldeneye and maybe owls. The first one we checked was in use and contained the nest of a what looked like a Smew. This was a great start and probably one of our only chances of finding nesting Smews this trip. We checked the nest box about an hour later after a walk through the neighbouring forest and the female was sat on. It was in fact a Smew. A quick record shot and we left her in peace. What a great start.

Smew nest in a box, Finland, June 2023

Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Smew nest in a box, Finland, June 2023
Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023
Smew nest in a box, Finland, June 2023

Whilst walking through the surrounding forest I stumbled across my first nest of the trip and it was a beauty and one I had hoped to see. Adrian confirmed it as a Brambling. It was quite deep and was lined with toilet roll. Being nearby to a lay-by I guess the toilet roll was used by passers by who had been caught short. We didn’t investigate to hard to see how much of it had been pre used. The nest was probably about 7 foot off the ground. Good job I have long arms to take a record shot. It was comical watching Ricky and Adrian try take theirs.

Brambling, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

Brambling nest, Finland, June 2023

Brambling, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Brambling nest, Finland, June 2023
Brambling, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

Brambling nest, Finland, June 2023
Brambling, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Brambling nest, Finland, June 2023

Brambling, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Brambling, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Brambling nest, Finland, June 2023

Nearby was a small boggy area that held a pair of Grey-headed Wagtails, Reed Bunting, Tundra Ringed plover and out first butterfly of the trip. I didn’t have my macro lens on me so took a few record shots with my phone. I checked it with google lens and it came back as an Arctic Fritillary.

Arctic Fritillary, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 (iPhone pic)

Surrounding landscape, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

We continued our journey west stopping at various lay-bys. We checked another nest box containing another female Smew. A part from the occasional fly past these were the only 2 Smew we saw the entire trip. I was hoping to be able to photograph a male on the water but this will have to wait for another trip.

Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023
Smew nest , Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Smew nest, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Smew nest , Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023
Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Smew nest box , Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Smew, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023 Smew nest box, Kaamanen, Finland, June 2023

We reached our destination by early afternoon and before heading up the mountain we hit the nearby town of Karigasniemi for some food. We took a wrong turn and somehow crossed the border into Norway without realising. We soon turned around and headed to a local hotel we’re I tucked into a Reindeer Pizza.

Reindeer Pizza, Finland, June 2023

Lunch done we headed for the hills. Half way up the mountain we encountered our first Meadow Pipit nests a lovely c5 hidden under a rock and then a very impressive C6. Six’s aren’t common with meadow pipits so as they go it was a great find. Meadow Pipits seem to be everywhere.

Meadow Pipit nest, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Next on the agenda was Dotterel we knew they had been seen in the area in previous years so we stood a good chance. We tried out a thermal camera leant to us by Karle Burford. Sadly this was pretty ineffective due to it been warm and sunny every rock on the plateau glowed like a hot bbq coal. We continued across the mountain and up to the telecommunications tower at the top this is where Adrian first caught site of out first Dotterel. It was a beautiful female and was very accommodating. This was the first proper test of my lens. It seemed to be auto focusing and the results looked okay on the back of the camera but only at home on the PC would I really know. Ricky and I spent some time photographing it whilst Adrian had a look for her boyfriend. We spent about 30 mins with this bird at one point it just went to sleep.

Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Dotterel, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

We also had a pair of Snow Bunting join us for a few minutes. Not as showy as the Dotterel but a nice trip tick.

Snow Bunting, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

We took a different route down the mountain going over the top and down the steep slope to the east of the summit probably not the easiest route but Long tailed Skua had been seen on this side in pervious years. We had a mountain hare about half way down and then we caught site of a skua species. There was a pair in flight and looked to be Long-tailed skua we continued the climb down and soon saw one of them sat a few 100 feet in front of us. Boom long-tailed Skua a lifer for all of us. It allowed really close approach which probably meant its partner was sat incubating nearby. We sat with the bird for a while taking quite a lot of pictures whilst it posed.

Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023 Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023
Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

Long-tailed Skua, Mount Aliigas, Finland, June 2023

On the drive back to the main road Adrian spotted a Redwing sat on. A quick inspection and we had found our first Redwing of the trip we ended up only seeing one more redwing nest. I guess we weren’t really looking for them after seeing so many in Iceland.

Redwing nest, Finland, June 2023

Redwing nest, Finland, June 2023

We had a few more stops on the way back to our accommodation. First was to let this Reindeer cross the road. Reindeer were seen all over Lapland. Most are semi domesticated and have been farmed for 1000s of years by the Sami people. It’s quite a site to see so many of these beautiful creatures just roaming around the Lapland area.

Reindeer, Finland, June 2023

Other stops included a random sauna in the woods unsure if it was a public one but we didn’t hang around to use it. Here we also watched a Willow Warbler return to its roadside nest it was well hidden in the grass and a bit difficult to photograph. I also spent some time trying to tog the Brambling with not much luck. Was pretty cool watching them throw their heads back whilst they sang. I did spot another small bird feeding in the trees. I managed to get the bins on it to reveal another lifer a Siberian Tit it quickly disappeared but a great bird to see.

Brambling, Finland, June 2023

Brambling, Finland, June 2023
Brambling, Finland, June 2023

Wiilow Warbler nest, Finland, June 2023

Road side Sauna, Finland, June 2023

We stopped at a little lake at the edge of a small village here we had our first pair of Wood Sandpiper we watched them for a while but they appeared to be just resting and feeding. Nice birds to see but a bit distant for decent photos.
Wood Sandpiper, Finland, June 2023 Wood Sandpiper, Finland, June 2023

Also around the lake were a few nest boxes the first was used but now empty probably Smew or Goldeneye, with the amount of down in there it was definitely a duck. The 2nd was an awesome find. I opened it up to see two fluffy chicks staring back at me. We believed them to be Tengmalm’s Owls, we searched for an adult bird nearby but no joy. Owls weren’t really on our list of targets due to the difficult nature of finding them in the finish forest. The advice is to get a guide but these come at a cost and where is the fun of having everything pointed out to you. As a group we love to get out and find our own stuff. Although that comes with a risk of not finding anything. Tengmalm’s Owl was another lifer for all of us and a good way to finish up the day.

Tengmalm’s Owl chicks, Finland, June 2023.

Tengmalm’s Owl nest box, Finland, June 2023

Day 8 and 9 - Borganes to Floi - the final chapter

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 18:43:32 GMT

Day 8 Borganes - Floi

Had it feeling this was going to be a great day more on that later......

Great-northern Diver, June 2022.

Early start around the guesthouse looking for the usual suspects. I headed away from the small wood where i had some success last night with the Redwings and headed into the small open hills looking for waders. Adrian was off looking for his nemesis the Black-tailed Godwit. I spent a bit of time watching a pair of Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover but i think they were just feeding around a small pool on a piece of waste land. I did however find a lovely set of Meadow Pipits eggs. Not something I was looking for but always nice to see. In fact apart from a small area of Daffodils still in flower and some more Icelandic Poppies that was all i found. I planned to go back to photograph them but soon run out of time. lt was fast approaching breakfast time and time to move onto our next stop Floi.

Meadow Pipit nest, Borganes, June 2022

En route to Floi we stopped for Brekkie at service station where there was a well stocked pastry counter. It was hit hard and we all filled up for the day ahead. Next stop was at Pingvallavatn which is the 2nd largest natural lake in Iceland. It was where parliament was held between 930 and 1799. We werent there to learn history though lol!!! So on with the birds. Next we stopped on a road over looking the lake where we heard an Icelandic rarity the Blackbird. Its a new colonist of Iceland and I understand their numbers are slowly growing. It was lovely to hear the Blackbird singing among the numerous Redwings.

Ricky diving into the Pastrys, Iceland June 2022

Road to Pingvallavatn, Iceland, June 2022

View across Pingvallavatn, Iceland, June 2022

Local fauna, Iceland June 2022

Next stop was a great place on the River Sog, the Sog is the river that feeds lake Pingvallavatn. Here in 2019 we had a river bank nesting Great-northern Diver so after our success with the 2019 Skuas we thought let’s stop and see. Amongst the millions of Black flies we found the Great-northern diver nesting in pretty much the same spot. A beautiful bird up close. She was sat tight so we didn’t disturb her for very long we took a few quick snaps before slowly moving on. The first pictures below are taken on my phone thats how close we were able to slowly move into. Im sure we could have touched her and she wouldn’t have moved. An incredible experience and why I love Iceland so much. It just keeps on giving. This was also a good spot for lunch i celebrated with a different sandwich we moved from beef to lamb. I might add that to buy these sandwiches I had to take out a small mortgage. Iceland is beautiful but bloody expensive.

Great-northern Diver, River Sog, Iceland, June 2022

Great-northern Diver, River Sog, Iceland, June 2022 (bit blurry but shows how stunning these eyes are)

Great-northern Diver, River Sog, Iceland; June 2022

Around the river where plenty of Alaskan Lupins these were all over Iceland and had been introduced to stop soil erosion and now had spread across the country. In the south they were in full bloom but in our recent travels to the far north they were still not out in flower. Also on the banks here were some Water Avens. A common plant throughout Iceland and also found in the UK but as with most plants in Iceland it was a new one for me.

Nootka Lupine, Iceland, June 2022
Alaskan Lupins, River Sog, June 2022

Water Avens, Iceland, June 2023

Water Avens, River Sog, June 2022

Next stop was going to be one of the a highlights of the trip. No trip to Iceland is complete without a stop a Floi bird reserve. It’s full of Red-throated divers and lots of other species and hardly a sole in sight. This year we bumped into a fellow British bird photography Connor and it was great to hear his stories from his trip across Iceland. It was also good to see the R7 in action which Connor was using. The AI for focusing on the subjects eye is awesome, this helped with flight shots. My 5D was useless trying to capture the incoming divers but Connors R7 performed really well. There is an R series lens on my wish list now.

My attempt at an incoming Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

Before entering Floi we like to have a drive along the lanes that lead into the bird reserve. Here there are lots of open fields great for waders. It’s also great for birds on fence posts. I even managed to add a new bird to my collection the Meadow pipit.

Meadow Pipit, Floi, Iceland, June 2022

Meadow Pipit, Floi, June 2022

Meadow Pipit, Floi, Iceland, June 2022

Meadow pipit, Floi, June 2022

Redshank, Floi, June 2022

Redshank, Floi, June 2022
Common Snipe, Floi, Iceland, June 2022 Snipe, Floi, June 2022

Starling, Floi, Iceland, June 2022 Starling, Floi, June 2022

We walked around the reserve first to take it all in. The real beauty of this place isnt the landscape or the wet boggy smell its the noise. 100s of Divers calling alongside the drumming snipe and the odd Red-necked Phalarope amongst others it really is amazing. It was one of my favourite stops in 2019 and I wasn’t to be disappointed again this year. We started off with a C1 Red-throated Diver just off the main path followed by a C2. I love the shot of the nest looking over the water and you can clearly see the run off the diver uses to slip into the water when danger approaches.

C1 Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

C2 Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

C1 Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

C2 Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

It was now pretty late in the day and the light wasn’t great for togging birds on water there was however a Red-throated Diver sat on its nest adjacent to the footpath. You could just see it’s head and long neck through the long grass.

Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

Tonight’s teas was yet another Pizza. It was pretty good and well worth the wait all the restaurants in Iceland were busy tonight some kind of public holiday.

Day 9 - The final day

Whilst walking around yesterday i spotted a family of Divers. 2 adults and 2 chicks these were going to be my subjects for the next few hours. I careful approached the small pool they were on and laid on the waters edge once they seemed happy with my presence i started to photograph them. It was amazing to watch these amazing bird interact with each other. The adults would fly off and bring back in small fish for the chicks when one was off feeding the other would keep a watchful eye on the chicks. They were so chilled that at points they were all asleep.

Red-throated Diver and chick, Floi, June 2022

Red-throated Diver and chicks, Floi, June 2022

Red-throated Diver chick, Floi, June 2022
Red-throated Diver chick, Floi, June 2022
Red-throated Diver chick, Floi, June 2022

After spending a few hours watching the Parents feed and interact with the chicks I thought it best to spend some time with the stunning adult birds that would drift past on the small pool. I felt incredibly lucky to spent a few hours watching this family. At times i would slowly move my camera away and just watch these birds feed, preen and sleep. It was when they slept that I knew i was no threat to them and it felt like i was part of their world. I also felt incredibly wet and stinky. To keep disturbance to a minimum i was laid down on the edge of the pool which was a very damp and boggy area. My lens was hovering just above the surface of the water. I didn’t use a tripod and went hand held to try and get those low across the water profile shots. It was challenging at times as a 500mm lens isn’t light but i loved every minute. That light was always challenging due to the time of day and the ever changing cloud conditions but i managed a few keepers. Nearly a year on i still haven’t fully been through all my pictures as i took so many.

Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

Red-throated Diver, Floi, June 2022

Excuse the loud autofocus on my lens in the below video but if you listen carefully you can hear the wonderful background noise of Floi
Hand held video of the Red-throated Divers.

Whilst I was laid in the dirty water Adrian and Ricky had been off looking for Flois other breeding birds and had some success. No Black-tailed Godwit again but they did find. Golden Plover, Whimbrel and a Red-necked Phalarope. The Phalarope wasn’t to far from where I was with the divers So after i had taken my fill of pictures I had a look at the Phalarope nest. What a beauty and so tiny.

Red-necked Phalarope nest, Floi, June 2022

I then spent about an hour on a feeding pool watching and photographing Red-necked Phalaropes as they came and went.

Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022

Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022
Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022
Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022
Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022
Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022
Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022
Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, June 2022

Red-necked Phalarope, Floi, Iceland, June 2022 Hand held video of the Red-necked Phalaropes

A pair of Whooper Swans gave good views as well. They walk straight past where I was sat. Another nice bird to photograph.

Whooper Swan, Floi, Iceland, June 2022

Whooper Swan, Floi, Iceland, June 2022 Whooper Swan, Floi, Iceland, June 2022 Whooper Swans, Floi, June 2022

Next stop was the coast in search of more waders and maybe some Gull colonies. We parked up near Eyrarbakki and we walked the strip of land in between the road and the coast. We had had some success nesting here last time so we were all hopeful of finding some good stuff. First stop was a small pocket of Lupins time on this trip was running out and I wanted to take some better photos of these beautiful plants.

Nootka Lupine, Iceland, June 2022 Alaskan Lupins, Iceland, June 2022 Nootka Lupine, Iceland, June 2022 Alaskan Lupins, Iceland, June 2022
Nootka Lupine, Iceland, June 2022 Alaskan Lupins, Iceland, June 2022

I then spend a bit of time with a Golden Plover it looked to be nesting in the area as wasnt feeding and was pretty faithful to a small area. We had a look around but didnt find a nest. A 2nd bird was in the area so we were pretty confident there was a nest or chicks nearby.

Golden plover, Eyrarbakki, June 2022

Next we headed in the direction of a small black-headed gull colony we found in 2019. It wasn’t so small this year and as we approached 100s of Gulls took flight. It wasn’t just Black-headed Gulls but Lesser back-backed Gulls and Arctic Terns. It was quite a site we moved our way through pretty swiftly checking out a few nests as we went. Lesser have been known to lay some pretty special eggs and we did come across one nest that had 1 pale blue egg amongst the usual colour.

Lesser black-backed Gull nest, June 2022

Lesser black-backed Gull nest, June 2022
Lesser black-backed Gull nest, June 2022
Lesser black-backed Gull nest, June 2022

Lesser black-backed Gull nest, June 2022
Lesser black-backed Gull nest, June 2022
Lesser black-backed Gull nest, June 2022

The Black-headed Gulls has a mix of Chick and eggs way to many nest to count but probably into the 100s and clearly a lot. bigger than 3 years ago.

Black-headed Gull nest, Eyrarbakk, June 2022

Black-headed Gull nest, Eyrarbakk, June 2022
Black-headed Gull chick, Eyrarbakk, June 2022

Arctic Tern nest, Eyrarball, June 2022

Arctic Tern nest, Eyrarbakk June 2022

Also in the area were a slection of waders a last chance to add to the growing list of photos i needed to edit on my return. Nothing particular good but a few more records of our trip.

Redshank, Eyrarbakki, June 2022 Redshank, Eyrarbakki, June 2022

Black-tailed Godwit, Eyrarbakki, June 2022
Whimbrel, Eyrarbakki, June 2022
Whimbrel, Eyrarbakki, June 2022

Dunlin, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2022 Dunlin, Eyrarbakki, June 2022

Last stop was a trip down the lanes around Floi to have a final look for nesting Black-tailed Godwits, No luck but we did find some of the impressive Icelandic Horses. Tried to get a bit arty with these and they werent brillant photos. Almost a but of an after thought after another long trip.

Icelandic Horses, Iceland, June 2022
Icelandic Horses, Iceland, June 2022
Icelandic Horses, Iceland, June 2022

Icelandic Horses, Iceland, June 2022

After several hours out and about we headed to our digs for the last night. A wooden house in Gljufurbustadir it was set in a beautiful location just outside the city of Selfoss. It even had a hot tub. Not my cuppa of tea. After a long shower to wash away the stinky bog water of floi we headed into Selfoss for a burger at Tommys burger bar and to pick up some beers to drink at our digs. If you are in Iceland and you see a Tommys burger Joint stop and have one they are bloody amazing. A good way to finish of another superb day in Iceland.

Gljufurbustadir hoilday homes, Iceland, June 2022

Gljufurbustadir hoilday homes, Iceland, June 2022 - my room give the tallest the small roof space lol

Gljufurbustadir hoilday homes, Iceland, June 2022

Tea yes another burger.

1.30am out of the bedroom window and its still pretty light

Flight home tomorrow and the end of another amazing trip to Iceland…… next stop Lapland 2023

Day 7 Snaefellsber, Borganes

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:33:44 GMT

We had our first proper breakfast of the trip in Blonduos. A mid trip treat wasn’t to bad but like much of Europe you can’t get a decent sausage or some lovely smoked bacon.
Brekkie at the Guesthouse Kiljan - Blondus

We left the digs at around 8am. The plan was to travel around the Snaefellsnes peninsula hopefully getting as far as Olafsvik. Adrian and I had great success in this area in 2019 so really wanted to try our luck again and also to show Ricky what this beautiful part of Iceland had to offer. We had a few sites to visit but our first stop was on the edge of Blonduos. I had noticed a small patch of Icelandic Poppies growing on the edge of someone’s garden and as these are a rare and protected plant I wanted to try and photograph them. I suspect that these may have been planted but none the less they were stunning plants. I didn’t spend to much time here as I would hoping to find some genuine wild ones on our route today. Icelandic poppies come in 3 colours all of which were on show here.

Icelandic Poppies, Iceland, June 2022

We had a few hours of driving to do before our first stop which was a large lake just off the main road. 3 years ago we had an amazing experience with a pair of Great-northern Divers that had choose to breed on the edge of the lake. There was a small lake nearby the had a pair of Red-throats on and a pair of Whooper Swans has nested on the other side of the road. This year there were no Divers but the Whooper Swans had nested in the same location. I spent a little time here photographing the fauna and the surrdoing landscape.

The motor with a stunning backdrop

Next stop was the ancient fishing village of Hellnar. We had a great encounter here 3 years ago with a pair of Arctic Skuas. We hoped that they may be site faithfully but didn’t hold out much hope. We had lunch at the foot of Bardarlaug which is an volcanic crater pool. We overlook an area of rough ground which is were the Skuas had breed. I was just tucking into my usually Roast and beef and onion Sandwich (bloody lovely grub) when Adrian called it. The Skuas appeared to be nesting in the same location as 3 years ago. We finished our grub and headed down.

Nice place for lunch

We reached the area were we suspected they were nesting in and the pair flew off and disappeared. This was unusual as if your anywhere near a Skua’s nest you are likely to get mobbed. The pair here last time mobbed us continually. We weren’t sure if there was anything here but Adrian walked into the area he had marked up from a distance and sure enough our first Arctic Skuas nest of the trip. Almost in the same location.

Arctic Skua nest, Hellnar, Iceland, June 2022

We marked the nest up on What3words and moved out. The family was back on the nest before we had even got back to the road. We walked up the side Bardarlaug and checked out the crater again. It’s a beautiful spot. There was a couple of Gulls and Whimbrel in the area but not much else. Again I took some time to try and identify a few of the flowers in the area. There was a single Arctic Poppy on the roadside but was almost impossible to photograph in the strong wind. Shame as it was the only one we saw on the trip.

Next stop was another site we had Arctic Skua’s on 3 years ago. It was in between Hellissandur and Rif. Astonishing it was in the edge of an Arctic Tern colony. Sure enough it was there again. Right on the edge of the tern colony. We walked out to it and this time we got attacked. The incubating bird was trying to distract us by pretending to be injured similar to what the waders do.

Arctic Skua, Rif, Iceland, June 2022

A C1 this time and after a few pictures we moved out. The incubating bird was back in within seconds of leaving so I sat up nearby and photographed them at the nest.

Arctic Skua nest, Rif, Iceland, June 2022

Arctic Skua, Rif, Iceland, June 2022

Whilst doing this the none incubating bird came and sat next to me I was so close to it at points I couldn’t focus on it. I had to try and wiggle backwards with out spooking the bird. I managed to and the I liked the results. It was raining very lightly and the cloud was very low. This made a lovely effect on the skuas head as the rain formed little droplets on the birds feathers.

Arctic Skua, Rif, Iceland, June 2022

We then spent the next hour or so checking out the surrounding area. There were possibly as many as 5 pairs in this area. There was also a couple of whimbrel. Whimbrel are everywhere in Iceland and you kind of take them for granted. They are also very skittish and as difficult bird to get close enough to, to photograph. I did however manage to creep up on a lone bird.

Whimbrel, Rif, Iceland, June 2022.

I headed over to a small pool where I had photographed Red-necked Phalaropes a few years back. Adrian and Ricky went off looking for other waders. Ricky found a few more snipe nests to add to his tally. I didn’t have so much luck the Phalaropes they weren’t in great numbers and the pool only held one pair. Also on the pool were a pair of Whooper Swans.

This pool was full of phalaropes in June 2019

Whooper Swan, Rif, June 2022

Red-necked Phalarope, Rif June 2022

Snipe nest - Rif June 2022

Black Church of Budir, Iceland, June 2022

After a long day in the field it was time to head to our next overnight stop. A place we had stayed at in 2019 it was Laekjarkot Rooms, near Borgarnes. Basic but comfortable accomadtion. The real bonus here was you could walk stright out the rooms and into some great habiat. We stopped first in Borgarnes for some grub. A stunning burger which was pretty decent after a long hard day

Laekjarkot Rooms, Borganes, Iceland, June 2022

After heading back to our digs i headed out into the adjcent woodland to look for Redwings. Also in the area were Ptarmigan, snipe and Golden Plover. It wasnt long before I heard my first Ptarmigan but sadly it was located. I did however find numerous Redwings nest in different stages and also a Redpoll nest with large chicks and a beautful one with very young chicks and eggs

Redwing Nest, Borganes, June 2022

Redpoll nest, Borganes, June 2022

The sun was setting fast and it was time to head back toward the digs but not before a few snaps of the local landscape

Day 6, Leaving Raufarhofn and the journey to Blondous

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 18:43:11 GMT

Day 6

Weather was a bit different this morning!! No it was still very dull Overcast and cold but this morning we had wind. Adrian and I left the nest hotel early and headed to the lighthouse area for some more Purple Sandpiper fun. We parked up and got out the car and then quickly got back in the car!! Oh my days the wind which we know was strong was off the scale and it had a bite to it. It was bloody freezing!! We couldn’t even hear each other talking so there was no point trying anything in this. You couldn’t even hold your binoculars up. It Would of been impossible to see or hear anything and it wouldn’t be good for any birds we came across. We went back to Raufarhofn and drove to the lighthouse in town. We had been told the pools around here were good for Red Phalaropes. There was a pair of Long-tailed Ducks on a small pool but not much else apart from good numbers of Red-necked Phalaropes. We parked at the Lighthouse and I got out. Adrian did the right thing and stayed in the warm.

Raufarhorn Lighthouse, Iceland, June 2022

I walked along the cliffs here and saw a family of Ravens and about 20-30 Black Guillemots on the water who were probably breeding in holes in the cliffs. There were plenty of Fulmars gliding along the cliff tops and I tried to photograph them in the hurricane winds. Not easy I had no gloves on either and it wasn’t long before my fingers were to numb to press any buttons on the camera. I gave up and headed back to the car.
Fulmar, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022 Fulmar, Raufarhorn, June 2022

As I traveled back to the hotel I notice the pair of Long-tailed Ducks were still on the small pool. There was also a few pairs of Red-necked Phalaropes. The light was horrendous and although those duck showed really well the photos didn’t do them any justice.

Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Long-tailed Duck, Raufarhorn, Iceland, June 2022

I headed back to the hotel and took a de tour for the Glaucous Gulls again. Light wasn't much better sadly. Next I picked Adrian and Ricky up and we headed onto our next destination. Raufarhorn had delivered our main target and will live long in the memory. We will be back in the future as we have unfinished business here. Maybe next time we will come back mid June and see what we can find.

Glaucous Gull, Raufarhorn, Iceland, June 2022

We started the journey to Blonduos, this was to be our next stop. It was a 5 hour journey but we planned a few stops en route. We were just on the out skirts of Kopasker when I spotted something a head of us in the road. In Iceland this could only be one thing. I shouted Arctic fox having not seen anything for the last 2 hours I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it. As we pulled up along side it, it was clear to see it was an Arctic Fox. A first for me and something I was keen to photograph. Sadly this one disappeared pretty quickly into the birch but was great to see. It appeared to be carrying some kind of prey but no idea what.

Next stop was the town of Husavik, we stopped for some food and fuel and then stopped again on the south of the town at another Biotape bird hide that over looked a small lake called Kaldbakstjarnir. There were a few bits and pieces on here but no Great Northern Divers, which is what we hoped for. It’s was a nice spot for lunch and we were serenaded by Redwings and Redpolls.

Husavik, Iceland, June 2022

Next stop was a lovely little pull in at a place called Horgarsveit, we stopped here to break up the journey and the trees were alive with Redwings. It was a beautiful place. I am sure there were 100s of nesting Redwings here but we didn’t stop for long. Found 1 nest with pretty big chicks in. Some good numbers of Redpolls as well. Pretty sure I heard a Crossbill but can't be sure.

Reds, Horgarsveit, Iceland, June 2022

Redwing nest, Horgarsveit, Iceland, June 2022

Horgarsveit, Iceland, June 2022

As we came down from the high roads into the valley were we saw the Pink-footed Geese in we thought about stopping but didn’t see anything like the numbers we saw on the way through. We decided not to stop which as we found out from a nesting contact was a big mistake. They found a few nests in this area a few days after we pasted through. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Another stop for another trip. We wanted to spend some time at a favourite spot for me. The small lake near Blondous. Firstly I wanted to prove that the Coot was there. I knew it had been seen by others as during the trip I had been invited to an Icelandic rare bird WhatsApp group and I had seen it pop up a few times on there. I just had to prove it to the doubters I was travelling with. I had been the butt of their jokes for a few days now. We arrived at the lake. No coot but all the other stuff was there. Ricky and my plan was to photograph the Slavonian Grebes we picked different pairs and what about our business. Adrian went towards the river and was on the look out for his bogie bird, Black-tailed Godwit. I spend some good time with a pair of the Grebes and watched one catch a small fish. It was amazing to watch and I managed a little series of photograph’s

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2022

My main aim was to try and catch them on the closest point were they swam down a small channel. They did it once but the photos from the fishing trip came out better. The light was a bit harsh with the sun being so high in the sky. I am sure a return trip later this evening would be a lot better.

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June

After an hour or so we met back up together. Adrian hadn’t had much luck but was watching a pair of Red-necked Phalarope on another small pool. Another one flew in that looked different not only in colour but also in stature. It had the look of a Wilson’s Phalarope. I have only seen a winter plumage one a few years ago so opened up my bird guides app and went in for a closer look. It looked pretty good and we all were willing it to be, but sadly it turned out to be a Red-necked Phalarope. We found a few plants around the edge of the lake and what looked like an Orchid spike. Iceland has 5 Orchid species I think but we would be too early to see them flowering.

Unknown Orchid, Iceland, June 2022

Common Butterwort, Iceland, June 2022

Horsetail, Iceland, June 2022

We headed to our digs which was in Blonduos. Blonduos is a small town at the mouth of the River Blanda. We stayed at the Kiljan Guesthouse which was very pleasant. Clean, tidy, comfortable and did good food.

Kiljan Guesthouse, Blonduos, June 2022

After dropping our stuff off we walked along the river and checked out the bird hide. We saw some good stuff. A Glaucous Gull, Red-throated Diver, Harlequin Duck and plenty of the common stuff. We carried on further up and there were huge numbers of Greylag Geese with goslings. Some had neck rings on with looked a bit strange. We headed back for tea at our digs which was nice and enjoyed a pint of Gull.

Kiljan Guesthouse tea, Blonduos, June 2022

After tea we checked out a few farm tracks for birds on posts. We had some good views of Common Snipe and Common Redshank. I never get bored of togging these. The Snipe just sat the quietly whilst the Redshank who are probably defending chicks are very vocal.

Common Snipe, Blonduos, Iceland, June 2022

Common Redshank, Blonduos, Iceland, June 2022

Ricky headed off to bed and Adrian and I headed to our favourite little lake. The weather was great and I hoped for some good light as the sun set. As we approached the lake the infamous Coot was back on the lake and this time Adrian saw it. I wasn’t imagining it lol. I wasn’t going to waste any time togging a Coot. One of the nesting Red-throats was on the water and showing pretty well so I took up position and waited for it to drift into the clear water. It wasn’t playing ball and I didn’t have a lot of time to wait. The Slavonian Grebes were the target here as I had a date with the Red-throats later in the week in the south of Iceland.

Red-throated Diver, Iceland, June 2022 Red-throated Diver, Iceland, June 2022

I moved off and worked my way along the bank. There were 2 floating Slavonian Grebe nests on the lake both were empty but the birds were sitting on them so clearly going to be laying up soon. I didn’t want to disturb them so I cautiously approached the nest that looked to have had the best photo opportunities. I slowly worked my way along the bank crawling on my hands and knees. The birds weren’t bothered by me and I managed to get pretty close.

It was pretty cool to be within a few meters of a pair of these magnificent birds. Something you wouldn’t be able to do back in the UK at this time of year due to their rarity. At times I was to close to focus on the birds but now I was in a good position I darent move. This was another of my highlights and I was very happy with the results. I hadn’t done very well with these Grebes before.

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2022

My plan on this trip was to do a lot more video and I took a tripod with me to enable me to do this. I did a few videos but always seemed to forgot to take my tripod out with me. Below are some dodgy handheld videos. Work needed on these lol.

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2022

As the sun set it cast a lovely orange glow across the lake. Sadly it disappeared behind the neighbouring mountains to quickly. What an evening it wasn't quite over as Adrian on his travels had come across another Snipe nest on the roadside.

Snipe nest, Iceland, June 2022

En route back to Blonduos we took the farm tracks to see if there were any waders on posts again. We had lost the light to the mountains at the lake but close to the coast we still had a bit of day light left. We found Snipe, Redshank and a new bird on a post a Redwing.

Redwing,Blondous, Iceland, June 2022 Redwing,Blondous, Iceland, June 2022 Redwing,Blondous, Iceland, June 2022 Redwing,Blondous, Iceland, June 2022 Redwing, Blondous, Iceland, June 2022

Snipe, Blondous, Iceland, June 2022

We finally headed back to the digs and off to bed it was fast approaching midnight as the sunset across the Iceland sea. Another awesome day with some decent weather at last.

Day 5 Purple Rain…. Raufarhorn and the Purple Sandpiper hunt continues

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:21:12 GMT

Day 5 Purple Rain….. Raufarhorn and the Purple Sandpiper hunt continues

Day 5 weather still overcast and chilly but we are full of hope as we head out to the Tundra again on the hunt for Purple Sandpipers. Wasn’t a to early start and we are nesting by 5.30am. First stop was the roadside Purple Sandpiper from last night. I wanted to try and get a picture of the bird incubating the eggs and to try and show how difficult these birds are to see when sat on the open tundra. The visit was brief to avoid further disturbance.

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Unsurprisingly the next few nest of the day are Eider Duck we must be well into the 50s now. Still they are a cracking nest to look at when the haven’t been raided for the down.

Eider Duck nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Next up is another Ringed Plover which we nearly parked on top of. They seem to love the edge of the gravel tracks this one just happened to be where we turned the car around.

Ringed Plover nest Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We walked another few miles across the tundra in an area we know had been successful for another person a few years ago. We walked as far as we could until we reached a large lake. The lake had 3 Great- northern Divers on and although distant and no good for photography it was good to sit and watch these bird interact and call to each other. We crossed back over the road and had a pair of Purple Sandpiper calling and another possible scrape.

Great-northern Diver, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022.

More Eider duck nest were found and again most unmarked we did come across the occasional nest marked up with red flags.

Eider Duck nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

It was now approaching 8am so it was time to return to base to pick Ricky up. Ricky had been up to the Arctic Henge for a look and whilst up there he had come across a Snipe nest which he had marked the location of for the scientists and us to have a look later. At our base we met one of the local research’s from the rif station based here who had gave us some great information about the Purple Sandpipers and a good place to check out. So that was the plan. It’s such a pleasure to meet these fellow birders in Iceland who are more than happy to share information with you. He was also happy to tell us about certain protected and very rare species in the area. You don’t get this kind of information back home. The area he mentioned for the Purple Sandpipers was the lighthouse at Hraunhafnartangi which is the most northerly point in mainland Iceland.

Hraunhafnartangi lighthouse, Most northern point of mainland Iceland, June 2022

When we arrived we watched a couple Eider down collecting. Shows there is big money in it as they drove a brand new Tesla. We avoided them and walked towards to the lighthouse it wasn’t long before we had Purple Sandpipers joy flighting over our heads and we had a colour rung bird close by on some rocks.

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We had a lovely Ptarmigan posing on a bird mound so walked over to take some pictures. It was just out of view and I was waiting for a better opportunity when we had another Purple Sandpiper nearby so I didn’t give the Ptarmigan as much attention as I should of.

Ptarmigan, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

A few quick snaps and we were back watching the Purple Sandpipers. Adrian had watched it going across the rocks were I managed a few pictures of it. They are such stunning birds and fast becoming one of my favourite waders.

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022.

All of a sudden it vanished. We slowly walked across the ground looking on the rocks hoping it would pop back up. No joy. I continued to move forward and and out the corner of my eye I caught what looked like another rock bird but this time it wasn’t it was a bloody Purple Sandpiper sat on the deck and doing one thing and one thing only incubating eggs. Wow wow wow we had found what we were looking for and it was almost at the point Adrian had lost it to view. The bird aware of our presence but so sure of its camouflage just walked away from us and sat down on its nest. It was at this point I thought to myself how many of these had we walked pass already it was so well camouflaged up against a nearby rock and even though I was pretty much stood on it, it hadn’t budged an inch. Time was of the essence now as we didn’t want to disturb this bird to much so we all took a few photos of it sat on the nest. I managed to use my Macro set up to get within a few inches of the bird to capture the below images.

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Purple Sandpiper on the nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

The below picture shows Ricky a few feet away from the incubating Purple Sandpiper. Trust me there is a Purple Sandpiper in that picture somewhere but it shows how difficult they are to see. This is why they are such a challenging bird to find. They are tiny, well camouflaged, sit tight and live in some harsh remote wilderness

Ricky and the Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

What we did next won’t please all birders and I do get the reasons why. But I was here with a very experienced and well respected bird nester who has volunteered for the BTO and RSPB. Without his knowledge and experience we would of left this bird alone. I am sure some people will react to this in a negative way but all information from this nest was passed on to the research team in the area. With his judgement we slowly ushered the bird of the nest. The bird did the most amazing display to try and attract us away from the eggs. It pretend to be injured which would hopefully deter a predator away from the eggs. It called as it moved away to a nearby rock. We quickly took some pictures of the nest and logged the location via what3words. We then moved away before we had even got 5 feet away the sandpiper was already on the move back to the nest. We watched it back on before moving a good distance away and celebrating our amazing find. This did mean however I couldn’t go back to tog the very showy Ptarmigan as it was close to the Sandpiper.

Purple Sandpiper nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022 (taken with macro lens and not iPhone)

Video of the Landscape of the nesting Purple Sandpiper, June 2022

We were now excited to find what else the area would offer up so we continued across the tundra towards the lighthouse. We found numerous more Eider Duck nests. Don’t worry I won’t bore you with any more pictures of them. If only we could turn ones of these Eiders into a Long-tailed Duck. Alongside a few more terns, terns are a good sign as Red Phalaropes often nest on the edge of Arctic Tern colonies, I guess from protection. When we stumbled across one it was also interesting to see how they would react. Me being the tallest often bore the brunt of their attacks. They wouldn’t stop attacking you until you were well clear. As I write this I wonder if we missed anything as I was so focused on not being hit that we could of walked past numerous sitting birds. Especially with what we had just witnessed. At one point we came across a male Eider Duck he was sat in the middle of nowhere, well to be fair that could be anywhere out here. He aloud a close approach and showed no sign of moving which is unusual for Eider Ducks. It did allow for a few pictures of these stunning birds. I did wonder as I photographed him if he may have been struggling with avian flu. There was no obvious signs apart from his lack of movement. We had already seen some evidence of this around Raufarhofn with numerous dead sea birds and a very poorly Fulmar on one of the local beaches, that I am certain with struggling with the effects of bird flu.

Eider Duck, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022.

After moving on for the Eider Duck we headed back towards the coast. We came across a pair of Dunlin who seemed to be on territory but not much else. We left them to it. Also came across a showy Ringed Plover that posed lovely in the drizzle.

Dunlin, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022 Dunlin, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022
Dunlin, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022.

Ringed Plover, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Later we came across another pair of Purple Sandpipers. We watched then for a while unsure of what they were up to. Adrian was adamant they were bound to be nesting somewhere nearby. Eventually we lost both birds and continued across the Tundra fairly confident one was nearby. I think we had gone about 20 foot further on when I stopped dead in my tracks as a Purple Sandpiper came up at my feet and did the same behaviour as the last one leaving the nest. It was clearly trying to draw me away from the area by pretending to have an injured wing. Such a clever way of protecting their eggs from predators. We weren’t to be drawn away and quickly located the nest. It contained another beautiful set of 4 eggs. I don’t think I had seen Adrian as happy as this since England had stuffed Wales at the millennium stadium a few years ago. What a day we were having 2 Purple Sandpipers in just a few hours. We quickly took some pictures and then tagged the nest to pass on to the team of researchers.

Purple Sandpiper nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022.

Happy chappies, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Below is a Video of the territory we found this Purple Sandpiper in. If you listen carefully you can hear inbetween the noise Arctic Terns the beautiful sound of a Purple Sandpiper. Something we don’t hear very often on our shores. The 2nd video is the Purple Sandpiper trying to deflect us away by pretending to be injured.

Purple Sandpiper Territory, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

For the next few hours we walked around the area have multiple interactions with individuals and pairs of Purple Sandpipers. This was definitely a hot spot for them. It was amazing to watch these birds in their habitat go about their business with a gentle approach I managed to get some pictures I was very pleased with the ones that showed their display behaviour. It was such a joy to observe them interacting with each other. I love their little calls and to see them joy flighting is awesome. Just wish it would stop raining.

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

After taking far to many pictures we headed back to the car and we came across another pair of Purple Sandpipers like the last few they gave us the round around but we didn’t locate any more nests it did offer up a few more photo opportunities though. One of the pair was rung again. I m guessing there had been a colouring ringing project in the area.

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

It was now approaching 5pm and we had put in some decent hours in the area with some great rewards. We headed back to the car watching 2 singing male Snow Buntings. One was very territorial and kept seeing of the other male. Adrian was watching a female that disappeared but sadly drew a blank on any nest. Was great to see so many snow buntings in such a small area. Was also strange to see these much like the Purple Sandpipers and Ptarmigan breeding at sea level. We are use to seeing these birds breeding on the highest peaks in Scotland. After my previous attempts of a Ptarmigan were trumped by a Purple Sandpiper it was good to see another one, probably the same male nearby.
Snow Bunting, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Ptarmigan, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

I know your probably bored of Purple Sandpiper pictures but as we went back to the car we came across a social gathering of these little waders. There we at least 6 in the same area resting on a large boulder next to a small lake. One took some time to bathe and was pretty cool to watch.

Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022 Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022
Purple Sandpiper, Raufarhofn, June 2022

The last bird before we headed back to our final stop was a rare one. I ran back to the car to alert Adrian and Ricky of the rare duck I had come across and produced the below picture. Made me chuckle even if they didn’t. Sadly though all across this remote coastline was lots of waste plastics and other rubbish. There was also a lot of large ropes I guess from fishing vessels. Really sad to see but seeming to be the norm nowadays.

Toilet Duck, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Final stop was the Dunlin Ricky had found yesterday. The Arctic Skuas were still on territory which was good to see and even better the Dunlin had completed the set.

Dunlin, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022 Dunlin Nest, Iceland, June 2022

We headed back to the hotel and passed on all our findings to Jose and co who were very excited to follow up on what we had located. We then headed out for some tea. I nailed another superb Pizza. Cost a small fortune but was well needed. After tea we jumped back in the car to head out to check Ricky’s Snipe nest as we went to drive off Adrian said stop. He had seen a Ringed Plover acting for suss. We watched it back on to its nest from the car just a few meters from where we were parked on a piece of rough ground in the car park. Amazing what you can find sat in your car. Ricky also relocated the snipe nest in the car park of the Arctic Henge again. Pictures of both below.

Ringed Plover nest, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Snipe, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Snipe nest, Raufarhofn, June 2022

After another stunning meal at the Hotel Nordurljos I headed back out alone on to the tundra. Others had an early night and so should of I as I don’t think anything else would top what a day we had already had. The weather was now really shite and that early night was calling loudly. You’re only here for such a limited time that I went for it anyway. Saw a pair of Ptarmigan on the track towards the lighthouse and a pair of Oystercatchers had chicks on one of the beaches. I had stopped at the beach to try and tog a lone Red Knot but the light was so bad I gave up and headed for home.

Oystercatcher chicks, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Greenland Sea, Iceland, June 2022

Day 4 Raufarhofn and surrounding tundra

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 08:32:15 GMT

Day 4

Not an early start again as the weather was crap. Low cloud and pretty nippy. This was the view from my window before setting off for the day. Pretty standard for Iceland. Think the average temperature in Raufarhofn is 2c. So you have to layer up.

View from the room, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We headed back out onto the tundra to have a look for our main target Purple Sandpipers again and for any other species that might turn up. First up was a Road side Arctic tern colony we noticed as we drove by. Here we found several nests.

Arctic Tern, Iceland, June 2022

We then saw a pair of Arctic Skua as we drove along the gravel track. So we stopped and edged over to them. Skua’s seems to like the little mounds that pop up all around the tundra. Apparently they have been studied and proved to be a build of bird poop over many years. A lot of other birds use them as well. Especially the Ptarmigan. These birds were definitely loyal to this area and probably holding territory but no evidence of breeding was found. The Skua weren’t very cooperative to my lens and flew a short distance away. As to not disturb we left them to it. We walked across the tundra towards a lake that we could see on the map. We had a couple of male Snow Buntings singing around us. Also in the area were Golden Plover and Whimbrel all on territory but no breeding evidence found. A Great-northern Diver was seen distantly on the lake. I stopped to photograph the Snow Bunting whilst Adrian and Ricky had a look around.

Snow Bunting, Iceland, June 2022

Whilst having a thrash around Ricky put up a Dunlin. A new nest for this trip. It was a C3. We marked it up on what3words so we could check it again in the hope it would become a complete set. The Dunlin didn’t move off to far and posed nicely on a neighbouring rock I fired off a few shots before we retreated and watch it back. It sat tightly and we moved off.

Dunlin nest, Iceland, June 2022

Dunlin, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022 Dunlin, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Dunlin, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022 Dunlin, Rafarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We had a good look around and found no sign of any Purple Sandpipers. We got back in the car and headed further north. We come across another roadside Arctic Tern colony and found our only c3 of the trip. Most tern colonies had good numbers of nests in, with most being c2 with a few c1 amongst them. Aside from Eider this was the most common breeding birds we had found so far.

Arctic Tern nest, Iceland, June 2022

It was literally right on the road any closer and you would probably run over it. As you can see from the video below. It wasn’t the only nest we found beside the road. More on that later.

Arctic Tern nest, Iceland, June 2022

The road here also had 100s of waders feeding along it. Ringed Plover, Dunlins, and Sanderlings. It was great to watch them in some pretty large flocks flying along the road. The Arctic Terns were also posing nicely on the fence along here.

Arctic Tern, Raufarhofhn, Iceland, June 2022

It was approaching midday and the plan was to spilt up. Adrian was going to try another area of the Tundra and Ricky and I were going to head to the beach where we had seen a few waders earlier in the day. There is a lovely hide here which seems really random as it’s in the middle of nowhere. It was built by Biotope a Norwegian architecture company who have built numerous hides across Iceland. Check out their twitter bio they are well worth a follow. Was good to just get out the biting wind for a bit.

Bird Hide, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We checked out the pools and sea on the incoming tide. Looked great for Red Phalaropes but sadly just the Red-necked Phalaropes were seen. Not sure why I say sadly as they are still a cracking bird.

Greenland Sea, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We headed to the beach, Ricky went in one direction and I headed further down the beach. There were some cracking looking waders here. Summer plumage Sanderling and Turnstone en route to their breeding grounds in Greenland. Sadly no Knot here this time, we had seen one on an earlier pass. Knot in breeding plumage was a target for me as they look stunning in their brick red summer bib. I have only seen them in the winter plumage. The weather was getting worse so I headed to the beach in full wet weather gear. This also enabled me to get low to the ground on the Sandy shore. I think being at eye level with birds makes a photograph so much more appealing. It’s also an amazing experience as the Sanderling would walk right up to me and past my lens more often than not becoming to close to focus on. You could hear them chatting away to each other picking up food along the incoming tide. Was amazing to be part of their world.

Sanderling, Iceland, June 2022.

Whilst lead in the beach I noted a Black Guillemot still in winter plumage on the water and a flyby Cormorant. There was also a couple of Ringed Plover running up and down the beach. Oh for some nice light.

Ringed Plover, Iceland, June 2022.

As the tide came up and our memory cards filled up we decided to call time as the light wasn’t getting any better. We walked a long the top of the beach and saw a couple of Oystercatchers one of which was coloured ringed. Whilst here i caught site of a small dumpy wader. Boom a Purple Sandpiper the bird we were here to see. We watched it for a little while as it feed along the rocks. At least we knew they were here now.

We headed back towards Adrian checking out another area of Tundra that looked good. We found a fair few Eiders nests again. Many still hadn’t been marked up by the Eider down farmers. We also saw a few seals out in the Greenland sea. Sadly we had no sign of any Purple Sandpipers though. We also checked any suitable areas for Red Phalarope. We joined up with Adrian who had, had some success and had seen numerous Purple Sandpipers. He had watched them joy flighting and displaying to each other. This filled me with confidence about getting some good pictures. He also had seen one individual nest scraping. We took a What3words location so we could maybe check it out again if time aloud. We also knew a couple of others coming to the same area soon so they would be able to check it out for us.

Purple Sandpiper nest scrape, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

After a hard day in the field we headed back to our digs and bumped into Jose one of the scientists staying at the Nest. He was part of a team studying bloods of Waders in Iceland. They were finding nesting birds and then capturing them. They would then take a blood sample and document the birds statistics. I believe they were ringing the birds as well. It was fascinating stuff. They were pleased to tell us that they had found nesting Golden Plover, Ringed Plover and a Purple Sandpiper. Now we were interested they had what we were looking for. We weren’t to early as we had feared. They were happy to share the location and we exchanged details. We also passed onto them the location of the Dunlin and would share any other nests we found. The plan was to have some tea again at the other hotel in town and the only place to eat and then head out again. Conversation over tea was all about how excited we were to get back out on the tundra. Tea was amazing again and the views over the harbour were nice. Saw numerous birds from the window including GN Diver, Fulmar, RB merganser, Glaucous Gull and of course Eider Duck. This was effectively our last night in Raufarhofn but we felt it still had more to give and our hopes had been raised with Adrian finding the scrape and Jose telling us of his nesting Purple Sandpiper. We were looking forward to seeing this first hand but finding one ourselves was what we wanted. We agreed to stay another night at the Nest. We had no accommodation planned for the next two nights anyway. We had planned it this way in case we needed extra time. We also booked at the restaurant again as it was so good.

Raufarhofn Harbour, Iceland, June 2022

Another top meal from the Hotel Nordurljos, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

As we headed out the hotel we saw something in the distance as we moved closer we could see it was a bloody Gyr Falcon and it had prey. Boom a Gyr plucking a Ptarmigan!!! Shame they were stuffed

Gyr Falcon and Ptarmigan taxidermy

First stop after tea was the Golden Plover nest that Jose had given us the location of it was only a few 100 meters from the restaurant and on the edge of town. It was a beautiful c4. They had set a camera up on this nest as well so they could collect as much data as possible.

Golden Plover nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Golden Plover, Raufarhofn, June 2022

Next stop was just up the road and still within the boundaries of the village of Raufarhofn. It was another site that Jose had given us and was a Ringed Plover c4.

Ringed Plover, Raufarhofn, June 2022

We had saved the best till last, the coordinates for the Purple Sandpiper were a few miles out of town. We headed out and it turned out to be in an area we had looked around already. Except we hadn’t really checked the area right next to the road. This nest was apparently right next to the road. We arrived and parked safely a few 100 yards from the location and we walked up towards the given location. Nothing came up we carefully retraced our steps numerous times and nothing. I have heard they are hard to find but surely if we have the location it can’t be that hard. As we were searching Jose and co drove past and it turns out we were about 1/4 of mile short of where we should of been. The incubating bird had already left the nest when we arrived and was trying to draw us away from the nest. We had a quick look at the prize and took some photos before heading off. What a great start now all we had to do was find our own.

Adrian photographing his first Purple Sandpipers nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We dropped Ricky back off at the hotel and headed to the port I wanted to try and photograph the Glaucous Gulls in the harbour. There were about 5 juvenile birds around but no adults. When you get up close to them you realise how big they are. Not bad for about 11pm.

Glaucous Gull, Raufarhofn Harbour, Iceland, June 2022

Final stop of the night was to the Arctic Henge on the outskirts of Raufarhofn. I am pretty sure it was put here just to bring in the tourists. When I first heard about it I thought it was some ancient set of stones but turns out iits was an idea from 1998. It’s meant to be a huge sundial aiming to capture the sunrays, cast shadows in precise locations and capture the light between aligned gateways. Now this might be true but even in the land of the midnight sun, we hadn’t seen the sun or any of its rays since we left Myvatn. Still it was quite impressive and very stranger at the same time. What was also nice was the Ptarmigan sat on one of the entrances, the singing Redwings and drumming snipe all in good numbers at this location.

Arctic Henge, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

There were plenty of Redwings about so I made it an aim to find at least one nest. It didn’t take long. This one had a couple ofvery young chicks in it.

Redwing nest, Arctic Henge, Iceland, June 2022

One bird posed nice on some pipes that were in the car park. These pictures were taken at 00.11am probably the latest and earliest I had taken pictures of a bird in daylight. In a few days time the sun wouldn’t set for a few weeks here.

Redwing, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022 Redwing, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Redwing, Arctic Henge, Iceland, June 2022

Day 2 and Day 3 Myvatn and the River Laxa

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 09:34:10 GMT

Day 2 and as the weather wasn’t fantastic we didn’t get out of bed to early. I was still a bit tired after the long drive behind the wheel yesterday. Saying that we were on the River Laxa by 6am. We parked up just down from the road bridge at what we call the fisherman’s car park. We then used the fisherman’s bridges to get out onto the Islands. Adrian went on ahead as he was looking for any signs of the Harlequin and Barrows breeding. I sat down with a pair of Red-necked Phalaropes. These were on the main channel and it’s difficult to get to water level here. I wasn’t to keen on the photography results but it shows the difference between the brightly coloured female and the slightly duller male. Photography of these stunning little waders would have to wait. They were very much on our radar as we hoped to find a few nests like our last trip. All the birds here though seemed to be still paired up and on the water so no obvious signs of breeding yet. It looked like things maybe a bit later than normal.

Red-necked Phalarope (female), River Laxa, May 2022

Red-necked Phalarope (male), River Laxa, May 2022

I moved further down the River and found a nice calm area with some Harlequins and Barrows nearby. I settled down with the sun (If it was to come out behind me) and waited for the Ducks to do their thing. It wasn’t long before I had a pair of Barrows Goldeneye drift up stream and then settle in front of me. They were quite territorial and saw off any other Barrows that came close. They entertained me for a round 30mins before moving off. Probably fired off 400 plus shots..

Barrow’s Goldeneye, River Laxa, June 2022

As the light improved so did the temperature and this was enough for the fly fest to really kick off. Lake Myvatn which feeds the River Laxa translates as Lake of the flies and it’s the reason why the Ducks are here! Strangely enough they didn’t seem to bug me to much right down on the waters edge. So that’s where I stayed. Pretty much with the water lapping my face. I was a bit silly and didn’t think any of the flies bit. I was to find out later on that day that they do and they savaged my legs whilst I was laid in the grass. Trousers tucked in socks from now on.

Black Flies, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022

I had a few 100 images of the Barrows so when they moved off I also moved slightly down stream to a pair of Harlequin Ducks. They were also quite confiding and gave some good views. They used a shallow area just in front of me to preen themselves.

Harlequin Duck (female) River Laxa, May 2022.

After a preen they would head out into the faster moving water to dive for their Brekkie. Its moments like the hour or so I spent with these birds that will live long in the memory. I could of spent all day here if the light aloud.

Harlequin Duck (male), River Laxa, June 2022
Harlequin Duck, River Laxa, May 2022

After a few hours on the Laxa it was time to head back to our digs the other side of Lake Myvatn to pick Ricky up. I met back up with Adrian who had not managed to find any Duck nests. It appeared that they where still paired up on the River and not currently nesting. He did however find a nice c4 Whimbrel.

Whimbrel, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022 Whimbrel nest, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022

The plan was then to head out locally for the day away from the water as the light wasn’t brilliant for togging ducks on the water.

River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022

The sun was out out now and the day ahead looked good. Hopeful it will hold long enough for some good light on our return to the Laxa this evening. We headed first to the bird museum on the shores of Lake Myvatn. Always good here for most duck species. We added Gadwall and Scoter to the trip list. Had a lovely male Long-tailed Duck calling as it swam past us. So close I was able to film it on my phone.

Long-tailed Duck, Lake Myvatn, May 2022

Myvatn is a very picturesque area. No pictures will do it any favours. It’s goes from black sandy shores to lava fields and volcanoes. The surrounding cliffs are the chosen area for the local Gyr falcons to nest on. We scoped out a few suitable sites but sadly didn’t see any this year. The lava fields held a healthy population of Ptarmigan and they were seen most days and with the lake being a buffet of ducks I am sure the local Gyr’s don’t go hungry.

Lake Myvatn, Iceland, May 2022

It’s quite touristy around here so we didn’t stay for long. The plan had been to head to an area nearby that we had earmarked as a place that could hold breeding Long-tailed Skua. A relatively new breeding bird to the Iceland list. It’s said to breed in small numbers near Lake Myvatn. With its rarity no one is going to tell you where so we did a bit of research checked out the maps and headed out to an area we thought might be good.

Middle of nowhere, Iceland, May 2022.

Sadly we didn’t connect. We could of been close but it’s such a big area with only a small population so some might say needle in a haystack. If you don’t try you don’t find. The area was good for the common waders and I had a Short-eared owl hunting nearby. We also whilst watching a pair of Ringed Plover had a very unfriendly interaction with a local who asked what we were doing. Probably didn’t help that we all had some form of balaclava style head ware on to protect us from the swarming flies!! Even a few miles from Lake Myvatn they were still intense! It got so bad I had to retreat back to the car.

Black flies, Lake Myvatn area, May 2022

We headed back to our digs as the weather closed in and whilst having an afternoon nap the rain/hail began. Whilst it was hammering it down we headed to the nearest civilisation and got some takeaway fish chips. They were bloody lovely apparently the place had only been open a few days. The family sauce was amazing. We decided to spend the evening on the Laxa so Ricky could get some shots of the ducks. We headed to the fishermans car park again and crossed over the river onto the Islands. We had some fantatsic views here of a Long-tailed duck. Difficult to get any decent shots but was probably out best encounter with these.

Long-tailed Duck, River Laxa, May 2022 Long-tailed Duck, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
Long-tailed Duck, River Laxa, May 2022 Long-tailed Duck, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022

Ricky and I headed to the area I had some success with the ducks this morning. The rain clouds had cleared but the light wasn’t great hopefully be better in the morning. We still had a great time I spent most of my time with the Harlequin Ducks.

Harlequin Duck, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022

Day 3

River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022

The light wasn’t great again first thing so no need to leave at the crack of dawn which is bloody early!! We had a late start around 6am. Adrian and I headed back to the Laxa. We could see a big bank of fog which seemed likely to be sat right on top of the Laxa. It was thick fog and wasn’t ideal but it looked like it might burn off. Adrian’s plan was to head in the other direction and look for nests and I was going to try a few other spots for Harlequin Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Whilst in the car park we bumped into a fellow photographer and we got chatting. After a while he turned and said to me your not Matt Scott are you!! Erm yes why do I know you was my response. It turned out to be a very good photographer called Iain Leach ( check out his socials and website if you haven’t already some amazing wildlife photography on show) Iain is a friend of a friend ( Mike McKenzie another awesome photographer and well worth checking out his socials as well) Mike had told Iain that we were in Iceland and we just so happened to bump into each other in the middle of Iceland. Small world. After a brief chat about our journeys so far we went about our business. I didn’t have much success that morning. The flies were driving me nuts. I did a few videos on a higher part of the Laxa but didn’t improve on any of my previous attempts.

River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022

Harlequin Duck, River Laxa, May 2022

Adrian had another hit with a lovely ground nesting Redwing. By now (7.30am) it was warming up and the flies were really getting annoying. Trying to photographing the nest was a difficult task as the flies were insane and driving me close to it.

Redwing, River Laxa, Iceland, May 2022
Redwing Nest, River Laxa Iceland, May 2022

Redwing Nest, River Laxa Iceland, May 2022

It was time to beat a haste retreat back to the car. A Black-tailed Godwit dropped in en route to the car a bird I have never done well with and a big target for both Adrian and myself on this trip. Adrian was hopeful of finding a nest and I just wanted some decent pics. I didn’t get the pics and this bird was just feeding so no joy for Adrian.

Black-tailed Godwit, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022

Black-tailed Godwit, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022
Black-tailed Godwit, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2022.

We headed for our digs to pick up Ricky and set off for our nest destination. Next we were heading for the village of Raufarhofn in the far North East of Iceland. It was about a 2 hour journey but would take us longer as we planned a few stops en route. We took route 87 through some high ground plenty of Whooper Swans seen but not much else. We passed some roadside cliffs and scoped them out. We were pretty sure we could make out white staining on some very distant rocks could be the site of a Gyr Falcon nest but too distant to tell for sure. Was a nice area for a photo stop.

We continued onto Husavik and stopped for some lunch and supplies. Husavik is a whale watching town and probably somewhere we need to stop for a day or 2 on a future trip. We carried along route 85 and stopped at a site where we saw a Common Gull sat on. We didn’t find anything but we did have a light phase Arctic Skua posing in the misty rain. We also had a Ptarmigan here but it didn’t hang about for photos. They aren’t as accommodating here and are pretty flighty. This is probably because they are the Gyr favourite food and apparently get shot for food as well.

Arctic Skua (pale phase), Husavik, June 2022

Next stop was a cliff face somewhere we stopped 3 years ago. Good for Fulmars and Puffins. Probably good for a sea watch as well but that’s not my thing.

Ricky togging the Puffins, Iceland, June 2022

The Fulmars were amazing gliding around the cliffs. I had great fun trying to photograph them at close range flying by. One also landed right in front of me. We also had a flyby Great Skua and a flyover Iceland Gull here. Of course like most of Iceland there was also Eider Ducks.

Fulmar, Iceland, June 2022 Fulmar, Iceland, June 2022 Fulmar, Iceland, June 2022 Fulmar, Iceland, June 2022 Fulmar, Iceland, June 2022 Fulmar, Iceland, May 2022

The star of the show here wasn’t the birds…. As I stood on the cliff edge togging the Fulmars I heard a voice from behind saying I recognise that silhouette. I turned around to see fellow South Gloucestershire birder Darren Pearce stood behind me. I knew Darren and his wife were in Iceland but I didn’t expect to bump into him on a random cliff in the middle of nowhere. We shared our stories of our trip so far before heading onwards on our journeys. It’s such a small world. Next stop was an Arctic Tern colony a few miles outside Husavik. Where we found our first tern nests of the trip.

Arctic Tern, Iceland, June 2022 Arctic Tern, Iceland, June 2022 Arctic Tern nest, Iceland, June 2022

We continued on our journey towards Raufarhofn, which is a small town on the Melrakkasletta peninsula. This area is said to be good for numerous species of birds. Our target here was to find breeding Purple Sandpipers. There is also a very slim chance of the very rare Red Phalarope. It would be on our radar but due to its protected status we would have to go very careful. You need special permission from the Icelandic environmental agency to photograph these birds. After a few hours of driving across some very desolate tundra we came to Raufarhofn. It’s a village that was once the the largest export harbour in Iceland until the Herring stocks crashed. It’s now home to less than 200 people. We were staying at the Nest hotel. It was reasonable priced and although it looked a bit run down from the outside, inside it was clean, tidy and more than adaqoute. We were the only guest apart from 2 scientists, more about these later.

The Nest Hotel, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We had a short venture out onto the Tundra where we bumped into Darren again. He had drove the other way around the peninsula. He hadn’t seen any Purple Sandpipers but had seen plenty of other bits and pieces. He carried on to his next stop which was Lake Myvatn and we headed out for a walk across the Tundra.

Tundra, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

We had to go very careful as we were close to Eider colonies and the farmers get very protective of their birds. We found plenty of nest that hadn’t been marked or raided of the down. The farmers when they locate a nest they mark it with a brightly coloured post. Maybe we could get a job lol! As you can see by one of the below pictures some Eiders poo as they leave the nest. I understand this happens in numerous species of Ducks and is meant to deter predators from snacking on their eggs. Would you want to bite into a egg covered in poop?

Eider Duck sat on nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

Eider Duck nest, Raufarhofn, Iceland June 2022

Whilst out on the tundra we came across the usual suspects. Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, and Ptarmigan. No sign of any Red Phalarope or Purple Sandpipers. We had put some miles in so it wasn’t through want of trying. Again we wondered if we were to early and everything was delayed. With limited time we worried we may draw a blank on one of our main targets.

Ringed Plover, Raufarhorn, Iceland, June 2022

Golden Plover, Raufarhofn, Iceland, June 2022

The Ptarmigans were normally seen on the top of the highest points across the Tundra. A good vantage point to look out for predators.

We headed back into Raufarhofn for some tea from the only place in town to get food. The service and food was great so we booked up again for tomorrow night. After tea we headed back out onto the tundra and put some more miles in. Plenty of Eiders found again but no target species found.

Iceland 2022 Day 1 - Myvatn

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT

2 years later than planned we were off. Iceland 2022 was underway. Flights from London Luton were booked up over a year ago so to say we had been waiting a while was an understatement. I wish we had booked everything else a year ago because prices at the time of booking had sky rocketed. We hired a car through thrifty.is, it was expensive and well over £1000 for the 9 days but they do provide a great services. We took out the full insurance as Iceland roads can be a bit rough. As we found out in 2019. This year trip tour party was the same crew as Scotland 2021. Adrian (nester) Ricky (Photographer/Birder) and Myself.

We had an over night in Easy hotel Luton as we had a 6am depart from Luton. Easy hotel is what you would expect of an Easy enterprise. Cheap, Orange and no leg room. Someone said its was more like a Prison. Well it was a bed for a few hours before our 3am wake up call

Easy Hotel, Luton, May 2022

There had been a lot in the news lately about queues and delays at airports. We went through Luton in an okay time yes we had to queue for bag checks but it was always moving and was pretty pain free. It just didnt leave any time for any Brekkie. Being 6 ft 6 I like to book the extra leg which comes with speedy boarding so before we knew it we where on the flight toasted cheese sandwhich in hand (its all they had left) and looking forward to landing at Keflavik. We landed and picked up our bags with no real delays and headed to the car hire centre. We remembered from last time that the car hire depot was about a 5 minute walk for the terminal so rather than waiting for the bus we set off on foot bags in tow to collect the car. Unbeknown to us Thrifty had moved to a new depot a few kilometeres from the airport. So after arrving at a now empty building we had to do a u turn and head back to the airport and await the shuttle bus after all. It didnt take to long before the car was picked up and we were off and driving. A Ptarmigan was seen next to the airport fields. This year as we where driving on some unpathed roads in the north so we went for the Mzada CX30 which was an AWD. The car was very comfortable and served as well during our trip.

The wheels, Iceland, May 2022

First stop was Sandgeroi a small fishing village with some pools. The pools and surrounding area were shrouded in thick fog and pretty quiet. We had a good start here 3 years ago so stopped again. As the Pools were pretty quite we had a walk around the surrounding area.

Sandgeroi Pools, Iceland, May 2022

Redshank, Whimbrel, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Greylag Goose, Tuffed Duck, Mallard, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover and Oystercather were seen in good numbers around here. Adrian and Ricky watched a couple of pairs of Whimbrel and found a C4 and a c3

Whimbrel, Sandgeroi, Iceland, May 2022
Whimbrel nest, Iceland, May 2022

I went off and watched a few others. One kept coming very close to where I was sat up and posed beautfully on a post. The post was a bit new for me liking but beggars can’t be choosers. This was the first of many birds we would attempt to photography on a post and a bit like 2019 it became a bit of a game. We sure know how to have fun!!!

Whimbrel, Sandgeroi, Iceland, May 2022 Whimbrel, Iceland, May 2022

Whimbrel, Sandgeroi, Iceland, May 2022 Whimbrel, Iceland, May 2022

This bird kept coming back to the same place so it could only mean one thing it was nesting in the area and i was probably to close for it to return. I moved out and met back up with Adrain and Ricky. We sat and watched the Whimbrel back to within a few feet of where I was originally sat. As we sat we noted numerous pairs around us. Such a rare breeding bird back home in huge numbers here. A C3 whimbrel was found. We also had 3 stunning looking Summer Plumage Turnstones fly into a neighbouring horse Paddock.

Whimbrel, Sandgeroi, Iceland, May 2022 Whimbrel, Sandgeroi, Iceland, May 2022 Whimbrel nest, Iceland, May 2022

The weather wasnt getting any better and we had a 6.5 hour drive a head so we set off en route to Myvatn. We stopped a few times firstly just passed Borganes for lunch. We stopped near a wooded area and there were Redwings signing in every corner. Next planned stop was near the town of Blondus. We had stopped here 3 years ago at a small lake and had a lot of success, so it made sense to stop again. As we drove past i spotted a Coot on the lake. Coots are a rare birds here but my fellow tour mates failed to see it. They also failed to believe that i had seen a Coot on an lake in the middle of Iceland. The bloody thing had disappeared but I knew what i saw ( Cootgate was to be continued later in the trip) I did take a bit of stick over the next few hours for my imaginary Coot.

Slavonian Grebe lake, Iceland, June 2022

The weather had greatly improved and we now had lovely blue skys. Not the best for photographing on water. 3 years ago this lake held Slavs, GND, RNP, Whooper Swans and a few other common spcies. This year there wasnt as much but was good to see the Slavonian Grebes still here. There were at least 3 pairs on the lake. The Whooper Swans were nesting on the Island again. This year it had a Red-throated Diver for company.

Nesting Red-throated Diver and Whooper Swan, Iceland, May 2022.

We spent an hour or so here as we planned to return here later in the week. I spend most of the time with the Slav Grebes and I set myself up at the end of a small channel that one pair would swim in and out of. They were nesting nearby so I was careful not to disturb them. They didnt seem bothered by my presence and carried on about their business. It was amaxing to watch one fishing and it caught a small fish near to where i was laid.

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, May 2022

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2022

Ricky had also spent some time photographying another pair of the Grebes further down the lake and had also come across a C3 Snipe. Our first snipe of the trip. Ricky was really getting the hand of this nest finding Lark. Two of the Slavonian Grebe pairs had nests which were floating platforms of vegetation about 2meters from the bank. Hopefully they would have eggs in on our return trip.

Snipe, Iceland, May 2022.

After a adding a few 100pics to the memory card it was time to continue our journey to Myvatn we still had a few hours of travelling to go. We carried on along route 1. We came through a beautiful valley and here we saw 100s of Pink-footed Geese. Sadly we didn’t stop and this was a mistake as we found out when we returned home that this was in fact and area they bred in. Pink foot was a target species so opportunity missed. We soon arrived in Akureyri, Iceland 2nd city and grab some food and fuel. It’s looks a beautiful place and one year I feel we need to stop and have a look around. To much birding to do in the meantime. Next stop was a lake a few miles away from Myvatn I had seen reports of Icelands only Black-throated Diver spending the last few summers here. It didn’t show for us ( was seen later in the spring). There was a pair of Great-northern Divers asleep of shore.

Great-northern Divers, Iceland, June 2022

We finally arrived at Myvatn and as time was getting on we wanted to get to our digs for the night and get some food. We found our guesthouse which was to be our base for the next 2 nights it was called Myvo the old farmhouse. Stunning place set over 2 floors. It was owned by a Norwegian couple who were very friendly and always on hand to answer any questions. The living area overlooked Lake Myvatn and we had fabulous views of Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Tuffed Duck, Scaup, Great-northern Diver, Wigeon, Snipe, Golden Plover, Red-necked Phalarope and others. We also had a family of Redpolls in the trees.

The old farm house Myvo, Lake Myvatn, May 2022

We unloaded and then drove to find some tea we found a little pizza restaurant in the nearest civilisation we closed at 9pm. It was 9.01pm. As this was pretty much it we asked very nicely if they could whip us up a quick pizza and they kindly obliged. This was Ricky’s first experience of how expensive Iceland is. I think he was a little shocked at the bill. After a long day it was well worth it and was huge so some left over for the next day.

Expensive Pizza, Iceland, May 2022

After tea Adrian and I headed down to the River Laxa for a little look around. Plenty to see but not much light so we were done for the day.

Lake Myvatn, May 2022

Day 7 and the final day - Cairngorm Mountains

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:51:53 GMT

This was the day I was most looking forward to, a day in the Cairngorm mountains. I could walk up into these mountains and see no wildlife and still have an amazing day. The plan was to walk up into an area I had seen Dotterel before in the hope of seeing some of these rare waders

Cairngorms - June 2021

Other Targets were, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and Mountain Hare. We took a steady walk up and just enjoyed the view. I took a stroll across a boulder field to have a look for any Ptarmigan. Didn't see any Ptarmigan but I did see a Mountain Hare. Sadly it saw me before I saw it so it was alert and wary and didn't pose long for photos.

Mountain Hare, Cairngorms, June 2021 Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021
Mountain Hare, Cairngorms, June 2021 Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021
Mountain Hare, Cairngorms, June 2021 Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021
Mountain Hare, Cairngorms, June 2021

Mountain Hare, Cairngorms - June 2021

I trekked back down to where Adrian and Ricky were and they had a Ptarmigan in their sights. Sadly only the one but it did pose for some photos in some nice light. Ptarmigans have to be one of my favourite birds. They are very photogenic in both summer and winter plumage. Also the fact that you have to put some hard work and effort into getting close to these birds makes it really worth while when you do find them.

Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, June, 2021 Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, June, 2021 Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, June, 2021 Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, June, 2021 Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, June, 2021 Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, June, 2021 Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021
Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, June, 2021 Ptarmigan, Cairngorms - June 2021

After leaving the Ptarmigan we headed to the first spot which can be good for Dotterel although I haven't seen any here yet. As we climbed up there was a male Snow Bunting calling in one of the corries. Its song echoed around the area and made the perfect sound track as we slogged ourselves up. We spent a an hour or two looking in an area we thought would be good for Dotterel but sadly none were seen. We next headed further up and into the mountains. We had started to come across some big patches of snow now which made the route a bit more interesting.

Cairngorms - June 2021

After a few hours of walking we stopped to have a rest on the Plateau. I had a quick bite and left my gear with Adrian and Ricky before heading off around the area to see if I could see anything of note. It wasn't long before I picked up some movement only a few meters away. Boom 2 Female Dotterel. I pinned the area on my phone and headed back to the others. Its always handy to have phone network especially in an area that can be quite dangerous. The guys soon finished their sandwiches and we headed back to the area I last saw the birds in. Thankfully they were both still there. We spent the next 15 minutes with these stunning birds. Dotterel are unusual as its the females that are the brighter and better looking birds. As I was up there to photography these birds the females were what I was after. I edged in as close as I felt they would allow me and begin to fire of some shots. The birds just sat there amazing confiding waders. I guess they don't see many people up here. I love the effort it takes sometimes to get close to a subject. To get within a few meters of these birds it meant belly crawling across rock and the occasional snow patch not the most comfortable of journeys but well worth it. By keeping low and movements slow it meant the birds didn't see me as a threat. That meant I was able to get some close up pictures. If I would of just rushed up to these birds the only pictures I would of got would of been them flying away and the last thing I want is that. Slow and steady wins the race with bird photography. I am sure I could of got closer and get full frame head shots but didn't chance it and keep a respectful distance.

Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021

Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021
Dotterel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Dotterel, Cairngorms - June 2021

I didn't want to push these birds to much as they are in decline and a very rare breeding bird. So after 15 minutes I edged away and left these birds to it. These both being female meant it was highly unlikely they had started nests nearby. We also had a pair of Snow bunting nearby which was amazing as another target so We spend a bit of time with these. I was trying to get some pictures of them feeding in a small snow patch. They were quite difficult to capture as they were always moving. Another very confiding bird that aloud a close approach.

Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, June 2021 Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, June 2021 Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, June 2021 Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021

Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, June 2021 Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, June 2021 Snow Bunting (Male), Cairngorms - June 2021
Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, June 2021

Snow Bunting (Female), Cairngorms - June 2021

Adrian had now left me and Ricky to have a look around for anything else in the area I was still waiting for the money shot when I heard Ricky say. Matt I have a wader here. I thought for a second that he meant another Dotterel but he said no and it was like a Dunlin but bigger. My excitement levels began to raise. We had already hit all our targets could this be the unthinkable!!!! Ricky came around to where I was careful not to disturb the bird and started to point it out. For a fwhile I couldn't see it, a credit to its camouflage. Then all of a sudden I caught site of the wader!!! Fuck me ( I make no apologise for swearing) it was a Purple Sandpiper. These montane breeders are rarer than rocking horse shit. Although we see them in good numbers on our coasts in winter a summer plumage bird in breeding habit is very rare. Statistics suggest that 1-2 pairs a year breed in Scotland. This bird was a very exciting and amazing find. They aren’t very well documented as their so rare and their breeding habits in the UK are so remote. I suddenly though we need to find Adrian before this bird does a bunk. So I set of to find him. He was nowhere to be seen so when a good distance away from the bird I picked up speed and began to run. The adrenaline and excitement had got to me this is not a place to run and be reckless in and it wasn't long before I tripped on a boulder and I hit the deck pretty hard. I was lucky I smashed up my knee a bit and ripped by brand new walking pants but I was able to walk away form what could of been a lot worse. I picked myself up and gave my head a wobble and started to walk back towards Ricky. En route I could see Adrian walking back toward Ricky. As I approached him I said you will not believe what Ricky has just found. I don't think he could believe it until he seen it with his own eyes. Adrian also may have dropped a few swear words upon seeing the bird. Now we had all seen it we spent a while watching it. It was unfazed by us so I got nice and low in the snow and began to photograph the bird. It just kept going about it business picking up small insects on the snow line and probing into the snow. With this being a Schedule 1 bird we were very conscious of not disturbing this bird at a breeding site and quickly retreated away to leave this hardy wader to it. We passed the info on to the local recorder.

Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021 Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021
Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021

Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms - June 2021

iPhone picture of there Purple Sandpiper in its habitat. - June 2021

An an amazing experience that will live long in the memory and what a way to finish another great trip

Purple Sandpiper, Cairngorms, June 2021

Day 4/5 and 6 back to the Mainland, Slav Grebe and out and about

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 15:16:40 GMT

We set off early to get the first crossing back to the Mainland. First stop planned was to have another crack at the Black Guillemots at Oban. Sadly the tide wasn’t quite right to get photos of the birds on the water at eye level so had to make do with the odd one that landed on the path or ones the poked their heads out of their nest holes. It’s crazy to see these birds just sat on the path as the local walk back and forth going about their daily business.

Black Guillemot, Oban, May 2021 Black Guillemot - Oban, May 2021

Next stop was the short trip to Glasdrum Woods. This is a superb area for one the the UK rarest butterflies the Chequered Skipper. A new species for both Ricky and Adrian. We headed up to the area where I had seen them on a previous trip and it wasn’t long before we had our eye in and we saw some good numbers of these tiny butterflies.

Chequered Skipper - Glasdrum Woods, June 2021

We bumped into a group of scientists from a University that had been tasked with collecting a few samples of these butterflies. Not something that I would always agree with but talking to these guys it was evident why they were doing it. I can’t remember the name of the project but the brief was to collect and safeguard all species of UK butterflies. Next up is moths. Glasdrum woods is always good for a calling Cuckoo and like Mull there seemed to be a few about. We also saw a few very worn Pearl bordered fritillary and a few Small Pearl Bordred fritillary.

Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary - Glasdrum Woods June 2021

After removing a few of the local ticks ( Glasdrum woods seems to be a hot spot for them) we set off across Scotland to reach our final distination. The Cairngorms and surrondong area. We made a few stops en route to check out some hot spots for breeding waders. One being a loch near Laggan sadly we didn't seen any off our targets but did spend an hour are so watching a couple of pairs of Common Sandpipers. Also in this area were some Common Pheasants oddly enough the all seemed to black or melanistic.

Next stop was Aviemore to get some food. Everywhere was really busy what with it being the school break and the country being on lock down for so long. The only place without a long wait was the chippy. Job done. We next headed over to a small loch on the outside of Aviemore to look for Slav Grebe. We were in luck a pair were nesting right next to the road. No photos as with this being such a rare bird we stayed well a way and just admired through the bins. The locals were quite happy to point out their star guest. Must be amazing to have these nesting outside your front window.

Loch Alvie - June 2021

Last stop of the day was Lochindorb always a good place for Black-throated Divers and Red Grouse. The Divers were there again and always great to see. No attempt was made to take any pictures as its a protected species. We drove around Lochindorb and found no Red Grouse probably the first time I have not seen a grouse on this moor. The Black-headed gull colony was in full voice and some birds were nesting pretty much at the Road side. including this oddly coloured set. Something I hadn't seen before. Black-headed Gulls eggs are collected (by licence holders) in a few spots around the UK and sold as delicacy. Not for me I will just stick to chicken eggs.

Black-headed Gull - Lochindorb June 2021

We finally ended our day at our digs a beautiful little AirB&B alongside the Finhorn. Best thing about this place was that the owners had left us some local beers from the Black Isle Brewing Co. Being a massive beer fan this made my day and they were all new ones to check in on my untapped beer app!! If you tick birds on a list then surely you have to tick beers on a list too. If in the area I highly recommend this place. Its in a great location with amazing views. It was clean and tidy with good size rooms. Its location is The Old School House East Dalarossie, Strathdearn, Invernessshire.

The Old School House, June 2021

Day 5

Next day we headed outside of the Cairngorms to a Loch on the Black Isle for Slavonian Grebe. Its a good spot as these birds can be seen and photographed from the footpath.

Scottish Loch - June 2021

Sadly these Grebes numbers seem to be diwindling across Scotland and a site that used to hold a few pairs now only seemed to have 2 pairs. What I did notice was an increase in the Little Grebe numbers here and saw a couple of pairs one had 3 chicks already on the water. The pair we spent sometime with were nesting in the reeds close to the path. It was great to watch their behaviour as the came in and out of the reeds. The pictures were always a little distant but some nice light made for some great colours on the water.

Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021

Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021
Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021

Slavonian Grebe - Undisclosed location, June 2021

The afternoon was spend around the Woodlands of Rothiemurchus and Loch an Eilein not much about really but if I was a year ticker Spotted Flycatcher would of been an addition. I did have a nice Large Red Damselfly posing.

Large Red Damsely - Lochan nan Craobh Loisgte, June 2021

We headed up to the Ski centre car park in hope of Ring Ozuel and it wasn't long before we could hear the beautiful song of a male singing along one of the Mountain tracks it actual took a while to locate. We could hear it just couldn't see it. Eventually it give its self up. It was difficult to photography and a lot of the photos were effected by heat haze.

Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021

It joined its partner down by the Ski centre and at times was feeding pretty much around our feet. Clearly use to people. The male turned out to be a rung Ring Ozuel. Sadly for photography in my opinion this ruins the photo and personally I don't like to photography birds with bling. Having said that I am not opposed to bird ringing and understand a lot of data can be collected from these birds. So long may it continue.

Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms, June 2021

Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021

Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021
Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021

Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms, June 2021 Ring Ozuel, Cairngorms, June 2021

Later that evening we headed back out to Lochindorb after we had a report of a pair of Red-throated Divers on a small loch nearby. We also wanted to have a look around for Golden Plovers that are often seen within the area. After a long walk which was very wet underfoot, good job I only had a pair of trainers on. We came across the small loch sadly no Red-throated Divers on it.

There were a pair of Golden Plovers calling nearby I love the call it makes. Really makes you fell like you are on an upland moorland. I laid down in the heather for a while and managed a few distant shots and also collected a few ticks as well. Seems everywhere you go nowadays you need to be very careful with ticks.

Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021 Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021

Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021

Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021 Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021
Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021 Golden Plover, Lochindorb, June 2021

On our drive back to our accomadtion I saw a Black bird sat in a tree and called it as a Black Grouse which was a little unexpected. A quick u turn and it was in fact 3 Black Grouse sat in a road side tree. Managed a quick shot before they all took off. Not a very good one and he was facing the wrong way!! I am guessing the area near to this was a Black Grouse Lek as we saw a fair few males on the hill side.

Black Grouse - Undisclosed Location, June 2021

This brought the end of another good day.

Day 6

Day 6 was another look around day and the morning was spent along the River Findhorn. We spent a while looking for Common Sandpipers along the banks but drew a blank.

River Findhorn - June 2021

We did find an Oystercatcher on the bank.

Oystercatcher, River Findhorn - June 2021

A Golden Eagle was seen over head later in the morning

Scotland Day 3 Boat trip to Staffa and Lunga

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:52:44 GMT

This was the last full day on the Island and we had planned a boat trip out to the Treshnish Islands taking in Staffa and Lunga. For me the trip was all about trying to improve on my Auk efforts. I felt my best case would be on the Island of Lunga. We also had high hopes of Great Skua on Lunga and had heard some reports of a few of these rare breeding birds being present on Island. The Boat left from Ulva Ferry and we were soon aboard and off to Staffa. Staffa is about 6 miles west of Mull and is probably must famous for its main sea cavern known as Fingal's Cave. As we disembarked the boat we saw a pair of Black Guillemot at the top of the steps these were the only ones we saw outside of Oban. They weren't in the best place for photography so I swiftly moved on.

Puffin - Staffa, May 2021 Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Staffa, May 2021

We spilt up Adrian went off on the hunt for any Skua that might be on the Island and Ricky and I went off to check out the small Puffin colony on Staffa. Wasn't long before we found a few Puffin on a cliff edge. We spend a little time here but photo opportunities weren't great and had been told Lunga was the place to get the money shots!! Adrian drew a blank with the Skua. Other birds seen on the Island were Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Fulmars, Shags, Eider Duck and a few Gulls.

Staffa, May 2021

Soon we were back on the boat and taking the short trip to Lunga. We planned again to spilt up Adrian was on a Great Skua quest and Ricky and I were hoping to spend some time photographing the Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots. I could tell Adrian was excited by his Skua quest as I have never seen him move so fast up the steep slopes to the high flat ground of the Island. Ricky and I had an amazing time with numerous Puffins and the occasional, Razorbill performing inches away from our lens. Below is a small selection of the 100s of Puffin photos I took. As with any photography session of a 100 pictures taken you only get a handful of keepers.

Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Lunga, May 2021
Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Lunga, May 2021 Puffin, Lunga, May 2021 Puffin - Lunga, May 2021

I find its also important at times like this to not just focus on getting as many shots as possible but to also take in everything that's around from the amazing bird life to the stunning scenery. The scenery from here was beautiful and you could see for miles.

Lunga, May 2021

You could also hear for miles and it was as I was enjoying the landscape that I heard a noise that could only be one thing!!! A Great Skua or Bonxie as they are known by in Scotland. It was flying just above our heads on the high ground of the Island. Ricky and I headed up the steep slopes to see Adrian watching a Pair of Great Skuas that had a nest nearby. It was a new one for Adrian and his quest for the day was complete. These birds don't like people coming to close to their nest and will dive bomb anyone getting to close. We didn't hang around for long. This is really important to all of us on the trip and wether its recording a nest for the BTO or taking pictures near a nest we always limit the time spent with the birds. Some of these birds if you kept disturbing them over a long period of time could gain you some award winning photography. I feel this to be uneifficual and will walk away even if I don't get the shot I was after. There will always be another opportunity. Some people will say by just disturbing the birds its uneifficual and I understand that, but I have watched and listened to numerous knowledgeable people and I am happy that little disturbance is caused and the birds always return. Nest recording like bird photography will always be a controversial subject but that's an argument for another day.

Great Skua, Lunga, May 2021 Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua, Lunga, May 2021

Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua, Lunga, May 2021

Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021

Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021
Great Skua, Lunga, May 2021

Great Skua - Lunga, May 2021 Great Skua, Lunga, May 2021 Great Skua at nest - Lunga, May 2021

Great Skua, Lunga, May 2021 Great Skua nest - Lunga, May 2021

Great Skua, Lunga, May 2021 Great Skua Nest - Lunga, May 2021

Adrian carried on deeper into the island with Ricky and I went back down the slope to the Puffins. I took a short trial along the cliff face to see if I could find any better opportunities for photography or any other subjects. I sat down taking pictures of Puffins when I heard a funny sound behind me turns out I had sat right next to a Shag sat on its nest.

Shag, Lunga, May 2021 Shag at nest - Lunga May 2021

The Rest of the short time we had on the Island I spent with the Puffins and the Razorbills so your probably all Puffined so here are the Razorbills. Always just out of view I had to use the grassy bank to try and get something a bit different. Photographing Black and White birds can be tricky especially if the eye is Black on black feathers. If the birds are facing the wrong way with the light you lose all detail and colour of the eye (see pic 4). Lightroom helps sometime to pull that detail back but its always worth being aware of in the field. I love the bright Yellow colouring in the mouth it really stands out and these B&W birds.

Razorbill, Lunga, May 2021

Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021
Razorbill, Lunga, May 2021

Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021

Razorbill, Lunga, May 2021 Razorbill - Lunga, May 2021

The trip back to our digs saw us stop off at an area we had seen some people with scopes on our earlier journey. We had a good idea there maybe White-tailed Eagles in the area. This would be a lifer for me. We couldn't quite remember where we had seen them buy lucky for us there were others in the same area. Turns out it was a WTE nest site and one of the chicks was sat in a tree. Was amazing to see these huge birds just perched up in a tree. We even got lucky as both parents did a flyby and we were able to watch one fly for miles to the other side of the loch. Pictures weren't great but was an awesome experience and a lifer.

White-tailed Sea Eagle, Mull, May 2021 White-tailed Sea Eagle - Mull, May 2021

We stopped of at a hotel in Craignure for a bite to eat and a celebratery pint before heading home for the night.

Day 2 Mull

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 16:09:53 GMT

Mull - Day 2

Day 2 and I was up and out early as the weather looked good. Ricky and Adrian opted for a lay in. Plan was to head along the A849 towards Loch beg and stop en route looking for Otters. The dirt track from our digs run along side Loch Assapol and after hearing a Diver calling late last night I stopped to have a look. In the distant I could make out a single Diver looked like a Black-throated but was so distant I couldn’t be sure. To far away for any pics I continued on travelling East along the A849 stopping at vantage points and checking the loch shore. Wasn’t long before I spotted another diver. I quickly reverted back along the deserted road and pulled over in a safe spot and crept down onto the Loch shore!! Bloody hell it was a Great Northern Diver in breeding plumage. It was a little distant but I thought if I can get to the waters edge I might be able to get a few decent shots.

Great Northern Diver - Mull May 2021

I have seen plenty of these stonking birds in Iceland but it’s a pretty impressive bird to see in UK waters. I started to creep low towards the water when something caught my eye about 10 feet away to my left!!! Shit shit shit it was on Otter!! Was a bloody Otter as it disappeared into the water!! The one that got away!!

Loch Scridain, Mull - June 2021

Oh well back to the Great Northern Diver. Although the light looked amazing the reflection of the water made photographing this beauty difficult and the water had a grey cast across it from the reflection of the mountains. The bird stayed distant as well. Still it was a Great Northern Diver so I just sat and enjoyed it for a while. With the accompanying sound of Willow Warblers and Cuckoos. There were Cuckoos everywhere we stopped. Not much was seen as I drove toward Loch Beg I stopped at a small beach and had a walk round. A few Common Sandpipers here and a Greylag carcass probably nailed by a White tailed Eagle.

Loch Scridain, Mull - May 2021

I head back to our digs to pick up Adrian and Ricky stopping on the drive in to tog a Stonechat family.

Stonechat - Scoor, May 2021

Plan for the rest of the day was to head towards Fidden and bird around the area. According to Ricky’s trusted book it was a good area for Twite and Corncrake. We parked up and took a footpath East. There were plenty of Cuckoos in the area and Redpolls everywhere. Managed a few pics but nothing decent. Adrian had a good walk around and failed with the Twite. The area felt good but didn’t find our target. We headed for the coast near Fidden there were plenty of Iris beds here so again it felt good for our next target Corncrake. We all headed off in different directions. I headed towards the Sea seeing a few Mountain Hares. I watched an Oystercatcher slowly walk off and it looked very suss so I had a look round the area and found an Oystercatcher nest with 2eggs.

Oystercatcher Nest - Fidden, June 2021

I checked out a few Iris beds but didn’t hear or see anything. There were a few Whimbrel in the bay, A Common Gull and some Rock Pipits but not much else. The scenery as with the rest of mull was stunning though

Iris Bed - Fidden, Mull

Fidden Coast, Mull - June 2021

We all met back up and Adrian showed me a Common Gull nest he had found near the cost there was plenty of Iris beds again but still no sign of the elusive Corncrake.

Common Gull Nest - Fidden, Mull, May 2021

That evening we headed back to our digs and Adrian and I went out to try again for the local Curlew pair. We headed out in a different direction to check out our local beach.

Scoor Beach - May 2021

We headed back to an area where we had seen a pair of Curlews the pervious night to have another look for their nest. Curlews aren't a breeding bird in our next of the woods so would be a new one for me. The pair weren't to be seen in the valley so we went for plan B and that was to head on a bit further to where we could see a few Common Gulls sat down. A few nest contained eggs and some didn't

Common Gull Nest - Scoor, Mull, May 2021

We headed back to the valley the Curlews were in to be met by one flying away. Adrian used his skills to home in a beautiful set of 4 eggs. Amazingly one was just starting to hatch. We could hear the young bird cherping from inside the egg. A quick picture was taken before a quick retreat to the top of the hill overlooking the Valley. Wasn't long before the parents were back onsite. This capped off another good day. Just to the long damp walk back to the digs before the sunset.

Curlew Nest - Scoor, Mull, June 2021

Scotland Day 1 - Mull and Iona

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:59:57 GMT

We had to change our plans this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation. What was meant to be a trip to Iceland was put on the back burner until 2022. Instead we changed this year plans to a trip to the Isle of Mull and the Cairngorms.

Myself and my 2 traveling companions Ricky and Adrian (uncles) set off on a Friday lunch time excited by the 8 days ahead. The excitement was soon damped by the most horrendous traffic I have ever experienced. The M5 and M6 was pretty much a standstill from Worcester to Carlisle. We had given ourselves plenty of time for our 10pm check into our first stop in Oban. The plan was to get a bite to eat and maybe try the local celebs aka the Black Guillemots which breed in small numbers along the sea wall. Our hotel was conveniently a stones throw from the Black Guillemot site. We made it to the hotel at 9.57 so no tea just some sandwiches in the car from a garage en route. Not the best start but we had made it safely to Oban.

Next morning we had booked onto the first ferry to the Isle of Mull. After a quick visit to the Guillemots (14 seen) we were off to Mull. Enjoying a full fat Scottish breakfast onboard. (minus the black pudding for me)

The plan was to head to Fionnphort and catch the first ferry over to Iona a small island just of Mull. Iona is famous for its Abby, White Sandy beaches and best of all Corncrake. This secretive bird is found in good numbers on Iona and would be a lifer for me. En route we stopped at a Loch Beg to have a scope around. Was good to hear Drumming snipe, Curlew and Redshank all on their breeding grounds.

After just missing the first ferry to Iona we had a quick look around the headland of Fionnphort. Not much apart from a few Orchids, a calling Cuckoo and a family of Hooded Crows. The crossing to Iona is a short one and it wasn’t long before we were on the island. We headed straight to the fire station a good place to view corncrake. Sadly none were seen but we did hear one here briefly. In the grounds of the fire station there were some orchids sadly these hadn't opened yet and had been damaged on the freshly cut lawn. There was a garden just past the fire station that had a bird feeder in underneath and here we seen 4 Pure form Rock Doves. They looked pretty good up to our local street rats.

We headed along the shore towards the South East of the island this is where Adrian found his first nest of the trip. An Oystercatcher on 3. We also watched some Ringed Plover here but didn’t find a nest. Greenshank was also heard here but not seen by any of us.

Oystercatcher Nest - Iona

I had yet to fire off any shots yet this trip so I spend a bit of time with a pair of Ringed Plover feeding around the rocks and shoreline.

Ringed Plover - Iona

Ringed Plover - Iona
Ringed Plover - Iona

We then walked across the island to the north side listening at any Iris bed en route, It wasn't long until I heard the distant Crex Crex of a Corncrake the Iris bed was distant and in a farmers field so little or no chance of seeing this bird. Another was heard about 10meters up the road and a similar situation where the site wasn’t easily viewed. The far side of the island was very beautiful with some lovely untouched sandy beaches.

Iona Beaches

We have planned to leave the island around 4pm which would give us a bit of time birding on Mull and to find our digs for the next 3 nights. One last trip to the fire Station was on the cards especially after bumping into someone who told us that one was seen yesterday and some good photos were taken of it. Sadly no show again and we were soon back on the ferry to Mull.

Iris bed - Iona Fire Station

We took the short trip from Fionnphort to our digs. Which was just outside Bunessan stopping to refuel at the pub in Bunessan the Argyll Arms Hotel. Food was pretty good and staff were really friendly well worth a stop if in the area. Here we watched an Osprey drift by. Our Airbnb was not to far away but at the end of a 3 mile dirt track road which was bumpy and I nearly took the bottom of the car off numerous times. It was worth the effort. The house we were staying at appeared to be an old farm house and had numerous House Martin’s, House Sparrows and Starlings nesting in and around the house. The House Martin’s had chicks and were busy feeding them, it was amazing to watch them from the lounge window.

Our Airb&B on Mull

The only place to get any signal was to take a short walk up the hill behind the house here we all checked in with people back home before taking a walk around the local fields. A cuckoo was calling from the woods across the valley. Everywhere we went we heard cuckoos. Wasn’t long before we found our first nest of the evening a Common Gull. The area was very wet and Adrian was glad he left his clean dry and very new trainers on.

Common Gull nest - Isle of Mull

We carried on across the area and wasn’t long before we had a hunting Short-eared Owl always a bit distant but good to see. In the next valley we found a pair of Curlews they were acting very suspicious but no nest was found. One for another night. As we began the walk back to the digs we had a fly over Golden Eagle.

Golden Eagle - Isle of Mull

The scenery was pretty stunning and was amazing to watch the sunset. As we arrived at the hill next to our digs I checked my phone and boom we had some 4g. Adrian for his sins is a Chelsea fan so we managed to catch the last 10 minutes of the Champions league final. Before heading back for a celebratory Gin and tonic that Adrian had kindly bought along with a box of goodies to keep us feed throughout the trip. The goodies also included x3 bottles of Avon skin so soft. Always good to keep your skin hydrated. Heard it’s also good for keeping away the midges.

Iceland Day 7-8

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 16:22:00 GMT

Day 7 Eyrarbakki and Floi

We stopped off at an area that looked pretty good as we had seen a few birds flying about. We parked the car up and Adrian went one way and I went the other. It wasnt long before I was being mobbed by Black-headed Gulls and Arctic Terns. I retreated to a safe distance and waited for everything to settle back down. I watched several birds return to the tops of small mounds as seen in picture below.

Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

I approached the area again and on top of pretty much all the mounds were Black-headed Gull nests another first for me. A few had Arctic Terns on and one even had an Eider Duck sat on. This was a little nest hot bed probably an area no bigger than 2 football pitches and it held 5 black-headed Gull nests, 2 Arctic Terns and an Eider Duck.

Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Black-headed Gull nest site, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

Eider Duck, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Eider Duck, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Eider Duck, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Eider Duck, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

Also in the area was an Oystercatcher that after watching back I couldn't find and it took the expert eye of Adrian to find it. At one point I was pretty much stood on top of it and still couldn't see it. Impressive camouflage which is needed with so many Skuas about. It also is a good reminder to watch where you are walking at all times. Whilst looking for the Oystercatcher first time round I had flushed out a Meadow Pipit. A nest we had already seen on this trip but all found by Adrian so I was happy to find my first. It was well hidden in a grassy tussock so not very good pictures as I didn't want to disturb the nest site.

Meadow Pipit, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Meadow Pipit, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Oystercatcher, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019
Oystercatcher, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

On the way back we noticed a Dunlin acting very strange and was flying around us before disappearing. We watched it do this a few times and guessed it must have a nest nearby. We sat up out of view and watched it back. This is where Adrian's years of experience come in. Where it lands doesn't always mean this is the nest site. It didn't take long though to find a set of 4 beautiful eggs. Our 1st Dunlin of the trip.

Dunlin, Eyrarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

After Tea we headed off to Floi bird reserve the aim was to find and photograph some Red-throated Divers. Floi is a large bird and nature reserve located near Arborg. It includes a stretch of the east shore of the Olfusa River. The reserve measures roughly 1–1.5 km (0.62–0.93 mi) wide by 4.5 km (2.8 mi) long, with an area of about 5 km² (1.9 sq mi). It is all low-lying wetland, on average only 2 m (6.6 ft) above sea level, and is subject to seawater flooding at the spring tide. There are vistas of the surrounding mountains. There is a bird hide that overlooks the area and this had a couple a pairs of starlings nesting in the roof. We spilt up again and Adrian headed in land to see what he could find. My aim was to find a couple of Red-throats and settle down and photography them with the sun slowly set. I found a pair on a fairly small pool. The plan was to try and get close to the water edges I took my time and kept low and got into position without disturbing the bird. The only downside was this was a very wet area and although i was in full waterproofs it didn't stop the water seeping in. I had managed to get right to the waters edge and I laid here for as long as I could. l was soaked to the skin but it was worth it. When I eventually got up to leave my clothes felt like lead weights as the water had poured where I had my arms in the water and drenched me from head to toe. It also smelt pretty bad. Cold, Wet, Stinking like a bog but extremely happy.

Red-throated Divers, Floi Bird Reserve, June 2019

Floi Bird Reserve, June 2019

Floi Bird Reserve, Iceland June 2019

Not only were the pools around Floi full of Red-throated Divers some also contained other Birdlife. On the path in I had a pair of Dunlin wizzing around me they must have had a nest nearby. In the same area a pair of Arctic Terns mobbed me and on must of the pools were Red-necked Phalaropes. There were also a few pairs of Whooper Swan's. This pair of Whooper Swans had 3 chicks safely tucked in between them. As with some the Red-throated Divers you can see some Iron staining around the heads of these birds. This is picked up from feeding in the iron rich area.

Whooper Swans, Floi, Iceland, June 2019

Whooper Swans - Floi Bird Reserve

Whooper Swans, Floi, Iceland, June 2019

Whooper Swans - Floi Bird Reserve
Whooper Swans, Floi, Iceland, June 2019

Whooper Swans - Floi Bird Reserve Whooper Swans, Floi, Iceland, June 2019 Whooper Swans - Floi Bird Reserve

I managed to keep low as not to spook the birds and get close to the water edge. Again the area was very wet and boggy but worth getting a soaking for. I love nothing better to get down to the waters edge and try and keep out of sight as much as possible and just wait for those right moments. I had done a bit of research of this area and studied lots of pictures before I left and I was getting the Images I had hoped for. I was now in my element. I had imagined myself in the grass, laid down on the waters edge getting soaked to the skin and capturing Floi amazing wildlife and here I was living the dream. Whilst waiting in the grass I caught sight of our first Short-eared Owl of the trip it. It didn't offer much in the way of photography but was great to see flying all over the reserve hunting for a evening meal. After filling a few memory cards and with the light fading we headed back to the car. It was problem gone midnight by the time I got into bed but I could still hear a Redwing singing away in the hotel Garden. This place is truly amazing.

Day 8

Took a drive to Floi first thing to have a look round and then planned on driving around the area seeing what nests and photo opportunities came our way. I wanted to add more birds to my birds on a post series. As we drove into Floi a snipe showed nicely on a post a little distant but always nice to see. Another bird on a post. This has to one of my highlights of the trip is everywhere you go you hear Snipe drumming. What with Redwings calling everywhere it was a great sound track and something I look forward to hearing again soon.

Snipe, Floi, Iceland, June 2019

Snipe - Floi Bird Reserve, Iceland, June 2019

Another one of Icelands great sites is the Icelandic Ponies that are all over the Island they must be real hard bastards to be out in all weathers. They seem to be the most numerous farm animal across the Island I guess used mainly for Pony trekking. No time on this trip for any of that. I couldn't come all this way and not get a few pics of these beautiful animals

Icelandic Ponies, Floi Bird Reserve, Iceland June 2019

We spent most of the morning driving the gravel tracks around the area and were kind of focusing on the Black-tailed Godwits. These had evaded both of us. I still needed a decent picture and Adrian was desperate to find a nest. We followed up a few good leads in areas where we had seen birds but to no luck. One bird did perch up on the road but was always a little distant.

Black-tailed Godwit, Iceland, June 2019

Later the day we traveled to Pingvellir National Park. We headed first to Pingvallavatn Lake which is Iceland largest natural lake. Perfect for Great northern Divers who prefer large waterbodies. First stop and It didn't take long before we found a pair nesting on a small Island about 20 meters from the shore. We had a good walk around the lake side and had good views of a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers that were swimming close to the rocky shoreline. A Greylag Goose was also feeding in the area.

We moved on next to the River Sog which flows out of Pingvallavatn and has been said to be a site for Barrows Goldeneye and Harlequin Ducks. We Parked up Irafoss Hydroelectric Power Station and had a look round there were a few Golden Plovers on the lawns but not much else. We crossed over the bridge and to our surprise we could see a Great-Northern Diver fishing on the River between the two dams. We thought we could see a bird on the far bank so walked along to get back a better look further down stream. It wasn't a bird on the far bank but whilst walking down our bank I caught site of a Great Northern Diver on our side of the river. I ducked down out of site hoping the bird hadn't seen me and that I wouldn't disturb it. The only reason this bird would be a sat on the bank at this time of year was that it was probably sat on eggs. I waited for Adrian to catch me up before crawling trough the long grass to get a closer look. This was my first interaction with the infamous Icelandic Black Flies. They were everywhere and you couldn't help but swallow a mouthful every time you breathed. It was worth it for the views we had of this majestic bird. I fired off a few shots and we were about to retreat when they bird made a very strange noise. I have never heard a bird call like it before but was clearly a warning to its partner further up stream that we were here. The bird didn't budge and sat tight we will never know if it was sat on anything. eggs but its reaction probably suggested it was. We quickly exited the area as not to disturb the bird anymore. Later in the trip I found out more about it call. We were in the Airport and hitting the Duty free when Adrian spotted a Gin with a Great Northern Diver on the front of the Bottle. It was called Himbrimi Gin. The name "Himbrimi" means “heaven howler” and is the Icelandic name for the Great Northern Diver. We both went home with a bottle each. I can confirm it taste pretty good but I haven't tried it yet how it suggests on the bottle and that is Himbrimi Gin is to be enjoyed straight from the bottle while fly-fishing in a flowing river. Maybe next year.

Great Northern Diver, Iceland June 2019

We finished up the day with a final trip to Floi. Plenty more of the Red-throated Divers and Whooper Swans. The noise of the Divers at Floi was awesome a Chorus of divers on different lakes communicating with one another.

Red thoatred Diver

Red-throated Diver Red thoatred Diver Red thoatred Diver Red thoatred Diver

Red-throated Divers, Floi Bird Reserve, June 2019

The Below pair had a couple of chicks which was amazing to see, these being the future of Floi. I didn't stay too long with this pair as didn't want to risk disturbing them. You can again see the Iron staining on the white feathers. The other pair in this selection of pictures were getting quite feisty after the male returned empty handed from a fishing trip on the neighbouring river. Was amazing to watch.

Red-throated Diver Red-throated Diver Red thoatred Diver Red thoatred Diver Red thoatred Diver

Red-throated Diver Red-throated Diver

Red-throated Divers, Floi Bird Reserve, Iceland June 2019

Day 10

Our final day saw an early start again and we headed to the Coast near Eyrarbakki again. We parked the car up and I went for a walk along the beach I had seen a pale phase Arctic Skua which did a bunk before I could get a decent shot. There was also a pretty decent sized flock of Eider duck sat on the Black Sand and a few Sanderling I guess these were still on their way north to breed.

Eyrarbakki Coast, Iceland, June 2019

Whilst I had been off along the beach Adrian had been watching a Red-necked Phalarope close to the car and had succeeded in finding another nest with 4 eggs. This was pretty close to the car so we decided to set my GoPro near to the nest to see if we could film the male returning to the nest. I did my best to disguise the camera and retreated to the car wasn't long before the male returned. Through the marvels of modern technology we could watch this live in the car through my phone. Was awesome to watch.

Red-necked Phalarope Eggs, Iceland, June 2019

Red-necked Phalarope, Eyarbakki, Iceland, June 2019

Red-necked Phalarope, Iceland June 2019

On the way back to our last nights stay in Reykjavik we stopped at an abandoned thermal spa. Guess we may as well do some tourist stuff whilst here. Was a bit stinky but good to see science in action.

This brought the end of an amazing adventure. Amazing company, Amazing birds, and what a place Iceland is. I am sure we have another adventure together somewhere soon.

Iceland Day 5-6

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 14:05:08 GMT

Day 5

This morning we were off to Lake Myvatn. Even though the weather didn't look great it was an area we both wanted to go to so we just had to grin and bear it. It was a couple of hours drive along Route 1 taking in a pretty impressive tunnel just outside Akureyri. Be warned this is a toll tunnel and has a few speed traps inside. Akureyri was the largest town we had seen for a while. We stopped at a service station and had a look around the coast here. Eiders and Long-Tailed Ducks were on the water and the forecourt had some smart looking Black-headed and Common Gulls. A small lake opposite the garage had the usual duck suspects and a pair of Red-throated Divers.

We continued our journey towards Myvatn the scenery was stunning. It was a mix of sunshine and showers the showers often turning to snow. The mountains around had a fresh dusting on their summits. It was still howling a gale that was bloody freezing. We stopped at an area I had been tipped off about by a fellow photographer Mike. It was a small lake and had a few Slav Grebes milling around on. We parked up and got out to have a look round. I nearly stayed in the car it was so cold. Was worthing getting out for though as there was a lone Great Northern Diver swimming around in the middle of the lake. Great Northern Divers generally like the larger lakes, so even though this one was a bit distant to start it was worth hanging around for. Of course with any water in Iceland there are always Red-necked Phalaropes and Tuffed Ducks as well. There was also a Whooper Swan nesting on a small Island.

I started off with the Slav Grebes these are a my nemesis bird as I never seem to do very well with them. It continued here, the pair I watched never really came close and stayed on an area of weedy water and the pictures I was getting didn't look great.

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2019 Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2019

Slavonian Grebe, Iceland, June 2019

The Great Northern Diver was fishing so I set off to creep towards it. Every time it dived I would edge a bit closer until I was laid on the bank close to the area it was fishing I spend quite a bit of time moving up and down the bank following this magnificent bird. The weather wasn't great but managed a few sunny spells in between the snow shower.

Great Northern Diver - Iceland June 2019

Whilst I was spending time doing my stuff Adrian had been watching the Red-necked Phalaropes and had delivered again. Finding his 2nd nest of the trip. It was beauty well hidden and about 10 meters from were we had parked the car. To say Adrian was a tad happy was an understatement.

Red-necked Phalarope, Iceland, June 2019

After spending a few good hours here we continued on our journey to Myvatn, I wish we didn't the weather got worse and worse. The mountains now had a good covering of snow and it was rain rain rain at lower levels. We arrived at the River Laxa in pouring Rain and had a quick look around we saw a Barrows Goldeneye which was a World Tick for Both of us and a few Harlequin Ducks. This was another new bird for Adrian, I had seen the one that turned up in Aberdeen a few years ago. We took a drive to the bird museum and saw some great birds from the car, a pair of Long-tailed Ducks were on a small lake near the entrance track. At the Museum we saw numerous bird close to the shore. Tuffed Duck, Phalaropes, Mergansers, Common Scoters, Gadwalls and even a Pochard. We had a bite to eat here before venturing out of the car. It was so cold this didn't last long. With the weather so poor the only option was to get in the car and have a drive about. Husavik was about 90mins from Myvatn and a place I had marked for Great Northern Divers, there are a few lakes near to the coast that are said to hold Divers on every spring. Sadly we didn't bother to stop in the pouring rain. We eventually got to some cliffs a few miles outside Husavik. Adrian got out to have a look around. The wind was so cold I though sod this I am not getting out here but I am glad I did. There were numerous Fulmars in and around the cliffs. These were flying close to the cliff it was tricky holding the lens still in the wind below is the best I got.

Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019 Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019 Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019 Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019 Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019 Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019 Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019 Fulmar, Husavik, Iceland, June 2019

Fulmar, Iceland, June 2019

There were a pair of Black Guillemots, a Red-throated Diver and 1000s of Puffins at sea. There is a large Great Skua nearby and we were both on the look out for one of these as this would be a trip tick. Out of nowhere one appeared very close to the cliff edge sadly I wasn't ready with the camera and missed an awesome opportunity to capture one. By now the cold was unbearable even with my 25 layers on, so we got back in the car and carried on further up the coast. The plan was travel on Route 85 and cut back along 862 to Myvatn. We had another cliff top stop and saw pretty much the same Stuff including another flyby Great Skua!! Guess what camera not ready and I missed it again. From here we could see the ..... an area great for Great Skua and Slavoioan Grebes we didn't have enough time to really explore this year so marked this one down for another trip. Further North of here is another area we wouldn't have time to explore this trip its an area that's meant to have good numbers of breeding Purple Sandpipers a species we both wanted to find.

We soon hit the 862 which started off like most roads in Iceland as a passable tarmac road without much warning this turned into one of their passable gravel tracks. Unlike most gravel tracks we had used before this one turned into a waterlogged boulder filled death trap that was actual pretty busy. For 20km I drove along this track shitting myself the whole time. We both couldn't understand why it was so busy but yet the worst road we had both ever seen. Turns out to be an access road sorry access donkey track to ..... one of Iceland famous Waterfalls. Progress was slow and we hadn't even made half way when the road disappeared into a canyon this is when things got really scary!!! The track was getting worse and was pretty steep I felt taking this route was going to cause some serious damage to our hire car so half way down the hill we decided to abandon and turn around. This would mean a 2 hour drive in the direction we had come from. It was an easy decision to make. Adrian got out and directed me as we attempted a 25 point turn. I had my eyes closed most of the time as one false move and the car was over the edge. Thankfully we managed to turn around and Adrian jumped into the drivers seat as to say I was a tad stressed was an understatement. Eventually we made it back to a decent road and onwards to Myvatn. We both got out the car to stretch our legs and left off a bit of steam.

Road to hell, Iceland, June 2019

After a long trek back to our hotel through some pretty bleak weather we decided to get some food and a beer before heading out in the rain to find some more bits and pieces. We headed to the River Laxa and went about trying to find some Harlequin Ducks and Barrows Goldeneye. Iceland is the European hotspots for both of these Ducks and the Laxa is the best place in Iceland to find these. We parked up the car and started to walk downriver from the road bridge. We crossed onto a small Island and from there we could see a couple of hardy fisherman in the fast flowing river. There was no chance you would see me in there. Just off the banks of this Island was a small group of Harlequin Ducks the light and weather was appalling but this might be my only opportunity to photography these beautiful ducks. I got low into the vegetation and waited for them to swim past.

Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019 Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019 Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019 Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019 Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019 Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019 Harlequin Duck 9 Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019

Harlequin Duck, River Laxa, June 2019

The light was fading fast and we were both soaked so didn't hang around to long. Hopefully the weather would improve tomorrow.

Day 6

No chance I awoke early to get down to the visitor centre and it was still awful a few snow showers and the howling wind meant I didn't get out the car. Adrian had stayed in bed for some extra kip. Probably a good Idea. The Long-tailed ducks were back on the same pool and plenty of the usual suspects were on the banks of the lake. I continued to drive around Myvatn looking for good photo ops!! Sadly they were few and far between. I was also hoping for a glimpse of a Gyr Falcon as we had seen a few Gyr Kill sites the night before along the Laxa. I stopped at one beach and there were 5 Great Northern Divers, Pair of Long-tailed Ducks and some Common Scoters in close there was little of no cover for me to get down to the shore without disturbing them so I moved on finding a pair of Red-Necked Phalaropes in the next bay. I took some opportunities with these to do some arty farty shots in the poor light. I was pretty pleased with the results.

Red-Necked Phalarope, Lake Myvatn, Iceland, June 2019

I had a short stop in the same place as the night before on the River Laxa I found what looked like another Gyr Kill, which was the remains of a Whooper Swan. There wasn't much wildfowl on the River so ended up watching a pair of Redwings carrying food to a nest I quickly located the nest before moving on.

Redwing nest with chicks, River Laxa, Iceland, june 2019

I tried heading down stream again heading back towards the same place we went to yesterday on route across a small island i put a snipe up. Its nest was easy to locate on a slightly rasied grassy area. My 2nd Snipe nest of the trip.

Snipe, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2109

I followed the River downstream for as long as I safely could before turning around and headed back to the car. I found plenty of what looked like Gyr kills something we both hoped to see. There was no Ducks at all to be seen only a lone Red-throated Diver After not having much I headed back to the hotel. We had some breakfast in the hotel well I had some strange black bread and we headed back out the plan was to hit the Laxa for a few hours before abandoning the area to get back to the better weather in the south of the country.

We left the hotel and took a slow drive along Lake Myvatn. Myvatn means lake of the flies and this time of year its meant to be crawling with flies which is why its so appleaing to all the wildfowl. With the biting wind and driving rain I guess the flies thought best to stay hunkered down. We checked out the Lava fields for any Ptarmigan but no luck. We were heading past the bay were I had noted the Great Northern Divers this morning, when I saw a large bird sat on the banks. I quickly shouted to Adrian check that bird out as I was driving and he to thought it looked good!! could it be a Gyr? I quickly spun the car around and drove slowly back along!!!! Boom it was a huge falcon and could only be one thing a Gyr Falcon. I took a few long range pics from the car before it flew off. Wow we were not expecting that and although brief and distant this was a big highlight of the trip so far. A lifer for us both.

Gyr Falcon, Lake Myvatn, June 2019 Gyr Falcon, Lake Myvatn, June 2019 Gyr Falcon, Lake Myvatn, Iceland, June 2019

We Parked up again and both spilt up. Adrian was interested in finding a wigeon he had flushed the previous night and I was after some more photos of any Wildfowl. It was again yes you guessed it pouring with rain but this was a last opportunity around this area so we both fully waterproofed up and both set off. I went up stream first and found a pair of Barrows Goldeneye that were close enough to get some pictures of. The difficulty here was getting down to water level to get the pictures I was after. The water is fast flowing and cold not somewhere I wanted to fall into. I managed to get close enough to get the below, the best i managed.

Barrows Goldeneye, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2019

There were also a few of Harlequin Ducks hanging around nearby

Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019 Harlequin Duck, River Lava, June 2019

I was disappointed from what I had managed to capture in this area. It was probably the place in Iceland I most wanted to visit and the weather had beaten us. The area is full of wildfowl and its an area I cant wait to get back to.

River Laxa, Iceland, June 2019 River Laxa, Iceland, June 2019

River Laxa, Iceland, June 2019

Red-necked Phalaropes, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2019

We both meet back at the car to discuss our findings Adrian had great pleasure in telling me not only had he found the Wigeon he had been after he had also found a Ptarmigan (I believe a new nest tick). The Ptarmigan was going to be tricky to relocate so I couldn't add it to my list. But Adrian showed my the Wigeon nest which was just a few meters from were we had parked up.

Wigeon, River Laxa, Iceland, June 2019

We set off back towards our next over night stop which was going to be Borganes. We planned to stay here overnight before heading further South to the Floi Bird reserve for some Red-throated Diver action.

En route to Borganes we had a few stop offs. Firstly at a huge waterfall!! Called Godafoss. Well we may as well do some tourist stuff whilst we are here. They were actual pretty impressive and well worth a visit. Best of all unlike waterfalls i have visited elsewhere they were free.

Godafoss Waterfalls -Iceland

After a few snaps and selfies we were back on the road. With the weather improving minute by minute we thought it best to stop off at my favourite place so far which was the top seceret lake we had been tipped off about by a follow togger. It delivered again with the same stunning Great Northern Diver causally swimming up and down the lake. The best part of all was the sun poked through a few times.

GND19

Great northern Diver, Iceland, June 2019

There were a couple of Arctic Terns that were noisly flying around and a brief flyby by a Pale phase Arctic Skua.

Arctic Tern, Iceland, June 2019 Arctic Tern, Iceland, June 2019

The Slavs didnt perform again and still remain a boggie bird for me. Whilst waiting for the Great Northern Diver to swim by again a couple of Red-necked Phalaropes came and landing in front of me. I could of easly spent all day here but sadly after 2 hours it was time to move on we had a fair few miles still to cover.

Red-Necked Phalarope, Iceland, June 2019

We had a brief stop again in Akureyri and had some fun feeding the local Black-headed Gulls. But were soon back on Route 1 to Borganes. We checked into our hotel which was the same place as our first stop off here. We dumped our bags and were off out to catch the last few hours of the day. The skys were clear and it was an awesome evening. We went off through the small wooded area looking for Redwing nests we were both very succesful finding quite a few at diffferent stages. What suprised me is that we were finding them in trees, banks and one was even on the ground at the foot of a tree.

Redwing, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019 Redwing, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019 Redwing - Borganes, Iceland, June 2019

The star find tonight was by Adrian and it was another first for him and it came in the form of a Redpoll. This was a stunning nest, lined with Ptarmigan feathers and contained 6 eggs. This was also our only Redpoll sighting of the trip.

Redpoll, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019 Redpoll, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019 Redpoll, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019 Redpoll, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019

Iceland Day 3 and 4

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:56:41 GMT

Day 3

Day 3 started with an early start on route 54 to Snaefellsnes again. It was well over 20 miles before we saw another car in any direction. The first thing you notice about Iceland is out side of Reykjavik there are not a lot of people. I swear I read a fact that over 50% of the population live in and around the capital the rest spread out over this vast Island. First stop was a small lake where we found a pair of Breeding Red-throated Divers. There was also a Slavonian Grebe nearby, our first of the trip. We took a side road off the 54 looking for Snow Buntings, Ptarmigans and hopefully even an Arctic Fox. The whole area is good for these. We didn't see any from the roadside so parked up and had a walk around the area. I took the coast path whilst Adrian took advantaged of the car parks fine facilities. I was about 1/2 mile along when I had a call from Adrian who had an Arctic Fox in his sights. A quick dash along the path and i was back looking for Adrian he was a out of sight and It took a while to locate him. Sadly when I did it was to late, the Fox was long gone. We hung around for a while hoping to catch a glimpse of Iceland only native land mammal but it wasn't to be. One for another day or Trip maybe.

After not finding much else in the area we carried on round to Rif where there is a large Arctic tern colony. It was raining a bit now so we pulled up just out of town in a small car park off the main road. Good place for some lunch and to watch the numerous terns flying around. We tucked into our over priced Sandwiches and watched the world go by. I had noticed a bird shaped rock in the distance something I am sure we all see a lot of and we had both had our fair share this trip. On closer inspection through my bins (yes i am a photographer who owns a pair of Binoculars) I noticed it was an Arctic Skua sat down. This could only mean one thing it must be sat on eggs. We waited for the rain to stop and strolled across and sure enough it was sat on 2 eggs. Its great watching the Skua try and take you away from its nest by using the, look at me I have a broken wing technique.

Arctic Skua - Olafsvik, June 2019

Arctic Skua eggs - Rif, Iceland, June 2019

I managed to take some photos of the bird before setting up my GoPro on the nest and walking away the bird was straight back on the nest. I got some great footage of the Skua returning and siting at its nest site.

Arctic Skua - Olafsvik, June 2019

By now Adrian had crossed over the road to check out some Coastal Pools we had saw from the road. He was sure these would be good for Red-necked Phalarope and he wasn't wrong. There was a lake about the size of a football pitch which had some Kittiwake, Black-headed Gulls and Tuffed Ducks on, There was a pair of Red-necked Phalaropes on the back of the lake. Around the lake was some small pools well more like deep puddles and these were packed with loads of these fearless tiny waders. It was amazing to watch these birds swimming around in circles stirring up food from the bottom. The area and the weather didn't make for great photography opportunities but it didn't stop my trying. It was wet and cold but I was fully waterproofed up so I laid on the bank and started to fill my memory cards. These birds were most of the time to close to focus on, they were clearly aware of my presences on the bank but completely unfazed by me. The following videos are filmed on my Iphone.

Red-necked Phalarope - Rif, Iceland, June 2019

After spending a while admiring these birds for a while I moved on towards another large lake to see if I could get some better pictures. Again the lake had plenty of bird life on it including a pair of RT Divers, Whooper Swans and loads of Phalaropes. I had noticed a small beach at the far end and this looked like a great area to improve on my Phalarope efforts. It was bloody freezing and the driving rain and wind made for some tricky conditions but the sun did show itself a few times. I spent about an hour laid on a small strip of black sand watching several Phalaropes just swimming around feeding, never sitting still and not at all bothered by some stupid human trying to photography them. I wonder what they thought as they swam past, just inches from my head. I did try to record the scene please excuse the background howling wind.

The session was well worth out and I was happy with some of the results. A Dunlin even came in and landed had a quick clean and a preen before departing. It was well worth getting wet and cold for. (At the time of writing this blog I have had issues obtaining certain files from the memory card hopefully more Phalarope and Dunlin pictures to follow)

Red-necked Phalarope - Olafsvik, June 2019

Adrian had returned from his walk about and we headed back to the car. It was always a hard walk if you left the beaten track as the ground was very uneven. On returning to the car the Skua was still sat on its nearby nest and a Tern mobbed us both something we had both noted on our way to the pools. We sat in the car and watched the tern return to its nest. A quick check produced one egg. It was well outside the main colony and probably soon to be brekkie for the nearby Arctic Skua.

Arctic Tern - Rif, Iceland, June 2019

The plan the rest of the day was to head towards Stykkishólmur where we had some over night accommodation nearby. Stykkishólmur is a small port were the ferry leaves from to get to Flatey Island. Flatey Island was an area we had both said we wanted to spend sometime visiting. Its the best place in Iceland to see Grey Phalarope. The weather in the North and Lake Myvatn was still bad and looked bleak for the rest of the week so a trip to Flatey would mean less time there but that didn't look a bad idea with the weather forecast looking so grim. A plan was set to visit Flatey and head north for a few day after and just take a chance with the weather.

That evening we headed into Stykkishólmur to scope out the port before heading to our digs. Just on the edge of town was a small industrial site. In the middle of some warehouses and a stable yard was a small lake with a pair of Red-throated Divers on I managed to get down to the water edge without alerting the birds but sadly the area just wasn't right for photography at this time of day. I would aim to return early doors. Our hotel was out of town deliberately picked as this would mean some potential birding sites that we could walk to. We were staying in a log cabin away from the main building and the area around it looked great. After some good nosh and a well earned beer from the hotel bar we headed out. I planned to take small track down to some pools and adrian went off piste around our log cabin. There was a gate and a cattle grid about 100m from our front door and I flushed a Golden Plover as i walked along the track. It did the please follow me I have a broken wing walk, which must mean there was a nest nearby. This was one I marked for Adrain for us to look for when meeting up later on. I had a long walk without seeing anything and was just about to turn around when i found a small pool with a pair of Red-throats!! Bingo. That would be my night sorted the cloud looked to be clearing and the wind had died slightly. But before i could make a plan of how to approach the lake they both flew off I wasn't sure why as I was still miles away but it wasn't to be. I headed on down anyway and could see some Black-tailed Godwits in the long grass something to report back to Adrian as they could be breeding nearby. I was then alerted to two Divers calling overhead these could possible be the same birds that had just flew off and sure enough they were landing on the lake again. They both seemed pretty skittish so I left them in peace vowing to return in the morning instead of heading into the town centre. On the way back I had a Ptarmigan flying around my head and the Golden Plovers by the gate were calling to each other. Which further alerted me that they must be nesting nearby. I could see Adrian in the distance so I headed over to him to tell him of my findings on route I flushed a pair of Ptarmigan my first female of the trip they didn't go very far so I left them aiming to return once I had checked in with Adrian. Turns out Adrian had covered a lot of ground and didn't have much reward so was keen to check out the Ptarmigan and the Golden Plovers. The Ptarmigan male was still about and was in a great place to try get some pictures. For the next 20 minutes I slowly approached the bird and got some shots I was happy with. The sun then came out and a beautiful golden glow was cast on the bird. The female was still nearby so the male was quite happy to sit tight whilst keeping a watchful eye on his female. The Following pictures were taken at around 22.45 and the light at teams was awesome.

Ptarmigan, Stykkishólmur, Iceland, June 2019
Ptarmigan, Stykkishólmur, Iceland, June 2019
Ptarmigan, Stykkishólmur, Iceland, June 2019
Ptarmigan, Stykkishólmur, Iceland, June 2019
Ptarmigan, Stykkishólmur, Iceland, June 2019

With still plenty of daylight left we left them alone and went to look for Golden Plovers the sitting bird left the nest as we approached and it didn't take Adrian to long to locate the nest Golden Plover eggs, Helgafellssveit, Iceland June 2019

Day 4

There wasn't much improvement in the weather it wasn't raining although it was cold and windy. Started the day off by checking out the local pool for the Red-throated Divers sadly no sign. No sign of the Black-tailed Godwits or the Ptarmigan either. The Goldie was still there sat on her nest which was good to see. After an unsuccesful morning we headed to the port to get the 9.30am Ferry to Flatey. Its actual a car ferry that travels from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur and stops at the small Island of Flatey en route. The island houses are mainly occupied only during the summer and is prodominatley used for sheep farmer. The crossing was about 90mins long and we planned to get the 8pm crossing back and continue our Journey north. We arrived on Flatey full of promise and had read some excellent reviews about how much you could see on the island. Things were looking great as we docked a Snow Bunting was flying around the rocky shoreline and a Black Guillemot was cruising around the harbour. We arrived on shore with about 20 other foot passangers and set about exploring the Island. Redshanks were calling all over the Island and it wasn't long before we saw the first of many Red-necked Phalaropes in the pools that are dotted around the Island. We walked through the small village and there were a few Snow Buntings calling from the roof tops. It was a beautiful place. Adrian then spotted a Redwing carrying nesting material into a tractor and it didn't take long to find its nest just outside the engine.

Redwing nest site, Flatey Island, June 2019

We carried on walking towards the Tern Colony and this was as far as we could go the rest of the Island was off limits to protect the nesting Eiders, or so it says on the signs. Its also to protect the very rare breeding Grey Phalaropes. We then walked to the church were a few Snow Buntings were filting around the graveyard. We reached the coast line after a few minutes of walking and headed back towards the Harbour. There was a nesting Eider Duck here who sat unbothered by us as we walked past. Just before the harbour there was a small farm that had a few Snow Buntings feeding on some food waste. I stayed here to photography these whilst Adrian checked out the rest of the Island.

Snow Bunting, Flatey Island, June 2019 Snow Bunting, Flatey Island, June 2019

Snow Bunting, Flatey Island, June 2019

On his return we agreed that after an hour on the Island there wasn't much else to see and it would probably be a better Idea to get the earlier crossing at 2.30pm instead of 8pm. I am not knocking the Island as its a stunning place there just wasn't enough to keep us there and a lot more was off limit than we thought. Pretty much half this tiny island is off limits. Again not a moan and understand why it is. What was annoying was the lack of Auks we had both read about Puffins in and around the Islands we saw 2 very distant ones and also Black Guillimots a grand total of 4 also very distant. The discisons was made to leave and Adrian went off to watch a Phalarope I had flushed near the Tern Colony. I went towards the harbour and spent sometime with the Redshanks around there.

Redshank, Flatey Island, June 2019 Redshank, Flatey Island, June 2019 Redshank, Flatey Island, June 2019

Common Redshank, Flatey Island, June 2019

After a good session with the Redshanks I headed off to find Adrian and en route found a pair of Snow Buntings feeding a chick on the beach. This was great to watch and was great to see a male Snow Bunting in Breeding Plumage. You forget how big these buntings are.

Snow Bunting, Flatey Island, June 2019 Snow Bunting, Flatey Island, June 2019

As I sat on the beach Adrian called to say he had found a Red-necked Phalarope nest. This was a must see as these birds in the UK are off limits were as in Iceland they are pretty common and all over the Island. It was a beautiful nest with 4 stunning eggs in. A few quick photos and we were off.

Red-necked Phalarope, Flatey Island Iceland, June 2019

We could see the ferry approaching in the distance and had a 10 min walk back to the harbour so set off. Had a tame Snow Bunting on the way back that was to close to focus on. A real shame as this would of made some great photos. I tired a few seneic shots on the way back to the harbour.

Flatey Island, Iceland, June 2019

Flatey Island, Iceland, June 2019
Flatey Island, Iceland, June 2019

The Ferry arrived a bit quicker than we thought looked miles away when we were at the other side of Island. A quick dash was needed to ensure we didn't miss it. The Ferry back across to the mainland was pretty easy going and plenty of Auks were seen at sea as we crossed back over. Before we got in the car for the journey to our next hotel we checked out the Gulls that were flying close into the shore. No Glaucous but some good close flybys of some Fulmars who were drifting by in the strong wind.

Fulmar, Stykkishólmur, June 2019

Our next stop was a 2 hour drive away the North star hotel in Stadoarflot and we had plenty of time to get there so a few stops were needed. The road turned into a gravel track for a while and not much opportunity to stop we did have a few stops for some rare scenic shots

Our next time was just off Route 1 as we crossed a bridge we saw an Oystercatcher sitting just off the roadside with a rare safe place to pull over we thought it was a good area to check out. There was a river with some exposed gravel beds the Oystercatcher was sat on the gravel. It moved off as we approached revealling a set of 3 eggs. A tern also took flight and was sat on 2.

Oystercatcher, Iceland June 2019

Arctic Tern, Iceland June 2019

Not much else was seen and after tea at the only restauarnt near to the hotel, a service station we hit the hay ready for an early start. The weather still didn't look great at Lake Myvatn but you couldn't come to Iceland and not visit Myvatn.

Iceland 2019 Day 1-2

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 22:05:59 GMT

After a lot of time and planning the day had come. After an over night stay at the Hilton Gatwick ( probably the best hotel we were going to stay in all week) we were on our Easyjet flight to Keflavik International Airport. I was being joined by my Uncle Adrian on this trip who has a passion for nest recording so this would be a good fit. He finds the birds and hopefully I photography them. The flight landed at 8.45am and we had soon picked up our Hire Car. We hired a Mazda 3 from Thrifty which appeared to be brand new. Wasn't long before we were on the road and off to our first stop Sandgeroi a small town about 8km from the airport. Grey Phalarope had been seen here on migration in years gone by so was worth a look. Driving into the town we saw the first of many Golden Plovers which were just happily feeding on peoples freshly cut lawns. Sandgeroi has a couple of ponds on the outskirts of town this would be our first stop.

Our hire car at Sandgeroi

The ponds were stacked with birds mainly Gulls, Tuffed Ducks, Greylag Geese and our first sightings of Red-necked Phalaropes (Life Tick) these tiny waders were present all over the Island. The sun was already pretty high in the sky by now and photography opportunities were limited. A Phalarope took my eye close to the shore, so close I couldn't focus on it. A sign of things to come. We had a walk past the ponds and onto the surrounding area. A couple of Redshanks were going nuts and following us along the road, clearly had chicks nearby. As we crossed the area we flushed a Greylag Goose we both shat ourselves as it flew up, loudly calling!! This must of been sat on a nest. It didn't take to long to find our first nest of the trip.

Greylag Goose - Sandgeroi, Iceland, June 2019

Greylag Goose, Sandgeroi, Iceland, June 2019

It was nice to see some genuine wild Greylag Geese, unlike the feral population we have throughout much of England. Wasn't to long before our 2nd nest of the trip was located. A Pair of Oystercatchers were easy to see amongst the moss covered rocks. They moved off as we approached to reveal 2 eggs. (All nest pictures were taken using my Iphone Camera and once photographed were left alone all birds were witnessed to return to their nests)

Oystercatcher, Sandgeroi, Iceland, June 2019

From the car we had been watching a couple of Whimbrels walking around and hoped they maybe nesting nearby as we walked across the top of a small ridge a bird came into view and it sulked off in away that sugguested it had a nest nearby. Adrian sat out of the way and attempted to watch the bird back to its nest. I carried on across the rocky ground to see what else I could see. It wasn't long before I was watching a pair of Whimbrel and Golden Plover acting very strange, both clearly had a nest nearby. Adrian soon came back clearly happy and had found his first ever Whimbrel nest. Whimbrels are rare nesters in the UK and therefore Schedule 1. In Iceland they are very common and are breeding in numerous habits across the Island. We both sat up on some rocks and watched one of the birds I had been watching walk straight back to its nest. 2 Sets of 4 Whimberl's nests and it wasn't even midday. The Golden Plover weren't looked for and we left the area.

Whimbrel, Sandgeroi, Iceland, June 2019

Habit around Sandgeroi

Not a bad start to our first day in Iceland. Also in the area were a couple of pairs of Ringed Plover, and Numerous Meadow Pipits these birds are literailly everywhere in Iceland.

We hadn't booked any accommodation before we left as we planned to travel around the Island and seek out the good weather. Although we had a list of areas we wanted to visit we had no set itinerary. The weather looked pretty bad around Lake Myvatn all week, but it was a place we wanted to visit mainly for the Barrows Goldeneye and Harlequin Duck. These are two ducks that are only found in Europe on Iceland. With a rough plan to maybe head this way midweek we set off to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Here the weather looked good for the next few days. We booked to stay at the Laekjarkot Rooms and cottages in Borgarnes for the next 2 nights a good base to check out the local area. After a pretty slow afternoon and not much in the way of photography opportunities we drove into Borgarnes for some tea. After Tea we headed out on the 54 to check out some of the side roads. Side roads in Iceland are unlike our roads as they are basic gravel roads. We took the 533 which was devoid of life for a large part. Eventually we found some Redshanks and a Couple of the Icelandic subspecies of the Black-tailed Godwit. The Redshanks posed beautiful on a Post and so begun my birds on a post Photography, something I had read a lot of birds do in Iceland.

Redshank, Iceland June 2019 Redshank, Nr Borgarnes, Iceland, June 2019

it was time for some sleep. Sleeping in Iceland is pretty difficult as it doesn't really get dark.

Day 2

I was up and out early to check out the surrounding areas I walked from our room and took a local Bridleway there were Redwings signing from pretty much every tree. We hadn't seen to many Redwings yet so was nice to just sit and listen to these thrushes that we are all very familiar with during the winter months.

Redwing, Borgarnes, Iceland 2019

The scenery was stunning and it was a clear and crisp morning, the wind had picked up since yesterday making it pretty cold. It didn't take long to warm up though crossing through the pine woodland and up an across the numerous rocky outcrops. I was looking for Ptarmigan and Golden Plover to try and photograph. I heard plenty of Golden Plover around the area & hoped from some good chances as this was a bird that i didn't really have any decent photos of.

Borgarnes

I managed to find and photograph my first Ptarmigan of the trip but drew a blank on the Golden Plover. I decided to head back to our digs to meet up with Adrian. En route back I cut through the trees looking for some Redwings nest I found 3 empty ones 1 of which was clearly from last year. Whilst checking one I flushed a snipe from the grass I knew there must be a nest nearby so had a little scout around. Didn't take to long to find my first ever Snipe nest. It was difficult to see in the long grass as seen in the 2nd picture.

Snipe, Borgarnes, Iceland June 2019

Our route today would see us take the 54 towards the Snaefellsnes National Park. We hoped to see Great Northern Divers, Ptarmigan, Skuas and lots of Waders. It was a good journey to the edge of the national park when we found a large lake that had a pair of Whooper Swans nesting on. We stopped to have a closer look at this point we flushed a Great Northern Diver off the bank. It must of been nesting nearby I took cover in the under growth to take some pictures of this magnificent bird they seem a lot bigger up close. I have seen plenty of these divers in winter plumage but never in summer plumage. It was an absolute beauty. We soon left after a quick check on the Whooper swans one bird was sat on the bank and had a couple of cygnets nearby we didn't disturb them and left them alone. There was a small lake by the side of the large one probably the size of a Tennis court it had a Pair of Red-throated Divers on these were soon off as we approached. It was my first glimpse of Red-throated Divers in breeding Plumage. I heard they loved these small lakes but didn't believe it until i saw them floating around on this tiny piece of water.

Great Northern Diver, Iceland, June 2019

Great Northern Diver, Iceland, June 2019
Great Northern Diver, Iceland, June 2019

Great Northern Diver, Snaefellsnes, Iceland June 2019

There was another large lake on the other side of the road and we promised to check this out if we had time on our return to our Hotel in Borganes. We carried on along the 54 stopping at a church near the coast we walked through the rocky dunes to the sound of drumming Snipe and Signing Redwing. Sounds we would hear all the time throughout of trip. I swear I could hear drumming Snipe in my Sleep.

Icelandic Church, Snaefellsnes, June 2019

We saw our first Glaucous Gull, Common Scoters and Eider Ducks from the beach. I headed back to the Church as I has seen a few tame Redwings feeding in the Graveyard. I wasn't getting the results I wanted so was pretty happy when Adrian called me across to a pair he had found nesting in a rocky outcrop. The pair were pretty tame and clearly use to people in this tourist hotspot. I fired off a few shots that I wouldn't better over the week.

Redwing nest site, Snaefellsnes, Iceland, June 2019

Redwing nest, Snaefellsnes, Iceland, June 2019

Redwing, Snaefellsnes, Iceland, June 2019 (uncropped)

Redwing, Hellnar, Iceland, June 2019 Redwing, Snefellsnes, Iceland, June 2019

We then travelled on further down the 54 and headed towards Arnarstapi and Hellnar we got out at a infamous site near the home of Bjorn Petursson or Axlar-Bjorn as he was later known as. He was Iceland most notorious serial killer and as allaged to have killed between 9 and 18 people. He was executed in 1596 for his crimes. Dispite this grosome story the area around here was pretty productive. I headed up the hill towards a former hot spring feed lake and Adrian headed down the hill. I didn't have much luck apart from a few Wimbrels i didn't see to much the lake and views of Snaefellsnes were pretty impressive. There was so pretty impressive flowers growing on the lava as I walked up.

Views of Snaefellnes

I returned down the hill to check out the lower area. Adrian was out of sight so I walked across the bare ground to see what I could find ,I could hear a pair of Golden Plovers so pushed on to investigate. As I began to walk across an Arctic Skua started to following me, this was joined by a 2nd bird. This could only mean one thing a nest must be nearby. I sat down to photography the Skua that had landed in front of me the other disappeared out of sight. I spent a couple of minutes slowly approaching the bird and got some shots, some of which I was fairly happy with. Adrian soon joined me and as he approached the 2nd bird appeared again.

Arctic Skua - Snaefellsnes, June 2019
Arctic Skua - Snaefellsnes, June 2019
Arctic Skua - Snaefellsnes, June 2019
Arctic Skua - Snaefellsnes, June 2019
Arctic Skua - Snaefellsnes, June 2019

We watched the 2nd bird and this soon returned to an area about 100meters away from us. As we approached it took off and started to mob the both of us. Adrian spotted just in front of us was its nest contining 2 eggs. Our first Arctic Skua of the trip.

Arctic Skua nest, Snaefellsnes, June 2019

We spilt again I dececided to stay on the lower part and spend some time with a Whimbrel that was feeding nearby and Adrian choose to check out the pair I had seen further up the Hill. He was pretty successful finding the Whimbrel nest and our first Meadow Pipits of the trip. I was fairly successful with the Whimbrel

Whimbrel, Helenar, Iceland, June 2019 Whimbrel, Hellnar, Iceland, June 2019
Whimbrel, Helenar, Iceland, June 2019 Whimbrel, Hellnar, Iceland, June 2019

Meadow Pipit nest site, Snafellsnes, June 2019

Meadow Pipit nest, Snafellsnes, June 2019

Whimbrel nest, Snaefellsnes, June 2019

We tired a few other areas further round the snaefellsnes peninsula throughout the afternoon, with not much luck. We came across an area that held a lot of Whooper Swans, Geese and Gulls. This is where we found our first Pink-footed Geese and a Single Canada Goose. Canada Geese are a rare bird in Iceland. At this point we turned and headed for our base back in Borganes. The plan was to stop at the Diver site again to try and photograph the Red-throated Divers. They were both there again and a slow approach to the shore line aloud me to get down to the water level. Sadly I wasn't getting the shots i wanted so I left them in peace and crossed the road to were Adrian was checking out the lake on that side. He had found a pair of Whooper Swans with a nest containing 6 eggs. The lake also had a few other ducks and waders on. I tried my luck with these and one of the Whooper Swans which gave me a close views as it swam past.

Whooper Swan nest, Iceland June 2019

Whooper Swan, Iceland June 2019

After a pretty decent burger in Borganes we went out and checked the area surrorinding our hotel again. About 1 mile down a bridle track was a small area that appeared to be a dumping ground for the local farmer. It was also a little oasis of birdlife. Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Oystercathchers and Snipe were all nesting in the area. I set myself up by a little pool that the Godwits were bathing in. They soon saw me and flew off. They seemed to be one step ahead of me and knew I was hiding out there. I sat on the rocks nearby until I eventually gave up and left. As soon as I left they were back in bathing. Godwits 1 Matt 0. This whole time Adrian had been watching a pair of Ringed Plover and they had been giving him the run around until eventually he found the nest. I could see why it took some time to locate.

Ringed Plover nest, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019

Black-tailed Godwit, Borganes, June 2019

Golden Plover, Borganes, June 2019

Golden Plover, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019

Not the best Golden Plover shots you will see just liked the snowy mountain background. Same goes for the below Ptarmigan not the best photo I just like the Lupins. I have since learnt these are non native to Iceland and were introduced to Iceland from Alaska in the 60s to help with soil erosion. They are now growling wild everywhere.

Ptarmigan, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019 Ptarmigan, Borganes, Iceland, June 2019

This brought an end to our 2nd day in Iceland. A good day all round. Cold and windy but worth the red sore wind swept faces.

Scotland 2016

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 20:35:00 GMT

Scotland - 18th - 22nd Feb 2016

Thursday 18th Feb

After months in the planning today was the day we set off for a winter trip to the Cairngorms. Firstly a trip to Sharpness was needed. Ricky who was joining me on this trip to Scotland had requested to see one of the long staying Black Redstarts that were in the area. This would be a lifer for Ricky.

I am unfamiliar with Sharpness as I had not been here since fishing trips as a child. A quick text to Lee Gardiner a fellow bird photographer produced the goods. Lee's words were drive along Dock Road and look for building with sloping roof. We quickly found the building and boom sat on the roof was one Black Redstart. We pulled up alongside the building and waited for the bird to come within photographic distance. Below are a few images of the Sharpness Black Redstart.

Black Redstart - Sharpness Black Redstart - Sharpness

Black Redstart - Sharpness

This great Start today was quickly followed by a fat boy fried breakfast cooked by the old man and then it was off to Bristol Airport to catch our flight to Inverness. We were met at the Airport by our fellow travellers Brian Thompson a Local Bird Photographer and Karle Burford a local Birdwatcher. Yes you have read this right 3 photographers and a bird watcher are off to Scotland together. Are they going to play nicely??? how will this ever work??? Surely the photographers will come back with no photos as the birder in the group will tell them off as they kept getting to close and flushing the birds. This will never work surely???.

Brian, Karle and Ricky are all year listing so are keen to see as many species as possible within the 4 days we had in Scotland. Myself I don't list or tick birds lol, so I am after plenty of photos and happy to see what ever comes along!!! The flight was pretty painless apart from a 30min delay. Myself and Ricky both got pulled up at bag search and had all but a full strip search!!! I fully get all the security stuff but the unhelpful and uncooperative staff at this part of the Airport really didn't help the situation.

On arrival in Inverness we quickly picked up our hire car a nice white Mazda 6 (didn't stay white for long) and set off to make the most of the last hour of daylight. We stopped at Alturlie which overlooks the Moray Firth. Karle had visited here before and knew it was a good place to tick ( not me) the Sea Ducks. I don't keep a list so this is purely from memory. I think we saw a few of Goldeneye, Gooseanders, and Long-tailed Ducks. These were mostly blobs in the distance and not great for the photographer in me but still great to year tick Long-tailed Duck (not that i year tick).

Moray Firth

Setting Sun Moray Firth

We also saw plenty of Hooded Crows but apparently you can't if I was ticking, tick these as most birds on the East coast of Scotland are Hybrids. I won't waffle on with the science shit but i ticked it anyway. According to the Brian Thompson list it counts!! Good enough for me! The daylight was fading so it was time to head off to our hotel for the next 4 nights. We were staying at the Grant Arms in Grantown on Spey, a superb hotel which is idea for nature lovers. If anyone is thinking of a vacation to the Cairngorms i highly recommend this hotel. The food is fantastic.

Tea was the time of great debate on what the plans were going to be for our first full day. It was decided to try for some Black Cock (stealing a Packham joke) first at the bottom Cairngorm Ski car park and then up onto the mountains for Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting. The Weather didn't look great but looked the best for the next 3 days. After a few pints of tradewind it was time to get some rest before a full day in the mountains.

Friday 19th February

A slight covering of snow in Grantown wasn't enough to put us off going up into the Cairngorms. We set off slightly later than planned as breakfast which was excellent was a bit slow in coming. By the time we had got to the first car park it was probably to late to find any Black Grouse on the Lech. We were right it was. The Lech is viewed from a purpose built viewing station and sadly no birds were seen. It was bloody freezing and the driving winds was wiping up the lying and falling snow. We were soon in the car and off to the main car park further up the mountain. The car park is a good place to see Snow Bunting and on occasions Ptarmigan. No Ptarmigan today but a flock of 15 Snow Bunting was a good year tick for most of the guys. (If I was year listing I would already have it on the List) We decided to head off into the mountains to try and find some Ptarmigan the weather wasn't great so we made a decision to head up before the weather got any worse. We were heading to an area that I had photographed Ptarmigan in last year. There were a lot of serious hill walkers and Ice climbers on the route but no Ptarmigan. As we climbed the weather continued to get worse and after Brian went arse over tit we decided that the weather had got the better of us. Even if they were on the lower slopes we wouldn't be able to see them in the white out conditions let alone hear them in the howling wind. We headed back down to the Car Park for the Snow Buntings again. Sadly these had disappeared. The weather was bad enough to close the Ski runs, definitely the right decision to turn around.

Next on the agenda was a Trip to Loch Morlich and Loch Garten. There were a few Goldeneye and Mallards on Loch Morlich but little else. After dipping the Ptarmigan we headed Loch Garten for The Crested Tit. These are pretty much a given from the feeders at Loch Garten. It wasn't long until we gifted our first views of a Crestie they were few and far between probably 3 birds in total but great to see. We set up a few perches and baited them with bird friendly Peanut Butter (no salt) the Cresties loved it along with the 100s of Chaffinches and Coal Tits. No Red Squirrels was a disappointment.

Crested Tit, Loch Garten, Feb 2016 Crested Tit - Loch Garten

Chaffinch, Loch Garten, February 2016 Chaffinch - Loch Garten

We had a bit of time to kill after dipping on the Ptarmigan so we headed off to Lochindorb. But first we stopped off at a Place called Broomhill Station which is an old Railway Station that overlooks a few flooded fields. Throughout the Winter a Glaucous and Iceland Gull had been spotted here. We were reliable informed that both had in fact been seen yesterday. No Such luck today but hey we could maybe try again.

Broomhill Station

Lochindorb is a great place to find Red Grouse from the comfort of your car. We also hoped for some raptors or some early returning Divers on the Loch. The Loch held the usual suspects Goldeneye and Gooseanders but little else. There were plenty of Grouse to photograph from the car. The sun even shone here for a spilt second!!

Red Grouse, Lochindorb, February 2016 Red Grouse - Lochindorb

After travelling past Lochindorb we decided to head over to the Findhorn Valley. This was also our planned area to visit tomorrow so if we ticked all the boxes we could probably do something else on Sunday. Findhorn Valley AKA as Raptor valley is an area of outstanding beauty it is a single track road with a few houses rooted along it the follows the River Findhorn for about 10 Miles.

We took a slow drive along as every time we caught sight of the River Findhorn, Karle would ask me to stop and say "this is a good place for Dipper here". This wasn't the first time today he had said this and every time we went over a bridge, saw or even heard water we had to stop as it was a good place for Dippers. Like the other 106 times we had stopped today we drew a blank. LOL. We decided to pull in at a small lay-by and scan the surrounding areas for Raptors. The one thing i wanted to see this trip was a Golden Eagle. Having been to Scotland on numerous occasions I had always drew a Blank on this amazing birds. Today was going to be my lucky day. No sooner had we got out of the car a raptor drifted towards us, we got our bins on what we though was a Buzzard but as it drew closer it clearly wasn't and a Golden Eagle drifted low over our heads. Before any of us could close our mouths and grab a camera it was gone!!!! Wow no photo but who cares I had just saw my first Golden Eagle (life tick). We travelled on to the end of the valley were we hoped to see more raptors and Mountain Hares. We saw quite a few Buzzards around but not much else. I climbed up on the hill to see if I could flush any hares. No such luck. Plenty of poo about but no hares. The views from here are stunning and well worth the trip.

Findhorn Valley

I think on the way back to the hotel we stopped again at Broomhill Station!! Guess what no Gulls. Tea again at the Hotel was fantastic I can highly recommend the Haggis dumplings to start. They are to die for. It was decided over a few Tradewinds we would head off tomorrow to see the long staying Ring-necked Duck at Pitlochry.

Saturday 20th Feb

The weather in Grantown was a bit sleety and thankful no real over night snow that had been forecast so we set off after another hearty breakfast to Pitlochry which is about 90 minutes south of Grantown-on-Spey. We made a quick stop to Broomhill Station, yes you guessed it no Gulls. The weather went down hill pretty fast and it wasn't long before we were into a full on Snow storm. Probably just a light dusting for the locals but to us southern softies this was pretty mental. I was trying hard to follow the car in fronts tyre marks and to not drive on any of the lying snow. It took a little longer than hoped due to the weather but we were soon out of the mountains and into Pitlochry. We had a brief stop off to buy some bread as rumour has it the Ring-necked Duck can't get enough of it. We soon located the small lake on which this long staying American visitor had been frequenting and sure enough amongst the Tuffted Duck was a slightly odd looking Tuffty. Boom Ring-necked Duck in the bag.

The Cuilc - Pitlochry

Luckily the lake was frozen and the small area that wasn't, was right next to the road from here we had great views of another lifer for me. The rumours were true it loves the bread, although it was a little timid and took its time to come in close. Shame the light was so bad as this was a real opportunity to get some stonkers of a pretty rare visitor.

Ring-necked Duck, Pitlochry

An awesome bird. Brian even managed some great pics of the dull red ring that goes around its neck. Sadly a few of mine showed this but were pretty crap so got binned. There was also a Mandarin Duck on the Lake. Nearby were 2 Red Squirrels, Siskin and a Jay. We headed back to Cairngorms for another drive through the Findhorn Valley. The route back home was again fun but the snow wasn't quite as bad as the journey across. Oh I almost forgot we stopped at Broomhill Station!! Boom Gulls.................. but no white wingers!!!!!!!!!!!! We also stopped at Nethy Bridge and found no Dippers.

Nethy Bridge Nethy Bridge

By the time we arrived at Findhorn the weather had turned again and it was snowing pretty hard. We made the decision to try and get down the valley road but if the snow started to settle on the roads, we would turn for home. Luckly it was about 0c so the road temperature stopped the snow from settling. We slowly drove along the road until we reached the end we had a look around before heading a couple of 100meters back along the road to an area which is good for Mountain Hare. We could see from the car park a few people on the mountains this was good enough for us. Karle decided he was happy to stay in the warm and scope us and the hares from the safety of the car park. Ricky, Brian and myself geared up and set off up the mountain. The snow was coming down thick and fast and made walking very difficult. It was like having needles hit your eyes.

Findhorn Valley in the snow

Findhorn Valley

Findhorn Valley - Whiteout

Brian and Ricky in the Findhorn Valley

Findhorn Valley - Whiteout

Findhorn Valley

We got up onto the mountain where a couple of guys were photographing a Hare we decided not to disturb these guys and find another. Brian went high and Ricky and I went low. It wasn't long before Brian signalled us. He had found a sitting Hare, an excellent spot. We all got together and slowly approached the hare. It gave us fantastic views in some horrendous conditions.

Mountain Hare - Findhorn Valley

Mountain Hare, Findhorn Valley

After spending about 10 minutes with this Hare we thought it best to get of the mountain and out of the Valley as the conditions were getting worse and we didn't have a Keg of Tailwind in the boot so we headed back to the Hotel. We made it back to the hotel via Broomhill Station. Surprise surprise no Gulls.

That night I had arranged a night in a wildlife hide just outside Aviemore on the Rothiemurchus estate. We were met by our Guide and taken to the hide. The guide without trying to be was a comedy legend. I think we all enjoyed his store about an event that happened during 1 of his 16 years working at a wildlife park. A Goat or something managed to hook his belt off and pull down his trousers revealing his bright blue pants. He had caught the animal and was kind of riding it from behind with his trousers down!!!! Awkward!!! Thats his story and he was sticking to it I am sure someone somewhere else could of saw this differently. If you ever meet the guy ask to see his tattoo as well!!! The hide was awesome and we hoped to see Badgers and Pine Martins. Despite what the website says photographing from here isn't easy as the light isn't great but none the less the experience was amazing. It wasn't long before a badger visited the feeding area and before long a Pine Martin graced us with her presences. Across the 3 hours we had at least 3 Badgers, 2 Pine Martins and a few Wood Mice visit us. Below are a couple of half decent photos I managed. Was also good to see how well the 7D mark 2 coped on 16000 ISO.

Pine Martin, Rothiemurchus

Badger, Rothiemurchus, February 2016 Badger, Rothiemurchus

Another fantastic day. What will tomorrow Bring

Sunday 21st Feb

The Plan today was to head down to the Coast starting at Dingwall for a long staying Ring-billed Gull. This Gull has been seen throughout the winter on a small Pond in a park right in the heart of Dingwall. We arrived and quickly located a few Gulls none of which were the Ring-billed Gull. After a quick visit to Tesco for some bread we managed to bring in a lot more gulls, for some reason they were all very cautious. After an hour of nothing I located a bird that fitted the bill!!! Yes we had the Ring-billed and just as we were about to leave. Brian managed to fire of a few quick shots before it disappeared. It was later on when viewing these shots we realised that it was a Common Gull and not a Ring-billed Gull! A Kingfisher was a nice addition to the days birds.

We headed off to our next stop Burghead harbour. This has the potential to turn up some decent birds in the harbour at close range. A Male Eider and a seal were good to see in the Harbour. Along the Harbour wall was a small wader flock of Turnstones, Redshanks and 2 Purple Sandpipers.

Eider Duck, Burghead, February 2016 Eider Duck - Burghead

Purple Sandpiper - Burghead

We checked the Sea from the Harbour walls and the nearby coastline, we quickly located a Red-throated Diver, Long Tailed Ducks, Goldeneye, Eiders, Red-brested Mergansers and a raft of Common Scoters. Next Stop was a Pig farm near Hopeman that has had 2 Iceland Gull visiting it over the past few weeks. We arrived at the Pig farm and were overwhelmed by the number of Gulls there. There must have been well over 1000 we tried in vain to locate one but the words needle in a hay stack come to mind!! We soon moved on to Lossiemouth for a scout around the coast. The tide was fast going out and not much was seen from the sea walls. A lot of disturbance on the beach meant little chance of finding any Snow Buntings. Brian and Karle were checking out the Sea Whilst Ricky and I headed to the Harbour. It was there I spotted two Ducks in close I slowly approached and found it was a pair of Long-tailed Ducks I quickly called Brian and Karle over and we spent the next 30 mins in the wind,rain and hale photographing these amazing Birds. They were both very wary and stayed pretty much away from us before flying out to sea. Was great to see these up close just a shame about the weather.

Long-tailed Duck- Lossiemouth

Guess what on route back to Grantown we stopped at Broomhill Station and guess what no Gulls!!! Another fantastic meal was had at the hotel and a few more Tradewinds were sunk. Brian and Karle thought it was a good idea to sample the delights of Scottish Whisky. Hopefully they will be good to go for an early start for Black Grouse on our last morning.

Monday 21st Feb

Our last morning was spend at Tulloch Moor at first light looking for Black Grouse sadly no sign but we did randomly find a few gravestones. We had enough time to have another look around Loch Garten. Karle and Brian had a thrash around the woods whilst Ricky and I had another pop at the Crested Tits.

Crested Tit, Loch Garten, Feb 2016

Crested Tit-Loch Garten Crested Tit, Loch Garten, Feb 2016 Crested Tit-Loch Garten

Crested Tit-Loch Garten

We then headed off to the Airport but one last stop was needed at Broomhill Station and at last it was to be!!!! sat in the flooded field was a huge big fat amazing...... nothing!!!! Oh well wasn't to be. Before we dropped the car off we had another look around the Moray Firth. There were plenty of Hybrid Hooded Crows in the nearby fields and plenty of Sea Ducks just off the beach. Most were Scaups and Wigeon but there seemed to be a few distant Long-tailed Duck. It was good to see such good numbers of Scaup. I have only either seen these in 1 or 2s before. A Flock of Curlew and Oystercatchers were on the beach but before we could photograph them some prick in a van beeped his horn and scared them all off!!!!!

Greater Scaup - Moray Firth

Hooded Crow, Moray Firth, February 2016 Hooded Crow

It was finally time to head for home. The weekend could be summed up by these words. Good times, Good Beer, Good Food, Good friends and Shit Gulls. Thanks to Ricky Brian and Karle for a top weekend and we all played nicely. Oh and i forgot to mention on the last day Karle was true to his word and we found a Dipper near Nethy Bridge.

Aruba Day 4

(Mattscott Photography) — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 18:42:00 GMT

Friday 14th November

After yesterday success at Areshi Beach I Thought I would try my luck again. The day started watching 3 Semipalmated Plover chasing each around the rock shore. This other was good to watch and they were quite vocal. It was pretty much the same birds as yesterday apart form a Semipalmated Sandpiper and the Sanderling went from 1 to a flock of 7. A flock of Carib Crackle were also in the area. Below is a few of my best pictures from the morning.

Semipalmated Plover

Semipalmated Plover Semipalmated Plover Semipalmated Plover Semipalmated Plover

Sanderling

I first though the below bird was a sanderling but thought it was slightly different i have now been informed its a Semipalmated Sandpiper. A new bird for me as I didn't manage to connect with the Slimbridge bird.

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Royal Tern

Black-belled Plover (Grey Plover)

Black-billed Plover (Grey Plover)

Brown Pelican

Eared Dove

Spotted Sandpiper

Common Tern

Laughing Gull

Least Sandpiper

After a great morning at Areshi Beach it was time to head back to the hotel for Breakfast but not before a quick stop on route. I noticed a Great Egret close to the roadside near the Salina next to the Skydive Centre. Here I managed to photograph the Great Egret hunting. There was also 2 Killdeer nearby.

Great Egret Great Egret

Great Egret

Killdeer

Arikok National Park and a Beautiful beach called Baby Beach was the plan today. Arikok takes up 18% of the Island of Aruba and was on the opposite side of the island to our hotel. Today I hoped to photograph a Venezuelan Troupial on a Cactus the ionic picture of these birds and also I hoped to see a Crested Caracara. The national park is also a great place to see the endemic Aruban Rattlesnake. Sadly these are very rare and as few as 500 could remain in the world. We probably wouldn't see one of these as they hunt mainly at Dusk and Dawn as its to hot during the day. They had a captive one in the visitor centre I think thats as close as Hannah wanted to get. Also by the visitor centre was a Venezuelan Troupial feeding on a Cactus sadly to far away for the photo I wanted. Whislt in the National Park we visited the Quadirikiri Caves. These caves are home to a species of Fruit bat not sure what they are called as I can't find any reference to their name. Although Southern Long-nosed bats are found in other caves on the Island.

Baby Beach was a beautiful spot. Very busy but amazingly there was a small flock of Ruddy Turnstones working through the tourists on a quiet corner of the beach there was a single Black-belled Plover (Grey Plover). The Below photo was taken by Hannah.

Baby Beach

One of my main aims was to try and photograph a Crested Caracara they aren't common on Aruba but the Arikok National Park was a good place to see them. Having not seen one all day I was almost giving up when suddenly one appeared at the side of the road!!!! I asked Hannah kindly to pull over (stooooooooop) luckily the camera was out of the bag and it was almost within touching distance sadly to close and i couldn't focus on it before it was gone behind the car. We quickly turned around but it was out of reach. A 2nd bird appeared but was also to distant and to far off the road to track!!! my chance had gone. Below is my only effort of this magnificent bird.

Crested Caracara

Where we had stopped to see if the Crested Caracaras would do a u-turn sat an American Kestrel on the top of a Cactus it was really struggling to hold on in the strong warm wind. It allowed me to get pretty close, even without using the car as a moving hide. As I photographed this one another flew overhead.

American Kestrel, Aruba, November 2015 American Kestrel

Late afternoon we were going to head up to the California lighthouse to photograph the sunset but not before 2 quick stops firstly I wanted to try and photograph the Bananaquits at the Butterfly farm and then I took Hannah to see the Burrowing Owls. Well I say I took her!!!!! in all fairness it was just an excuses to have another shot at these amazing birds.

Bananaquit

Burrowing Owl

The sunset was amazing and I managed to get the picture I wanted.

Brown Pelican at Sunset

Brown Pelican

Thought I would throw in a few more of Hannah Pictures of me at work and the sunset

Me and the wife !!!!!!

Aruba Day 3

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 21:49:00 GMT

Thursday 13th November

Last morning without a Hire Car as of 9am today we have some wheels which means a) we get to see some more of the Island and its amazing beaches and b) i can get a further afield in the 2 hours i am aloud of the leash. Win Win.

This morning I walked North towards the Salina near the Skydiving centre. There was a few others I had noticed to check out first. The First one Had a few Whimbrel and what looked like Yellowlegs on the far side. A s I moved towards the shore I spooked 3 White-cheeked Pintail, 2 Killdeers and a Little Blue Heron (Garsa blou chikito) that were in a tiny pool just off the main Salina. Little Blue Heron was a new tick so hopefully I will get another opportunity to photograph this bird. There are 9 species of Herons recorded on the Island. 3 down 6 to go.

The Main Salina was linked to a marsh area and a creek. I think all the Salina and Bubali in the Palm Beach area are probably all linked. The Marsh area was good for Great Egrets, Yellowlegs and today there was a small flock of waders. Not sure which but probably Least Sandpipers (Snepi chikito)

At the end of the creek I was just about to cross the road to the area by the Boardwalk Hotel when a large wader caught my Eye. It looked like a Hudsonian Godwit (Lopi cora). I am no Godwit Expert but according to my guidebook only Hudsonian have been recorded on Aruba and thats only from 3 records. I guess by Aruba standards this was a Mega!!!! I have tried to contact a few people via Facebook to see if this is as rare as the guidebook suggests but to no avail. Please put me straight if I am wrong with my ID. You can also see in the first picture a nice plastic cup. I did wait a while for the Godwit to find a more photogenic position. Issue was it was moving further round and I was then shooting into the sun. Cant win them all!!!!!!

Hudsonian Godwit

Hudsonian Godwit Hudsonian Godwit

Hudsonian Godwit

Whilst watching the Godwit a Great Egret flew overhead and Landed in the creek on the opposite side of the road. Also in this creek was a Spotted Sandpiper and a Lesser Yellowlegs. The sun was still pretty low so the light wasn't great.

Great Egret

Spotted Sandpiper

I was now back in the Sandy area near to the Skydive Centre Salina. Sadly the area looks like its used as a motorbike rally track and there were lots of jumps and evidence that the area is probably not a good spot for Borrowing Owls as I had hoped. A male Black-faced Grassquit was sat in a tree about the only bird i had came across. In true tv style fashion i was about to gave up on the area when I could see a distant blob which could be an owl. I moved in a little closer and it moved so I put the bins on it and boom it was what I was looking for. The endemic Aruban Species of the Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia arubensis. (Choco)

Burrowing Owl

It let me move in pretty close but I didn't push it to far as I didn't want to flush it out. I am also not sure how their burrows work and I certainly didn't want to collapse a burrow. There must have been another one nearby but I couldn't see it. It could of course been down the burrow. Where I was low to the ground I couldn't see into the burrow. I am sure I will be back!!! I left them in peace to check out the main Salina.

Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owl Burrowing Owl Burrowing Owl

The Salina was pretty quite. There was a Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs on the near shore in the North corner there was a Black-bellied Plover or what we Europeans call a Grey Plover. The flock of Black-necked Stilts were in a bit closer so managed a few shots although not brilliant as I was shooting into the sun. A small wader which I believe to be a Least Sandpiper was in and around the Yellowlegs. On the back shore of the Salina sat a Great Blue Heron and a Snowy Egret

Least Sandpiper, Aruba, November 2015 Least Sandpiper

Black-necked Stilt

There was a small pool just South of the main Salina. Here there was another Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, 2 Killdeers and another Least Sandpiper.

Killdeer

Least Sandpiper, Aruba, November 2015 Least Sandpiper

On the way back to the hotel I stopped to see if the Little Blue Heron was around. It wasn't but a Glossy Ibis was fishing the creek

Glossy Ibis, Palm Beach, Aruba 2015 Glossy Ibis

On arrival back at the hotel we picked up our Hire car and after brekkie we set off to see some more of the Island we first headed north to the California Lighthouse

California Lighthouse View from the California Lighthouse

We later hit the coast and found a great beach (Arashi Beach) it was stunning and pretty quite. Best of all there was a lot of sea birds about. No Sooner had I sat down I noticed a Gull 50metres down the beach. The only regular gulls found on Aruba are Laughing Gulls.

Laughing Gull

Brown Pelican and Terns were fishing just of the shore. The perfect beach!! I left hannah relaxing on the beach and walked further along to see what other stuff I could find. There were terns everywhere Common and Royal were about and i picked out what looked like a few Cabot Terns. I believe Cabot Terns along with Cayenne Terns have recently been separated from the Sandwich Tern. Both Cabot and Cayenne are recorded on the Island. Cayenne are the South American relatives of the Cabot terns.

Royal Tern

Common Tern

Brown Pelican

Laughing Gull

The Pelicans were diving ungainly into the water and it was quite funny to watch. As they reappeared on the surface they were mobbed by the Laughing Gulls who were trying to steal some of their catch. I carried on down the beach until I came to a rocky area. Here there were good numbers of Terns, Laughing Gulls and Brown Pelicans resting on the rocks. There was an area along the shoreline covered in rotting seaweed with lots of insects perfect for waders and bingo there was a good selection of them. 1 Spotted Sandpiper 7 Ruddy Turnstones, 1 Sanderling 2 Semipalmated Plover 3 Least Sandpipers and an unknown Sandpiper. A great place to come back to tomorrow morning.

Sanderling

After leaving the beach we drove towards one of the Tourist traps the Alto Vista Chapel. On route we passed the Tierra del Salina Golf course. On the Golf course is a protected Salina and with permission you can look around this wetland area. This is a good place for Least and Pied billed Grebes and also Southern Lapwings. The Bunkers are also meant to be good for Burrowing Owls. Were weren't going onto the course today. As we drove passed I noticed a Yellow type Wagtail bird and the lawns at the front of the course so I politely!!!!!! (Shit me i think i just found something rare ) asked Hannah to stop and drive back. If it was what I was thinking this would be a massive bonus and a very rare bird to the Island. In 2012 a Cattle Tyrant was found at the Golf Course it stayed for about a year. I am not sure what happened to it from there but if I was not mistaken we had just drove past a Cattle Tyrant. As we pulled up alongside it, it could only be a Cattle Tyrant it was like nothing else in the Guide book. Wow what a result. I nervously got my camera out and managed to take some pics of it. The bird was a very confiding and actual came so close to the car I could no longer focus on the it. What makes these rare on Aruba is that they associate with Cattle, hence the name. There is no Cattle on Aruba!!!! I could of stayed here all day but sadly Hannah was having none of it and we carried on towards the Chapel.

Cattle Tyrant Cattle Tyrant Cattle Tyrant Cattle Tyrant Cattle Tyrant

Alto Vista Chapel

Around the chapel were a few Aruban Whiptail Lizards, I had tried a few times to get some pictures of these around the resort by failed I managed to find one in a Cactus of the grounds of the church. This was a male as the females are Brown. The males being this bright turquoise blue.

Aruban Whiptail Lizard Aruban Whiptail Lizard Aruban Whiptail Lizard

On the way back to the Hotel I had a quick stop at Arashi Beach usual suspects again but I forgot about the position of the Sun useless for photography as everything was into the sun. Good job a showy Tropical Mockingbird landed the other side of the car. At least i had something to photograph. Will be a good place to come back for a sunset.

Tropical Mockingbird Tropical Mockingbird

The Burrowing Owls were still around the Skydive Salina giving the best views yet. Whilst watching these a Whimbrel flew overhead. The usual Greater Yellowlegs was on the creek.

Burrowing Owls

Greater Yellowlegs

Best day birding so far!!!!!!!

Aruba 2015 - Day 2

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:07:00 GMT

Wednesday 11th November Day 2

Up and out again by 6.30am today I walked from the hotel South towards the next resort Eagle Beach. Hoping for some waders and to get into Bubali from a different point.

First bird of the day was a Magnificent Frigatebird (Makuaku) that drifted along the coast. A Brown Pelican (Rogans) was sat on a rock in a small fishing harbour. The area was very rocky and not much sand or any good areas for wading birds. I turned around and headed back towards Bubali Pond. I crossed the road to a small entrance into Bubali. In the middle of the carriageway was a small Pond here sat a very confiding Great Egret. The entrance into Bubali gave a very small window into the main lagoon sadly the only bird here was a Neotropic Cormorant (Dekla) sat drying on a pole. There were a few mosquitos here as well. Boom 1-0 to the Mosquitos. I really need to splash on the repellent!!! Just as I was leaving the area to head towards the viewing platform area 5 more Magnificent Frigatebirds flew around the main pond.

Great Egret

Neotropic Cormorant

Magnificent Frigatebird

I headed back down to the coast and headed back towards the viewing platform. As I hit the coast a Royal Tern (Sternchi di rey) flew along and gave great views of a new bird for me. Its said that you can see 9 species of Terns in the same view on Aruba. Fingers crossed.

Royal Tern

On arriving at Bubali a few Barn Swallows (Swalchi) flew around the reeds. The Open patch again had around 5 Sora a lot less then yesterday, 2 Wilson snipe and 3 Common Gallinule. There was a small patch of mud just out of view and I could see some kind of wader prodding around in the mud. Eventually it gave a good enough view to establish it was a Pectoral Sandpiper (Snepi pecho strepia). 3 White-cheeked Pintails were on the open water.

Sora, Bubali Pond, Aruba, November 2015

Sora

Wilson Snipe

Common Gallinule

Pectoral Sandpiper

Just before leaving a Great Egret did a flyby and the 2 Brown-throated Parakeets were sat chatting in the same tress as yesterday. The track to the entrance again had at least 5 Yellow Warblers and some Bare-eyed Pigeons.

Great Egret

The plan today was to visit the Butterfly Farm which was 2 minutes from our hotel and then to get a taxi to the Capital Oranjestad. The Butterfly farm is set within large meshed enclosures and you can see many Butterflies flying freely from all over the world. Aruba doesn't have to many Butterflies on the island it self. I managed to see 4 species flying around across the week. The only one i could identify was the Monarch. The Butterflies below are not native to Aruba and can only be found at the Butterfly farm.

Blue Morpho

Unknown

Blue Clipper

Unknown

Tree Nymph

The Cydno

This was also a great place to see the 2 species of Humminbirds on the island the Blue-tailed Emerald (Blenchi berde) and the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Dornasol) sadly none were seen today. There was a great spot here though to see Bananaquits, as the butterfly farm had set up a sugar feeder and there must of been 30 plus visiting the feeder along with Black-faced Grassquits (Mofi).

Bananaquit

Bananaquits and Black-faced Grassquits

Oranjestad Literally means Orange Town I guess from its Dutch influences. This was a place for the Wife as it was full of Shops and a lot of them. As its on the Caribbean cruise route a lot of Tourist pass through. Today 2 massive ships were in port so it was pretty busy. Was great to see a Green Iguana just chilling on the street.

Oranjestad

Green Iguana

Late afternoon after spending a few hours in the Capital city of Oranjestad I paid a quick visit to Bubali to it was fairly clear at this time of day the area was pretty dead. A Brown-throated Parakeet gave a good view. Along with a Green Heron.

Brown-throated Parakeet

Green Heron

Aruba November 2015

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 17:36:00 GMT

Having spent months debating with the wife where to go on our next holiday we finally agreed on Aruba. Aruba is an Island in the Caribbean about 18 miles North of Venezuela. Its about 20 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point. Aruba along With Bonaire and Curacao are collectively known as the ABC islands. Its Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Official languages are Dutch and the local tongue of Papiamento. Aruba is also known as the Happy Island and after a week there it was easy to see why.

Its seemed a perfect place as it has some great beaches and hotels (keeps the wife happy) and has some fantastic bird watching spots great for a mix of local Birds and migrating birds.

We arrived late afternoon on Tuesday 10th November. The flight was about 9.5 hours from Gatwick to Queen Beatrix International Airport, Oranjestad. It was pretty hot when we arrived and across the week we were there they Temperture hung around the 30C. It was also pretty windy for the week at times it felt like being in a large hair dryer. The First Birds spotted were a House Sparrow and Tropical Mockingbird at the Airport. I noticed a few unidentified birds from the coach on the transfer from the Airport to the resort of Palm Beach were we where staying for the week. Palm Beach is the main resort on the Island and in 2013 was voted 7th best beach in the world. Its a little bit nicer than the beach at Severn Beach. On arriving we checked into our Hotel the Riu Palace and went for a quick walk along the beach before sunset. The area was alive with Bananaquits ( Barica hel) and Carib Crackle (Zenata caribena)

View from hotel balcony

First morning Wednesday 11th November I was up and out by 6.30am for the first few days i didn't have a hire car so stayed local to the hotel. My Birdwatching throughout the week was pretty much done between the hours of 630am and 9am. After 9am it was to hot and Wife time, who has no interest in birds at all. I had my Canon 7D Mark2 alongside my Canon 400mm F4 DO USM lens for all bird Pictures. All other blog pics were taken on my trusty I Phone 5s. I was using the Helm field guide Birds of Aruba, Curacaco and Boinaire as my ID guide.

Opposite the main entrance to the hotel was a small Salina full of water so this was the first stop. Everything was pretty distant here and the sun was still not up so it was difficult to pick everything out. There was a small area to view this from the rest was covered in a thick line of tress and scrub. The first bird I noted was a Green Heron (Galina di awa) fishing in a small stream it was only about 5 meters away and didn't budge even though it must of seen me. Good start hopefully all the birds will be this accommodating. It was still to dark to take a decent picture so I carried on and scanned the rest of the Salina. There were a few Caribbean Coot (Gaito frente blanco) where possible I will add the local name in brackets. 5 White Cheeked Pintails (Pato di ana) there was also 2 Great Egrets (Garsa blanca grandi) the same as what we we call a Great White Egret back home and a Great Blue Heron. (Garsa blou grandi) Also here was what looked like a Glossy Ibis (Ibis preto) but was far to distant for me to be sure. The Island also gets some rare visitors the White Faced Ibis, Scarlet Ibis and Limpkin.

Next stop was Bubali Pond Bird Sanctuary this is one of the best areas on the Island for Birds. The Bubali wetlands are a state owned nature reserve and are classed as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International Altough it seemed very overgrown and was lacking some serious up keeping. There was a lot of rubbish about and the viewing platform was closed off as it was in a very poor condition. The first morning here I met 2 Birders from the States these were pretty much the only birders i meet the whole week. Viewing Bubali was also difficult the only access really was from the viewing area and yes of course I climbed the viewing tower so i could get a good view. The only Birds visible from the Tower were some more Great Egrets. It also liked like there was a lot of development on going around the Bubali Pond and I wonder how long this oasis can survive in area now dominated by high rise hotels.

View from Bubali viewing Platform

In front of the Viewing tower was a small open channel from here on the Mud that first morning there were about 15 Sora, (Gaito sora) 2 Wilson Snipe, (Snepi di awa) 3 Common Gallinule ( Gaito pico cora) 1 had 2 large chicks in tow. An Eared Dove (Buladeifi) also landed briefly on the mud but soon disappeared along with everything else when I witnessed an American Kestrel (Kinikini) try and take a Sora.

Sora, Bubali Pond, Aruba, November 2015 Sora

Wilson Snipe

Eared Dove

The trees around the path that lead to the viewing Platform were really good for Yellow Warblers. There were plenty singing around the area and I managed a few glimpse of them as the moved about the trees. The Yellow Warblers (Parha di misa) in Aruba are of the rufopileata race and also known as Golden Warblers. They were hard to photography as the never really stopped moving. I really hope to improve on the record shot below.

Record shot of a Yellow Warbler

Bananaquits (Barica hel) were also common here in fact they were common all over the island. You would be sat eating breakfast and they would land on a chair next to you hoping to be fed some sugar. They were pretty vocal and you could hear them pretty much everywhere you went. There were also a few Bare eyed Pigeons (Ala blanca) around in the trees and they would often be seen flying around the area.

There was a group of Trees close to the Viewing Platform this is were I found my Brown-throated Parakeets or Caribbean Parakeet. (Prikichi) These use to be very common on the Island but since the introduction of the Boa Constructor numbers have fallen. The Boa seems to be haven an effect on a lot of bird species on the Island. The Parakeets were very vocal. These Parakeets are another Aruban Endemic subspecies, Aratinga pertinax arubensis Whilst watching these a Snowy Egret flew over head.

Brown-throated Parakeet

After a stunning Breakfast at the hotel we had a walk around Palm Beach. This gave me an opportunity to see what else was local to the hotel for future mornings. There was a fairly large Salina near to the Boardwalk hotel and Aruba Skydive centre. Here I found my first Black-necked Stilts (Macamba) and Yellowlegs they were to distant to work out if they were Greater or Lesser. Next to the Boardwalk hotel there was a small creek this held a Spotted Sandpiper and a fairly close Lesser Yellowlegs. (Snepi pia hel chikito) This could be a greater as unless they are side by side i really struggle to ID them even though side by side there is a noticeable size difference. Further along was another Great Egret. There was a large sandy area that looked perfect for another Aruban endemic subspecies. The Burrowing Owl. I will be definitely coming back to this area. These were top of my wanted list.

Black-necked Stilts

Lesser Yellowlegs

Spotted Sandpiper

The Creek went under a road and into another Salina. On here were more stilts, Egrets and a flock of Small waders. There were also 2 Killdeers (Lopi doble coyer) here my first of the trip these Plovers breed on the Island but numbers are boosted by winter visitors from America.

Killdeer

The afternoon was spent round the Pool. I struggle to relax and just sit by the Pool something Hannah the Wife adores. A book is often the easiest way to pass the time. With me on this trip i had decided against a Sports Person biography and went for a bit of History. The Nazi Hunters by Damien Lewis was a great read. Its a real life account of a team of SAS solders during the war and then their efforts in finding the Nazis they suspected of committing evil war crimes

I managed to blag an hour late afternoon at Bubali but in the heat of the day it was pretty quite. The Walk to Bubali was pretty productive there was a showy Green Heron hunting near a Small ditch.

Green Heron

A Flash of Orange also meant i had one of the brightest birds i have ever seen on my Aruba List. The Venezuelan Troupial (Trupial ) A Pair were busy feeding in a tree above my head they appeared to by stripping bark from some of the branches i guess in the quest for insects. Also nearby was a very tame Topical Mockingbird

Venezuelan Troupial

Topical Mockingbird

In Bubali i found a Bananaquit feeding chicks in a nest. An Eared Dove posed nicely in a tree these were a lot ease to approach than the larger Bare-eyed Pigeon who would fly away as soon as they saw you.

Bananaquit

Eared Dove

Where ever there was open water there were quite often what i believe to be Marsh turtles I guess these were being feed by locals as they would always swim over to you and wait as if to say feed me!! sadly i had nothing on me to chuck in.

Marsh Turtle

On the Walk back to the hotel i found another new Bird the Common Ground Dove (Totolica) this was a small Dove that as the name suggest was pretty common and was often seen feeding on the ground. I Checked the Salina opposite the hotel again and I was in luck an Osprey was hunting over the water. Sadly it was pretty distant and didn't hang around very long. A Productive first day and thanks to the wife for letting me off the lead for a few hours.

Common Ground Dove

Osprey

Caribbean Coot, Brown Pelican and White Cheeked Pintails

Cyprus Day 9-10

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:55:00 GMT

May 1st

I was planning on taking in the Klavdia to Pyrga Area today after it was recommended by Jane but a wrong turning on the motorway saw me Heading towards Larnaka. I saw this is an omen so went with it. First stop was the temple, usual stuff on the salt lake including a flock of Wood Sandpipers and a pair of Black winged stilts in close looking splendid in the early morning sun.

Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake

Wood Sandpiper - Larnaca Salt Lake

A calling Crested Lark gave really close views. Close enough for a head shot. I don't really stop for these as there are loads about. Glad I gave this one the time of day.

Crested Lark - Larnaca Salt Lake

The dirt track was quite again. House Sparrows, Greenfinch and a Spectacled warbler were about it. There were plenty of Swifts and Swallows overhead. I was just about to give up hope when I caught site of my first Little Owl of this trip. Good to see them still here . Last year they showed really well along this lane.

The Sewage works were empty apart from a few Wood Sandspipers, BW stilts and Spur Winged plovers. A calling Black Francolin was on the track leading to the hide. The desalination fields again had Black Francolin, crested Larks, Red Throated Pipits and also some Little Ringed plover were by a small pool created by a sprinkler watering the crop.

The Spiro's pools had lots of small waders on probably Little Stint, I could also make out a few wood sandpipers and 3 Little Egrets. There was also a Slender billed Gull on here. A purple Heron flew off the sea and over the Pools.

The Meneou Pools had a large flamingo flock ( still no black one), BW Stilts and a Little Gull (I Think). The track to the pool side had 2 Hooded crows and 2 distant stone Curlew.

Little Gull - Meneou Pools, April 2015 Little Gull ( I think)

A brief trip to Kiti Dam for another crack at the Golden Oriel produced 3 Squacco Heron, Reed Warbler, Blackcap and a few glimpse of Golden Orioles. There were a few short burst of its amazing song.

On returning to Larnaka I took the Salt Lake dirt track again this time all I had was... Prob Juv Corn Bunting.

In the afternoon I found the valley road Jane recommended, which is good for numerous breeding species. So we took a drive up. The road runs from Klavdia up to Pyrga and goes past the Panagia Stazousa church. On route we thought we had a problem with the car it was making a really strange noise so we jumped out and checked all possible issues!! Nothing obvious it was still running so we turned around and headed for home. The noise stopped as we left the valley. So we though oh well problem solved lets try again no sooner had we got back into the valley it started again. Turns out the road surface isn't the greatest and it was causing the noise!! Oops. The Valley was stunning and surprisingly green for Cyprus. There were numerous Rollers and Cyprus Wheatears around. I soon caught site of a Shrike by the Panagia Stazousa Church, Boom my First Woodchat Shrike of the holiday. It was here again on the return down. Also in the area a Hoopoe was feeding on the side of the road a new pretty bird for the wife, she only likes to see Rollers and Bee-Eaters. I guess I can add Hoopoe to the list. Last bird of the day was a Red-backed shrike near the village of Pyrga, boring according to the wife. She still needs some training. I watched it for a while as she carried on with her game of candy crush!!!

May 2nd

Last morning and a final chance to get out early and see what I can find. I took the same route as yesterday afternoon up through the valley to Pyrga. There were again lots of Rollers and Jackdaws as I climbed further up. Also plenty of Cyprus Wheatear, which I still can't get close to for a photo!!! I pulled over for a while and watched a family of Great Tits going through the bushes. The place was alive with bird song. A Pair of Cyprus Wheatears were busy fly catching. I guess to feed a Hungary family nearby. A caught site of a raptor overhead to late to ID it, guessing it was a Rough-legged Buzzard as they are in the area but cant be to sure. Looked whitish underneath! The Hoopoe was again in the road feeding in the same spot as yesterday. I drove up and down the road a few times looking for another Woodchat Shrike. Wasn’t to be. Just as I was leaving the valley I caught site of a white blob in a dead tree. On closer inspection it was a Juvenile Great Spotted Cuckoo next to a Magpie nest there were 2 in the tree. A Magpie was in the neighboring field. A successful nest steal. A Sardinian Warbler sung from a nearby bush

Great Spotted Cuckoo (Juv) - Panagia Stazousa Church Great Spotted Cuckoo (Juv) - Panagia Stazousa Church

Last stop of the morning was a quick stop at the Salt Lake. Not much to report from a pair of showy Greenfinch.

Greenfinch, Larnaca, April 2015 Greenfinch - Larnaca

The drive to the Airport allowed us to take in the Limassol area again. I say us!!! what I meant is I could squeeze in a few minutes in the hide at Zakaki and a drive along Ladys Mile. Ladys Mile was very quite. Some Little Stint were the best along here. Zakaki was a bit better. Bumped into Steve and Barry again. Who had amazing views of a Honey Buzzard earlier that day. Check out Steve Blog or Flickr page to see his amazing photos. The stop here saw me pick up my first Ferruginous Ducks a pair were on the Pool. There were 2 Temmincks Stint and 4 Yellow Wagtails. One looked very strange.

Stopped at Anarita briefly and there were still a few Red-footed Falcons about. Agia Varvana was the last stop of the Hoilday hoping for some views of the Little Bitterns. Sadly no Little Bitterns, but I flushed a Bittern and a Little Egret from the Soakaway Pools. A large flock of 15-20 Bee-Eaters flew overhead. All in All another superb trip to Cyprus and bang on 100 birds logged (Yellow Wagtail, Black-headed Wagtail and Blue-headed Wagtail counting as 3 different species to get me to the 100 !!!!)

Cyprus Day 7-8

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 12 May 2015 19:58:51 GMT

April 29th
Went to Kiti Dam again today. Some very strange noise coming from the tree area. Turned out to be a common Cuckoo. Hadn't heard them making this noise before. There were 4 in the area. There were also strange noise coming from the wet areas must be some kind of Heron/Bittern or something couldn't find anything online that was similar.

Common Cuckoo, Kiti Dam, April 2015 Common Cuckoo - Kiti Dam

The Squacco Herons were in the area again. Managed a half decent flight shot today.

Squacco Heron, Kiti Dam, April 2015 Squacco Heron - Kiti Dam

Everywhere else was very quite. I had an unknown raptor over the sewage works and some fly over Glossy ibis

Unknown raptor - Larnaca Sewage Works

Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake

At Oroklini there was a close in Common Sandpiper a lot of the normally stuff. Including a Female Red-crested Pochard, Garganey, couple of pairs of LittleGrebe.

Common Sandpiper - Oroklini Marsh

There was also a large flock of Little Stint and a Snipe at the 2nd hide at Oroklini.

Snipe, Oroklini Marsh, April 2015 Snipe - Oroklini Marsh

Hannah dragged me to the beach for the rest of the day. I Got bored on the beach so went for a drive to Cape Grecko. Hoopoe on route. Cyprus Warbler and female Red-backed Shrike all that I could find.

April 31st

Not much in around Larnaka this morning so I thought I would try and photography the Golden Oriels at Kiti Dam. I managed to see at least 3 males and one Female. These birds are really hard to spot dispate there amazing yellow and black plumage. eventually I caught site of a male high in the canopy.
Golden Oriole, Kiti Dam, April 2015 Golden Oriole - Kiti Dam

Golden Oriole, Kiti Dam, April 2015
Golden Oriole - Kiti Dam

Not the best photos but happy to just photography this beautiful bird. I also managed to hear their amazing song. Almost like a Blackbird.
There were at least 2 Common Cuckoos in the area as well.

Common Cuckoo, Kiti Dam, April 2015 Common Cuckoo - Kiti Dam

Towards the church I caught a glimpse of 2 Hoopoes couldn't relocate them though. There were also Cettis Warblers, Reed Warblers, Blackcaps, and Great Tits in the surrounding area. Good spot here for Butterfly's and Lizards. 3 Squacco Herons here again today.

Squacco Heron, Kiti Dam, April 2015 Squacco Heron - Kiti Dam

The afternoon saw us head for Limassol. It was really windy and didn't seen much 4 Wood Sandpipers and 2 Temmincks Stints at Zakai. An Elenanoras Falcon buzzed over the pools along Lady's Mill sending up all the waders. A Little Tern was hear trying its best in the strong wind. I also had this unknown gull

Temminck's Stint (I think)

Unknown Gull (Possible Caspian Gull) - Lady's Mile

Along with these 2 unknown waders

Unknown Waders

A brief trip to Akrotiri and I finally had some Bee- Eaters 8 in total. They were bit distant but great to watch catching Bees of the wires.

Bee-Eaters - Akrotiri

Cyprus Days 5-6

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:59:38 GMT

27th April

Going to try Larnaca area again today as off to Cape Greco this afternoon with the wife. Normally managed to see a few birds whilst walking in the area. First stop the Salt Lake. Normally stuff on Salt Lake Black Winged Stilts and Flamingos.

Next I thought I would take the dirt track again as surely something has to turn up. Boom a stunning Male Red-backed Shrike about time. Sadly I manage a few quick photos before it disappears. Then believe it or not a dog walker appears with a pretty big scary looking dog. I will try here again on way home.

Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake (record shot)

Larnaca SW is bit quieter, normally stuff as well as Male Shovler. A couple of what looks like Blue-headed Wagtails are on the Sewage works Bank. 3 collared Pratincoles are in the ploughed field. As I get back in car a party of 15-20 Red Throated pipits are moving through the field. To far for a decent photo. Not much new about in other areas and all very distant.

Blue-headed Wagtail - Larnaca Sewage works

I stopped for another quick look in the Larnaca SW hide a few Yellow Wagtails (Blue-headed Wagtails) were on the gravel area and 3 Black Terns were in attendance. Was also here I met Jane Stylianou who runs Cyprus Birdwatching Tours. Was great to finally put a face to the name.

Blue-headed Wagtail - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-throated Pipit, Larnaca, April 2015

Red-throated Pipit - Larnaca

The beach was my next stop were sadly a Green Turtle had washed up dead on the beach. They lay their eggs on some of the beaches around the island. A rare and protected species. I refused to take a picture like some of the locals. As I would rather see this amazing animal alive in all its glory.

Final stop of the morning was the area the shrike was in again. Result it was still here I drove on to turn the car around so I would have a better angle from the car. As I drove on I caught site of 3 Doves in a bush I normally turn away as this country is full of Collared Doves but thought I would check them out through the bins. Result 3 Turtle Doves. A new bird for me. I managed a few distant photos before I moved on for the RB Shrike.

Turtle Dove, Larnaca, April 2015 Turtle Dove - Larnaca Salt Lake

Turtle Dove, Larnaca, April 2015
Turtle Dove - Larnaca Salt Lake

The Shrike didn't disappoint it was very confiding and was hunting insects right outside the window. What an amazing site. I watched for about 20mins before realizing it was time to get back for Breakfast. A Sardinian Warbler also showed its self for a spilt second before disappearing into cover.

Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake

Quick stop at Oroklini 2nd Hide produced 8 Glossy Ibis.

Glossy Ibis, Oroklini Lake, April 2015

Glossy Ibis - Oroklini Lake

On route to Cape Grekco I had to swerve the car to miss a Cyprus Whip snake that was crossing the road. I had only seen these previously in the area near to the Picnic site at Cape Grecko. A good sign.

Cape Greco

Cape Greko was very quite not that I was hear to bird ( that's what the wife thought) A lone Cyprus Wheatear and a few Crested Larks were the only bits about. It's well worth a visit as its a beautiful area and anything can turn up.

Crested Lark, Cape Greco, April 2015

Crested Lark - Cape Greco

After a lunch break in Protars we headed back to Cape Grecko to walk around the area near to the Picnic site. I managed to find a few Cyprus Warblers and 100s of House Sparrows.

Cyprus Warbler, Cape Greco, April 2015 Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco

House Sparrow - Cape Greco

Cape Greco

I have tried to turn Hannah into a photographer

There were no snakes and very few lizards in the area. A few butterfly were on the wing. Plenty of Clouded Yellows and some kind of grayling.

We checked out Agia Thekela on the way home a great wintering spot for Greater Sand plover. House Martins normally nest in the eves of the church. Today nothing.

After dropping Hannah off at the apartment I had 30mins at Oroklini. The 2 nd hide had lots of smaller waders to difficult to work out what as they were right into the sun. A pair of terns were on the deck in the distance. The main hide had all the usually bits as well as a Garganey and 2 Little Terns were flying around coming really close to the hide. I am crap at flight shots but this was to go an opportunity to "tern" down. Was tricky and these were my best efforts from about 200 attempts.

Little Tern, Oroklini Lake, April 2015
Little Tern - Oroklini Lake

28th April

Returned to Cape Grecko to try for 2 Endemics. Cyprus Wheatear and Cyprus Warbler. I had seen both but had yet to get a decent photo. I arrived in the area and had a Red footed falcon drift over the car. I drove up and down looking for Cyprus Wheatear I found 3 but all not photographable as they were distant and out of the car i can't get close to these birds. There was a Starred Agama that didn't disappear so managed a few pics of this lizard. A pair of Chukar were up some rocks there call reminds me slightly of Ptarmigan.

Chukar, Cape Greco, April 2015 Chukar - Cape Greco
Starred Agama, Cape Greco, April 2015

Starred Agama - Cape Greco

I went for a walk around the picnic site and had Spectacled warbler which was clearly feeding chicks somewhere in the area and my first Painted Lady butterfly of the year.

Spectacled Warbler - Cape Greco

It was Cyprus Warbler I was after. It took a while before I nailed one down and managed an ok shot. I also saw a few calling from the top of a tree. I tracked a few around the shrubby area before finally getting what i was after.

Cyprus Warbler, Cape Greco, April 2015 Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco

I got back in the car to try agin for the Wheatears I found one at the church area and managed a pretty bad picture. It was here I heard a call I hadn't heard before. It took a while to locate but it was a male Black-headed bunting. Wow I hadn't seen one before then boom there was the female. So i am told These birds are pretty rare in Cyprus only spending a month before moving on.

Cyprus Wheatear, Cape Greco, April 2015

Cyprus Wheatear - Cape Greco

Black-headed Bunting, Cape Greco

Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco

Black-headed Bunting, Cape Greco Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco

Black-headed Bunting, Cape Greco Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco Black-headed Bunting, Cape Greco

Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco

Black-headed Bunting, Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco

I Id this bird below as female Black-headed Bunting but have now been informed its actually an Ortolan Bunting. I didn't even check the Id books as both birds were together and flew off together. Presumption is the mother of all f@$k ups. Thanks to Gary Thoburn for putting me right. New tick and i didn't even now it.

Ortolan Bunting, Cape Greco Ortolan Bunting - Cape Greco

I also had a female Red-backed Shrike in the same area. Eventful end to the morning.

Red-backed Shrike (female) - Cape Greco

Pulled into Oroklini on the way home nothing new in. Counted over 160 Cattle Egrets/Little Egrets and over 40 Black-winged Stilts. A female Red-created Pochard, Reed Warbler, Ringed Plover and a female Blackcap were new holiday ticks.

Cattle Egret, Oroklini Lake, April 2015

Cattle and Little Egrets - Oroklini Lake

Cyprus Days 3 and 4 Larnaka

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 06 May 2015 17:41:13 GMT

April25th

First morning in Larnaka so I thought I would check out the normal places

First stop the Tekke Mosque. This is next to the Larnaka Salt Lake and has a great dirt track behind it. In pervious years it has been very good. Red-backed Shrike, Montagues Harrier, Roller, Bee Eaters, Great Spotted Cuckoos, and Little Owl. Sadly there was nothing of note hear at all today. There were plenty of Black-winged Stilts and a few Spur-winged Plovers around the lake. Crested Larks were all around the scrub

Black-winged Stilt - Larnaka Salt Lake

Crested Lark- Larnaka Salt Lake

Next stop was Larnaca Sewage works. This is very near to Larnaka Airport. Here is a hide which overlooks two pools anything can turn up here at the pools or surrounding bushes. There was already 2 guys in the hide. Turns out to be Steve Carey and his Brother Barry. I know Steve after following him on various social media sites and meeting him at Forest Farm for the Little Bunting in February. Small world. The guys were quick to point out a BlackTern 2 Whiskered Terns and 3 Collared Pratincoles. What a great site to watch these fly catching over the water. Also here were large numbers of swifts and Swallows, Spur Winged Plovers, Black Winged Stilts, There were a few Wood Sandpipers and 4 Black Headed Wagtails. On the water there were a few Mallards with Young. I stayed in here with Steve and Barry for about 45 minutes trying in vain to catch a decent flight shot of the Pratincole. Steve nailed it but my efforts weren't quite as good. Also had a couple of flocks of Glossy Ibis on migration.

Whiskered Tern - Larnaka Salt Lake

Collared Pratincole - Larnaka Salt Lake

Glossy Ibis - Larnaka Sewage Works

Next stop the ploughed fields by the Desalination Plant. Good for a number of species especially Larks and Pipits. There was plenty of Crested Larks around and I had a quick glimpse of what I though was a Red Throated pipit. I carried on driving before I came to a sharp halt I had just spoked a pair of Stone curlews. They were in good photo range but I hadn't seen them before it was to late. They settled a bit distant for a decent photo.

Stone Curlew - Desalination Fields Larnaka (Record shot)

The nearby Menous pools held plenty of Flamingos and BW Stilts but no sign of the reported Black Flamingo. Will try other places later. A Pair of Spur-winged Plover gave good views from the car in a nearby ploughed field

Spur-winged Lapwing, Larnaka

Took a trip with the wife to the Larnaka Viaduct.

Larnaka Viaduct

This has a 4km walk to the Salt lake we walked along the reed beds and heard a lot of Reed Warblers and Cettis in song. There were a lot of white butterfly's including a Large White.

Larnaka Salt Lake

This is also were I caught site of my 1st European Chameleon. It quickly disappeared into the long vegetation but I managed a few pictures of this amazing reptile. There was lots of Pink Flamingos on the lake but sadly no sign of the Black one reported here last week.

European Chameleon - Larnaka Salt Lake

Went to Kiti for Lunch saw 2 Little Terns calling over the sea.

Kiti Dam

Late afternoon went to Kiti Dam. Golden Oriel are often seen here. Not today. There were 8 Glossy Ibis on the water along with some coot. 2 Wood sandpipers, 1 Purple Heron and a Squcceco Heron were also in the area. The Bank up to the dam is good for Butterfly's. I had several different species, two I could identify were Clouded Yellow and the Swallowtail.

Swallowtail - Kiti Dam

2 Collared Partincole and a couple of Black Terns were still around the Sewage works. The Pratincole landed in the field and although distant i managed a few photographs of these amazing waders.

Collared Pratincole - Larnaka Sewage Works Collared Pratincole - Larnaka Sewage Works

26th April

Looking like another beautiful day on Cyprus. Thought I would check out the same areas as yesterday. First stop the road to Tekke Mosque. There were serval pairs of Black winged Stilts in the small pools on the Drive up. The dirt track which in previous years had produced some great birds was again empty. A few House Sparrows, Greenfinch and a Great Tit. A lone magpie caught my eye whilst watching this i caught sight of a raptor disappear into the distance no idea what it was. I then caught sight of a Harrier sat on a rock I slowly edged up alongside and fired of a few shots and then it flew. I believe this to be a Pallid Harrier.

Pallid Harrier - Larnaka Salt Lake

Next stop was the coast road. The Small beach pools had a pair of Spur-winged Plover these are a personal favorite and over the years I've took hundreds of photos but all have been fairly average. They are normally very flighty and as you approach they take flight. These however didn't I got pretty close even managing to capture the Red eye detail. The Awesome early light helped with this.

Spur-winged Lapwing, Spiro's Beach Pools

There were also 3 Kentish Plover here. These have breed near before last June I photographed a pair with a chick.

Kentish Plover - Spiro's Beach Pools

The Desalination fields which had the Stone Curlew yesterday were again full of Crested Larks. I also managed to Id a couple of Red- throated Pipit. To distant for a pic. There was what i believe to be an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler in one of the bushes but not much else. Just as I was about to leave the area a Pair of Francolins were in the field I managed a few distant shots before they disappeared into cover. You always hear these birds but rarely see them in the open. I normally catch a glimpse as they disappear. This was the first female I had seen.

Black Francolin, Larnaka, April 2015 Black Francolin - Desalination Fields

Black Francolin, Larnaka, April 2015

Black Francolin - Desalination Fields

Next stop Larnaca Sewage Works I checked out the Spiors Pools on route. 6 Ruff, an unknown Gull??? And 30-40 Little Stint. There is probably a lot more in here I am missing.

I drove up to the Sewage works hide when two birds flew up from the ploughed field pretty much next to the car!!! Shit it was the 2 Stone Curlews again. Another missed opportunity. They landed in the middle of the field. With no cover I had no chance of getting closer. Leave them in peace and check out the hide. Was a lot quiter today 1 Black Tern in summer plumage 2 Whiskered Terns, 2 Greenshanks few Spur Winged Plover, Black winged stilts and Wood sandpipers. There was also a few flybys of 1 collared pratincole. The Cettis was on a nearby bush and a Black Francolin could be heard in the distance. There was again plenty of Swifts and Swallows about.

Black Tern
Black Tern - Larnaka Salt Lake ( Record Shot)

Last stop was the Temple again. Not much again apart from a Kestrel and a Spectacled Warbler that I couldn't photograph.

Cyprus Day 1-2

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 03 May 2015 14:27:37 GMT

This year saw the wife and I return to Cyprus. Its a perfect place for us as it has beaches ( i hate seating on them) and loads of Wildlife, especially birds (Hannah hates them). April is a great month as the spring migration is still ongoing and the weather is hot enough for Hannah to top up her tan. As its a holiday and not a birding trip its difficult to get out and about. The accounts in the following blog post are generally between the hours of 6am and 9am when the boss is still sleeping. We were spending 2 days in Paphos and 8 days Larnaka.

Day 1

Mandria

Weather forecast today looked really bad. Thunderstorms were forecast throughout the day but thought I couldn’t waste the first morning so headed out anyway. First stop was the ploughed fields area of Mandaria was the Caspian Plover was spotted last week. Sadly not here today. A Peregrine carrying some kind of prey and 8 over head Glossy Ibis were all that was in the area

The first storm was heading towards me and I could hear the thunder in the distance, I was just about to leave the area when I spotted a Hoopoe. I pulled up alongside it and got a few Pics before the storm unleashed its full glory.

Hoopoe, Mandaria, Cyprus April 2015

Hoopoe - Mandaria

I was right in the middle of it. Thunder and lighting all around then the heavens opened and hail began to fall. It was so heavy I thought it was going to damage the car. Everywhere turned white in an instance a sight I had not seen before in Cyprus. I later headed up to Anarita Park but sadly couldn’t find it. I would try again later.

Later that day I paid for the wife to have some beauty treatment at the Hotel, which gave me an opportunity to find Anarita Park. I stopped off at Agia Varvara First and had brief views of a Squacco Heron. Someone I met earlier in the day had Little Bittern and Wood Sandpipers here.

Squacco Heron - Agia Varvana

This time I found Anarita Park and I wasn’t disappointed within minutes I had my first decent views of Red-footed Falcons. They gather in large numbers here on their spring migration and it appeared I had timed it just right. The area was dripping with them. There were probably well over 30 birds. There was also good numbers of Lesser Kestrels in the area and a distant Montague’s Harrier. There was also a lot of Rollers and I managed a few shots of these as well.

Red-footed Falcon (female) - Anarita Park

Red-footed Falcon (male) - Anarita Park

Corn Bunting, Anarita Park, Cyprus 2015

Corn Bunting, Anarita Park

Roller, Anarita Park

As I travelled along the dirt tracks I witnessed more and more Red-footed Falcons. I also heard a bit of a commotion and saw a magpie chasing of a Great Spotted Cuckoo. I believe the Magpie is the preferred host of the Great Spotted Cuckoo. There was also good numbers of calling Cettis Warblers and Corn Buntings. A lot of the Corn Buntings had insects in their beaks.

Great Spotted Cuckoo, Anarita Park

Just before leaving the area I Stopped at a Field and witnessed a Montague’s Harrier flying around and 15-20 Red footed Falcons Hawking one of my best birding highlights. No photos could do this scene justice. I stopped and watched these awesome birds feeding up before they carrying on with their migration. If anyone is thinking of a Cyprus Birding trip put this on the list.

On route back to the Hotel I stopped again at Agia Varvana This time there was a Snipe and Green Sandpiper feeding on the waters edge. An Squacco Heron was further up stream.

Snipe, Agia Varvana, Cyprus, April 2015

Snipe - Agia Varvana

Day 2

I could not resists an early morning trip to Anarita Park again. I briefly stopped at Agia Varvana On the way down to the stream a Black Francolin was doing his thing. A quick glimpse before he vanished into the vegetation. There was also a pair of Cyprus Warblers nearby. There wasn’t much on the water but a Green Sandpiper, which was in a small pool on a dirt track.

Green Sandpiper, Agia Varvana

I headed onto Anarita Park in on arriving caught sight of at least 15 Red-footed falcons on the deck and the wires. I drove along the track to find more and more of these birds. I stopped at a field area and watched 2 Montague’s Harriers hunting this was an awesome sight one of which would come really close. Sadly I ballsed up the photos. I can’t get on very well with my 1.4 convertor and flight shots. I managed a few distant shots that came out ok. If only the ones at point blank range had been in focus!!!!!!!!!

Montague's Harrier - Anarita Park

There were a lot of Rollers around again. Mostly on the wires. Love watching these colourful birds. Even the wife enjoys these.

Roller - Anarita Park

I had hoped to photograph them in a more natural surrounding. It wasn’t long before one came and perched up right in front of me. Boom mission accomplished.

Roller - Anarita Park

Again I witnessed a magpie trying to see off a Pair of Great Spotted Cuckoos. Seems Like a big game to the Cuckoos. There was a large number of Spanish Sparrows in the area and I managed to get of few shots of a male. The sun was still pretty low so wasn’t the greatest picture.

Spanish Sparrow (male) Anarita Park

I also managed a few pictures of the elusive Cettis Warbler normally all you see is a quick glimpse of this bird and then its deafen call. But this one was at the top of a bush belting out his song.

Cettis Warbler - Anarita Park

I still hadn’t really managed any natural decent Red-footed Falcon photos yet. I was lucky enough to get close to one perched. But the sun was still a bit low. I also didn’t get the flight shots I was after. Something to work on next year.

Red Footed Falcon (male) - Anarita Park

I left Anarita Park a happy man only managed a few hours here but loved every minute. On the way back to hotel I stopped off for one last look at the stream. The Squacco Heron was still here along with a Snipe, 3 Wood Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper. A Little Egret Flew overhead.

Wood Sandpiper - Agia Vervana

Snipe, Agia Varvana, Cyprus, April 2015 Snipe - Agia Varvana

Green Sandpiper - Agia Varvana

Squacco Heron - Agia Varvana

I had spent a lot my short period of time in Phapos at Anarita Park and not really visited the Headland this area can throw up allsorts. It’s a great place for wintering Greater Sand Plover. I have yet to see one. There is an area of Roman Ruins that are great for birds last year here I had Red-backed Shrike, Bee Eaters and a very showy Sardinian Warbler

This year all I had was a flyby Little Egret, 4 Black Headed Wagtails and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls, which were around Paphos Castle.

Paphos Castle

We left Paphos and headed onwards to Larnaka. I had managed to persuade the wife that a quick stop at Zakaki Marshes and Lady’s Mile would be a great Idea. We were also going to make the usual stop at Kensington Cliffs.

Kensington Cliffs is probably one of the best areas in Cyprus to see Griffon Vultures a very rare Cypriot Breeder. The area is also good for Eleanoras Falcon, Peregrine Falcon and Alpine Swift. A Brief stop at the cliffs today produced 1 Alpine Swift, 6 Eleanoras Falcons and 1 Griffon Vulture. All a bit distant for photograph. The wife enjoys the stop off here, as the view is stunning.

View from Kensington Cliffs

Alpine Swift - Kensington Cliffs ( record shot)

Next stop was Lady’s Mile here I managed to see 2 Greenshanks, 3 Spotted Redshanks and 13 Little Stints. At the hide overlooking Zakaki Marsh, which was looking very overgrown there were lots of Waders including Kentish Plover, Spur Winged Plover, Ruff, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper and Common Sandpipers. As I entered the hide a Grey Heron flew up and it wasn’t long before a Marsh Harrier drifted over the Marsh being mobbed by Swallows and a couple of Hooded Crows.

Greenshank - Ladys Mile

Little Stint - Ladys Mile

Spotted Redshank - Ladys Mile

Last stop of the day was at Oroklini, which is one of only 7 wetland areas in Cyprus. Its about 5 minutes from the apartment. It’s a fantastic sight and a real Cyprus success story. The project here is being run by Life and Natura 2000 and I understand its main aim is to improve breeding areas for Black-winged Stilts and Spur-winged Plovers. Last year I am lead to believe. The above species plus Red-crested Pochard, Little Terns, Common Tern, Stone Curlews, Kentish Plovers and for the first time Cattle Egrets bred here. Along with many other species. Around 190 birds have been recorded here.

Today the water levels were higher than I had ever seen them. From the first hide species logged were Little Grebe, Coot, Mallard, Moorhen, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Swallows, Swifts, House Martins, Reed Warbler, Flamingos, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Spur-winged Plover and Black-winged Stilt

View from main hide at Oroklini

From the 2^nd Hide, which normally overlooks a dry area, this to was full of water. Here it was pretty much the same apart from some Common Sandpipers and distant Little Stints (I think) Collared Dove, Goldfinch, House Sparrows and a calling Cettis were also logged here.

Lower Almondsbury

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 11:41:59 GMT

Quick trip to Lower Almondsbury to see what earlier migrants had turned up. Was plenty of Chiffchaffs in full song and several Willow Warblers, There was also good numbers of Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Blackcaps, A Pair of Kestrels and a Buzzard were in the area. Really hoping for a Grasshopper Warbler again this year been 2 years since I last heard one here. Wont be to long before the Whitethroats are back.

Tockington

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:43:00 GMT

No sign of the Kingfishers in a 2 hour search today. Had my first 3 Willow Warblers of the year and my first ever Reed Bunting on the Patch

farmoor Reservoir

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 23:51:00 GMT

Went back for the Red-necked Grebe and this time it delivered!!! I arrived on site at 8am and it was thick with fog. Sadly the fog didn't lift till 1pm but when it did the sky was blue and the Grebe came in pretty close below are my best efforts of it fishing and posing. A fly through Osprey was also a bonus sadly to distant and foggy for any decent photos

It caught a monster and Swallowed the lot!!!!

Was very successful caught nearly ever time it went under It was also fly catching in-between fishing

Well worth the 2nd trip

Usk - Ross on Wye

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 23:43:00 GMT

Whilst following my Brother on his epic Marie Curie 5 day run. I had my First Yellowhammer and Little Owls of the year. A Pair of Swallows appeared to back on their breeding grounds and on first was my first Orange tip of the year. The fields around Usk were filled with Skylark song.

Farmoor Reservoir

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 23:38:00 GMT

Day out to Farmoor Reservoir with another local photographer Lee Gardiner for the Red-necked Grebe that had re-appereared and was now in its stunning Summer Plumage. The weather looked good for a few hours in the morning so we arrived on site at 7am. We walked left around the Reservoir and it wasn't until we were nearly already around that another birder on site said the Grebe was at the Sailing Club. If we would of gone right we would of found it within minutes!!!! The walk around was worth it as we saw a hunting Barn Owl and a Pair of Kestrels at the on site nest box. There was also a pair of Red-crested Pochard at the Sailing Club.

Red Crested Pochard, April 2015

Sadly the Grebe didn't really perform for us spending most of its time in the middle of the reservoir. A few Sand Martins and Swallows dropped in and this NATO E-3 AWACS Airborne Early Warning and Control Force Aircraft was flying out of RAF Brize Norton.

The Grebe will have to wait for another day.

RSPB Darts Farm Devon

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:04:00 GMT

After seeing some awesome photos of the Pendueline Tits at Darts Farm i thought I would pay another visit. I hadn't been very successful on my list trip although I got to see the birds i didn't manage any decent photos. I arrived early (8am) at Darts Farm a small RSPB reserve near Topsham in Devon. Already on site was Vern Wright and Mark Chivers. I hadn't met Mark before so was good to put a name to the face. We had a few fly over curlews and Godwits and flyby Kingfishers. The highlight of the day for me was my first Swallow of the year and by far my earliest. It took till about 10am before the Tits arrived. Also on site now was Alan Chard another very good local photographer and Steve and Kim Hatch some more people i follow on Flickr but hadn't met before. Now the birds were showing hopefully all of us were going to go home happy. Across the course of the day Both birds but on a great show and by the time i left at 3.45pm they had both been on site for nearly 6 hours.

Below are a few of my best photos of the day

Another great day out in Devon

Tockington

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:19:00 GMT

A few hours locally it always a great way to spend an afternoon. I first thought i would check out the small stream that runs near Moor Lane for the Green Sandpiper that had wintered here. it was still i its usually area and this time i managed to get close enough to grab a few Pics

The Kingfishers were about but appear to have moved further up stream, I need to spend more time with these over the next few months. There were also a few calling Chiffchaffs in the nearby wooded areas

Green Sandpiper, Tockington, March 2015 Green Sandpiper, Tockington, March 2015

Forest of Dean

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 11:47:00 GMT

Had a great day in the forest of Dean. Started of slowly with a few hours at Parkend Cricket Club for a quick glimpse of a Hawfinch. Sadly no Pics. It started to get very busy so i decided to see if Parkend Church with a bit quieter for the Crossbills. There were a few around and about so i sat by their favourite puddle for an hour and got lucky when one came in for a quick drink

Crossbill, Parkend, March 2015

Common Crossbill at Parkend Church

Sadly i didn't get the best of Pics but will have to do for today. A Fly over Goshawk was a great addition to the list.

Next stop was Crabtree hill for the long staying Great Grey Shrike. It wasn't long before I spotted it close to one of his favourite trees so i thought i would stake out the area and wait for it to come to me. It took a few hours of waiting but it put on a good show.

Was great to meet Jeff Lack here today and also one of the local birder Vic Savery

Somerset

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 19:22:00 GMT

Early finish in work so I thought I would travel around Somerset and try tick a few local long stayers. First stop was Chew Valley Lake for the Great Northern Diver and hopefully the Great White Egret. Sadly neither were about so I headed onto Cheddar to see if the Dippers were about, Sadly these were also not around. A nice Grey Wagtail was a bonus. My final stop was Brean for the Male Black Redstart. Boom at last a target was achieved I spent about an hour with this showy bird and a pair of Stonechats also helped. A fly over Peregrine was also a nice sadly i only managed a few blurred photos

Male Stonechat

Stonechat, Brean Down, March 2015 Stonechat, Brean Down, March 2015

Little Bunting

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:11:00 GMT

After a busy few weeks at work I managed to find a few hours to go and see the Long staying Little Bunting at Forest Farm near Cardiff. I aimed to get to Forest Farm for First light as I had heard the area it was often seen it looked straight into the sun. It was a frosty morning so hopefully i could get a few photos of this bird in the frost. I arrived at the hide and it wasn't long before the Little Bunting showed up. Only issue was the bird was to close, it was so close i could of picked it up. It kept disappearing but was faithfully to the same area so it wasn't long before I managed a few frosty shots.

Little Bunting, Forest Farm, Feb 2015 Little Bunting, Forest Farm, Feb 2015 Little Bunting, Forest Farm, Feb 2015 Little Bunting, Forest Farm, Feb 2015 Little Bunting, Forest Farm, Feb 2015 Little Bunting, Forest Farm, Feb 2015 Little Bunting, Forest Farm, Feb 2015

There was also good numbers of Bullfinch in the area. A cracking little reserve somewhere i need to return to in the future.

Scotland - Cairngorms Part 4

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:01:00 GMT

Last day of our trip was going to spent at Loch Garten. Its a great place in the summer to see Osprey but in the winter its an easy place to see Crested Tits. These Birds are easiest to see during the winter when they come down to ground level to feed. During the Summer they spend most of their time high up in the tree canopy. The snow had melted a bit since my first visit to the area but hopefully we would still get some decent photos. Unfortunately the light was pretty poor and the speed these birds move at meant getting a decent photo was going to be tricky. The Crested tits were pretty regular to the area and i was lucky to get a couple of half decent photos.

Crested Tit, Loch Garten, Feb 2015

The hardest part was getting the red in the birds eye. We were also lucky to spot a few Red Squirrels although these were always close to the feeders and although great to see them on the feeders the photos don't look very natural.

Red Squirrel, Loch Garten, Feb 2015

The only picture I Managed of a Red Squirrel.

The afternoon was spent again at Lochindorb looking for Red Grouse, there were a few about but we weren't always blessed with good light. Was good to see few Raptors in the area. Kestrel and Hen Harrier.

Red Grouse, Lochindorb, Feb 2015

The time had come to say our Good byes after what was an awesome weekend. I cannot recommend Marcus Conway and Ebirder.net highly enough. If you want photos of the Scottish star bird species he is your man to get these. Another trip will be booked again soon.

I left the guys who i hope to meet up with again sometime soon and travelled onto Inverness. I hoped to catch up with some Geese and Sea Ducks before returning back to Bristol.

The following morning i travelled along the Coast from Inverness to Lossiemouth. Stopping at Harbours and other areas on route. First stop was Nairn were there was a Single Female Red-breasted Merganser and not much else. Next stop was Findhorn were I took a walk along the beach and the River. There was a group of Seals sleeping on the mouth of the River and a small flock of Eider Ducks were on the River. There was a single Hooded Crow on the Beach, a British first for me

Hooded Crow, Findhorn, Feb 2015

Hooded Crow - Findhorn

I Carried on stopping next at Burghead which is a great spot for Long-tailed Duck. Sadly there were none in the Harbour just a lone Female Eider and a mixed flock of Turnstones, Redshank and Purple Sandpipers. There was a lot of Long-tailed Ducks at sea but to distant for photos. I also saw a single Auk, unsure of what as it disappeared before I could Id it. Lossiemouth was also quite a nice flock of fairly tame Wigeon was nice

Wigeon, Lossiemouth, Feb 2015

The only other highlight of the day was watching some fighter pilot training at RAF Lossiemouth.

Tornado, RAF Lossiemouth, February 2015 Tornado, RAF Lossiemouth, February 2015

After an awesome few days my time had come to see goodbye to Scotland and begin the long journey back to Bristol. 9 hours later I was back. Roll on winter 2016!!!

Scotland Part 3 Cairngorms

(Mattscott Photography) — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:14:00 GMT

After what was a fantastic day yesterday it was going to be hard to beat. The plan for today, Weather depending was to venture up into the mountains to track down some Ptarmigan. A bird I am yet to see. The forecast looked good so we set off after another awesome Scottish breakfast. There had been a lot of snow recently so hopefully the Ptarmigan would be a bit easier as they come lower down the mountains in search of food. The area we were heading to was also a Ski resort so the snow had brought in a lot of skiers and hill walkers.

We Parked up at the Cairngorm ski resort and set off up the mountain, the snow was well trodden on the path so not that difficult to walk on. All the way up we saw good numbers of Red Grouse. It was about a 35-40 min walk before we heard some Ptarmigan and it wasn't long before we located them. Its not that easy looking for a pure white bird in a pure white environment. Believe it or not this is were we encountered a slight issue, a dog was off its lead and causing havoc it was chasing everything in sight. This could work in our favour as the dog was higher than the Ptarmigan and it seemed to push them down towards us. It also flushed my first views of a Mountain Hare.

I am not one for selfies but the scenery was pretty good

Marcus thought it would be a good idea to go off Piste and duck in behind a ridge and hopefully the birds would come over the top, this worked well and i managed a few shots as the Ptarmigan come over the ridge. It was also pretty cool walking in probably the deepest snow I had ever experienced in my life. We don't really have major snow falls in Bristol. What an awesome start to the day Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare in the bag now to get some decent shots and hopefully not die in the process lol. There were a few avalanche warnings in the area but Marcus assured us we were pretty safe in this area.

The above picture managed to get onto Flick explore and had over 7000 views at last check

We then located some more Ptarmigan and began to stalk these for some close up photography. Again we got some great shots, it was whilst photographing these that Marcus spotted a Mountain Hare laid up against a rock he was very well camouflaged and difficult to see so we gradually edged closer. Marcus warned us that if his ears pricked up he wasn't comfortable and he would probably make a dash for it so we carefully moved in watching his body language. The hare didn't budge and by now we were almost on top of it. The first picture of this isn't cropped!! But was taken by borrowing Marcus 500mm with a 1.4 convertor. When I bought my 400mm I was in two minds on what to buy the 500mm or the 400mm after feeling the weight of the 500mm for just a few minutes my arms were glad I went for the 400mm. Was great to have the opportunity to use this monster lens though.

We spent about 30 minutes photographing this amazing mammal it wasn't fazed by us at all, 100% confident on its camouflage and was sure we hadn't seen it so it didn't need to move!! It didn't even move when a Search and Rescue sea king flew overhead. Thankfully this seemed to be just on a training session on not search and rescue. Was great to see though even if was potentially going to scare the Ptarmigan away.

Sea King, Cairngorms, Feb 2015 Sea King, Cairngorms, Feb 2015 Sea King, Cairngorms, Feb 2015 Sea King, Cairngorms, Feb 2015 Sea King, Cairngorms, Feb 2015

After locating another group of Ptarmigan we followed these off Piste again, were we saw quite a large group probably in the region of 40-50 birds. These were going to be difficult to get close to as the become more jumpy when in large groups. We did however mange to get in between the group and this is were I got my best photographs.

Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, Feb 2015

Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, Feb 2015

Ptarmigan, Cairngorms, Feb 2015

Kirk, Ian and Myself

We decided to head back down the mountain to the Car park which is pretty reliable for Snow Bunting. I have seen plenty of Snow Buntings before but these have always been at costal locations. The Cairngorm birds are of a population of British breeding Snow Buntings. There was a small flightily flock in the Car park one stayed still long enough for us to get a few photos.

Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, February 2015 Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, February 2015 Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, February 2015 Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, February 2015 Snow Bunting, Cairngorms, February 2015

After finishing with the Snow Buntings there was enough light to head to Lochindorb again on the return journey back the the Grant Hotel. There were a few about in the late afternoon sunAnother fanatic day which didn't leave much left on the list for tomorrow Red Grouse, Lochindorb, Feb 2015 Red Grouse, Lochindorb, Feb 2015

Scotland Part 2 Cairngorms

(Mattscott Photography) — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday.

After driving across from Aberdeen it suddenly dawned on me that I had packed any waterproof trousers luckily I had enough time to get to Aviemore to pick a pair up, On Route to Aviemore is Loch Garten an RSPB reserve famous for its Ospreys but in winter its a great site for Crested Tit, would be rude not to stop off to see some tits!!!! I arrived in a snow filled car park were i could see a man with a camera, always a good start. I parked up and headed across. They guy went by the name of Ian and after a brief chat it appeared that we were both in Scotland for the same photography tour!!! Small World. Ian then directed me to the Loch Garten visitor centre were i had my first views of Crested Tit.

Took a few quick snaps before heading off to Aviemore and then on to my digs for the next 3 nights. I arrived at the Grant Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey and was mightily impressed. If your a wildlife lover you will love this hotel. Its wall are filled with fantastic pictures of the local wildlife and it plays birdsongs instead of crap cheesy music through the hotel.

We had agreed to meet up at 7.30pm for dinner and introductions. Marcus was our guide ( can be booked through website www.ebirder.net ) the other 3 in the party were David who was a Local from Inverness Kirk and Ian (who I had already met at Loch Garten) who were both from the South East. We all seemed to hit off immediately and the food was great. It was here Marcus dropped the Bombshell that there was a good chance we could get the weekend off to a flying start with Capercaillie tomorrow morning, if we were all up for it!!!!! Stupid question most birders would bite your right arm off for a glimpse of this rare secretive bird. I won't go into to much detail about this bird as its a sensitive site and would like to respect the wishes of the people who found this bird.

Friday

730 am Breakfast time which like last nights tea did not disappoint. A nice healthy full fat traditional Scottish breakfast, minus the Black pudding. I had everything crossed that we would connect with a Capercaillie today and it wasn't long before we had parked up and headed into the Pine forest in search of this rare beast. Marcus soon found some tracks in the snow which got the blood pumping but it was nearly 2 hours before the bird was spotted. Marcus, Kirk and Ian who had been searching in a different area to David and myself had witnessed the bird fly down from the tops of the pines were it had been feeding. It wasn't long before we all joined up and proceeded to get some photos of the magnificent bird. Its not uncommon in male Capercaillies to become what is known as Rouge birds these birds will literally attack you if you come into contact with them. This bird had become rouge and although it didn't attack us it gave quite a show

Capercaillie, Cairngorms, Feb 2015

We spent 10 minutes photographing and observing the Capercaillie before slowly retreating out of the wood as we didn't want to tire out the bird. Probably one of the best 10 minutes i have had whilst birding. Marcus had set his stall high and had to work hard now to impress us on the rest of the trip.

The afternoon was going to be spent at the Alvie Estate photographing Red Deer. Not before we had our lunch randomly we had this in a local hospital car park. The reason for this was to hopefully see some Red Squirrels that are often seen in the Car park here. We got Lucky and managed a few Red Squirrels and a small flock of Redpolls.

We arrived at Alvie and were met by Graham who was the head gamekeeper. Imagine what a typical Scottish gamekeeper looks like and you get Graham!! So much so that if any TV programme needs a gamekeeper for a piece they all use Graham.

Our transport to get to the Red Deer in the deep snow was a snow cat. Usually used in Arctic Canada it was the perfect transport to get up into the hills to find the deer. The scenery was stunning as we climbed up into the forest covered hills. We arrived at the area the Red deer are feed in and it wasn't long before a large number of stags were making their way down to the track.

The first Stag down was nicknamed droopy due to his antlers that are a bit messed up hence the nickname. A Doe even came down which according to the locals is an unusual sight.

Red Deer, Cairngorms, February 2015

Now a great day in the field could only be capped off by a great evening on the field. Tonight was the 6 nations opener between England v Wales a game i was offered a ticket for but had to sadly decline as i was on this trip. Thankfully the day got better and in a thrilling game England managed to get the better of our poor neighbours (lol)

Scotland Trip February 2015 Part1 Stockton - Aberdeen

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 18:22:00 GMT

After weeks in the Planning the day had finally come to start the Journey north to Scotland. The plan was to head to Stockton-on-Tees overnight staying at my Grandparents. The next day would see me travel to Aberdeen taking in a few sights on the way up. Aberdeen was an overnight stop and the plan was to see the long stay Harlequin Duck before travelling on to Grantown-on-Spey were I had 3 nights in the Grant Arms Hotel. Here I would meet up with a photography tour party and our Guide Marcus Conway ( www.ebirder.net ). Here I hoped to see the Highland specialities such as Crested Tit, Ptarmingan, Red Grouse, Mountain Hare, Red Squirrel and Red Deer. Also on the list was the Capercaillie but knowing this particular bird was very secretive and hard to see I didn't hold out much hope.

Tuesday 3rd February 2015

I arrived in Stockton in a snow shower that had already produced a few millimetres of lying snow, It had also been snowing a lot over the weekend in the Cairngorms which should produce a nice backdrop. Lets hope not to much so we can get out and about. Plan for tomorrow had changed slightly due to the snow I aimed to stay local to Teeside to try and take in a few of the local highlights. Long-eared Owl at RSPB Saltholme, Glaucous Gull and Shorelark at Hartlepool and the lone Waxwing a bit further north at South Shields.

Wednesday 4th February 2015

More overnight snow locally was nice as we hadn't really had much this winter in Bristol. I began with the short trip to RSPB Saltholme to look for the Long-eared Owl that had been seen around the reserve this winter. I met a fairly local birder Steve Chinnery and we began our quest to find a needle in a haystack!!! After 2 hours of searching in freezing conditions we drew a blank. If I had more time I would of spent the day on this great looking reserve but I had some other targets to achieve.

Next was a short stop at the Hartlepool Fish Quay for a Glaucous Gull sadly after a quick scan the bird wasn't to be seen, a pattern was appearing here. I didn't hold out much hope when i arrived at the site for the Shorelark. A snow shower was blowing in off the North Sea and after a fruitless 30min search I was off. 3 Targets 3 misses. One final stop was in order before the long trek to Aberdeen.

I arrived at South Shields and quickly found the bushes were the Waxwing had been favouring. I met two local birders Stuart Thompson and his friend here and the bird was sat in the hedge just above their heads!! Boom at last things were looking up.

Waxwing, South Shields, Feb 2015

The Bird showed very well and was feeding on berries, it would fly off for 5-10minutes before returning to feed further. I would of loved to of stayed longer but I needed to get to Aberdeen which was still nearly a 6 hour journey. A few snow showers and 6 hours of driving later saw me arrive at the Holiday Inn Aberdeen.

Thursday 5th February 2015

The Harlequin Duck had been reported yesterday so I was off to Seaton Park to try and find this very rare visitor normally seen in Iceland and North America. I parked my car and took the short walk to the River Don. No sooner had I arrived at the waters edge when something caught my eye. Bloody nora it was an Otter just sat eating on a rock. I had only once seen an Otter before and the was a flitting glimpse. The major issue here was my camera was still in my bag!!!!! I ducked out of view and got the camera out, bollocks it had gone. If only!!!!! I started to search hoping it was still in the area and I wasn't disappointed. I watched it for a about 5 minutes diving in and out of the rapids to hard to photograph as it was only out of the water for a spilt second before disappearing under the water again. This was pretty amazing to watch. It soon disappeared for good, no photo but a memory that will I won't forget. Whilst watching the otter I had a pair of dippers flying up and down the stream there was also a couple of Goldeneye and a male Goosander.

Here I met a guy called Mark Leitch up in Aberdeen to twitch the Harlequin Duck. We began walking the River Don in search of the Duck when we saw another Otter. This one was a little bit more photographic and allowed us to get a few photos of. There was at least 3 individuals on the River that day.

Otter, River Don, Aberdeen, Feb 2015

We continued with our quest of finding the Harlequin Duck. We meet another guy on the River who had seen it further up stream and said he had seen it at point blank range. Slightly excited we headed to it last known position. We arrived at its favoured rapids and began to scan the river, it wasn't long before Mark found it although very distant it was great to see. It sat out of view for a while before feeding in the River every now and again. I kept willing it to come down river but it just sat there teasing us. Eventually it did drift slightly down stream and gave better views still not close enough for good photography.

It was joined by a male Goosander before eventually disappearing up stream.

Mark left to go and find the 21 Waxwings that had been seen in town but I was determined to get a closer shot. A fruitless 2 hour wait proved unproductive and I called it time to head off to my next stop the Cairngorms. The Drive to the Cairngorms was pretty impressive and the amounts of Snow was increasing as I drove up. Grant Arms here i come!!!!!!!

Hartlepool Headland

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:26:45 GMT

A brief windy visit to the Hartlepool Headland produced a good number of waders. First up were the regular waders Oystercatchers, Curlew and Turnstones then a flock of 10 Purple Sandpipers flew in Boom. New year tick!!!

There were no White-winged Gulls to be seen but a good Number of Eider Ducks were floating just of the shoreline. This is only the 2nd time I have seen Eider Ducks in the wild

Other birds seen in the area were 200+ Starlings, 2 Pied Wagtails, Numerous Gulls, 1 Rock Pipit 10+ Cormorants. A Good 2 hours in the North East

Brean

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:41:00 GMT

Snow Bunting

Black Redstart was in it usual spot in the Cove along with two Rock Pipits.

Slimbridge

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:41:00 GMT

Day out at Slimbridge in Search of Bewick and Water Rail

The Water Rail was seen briefly feeding under the feeders at the Willow Hide

Water Rail, Slimbridge, December 2014

Spent a bit of time photographing some of the captive birds. Practise makes perfect as they say!!

Female Smew (Red head)

Smew (Female) Slimbridge, December 2014

Male Smew (somehow this photo had 25,000 on my flickr site) Smew (Male) Slimbridge, December 2014

Goldeneye

Goldeneye, Slimbridge, December 2014

Walpole Park, Gosport, Hampshire

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 19:57:00 GMT

After returning to the same Gosport boating lake for 13 years I though it was about time to pay the Ring-billed Gull a visit. Ring-billed Gulls are rare visitors from America. This American visitor that has been visiting hampshire is so will known it even has its own notice board and nickname (Waldo)

I made the Journey south with two other Local birders Brian Thompson and Lee Gardiner and on arriving at Walpole Boating Lake, Gosport we meet up with my Uncle Ricky. We found the Ring-billed Gull after a few minutes of scanning the Black-headed Gulls and Common Gulls. We fired off a few record shots and decided to return later when the light was going to be better.

Ricky being a local took us to a few sites close to the naval harbour were we had a good chance of seeing Red-breasted Merganser and maybe even a Black Redstart. Red-breasted Merganser were seen in good numbers but unfortunately no Black Reds. Looking towards the Naval shipyard we could see a huge flock of waders these appeared to be mostly Dunlin. These came and landed on a few boats something i had not seen before.

The weather gradually got better and the afternoon saw bright sunshine so we headed back to Walpole Park for the main attraction.

it didn't disappoint

Also at Walpole there were several groups of Brent Geese not a rarity on the South Coast but a delight to us Bristol Birders

All in all a great day on the South Coast well worth the visit.

Bishopston - Rose-coloured Starling

(Mattscott Photography) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:41:00 GMT

A late start at work was the perfect excuse to get out and see the Rose-coloured Starling that had turned up in Inner Bristol. Arriving just after sun rise I met up with two other Local birders and we began to scout the streets. There was a lot on show considering we were only a few miles from the heart of Bristol. A Jay and Sparrowhawk were the highlights but the so say star of the show was in hiding. After a good hour, hour and half of searching we found the Rose-coloured Starling. Although at first it was very distant it did give us a few good close flight views. Sadly i had to work so the below distant shot was the best i got

Davidstow Airfield and Steart WWT

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 17:15:00 GMT

After my attempt to photograph the Long staying American Golden Plover over a week ago failed, another attempt was on the cards. This time i went down with another local photographer Lee Gardiner. The weather was a bit hit and miss on the way down and as we approached Davidstow the fog came down!!!! Not good for photography!!!

We arrived at the Airfield and you could hardly see your hand in front of your face. We started to drive around the Airfield checking the pools and margins for the bird. First trip around produced a few Pied Wagtails, Meadow Pipits, Crows, Rooks and around 16 Lapwings.

The 2nd trip around was a bit more eventful I was obviously not paying attention and drove right past the bird. Luckily eagle eyed Lee caught sight of it and screamed out to stop. So i smashed on the breaks and there is was. The Large white Supercilium was the big give way.

The bird seemed very skittish and was moving up and down this seemed unusual behaviour as everyone pervious to us had been viewing this bird at point blank range. So we gave the bird some space and watched it feeding. Eventually it came and stop about 5 meters from the car were it sat for over an hour giving us amazing views. The sun even shone for about 5 minutes.

The only thing that seemed to bother this bird was the occasional Rook or crow overhead when it would sit low into the Grass.

After about 2 hours of watching this bird it moved off allowing us to photography the bird at a distance. What an amazing bird hopefully it will stick around for others to see.

On the way out of Davidstow we noticed a flock of starlings feeding amongst the horse dung. They are so often overlooked but are such an amazingly beautiful bird up close.

Davidstow after the fog had lifted

On Route back to Bristol we stopped off at WWT Steart a new and exciting wetlands reserve near to Bridgewater. The reason for the stop off was to see the Pallid Harrier that has been in the area for the last week.

We had a good walk around the reserve and it seems to be producing some good birds already. Also on the day a Great White Egret had been reported sadly not seen by us.

We had noticed a large gathering of birders on the far side of the reserve so headed around. The Pallid Harrier had been seen from here earlier in the day. We were there for an hour before it was seen, but soon disappeared into the reeds. It was another 15 minutes before it was seen again. Although views were distant i managed to watch it though my bins. My 2nd new bird of the day.

Marshfield

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 18:08:00 GMT

A Great Grey Shrike had been found by Local bird Martyn Hayles on Monday so I thought I would make the trip before work. A lot of the local usual suspects were on site when I arrived and it didn't take long before the bird showed. It was very distant and flighty so didn't really manage many photos.

Cheddar and Aust

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:44:00 GMT

After a Brian Thompson tip off yesterday i decided to head to Cheddar to see if i could photograph the Dippers that Brian had done so well with. Sadly they didn't really perform but were great to see even at a distant. A Kingfisher was a nice bonus as well

Bit distant but something to work on over next few months.

Dipper, Cheddar, October 2014

A brief visit to Cheddar Reservoir produced the usual suspects, A Million coot, Mute Swans, Canada Geese, Black-headed Gulls, Pied Wagtails, few Great Crested Grebe, Meadow Pipits, A Common Gull and 2 fly over Raven.

Next stop was Aust Warth to see if i could find some Short-eared Owls which should be turning up around here anytime now. Aust was dead on arrival so i checked twitter to see what was happening in the birding world today!!!! A GREAT GREY SHRIKE at Marshfield!!!!!!!!!!!! Ooops missed that hopefully it will stay till tomorrow. Midday start at work means i can get a few hours in pre work!!

No Short-eared Owls again but a stunning sunset and a showy Stonechat were good to see

Stonechat, Aust Warth, October 2014

Sunset Severn Bridge, October 2014

Budleigh Salterton

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:15:00 GMT

A brief after work trip to see the very tame Grey Phalarope or Red Phalarope if your from the other side of the Pond, that had been reported at Budleigh Salterton in Devon. I managed to get away from work at midday after Lee Gardiner had confirmed the bird was still there. 90 minutes later i joined Lee and Brian Thompson on a muddy stream just off the River Otter.

The bird was showing at point blank range. I couldn't believe how tame this bird was i genuinely think you could of walked over to it, picked it up and put it in your pocket!!!! Such a amazing bird just a shame the weather didn't do this bird justice. Sadly the sun i had seen travelling down had been replaced by dull clouds. Oh well you can't have it all. I spent just under 2 hours photographing and observing it. The only thing that seemed to bother this bird was any large bird flying over head. Were it would get pretty low into the mud in an attempt to hide. White bird muddy background couldn't see it becoming wader world hide and seek champion. Below are a small selection of the few 100 photos I took.

Davidstow Airfield

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 19:57:00 GMT

The very photogenic American Golden Plover at Davidstow Airfield in Cornwall had me interested all week. Then seeing some amazing photos of it at point blank range on Sunday, made my mind up to make the 2 and a half hour journey South. I left Bristol at 6.30am to the sounds of a Snipe and Redwing migrating over the garden. Always a good start.

I arrived at a very wet Davidstow Airfield in poor visibility at just after 9am. No one else was around so if i could locate it i would have it all to myself. I headed to its usual haunt but there was no sign, not a great start. Visability was poor so i drove around the Airfield, still nothing. Two waders caught my eye boom was it to be !!!!!

No sadly not. If i am not mistaken these are both European Golden Plover. I carried on around the Airfield, there were lots of Pied Wagtails, Meadow Pipits, Rooks, Crows and Starlings about. Sadly no American Golden Plover to be seen.

I did find a small wader flock containing 2 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover. I managed a few shot of these birds, the sun even shone for 5 minutes

One of the Ringed Plovers

One of the Dunlins

After 4 hours of searching i gave up and headed back to Bristol. On route home I stopped off at Brean Down to see the reported Ring Ouzel. Sadly missed that as well, but was good to catch up with Lee Gardiner.

Oh and guess what Tuesday saw the American Golden Plover return to Davidstow Airfield!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farmoor Réservoir

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:07:00 GMT

A Red-necked Grebe had been seen recently at Farmoor Reservoir recently so I took a trip to see if i could locate this rare Grebe. Arrived at Farmoor and I took the walk along the Causeway between F1 and F2 Here I photographed a few Little Grebes and a showy cormorant that was drying itself on a buoy.

I carried on around F1 and the usual suspects were around the Reservoir. There was a huge flock of small birds in some Hawthorns these turned out to be Great Tits, Blue Tits, Long Tailed Tits and 5+ Chiffchaffs

Heading back towards the Car Park i found 2 Common Sandpipers and amongst the duck flock was a Female Shoveler and a Female Teal these gave pretty good views feeding on the edge of the reservoir.

Female Shoveler

Female Teal

Teal, Farmoor Reservoir, October 2014

I then headed across to F1 to look for the Red-necked Grebe which had been reported earlier in the morning. There was a lot of Little Grebes and Coots about but no sign of the Red-necked Grebe. A Large flock of Greylag Geese were feeding on the Grass and a lone Kestrel sat on the Fence post.

A Tuffed Duck caught my eye and bingo next to the Tuffed Duck was the Red-necked Grebe i then spent the next two hours watching this bird and on the few times it came in close to shore feeding i managed a few decent shots. Unfortunately the sun had now gone and had been replaced by dull clouds.-crested GrebeOther birds of note were about 20 plus Great

Other birds of note were about 20 plus Great-crested Grebe, 2 Flyover Ravens, Rock Pipit and a fly over Red Kite. The drive back to Bristol produced at least 10 Red Kites.

New Passage

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:51:20 GMT

Early finish from work and a lovely autumn afternoon meant a few hours out and about. After yesterdays report of a Pectoral Sandpiper at New Passage a visit was on the cards. A drive down to New Passage through the lanes to see if anything was about drew a blank.

No sightings had been reported today of the Pectoral Sandpiper but thought i would give it a try anyway. I arrived at New Passage to see Paul Bowerman and a few other birders scanning the in coming tide!! A Pectoral Sandpiper had been spotted minutes before. It didn't take long for someone to pick it up in their scope. It was close enough for good bin views and kept coming closer with the tide. I had the pleasure to spend about 20-30minutes watching this North American Wader feeding on the Mud with a flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover. There was also a Little Stint and a few Curlew Sandpipers around.

The pictures i managed weren't of a great quality as the bird was a bit distant for my Lens but happy to see my first Pectoral Sandpiper. This bird was predicted by local birder Paul Bowerman last week. His next prediction is an Ortolan Bunting lets hope he is right!!

Upton Warren Nature Reserve

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:23:00 GMT

Thought i would pay a brief visit to Upton Warren Nature Reserve to catch up with the reported Temmincks Stint. After seeing Vern Wrights stunning photos over the last few days i thought i would give it a go.

I only had a few hours in the morning due to work commitments in the afternoon. I arrived at Upton Warren and some fellow birders pointed the bird out which was very distant. Within 5 minutes it relocated to just in front of the hide but as soon as it had landed it flew off again. It spent most of the morning on the far side of the flash. Also at the site were 3 Green Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 3 Ringed Plover, 30+ Lapwing 50+ Black headed Gulls and a Common Sandpiper.

The light was very poor at times but the sun was trying to push through the cloud. Vern arrived in the hide and boom the Sun shone and the Temmincks flew right in front of the hide. Some people are born lucky lol!!! I managed a few half decent shots of this tiny bird. Just a shame my flight shot was when the sun had gone back in. Hopefully this bird will stick around as i would like another shot at this bird.

Cheddar Reservoir

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:05:00 GMT

Dull early start to the day for a trip with Lee Gardner to Cheddar Reservoir for the Little Stint and then hopefully onto Berrow for some more waders and hopefully something interesting.

Arrived at Cheddar Reservoir at just after 8am and quickly located the Little Stint and the friendly Ringed Plover. We located the birds just as the cloud broke and this created a stunning light that made photographing these birds a little easier. Also the fact that you could you get very close to both birds helped. Spend an hour laid on my stomach but managed a few Little Stint, Ringed Plover and a close to shore Little Grebe.

Put a few mealworms down with both birds seemed to enjoy

Ringed Plover

Little Grebe

After spending nearly 2 hours at Cheddar we moved onto Berrow. Berrow was alive with wildlife lots of Dragonflies and Butterflies on the wing including a Large White and Clouded Yellow. We reached the beach 90 mins before High tide and located the wader flock. It included nearly 100 Sanderling, 100+ Dunlin, 20+ Ringed Plover, 3 Little Stints and 6 Curlew Sandpiper. Also along the beach were 5-10 Curlew and well over 100 Oystercatchers.

We had just settling down to photograph the waders when the news came in that a Red-backed Shrike had been found at Sand Point less then 30 minutes away. It was a no brainer as i had not seen one of these in the UK before. Boom we were off to Sand Point.

At Sand Point Lee and I meet up with another local photographer Brian Thompson and the 3 of us set off in search of our first Red-backed Shrike. It took us nearly and hour before we got our first glimpse of what we though was the bird and probably another 20 minutes before we had long enough views of this bird to confirm we what thought was the Shrike. This was my 3rd Shrike species in the UK along with Great Grey Shrike and Woodchat Shrike.

The Bird was very flighty and photographing this bird was hard managed a few shots but nothing to really shout about. Below is a couple of photos i took of a Red-backed Shrike in Cyprus

Red-backed Shrike, Cape Greco 2014

Also in the area were 3 Clouded Yellow Butterflies, a Rock Pipit and a Wheatear. Oh and a couple who were enjoying enjoying a romantic afternoon who were probably unaware that a rare bird had turned up right next to were they had decided to have a passionate embrace!!

Great day out and some photos that i was really happy with. Thanks to Lee for showing me the Little Stint.

Farmoor Reservoir

(Mattscott Photography) — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:42:06 GMT

Travelled across to Oxfordshire in search of the reported Curlew Sandpipers at Farmoor Reservoir. This is a place i have not visited before so Curlew Sandpipers aside it should be a good day out.

On arriving at Farmoor I was told by a few locals that the Curlew Sandpipers hadn't been seen today. I began with a walk around the Edge of Farmoor 2. The water level here was a lot lower than Farmoor 1. Farmoor is a man made reservoir spilt into two by a causeway that runs through the middle of Farmoor 1 and 2. There was a lot of Canada Geese and Greylag in and around the water. There was a large number of Hybrid Greylag all had a lot of white in them.

First bird of note was a Common Sandpiper that was always one step ahead of me. There were large numbers of Coot, Mallard and Black-headed Gull on the water. There were also a few Cormorants and Great Crested Grebe about. Whilst walking along the bank i noticed a Green Woodpecker feeding on the grass, no chance of a photo as it was to far out in the open.

Next bird of note was a Ruff that was feeding up and down the waterline i spent about half an hour photographing this bird hoping the sun would come out and add a bit more light. Unfortunately not.

I moved further around the reservoir and it wasn't long before i spotted my first Dunlin it was feeding along side a Ringed Plover. Again like the Ruff they didn't seem bothered by my presence and i could get quite close to them. I continued on and walked down the causeway here there were large numbers of Pied Wagtails, 2 more Ringed Plover and a couple a groups of 2-3 Dunlin. I spent sometime photographing these birds as i was able to get really close with out disturbing the birds who were quite happy feeding up and down the shoreline.

As I walked further along the causeway the next bird i saw was a Black-tailed Godwit these again was happy to feed very close to me. Guess most of these birds are in fact Juveniles so haven't had much in the way of human contact.

After some time with the Godwit i though with the improving weather (didn't last long) I would try again With the Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Ruff. Unfortunately the Ruff had gone, but i did managed some more Dunlin and Ringed Plover shots. I also managed a few decent shots of a Great Crested Grebe being very successful fishing around some boats. Close by was 2 Yellow Wagtails but no photos of these flighty birds.

All in all a good day out. Stopped on the way home at Aust Warth on there were 5 Whinchats and 2 Wheatears around the Area

Severnside again

(Mattscott Photography) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 09:46:48 GMT

Quick trip to Aust before work to have another try with the Whinchat. There was one still around with 2 Wheatear, But 4 horses and a lost calf were causing havoc and charging up and down the Wharf meaning i couldn't leave my equipment unattended. Whilst passing back through home on the way to work 3 Pied Wagtails were feeding on the lawn.

Pied Wagtail, Tockington September 2014

Severnside

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 12:08:14 GMT

After yesterdays reported Wryneck I thought i would check out New Passage to see if it was still around. After a brief search it was clear it had departed over night. On the Estuary there was a Dunlin with 5 Redshanks and a few Black-headed Gulls. I drove to Aust and walked the footpath to the Pilning Wetlands around the Aust area there was 3 Wheatears and 2 Whinchats and several Meadow Pipits.

Whinchat, Aust Warth, September 2014

The tide was coming in and on the foreshore I could see a mixed flock of waders containing Curlews, Oystercatchers and others. 2 Cormorants flew down river. On the flooded area there was 4 Shelducks and about 7 Yellow Wagtails were feeding around the edges.

Northwick Warth

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 21:13:32 GMT

A quick trip to Northwick Warth after work for the Wood Sandpiper found by Paul Bowerman. Weather was pretty bad wind had picked up and it was raining on and off. I walked the whole area but no luck at first. A Shoveler and a Curlew were on the North end of the Warth, along with 10+ Yellow Wagtails and 15+ Pied Wagtails. I returned to the small pools near to the Pilning Wetlands were I located the Wood Sandpiper. It was only a few feet from me feeding in the pools. Didn't seem bothered by anyone walking by. I was joined by Paul Bowerman and he pointed out 3 Swifts flying over the wetlands. I spent an hour with the bird and it fed and preened quite happy with me only feet away. 2 more swifts flew over head probably the last 2 of this year!!!

Pembrokeshire 22nd - 25th August

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 09:33:00 GMT

Saturday 23rd August

Family Holiday to Pembrokeshire was a good way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend. Saturday was a very sunny day so we headed to Porthmeigan Beach. The route to the beach held stonechats, Whinchats and a Wheatear. It was also a good spot for Wall and Common Blue Butterflies. Wall being a new species for me.

Wall, Pembrokeshire, August 2014

An afternoon walk around the heath produced a lot of Swallows and House Martins and a Common Lizard. A fly over Peregrine Falcon was also a bonus.

Porthmeigan, Pembrokeshire, August 2014

Sunday 24th August

Weather was pretty shocking this morning Dull and wet by at least it wasn't windy. Got up early for a pre breakfast walk with the Old man!! We were staying at Caerhafod near Llanrhian so stayed local to here and headed towards Trwyn Llwyd. There were numerous Stonechats on the route and a Cornfield held a flock of at least 50 Linnets. Looking out towards the Sea we spotted a single Gannet, Several Fulmars were hugging the Cliffs and a couple of Gull species including a Greater Black-backed Gull. Rock Doves and Rock Pipits were also numerous in the area. The main goal was Chough and even though the habit was there none were seen. Highlight of the day was locating a Peregrine sat on a cliff top so we headed around to see if we could Photograph it on getting Closer we could see a total of 3 Peregrines. Unfortunately we didn't get close enough for a photo as all 3 flew off!!!! One flew over head giving amazing close up views shame the weather was so Dull.

It was then we witnessed the Peregrines in attack mode. A Group of Rock Doves left the safety of the cliffs and 2 of the Peregrines moved in for the kill! Boom one of the birds took a Dove with ease, what i would guess was a juvenile bird then came and caught the bird from the Adult who appeared to drop the Rock Dove to the juvenile bird. An amazing scene to witness something i hadn't seen before.

Monday 25th August

This morning my Dad and I embarked on another pre breakfast walk to the same area we visited yesterday. Pretty much same conditions as yesterday but even wetter today. Dad spotted a large Flock of Gannets in the distance it then became evident they were fishing and we watched them diving into the sea. This was when we spotted a pod of Dolphins hunting the same area. To distant for a photo.

Only one Peregrine seen today along with a few more Fulmars and the flock of Linnets were in the same area. I spend 20 mins trying to photograph the Fulmers but conditions were getting worse and the birds wouldn't come in close enough to nail it this was my best effort

This mornings highlight was 2 Whinchats who appeared to by feeding along a fence. My best views of these birds in the Uk. Only seen these before at Aust Warth and always distant.

Whinchat, Pembrokeshire, August 2013

The afternoon was spent at Abereiddi, were we went Coasteering which is basically climbing cliffs and jumping into the sea. Amazing activity and well recommend for anyone seeking a buzz. Whilst Coasteering i saw 5 Choughs, 3 Oystercatchers and a Raven.

Tockington

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 19:43:37 GMT

Few hours after work around Tockington, was slow to start with but within 10 min period i found 3 Grey Herons, Moorhen and Mallard Family, Sparrowhawk and a first in the area for me a Green Sandpiper. Was shocked to find a Green Sandpiper in a small ditch on Moor Lane. Little Owl family were at Elm Farm. Next project is a Feeding station there and hopefully some decent photos

Somerset Levels

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 19:39:00 GMT

Weather forecast was ok for today so thought i would make the trip to the Somerset levels in search of some Hobby photos. On Arriving on the levels i made my way to Ham Wall. I have had some great success at Ham Wall with Hobbys in the past. No such luck today but caught site of a few Bittern flights. I did manage a half decent Great-crested Grebe and Reed Warbler photo

Reed Warbler, RSPB Ham Wall 2014

The afternoon i spent at Shapwick again some good Bittern views one of which was in full view on the back of the scrape but far to distant for a photo. No luck in either hide but on the Cross road of the two hides i got some pretty good views of a Great White Egret feeding and also one flying. Sadly i messed the flight shots up!! Managed to switch setting onto manual!!!. There were plenty of dragonflies about in the afternoon. Not to good with these but pretty sure i saw, Ruddy Darter, Black-tailed Skimmer and Migrant Hawker. I was just about to head home when i had my best ever views of a Bittern in Flight, it did two pretty close flybys.

Bittern, Shapwick Heath 2014

Other birds seen Whitethroat, Cormorant, Common Tern, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Little Grebe, Great crested Grebe, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Swallow, Swift, Marsh Harrier, Bittern, Reed Warbler, Chaffinch, Lapwing, Rook, Buzzard, Kestrel, Crow, Wood Pigeon,Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackcap, Blackbird, Hobby, Black-headed Gull

Frampton-on-Severn

(Mattscott Photography) — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 21:49:00 GMT

Made the Trip to Frampton to see the reported Cattle Egrets that had been seen in the area for the last few days. I had seen Cattle Egrets in Australia and Cyprus before, but never in the Uk. ( In Cyprus Cattle Egrets had started to breed at Oroklini for the first time on record this summer)

I made the trip to Frampton with Lee Gardner and Brian Thompson. We headed to the area of Splatt Bridge were they had been sighted earlier in the day feeding with the cattle. After locating what we thought were the cattle we went about trying to find a blob of white in the long grass, no luck. We decided to move on and head towards Frampton Court Lake were the 3 birds had been roosting. On route back to the car I caught a glimpse of 3 White birds heading towards us!!

Cattle Egret, Frampton, 2014

This was the 3 Cattle Egrets they flew right over our heads and headed further down river into a field of cattle. Here we watched them for about 30 minutes feeding amongst the cattle. They then flew towards the roost site of Frampton Court Lake.

We headed to Frampton to see if we could find them again. Unfortunately they were roosting out of sight but here we were lucky enough to see a Common Tern fishing.

Also spotted today

Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, Yellow Wagtail, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Barnacle Goose

Severnside

(Mattscott Photography) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 21:49:03 GMT

Popped down to Pilning Wetlands this afternoon to try and photography the 2 Wood Sandpipers that had been spotted there. Fatal schoolboy error!! No bins so couldn't really make anything out.

I could make out a large mixed flock of mixed Gulls and Lapwings and two smaller birds. I photographed the two distant small birds and reviewed at home bingo Wood Sandpipers. There was also 2 Pied Wagtails on the flash and a Common Sandpiper calling in the Pill.

On the way home i stopped at the nearby Tescos Pool. There were lots of Butterflies including my first Painted Lady of the Year. I am also pretty confident i had a Emperor Dragonfly but will need to check the ID.

Tockington

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:29:00 GMT

Had a Brief Walk around Tockington after work, there were lots of Butterflies on the wing. Good numbers of Gatekeepers, Large Whites, Peacocks, and Tortoiseshells. Had my first Small cooper of the year just off Moor Lane. The fields produced the best Butterfly of the year. A stunning Clouded Yellow. I spent 90 minutes trying to photography this butterfly. Firstly it wouldn't sit still and then it kept crossing over the stream and out of reach. I managed one poor shot. Hopefully will get another chance to photography one again this year. Also around were Small Skippers, Ruddy Darters, and Beautiful Damselflies.

Also had my First Tockington Peregrine Falcon. Not the best photo!!

Peregrine Falcon

Marloes Mere

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 20:51:00 GMT

After checking into my B&B the Clock tower in Marloes i ventured out to Marloes Mere which is a site of Special Scientific Interest in Pembrokeshire. I parked my car and walked the path past the Youth Hostel towards the costal path. The path runs along side the marsh area of Marloes Mere. The water didn't really hold any birds apart from a few Coot and Mallards. The surrounding hedgerows held Sedge Warblers, Reed Warblers and Whitethroats. There was also a Stonechat Family on a Barb Wire fancy as well as a Wren carrying food.

Leaving Marloes Mere i arrived on the Costal Path were i hoped to see Chough. It wasn't long before i saw a pair of Wheatear. The male was catching insects from a nearby Post, to far away to photograph. A Kestrel and a Buzzard were around the cliffs. There was plenty of Linnets and Meadow pipits feeding in the grasses.

I heard them before i saw them, a pair of Chough drifted along the cliff edge before disappearing out of view. I managed a few blurred shots but now i knew they were in the area i would continue to walk the cliff top path. There was also a few Raverns in the area.

I took some time out to practise flight shots of the Passing Herring, Lesser and Greater Black-backed Gull. The sun was out and was creating a lovely light on the birds as they drifted past. It wasn't long before the Choughs flew past again this time i managed a few decent shots. Job Done. Just before i made the walk back to the car i caught site of a Gannet just off the cliffs.

Stonechat, Swallow, Dunnock, Wren, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Linnet, Buzzard, Kestrel, Crow, Magpie, Raven, Chough, Mallard, Coot, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Wheatear

Pilning Wetlands

(Mattscott Photography) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 11:25:38 GMT

Very dull and damp day so I thought i would stay local and check out the Summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper that was reported yesterday at Pilning Wetlands.

Pilning Wetlands is a new developing wetland area on the edge of Bristol. Its on an area called Severnside which sees a few rare and birds turn up on passage each year.

I arrived just after 9am in the poring rain and made my way along the severn estuary to the area of the wetlands that it was reported to be on yesterday. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Curlew Sandpiper but there were 2 Little Egrets, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings and a Grey Heron

Little Egrets, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Crow, Pied Wagtail, Skylark, Wood Pigeon, Collard Dove, Magpie, Swallow, House Martin, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Reed Warbler, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Starling, Tuffed Duck

Somerset Levels

(Mattscott Photography) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 18:58:22 GMT

Thought it was about time to pay a visit to the Somerset levels. Weather forecast wasn't great but hoped to see Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Hobby. Arrived at Ham Wall just after 8am and saw Marsh Harrier, Great white Egret, and Bittern from the first viewing platform within half hour. I could also hear 3 Cuckoos around the site and soon saw one calling from a dead tree towards the back of the reed bed. I then made my way to the new Hide which is over looking the reed bed which hosted the Little Bittern last year. From here i could hear 2 Cuckoos. I also managed to see another Bittern, Gadwall and a Wood Duck. I guess the Wood Duck was an escapee rather than a North American Vagrant. Just before leaving the hide i saw 3 Common Terns flying around hopefully these will breed on the platforms around the area.

From here i took one of the paths around the back of the reserve here there were loads of Dragonfly's that were sheltering from the rain. I picked up the 2 Cuckoos here and watched them feeding in a tree. Managed a short video of one of these calling.

I crossed over from Ham Wall to Shapwick but things seemed very quite here. Only managed swifts, Swallows, House Martin and 2 more Cuckoos. On the walk back to Ham Wall i saw a Bittern fly into a Reed bed and a Male and Female Marsh Harrier were active over one of the Reed Beds. There were about 30 Bar-tailed Godwits on the Scrape and numerous Gadwalls on the Water.

Back at Ham Wall the weather broke for about an hour which sent the dragonflies into the sky, this intern brought in the Hobbies i had amazing views of at least 9 Hobbies hawking over the reserve. The 3 Common terns were also busy calling over the Reeds. Whilst watching the Hobbies i caught a glimpse of a small bird flying over the reeds and dropped down into the reeds, this could of been a Little Bittern but couldn't be sure as views were only for a spilt second. Walking back to the car a Chiffchaff family were busy feeding

Marsh Harrier, Great White Egret, Cuckoo, Hobby, Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Kingfisher, Chiffchaff, Mute Swan, Mallard, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Tuffed Duck, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Bittern, Buzzard, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Reed Warbler, Cettis Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Cormorant, Common Tern, Bar-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit

Savi's Warbler

(Mattscott Photography) — Thu, 29 May 2014 20:02:00 GMT

Thursday 29th May - Newport Wetlands

Was thinking about heading down to the Somerset levels today to try and Photograph some birds i hadn't seen this year yet, including the elusive Bittern and the impressive Marsh Harrier. This wasn't to be the case due to the weather forecast saying rain and poor light all day.

Instead i decided to make the trip across to the RSPB Newport Wetlands Reserve to try and improve on my photography efforts from Monday morning of the rare visitor to the Reserve the Savi's Warbler. I arrived on the reserve at about 8am to hear it reeling its Grasshopper like song. It wasn't long before i saw it clinging onto the reeds this was the last i saw of it for another half hour or so. It didn't really show much for the first 4 hours of the day, every half hour it would reel for about 30 secs before disappearing into the reed bed the weather was damp and dull guess not what this bird is use to.

Savi's Warbler, Newport Wetland 2014 During this time of waiting i saw and heard several Bearded tits, 2 Little Egrets and a Young Marsh harrier drifted across the distantreed beds. There were plenty of Reed, Cettis, Sedge Warblers and Reed Buntings around but no Cuckoos were heard or seen today. There were also plentyof Swifts, Swallows and House Martins feeding in the sky above the Wetlands.

Around Midday the weather started to improve and the Sun poked out of the clouds for a few moments here and there this seemed to prompt the Savi's Warbler into showing its self extremely well, for about and hour it moved around the Reed beds crossing the path we were on several occasions. It was still proving very hard to photography as it was still often obscured by the reeds. I did managed a few half decent shots which due to this birds rarity and its elusive nature i am very pleased with. It was a worth while 7 hour stake out. Will hopefully get to the levels next week.