SWEDEN - 18th July

The early highlight came as we were driving to Rysjön for the ringing session as we heard some young Long-eared Owls begging in some trees at the side of the road, one of which showed briefly later in the day after the ringing.   

The ringing itself was quiet with some big flocks of Black-headed Gulls heading south at first light, a 2cy White-tailed Eagle and 2 Great White Egrets of note although a new juvenile Thrush Nightingale was trapped.   

In the afternoon I walked some woodland roads just to the north of Kvismaren where the highlight was great views of 2 Honey Buzzards overhead, one of which was calling repeatedly; it was quiet for other birds with just 2 Ospreys, 2 Tree Pipits and a flock of 7 Golden Plover over to the west of note but good for Butterflies, including four species of Fritillary – Dark Green, Silver-washed, Heath and Queen-of-Spain.

Honey Buzzard

Great-spotted Woodpecker