I've just returned from three days in the Pasvik taiga forest, northern Norway. This unique part of Norway holds many sought after bird species. During my stay I didn't see too many species, but some of them are pretty mouthwatering for a birdwatcher from western Norway.
Siberian Tit Poecile cincta
Grosbeak primetime
Pine Grosbeaks were singing several places, especially if the sun showed up. What a nice fluty song from this giant! If you are able to track down a feeder you may get some really close encounters with the species. They do not worry at all in the presence of people. Below, an adult male to the left, and a female to the right.
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Male and female Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator
Hawk Owls in good numbers
The rodent situation is apparently good in the Pasvik valley, and I recorded as many as five Hawk Owls in a rather small area. The picture below show a female in her territory near Svanhovd. The male was nearby at the time.
Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula
Redpolls, finally!
Redpolls have been totally absent in western Norway this winter. In contrast they were the most numerous birds around in the Pasvik valley. Small parties of 5-15 birds were seen at most sites. A few Arctic Redpolls were also mixed in the flocks, but they were hard to pick out. Below there is a Mealy Redpoll to the left, and an Arctic Redpoll to the right.
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Total species list from these days: Willow Grouse (1), Hawk Owl (5), Three-toed Woodpecker (1), Bohemian Waxwing (50+), Long-tailed Tit (4), Willow Tit (common), Siberian Tit (common), Great Tit (common), Blue Tit (1), Siberian Jay (2), Black-billed Magpie (common), Hooded Crow (common), Common Raven (common), House Sparrow (common near houses), Tree Sparrow (2), European Greenfinch (common), Mealy Redpoll (common), Arctic Redpoll (5+), Pine Grosbeak (35+), "trumpeting" Eurasian Bullfinch (20) and Yellowhammer (4). Adding up to 21 species.
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