Just a quick post. Haven't been able to get out much this week because of other commitments but today (22/09) I took a ride down to Jängislahti again. It was quite cold and misty for the whole of the day. It was fairly quiet. On the way down to the site in a patch of roadside mixed woodland there was a lot of bird calls to be heard so I took the time to stop and check. There was a large group of different species including, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Siskin and the highlight of the day 5 Brambling.
At Jängislahti itself there were plenty of Reed Buntings again, examined as many as I could but still can't find that Rustic. A couple of Whoopers, Wigeon and Goldeneye out on the water. A lone Fieldfare landed on the top of one of the Birch trees before moving on. There was also, surprisingly, two Swallows flying over the wasteland and marsh repeatedly.
On the ride back got some really good views of a Willow Tit a couple feet away which was nice, and that's about it!
Finnish List Additions:
36. Greenfinch
37. Brambling
38. Swallow
39. Shoveler
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Northern Forests of Lapland Study Tour
The last week was spent in Northern Lapland on a study tour for University. There were roughly 30 of us (20 Finns, 7 Czechs and 3 Scots) and we toured around the Inari and Ivalo area viewing various aspects of forestry and land management. It was fairly quiet in terms of birds and wildlife mainly due to the vast scale of the areas we visited and the time of year but I managed to see my number one bird on my wishlist so it was definately all worth it.
Day.1 - An early start of 6.30am to make the bus at the University campus that was leaving at 8.00am. It was a cold start with frost on the ground from the previous night. Looking out of the kitchen window and there were two Mountain Hares feeding on the grass outside. They really were huge, the size of a medium dog almost. Our first stop of the day was Sodankylä. On the journey North were Hooded Crows, Magpies, Reindeer and not a whole lot else really. We were hosted by two employees from Metsähallitus (The Finnish Forest and Park Service) and were shown around various sites related to forestry and included a forest lunch of sausage rolls and coffee around an open fire.
A few White Wagtails were seen but not much else, but the weather stayed good for the whole day. In the evening we arrived at our accomodation which consisted of log cabins right next to Inari Lake. There were a couple of Goldeneyes on the water. Later that evening I went for a walk in the forest nearby and I flushed two noisy birds which I think were Siberian Jay but it was too dark to see them or follow them so I went back to the cabin.
Day.2 - We headed to Hotel Ivalo in Ivalo for a presentation by Metsähallitus on Natural Resource Planning in the area, which has to balance the needs of Forestry, Reindeer Herding, Recreation, Hunting and the cultural traditions of the Sami people. We then visited several forestry sites again in the afternoon but towards the end of our forest lunch when heading back to the bus we had a couple of visitors, Siberian Jays! Only got to see them at a distance for a couple minutes which was frustrating but at least I finally got to see them, my most wanted bird for this trip.
Day.3
- Was an early start as we had to pack up everything to leave this
accomodation as were moving to somewhere new at the end of the day.
During this day we visited the Sami Education Institute which offers
courses for people to learn and continue the handicraft techniques of
the Sami people including jewellery making and leather tanning. A short
trip to Sajos the centre for Sami Parliament (they have their own) and
then to Siida, the Sami Museum and Nature Centre. This was very
interesting in terms of the nature side. Lot's of information displays
on the environment and it's wildlife including lots on the bird life of
the area. In terms of sightings there was not much to report as we were
inside most of the day and the weather was rubbish. The best bird I saw
was a stuffed Great Grey Owl. At the end of the day we headed to our new
accomodation for the last two nights, 6 of us had a very nice cabin on
the lake shore near to Lemmenjoki National Park. Unfortunately the
weather was still rubbish so no chance to explore but the weather looked
better for the next day.
Day.4 - This day everyone was looking forward to the most of the whole week. The weather was clear and sunny and we were heading into the heard of Lemmenjoki National Park by boat. Our first stop was the visitor centre where we were given a brief description of the park and what goes on in it. We then headed a couple km down the road to where the boats were. Two boats and 25km up river using the old gold mining route. The only other way in was to walk as there are no roads. We headed up river with some parts so still they seemed like lakes. I was keeping my eyes peeled for eagles but only a few goldeneye were seen. We stopped off at a lovely waterfall where a Red Squirrel made an appearance then continued on for the last few km to our main stop and a forest lunch before hiking to the gold mining area. Shortly after we left the camp I noticed something flying towards the group. It was a Siberian Jay coming to investigate what was going on and looking for an easy meal. It was then joined by another coming to within a few feet. We had to move on but they followed us from tree to tree for a couple hundred metres. Nothing else was seen that afternoon whilst we were panning for gold until we returned to camp which had no less than 6 Siberian Jay flying around and coming down near the fire place for scraps. Some landing not a metre away from my feet, a really great experience. I'm going to flood you with photos now as it is one of my favourite birds.
On the return leg of the boat trip a Dipper was spotted amongst many White Wagtails and a lone Little Grebe and more Reindeer on the river banks. The National Park itself is really stunning and it was a really great day. Upon returning to our accomodation the sky looked fantastic with pinks, purples and blues and later on that night I got my first proper view of the Northern Lights (although I was a little bit too drunk to take a picture by then!)
Day.5 - The fifth and final day was mostly for the journey home but we had a planned stop in Levi on the way. On one of the single track roads an Elk was spotted at the side of the road which I guessed was a young male or a female. There were also shouts for a Willow Grouse but I didn't manage to see it in time. Upon entering Levi I spotted another Siberian Jay from the bus window and a couple Ravens overhead. A group of Whooper Swans was also seen at some point on the long road back.
Overall it was a really interesting week and was nice to get a chance to see a part of Lapland properly. In terms of wildife I didn't see much but what I did was really fantastic.
Day.1 - An early start of 6.30am to make the bus at the University campus that was leaving at 8.00am. It was a cold start with frost on the ground from the previous night. Looking out of the kitchen window and there were two Mountain Hares feeding on the grass outside. They really were huge, the size of a medium dog almost. Our first stop of the day was Sodankylä. On the journey North were Hooded Crows, Magpies, Reindeer and not a whole lot else really. We were hosted by two employees from Metsähallitus (The Finnish Forest and Park Service) and were shown around various sites related to forestry and included a forest lunch of sausage rolls and coffee around an open fire.
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| Forest lunch. |
Day.2 - We headed to Hotel Ivalo in Ivalo for a presentation by Metsähallitus on Natural Resource Planning in the area, which has to balance the needs of Forestry, Reindeer Herding, Recreation, Hunting and the cultural traditions of the Sami people. We then visited several forestry sites again in the afternoon but towards the end of our forest lunch when heading back to the bus we had a couple of visitors, Siberian Jays! Only got to see them at a distance for a couple minutes which was frustrating but at least I finally got to see them, my most wanted bird for this trip.
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| Distant Siberian Jay. |
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| Stuffed Great Grey Owl at Siida |
Day.4 - This day everyone was looking forward to the most of the whole week. The weather was clear and sunny and we were heading into the heard of Lemmenjoki National Park by boat. Our first stop was the visitor centre where we were given a brief description of the park and what goes on in it. We then headed a couple km down the road to where the boats were. Two boats and 25km up river using the old gold mining route. The only other way in was to walk as there are no roads. We headed up river with some parts so still they seemed like lakes. I was keeping my eyes peeled for eagles but only a few goldeneye were seen. We stopped off at a lovely waterfall where a Red Squirrel made an appearance then continued on for the last few km to our main stop and a forest lunch before hiking to the gold mining area. Shortly after we left the camp I noticed something flying towards the group. It was a Siberian Jay coming to investigate what was going on and looking for an easy meal. It was then joined by another coming to within a few feet. We had to move on but they followed us from tree to tree for a couple hundred metres. Nothing else was seen that afternoon whilst we were panning for gold until we returned to camp which had no less than 6 Siberian Jay flying around and coming down near the fire place for scraps. Some landing not a metre away from my feet, a really great experience. I'm going to flood you with photos now as it is one of my favourite birds.
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| Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus) - A true bird of the Northern Forest |
On the return leg of the boat trip a Dipper was spotted amongst many White Wagtails and a lone Little Grebe and more Reindeer on the river banks. The National Park itself is really stunning and it was a really great day. Upon returning to our accomodation the sky looked fantastic with pinks, purples and blues and later on that night I got my first proper view of the Northern Lights (although I was a little bit too drunk to take a picture by then!)
Day.5 - The fifth and final day was mostly for the journey home but we had a planned stop in Levi on the way. On one of the single track roads an Elk was spotted at the side of the road which I guessed was a young male or a female. There were also shouts for a Willow Grouse but I didn't manage to see it in time. Upon entering Levi I spotted another Siberian Jay from the bus window and a couple Ravens overhead. A group of Whooper Swans was also seen at some point on the long road back.
Overall it was a really interesting week and was nice to get a chance to see a part of Lapland properly. In terms of wildife I didn't see much but what I did was really fantastic.
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Koivusaari...
Yesterday (08/09) was pretty much a lost day due to a hangover from some Finnish blueberry brandy (don't ask) but today (09/09) I was feeling much better so it was time to get out again. The weather was sunny but quite windy and I decided to check out Koivusaari Nature Trail which consists of 3.5km of boardwalk around one of the islands in the Ounasjoki estuary just across the water from Jängislahti.
It was fairly quiet all around but I made my way around the circular route. Surprisingly even with the cold wind there were a lot of dragonflies about basking on the boardwalk. These were Black Darters I later found out when I returned home.
Carrying on a bird hopped out of the scrub on to one of the many log piles scattered about being used to upgrade the boardwalk. The bird was a nice Lesser Whitethroat a new bird for me and one I have not seen back in the UK.
Moving on again it was still fairly quiet apart from a few sheep but it was a really nice day with a proper Autumnal feel to it. Apart from a couple of Magpies the only other birds seen were Willow Warbler and another Bluethroat.
It was fairly quiet all around but I made my way around the circular route. Surprisingly even with the cold wind there were a lot of dragonflies about basking on the boardwalk. These were Black Darters I later found out when I returned home.
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| Male Black Darter - Sympetrum danae |
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| Female |
Moving on again it was still fairly quiet apart from a few sheep but it was a really nice day with a proper Autumnal feel to it. Apart from a couple of Magpies the only other birds seen were Willow Warbler and another Bluethroat.
The island is a whole has some really nice habitat for birds and I imagine it is full of them during Spring and early summer but not today. There is a bird viewing tower on the island but I couldn't get to it due to parts of the boardwalk being removed. Still a good couple hours and another site I have now located for the future reference. Below is a selection of photos taken today. Heading up North to Inari tomorrow for a week, will report back next weekend.
Saturday, 8 September 2012
Bluethroats...
This last week started off fairly wet with Monday and Tuesday mostly raining. From Wednesday onwards the weather really picked up with plenty of sunny spells. I was busy at the University most of the week taking part in the induction week so I didn't get the chance to go out which was quite hard when there was reports of Bluethroats, Rustic Buntings and Red-throated Pipits.
Friday (08/09) was pretty much free and the weather was sunny and clear from when I woke up so there wasn't much time wasted thinking about what to do for the day. It was time to get back to Jängislahti to see if I could find some more birds on my wish list.
I cycled down and reached the site at 12:00. There were a ringers on site but they were just loading the last of their equipment into their cars before leaving, maybe next time! I decided to walk the boundary of the wasteland and check us much of the scrub as I could. Quite a few Reed Buntings about and plenty of pipits in the field but hard to identify when flushed out and fly into the sunlight but there were definately a few Meadow Pipits.
At one point I decided to walk down to the river's edge when all of a sudden out of nowhere a male Hen Harrier glided right past me up and over the trees and I didn't see it again. First time I have seen one properly and wasn't expecting it! Was too slow for a picture of the bird but I took some of the view anyway.
I carried on and came to the furthest away point from the main entrance to the site. I heard something calling in the scrub nearby which just sounded different. I decided to wait and see if I could get a view of whatever it was. After 5 mins I saw a flash of movement. I tried to follow it through the thick vegetation when all over a sudden it hopped out on to the ground, it was a Bluethroat, superb and it was quickly followed by another. The two of them flew off and I walked in the same general direction. A larger area of scrub and there were Bluethroats all over it, chasing each other and darting in and out. I counted 11 in total getting some great views of another top bird on my list and of course a lifer. Managed some heavily cropped record shots only. There was also 18 Whooper Swans out on the estuary and a Sedge Warbler in the scrub also, a bird I didn't manage to see in the UK this year.
I came to the end of the scrub and decided to retrace my steps back around. Plenty more unidentified pipits and Reed Buntings. I then went past the entrance to check out the area beyond it where most of the ringing takes place. A couple Willow Warblers were calling and spotted another Bluethroat darting around. There much to see and I started walking back when a small flock of Willow Tits landed in the birch trees nearby again another bird I have never seen back in the UK. I counted 10 in all.
I walked back to my bike where I spotted a lone Northern Wheatear was sat out in the open which was a nice finish to the day. By now it was really sunny and warm for the ride home!
Next week I am heading further North with the University for a tour of the Northern forests around Inari, maybe I will get lucky with Siberian Jay or one or two owls, we'll have to wait and see.
Friday (08/09) was pretty much free and the weather was sunny and clear from when I woke up so there wasn't much time wasted thinking about what to do for the day. It was time to get back to Jängislahti to see if I could find some more birds on my wish list.
I cycled down and reached the site at 12:00. There were a ringers on site but they were just loading the last of their equipment into their cars before leaving, maybe next time! I decided to walk the boundary of the wasteland and check us much of the scrub as I could. Quite a few Reed Buntings about and plenty of pipits in the field but hard to identify when flushed out and fly into the sunlight but there were definately a few Meadow Pipits.
At one point I decided to walk down to the river's edge when all of a sudden out of nowhere a male Hen Harrier glided right past me up and over the trees and I didn't see it again. First time I have seen one properly and wasn't expecting it! Was too slow for a picture of the bird but I took some of the view anyway.
I carried on and came to the furthest away point from the main entrance to the site. I heard something calling in the scrub nearby which just sounded different. I decided to wait and see if I could get a view of whatever it was. After 5 mins I saw a flash of movement. I tried to follow it through the thick vegetation when all over a sudden it hopped out on to the ground, it was a Bluethroat, superb and it was quickly followed by another. The two of them flew off and I walked in the same general direction. A larger area of scrub and there were Bluethroats all over it, chasing each other and darting in and out. I counted 11 in total getting some great views of another top bird on my list and of course a lifer. Managed some heavily cropped record shots only. There was also 18 Whooper Swans out on the estuary and a Sedge Warbler in the scrub also, a bird I didn't manage to see in the UK this year.
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| Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica |
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| Sedge Warbler |
I walked back to my bike where I spotted a lone Northern Wheatear was sat out in the open which was a nice finish to the day. By now it was really sunny and warm for the ride home!
Next week I am heading further North with the University for a tour of the Northern forests around Inari, maybe I will get lucky with Siberian Jay or one or two owls, we'll have to wait and see.
Sunday, 2 September 2012
First taste of Finnish birding...
Well I have made it to Finland. Been here since Thursday evening and thought I would write my first blog from here. I am staying in Rovaniemi and the city is really nice, full of Pine, Spruce and Birch in the town and as far as the eye can see and plenty of fresh water with two major rivers running through the centre. It was warmish when we got here but the temperature has dropped the last couple days with a chilly 8c at mid day today plus quite a bit of rain. Its been hectic getting accommodation sorted and trying the local beer but I've managed a bit of birdwatching already and it hasn't disappointed.
To start off with there was a nice addition to my UK life list when leaving my Dad's hotel to head off for the airport at 2am a Tawny Owl was spotted sitting in one of the roadside hedgerows giving a great view in the car headlights.
I have done a lot of research about birds and birding sites in the Rovaniemi area so I had a decent idea of where I am going to visit and what I can possibly see. I have registered with Birdlife Finland and their observation system Tiira (Finnish for Tern) which provides great info on sightings and locations. Upon checking it on the first morning (31/08) I saw that Nutcrackers were being reported all over the city and in one of the areas we were to pass when heading into the city for some shopping. Not 2km from the accommodation and there they were metres in front of me, 3 of them. Unfortunately I did not have time to watch them nor did I have my camera with me but I was definately going to come back. So less than a day in and one of my must see birds way sooner and way easier to see than I ever imagined. There were plenty of White Wagtails around the city and Hooded Crow and Herring Gull were also spotted.
On the Saturday (1/09) we decided to go to Ounasvaara Hill. This hill sits near the centre and is used heavily for recreation but is covered in Pine forest. Walking through produced Spotted Flycatchers, Goldcrest and 2 Ravens overhead, but otherwise was fairly quiet. Red Squirrels were also a common sight. After that I asked our Finnish friend who had been showing us around if she could take us to Jangislahti a site I had been informed about. Jängislahti is a wasteland area surrounded by broadleaves and scrub with areas of marsh near to the estuary of the theriver Ounasjoki and is one of the best sites to visit for birds. There are also regular ringing sessions held here. Unfortunately the only birds seen were Reed Buntings but I will definately be back, especially when I have purchased a second hand bike!
Day 3 today (02/09) there was nothing planned which meant exploring and going back to the area where I saw the Nutcrackers. I left the accommodation to start the 2km walk to the city and the trees were alive with birds. Plenty of Great and Blue Tits and Siskins. In one of the gardens I passed I also spotted 2 Fieldfare and a lone Redwing.
I hurried on down to city whilst the weather was still fairly good to the Ounaspuistikko area to find the Nutcrackers. I wasn't disappointed. There were 5 there already flying in and around the pine trees hacking off the large cones that would drop to the ground so they could smash them open with their huge beaks for the seeds inside. I sat and watched them for a good 2 hours, still can't believe I've seen one of my most wanted birds so easily. I decided to collect some cones and see if they would come closer for some pictures. It worked and I got some great views of some really stunning birds. Some pictures below. There were also a couple of Red Squirrels feeding alongside them that weren't fussed about anyone who walked on by.
A walk around another part of the city produced Tree Sparrow, Willow Warbler, Feral Pigeons, Black-headed Gull, Scaup, Goldeneye and Magpies amongst others.
So 3 days in and I have seen one of my most wanted birds from my Finland trip in decent numbers. Plenty more and plenty more places to visit and will hopefully have the time to keep this blog updated. I have also added a new page with a list of what I have seen.
To start off with there was a nice addition to my UK life list when leaving my Dad's hotel to head off for the airport at 2am a Tawny Owl was spotted sitting in one of the roadside hedgerows giving a great view in the car headlights.
I have done a lot of research about birds and birding sites in the Rovaniemi area so I had a decent idea of where I am going to visit and what I can possibly see. I have registered with Birdlife Finland and their observation system Tiira (Finnish for Tern) which provides great info on sightings and locations. Upon checking it on the first morning (31/08) I saw that Nutcrackers were being reported all over the city and in one of the areas we were to pass when heading into the city for some shopping. Not 2km from the accommodation and there they were metres in front of me, 3 of them. Unfortunately I did not have time to watch them nor did I have my camera with me but I was definately going to come back. So less than a day in and one of my must see birds way sooner and way easier to see than I ever imagined. There were plenty of White Wagtails around the city and Hooded Crow and Herring Gull were also spotted.
On the Saturday (1/09) we decided to go to Ounasvaara Hill. This hill sits near the centre and is used heavily for recreation but is covered in Pine forest. Walking through produced Spotted Flycatchers, Goldcrest and 2 Ravens overhead, but otherwise was fairly quiet. Red Squirrels were also a common sight. After that I asked our Finnish friend who had been showing us around if she could take us to Jangislahti a site I had been informed about. Jängislahti is a wasteland area surrounded by broadleaves and scrub with areas of marsh near to the estuary of the theriver Ounasjoki and is one of the best sites to visit for birds. There are also regular ringing sessions held here. Unfortunately the only birds seen were Reed Buntings but I will definately be back, especially when I have purchased a second hand bike!
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| Jängislahti area in Rovaniemi |
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| Exploring Jängislahti. |
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| View of city from Ounavaara |
I hurried on down to city whilst the weather was still fairly good to the Ounaspuistikko area to find the Nutcrackers. I wasn't disappointed. There were 5 there already flying in and around the pine trees hacking off the large cones that would drop to the ground so they could smash them open with their huge beaks for the seeds inside. I sat and watched them for a good 2 hours, still can't believe I've seen one of my most wanted birds so easily. I decided to collect some cones and see if they would come closer for some pictures. It worked and I got some great views of some really stunning birds. Some pictures below. There were also a couple of Red Squirrels feeding alongside them that weren't fussed about anyone who walked on by.
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| Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) |
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| Red Squirrel |
A walk around another part of the city produced Tree Sparrow, Willow Warbler, Feral Pigeons, Black-headed Gull, Scaup, Goldeneye and Magpies amongst others.
So 3 days in and I have seen one of my most wanted birds from my Finland trip in decent numbers. Plenty more and plenty more places to visit and will hopefully have the time to keep this blog updated. I have also added a new page with a list of what I have seen.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
The Flows...
On Saturday 18th I returned from Forsinard where I had completed a weeks volunteering for the RSPB at their Forsinard Flows reserve in Sutherland, North Highland. The Forsinard reserve which is approximately 20,000 hectares in size and is the RSPB's largest reserve consists of blanket bog, and is one of the largest remaining areas of this habitat in the world. Large areas of the flow country were planted up with commercial non-native conifers in the 70s and 80's due to tax breaks. This of course was a short sighted vision and people are starting to now realise that these blocks of trees not only severely damage the bog and it's biodiversity but that a functioning peat bog is a much better carbon sink for combating climate change. The RSPB's main focus at the moment is to restore afforested areas on their land back to peat bog by researching various felling techniques to find the most effective solution.
Day.1 - I left for the reserve on Sunday morning and made my way North. A fairly uneventful journey with a short stop at the Mound near Loch Fleet for a quick check which turned up nothing unusual. The weather was perfect and I arrived at the Forsinard Visitor centre at 14:00. Forsinard itself is tiny with the visitor centre / train station, a handful of cottages and a hotel. Upon arriving the place was very quiet which was surprising with the nice weather. I checked around the visitor centre but it was empty so I phoned the office number and a girl called Kirsty who is an information officer appeared at the office door across the road. She gave me a brief introduction and showed me around the cottage where I would be staying. I was told that usually my fellow housemates would welcome me but most of the volunteers and staff were on a weekend camping trip.
I spent the afternoon having a look around. A Spotted Flycatcher outside the visitor centre was nice to see and I walked the 1 mil Dubh Lochan nature trail which takes in some of the pristine bog habitat. The sun was still out but it was very windy.
The rest of the day I spent unpacking some stuff and getting familiar with the house. I thought it was clear that no-one was coming back by now so I headed to bed.
Day.2 - Monday morning started with me being woken up by a noise a lot like a smoke alarm when after a few seconds I realised it was a smoke alarm. I rushed through to the kitched to find a very tall man called Paul burning toast. Will came through not long after and I was introduced to my housemates for the week who had arrived back home at 1:30am. Paul and Will were long-term volunteers and turned out to be very nice people to spend the week with. I reported to the office at 9 and met most of the staff on the reserve. A quick induction of the office, visitor centre and house and it was time to get started. Unfortuntately the water had stopped working so that had to be fixed first which took us up to lunch. In the afternoon Paul, Will and myself were sent out to a part of the reserve which had already been felled and water levels of the bog were being monitored for research purposes. Our work consisted of finding dipwells which are essentially bits of pipe vertically in the ground with a GPS and measuring the water levels inside using a a tube and blowing through it til it hits the top of the water. The results are then recorded. The weather wasn't too great and the walking was tough for someone not used to the bog.
Day.3 - I reported to the office again and due to the weather, plans had to be re-shuffled so in the mean time Paul, Will and I went back to the workshop at Keeper's Cottage where I was staying to make some dipwells. This mainly consisted off drilling wholes in 1 metre length pipes and painting canes to mark the plots. After an hour one of the RSPB staff members called Martin came over to pick me up. We were heading out to part of the reserve to install new dipwells in areas of forest not yet felled.The weather was not great, the midges were bad (thankfully I had a midge net) and the walking tough with a metal frame full of equipment on my back. But it was good to be carrying out hard work and making a contribution. This was the job for the rest of day which was quiet in terms of wildlife although I heard a flock of Crossbills.
Day.4 - I was picked up at 9 at the cottage this time by reserve ecologist Mark Hancock. We were installing dipwells again but in a different area this time. We parked up the truck and made our way out to the first location with all the equipment. Getting near to the first location which was very wet I was following closely behind Mark when I stepped over a wet area and nearly disappeared into the bog! I was up to my chest and Mark had to pull me out. Scary at the time but hilarious later on! Whilst mark installed the dipwells and took peat measurements my job was to clear access routes by brashing the the trees. It was great to work with Mark as he is a fountain of knowledge and I learned a lot in a short space of time.
Later on in the evening a little party was held for Will's birthday and we watched a DVD on a large screen projector. The film was Paul and it was pretty funny!
Day.5 - This was easily my favourite day on the reserve. I was picked up at the cottage by Mark at the again to go out and install dipwells. Not long on the road and was explaining to Mark I hadn't seen a Hen Harrier before. Two minutes later and one appeared briefly not far from the road but disappeared behind a hill. We stopped the truck and the bird came back into view for a few seconds. It was a female or juvenile and a life tick for me. Most of the harriers that bred on the reserve had already moved on so it was nice to see one although brief. Whilst at roadside we also flushed a Snipe which was a nice addition to the year list. Later on in the morning a pair of Ravens were seen and flocks of Crossbills heard and the weather was fantastic. At lunch we headed to an area to see if we could see more Hen Harriers and bumped into Claire the assisant warden carrying out a deer count. I then spent the afternoon with Claire helping her count the deer in her assigned area. This is a count carried out throughout the reserve by several people at the same time to assist in deer population monitoring. When driving around I saw a couple of Wheatears and the highlight of the day and the week was a family group of Merlin which had been regularly seen. One of them, again a female or juvenile landed on a hummock a couple hundred yards away and I got a cracking view through the high spec scope in the truck. Another life tick for me.
Day.6 - Friday I was back out with Martin again installing dipwells. Not much variety through the week but still very important work. The weather was miserable and there was no wind so the midges were really bad. We only had a few to put in so we were finished by lunch with the afternoon spent making some more dipwells and cleaning up the cottage for new arrivals. Earlier in the week I spotted a moth trap in the cottage and asked if we could put it out at some point as I had never done it before. Paul decided to put the moth trap out on Friday night and we would check it in the morning.
Day.7 - We were up earlyish to check out the moth trap. It was already really warm by 8.30am and very still so the midges around the cottage were really bad. We couldnt put on repellent incase of poisoning the moths. There were groups of Meadow Pipits already picking off some moths that didn't make it into the trap. We unloaded the trap under attack by midges and got as many as we could into containers and lost quite a few. They were quite active due to the heat. We put some containers in the fridge and got down to ID'ing some. Paul was the moth expert I was just observing. Well over 100 moths in the end with some not getting ID'ed before I left due to lack of time. Paul and Will had to go on a supply run to Thurso in the afternoon so that was my cue to head home. I took a detour through Glen Loth on the way back which had some stunning views.
All in all it was a great week. Met some really nice people and learned a lot in a short space of time. Saw a couple birds that I hadn't seen before and a lot of moths! Hopefully be back again at some point for a longer spell this time. Selection of photos below, no bird photos though unfortunately. Next blog could possibly come from Finland as I leave next Thursday if time permits!
Year List additions:
129: Hen Harrier
130: Snipe
127: Merlin
Day.1 - I left for the reserve on Sunday morning and made my way North. A fairly uneventful journey with a short stop at the Mound near Loch Fleet for a quick check which turned up nothing unusual. The weather was perfect and I arrived at the Forsinard Visitor centre at 14:00. Forsinard itself is tiny with the visitor centre / train station, a handful of cottages and a hotel. Upon arriving the place was very quiet which was surprising with the nice weather. I checked around the visitor centre but it was empty so I phoned the office number and a girl called Kirsty who is an information officer appeared at the office door across the road. She gave me a brief introduction and showed me around the cottage where I would be staying. I was told that usually my fellow housemates would welcome me but most of the volunteers and staff were on a weekend camping trip.
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| Visitor Centre |
The rest of the day I spent unpacking some stuff and getting familiar with the house. I thought it was clear that no-one was coming back by now so I headed to bed.
Day.2 - Monday morning started with me being woken up by a noise a lot like a smoke alarm when after a few seconds I realised it was a smoke alarm. I rushed through to the kitched to find a very tall man called Paul burning toast. Will came through not long after and I was introduced to my housemates for the week who had arrived back home at 1:30am. Paul and Will were long-term volunteers and turned out to be very nice people to spend the week with. I reported to the office at 9 and met most of the staff on the reserve. A quick induction of the office, visitor centre and house and it was time to get started. Unfortuntately the water had stopped working so that had to be fixed first which took us up to lunch. In the afternoon Paul, Will and myself were sent out to a part of the reserve which had already been felled and water levels of the bog were being monitored for research purposes. Our work consisted of finding dipwells which are essentially bits of pipe vertically in the ground with a GPS and measuring the water levels inside using a a tube and blowing through it til it hits the top of the water. The results are then recorded. The weather wasn't too great and the walking was tough for someone not used to the bog.
Day.3 - I reported to the office again and due to the weather, plans had to be re-shuffled so in the mean time Paul, Will and I went back to the workshop at Keeper's Cottage where I was staying to make some dipwells. This mainly consisted off drilling wholes in 1 metre length pipes and painting canes to mark the plots. After an hour one of the RSPB staff members called Martin came over to pick me up. We were heading out to part of the reserve to install new dipwells in areas of forest not yet felled.The weather was not great, the midges were bad (thankfully I had a midge net) and the walking tough with a metal frame full of equipment on my back. But it was good to be carrying out hard work and making a contribution. This was the job for the rest of day which was quiet in terms of wildlife although I heard a flock of Crossbills.
Day.4 - I was picked up at 9 at the cottage this time by reserve ecologist Mark Hancock. We were installing dipwells again but in a different area this time. We parked up the truck and made our way out to the first location with all the equipment. Getting near to the first location which was very wet I was following closely behind Mark when I stepped over a wet area and nearly disappeared into the bog! I was up to my chest and Mark had to pull me out. Scary at the time but hilarious later on! Whilst mark installed the dipwells and took peat measurements my job was to clear access routes by brashing the the trees. It was great to work with Mark as he is a fountain of knowledge and I learned a lot in a short space of time.
Later on in the evening a little party was held for Will's birthday and we watched a DVD on a large screen projector. The film was Paul and it was pretty funny!
Day.5 - This was easily my favourite day on the reserve. I was picked up at the cottage by Mark at the again to go out and install dipwells. Not long on the road and was explaining to Mark I hadn't seen a Hen Harrier before. Two minutes later and one appeared briefly not far from the road but disappeared behind a hill. We stopped the truck and the bird came back into view for a few seconds. It was a female or juvenile and a life tick for me. Most of the harriers that bred on the reserve had already moved on so it was nice to see one although brief. Whilst at roadside we also flushed a Snipe which was a nice addition to the year list. Later on in the morning a pair of Ravens were seen and flocks of Crossbills heard and the weather was fantastic. At lunch we headed to an area to see if we could see more Hen Harriers and bumped into Claire the assisant warden carrying out a deer count. I then spent the afternoon with Claire helping her count the deer in her assigned area. This is a count carried out throughout the reserve by several people at the same time to assist in deer population monitoring. When driving around I saw a couple of Wheatears and the highlight of the day and the week was a family group of Merlin which had been regularly seen. One of them, again a female or juvenile landed on a hummock a couple hundred yards away and I got a cracking view through the high spec scope in the truck. Another life tick for me.
Day.6 - Friday I was back out with Martin again installing dipwells. Not much variety through the week but still very important work. The weather was miserable and there was no wind so the midges were really bad. We only had a few to put in so we were finished by lunch with the afternoon spent making some more dipwells and cleaning up the cottage for new arrivals. Earlier in the week I spotted a moth trap in the cottage and asked if we could put it out at some point as I had never done it before. Paul decided to put the moth trap out on Friday night and we would check it in the morning.
Day.7 - We were up earlyish to check out the moth trap. It was already really warm by 8.30am and very still so the midges around the cottage were really bad. We couldnt put on repellent incase of poisoning the moths. There were groups of Meadow Pipits already picking off some moths that didn't make it into the trap. We unloaded the trap under attack by midges and got as many as we could into containers and lost quite a few. They were quite active due to the heat. We put some containers in the fridge and got down to ID'ing some. Paul was the moth expert I was just observing. Well over 100 moths in the end with some not getting ID'ed before I left due to lack of time. Paul and Will had to go on a supply run to Thurso in the afternoon so that was my cue to head home. I took a detour through Glen Loth on the way back which had some stunning views.
All in all it was a great week. Met some really nice people and learned a lot in a short space of time. Saw a couple birds that I hadn't seen before and a lot of moths! Hopefully be back again at some point for a longer spell this time. Selection of photos below, no bird photos though unfortunately. Next blog could possibly come from Finland as I leave next Thursday if time permits!
Year List additions:
129: Hen Harrier
130: Snipe
127: Merlin
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| Keepers Cottage |
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| Silver Y |
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| Goldspot |
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| The Ben Griams |
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| Glen Loth |
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| The Mound |
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