Saturday 7 August 2010

In the domain of the Golden Eagle




The grassy slopes of the mount Nanos in Slovenia, provided a good place for raptor-watching this morning. The area lies between the mountain's tip and (northwards to) the Trnovo forest.
Amazing movement of birds of prey and other species: Kestrel (4 - common), Sparrowhawk (1-2, soaring very low), NUTCRACKER (often heard and seen briefly in flight), Red-backed Shrike, Grey-headed Woodpecker (1 singing), Stonechat (1 m), Tree Pipit, WOOD WARBLER (1 showing very well and close on a pine tree), Buzzard (6), Rock Bunting, Cirl Bunting (1), Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Raven (6), Bullfinch (heard singing), Black Redstart, Honey Buzzard (5 in total - soaring at different times), GOLDEN EAGLE (3 in total: 1 juv., 1 ad, 1 sub.ad., sometimes soaring together - giving some great views - see pics above), Linnet, Crested Tit, Goshawk (1 juv. soaring quite low with a Sparrowhawk and showing well), Black Woodpecker (1 calling from the wooded valley), GRIFFON VULTURE (from 13.00 pm onwards a nice passage of birds heading north, counted 5 in total).
Butterflies: Ringlet, Swallowtail, Marbled White, Great Banded Grayling, Silver-washed Fritillary.
Golden Eagle:

Goshwak:




Griffon Vulture:


Honey Buzzard: