After last years' dip, today I finally managed to see a fantastic new siberian species: the
*PINE BUNTING* at Magredi del Meduna (Pordenone). There were two stunning males, along with at least one female, within large flocks of
Yellowhammers (80x approx.) and
Reed Buntings (120x ap.). Once also seen feeding on the ground, otherwise on high bushes or in the treetops. Other buntings included ap. 6x
Rock Buntings and 10x
Cirl Buntings. In the same habitat a male
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker showed up (apparently the first record for the area), some
Linnets, 10x
Fieldfares, some
Siskins,
Bramblings and a juv. male
Hen Harrier.
Male Pine Bunting (by DomenS)



Then a quick stop at Santa Maria di Sclaunicco (UD), produced the usual roosting
Long-eared Owls (at least 18x birds on the pine tree), with one bird taking off and flying to the open fields.
LEOs (by DomenS)


At last on the Aussa-Corno estuary (San Giorgio di Nogaro - UD) there was a nice
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (ssp.
graellsii) among
Yellow-legged and
Common Gulls plus a
Med Gull. At least 8x
Marsh Harriers with one male
Hen Harrier and a flying flock of 13x
BEARDED REEDLINGS.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (by DomenS)
Nice day!