Hoopoes

Yesterday in the late afternoon I was back on the Slovenian Karst in the same old area that I regularly visit throughout spring and summer. Red-backed Shrike was by far the most numerous species with up to 30 birds seen. But perhaps the most notable observation was that of 6 Hoopoes feeding on a recently mowed meadow. When a Sparrowhawk approached from the nearby woodland, they all took off and landed in some hawthorn and dog-rose bushes (above). A singing Quail was most probably the same bird I used to hear throughout the spring. I was glad to notice that the local farmers are mowing the meadows with great care of breeding birds and always leave large patches of rough grass for the birds to hide and nest. Thus lots of Skylarks were still around, along with some Corn Buntings and a Stonechat. A male Honey Buzzard gliding overhead was also of note.

Honey Buzzard

Everything is Allium-covered at the moment

Local patch: this morning I went to look for Common Sandpiper (a patch year-tick) at Miramare and found 5 birds on the rocks by the sea, just under the castle's wall. The species is a passage migrant in the patch area and July is usually the best month to see one. The last Common Sandpiper I saw here was back in 2006 (or something)... quite a long time ago, but actually I rarely visit the area in summer. Three Common Terns were also around as well as plenty of Shags as usual.
Yesterday evening also a singing Nightjar was heard, along with a Golden Oriole.

On Wednesday evening I counted Shags at the roost on Debeli rtič (Slovenia/Italy border) and scored a total of 482 birds. Also 24 Mediterranean Gulls in all different plumages were around, along with 11 Common Terns, a Little Egret and 4 Common Sandpipers.

Adult Med Gull