Winter's first Merlin for Škocjanski zatok

Škocjanski zatok (KP): today's highlight was a superb male MERLIN perched on the grass in the freshwater marsh. It remained there for at least 10-15 minutes, giving great views (see pics above). It represents the first record of the species this winter. Other birds in the area included: 2-3 Wigeon, Shoveler, lots of Teals, 2 males Pochard (in the freshwater), 2 females Tufted Duck, +6 Pygmy Cormorant, 1 Great Egret, 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 10-15 Greenshanks over the brackish lagoon and 1 female Brambling (ringed) at the feeding station (with all the other finches and tits).

Lazzaretto - Muggia (TS) - on the sea: +12 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Curlew on the mudflats, 5 Great Crested Grebes, +5 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Kingfishers, 1 Black-throated Diver and 1 male Common Eider, which seems to be an irregular visitor to the area.

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:

1st Nov 2009: Trnovski gozd (Slovenia)

Birding in the mature slovenian forest of Trnovo produced some good birds as usual. Three highlights in complete daylight were a URAL OWL, seen very well; perching on beeches and spruces plus other 3x heard, a very confident PYGMY OWL and a *WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER* - only heard. Also the first Redwing for the season feeding on rowan berries. Then two Sparrowhawks (one mobbing the Ural Owl!), some Skylarks flying over, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Wren, Song Thrush - 3x, Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Crested Tit, Eurasian Treecreeper. Many mixed flocks of finches including: Bramblings, Chaffinches, Linnets (few), Siskins, some Bullfinches, 3x Hawfinches, Crossbills.

Mammals were only one black morph Red Squirrel and 3x Roe Deers.

Here are some pics (all by DomenS):

Pygmy Owl


Pygmy Owl


Pygmy Owl


Ural Owl


Ural Owl


Brambling


Siskin