Alex & Zvezda's Big Year 2021: Version 6.0 Limited Edition

[xelas]

BY 107 / SI 107

Northern Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus

 

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 12-May-2021

[xelas]

it is good to have contacts with other birders. They (sometimes) shares info; knowing about a colony this close to Ljubljana spares me a long drive. The clouds have blocked most of the sunlight so another visit is imminent. Also to get them in the air. And I've heard a cuckoo there.

 

 

BY 108 / SI 108

European Bee-eater - Merops apiaster

 

 

Dol pri Ljubljani, 13-May-2021

[Galana]

Great extra #100 photo and lovely Lapwing in flight.

Amazing what our countries have available to be seen. Something that we would not have known without Lockdown.

Cheaper to get to also.

[xelas]

Up in the sky, not every buzzard is a Common Buzzard!

 

 

BY 109 / SI 109

European Honey Buzzard - Pernis apivorus

 

 

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 14-May-2021

[xelas]

There were also several smaller birds hanging around but all of them already counted this year. I will post them anyway, in order not to throw away time spent on the field and behind the comp.

 

016 - Common Buzzard

 

046 - Tree Pipit

 

047 - Yellowhammer

 

052 - Whitethroat

 

 

[michael-ibk]

Beautiful honey buzzard! 

[PeterHG]

We've been away for a few days (the isle of Texel), so I have some catching up to do. And what a joy that was! An amazing set of Hobby photos, by both you and Tanja, wonderful additions by Zvezda from the Spa and  stunning Shrike, Bee-eater and Honey buzzard shots! You're back, that for sure and I'll be looking forward to more by the three of you.

[Kitsafari]

brilliant honey buzzard shots!

[Peter Connan]

Congratulations on the century. You seem to be picking up speed and quality! 

[elefromoz]

On 4/23/2021 at 10:24 PM, xelas said:

All three were photographed along the Kamniška Bistrica river.

 A very nice spot too.

Congrats on 50, your surgery seems to have aided the IF shots!  I stopped 'liking' when I realised I was 5 pages behind, all fabulous. Terrific shots of the hunting Falcon Tanya. I had to give the Bee-eater a "like" though, great to see them featuring again.

Woosh... congrats on 100!

[Dave Williams]

Flippin heck there you go again. Well done on your turn of speed Alex !!

 

[xelas]

Common Kestrel (#026) is often seen flying above. I think a male was presented. Here are also a juvenile and a female, both photographed by Zvezda in Ljubljansko Barje on 16-May-2021.

 

female

 

juvenile

 

 

[xelas]

Yesterday could be described also as a Tale of 3 Lakes & 12.000 steps. A lot of walking was involved while we have checked 3 new locations. All three lakes, all three artificial, and all three with different background.

 

First on the list was Gradiško jezero. Lake Gradiška is an artificially dammed lake near Gradišče in the municipality of Lukovica. The lake was built as a wet reservoir on the Drtijščica stream, which protects the Ljubljana - Maribor motorway from torrential waters. It is a popular recreational spot for locals and both Domžale and Ljubljana. There is a circular path, 4,2 kms long.

 

Gradiško jezero

[xelas]

We were late so there were other walkers on the path, and many have had their dogs with them. Birding was not to be "exceptional" in such circumstances. Either well hidden or soaring high on the sky. Nevertheless our count has increased (if not contested by fellow birders). Not this one.

 

BY 110 / SI 110

Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes

 

Gradiško jezero, 20-May-2021

[xelas]

But this one was once already contested. This time I hope I've got it right.

 

BY 111 / SI 111

Mistle Thrush - Turdus viscivorus

 

 

Gradiško jezero, 20-May-2021

[xelas]

There were several birds of prey soaring high in the sky. For many not even the extreme cropping was helpful enough to get enough data for ID. This one was a bit more cooperative. ID based on general shape and a hint of orange in the eye. 

 

 

BY 112 / SI 112

Northern Goshawk - Accipiter gentilis

 

Gradiško jezero, 20-May-2021

[xelas]

My driver & birding companion on Gradiško was Tanja. Later in the day, a friend of mine wanted to see the White-tailed Eagle that has a nest near Reško jezero. The lake was "born" when a concrete dam was constructed and behind it is now a 20 ha lake. It is known as the breeding ground of 1 pair of White-tailed Eagle (out of 8-11 that are breeding in Slovenia). Eagle's Trail has been located by Lake Reka since 2017. Along this forest educational trail, 8 didactic aids and 10 information boards have been set up, three ornithological observatories with a view of the lake have been built, and access paths have been arranged. The learning trail and observatories are located in an area of the forest reserve that is not used for nesting by white-tailed eagles.

 

Reško jezero

 

Our hope fortified by interviewing a few locals who told us that the eagle is in the area. However, as the nest itself is a well kept secret, and the eagle must have been well fed for the day, we have only enjoyed the pristine nature and have learnt a few new facts about the eagle. Not to get away without any bird photos, here are local GH ballerina and a flirting RBS

 

 

[xelas]

Last one was Kočevsko jezero. I have to admit that I did not even knew there is a lake in Kočevje. Rudniško Lake, also Kočevsko Lake, is located on Kočevsko polje, and was formed at the bottom of a mine basin, in which brown coal was exploited by a daily mine. Now is transformed into a recreational area.

 

 

No birds were photographed here as we have stopped only because it was already 5 pm and time to have a late lunch. However, as the reeds in the background must be a good spot for warblers, here is one which might be seen here (bird was photographed at Gradiško jezero)

 

Sedge Warbler

 

 

[xelas]

It was a beautiful day, fresh and clean air, and on our way home we have stopped in Ribnica, for my preferred ice cream! 

 

Bistrica river

 

Cheers!

[PeterHG]

An outing with stunning scenery, some good birds and delicious-looking ice-cream to finish it off. Looks like the two of you had a wonderful day!

[Galana]

A lovely day out indeed in some good weather too. I have not had an Ice Cream yet this year so salivating at yours.

No problem at all with your Mistle Thrush but I am not too sure about your Goshawk. It has a strong resemblance to a female Sparrowhawk to me. The legs are skinny and tarsus quite long after leaving the trousered legs. I tried to ID the prey for a size comparison but failed.

[Kitsafari]

such lovely sceneries to enjoy despite not being able to travel abroad. I'm envious. 

 

 

[xelas]

7 hours ago, Galana said:

I am not too sure about your Goshawk. It has a strong resemblance to a female Sparrowhawk to me.

 

I was afraid of it being a Sparrowhawk. Oh well, at least the MT is in the bag .

[xelas]

5 hours ago, Kitsafari said:

such lovely sceneries to enjoy despite not being able to travel abroad. I'm envious. 

 

 

Don't be. We (might) have better outdoors but you surely have better birds 

[TonyQ]

Wonderful new additions, raced past 100. Well done.

Slovenia looks beautiful.