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

[xelas]

All that Laško during the weekend needed to be evaporated today. I was looking for a Spotted Flycatcher but only found an adult Pied Flycatcher. The one posted as #030 was 1st winter male, this is an adult male.

 

[xelas]

After having no luck browsing through the "flycatchers territory" I have changed the location. Not much, still within short walking distance from our house. A narrow Prošca river attracts water birds but stalking them is difficult as river banks are overgrown. However, being a lucky birder a duck that eluded me in past two years was floating on the calm water.

 

BY 038 / SI 038

Garganey - Anas querquedula

 

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 19-Apr-2021

Edited April 19, 2021 by xelas

[xelas]

Just because it was also there.

 

BY 039 / SI 039

Mute Swan - Cygnus olor

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 19-Apr-2021

[xelas]

The best surprise was seen along the Ljubljanica river. A flock of about 10-12 species suddenly flew off a dead tree on the bank of the river. Mostly adults accompanied with few juveniles.

 

BY 040 / SI 040

Black-crowned Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax

 

 

 

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 19-Apr-2021

[xelas]

In the afternoon, it was Zvezda's time to find a new bird. And to take photos. She excelled in both tasks. There are 2 photos because it was raining.

 

BY 041 / SI 041

European Stonechat - Saxicola rubicola

 

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 19-Apr-2021

[Peter Connan]

Lovely shots and species Alex and Zvezda!

[michael-ibk]

Very nice Stonechat, and cool Night Heron sighting! 

[Galana]

Another rewarding outing for both of you.  I am given to wondering if there have ever been as many Garganey in a Big Year before? They seem to be everywhere.(except here )

[michael-ibk]

Indeed - I did not get a Garganey last year, and I have seen a lot of them this spring. 

[xelas]

April weather: sunny in the morning, thunderstorms in the afternoon. Which gives crisp and clean air, great for walking and birding.

My first "Catch Of The Day" was a male example of #025 - Black Redstart.

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 20-Apr-2021

[xelas]

Next one should be taken in the air, but this bird is way beyond my pay grade (= it is too fast for my skill level). Thus I give you a BOW.

 

BY 042 / SI 042

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 20-Apr-2021

[xelas]

It is good to have friends. Who has cars. After months of being confined even a short drive to the outskirt of Ljubljana feels oh so goooood! The photo, well, EBC and I can always count on Zvezda to get us a better one.

 

BY 043 / SI 043

Eurasian Jay - Garrulus glandarius

 

Rakitna, 20-Apr-2021

 

 

 

[xelas]

Warblers are back. In good numbers. This one was also silent (not that I would know the song anyway).

 

 

BY 044 / SI 044

Wood Warbler - Phylloscopus sibilatrix

 

Domžale, 22-Apr-2021

Edited April 27, 2021 by xelas

[xelas]

I am slowly enlarging my birding territory. Today I went to nearby Protected Nature Area. Past years I have either used a car, or a bicycle. With a car I was able to cover more ground. With a bicycle, it was complicated to hold the camera. On foot was better, but after 4 hours I have felt the weight of the camera body&lens. 

 

[xelas]

BY 045 / SI 045

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

 

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 21-Apr-2021

[xelas]

BY 046 / SI 046

Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 21-Apr-2021

[xelas]

BY 047 / SI 047

Yellowhammer - Emberiza citrinella

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 21-Apr-2021

[xelas]

BY 048 / SI 048

Northern Raven - Corvus corax

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 21-Apr-2021

[michael-ibk]

Very nice Whitethroat. Also the Warbler - but IMO that´s not a Wood but a Willow Warbler.

[xelas]

59 minutes ago, michael-ibk said:

but IMO that´s not a Wood but a Willow Warbler.

Trying to do a solo flight ... and crashed . Good news is that the number stays .

[xelas]

Well, after spending one sleepless night behind the scree and books, and two days out gathering local variants of warblers, I have re-edited #044 back to its original ID.

[xelas]

And this one is its cousin.

 

BY 049 / SI 049

Willow Warbler - Phylloscopus trochilus

 

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 21-Apr-2021

[Tdgraves]

Or it’s cousin, the chiffchaff....??

[Soukous]

[Galana]

Agreed. I would take this as a Willie Warbler but it ain't easy.

Anyway if he takes as many photos of these as he does of Bulbuls he has the law of probability working for him.