LM's 5th BY, 2021 - cause I don't have a lot else to do!

[lmSA84]

110. Common Eider, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

 

[lmSA84]

111. Purple Sandpiper, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

This was the highlight of the trip and a lifer for me - I don't know why but I just can't seem to be in the right place to ever see these guys in the UK.

 

[lmSA84]

112. European Shag, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

 

 

[lmSA84]

113. Rock Pipit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

Edited December 1, 2021 by lmSA84

[lmSA84]

114. Common Guillemot, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

[lmSA84]

115. Great Egret, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

[lmSA84]

116. Common Gull, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

[lmSA84]

117. Great Black-Backed Gull, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

Edited November 28, 2021 by lmSA84

[lmSA84]

118. Australian Wood Duck, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

A bit of a cheat but we saw two different pairs so I'm claiming it. 

 

[lmSA84]

Alongside the new birds I also got a few shots that improve on the dismal quality of others (particularly my Wigeon shot). I also saw a Cormorant battling with an eel - quite impressive to see him guzzle it down.

 

 

 

 

 

[Galana]

A worth while trip especially as a side trip.

Your GBBG is an worthy capture.

Not sure about your Water Pipit with pink legs though. Habitat more akin to Rock Pipit too.

[Dave Williams]

You have been sitting on some excellent sightings! 100 came and went in a flash!

Am I alone in thinking your Willow Warbler is a Chiffchaff ? The legs look very dark for WW..

[PeterHG]

Good to see a lot of great additions from your trips! I love your Snowy Owl, what a magnificent bird. Your series with Snow Bunting, Purple Sandpiper etc. was probably taken at the Zuidpier near IJmuiden? A great birding area and I should go back there one of these days. I do agree with @Galanaon your pipit. The Rock Pipit is the one that is always present there on the coast, so I would think that's what it is. 

[Galana]

1 hour ago, Dave Williams said:

Am I alone in thinking your Willow Warbler is a Chiffchaff ?

Well I did look hard at the legs but some Willies do have dark ones. I stuck on the clear supercilium  and moved on.

But who knows?

[Zim Girl]

Great pictures of the Ptarmigan and the Snowy Owl, would love to see both of those!

[xelas]

Congratulations on #100, and what a great photo. Snowy Owl in snowy environment is a tricky subject to exposure properly ... and you did it!

[lmSA84]

Thank you all! @PeterHG- yep you're right. That was the area. I think that it's also a good area for Horned Lark. I thought that I saw them briefly but the rain arrived at that point.

 

@PeterHGand @Galanaare right on the pipit. An oversight on my part, as I had recorded it as Rock but wrote water in the entry. As for Willow vs. Chiffcaff - ! I do appreciate the comment though @Dave Williams- as I wasn't previously looking at the legs to distinguish them. Good tip! 

[Kitsafari]

Congrats on the 100th and a magnificent bird to celebrate it with! On my top list. 2 days ago our guide said a snowy owl was seen in Spain  - a 4- hour drive from where we were.  We briefly considered it but gave up! 

 

[Galana]

5 hours ago, Kitsafari said:

We briefly considered it but gave up! 

See what you missed..

https://www.birdguides.com/news/snowy-owl-arrival-causes-shockwaves-in-spain/

[Peter Connan]

Some really wonderful additions and congratulations on the century!

[TonyQ]

Beautiful additions from Canada. The Snowy Owl is stunning 

[michael-ibk]

Very late on commenting on it but better late than never - the Snowy Owl photo is just magnificent!

[Dave Williams]

A very laid back approach to the BY ( and why not!) but it didn't hold you back. I'd swop nearly all mine for the Snowy Owl!