Zvezda & Alex BY2022: Back on track

[Zim Girl]

Lovely pictures of the Spotted Crake!

[xelas]

Our third day of birding we have started at Sečoveljske soline (saltworks). Unfortunately it has not rained for months in Slovenia and all the pans were bone dry. We have not even tried to walk the long way down towards the sea. Instead we have returned to Škocjanski zatok ... and have not regretted that decision.

 

Škocjanski zatok, 28-March-2022

 

BY 062 / SI 062

Meadow Pipit - Anthus pratensis

 

 

 

 

For comparison,what I believe is a Water Pipit (already counted as BY010).

 

[xelas]

Ruff was the most numerous bird in both Isola della Cona and Škocjanski zatok. I hope to see the male in its breeding outfit in Seewinkel.

 

BY 063 / SI 063

Ruff - Philomachus pugnax

 

female

 

male

[xelas]

While Curlew is a regular visitor, and is also regularly seen, its little cousin is much less frequent sight. Last seen (by us) in 2018 in Costa Rica. We were rightly excited, and have taken (too) many photos of it.

 

BY 064 / SI 064

Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus

 

 

 

[xelas]

Equally special bird, one that we have seen in Seewinkel in 2019. There were many of them in Isola della Cona but too far away for a decent photo. This one was also the last photo before leaving the coast. 

 

BY 065 / SI 065

Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa

 

[TonyQ]

A really productive visit with beautiful photos.

The Spotted Crake in particular is stunning

[xelas]

54 minutes ago, TonyQ said:

A really productive visit with beautiful photos.

The Spotted Crake in particular is stunning

Thanks Tony! There were even more new birds photographed but they have been put into the on hold folder due to some quality issues . They might resurfaced at the end of the year when we will be cleaning the bottom of the birding barrel .

Edited March 31, 2022 by xelas

[TonyQ]

@xelasso I am not the only on who has an “on hold” folder to be opened at the end of December 

[xelas]

Not only useful to boost the BY number but also to finish strong in the EBC category .

[PeterHG]

That is an impressive collection of new birds, @xelas! Absolutely wonderful photos of the Crake, but also of the waders, like the Whimbrel. Great effort by Zvezda and yourself!

[Kitsafari]

lovely additions from both of you. 

[michael-ibk]

Some very cool species, and beautiful photos. Spotted Crake is top. 

[Galana]

17 hours ago, xelas said:

Not only useful to boost the BY number but also to finish strong in the EBC category .

Wait until you see what I have in my 'not to be opened until Christmas ' Folder.

[xelas]

@Galana what if your photos are like wine: the more mature the better they are?!

[Galana]

3 hours ago, xelas said:

the more mature the better they are?!

Like me you mean?

[xelas]

12 hours ago, Galana said:

Like me you mean?

Exactly!

[xelas]

Quite common bird often seen on lawns. Usually we got it in Arboretum Volčji Potok. This one was photographed closer to our home.

 

BY 066 / SI 066

Song Thrush - Turdus philomelos

 

Ljubljansko Barje, 29-Mar-2022

[xelas]

The only way to get info about rare sightings in Slovenia is to follow the eBird website. There I have read about two newcomers to Škocjanski zatok. I was lucky to get one. It did stayed quite at a distance so IQ is not where it should be, yet chances of seeing this bird again are slim in Slovenia.

 

BY 067 / SI 067

Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus

 

 

Škocjanski zatok, 4-Apr-2022

[Soukous]

Nice photos. We've had a Glossy Ibis or 2 in the area for the past month or so but I still haven't got around to making a trip to see it. Either crappy weather or other commitments. 

[xelas]

This Harrier get me in a better mood . It is a frequent sight but usually flies much higher.

 

 

BY 068 / SI 068

Western Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus

 

 

Škocjanski zatok, 4-Apr-2022

[xelas]

As a bonus shot a Black-tailed Godwit, this time a female. Already counted as BY065.

 

Škocjanski zatok, 4-Apr-2022

[PeterHG]

Glad you managed to get the Ibis and great shots of the Marsh Harrier

[TonyQ]

Well done with the Ibis and lovely photos of the Marsh Harrier

[xelas]

Thanks, @PeterHGand @TonyQ. 

[xelas]

Very vocal bird with the song that even I am able to recognise. But skulky and they do love to keep themselves within thorny shrubs and deep shadows. So this one is as good as I am able to get. A kind of "environmental" shot 

 

BY 069 / SI 069

Cetti's Warbler - Cettia cetti

 

Škocjanski zatok, 13-Apr-2022