More migration and party night!
We spent the day birding around Oland. Yesterday was Barnacle Goose day, today was Common Eider, and boy were they common! A count from the point produced a staggering 10,000 passing per hour! The Eider were passing in huge long lines low and very fast, an impressive migration. Also passing were Long tailed Ducks, Velvet Scoter and Black throated Diver. As the day went on a swarm of Goldcrests and masses of Robins arrived in the scant cover around the lighthouse. Every bush had several of each species and the birds were totally unafraid. Goldcrests were just falling out of the sky and landing at our feet! The seaweed along the shoreline was covered in Robins and Goldcrests as they desperately sought food. A paler bird flew and landed on the seaweed, a Treecreeper!A Rough legged Buzzard hovered right above us allowing amazing views. An emergency stop had us along side a lovely Great Grey Shrike. As we watched this black, grey and white beauty dived into the grass and came up with a vole. It flew to a nearby bush and treated us to a master class of butchery skills, gruesome but enthralling.Still plenty of Barnacle Geese about and we found two European White fronted Geese amongst one grazing flock.In the evening we were invited to a party. No ordinary party, this was a birders party, the Swedish 300 Club were celebrating 25 years of the club and great birding. Although we could not understand a lot of what was said we realised it was a great night and everyone was laughing and having a great time! We really enjoyed the entertainment, including a history of birding complete with fashion show!!