Taiga Flycather 3.11.2016

On 3rd of November I made new visit to Seurasaari to see Taiga Flycatcher and this time I had my camera with me. I was with Vilma, so I had to be quick to get my photos.
Lots of birders around the area where the bird was and our main target was showing very well. Bird was sitting on one same branch almost the whole time and it was easy to watch. Vilma wanted to move constantly, so I had only short periods time to take photos.

Taiga Flycatcher.

Taiga Flycatcher.

Pretty son we left and we had nice little walk around the island. We found Pygmy Owl and Boreal Owl in same place and lots of common winter birds. Crested Tit was nice and two species of Woodpeckers. (Black and Great-spotted). Boreal Owl was new stroller tick for me! Shame that the bird was sitting so deep in the clump of spruces so I didn´t get an photos.

Pygmy Owl.

Great two hours in the island and then back home for Vilmas nap.


-Tom

Two times MEGA 2.11.2016

Something amazing happened at first of November. First ever Upland Sandpiper was found in Nakkila, W-Finland and same day Possible Taiga Flycatcher in Helsinki, also first for Finland. 

Next day I took Jände and my family and together we drove to Nakkila to see that North-American miracle. Almost three hour drive and we arrived to Lestilänjärvi, where the bird was found. Bird was showing well and first lifer of the day was there. I also got stroller tick of it because Vilma was with us. 

Upland Sandpiper.

And again.

Me and Vilma in Nakkila.

Vilma walks everywhere these days. 

During our drive to Nakkila, the ID of the flycatcher was almost clear and we decided to drive back to Helsinki and twitch it too. Days are short in November so we had to be quick with the flycatcher. 

It was snowing and sun was setting when we arrived to the place where the bird was found. Thank god bird was showing well, but Vilma and Sanni were behind us and I had to get that important stroller tick. So I ran back and we met in halfway, and I carried our strollers and Vilma to the place and in last lights I got that stroller tick. I was sweated like crazy, but it was really a worth of every drop! 

Happy stroller ticker! 

Poor document photo of the Taiga Flycatcher.

So, what a day! Two new species for Finland and saw them both in a single day. Not gonna happen again! Special thanks to Sanni and Vilma, it is hard to stay long periods in car and listen birding mambojambo from front seat. Love you guys so much, and I hope you stand with me with this great hobby. Also thanks Jände for great company. This was one of those days you remember forever. 

-Tom

Black-throated Accentor in Helsinki 23.10.2016

During the massive migration of Siberian Accentor an alarm of Black-throated Accentor came at 23th of October. I was working but luckily I had chadnge to twitch after my shift.
Sanni and Vilma joined me and we picked Tyron to see this bird with us. He has already seen the bird but joined us anyway.
When we arrived to the site there was about 30 to 40 people waiting the bird. It was found from small pile of wood and it showed only few seconds every time and then hide to the pile again.
We waited and I noticed that I left my to the first place where we watched the pile. I walked and took my scope and at the same time people yelled "there, there" I was at the wrong side of the pile!!
I ran and saw the bird, but not good enough... Shit! Possibly the only change and I dipped it.
So I said to Sanni that we had to stay for little bit longer and it was fine for her and Vilma.
About 30 minuted later I spotted the bird from the pile and after few seconds it flew to the nearest reeds and disappeared there. Phooh! Thnak god I found it again!

The pile where the bird was.

Some twitchers. 

Tyron and I after seeing the bird properly! 

Great species and only 11th for Finland. Black-throated Accentor is also super rarity in Europe, so it was great to see this one of my dream come true bird!
Thanks for the company Ty, Sanni, Vilma and others.

-Tom

Turtle Dove 20.10.2016

On 20th I took Vilma with me and we drove to Haltiala to see quite late Turtle Dove. My goal was of course to get stroller tick and being outside is always good for Vilma.
I parked my car near where I saw other birders and then I took wrong path and suddenly we were wrong side of a little stream. First I carried Vilma and strollers to the other side and I asked a elderly lady to keep her eye on Vilma for one second so I could get my telescope to the right side. All went well and bird was still showing, though it was hiding in a tree and clearly had sleeping in its mind.
I took some photos and very son Vilma stated to be tired, so we left. Good species these days in Finland and sadly Turtle Doves are getting more and more harder to see every year.

Phonescope photo.

-Tom

Suomenoja with Vilma 19.10.2016

I had a day off from work, so I decided to take Vilma and together we went to look some Siberian Accentors from Suomenoja, Espoo. I was hoping to find my own bird of course.
We arrived to the carpark and I noticed big numbers of Bohemian Waxwings flying around. That is really a sign of late Autumn and early winter. Soon after we started to walk I spotted small flock of Redpolls and in this flock I had one beautiful Arctic Redpoll! What a start. Stroller tick and year tick for me.

Some Waxwings.

Some ducks were still present feeding in the lake when we walk around the area. Gadwalls, Tufted Ducks, Mute Swans, Coots and Mallards mostly with few Goldeneyes. Lots of Robins were calling and few Dunnocks here and there.
I made few longer stops and played some Sibe Accentor tape, but no luck. Tree Sparrows, Long-tailed Tits, more Dunnocks, more Robins, Bullfinches etc. Common stuff!

Suomenoja Lake.

Long-tailed Tit.

Vilma! 

Because I didn´t find my own siberian Accentor I had time to photograph common species. Clser to the carpark I found three Chiffchaffs, some Redwings, Song Thrush and more Robins.

Male Blackbird.

Common Chiffchaff.

Closest to Siberian Accentor today, Dunnock.

Great way to spend time with my daughter. She got lots of fresh air and I had time to watch birds. At the end Vilma starter to be so tired that she was already sleeping before I got back home.

-Tom

Dusky Warbler in Helsinki 18.10.2016

I was still working when I got message of Dusky Warbler in Kivikko and found by my friend Janne Koskinen! I cycled back home and checked the alarm system. Because the bird was still present, I took Sanni and Vilma with me and together we drove to Kivikko.
We were super lucky because when we arrived to the place bird was moving and I managed to see it. I was pushing our strollers and Saw the bird quickly, but close enough before it flew to the woods near by.
More people came and we watched the little area where the bird was found. About an hour later Kari Lindblom found the bird again and again very quickly bird showed to us before it disappeared to the woods. The whole time I was thinking that "shit, I didn´t get that stroller tick" but the I noticed that I was really pushing the thing when I saw the bird in first place. Great twitch! Finally we had leave because Vilma started to be tired and she had number two in her diaper.
Thanks Sanni, Kari, Vilma and other for company and congrats Janne for great find! This bird was lifer for me of course a stroller tick!

People waiting the bird in Kivikko.

Best

-Tom