Birding in Sweden Mid May

On arrival in Stockholm we were met by Daniel Green and our party was complete as we met two
Danish birders Vibeke and Flemming Moeller then we drove  to a shallow wetland .

It was here Goldeneye  obliged and a cracking Baltic gull,also of note our first Wood
Sandpipers.

Then on to Lake Malaren a large wetland area where a large flock of  Barnacle geese and
Cranes showed well. Overhead  Marsh Harriers disturbed Little Gulls and Black terns.

Passerines of note were Whinchat and Wheatears,making our way to the viewing platform
various waders including Ruff and more Wood sandpipers were distant,however the wagtails
came closer Yellow wagtails of the races beema and flava added a dash of colour.

Next stop was a private garden where a cracking male Bullfinch looked much
brighter than its English counterpart.

This was eclipsed by a rarity at home and our actual County bird the wonderfull
Hawfinch which gradually made its way to the feeders eventually being scared off
by a Sparrowhawk.

We made our way to Salbohed for dinner with our hosts,then it was to Lake Flackebo
where a Osprey had caught a pike,in the edges Teal dabbled and Beaver put in an appearance.

Our last venue of the day was a meadow bordered by conifers where we heard Great Grey Owl
calling,a number of Woodcock were roding overhead and Green Sandpipers called,Red and Roe
deer were nervous as the haunting call of the Great Grey Owl continued, our day ended at 2230hrs
as the threatening rain arrived.