Every year we count wintering seabirds in Øygarden, Hordaland, western Norway. The count is part of a national monitoring and mapping programme of Norwegian seabirds called SEAPOP. Because of the topography along the coast of Hordaland county, the count has to be carried out by boat. To do the survey the weather has to be rather good, and today was a beautiful winter day. A slight breeze from the southeast, a few degrees below zero and sun from a blue sky.
Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima. The only shorebird species that winter on a regular basis in Hordaland county.
The area we count has gone through a steady decline of most seabird populations for decades, both winter and summer. The most common species are Common Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks and Red-breasted Mergansers. Small parties or larger flocks of these species inhabit the outer coastline, and they find their food by diving in rather shallow waters. Also common are both Shags and Great Cormorants. Other seabirds recorded today were Whooper Swan, Mallard, Common Scooter, Velvet Scooter, Common Goldeneye, Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Curlew, Little Auk, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Atlantic Puffin, Great Black-backed Gull (the most common Gull, and several pairs had already settled in their breeding territories), Herring Gull (also common and abundant) and a few Mew Gulls.
In addition it is worth mentioning at least a dozen White-tailed Eagles during the day. More frustrating was an observation of a completely black Scooter with a white neck. It was only seen briefly at rather long range on two occations, and will not be the source of a rarity report.
In addition it is worth mentioning at least a dozen White-tailed Eagles during the day. More frustrating was an observation of a completely black Scooter with a white neck. It was only seen briefly at rather long range on two occations, and will not be the source of a rarity report.
A short photographic summary of the day. Click on the pictures for larger versions:
Adult White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla about to fetch its lunch.
The Common Eider Somateria mollissima is the most numerous among the diving ducks.
Adult male Common Eider Somateria moillissima in breeding plumage.
Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis.
The Common Murre (Guillemot) Uria aalge is always present in the study area during winter, but in low numbers.
Shags Phalacrocoax aristotelis and a Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus are two very common species in the area.
Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima cruising the waves.
Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres is a scarce bird in Hordaland county, especially in winter, This bird was one together with seven more. Three Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima surround the Turnstone.
3/4's of the counting crew onboard "Skarv". From left Julian, Stein and captain Terje.
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