Slow – birding – slow

Lapland Bunting

The last days have been a little slow. Or actually it has been quite ok, but no rarities have occurred. I have found my first Lapland Bunting at Viðareiði and the Carrion Crow is still around up there. But the Buff-breasted Sandpipers disappeared shortly after I left the area.

Carrion Crow

Warblers have been scarce and weather doesn’t look promising for arrivals from the east for the next many days. I found a single Barred Warbler at Árnafirði (they tend to arrive no matter what) and a few Willow Warblers and a single Chiffchaff have been around.

Carrion Crow

My first Pied Flycatcher of the year was present in the plantation in Hvalvík along with a few Goldcrests and a Merlin.

Greater White-fronted Goose ssp. albifrons

Greater White-fronted Goose ssp. albifrons – note the pinkish bill and quite pale head.

Yesterday I found a Greater White-fronted Goose ssp. albifrons at Skálabotn. There are ten previous records involving 73 individuals, so it is a quite good bird after all, but probably overlooked.

Greater White-fronted Goose

As mentioned before the weather forecast does look rather dull. Lots of westerlies and quite strong winds will probably not be too encouraging for birding. But of course more yankies could turn up. Any dendroica, vireo or setophaga would be enough to make the autumn acceptable.

Silas Olofson