Time for an update. Spring is still here and migrants are still turning up. But while Norway, Iceland and Shetland have lots of rarities, birding is a bit quiet here on the Faroes.
A few days ago I checked Sandoy. The targets were the European Bee-eater, that was first seen on Suðuroy and then moved to Sandoy and of course the Cattle Egret seen there in mid May.
We didn’t find any of those, but I managed to find the 7th Linnet and the 5th Smew for the Faroes. The smew was a smart male even. Actually both species were new ”self-found” species for me even though I’ve seem them earlier on the Faroes. So now my self-found list includes about 95% of the species I’ve seen on the Faroes. Yes. We need more birders…
I’ve checked Svínoy a few times during spring and today I found a Linnet there along with a few Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Wood Pigeons, Long-tailed Duck and a very elusive sylvia warbler, that never gave good enough views for proper identification. It is frustrating with dense gardens and 50 school children playing in the vicinity.
In Hvalvík I found a Long-eared Owl a few days ago. Always a nice bird to see.
Hopefully there is still something good to turn up before summer sets in.
Silas