Vendelsjön

Vendelsjön (Lake Vendel) is a place I often return to. A shallow lake surrounded by grazed areas and fields, it is home to a large colony of Black-headed Gulls and assorted waterbirds. At this time of year it is especially fun going there, because the birds are breeding and little chicks of different species are about!


View from the observation tower, towards the west.

The gull chicks haven't hatched yet, but I guess they will soon... loads of Black-headed and Little Gulls are incubating, as are a few Common Terns. The Greylag Geese chicks are out though, swimming after their mother in straight lines with the father last in line, keeping an eye on them.

I stood in the tower for maybe two hours, watching the sun set. A Great Reed Warbler was sitting in the reeds, singing away, and the Marsh Harriers were flying around carrying nesting material. A booming Bittern added some bass to the evening concert.

Best of all though were the pair of Crane chicks... very sweet, and so tiny compared to the parents! Tried to take a photo, but the poor light made it difficult.


Common Crane (Grus grus) with chick (can be seen in the bottom left corner... look closely.)