I give up

Four times I have visited Kälsta now. Four times going to this place where (supposedly) a Lapland Bunting can be found. Pretty much everyone else has seen it, but not me. Hours spent there have turned up nothing but Yellowhammers, and no matter how people say the Lapland shound be amongst them... it simply isn't. Not when I'm there. Now I give up. I won't see that one.

A White-tailed Eagle on the way back was a poor consolation.


Adult White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Österunda

Yesterday I went to Stockholm, to Råstasjön where Water Rails can be seen in winter. This lake is situated in the middle of Stockholm suburbs, and is a popular place for people to walk. The rails can be found in a small area in the north, just by the walking path, making it a lot of fun to watch them since they're so close. Yesterday we only saw one (there's supposed to be two this winter), but as it showed down to a metre I won't complain! It's also fun there since ordinary people stop to look at them, and I always feel it is a great thing that they get to see some unusual birds. Especially kids, which is why I lent two kidsmy binos yesterday, so they could see the rail better. (It was a few meters away, hiding behind some bushes at the time.) It just makes me happy seeing those kids being amazed by the bird. Maybe some future birders? Who knows?

There's also a large flock of Grey Herons at the lake, being fed by the municipality. Apparently the story goes that an old man started giving them herrings every day in the winter many years ago, and when he couldn't do it any more the municipality stepped in and continued the tradition. Also very popular with the public, I mean, herons are impressive birds seen up close!


Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Råstasjön