Mike Mockler

Europe 2011

Springtime Meanderings in Europe
Spring 2011

Scotland: the Western Isles (April/early May)

Uncommonly sun-drenched, the wonderful Isle of Mull provided its customary abundance of eagle sightings: both Golden and White-tailed were seen at various locations around the island.  In addition, there were several otter encounters as well as some excellent bird-watching.  There were also good photographic opportunities with Otters, Great Northern Diver, Common Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Sandpiper, Curlew and a very obliging Grasshopper Warbler which posed for the camera while in full song. 

North Uist in the Outer Hebrides offered further delights including stunning close-up views of Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and a Merlin chasing a Meadow Pipit.  There were also more otters, a mature male Snowy Owl and an unexpected Red Kite.   Photographic subjects included Corncrake, Short-eared Owl and Red Deer. 

For more Scotland images go to Photographic Gallery > Europe > Britain

Spain: Catalunya (late May)
After many previous visits to other parts of Spain further south (Andalucia, Castilla y Leon and Extramadura), this initial exploration of Catalunya proved very productive photographically.  The first part of the trip was spent in the foothills of the Pyrenees, the remainder of the time in classic steppe country.  Enjoyable sightings included Lammergeier, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Peregrine, Rock Thrush, Golden Oriole, Roller, Quail, Calandra Lark and Southern (Iberian) Grey Shrike

The trip was primarily for photography and two major photographic objectives were achieved – Stone Curlew and displaying male Little Bustard performing his comical “jumping dance”.  Other species successfully photographed were Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Thekla Lark, White Wagtail, Northern Wheatear, Corn Bunting, the elusive Rock Sparrow and the large, colourful Ocellated Lizard.

For more Spain images go to Photographic Gallery > Europe > Spain

Northern Finland: Oulu and Kuusamo (June)
A spring which had varied between severe cold and extreme heat resulted in a confused picture with regard to migratory birds.  Some species were abundant while others were more difficult to locate than in previous years.  In addition, an explosion in the vole population had prompted some owls to nest earlier than usual.

Birds which were photographed included Great Grey Owl, Hawk Owl, Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl, the lovely Slavonian Grebe, Willow Grouse (or Willow Ptarmigan) and the scarce Little Bunting.  However, pride of place must go to the extremely secretive and elusive Hazel Grouse: a handsome male was photographed in clear view perching on a low branch eating aspen leaves.

For more Finland images go to Photographic Gallery > Europe > Finland

Arctic Norway: Varanger Peninsula (June)
A spell of warm spring weather had persuaded many migrants, including most of the King Eiders and Steller’s Eiders, to head further north to their breeding grounds but there were still plenty of interesting birds to see, from Gyrfalcon, White-tailed Eagle and Pomarine Skua to Red-throated Pipit and Arctic Redpoll. 

High up on the tundra, there was more lying snow than in some previous years but, despite this, there was no shortage of attractive species to photograph.  Black-throated Diver, Ruff, Red-necked Phalarope, Dotterel, Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Tern and Ptarmigan (Rock Ptarmigan) were among the star photographic subjects.  Passerines which posed for the camera included Bluethroat, Shore Lark (Horned Lark), Snow Bunting and Lapland Bunting.

For more Norway images go to Photographic Gallery > Europe > Norway/ Spitsbergen

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