Common Crane [trana]

The cranes are gathering in larger and larger crowds, preparing for the migration south. Virserum, Småland, on August 27, 2015.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/13, 1/500.

Mallard [gräsand]

Some mallards, enjoying the late summer. The pond was once part of a Premonstratensian monastery, established in the 13th century and now only a ruin. The pond, however, was restored in 2013. Dragsmarks klosterdamm, Bokenäset, on August 23, 2015.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/p, 1/320.

Northern Birds Southwest of Reykjavík

From the archive: One last post from my trip to Iceland four years ago. One of the last days on Iceland, we went whale watching from Reykjavík. This a not a blog designated for pics of whales. But there were many beautiful birds in the sky. These do come to Sweden now and then, but never where I am. First: a northern gannet. On August 18, 2011.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/8, 1/1000.

And second: a northern fulmar.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/8, 1/1000.

Arctic Birds in Glacier Waters

From the archive: The glacier ice lake Jökulsárlón, on the south coast of Iceland, harbours not only seals and glacier ice, but also lots of birds. It was a gray day, however, no rain but massive overcast. And some arctic terns, lined up on some glacier ice. On August 16, 2011.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/7.1, 1/800.

In the sky: some arctic skuas. This one was the first for me.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/7.1, 1/800.

On the Calm Waters North of Húsavik

From the archive: Four years ago, I visited Iceland. We were so lucky – almost no rain, decent temperatures and even some sun! And, among volcanos, horses, and whales, some birds. On a whale watching tour departing from Húsavik, on the northern coast, I met my first puffins. Most of them at long distance, though, but who cares – I saw lots of puffins! (And humpbacks!) On August 12, 2011.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/6.3, 1/640.

In the harbor of Húsavik, this female eider kept her eye on everything. Of course, eiders are not as exotic as puffins, but the sea was incredibly calm and the reflections in the water pretty amazing.

Nikon D5000, ISO 280, 200mm, f/5.6, 1/500.

Northern Wheatear [stenskvätta]

From the archive: For some reason, I don't come upon wheatears that often. This one is an exception. Gåsevik, Skaftö, on August 6, 2008.

Canon PowerShot A620, ISO 100, 29mm, f/4.1, 1/200.

Eurasian Oystercatcher [strandskata]

From the archive: The oystercatchers living by the seaside keep to themselves, and it is impossible to come close. The oystercatchers breeding in the inland is another matter; this one takes a walk in a public park. Ursand, Vänersborg, on August 1, 2006.

Canon PowerShot A620, ISO 50, 29mm, f/4.1, 1/250.