Pied Flycatcher [svartvit flugsnappare]

The flycatchers are all over now, with plenty of food around to feed the young ones. Skalbankarna nature reserve, Uddevalla, on May 9, 2015.

Pentax K-50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/13, 1/500. Pic from A.  

Pentax K-50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/9, 1/320.

Pentax K-50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/13, 1/500.

Willow Warbler [lövsångare]

One of the most common birds in Sweden, but it usually stays out of sight. Skalbankarna nature reserve, Uddevalla, on May 9, 2015.

Pentax K-50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/9, 1/320.

Black-Headed Gull [skrattmås]

I’m usually not that fond of gulls. Maybe that’s because they take over the cities? I prefer them like this. Skaftö, on April 19, 2015.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/11, 1/400. 

Pied Wagtail [sädesärla]

Traditionally, the pied wagtail is supposed to return on April 10. This year it did. This photo is from Gåsevik, Skaftö, on April 19, 2015, where it was searching for insects.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/11, 1/320.

Common Raven [korp]

It’s magnificent, isn’t it? No wonder the raven is so often used as a mythic symbol in literature and religion. Gåsevik, Skaftö, on April 19, 2015.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/9, 1/320.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/10, 1/320.

Osprey [fiskgjuse]

This might very well be the reason I decided to actually start photoblogging and not just keep thinking about it: our meeting with the osprey at Ranneberg, Uddevalla, on May 1, 2015. We were just having some coffee in the small harbor when the osprey sailed in from over the woods, caught its prey, and got chased by the opportunistic gulls hoping for fish for lunch. I'm especially fond of the pic with the osprey flying over the idyllic houses, and I love the last one in the series – just look at that gull!

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

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

Pentax K50, ISO 100, 300mm, f/8 1/800.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/11, 1/500.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/9, 1/320.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/9, 1/320.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/11, 1/400.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/11, 1/400.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/11, 1/500.

Common Blackbird [koltrast]

What would spring be without the blackbirds? Like here, from the top of a tree, singing loud and clear for everyone to enjoy (and a very insisting wake up-call in the morning). Skaftö, on April 19, 2015.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/11, 1/500.

European Greenfinch [grönfink]

From the archive: a greenfinch the cat didn’t chase away, on May 5, 2012.

Samsung WB600, ISO 320, 58mm, f/5.8, 1/90.

Eurasian Siskin [grönsiska]

It was a wonderful morning in Älje-Porsen nature reserve, Uddevalla, on May 3, 2015 – and a bit of a drama at the feeding station. The siskin had its breakfast, minding its own business. But when the woodpecker says ”Move it!”, you’d better move.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/5.8, 1/400.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/5.8, 1/400. 

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/5.8, 1/400.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/5.8, 1/400.

Pied Flycatcher [svartvit flugsnappare]

The first meeting with the pied flycatcher this year. It seems it has found itself the perfect housing. Älje-Porsen nature reserve, Uddevalla, on May 3, 2015.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 260mm, f/5.6, 1/320.

Pentax K50, ISO 800, 300mm, f/9 1/500.