The two first weeks of June we were back on Røst, and again we had some unforgettable highlights.
A splendid male Eastern Subalpine Warbler (rødsmekkesanger) was the second record for Røst. After Subalpine Warblers were split into three different species a few years ago, positive ID can be very tricky. Therefor the bird was caught, ringed and studied in detail, and even samples for DNA was collected to ensure a positive ID.
Of other passerines, at least tree singing male Bluethroats (blåstrupe) is worth mentioning
A Great Egret (egretthegre) was seen feeding in the small ponds in the wetlands.
Later the same day it was reported accompanied by a Little Egret (silkehegre). The Great Egret only stayed for two days, while the was hanging around for a few more days.
Black-headed Gulls (hettemåke) seems to have a good year, with a solid colony at Ystnes. But they spend much energy on keeping the Great Black-backed Gulls on distance!
The Little Gull (dvergmåke) is still around the Black Headed Gull-colony. It has recently been accompanied with an immature bird.
One day a young Hobby (lerkefalk) was reported, and after a few hours it was found hunting insects over the northern marshlands. It turned out to be extremely cooperative and literally flew around our head for a good hour. Also this was a second record for the island.
A male Merlin (dvergfalk) came also by for a short visit.
At pair of Gadwalls (snadderand) seems to have settled on the island, and we hope it will be breeding. Here the male.
Pintails (stjertand) are numerous this year, and several pairs are seen around the island. Here a female.
A single female Greater Scaup (bergand) was a less expected visitor.
Also Red-throated Divers (smålom) are in for a record this year. One pair have bred in the same pond for years, but this year they are accompanied by one or two more pairs.
Not the best year for wader spring migration, but a couple of Broad-billed Sandpipers (fjellmyrløper) was a highlight.
A single Sanderling (sandløper) was also seen.
In the series of “second records for Røst”, we rounded off with a Magpie (skjære). Not the bird you put a lot of effort to get on your list, but it feels great to be in the very exclusive club of birders who have seen a Magpie at Røst!