The first half of March came with milder weather in South-eastern Norway, and the first significant arrival of early migrants.

The influx of Stonechats (svartstrupe) continued well into March, but the numbers decreased. Interestingly, the males gradually disappeared, while new females showed up. A record of at least 15 individuals was recorded in the southern parts of our municipality Færder through February -March.

A group of 10 Long-tailed Tits (stjertmeis) feeding close to our house was a pleasant surprise – these charming birds are among our favourites!

The arrival of Oystercatchers (tjeld) in good numbers was the most significant sign of spring!

Also Ringed Plovers (sandlo) was on the move.

The first flocks of Barnacle Geese (hvitkinngås) arrived…

…and a single White-fronted Goose (tundragås) was spotted in a flock of Greylag Geese (grågås).

A subadult Whitte-tailed Eagle (havørn) was inspecting the outer skerries off Hvasser..

… while a male Goshawk (hønsehauk) seemed to hold territory in the interior of the island.

A tree-figured number of Velvet Scoters (sjøorre) was feeding in our local fjord…

…while the male Teal (krikkand) was still hanging around the Mallards (stokkender)

A good number of Wood Pigeons (ringdue) arrived the first days of March.

A newly arrived male Chaffinch (bokfink) was singing his first tones.

The first Meadow Pipits (heipiplerke) was seen feeding along the shoreline.

During a trip through Vestfold county’s inland areas, we encountered a nice Grey Shrike (varsler).

When reports came on the annual arrival of the Ring-billed Gull (ringnebbmåke) in Porsgrunn, it called for a visit to Telemark County to see this rare American vagrant!

Now it is time to move northwards, and next report will be from the Lofoten Islands.