Week 44-45 was the end of the season on Røst this year. As days get shorter and temperature sinks, the number of migratory passerines drops dramatically. But quite a few unusual sightings even this late in the season.
Typically for late fall, a group of Bohemian Waxwings (sidensvans) showed up on the island.
A few late Meadow Pipits (heipiplerke) was still on the island well into November.
Not many birds ringed this period, but a Siberian Chiffchaff (sibirgransanger) was a nice catch.
The star of the last October-days was no doubt a Hume’s Leaf Warbler (blekbrynsanger) – a new species for Røst. The bird was extremely restless, and – shame to admit it – this was the only photo I got of it…
A Kestrel (tårnfalk) was hanging around the last week of October.
A Brant Goose (ringgås) of the eastern, dark-bellied subspecies stayed the last days of October.
A group of four Golden Plovers (heilo) in November is very late this far north.
A nightly excursion with thermal binoculars gave a couple of Jack Snipes (kvartbekkasin).
A young Lesser Black-backed Gull (sildemåke) well into November is quite unusual for this migratory species.
A very photogenic young Black-throated Diver (storlom) in November came as a surprise. The species is normally migratory, and it is the rarest diver in the region in wintertime, with just a few records from Røst.
Some species also increase in numbers as winter comes closer. The Purple Sandpipers (fjæreplytt) are regular winter guests.
While breeding Curlews (storspove) left the island in August-September, new groups have arrived to spend the winter here.
Also, Whooper Swans (sangsvane) have increased in numbers the last weeks, many of them couples with this years offspring.
Eider Ducks (ærfugl) are gathering in the harbour area.
Also, Long-tailed Ducks (havelle) are seen around the island, both adult males…
…adult females…
…and young birds of the year.
Now we leave Northern Norway for the southern parts of the country during the winter months, but we will be back north in March.