Switzerland 2024 (2 Viewers)

[Frank van Drogen]

I went to the Ermatinger Becken--Triboltingen hotspot as indicated in eBird.

It was just before dusk -- I think we saw about 6 or 7 Water Rail as well, never saw that many and that open.

The Red-Crested Pochard we saw at Münsterlingen Klinik, with hundreds of other ducks as well. We had started the afternoon at Seetaucherstrecke in Utwill, and walked around there for about 40 minutes. That area is lovely (if a tad posh), but had the least birds. I had also wanted to go to Wollmatinger Ried, but the day ran out

We will try that next time!

 

[Richard Prior]

like this photo of the Great Northern Diver in Berne Canton yesterday from Ornitho.ch
Date
dimanche, 1. décembre 2024, 12:41
12h05-13h32
Lieu-dit
Gwattlischenmoos - Bonstettenpark - Spiez / BE
557 m

Plongeon imbrin (Gavia immer)
Auteur
Florian Straub
Détails
1x 1re année
Permalien

I like this photo of the Great Northern Diver in Berne Canton yesterday from Ornitho.ch

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Bird of the day:

• The Goshawk

What a magnificent bird...a real Killer.
Seen recently in Riehen, Estavayer-le-lac, Jussy, Meinier, Celerina, Klingnauersee, Onex,etc
Keep a sharp eye open!

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Out today on local walk in Grun80.
Some 20 species seen unfortunately no Goshawk.
What do you make of this duck? Possible female Greater Scaup? Let me know.

 

[Richard Prior]

Female/1st winter Tuftie I’m afraid Mike, note the amount of black right across the bill tip, and a hint of ‘tuftiness’ at the rear of the head.

 

[Frank van Drogen]

Female/1st winter Tuftie I’m afraid Mike, note the amount of black right across the bill tip, and a hint of ‘tuftiness’ at the rear of the head.

1st winter male for comparison:

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Cheers Chaps....next time

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Interesting that both Merlin and Inaturalist both identify it as Scaup...what do they know!

 

[Richard Prior]

I have been known to make the occasional mis-identification of course.
Just noticed a great winter record yesterday from Yverdon, an Audouin’s Gull (seen by one of the brothers Muriset, top birders both !)

 

[Frank van Drogen]

(seen by one of the brothers Muriset, top birders both !)

And with very nice videography!!

Muriset Patrick, Faune diverse, Wildlife, Tierwelt

Vidéos sur la faune (Principalement filmée en Suisse et aussi sous-marine), ainsi que la flore et des endroits de toute beauté. Les prises de vues extérieures sont filmées avec un Lumix FZ300, sans aucun autre matériel, les prises sous-marines en snorkeling avec une Garmin Virb, les 2 en FHD...

www.youtube.com

 

[MJB]

Female/1st winter Tuftie I’m afraid Mike, note the amount of black right across the bill tip, and a hint of ‘tuftiness’ at the rear of the head.

Commonly referred to as a 'Scaupface'...!
MJB

 

[Frank van Drogen]

A quick stroll along the Katzensee this afternoon. First 3 km it was beautiful, with great light. Last part we got rain and hail

Sharpest photo of one of the local Bittens I could get.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

How many are there Frank? I heard at least 3!

 

[Frank van Drogen]

How many are there Frank? I heard at least 3!

Some have reported up to five (Paul Walser Schwyzer); Daniel Winzeler counted four this afternoon. Personally, I only saw one. (I also missed the Golden Plovers and Horned Grebes that were reported this afternoon).

Funnily, despite the weather quite a few birders out there today!

 

[Mcnswiss2]

A short visit to Birsfelden Lock area near Basel.
This area has produced some great birds in the past including Sardinian warblers; Nightingales, and Yellow Browed warblers.
Today the target was Redwings and Hawfinches...and succeeded!
3 Hawfinches and at least 10 Redwings as well as Mistle thrushes, etc seen.
Maybe good juju has arrived.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

With Visitors I often take them to local Zoo..either Basel Zoo or the "Deer Park" at Lange Ehrlen.
Zoos are great places to see birds upclose or even local birds that are attracted to the sites because of food etc.
On my travels I always look out for a nearby Zoo
Some special birds including Spotted Crakes, Alpine Swifts, Kingfisher , etc have been seen in Basel Zoo.
Nothing much seen yesterday but pleasant time with the Wildcats, Lynx and Wolves.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Breaking News:

• Pallas Leaf Warbler seen at Uttwil

Great photos on Ornitho….I need that bird!

 

[Frank van Drogen]

I went once more around the Katzensee yesterday, hoping to see the Horned Grebe. With some help from Paul Walser Schwytzer I managed to find it. It was pretty far away, and in boring winter plumage instead of breeding plumage, but I found it.

I was very happy to see it, and had a great afternoon!

 

[Richard Prior]

Breaking News:

• Pallas Leaf Warbler seen at Uttwil

Great photos on Ornitho….I need that bird!

Beautiful and very tough little birds, perhaps the 9th Swiss record the and 4th in December

 

[Mcnswiss2]

I went once more around the Katzensee yesterday, hoping to see the Horned Grebe. With some help from Paul Walser Schwytzer I managed to find it. It was pretty far away, and in boring winter plumage instead of breeding plumage, but I found it.

I was very happy to see it, and had a great afternoon!

Well done Frank....did you see Great Bittern? I see that 4 were reported there today!