Despite the cold weather, our one day birding around Vilnius last Thursday was quite interesting. Whooper and Bewick’s Swans in Paluknio meadows made a good start of the trip, followed by Marsh Harrier, Lesser-spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagles, Black Grouse. Later, Grey-headed Woodpecker by the river Merkys, Three-toed and Great-spotted in Rūdninkai forest, Green Sandpipers in woodlands, Cranes, Nuthatch, Tree Creepers, Coal Tits and different habitats in the woods. We had a possibility to admire Pasque flowers and Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage in the forest and the first flowers of Mezereon. Lake Papis greeted with loud noise of Black-headed Gulls colonie, lots of different ducks and grebes, Marsh Harrier and White-tailed Eagle hunting, Great White Egrets, Grey Herons near the shores, Bearded Tits in the reeds and a Hawfinch in the nearby tree stands. Plus Great Grey Shrike on the wires. Different habitats, different birds, good mood – simply perfect day for a naturalist!
