May 2015

Last update 04.06.2015. at 16:25:40
   
   
31.05.2015.
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) 3, Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 1 at Krievlauki fields, Ventspils county (R.Rekmanis, I.Ozola). Barnacle Geese extremely late spring migrants. Red Kite (Milvus milvus) 1 at Kamarce fields, Ventspils county (R.Rekmanis, I.Ozola). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1, Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) at Dzilgi surroundings, Ventspils county (R.Rekmanis, I.Ozola). Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) 1 singing at Skulte surroundings, Limbazi county (K.Funts). Booted Warbler (Hippolais caligata) 1 singing at Priekuli county (A.Klepers), >2 (incl. 1 singing) at Ogre county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte). Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 1 M at Grivinupite river in Gauja NP, Priekuli county (A.Klepers).

 Asio flammeus
Regulus ignicapilla
 Hippolais caligata
30.05.2015.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) 2 ad + 3 imm at potential breeding site, NE Latvia (A.Klepers).

 
29.05.2015.
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 3 at Purvini ponds, Jaunjelgava county (G.Grandans, A.Avotins jun.).

 
28.05.2015.
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) 1 M at Esplanade pond, Daugavpils (A.Erts).

Ixobrychus minutus
27.05.2015.
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) 9 in one flock at Mersrags shore line, Mersrags (K.Millers). Large number at one place during spring migration. Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) 1 singing at Novadnieki surroundings, Kuldiga county (R.Rekmanis).

 
26.05.2015.
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 2 at Siladzirnavas lake, Gulbene county (U.Lolans). European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) 3 migrating at Kolka, Dundaga county (C.Collins, G.Grandans).

 
25.05.2015.
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) 1 M at Livani surroundings, Livani county (A.Erts). Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) 12 at Mersrags shore line, Mersrags (S.Rabkevics). Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) 1 ad M at Kolka, Dundaga county (K.Millers). Latest spring record ever, present at least since 24.05.2015. (K.Millers).

Ixobrychus minutus
 Limicola falcinellus
 Turdus torquatus
24.05.2015.
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) 2 at Lielupe river mouth, Jurmala (T. & O.Mizinenko). European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) 1 migrating at Kolka, Dundaga county (K.Millers, G.Grandans et al.).

 Recurvirostra avosetta
23.05.2015.
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) 1 at Vaski ponds, Tukums county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus) >26 (10:00 - 12:40) migrating at Manglsala pier, Riga (I.Denisovs, O. & T.Mizinenko). Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) 2 migrating at Kolka, Dundaga county (K.Millers).

Milvus milvus
 Stercorarius parasiticus
22.05.2015.
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) 5 MM and 2 FF at Sunezers lake, Daugavpils (A.Erts). Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) 1 ad M hunting over Kanieris lake, Engure county (K.Millers), 1 ad M at Struzani marsh ponds, Rezekne county (G.Grandans et al.). White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) >3 at Kanieris lake, Engure county (K.Millers et al.).

Ixobrychus minutus
 Ixobrychus minutus
21.05.2015.
Canada Goose (Branta canadenis) 1 at Idena fish ponds, Rezekne county (D.Vasilevskis). Present since 30.04.2015., when 2 (D.Vasilevskis). Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica) 66 (18:49 - 27 to N, 19:19 - 39 to NW) migrating over Laucini quarry, Cesis (S.Laime). Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) 2 MM vocalizing at Struzani marsh ponds, Rezekne county (G.Grandans et al.). Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) 3 (1 ad M & 2 ad FF) at Dunduri meadows, Tukums county (K.Millers et al.). More photos here.

 Falco vespertinus
 Falco vespertinus
20.05.2015.
Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) 1 singing and observed visually at Grivaisi forest, Saldus county (M.Jaunzemis).

 
18.05.2015.
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) 1 F at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (K.Millers, C.Kehoe). Rare inland.

 
17.05.2015.
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) 1 locally at Burtnieks lake, Burtnieku county (A.Dekants et al.). Rare inland. Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) 1 at Purciems meadows, Dundaga county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) 1 F at Kolka Cape, Dundaga county (A. Kurockins, E. & V.Smislovs), 2 (M and F) at Putnu isle in Dviete floodplain fields, Ilukste county (E.Laucis et al.), 1 M at Skuku lake E coast in Dviete floodplain fields, Ilukste county (M.Tirums et al.).

 Motacilla citreola
16.05.2015.
Dark-bellied Brant Goose (Branta bernicla) 1 at Degumnieki fields, Madona county (R.Rekmanis et al.). Rare inland during spring migration. Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica) 34 migrating over Lubans lake, Madona county (G.Grandans et al.). Large flock inland during spring migration. White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 1 at Kanieris lake, Engure county (J.Jansons et al.), 17 at Skuku lake, Ilukste county (M.Tirums et al.), 10 at Lubans lake, Madona county (R.Rekmanis et al.). Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) 1 F at Mersrags shore line, Mersrags (I.Grinerte, K.Millers). Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 1 F at Lorumupe river, Dundaga county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte). Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) 1 at Mersrags shore line, Mersrags (K.Millers, I.Grinerte).

 Anthus cervinus
15.05.2015.
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) 1 together with Anser sp. Geese at Degumnieki fields, Madona county (G.Grandans).

 
14.05.2015.
Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) 12 (incl. 6 ad F) at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (I.Grinerte, C.Kehoe, K.Millers). 11th record for Latvia. Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) 3 at Gaili pond, Aizpute county (R.Rekmanis). Present since 27.04.2015., when 4 (R.Rekmanis, I.Ozola). Heuglin's Gull (Larus fuscus heuglini) 2 (4 cy and ad) at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (K.Millers, C.Kehoe, I.Grinerte).

Charadrius morinellus
 
 Larus fuscus heuglini
12.05.2015.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 ad at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (S.Laime). Reported from this area since 27.04.2015. (E.Laucis). White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 5 at Satini fish ponds, Saldus county K.Millers), 10 at Vaski ponds, Tukums county (V.Adamsons). Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 1 M at Kuku klintis near Gauja river, Pargauja county; 2 MM at Amata river, Amata county (J.Lampolahti et al.), occupied nest at Ieriki, Amatas county (G.Grandans, U.Lolans), 1 M with food at Gutmanala area, Sigulda (I.Vilskerste). Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) >5 at Mersrags shore line, Mersrags (E.Laucis).

 Chlidonias leucopterus
 Anthus cervinus
10.05.2015.
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) 2 at Berzciems, Engure county (G.Grandans et al.). Present since 09.05.2015., when 1 individual (P.Palmer et al.). White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 6 at Upesciems ponds, Garkalne county (R.Matrozis, E. & V.Smislovs). Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) 2 at Kolka, Dundaga county (G.Grandans, C.Kehoe et al.). Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) 2 at Kolka, Dundaga county (C.Kehoe et al.). Can not exclude that some previously observed individuals in April and May. Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 2 at Kolka, Dundaga county (A.Avotins jun., R.Rekmanis et al.). 

 Galerida cristata
09.05.2015.
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) 1 migrating at Kolka, Dundaga county (G.Grandans et al.). Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) 1 at Berzciems, Engure county (P.Palmer et al.). European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) 1 migrating at Kolka, Dundaga county (E.Laucis et al.). Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) 1 F migrating at Kolka Cape, Dundaga county (P.Palmer et al.), 1 M migrating at Kolka, Dundaga county (G.Grandans, R.Rekmanis).

 Milvus milvus
 Recurvirostra avosetta
08.05.2015.
Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) 1 M at Mersrags shore line, Mersrags (E.Laucis).

 Motacilla citreola
07.05.2015.
Pallid Harrier
(Circus macrourus) 1 migrating NNE at Kolka, Dundaga county (K.Millers, P.Palmer). White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 5 at Zvejsala - Lodani fish ponds, Rezekne county (G.Grandans et al.). Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 3 at Zvejsala - Lodani fish ponds, Rezekne county (G.Grandans et al.). Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) 2 at Papurne, Rugaji county (G.Grandans et al.), 1 locally at Lauteri seaside, Salacgriva county (G.Graubics). Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) 1 flushed at Kolka, Dundaga county (K.Millers). Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica) 1 at Kolka, Dundaga county (C.Kehoe). 5th record for Latvia.

 Circus macrourus
Chlidonias hybrida
 Cecropis daurica
06.05.2015.
Horned Grebe
(Podiceps auritus) 2 locally in the Riga Gulf at Lauteri, Salacgriva county (G.Graubics). Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) 1 at Pekrags, Mersrags (K.Millers), 5 at Gaili pond, Aizpute county (R.Rekmanis). Marsh Sandpipers at Gaili pond present since 27.04.2015., when 4 (R.Rekmanis, I.Ozola). White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 1 migrating N at Lauteri, Salacgriva county (G.Graubics). Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) 6 at Kolka, Dundaga county (C.Kehoe). Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) 1 migrating at Pekrags, Mersrags (P.Palmer et al.).

 Turdus torquatus
05.05.2015.
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) 1 near Berze river at Biksti, Dobele county (T.Endzins, M.Jaunzemis et al.). 3rd record for Latvia.

 Nycticorax nycticorax
04.05.2015.
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) 2 together with Anser/Branta sp. Geese at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (K.Millers, V.Vintulis). Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) 1 together with Anser/Branta sp. Geese at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (P.Palmer et al.). One individual observed at that place on 14.03.2015. (I.Bojare, I.Mardega), two on 20.03.2015. (M.Tirums). More likely the same birds which were reported every spring from this place at least since 2012. Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) 2 (M and F) at Kanieris lake, Engure county (M.Riherts). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 ad M at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (P.Palmer et al.). White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 4 at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (K.Millers, P.Palmer et al.), 2 at Kvapani fish ponds, Rezekne county (E.Laucis). Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides) 1 singing and observed visually at Viesalgciems, Kuldīga county (R.Rekmanis). Earliest spring migrant record for Latvia!

Branta ruficollis
 Chlidonias leucopterus
03.05.2015.
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) 1 together with Anser sp. Geese at Degumnieki fields, Madona county (G.Grandans, E.Laucis). Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) 716 at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (E.Ledins). Large number at one place during spring migration. Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) 1 together with Anser/Branta sp. Geese at Degumnieki fields, Madona county (E.Laucis, G.Grandans). Present since 01.05.2015. (M.Strazds, I.Mardega). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 ad M at Straupciems surroundings, Babite county (K.Millers, P.Palmer et al.). Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) 3 at Liepaja lake E coast, Grobina county (P.Daknis, I.Brediks). Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) 2 at Svete river floodplain fields, Jelgava county (E.Smislovs, A.Kurockins), 2 at Zvejsala fish ponds, Rezekne county (G.Grandans, E.Laucis). Little Stint (Calidris minuta) 1 at Starpinupite river mouth, Engure county (M.Riherts). Earliest spring migrant record for Latvia! Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) 2 (ad M and 2cy M) at Zvejsala fish ponds, Rezekne county (G.Grandans, E.Laucis). Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 1 at Ieriki in Grube river, 1 M in Amata river at Lustuzis, Amata county (E.Haberkorns).

 Recurvirostra avosetta
Tringa stagantilis
02.05.2015.
Pink-footed Goose
(Anser brachyrhynchus) 7 together with Anser sp. Geese at Ventspils surroundings, Ventspils county (R.Rekmanis). Present since 26.04.2015. (I.Grinerte, M.Koivula, K.Millers). Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) 1 at Zvejsala - Lodani fish ponds, Rezekne county (M.Strazds, I.Mardega). Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) 2 at Gaili pond, Aizpute county (R.Rekmanis, I.Ozola). Present since 27.04.2015., when 4 (R.Rekmanis, I.Ozola). Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans) 1 3cy at Ventspils rubbish dump, Ventspils county (R.Rekmanis). Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) 1 singing and observed visually, 1 M trapped and ringed at Jurmalciems, Nica county (I.Brediks).

 Regulus ignicapilla
01.05.2015.
Red-breasted Goose
(Branta ruficollis) 1 together with Anser sp. Geese at Asna river surroundings, Madona county (M.Strazds, I.Mardega). Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) 1 2cy M at Silzemnieki fields, Burtnieki county (A.Klepers). European Roller (Coracias garrulus) 1 on wires at Garkalne surroundings, Garkalne county (E.Haberkorns). Repeated earliest spring migrant record for Latvia. Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla) 1 singing and observed visually several times at Ogre (V.Roze), 1 shortly singing and observed visually, 1 F trapped and ringed at Jurmalciems, Nica county (I.Brediks, L.Dakne, P.Daknis). Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) 1 ad M together with two Blackbirds (Turdus merula) at Alejas, Kekava county (I.Grinerte, K.Millers).
 Branta ruficollis
Circus macrourus
Turdus torquatus