December 2017

Last update 07.02.2018. at 17:19:37
    
   
31.12.2017.
Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) 1 M at Ainazi, Salacgriva county (A.Kalvans). Rare during winter months.

  
30.12.2017.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 ad at Eimuri surroundings, Garkalne county (I.Bojare).

  
26.12.2017.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) 1 at Daugava river, Daugavpils (A.Erts). Rare during winter months.

  Motacilla alba
25.12.2017.
Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Durupe surroundings, Balvi county (E.Kantans). Present since 04.12.2017. (E.Kantans). Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 1 in mixed flock of ~30 Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) and 2 Greenfinches (Chloris chloris) at Cesu str., Riga (I.Brediks).

  
24.12.2017.
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) 320 in one flock at the fields along the Pienava river near Kiki, Dobele county (A.Klepers). Large number at one place in December. Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 photographed at Vitini surroundings, Nica county (G.Zembergs/twitter.com).

  
23.12.2017.
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) 132 (summ of 3 flocks) at Alave surroundings, Dobele county (A.Klepers). Quite large number at one place in December.

  
22.12.2017.
Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris) >150; Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) >200; Greylag Goose (Anser anser) >30; Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) >50 in the flock of ~550-600 Geese at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte). Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) >50, Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) >650 total number of several flocks at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte). Gadwall (Anas strepera) 1 M at Cempu str. pond next to Stiklaskiedra, Valmiera (A.Klepers). Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) 3 MM at Liepaja lake, Grobina county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 1cy at Nica fields, Nica county (I.Grinerte, K.Millers). Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) >2500 total number of several flocks at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte), >2000 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (G.Grandans). European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) 37 at Saraiki manor surroundings, Pavilosta county (I.Grinerte, K.Millers), >12 at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte), >300 at Uzava floodplain fields, Ventspils county (G.Grandans). Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 flushed at Mangalsala, Riga (I.Denisovs). Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) 1 Ganibu str., Liepaja (K.Millers, I.Grinerte). Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) 1 at Kolka, Dundaga county (G.Grandans). Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) 1 at Kuivizi harbor, Salacgriva county (A.Klepers). Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) 1 observed visually and calls heard; Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 1 at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers, I.Grinerte). All species mentioned above quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds. Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 3 in mixed flock of ~200 Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) and Linnets (Carduelis cannabina) at Pulvera str, Liepaja (I.Grinerte, K.Millers), >4 in flock of ~70 Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) at Kuivizi harbor, Salacgriva county (A.Klepers), 1 at Augsligatne surroundings, Ligatne county (M.Platacis).

  Anser serrirostris/albifrons/Branta leucopsis
 Pluvialis apricaria
21.12.2017.
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) 2 heard and seen migrating S at Ziemupe surroundings, Pavilosta county (R.Rekmanis). Quite rare during winter months.

  
20.12.2017.
Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 flew over at Ziemupe surroundings, Pavilosta county (R.Rekmanis). Quite rare during winter months.

  
19.12.2017.
Great Egret (Ardea alba) 1 in flight at Bullupe, Riga (E. & V.Smislovs). More likely the same bird observed at section Vecdaugava - Audupe, Riga (I.Denisovs). Quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrant and/or potential wintering bird.

 Ardea alba
17.12.2017.
Anser Geese (Anser sp.) 3500 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Since 05.12.2017., when ~4500 (G.Grandans). Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) 200 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Since 05.12.2017., when ~250 (G.Grandans). Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 4 locally on stubble field between Vilani and Varaklani, Vilani county (R.Pintans), 1 together with Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Canada Goose at Uzava river floodplain fields since 05.12.2017. (G.Grandans). Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) 25 together with Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Gadwall (Anas strepera) 5 (4 MM & 1 F); Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) 40; Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) 7 (2 MM & 5 FF); Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) 10 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Present since 05.12.2017., when Gadwall - 4; Eurasian Wigeon - 200; Northern Pintail - 20; Eurasian Teal - 50 (G.Grandans). Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) 80 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Since 05.12.2017., when at least 1500 (G.Grandans). Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) 52 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). All species mentioned above quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds. Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Balvi surroundings, Balvi county, 1 at Vecumi surroundings, Vilaka county (G.Grandans). Northern Hawk Owl at Vecumi surroundings present since 10.12.2017. (V.Bukss). Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 2 foraging together with 9 Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) at Mangalsala dunes, Riga (I.Denisovs). Three individuals at this place on 11.12.2017. (I.Denisovs).

 Branta canadensis
Acanthis hornemanni 
16.12.2017.
Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 3 flushed at Brocenmuiza, Broceni county (J.Jansons). Rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) 1 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 3 together with 200 Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) at Adazi fields, Adazi county, 4 together with 120 Common Redpolls at Kalngale fields, Carnikava county (I.Denisovs), 3 together with 30 Common Redpolls at Ventspils (V.Smislovs), 1 1cy trapped and ringed at Ainazi, Salacgriva county (A.Kalvans).

 Eremophila alpestris
 Acanthis hornemanni
14.12.2017.
Anser Geese (Anser sp.) >10 at Nica fields, Nica county. Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris) and Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) ~400 individual mixed flock at Durbe surroundings, Durbe county, Tundra Bean Goose dominates (80%). Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) >5; Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) 380 at Nica fields, Nica county, >300 at Durbe surroundings, Durbe county. Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1 ad M; Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) ~500; European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) >5 at Nica fields, Nica county. All records by K.Millers. All species quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds.

 Anser serrirostris/albifrons
 Vanellus vanellus
11.12.2017.
Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 flushed at Dzelzamurs surroundings, Iecava county (J.Zvagins). Quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrant and/or potential wintering bird. Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 3 foraging together with 8 Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) at Mangalsala dunes, Riga (I.Denisovs).

 Acanthis hornemanni
10.12.2017.
Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Vecumi surroundings, Vilaka county (V.Bukss). Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 1 ad F trapped and ringed at Ainazi, Salacgriva county (A.Kalvans).

  
09.12.2017.
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) 3 migrating at Dunika parish, Rucava county (A.Ozolins). Great Egret (Ardea alba) 1 at Sipolciems surroundings, Babite county (A.Kurockins, E. & V.Smislovs). Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Ad F at Kaupi surroundings at Babite lake, Babite county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins). All species quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds.

 Circus cyaneus
07.12.2017.
Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 1 1cy trapped and ringed at Ainazi, Salacgriva county (A.Kalvans).

  
06.12.2017.
Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Durupe surroundings, Balvi county (E.Kantans). Present since 04.12.2017. (E.Kantans). Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 3 ad MM trapped and ringed at Ainazi, Salacgriva county (A.Kalvans).

  
05.12.2017.
Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris) 4000; White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) 500; Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) 250; Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 2; Gadwall (Anas strepera) 4; Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) 200; Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) 20; Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) 50; Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1; Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) ~1500 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (G.Grandans). All species mentioned above quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds. Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 photographed at Zvarde military landfill, Saldus county (M.Kreicbergs). Common Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 1 at Uzava river floodplain fields, Ventspils county (G.Grandans). Quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrant and/or potential wintering bird. Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 1 1cy trapped and ringed at Ainazi, Salacgriva county (A.Kalvans).

  
04.12.2017.
Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1 at Vidale surroundings, Dundaga county (G.Grandans). Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Durupe surroundings, Balvi county (E.Kantans). Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) 4 at Kolka, Dundaga county (G.Grandans). Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) 1 at Vidale surroundings, Dundaga county (G.Grandans).  Mistle Trush and Meadow Pipit quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds. Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 2 in mixed flock of ~500 Passerines (Passeriformes) at Vidale surroundings, Dundaga county (G.Grandans).

  
03.12.2017.
White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) 37 migrating SW at Mangalsala, Riga (I.Denisovs). Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) ~60 migrating S at Akmensrags, Pavilosta county (I.Brediks). Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 4 at road A10, Tukums county (I.Brediks). Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) ~200 at Uzava fields, Ventspils county (I.Brediks). Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) 2 locally at Akmensrags, Pavilosta county (I.Brediks). All species mentioned above quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrants and/or potential wintering birds. Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 2 foraging together with 3 Common Redpolls (Acanthis flammea) at dunes of Mangalsala, Riga (I.Denisovs).

  Acanthis hornemanni
02.12.2017.
Great Egret (Ardea alba) 1 at Mersrags meadow, Mersrags county (R.Matrozis, E.Smislovs). Quite rare during winter months, late autumn migrant and/or potential wintering bird. Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Licupes, Ligatne county (A.Klepers). Present since 29.11.2017. (M.Platacis). Arctic Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni) 1 M N of lake Engure, Mersrags county (E. & V.Smislovs, A.Kurockins, R.Matrozis), 1 1cy M, 1 ad M trapped and ringed at Ainazi, Salacgriva county (A.Kalvans).

 Surnia ulula
 Acanthis hornemanni
01.12.2017.
Common Crane (Grus grus) 1 at Pulkarne, Baldone county (J.Strads). Late autumn record.