With the purchase of a trip cam in July 2012, my eyes were opened to a whole new world, a privileged glimpse into the happenings of the night.
Placing the camera at carefullly chosen localities on my land in Labanoras, the results were little short of amazing – Wild Boars galore, Raccoon Dogs, Badgers, both Pine and Stone Martens, an unexpected Polecat …the camera truly began to reveal the secrets of this otherwise secret nocturnal world.
A mini-break in the Aragon Pyrenees, a winter fiesta of Lammergeiers and Wallcreepers in the mountains themselves and bustards, sandgrouses and larks in adjacent steppes.
With three full days at my disposal, fortunately marked by crisp blue skies throughout, this was a very successful little trip, the basic plan being to spend one day in the foothills in and around Mallos de Riglos, the next at higher altitudes and the last exploring the grasslands of Los Monegros a few kilometres to the south.
A month of rapidly cooling temperatures, nights dropping to minus 20. And with the sub-zero, an impressive collection of birds at my feeders, not least a Hazel Grouse and a grand total of seven species of woodpecker, including Three-toed Woodpecker and five White-backed Woodpeckers.
Equally impressive have been the mammals – highlights including a Polecat in the first week, both Stone and Pine Martens on a nightly basis and one Beaver active despite the snow and ice. Also a Yellow-necked Mouse on my feeders.
A latest offering on the video front, a few nights dominated by snow. An impressive three Pine Martens and two Stone Martens amongst the visitors…
**** Snow Storm Nights ****
Much ado about nothing with the weather, temperatures hovering in the zero to minus five range, fresh snow at the month's start, not much later on.
Highlight in the first half of the month was a visit by UK digiscoper Paul Hackett, an eventful few days including unexpected plunges into chilly water, plus the full suite of seven species of woodpecker.
Much ado about nothing with the weather, temperatures hovering between zero and minus ten for much of the month, with fresh snow at the month's beginning and midway through. Highlight of the first couple of weeks was the eventful visit of UK birder Paul Hackett, a plunge through ice accompanied by the full suite of seven species of woodpecker. Later on, woodpeckers continued to perform, assorted mammals appeared at night, but otherwise a bit of a winter lull.
Much ado about nothing with the weather, temperatures hovering between zero and minus ten for much of hte month, fresh snow at the month's beginning and midway through. Highlight of the first couple of weeks was the eventful visit of UK digiscoper Paul Hackett, a plunge through ice accompanied by the full suite of seven species of woodpeckers, Three-toed Woodpecker included. Later on, woodpeckers continued to perform, a rich assortment of mammals appeared at night, but otherwise a bit of a winter lull.
As winter gradually edges towards its end, so arrives the time of owls … the best chances of the year to search out the various species that lurk in the vast forests of Lithuania. By March, Long-eared Owls and Tawny Owl should be in voice, Tengmalm's Owls also at their localities. Perhaps too a Pygmy Owl on my land or elsewhere, a trip to the north adding the possibility of Ural Owl.
To celebrate the season, a short photo montage of owls that I have photographed in recent years, a flit across the globe to dip into a selection from localities far and wide.
Spring should be creeping in, but snow and sub-zero to kick things off.
Trips and migrants in the plans…
Temperatures far below zero throughout the month, but some good times regardless, starting with Raccoon Dogs out from hibernation in Lithuania, plus woodpeckers drumming, and a super expedition to find Musk Ox in Norway.