Collared Flycatcher16th–30th June

The second half of June is normally the start of a quiet period on Utsira, although in some years something interesting can occur after spring migration is officially closed. This year the period was again uneventful because of the weather but held among other things a late Peregrine Falcon, a young female, while Corn Crake was heard until the 18th.

In the main valley, the grass was cut without mercy before the 25th, and we just have to hope that any crake nests were located to the margins.

Otherwise, the few breeding species are here: among them Greylag Goose (several pairs, in stark contrast to the situation only a few years ago), Common Raven (one pair, five young), and also singing Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Common Chiffchaff. Willow Warbler also sing, but as a curiosity Utsira is perhaps the only municipality in Norway where the species, popularly the most common bird in Norway, has yet to be proved breeding.

On the 23rd a Black-headed Bunting (Geir Mobakken) was found in the roads on the eastern part of the island, claimed as almost a routine find given the rate of sightings over the last few years. Being a colourful male, it relocated to the north next day. Here it was standby a couple of days, and - together with the Collared Flycatcher - was responsible for a steady stream of visiting twitchers at a time when this is unusual. The flycatcher stayed at least until the 27th, and proved always difficult to see well. 

Black-headed Bunting

First sign of autumn migration came on the 24th when twenty odd Eurasian Curlews were seen taking a rest. June´s last days saw an apparently locally born Common Cuckoo, a couple of Spotted Flycatchers, a late Eurasian Reed Warbler and also a female type Black Redstart near the former Boarding house.

As of the first six months of the year 149 species have been recorded.

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Unfortunately this was the typical weather in June.