Granebukta to see Common Widgeons

2016 came and went, and as far as birdwatching goes I wasn't exacly sure. I remembered the annual trip to Lauwersmeer to see my favorite waders but that's in the Netherlands so did not qualify for these pages. The spring migration went in a flash, then autumn migration went by without any notice. I became a lazy birder.

I did took out the gear for a bit of warm up in the backyard and a few spots near the house.

Water rail in Brynne

Damn elusive bird to photograph ... notwithstanding the reeds and low light conditions.

Sunday morning Naerlandstraen

Had to send my son to the airport so took the opportunity to do a few hours birding south at Naerlandstraen, perhaps one of my favorite spot for waders. The numbers are not as significant as in September but the regulars are there. The Godwits were noticeably absent. From a distance Grey Plovers were around too. Two Peregrine Falcon made several attempts during the 4 hours I was there, completely oblivious to my presence.

Late evening Reve

Late evening Naerlandstraen

Naerlande in August

This is the time for the return of the waders on their autumn migration south. Along with the adults, they youngsters make up quite a significant potion of the numbers. Most numerous are probably the Dunlins and the Godwits. Among the crowd are Common Ring Plover, Ruddy Tursntone, Grey Plover, Redshanks and other smaller sandpipers.

I put to use the EF400/4.0 DO IS II USM lens. Lightweight and sharp, it proved to be the ideal tool for close up shots of the small waders from just about the right distance (2-3m) where the 300 would be just slightly too far and the 600 just a bit too close. Next up would be to see how easy or appropriate this lens is for shooting with flash at night, to capture waders feeding after dark.

The lens+7DMk2 combo is light enough for sharp handheld shots without a tripod. The f4 provided the soft background quite nicely and sufficient light to shoot at 1/1600 secs on a bright sunny dat at Iso 400.

Focusing on moving objects is still something I need to practice on. Not sure if my inability to focus on the Godwit in flight successfully was attributed to lens autofocusing IQ or my own knack for panning.

There should be enough light and warmth the next couple of weeks to make several more attempts at Naerlande with this lens. Hopefully more waders pass this way as per past years ...

Images and words by Nazeri Abghani 30th Aug 2015

Purple Sandpiper at Tungenes Fyr, Randaberg

If it's one wader you could almost guarantee to see on the coast in Spring it'd be the Purple Sandpiper. Long before the Ruddy Turnstones, Redshank or the other waders return, you'll see them flitting about the rocky shores on the coast. These are cute little fellas, position yourself quiet enough along their feeding path, they'd come really close.

As the season shift from Spring to Summer, the focus returns to waders ... the long (throughout winter months anyway) awaited return of the waders. Northern Lapwing and Oystercatchers are slowly filling up the fields, their calls reminding you of that fabulous summer around the corner.

Purple Sandpiper is a great start to wader watching for the birding season.