Friday 2 May 2014

Sunny morning in the uplands

Singing Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
First Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca of the year
Amelanchier ovalis
Orchis purpurea

Dactylorhiza sambucina
View over the grassy plateau and Nanos' edge
Beech woodland in spring
Yesterday morning was finally completely sunny (after several days of rain) so I decided to visit the grassy plateau of mt. Nanos. The weather was perfect for being there (at least until midday, when a rain storm came down) and although I didn't find my target bird, Rock Thrush, I saw a couple of interesting species, but especially plants. It was good to walk in the chorus of upland grassland birds like Tree Pipit and Skylark. Up to 6 Rock Buntings were also singing at the mountain's rocky edge. The area also held a singing Lesser Whitethroat (year's first), 3 Common Whitethroats, 1 Wryneck, 1 Northern Wheatear, 5 Cuckoos, 2 Stonechats, 2 Yellowhammers, 1 Wood Warbler. Also saw an Alpine Chamois basking on the rocky screes.
Up to 6 Crag Martins were also seen around their probable breeding sites under the motorway bridges. A Dipper near Ajdovščina in the afternoon was also a highlight, along with a Peregrine, 2 Montagu's Harriers and 2 singing Hoopoes.