December 2012

Last update 03.01.2013. at 10:34:23
 Section "Local wintering birds 2012/2013" at the bottom of the page.  
   
30.12.2012.
Greylag Goose (Anser anser) 1, Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) 2 in the flock of Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers). European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) 1 at Baili, Beverina county. All the species rare during the winter months.

  
29.12.2012.
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) 1 at Musa river, Bauska county (E.Laucis). Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 1 ad M and 2 ad FF/2 2cy MM at Bauni, Burtnieku county (A.Klepers), 1 ad M and 1 1cy/F at Oltuzi, Limbazi county (I.Grinerte).

 
27.12.2012.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) 1 at Nica surroundings, Nica county (K.Millers). Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 7 feeding on larch Larix sp. buds at Stameriena, Gulbene county (B.Puspure). Present since 25.12.2012. when 4 individuals (B.Puspure).

  
26.12.2012.
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 flushed at Lejasligatne surroundings, Ligatne county (V.Vintulis). Rare during the winter months.

  
25.12.2012.
Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 1 ad M and 3 1cy/FF feeding on larch Larix sp. buds at Stameriena, Gulbene county (B.Puspure).
 
  
23.12.2012.
Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) 1 in the reedbeds at Kemeri National park, Tukums county (S.Rabkevics, A.Poiss). Present since 22.12.2012. (A.Krusts). Common Crane (Grus grus) 1 on the field at Dursupe, Talsi county (D.Elferts, S.Elferte). Present since 08.12.2012. (A.Jermuts). Rare during winter months. European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) 1 at the vicinity of Cesis town (S.Laime). Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 5 1cy/FF at Vidaga, 4 1cy/FF and 1 2cy M at Trapene, Ape county (G.Grandans, I.Grinerte).

 Botaurus stellaris
Grus grus
22.12.2012.
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) 1 M at Roja harbor. Roja (K.Vilks), 1 M and 1 F at Starpinupite river mouth, Engure county (A.Avotins jun. et al.), 1 at Darzini distributary, Salaspils county (U.Piterans). Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) 1 F at Darzini distributary, Salaspils county (U.Piterans). Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) 2 (incl. 1 1st winter bird) in Liepaja lake at Zirgu isle/Golodova dam, Liepaja (J.Jansons, A.Mankus). Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) 1 in the Gulf of Riga at Pterupe river mouth, Saulkrasti (E.Racinskis, D.Brakmane). Extremely rare during the winter months. Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) 1 in the reedbeds at Kemeri National park, Tukums county (A.Krusts).Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 at L.B.T. grain terminal, Liepaja (J.Jansons, A.Mankus). Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) at least 1 at Liepaja lake Zirgu isle, Liepaja (J.Jansons, A.Mankus), 1 at Darzini distributary, Salaspils county (U.Piterans). . Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) 1 at Dunduri meadows, Tukums county (A.Avotins jun. et al.). Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) 1 at L.B.T. grain terminal, Liepaja (J.Jansons, A.Mankus). Hedge Accentor (Prunella modularis) 1 at Zirgu sala, Liepaja (J.Jansons, A.Mankus).

 Podiceps nigricollis
21.12.2012.
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 at Zvejnieku aleja, Liepaja (I.Mednis). Rare during the winter months. Found partly eaten on 22.12.2012. at the same place (A.Mankus). Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) 1 at Kalngale fields, Carnikava county (I.Denisovs).

 Asio flammeus
20.12.2012.
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) 1 at Sarkandaugava distributary, Riga (U.Piterans).

  
19.12.2012.
Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) 1 F at Vidumgravis, Ventspils (M.Tirums). Category E record. Returning bird since 22.01.2008. (M.Jaunzemis et al.). Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) 1 at Ventspils marina, Ventspils (M.Tirums).

 Aix galericulata
Corvus corone
18.12.2012.
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) 1 ad at Daugava distributary, Salaspils county (U.Piterans). Common Crane (Grus grus) 1 on the fields at Blidene surroundings, Broceni county (A.Steins). Present since 17.12.2012. (G.Krastins). Rare during the winter months.

  
17.12.2012.
Common Crane (Grus grus) 1 on the fields at Blidene surroundings, Broceni county (G.Krastins). Redwing (Turdus iliacus) 1 at Vecmilgravis, Riga (I.Denisovs). Both species rare during the winter months.

 Turdus iliacus
16.12.2012.
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) 1 F, Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca)1 F at Sarkandaugava distributary, Riga (I.Denisovs, O.Mizinenko). Rare during the winter months. Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) calls of 1 migrating (S) individual heard at Nica at 20:30, Nica county (K.Millers).Late autumn-winter migrant record. Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 8 (5 ad M + 3 FF/1cy) at Denderi surroundings, Koceni county (A.Klepers).

Pinicola enucleator
15.12.2012.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) 1 at Jaungulbene surroundings, Gulbene county (U.Lolans). Rare during the winter months.

 
14.12.2012.
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) 1 at Darzini distributary, Salaspils county (S.Laime). Rare during the winter months. Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) 1 flew S over the sea at Saulkrasti, Saulkrasti (E.Racinskis, D.Brakmane). Late autumn-winter migrant record. Northern Hawk-Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 1cy trapped and ringed at Adazi military landfill, Adazi county (G.Grandans et al.). Present since 03.12.2012. (I.Mardega). Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 6 (ad M + 5 FF/1cy) at Salaspils street feeding in rowan tree, Riga (S.Laime). Present since 11.12.2012., when 3 (U.Piterans). Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) ~300 at Diku street, Daugavpils (A.Erts). Large number at one place.

 Pinicola enucleator
13.12.2012.
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 flushed by car in the night at the Grobina-Nica roadside near Dravenieki, Grobina county (K.Millers). Late autumn-winter migrant record.

  
11.12.2012.
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) 1 in Daugava river at Kangarags bird tower, Riga (U.Piterans). Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 1 ad F, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 1cy, Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) 1 at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers). Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 at Kronvalda park, Riga (D.Drazdovskis). Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) at least 20 (!!!) together with at least 20 (!!!) Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) in ~50 birds mixed flock at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers). All the species rare during the winter months. For Lapland Longspur biggest known number (flock) at one place as well as for Skylark biggest flock during the winter months! Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 3 (ad M + 2 FF/1cy) at Salaspils street feeding in rowan tree, Riga (U.Piterans).

 Vanellus vanellus
Falco peregrinus
Calcarius lapponicus
Pinicola enucleator
09.12.2012.
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) 1, Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) 2 (M 1cy and F) in Musa river near Bauska, Bauska (E.Laucis). Wood Duck category E record, Greater Scaup rare inland during the winter months. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) 1 ad on the seashore at Peterupe river mouth, Saulkrasti (E.Racinskis). Rare during the winter months. Different bird as on 25.11.2012. (E.Racinskis).

 Aix sponsa
Motacilla alba
08.12.2012.
Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris) 1 at Vidumgravis, Ventspils (K.Vilks). Common Crane (Grus grus) 1 on the field at Dursupe, Talsi county (A.Jermuts). Both species rare during the winter months. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) 1 flew out from the sea at Mangalsala pier, Riga (M.Strazds, I.Mardega). Very late autumn-winter migrant record!
Grus grus
07.12.2012.
Northern Hawk-Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Adazi military landfill, Adazi county (I.Mardega et al.). Present since 03.12.2012. (I.Mardega).

Surnia ulula
06.12.2012.
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 1 1cy at Skuku lake, Ilukste n. (E.Racinskis), 1 ad F and 2 1cy at Kalngale fields, Carnikava county (I.Denisovs). Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus) 1 flushed at Dviete floodplain, Ilukste county (E.Racinskis). Both species rare during the winter months.

 Circus cyaneus
05.12.2012.
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) 2 at Bruzilas, Saldus county (V.Kveksis). Rare during the winter months.

  
04.12.2012.
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) 1 ad Mat Darzini distributary, Salaspils county (U.Piterans).Rare during the winter months.Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1 ad M at Nica fields, Nica county (V.Adamsons, G.Grandans, R.Rekmanis). Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) 2 vocalizing individuals at Darzini distributary, Salaspils county (U.Piterans).Rare during the winter months. Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 1 migrating S in the sea at Pape, Rucava county (R.Rekmanis). Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) at least 11 (incl. 4 ad and 5 1cy) at Seaside Park, Liepaja (K.Millers). Rare during the winter months and large number at one place. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) 1 trapped and ringed + 4 migrating S at Pape B.O., Rucava county (G.Grandans, V.Adamsons, R.Rekmanis). Mistle Thrush(Turdus viscivorus) 1 migrating S at Pape B.O., Rucava county (V.Adamsons). Late autumn migrant records. Hedge Accentor (Prunella modularis) 1 at wet black alder forest at Kengarags, Riga (U.Piterans). Rare during the winter months. Common Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 1 at Darzini distributary, Salaspils county (U.Piterans).Rare during the winter months. Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) 1 at Kengarags, Riga (U.Piterans).

 Columba palumbus
Prunella modularis
03.12.2012.
Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) calls of 2 migrating individuals heard at Pape B.O., Rucava county (V.Adamsons, G.Grandans, R.Rekmanis). Late autumn-winter record. Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) ~120 to N at Nica fields, Nica county (K.Millers), ~150 migrating S at Pape B.O., Rucava county (G.Grandans, V.Adamsons, R.Rekmanis). Late autumn-winter records. Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) calls of 1 migrating individual heard at Pape B.O., Rucava county (G.Grandans, V.Adamsons). Late autumn-winter record. Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1 trapped and ringed at Pape B.O., Rucava county (V.Adamsons, G.Grandans, R.Rekmanis). Repeated latest autumn record. Stock Dove (Columba oenas) 1 migrating S at Pape B.O., Rucava county (G.Grandans, V.Adamsons). Late autumn migrant record. Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) 1 at Sejejciems, Nica county (K.Millers). Rare during the winter months. Northern Hawk-Owl (Surnia ulula) 1 at Adazi military landfill, Adazi county (I.Mardega). Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) 1 at Pape, Rucava county (R.Rekmanis). Rare during the winter months. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) 2 + 1 +1 migrating S, 1 local, Mistle Thrush(Turdus viscivorus) 1 migrating S at Pape B.O., Rucava county (G.Grandans, V.Adamsons, R.Rekmanis). Late autumn migrant records.

Surnia ulula
02.12.2012.
Dark-bellied Brant Goose (Branta bernicla) 1 at Liepaja harbor S pier, Liepaja (J.Jansons, M.Jaunzemis, A.Mankus). 2nd record during the winter months. Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) at least 40 at Stropu lake, Daugavpils (A.Erts). Rare inland. Present 23.11.2012. (A.Erts). Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) 1 1cy at Liepaja harbor N pier (J.Jansons, M.Jaunzemis, A.Mankus). Rare during the winter months. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) 1 at Daugavgriva pier, Riga (K.Vilks). Rare during winter months. Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) 2 at L.B.T. grain terminal, 2 migrating S at the end of Liepaja harbor S pier, 1 at Liepaja lake on Golodova dam, Liepaja (J.Jansons, M.Jaunzemis, A.Mankus). Rare during the winter months. Eurasian Skylark on Golodova dam present since 23.11.2012. (K.Millers). Woodlark (Lullula arborea) 24 in one flock at L.B.T. grain terminal, Liepaja (J.Jansons, M.Jaunzemis, A.Mankus). Rare during the winter months. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) 1 at Liepaja lake on Golodova dam, Liepaja (J.Jansons, A.Mankus). Present since 23.11.2012. (K.Millers). Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) 1 at L.B.T. grain terminal, Liepaja (J.Jansons, M.Jaunzemis, A.Mankus). Rare during the winter months.

  
01.12.2012.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) 1 at Satini fish ponds, Saldus county (M.Jaunzemis, J.Jansons). Latest autumn-winter record. Present at least since 04.11.2012. (K.Millers, M.Jaunzemis, J.Jansons).