Birds in August

Although many waders and some Old World Warblers have already left the country, August is the month when autumn starts in earnest in the world of birds. Many small birds are now leaving the island, but then they move at night, this migration passes a bit unnoticed. During the day, one can notice that migration time is on its way, as sometimes large flocks of Western Yellow Wagtails is seen foraging on the meadows and the Tree Pipits calling sound often heard over the heads of us. Large flocks of Barn Swallows are also gathered in the reeds around the wetlands in the evenings.

Gulärla, Lars Lundmark Fåglar ÖlandWestern Yellow Wagtail, © Lars Lundmark

Roskarl, Lars Lundmark Fåglars ÖlandRuddy Turnstone, © Lars Lundmark

Now the Arctic Waders young birds arrives on their way south, abandoned by their hurrying parents, but with the map programmed into their genes. Young bird’s costumes often differ substantially from the older birds, which can create problems for the identification. It is important to know how the common species looks, as some extremely rare waders also can pop up this time of year.

Along the coast the waders gets company of the first seabirds on their way south. Not the least noticeable is the migration of, not easy identifiable, young and old Terns that now begin their long journey toward wintering areas in the southern hemisphere.

Birds to scout for in August.

Little Ringed Plover, Parasitic Jaeger, Black Tern, Sedge Warbler and Crossbills.

Mindre Strandpipare, Lars Lundmark Fåglar ÖlandLittle Ringed Plover, © Lars Lundmark

Mindre Korsnäbb, Lars Lundmark Fåglar ÖlandRed Crossbill, © Lars Lundmark

Svarttärna, Lars Lundmark Fåglar ÖlandBlack Tern, © Lars Lundmark

Sävsångare, Lars Lundmark Fåglar ÖlandSedge Warbler, © Lars Lundmark

Ölands-fåglar-ÖOF Öland

Source: Ölands Fåglar © Ölands Ornitologiska Förening ÖOF (authors this chapter: Pav Johnsson, Anders Waldenström)

Translation: Visitoland.com

Pictures: see each picture

The book: Ölands Fåglar, 496 pages (only in Swedish), can be ordered at Naturbokhandeln
ISBN: 9789188124555