Birds in September

In September, it’s time to look for resting Passerines in the fields and along the beaches. Seaweed fertilized beach stretches with goosefoots and short grazed coastal meadows are usually particularly interesting environments this time of year. Bluethroat, Red-throated Pipit and Lapland Longspur are less common, but at the same time expected species that usually can be found. In the fields, flocks of Doves, European Golden Plovers, Northern Lapwings, Geese and Common Cranes can be seen.

Lapland Bunting, © Lars Lundmark

In September are also many birds of prey on their way south. Really good migration days with fine weather can three-digit numbers of Buzzards and Eurasian Sparrowhawks appear in the company of many other birds of prey. The month is probably the years best to see the Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon and Merlin.

Common Eider, © Lars Lundmark

Seabird migration is also extensive with Common Eider as the most numerous among the seaducks. And among geese is it primarily the Brent Goose that puts its mark on the month. A really good day, can tens of thousands be seen flying south and also rest at Ottenby. Large amounts of Greylag Geese are still here, and the first Barnacle Geese begin to migrate now. September is the best month for Skuas, although Parasitic Jaeger can pass during August, there is now the chance to also see the Long-tailed Jaeger. There are still a lot of waders left, but now largely only the young birds.

Despite the fact that September is one of the best months for birding on Öland, has it not the same attractiveness to birders as October. Unfortunately, we have to say, since both species richness as well as the number of individuals for a great number of species is higher now.

Birds to scout for in September.

Spotted Crake, Common Crane, Eurasian Dotterel, Sanderling, Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Eurasian Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Spotted Nutcracker and Rustic Bunting.

Yellow-legged Gull, © Lars Lundmark

Sanderling, © Lars Lundmark

Hen Harrier, © Lars Lundmark

Grey Wagtail, © Lars Lundmark

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