Between showers

Autumn is in full bloom with constant showers and chilly temperatures, perfect for birding!

Highlights of Škocjanski zatok this afternoon: one Glossy Ibis grazing amid a group of Mallards, a Hobby patrolling the reeds, a Common Buzzard perched on a pole and a Green Sandpiper.
In the Lagoon I got superb views of this Kingfisher. Apologies for the digiscoping.

Patient Kingfisher.

I was also approached by this little warbler, perhaps a Chiffchaff (note the dark legs and short primaries).

Little Blue Job moving around, most likely a Chiffchaff.

From previous days I would like to mention an Osprey, seen yesterday in Škocjanski during the European day of birds. A pity the constant rain, but there were birds aplenty.

I had an encounter with a ghost-bird in Europe, the Helmeted Guineafowl, in the most unlikely place. The Koper Farm Show on Saturday 5th. The birds were on sale next to regular chickens.

Captivity-reared Helmeted Guineafowl. The bird is all but extinct in North Africa these days.

Also, on the 4th, I visited Strunjan. A very interesting and overlooked area, with a priceless unspoiled cliff. A Kingfisher and a Whinchat were showing well in the salty ponds. I shall return more often.