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Naumann’s thrush (Turdus naumanni) 19.11.2012 at Pitkäna, Kihnu island – new species for Estonia! An extremely secretive bird whom it was complicated to capture in a photo. But the characteristic traits of the species are visible even in the foggy photo (Photo: Uku Paal)

 

At first light early in the morning a largish gang of us were at the Kihnu southernmost tip searching for the Naumann’s thrush  (Turdus naumanni). We were even prepared for a couple of days of juniper-rustling but it so happened that the bird was discovered already during the first half hour. Unfortunately it hid in the junipers and only glimpses in flight were seen. Finally some kind of photo was captured as proof at least; luckily even in the foggy photos the important characteristics show. Having twitched the rarity thrush we at once headed back to the mainland. In the same day an even  larger gang of twitchers visited Kihnu and all saw the bird too. Unfortunately no one managed to get better photos.

Since the Bird rarities committee in the meantime had affirmed a spring-time observation of a corn bunting – I met it on May 27th in Kõrma in Pärnumaa - my 2012 species list now has altogether 275 bird species. With luck up to 2-3 more species may be added to it. Some gull perhaps or an owl?

 

Common whitethroat, 19.11.2012 at Haaslava, extremely late specimen (photo: Uku Paal)

 

Today an interesting  report  about a common species arrived  – in Tartumaa in Haaslava a common whitethroat was seen. In autumn this species departs already in mid-September, only a few individuals are seen in early October and currently the latest specimen to be registered in Estonia was on October 7th, 1980, in Saaremaa at  Sõrve säär. In November it has never before been seen here. In the last of the evening light we managed to find the Haaslava bird again and got photos for proof too. As  the warm autumn continues more such surprises may come.