Bird identification

I've seen Osprey from time to time around the La Sauge reserve on the east end of Lake Neuchatel. They circle above the swamp and islands full of Cormorant, Swans, Gulls and plunge for fish. That exiting silver cascade is pretty unmistakable. I have some distant 500mm photos somewhere, but as I recall they are pretty much ruined by the compressed atmospherics over water.

That said, while they really are large, it is hard to imagine one at Curley's garden party unless he was serving smoked herring.

No hering and no lake near by and river in quite a distance as well.

PS: Here is quite some information about my visitor. They breed in trees, maybe he became my neighbour

(I played the voice - but he didn't come back. Who knows what the recorded bit means in his language )

Goshawk indeed would be likely. Can't think I've seen them around, maybe too many Red Kites, Black Kites, Mouse Buzzards, Peregrines and such around, plus the Raven Squadrons chase off anything that doesn't suit them.

For bird ID nothing beats the app Merlin Bird ID. It might not have a lot of detailed information but it's really convenient and easier to carry than a book.

Wandering around the local forest after my workout, I thought I heard a Jay screaming, but rather an odd one. Then I saw a bright yellow bird with black wings - a golden oriole!

I followed it for a while and heard its beautiful, unmistakable song once or twice too. The only other time that I have seen and heard one was in Georgia near the Azerbaijan border. I checked its call on the Xeno-Canto birdsong site and it checked out, so - alles gut! Apparently they nest over most of Western Europe. Still, a good catch.

Absolutely agree. And it doesn’t cost a cent.

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