My story in Fyledalen

I had spring in mind when I decided to spend Eastern in Fyledalen. That wasn´t to be but I got 2 great days at one of the best locations for birds of prey during the winter in Sweden. I also knew that I would get the opportunity to try the raptor hide, at the place where I stayed, due to the prolonged winter.

I made a couple of stops during the drive to Skåne to see the status at different places in Halland. The ice was still present at most places and the chilling wind put me out of mood. I really wanted to try some places where the Northern Hawk Owl had been spotted but I skipped them due to the wind.

As I crossed Hallandsåsen, a horst between Halland and Skåne, the snow started to fall. This was something I did expected expect but I didn´t expect the amount of snowdrift as I got nearer Fyledalen. I think snowdrift is really beautiful to see but it isn´t always nice to drive thru, particularly when you don´t know the condition of the road below the snow.

As you understand my inspiration wasn´t on top when I arrived but I wanted to try the raptor hide to get a feeling for it. I gave it 2 hours before I decided to call it a day. At 2 occasions I had Buzzrds in front of the hide but they were a little shy. Still I got the impression that I could get some nice images from the hide.

Next day I went out into Fyledalen to see this famous Swedish bird spot. I spent the morning on road even if I mainly used the car as a hide from which I got good pictures of Red Kite and Sky Lark. I didn´t expect the later but when I spoke to my host he told me they already been in the area for a month.

When I arrived back at the house I saw 4 Buzzards in front of the hide. This was a pleasant surprise so I rigged everything nad then waited. It didn´t take long before the first Buzzard arrived and it was a Börringevråk. This was the first time I have seen the white Buzzards, Börringevråk, which made this extra fun. It started to eat but soon another Buzzard appeared and they had a fight which the Börringevråk lost. This happened yet another time until the white Buzzard just sat there feeling bad, whining and calling out. A fourth Buzzard appeared which was a little too much as there just were 2 places at the table to dine. This made for a lot of quarrel between the Buzzards. I got some nice photos and my focus was of course on the white Buzzard.

Common Buzzard attack Fyledalen wild bird — Common Buzzard attack 130330

This photo is one of the better. The White Buzzard is slowly advancing towards one of the eating Buzzards until it came to near. This fight was lost by the white but later on it got out on top in one of these battles.

Later during the day I heard a calling that wasn´t familiar to me and when I looked up into the trees I could see a red lump. I understood that it must be a Red Kite. It sat there calling for probably 30 minutes before it swooped down trying to chase the lonely Buzzard away. It didn´t managed at the first attempt but the second was successful.

I got this photo between the two attempts and I must say that this is a really handsome bird.

The two days gave me good photo opportunities and I left with some nice photos but sadly I missed every Eagle. I didn´t see a single one but that might have been to much to ask for.

Please enjoy the gallery and look at the picture in full screen.