Latvia Birding Trip Report

February 26th March 1st 2015

Andy Walker

http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

Northern Hawk-Owl (Andy Walker)

A familiarisation trip for Birding Ecotours http://birdingecotours.com

Latvia Trip Report
March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

Outline Itinerary
This was a trip I made with Jack Ashton-Booth, Tim Jones and Oliver (Ollie) Metcalf. We were helped
out considerably by Gaidis Grandans (http://birdinglatvia.lv/) who guided us, took us around in his
vehicle, and with his wife Maija incredibly kindly put us all up in their beautiful house in the forests of
eastern Latvia. Here we were furnished with an incredible, and plentiful assortment of local and
homemade food and drink. Jack and Tim had met up with Gaidis and Maija last spring when theyd
spent time in the country doing various bird surveys. This was my, and Ollies first trip to Latvia. We
owe Gaidis and Maija a great thanks for their hospitality and kindness, and for taking their time up for
a long-weekend.
This was a whistle-stop trip. We were enticed over by the reports we were seeing online of several
Northern Hawk-Owls across the country and knowing there would be a decent supporting cast of
other owls and woodpeckers available, and the hope that we might bump into something good of our
own finding Although a whistle-stop trip we packed in the hours birding. We were up at dawn
(7am) and we were then on the go until about 11pm/midnight when wed come back, have our
evening meal and a few drinks.
Our itinerary was:
February 26th: Depart Leeds-Bradford airport (3.30pm local time), arrive Riga airport (8.00pm local
time) and drive to Kolka, northwest Latvia. Overnight: A sauna, Kolka.
February 27th: Full day birding in northwest Latvia (Kolka, Dundaga, Ventsplis areas), evening drive
to Druviena, eastern Latvia. Overnight: Druviena.
February 28th: Morning and night-time birding Druviena area (including conducting an owl survey
for Gaidis), afternoon birding (Hawk-Owl twitch) to Kausa, southeast Latvia. Overnight: Druviena.
March 1st: Morning birding around Druviena and Smiltene, afternoon birding in Riga city centre
environs. Depart Riga airport (8.30pm local time) and arrive Leeds-Bradford (9.30pm local time).
We flew with Ryanair Leeds-Bradford to Riga. Flights, including some baggage allowance so we could
take sleeping bags and tripods for our scopes were in the region of 100 each and were booked
about two weeks before departure. We used the Sentinal car park just outside the airport which was
good value at 17 in total for the time we were away, including transfers. We used Gaidiss car whilst
in Latvia, just paying for fuel which seemed cheap. The Euro appeared quite weak compared to the
pound which was good for us.
The weather was OK during our trip. We were greeted with fog/mist which lasted for the first couple
of days, but then it did brighten up nearer the end of the trip. There was still a fair bit of snow (by UK
standards) about, more snow in the east than the west. Day-time temperatures were around freezing
(Zero0C) with night-time temperatures dropping to about -50C (possibly a bit lower). There was hardly
any wind which meant we didnt get the wind-chill we often get in the UK which made for a pleasant
change. It was still a case of lots of layers though.
We stopped at a few cafs for lunches/hot drinks as we were driving around and were pleasantly
surprised by how nice the food was especially in the caf in Dunaga. But the real highlight was the
breakfasts and evening meals that Maija prepared for us.
I took a few photos on my Panasonic Lumix FZ200 and my IPhone 5S, and Jack, Tim and Ollie took
hundreds of photos with their cameras, phones etc. and Ive included some of theirs here too. Some
photos are in with the text then there are a few pages of photos at the end of the report.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

Birding Highlights
We logged 75 species on this trip as a group; I recorded 73 of these (missing Eider in Kolka and a
flyover Common Crane from the vehicle near Riga). I got one new bird on the trip, Ural Owl which
was a nice surprise as I wasnt expecting to get any ticks.
Some of the highlights:

Northern Hawk-Owl Excellent views of a single bird that we spent the afternoon
watching as it hunted (successfully catching three voles in three attempts!), then flew right
towards us and ate and digested the voles. We were lucky enough to observe it bring up a
pellet that we later collected! It was great to get an active bird and to watch go about its
business. I saw my first Northern Hawk-Owl in Sweden in February 2006, wont be leaving it
that long again they really are great birds, go see one!
Ural Owl Incredible close-up, prolonged views of a single bird after the owl survey, and
another two birds (a pair) seen during the owl survey. Great to be able to hear the male and
female calling at each other. A much larger bird that I was anticipating, much bigger than a
Tawny Owl.
Eurasian Pygmy Owl Great scope-views of a bird in Gaidis garden. This bird was the first
we saw on the trip so was very popular. It was fun watching it getting mobbed by Great
Spotted and Grey-headed Woodpeckers and an assortment of tits and Nuthatch. We saw
another bird just before we commenced the owl survey and heard another two or three over
the course of the last two days of the trip.
Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker Seen well, but briefly in Gaidis garden.
White-backed Woodpecker Two males drumming at each other in Gaidis garden with
another unsexed (presumed female) bird there too. Great views of another pair in parkland
near Madona.
Grey-headed Woodpecker A few birds seen in the northwest and seen frequently
around Gaidis house and quite a few other places we stopped at.
Middle Spotted Woodpecker Seen at several locations, including in Riga city centre,
Dundagas, Gaidis house etc.
Black Woodpecker Seen near Kolka, Gaidis house and several other locations often
seen flying with slow wingbeats over large blocks of forest. Very impressive bird!
Thick-billed Spotted Nutcracker A vocal pair seen near Kolka in the northwest, with
(at least) one bird seen around Gaidis house on two dates.
Hazelhen A male seen along the roadside in the northwest with a pair heard calling near
Gaidis house. Typically, and frustratingly elusive.
Black Grouse Two lekking sites found, the first in the northwest, with approximately 11
black cocks; the second with eight black cocks.
Northern Long-tailed Tit A lucky stop for a Common Buzzard resulted in the finding of
a couple of stunning white-headed caudatus birds. They were rapidly moving through the
vegetation and unfortunately didnt come close enough for me to be able to photograph
them.
White-tailed Eagle Great views of a near-adult bird displaying overhead in the northwest.
Northern Goshawk Exceptional views! Ive been lucky and seen a fair few Goshawks, but
never like this! We had a flyover of a single bird in the northwest near dusk from the car but
then were treated to at least three, possibly four pairs in Riga city centre! Several of these
birds, one pair in particular gave incredible views. We watched a male hunting within
parkland before it sat up out in the open at close-range, before flying to the female where
the pair copulated! A real highlight of the trip. Impressive watching them hunting Hooded
Crows!
Peregrine Falcon An adult female seen sat on the deck in the northwest. It had,
unfortunately, flushed a decent flock of Bean Geese before we could get close to them! A bird
likely to start breeding again in the country, hopefully. I think Gaidis said the species hadnt
bred in Latvia since the 1960s when they bred on the ground in raised bogs.
Rough-legged Buzzard A single bird (juvenile) seen well near Ventspils in the northwest.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

Common Crane One seen by Jack and Ollie from the car. Unfortunately it flew out of sight
before we could find somewhere to park so Tim and I missed it.
Great Grey Shrike Seen all over as we were driving around. Most impressive was
probably the first bird we saw in the northwest as it was heard singing.
Crested Tit Recorded at several locations, a bird showed well in Kolka, but more often
heard than seen and generally not particularly showy.
Bohemian Waxwing Several flocks of varying size (e.g. 2-50) seen in the east and
southeast. Probably a few hundred birds seen in total but most were flyover records (and
having seen one in York the weekend before we werent overly fussed on chasing them down
preferring to look for something a little different!).
Parrot Crossbill A pair of birds seen in the northwest as we were watching the Black
Grouse lek. The male, although distant could be heard singing.
Long-tailed Duck Numerous adult birds seen off Kolka, stunning to see with their long
tails!
Smew A male seen briefly as it flew past Cape Kolka.
Whooper Swan Several flocks/family groups recorded across the country.
Tundra and Taiga Bean Goose A couple of small flocks (by Latvian standards) recorded
in the northwest, unfortunately they were flushed by a Peregrine Falcon before we could
drive closer and check for any Darvics/rarities within the flock.

White-tailed Eagle (Tim Jones)

In addition to the above it was nice to see some different sub-species of a range of common birds
from the UK such as borealis Willow Tit, palustris Marsh Tit, major Great Tit, caeruleus Blue Tit,
cristatus Crested Tit, familiaris Treecreeper, major Great Spotted Woodpecker, and pyrrhula
Eurasian Northern Bullfinch.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

Daily Log
We were in Latvia to look for Northern Hawk-Owl. We knew of a few birds in the country but they
were widely scattered. We were originally planning on heading east straight away, but due to a week
of fog/mist Gaidis made the call for us to head out northwest to look for a bird that had been seen
near Kolka, hoping the visibility might be better there. If we didnt find the bird in that area wed
head southeast to a site where he had one two weeks before our trip. If we still didnt connect we
were going to try and get access to a bird on a military site closer to Riga. So in reality we had two or
three chances to find a known bird, or wed have to find our own and three days of birding to do it
in.
February 26th
Our scheduled flight out of Leeds-Bradford was good value and ran more-or-less to time. It was a bit
of a shock when we landed as we thought we were still going through cloud, but it was just low-level
fog/mist. Customs was very quick (much quicker than Leeds-Bradford on our return). In no time at all
we were ready to get going.
We were met in Riga by Gaidis in his people-carrier (The Italian Stallion) which was just the right size
for us and all of our optical and camera gear. We made the short drive round the complicated Riga
road network to a supermarket where we stocked up on food and drink for the evening, mainly drink.
We headed northwest through the mist/fog towards Kolka where we were to overnight and spend the
next day birding. A few stops to try for Eurasian Eagle-Owl were unsuccessful but we did hear our
first Whooper Swans and managed to avoid hitting any giant Red Deer.
We arrived in Kolka about 1am, had some food and drink and went to bed, in a sauna! A hot night!
February 27th
After about 4 hours sleep it was time to leave the nice hot sauna and get into the cold Latvian
countryside and kick off the birding. It was still foggy so was difficult to gauge where we were and
what was around us (lots of forest and the Baltic Sea apparently). Jack heard a Tawny Owl behind
the sauna while the rest of us were struggling to wake up!
We made the short drive to Cape Kolka where we had Magpie, Hooded Crow whilst walking
through the car park. When we hit the sea we started connecting with some cool birds, including:
very smart adult Long-tailed Ducks, numerous Velvet and Common Scoters, a couple of
Goldeneye, Goosander and Great Crested Grebes and singles of Greater Scaup and a
tantalisingly brief fly-through male Smew. Other birds noted were: Herring, Great Black-backed,
Common and Black-headed Gulls, Mute Swan, and Cormorant. Just round the coast at some
docks there was an Eider, which I missed, and a Lapwing, which I saw.
We spent some time driving the local roads for Capercaille and Hazelhen, unsuccessfully, however we
did find some great birds such as a pair of Thick-billed Spotted Nutcrackers, a couple of
stunningly beautiful caudatus Northern Long-tailed Tits, Crested Tit and a great look at a Black
Woodpecker that flew right over us before landing in clear view. A few other birds here included
Marsh, Blue and Great Tits, Treecreeper, Common Buzzard, Siskin and Mealy Redpoll. We
also saw a few Red and a lot of Roe Deers.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

Black Woodpecker (Tim Jones)

We made our way to the farmland where the first of our target Northern Hawk-Owls had previously
been recorded, but with no luck the visibility really wasnt helping. Our owl-searching near Vidale
brought us our first of many Great Grey Shrike of the trip. This bird could even be heard singing
from its perch which was good to hear. We then heard distant Eurasian Northern Bullfinches
trumpeting away but a rather hard-looking dog barking its head off where the birds had gone meant
we decided to wait for another chance to see these birds! Our first Great Spotted Woodpeckers
were seen nearby, as was our first Greenfinch, Eurasian Jay and pale and dark forms of Common
Buzzards, but still no Northern Hawk-Owl.
Some parkland around the town of Dundaga provided us with fantastic views of our first Middle
Spotted Woodpeckers I really like this delicate-looking species. We also added a few more trip
birds such as Mallard, Tree and House Sparrows, Feral Pigeon (!), Fieldfare, and Nuthatch.
We finally got sight of a flock of stunningly sharp Eurasian Northern Bullfinches and after
hearing them the night before saw some Whooper Swans. We grabbed some food from a caf in
Dundaga the food was brilliant. Soup, a large home-cooked meal (just a half portion filled a plate)
and a drink for each of the five of us came to about 15 in total! We did rave about this place for the
rest of our stay! A very enjoyable meal.
After lunch we moved along to the Sliteres area. We were a little higher here, relatively, and it paid
off as the murk wasnt as bad and we could get a nice view of the landscape, and then some birds. A
Grey-headed Woodpecker flew into view and started calling, it gradually flew closer, and then a
second bird flew in. We were very pleased with this and just as we were preparing to leave a nearadult White-tailed Eagle flew in and displayed overhead whilst continuing to fly through. Great
views. We also had Raven, Eurasian Jay, Magpie and numerous Roe Deer here.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Tim Jones)

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Tim Jones)

We decided to try and spend some more time looking for the Northern Hawk-Owl, without success,
but we did find a field containing 11 male Black Grouse that were busy lekking. Whilst looking at
these some Parrot Crossbills were discovered, and heard singing. We completed our loop back to
Kolka where we had great views of a Crested Tit, and more Eurasian Northern Bullfinches. A
large flock of Siskin provided some distraction but we couldnt pull any Arctic Redpolls out, just a
couple of Mealy Redpolls. Jack spied a fantastic male Hazelhen from the back of the van; I got a
brief glimpse from my side of the van as it was sat on the bank on the edge of the forest. We swung
round but the bird flushed so some of us got flight views, unfortunately Tim missed it (I think he was
sleeping, again). A bit frustrating! We decided that we had probably dipped the first of the Northern
Hawk-Owl opportunities we had so decided to finish the day with some geese before we had to hit
the road out east.
Latvia Trip Report
March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

We finished the afternoon at Ventspils. We were rewarded with Taiga and Tundra Bean Geese and
a decent flock of Whooper Swans, but as we tried to get close to them to check for Darvics/rarities
they were flushed by an adult female Peregrine Falcon! We also had a juvenile Rough-legged
Buzzard, three Great Grey Shrikes, nesting Raven, hundreds of Hooded Crows, a few
Jackdaws, a female Sparrowhawk with a huge crop for a moment giving the impression of a
male Goshawk, and a large flock of Yellowhammers. The final new bird seen in the day was a real
Goshawk, a huge female that flew over the main road as we were driving back towards Riga just
before it got dark. A stop at one of the Eurasian Eagle-Owl stakeouts wed visited 24hrs previously
was slightly more successful, in that we heard a female grunting, but it didnt show, and the male
didnt come out and play either which was a shame. Still, a great first days birding in Latvia.
We then drove for about 5 hours, arriving at Gaidis, and his wife Maijas beautiful log house in the
idyllic countryside in the middle of nowhere near Druviena around midnight. After an incredible
homemade meal prepared by Maija, and some beers, we headed to bed at about 2am. Excited to see
what would be outside in the morning.
February 28th
We woke around 7am, and took our first look at Gaidis garden in daylight. It didnt take long to start
connecting with great birds. Ollie and Jack had a Black Woodpecker fly through, and then two
male White-backed Woodpeckers started announcing themselves in the tree tops, giving good
scope views as they tried to impress a presumed female bird. A Great Spotted Woodpecker could
also be heard drumming, and then a male Grey-headed Woodpecker got in on the act and sat
atop a tree giving good scope views. A distant Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker called so we
decided to head into the forest to try and connect with it. It didnt take long before the bird flew in
and gave brief but good views. Walking through the forest we were seeing Moose footprints and lots
of Beaver signs. Hazelhens could be heard, but again they didnt play ball.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Tim Jones)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

We had a great breakfast (very nice honey) and as we were preparing to head away for the day to
try for our second shot at Northern Hawk-Owl a Eurasian Pygmy Owl became vocal. We found it
by looking for the birds mobbing it (Great Spotted and Grey-headed Woodpeckers and an
assortment of smaller birds: Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Great, Marsh and Blue Tits). It then
gave great scope views for ages! You forget how tiny these owls are until you see them next to a
Great Tit! Whilst packing up the car for the day we got slightly distracted by a very smart borealis
Willow Tit and then had a Thick-billed Spotted Nutcracker fly over.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl getting mobbed by Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Great Tit (Tim Jones)

Great Spotted Woodpecker mobbing Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Oliver Metcalf)

Latvia Trip Report
March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

We left the house, making a few stops along the way to the second Northern Hawk-Owl spot, would
it still be there after last been seen two weeks ago? Who knew? But we were willing to give it a punt.
We were all a little nervous, but enjoyed seeing a few good birds along the way including: Middle
Spotted, White-backed, Great Spotted, and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, c.70 Bohemian
Waxwings, Black Grouse (8 lekking males), Common Crossbill, two Great Grey Shrikes, lots
of Yellowhammers but no Pine Bunting! Common roadside birds included: Raven, Hooded Crow,
Magpie, Eurasian Jay and Common Buzzard.

White-backed Woodpecker (Tim Jones)

We arrived in the Kausa area, southeast Latvia, a couple of hours from Gaidis house. Suddenly we
were all a little more awake we started along a dirt track, a flock of Waxwing, logged but pretty
much ignored. Driving a short way along the track and Ollie suddenly slammed the brakes on. Hed
only gone and found it! Sat on a power line in the bottom of the valley was a stunning Northern
Hawk-Owl. We parked up, grabbed our scopes and cameras and excitedly got a decent viewpoint.
Relief. We spent the next couple of hours having a great time watching the bird hunt voles
(successfully three times in a row). After each catch it would fly towards us, sitting in full view as it
ate and digested its food. Brilliant views of an active bird, we were all very, very happy! Watching the
bird fly head-on towards us was great. Such a strange/awesome bird. A half-owl, half-accipiter with a
wingbeat akin to a Peregrine Falcon! Makes for one impressive bird!
We saw it bring up a pellet which was too tempting to ignore, so after it flew off with its third vole we
went to explore its perches. It didnt take too long to find a couple of owl pellets, though it would
take us a bit longer to get out of the area after getting the van stuck in someones muddy driveway
whoops, time to push! Wed also noted a Great Grey Shrike along the same set of power lines as
the Northern Hawk-Owl and were pleased to find a shrike pellet to add to our collection! Whilst we
were here a flock of 50 Waxwings flew through and a couple of Ravens and Jays flew overhead. A
Great Spotted Woodpecker alarmed as the owl flew a bit too close for comfort.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

10

Northern Hawk-Owl (Tim Jones)

Northern Hawk-Owl (Tim Jones)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

11

Northern Hawk-Owl Pellets (left two) and Great Grey Shrike pellet (right one) (Jack Ashton-Booth)

Northern Hawk-Owl (Andy Walker)

Over the moon we went and grabbed some celebratory food and drink (and to wash the mud off us).
The day couldnt get any better.
Latvia Trip Report
March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

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Oh yes it could.
And it did.
Wed told Gaidis wed like to help out and do an owl survey for him that evening so we headed across
to a large block of forest. As we were divvying up maps, GPS, torches, MP3s etc. we heard a couple
of distant Ural Owls too far away, and at least two, probably three Eurasian Pygmy Owls, one
of these flew in and gave good prolonged views sat high in a tree. Jack and Tim took one transect,
getting a Tawny Owl, Pine Marten and Moose. Ollie and I took another transect and had good
views of a vocal male and female Ural Owl (a lifer for me) we didnt have a torch so we got good
silhouette views, the male flew right in above us and the female was sat out on an open snag!
After the survey we decided to head to the place where Ollie and I had recorded the pair, however
before we could get there we found a different Ural Owl right next to the forest track we were
driving along we then got incredible views of this bird for a good 10-15 minutes or more, it felt like
an hour! Breathtaking views. I was struck by its overall size, and the white circles around its dark
eyes, set off well with its yellowish bill and its talons!

Ural Owl (Andy Walker)

We were all in a bit of a daze by now. It was difficult to take in the quality birds wed seen
throughout the day. We made a brief stop on the way back to Gaidis house to look at some
hibernating bats (Northern Brown and Long-eared I think) where there was also a very vocal Tawny
Owl. We also saw some more Roe Deer.
Another beautiful evening meal (at midnight) from Maija was washed down by a few celebratory
drinks. And then a few more. This was one of my most enjoyable days of Western Palearctic birding.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

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March 1st
We had a lazy start for our final morning, apart from Ollie who was up with the lark watching a/the
Thick-billed Spotted Nutcracker and a couple of Grey-headed Woodpeckers in Gaidis
garden. After a leisurely, and very nice breakfast we said goodbye to Maija, clocked the garden
borealis Willow Tit and headed in the direction of Riga for our early evening flight home. No need
to try and get into the military zone for the third Hawk-Owl we knew about! Relief.
The plan was to drive around and try and find some Capercailles and Hazelhens, but unfortunately we
found neither, despite putting in some effort. We did get more good view of Black Woodpecker
and a few Whooper Swans though, and Jack and Ollie spied a Common Crane from their side of
the stallion. Unfortunately we couldnt pick it up again when we could find somewhere to park with a
gap in the trees. Tim saw a Hare of some sort.
We were going to go to Riga tip to look at seagulls, however, rather fortuitously Gaidis got an email
about a few Northern Goshawks that had been showing well in the city centre parks over recent days.
It was a bit of a no-brainer and we headed into the city for some Urban Birding. It didnt take long
to get some results. We were sat at a set of traffic lights and had a pair in display over the city! We
then pulled up at a small park. Over the next hour we were treated to my best views ever of
Northern Goshawk. Or to be more precise, a pair of them The male was getting escorted around
the park by about 40 Hooded Crows, occasionally it would turn and chase one of them as if to
make a point! At one stage it flew straight towards us and scattered a flock of House Sparrow and
flew a few feet over Tims head. We followed it around the park for a bit, eventually it sat out in the
open on top of a tree (after a brief visit to one of many nest sites in the park). We got lots of photos
of it! Just when we thought the experience couldnt get any better he flew off, at the same time we
realised there was another bird that had remained undetected by us a couple of trees away it was
absolutely huge. It was the female. The male looped round, landed next to her and they mated right
in front of us! Unbelievable. A few seconds later theyd both gone their separate ways and we were
left in shock stood in the middle of the park with people going about their everyday life, walking their
kids/dogs, feeding the floaters etc. The female flew up and sat on an aerial on the tallest building
around the edge of the park, the Hooded Crows didnt take their eyes off her! Neither did we.

Male Northern Goshawk (Tim Jones)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

14

Northern Goshawk copulating (Tim Jones)

Northern Goshawk chasing Hooded Crows (Tim Jones)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

15

Northern Goshawk being chased by Hooded Crows (Oliver Metcalf)

We spent the next few hours checking out other known nest sites around Riga. In total we recorded
at least three, probably four pairs of Northern Goshawks, getting more good views. We also
connected with quite a few new trip birds, presumably due to the lack of snow in Riga and more food
being available, these included: Common Kingfisher, Rook, Starling, Blackbird, Chaffinch and
Brambling. We also had great views of more Middle Spotted and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
We finished up having a big slap-up dinner in a shopping mall near the airport, admiring all the guys
smartly dressed with their man-bags as we walked around in our dirty boots and all covered in mud
from pushing the van out of the ditch the previous day. At the airport we said goodbye and a huge
thank you to Gaidis, what a great guy. Got on our plane and in no time at all were back in York.

Black Grouse (Tim Jones)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

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Summary
We all had a fantastic time in Latvia and enjoyed seeing a great range of birds. My highlights were
the Northern Hawk-Owl (one of my favourite birds in the world), Ural Owl, Northern Goshawk,
White-tailed Eagle, Black Grouse and wide-range (six species) of woodpeckers. Our full trip list is
provided below.
Birding in Latvia was very enjoyable and I cant wait to get back over there and see it without a
covering of fog/mist and snow! It must be an incredibly impressive birding destination when all of the
summer migrants are in. The under-watched nature of this northeastern-European country gives a
good chance of finding something very unusual, and being able to enjoy the birds without large
crowds of people.
A huge thank you must go to Gaidis and Maija for their hospitality and in making the trip a huge
success, and a lot of fun. Also thanks to Jack, Tim and Ollie for providing images for this report, and
making the trip what it was a good laugh with some quality birds thrown in.
If you would like any further information please drop me an email to andywalker1000 AT hotmail.com
subject Latvia Birding or visit http://www.birdingecotours.com/ (new Latvia Birding Itinerary coming
soon).
Thanks, Andy
8th March 2015
http://birdingecotours.com/staff/andrew-walker

Whos just seen a Hawk-Owl? Left to right: Jack, Ollie, Andy, Gaidis, Tim

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

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Latvia Trip List

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49.

Mute Swan, Cygnus olor. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.

Whooper Swan, Cygnus cygnus. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village area.
Taiga Bean Goose, Anser fabalis fabalis. 27.02.2015. Ventspils.
Tundra Bean Goose, Anser fabalis rossicus. 27.02.2015. Ventspils.
Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village.
Greater Scaup, Aythya marila marila. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Common Eider, Somateria mollissima mollissima. 27.02.2015. Kolka Harbour.
Long-tailed Duck, Clangula hyemalis. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Common Scoter, Melanitta nigra. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Velvet Scoter, Melanitta fusca. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Common Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula clangula. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Smew, Mergellus albellus. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Goosander, Mergus merganser merganser. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Black Grouse, Tetrao tetrix tetrix. 27.02.2015. Between Sliteres and Kolka.
Hazel Grouse, Bonasa bonasia bonasia. 27.02.2015. Kolka wider area.
Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus cristatus. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
White-tailed Eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla. 27.02.2015. Sliteres.
Northern Goshawk, Accipiter gentilis gentilis. 27.02.2015. Between Ventspils and Riga.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus nisus. 27.02.2015. Ventspils.
Common Buzzard, Buteo buteo buteo. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Buteo lagopus lagopus. 27.02.2015. Ventspils.
Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus peregrinus. 27.02.2015. Ventspils.
Common Crane, Grus grus grus. 01.03.2015. Road to Riga.
Northern Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Black-headed Gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Common Gull, Larus canus canus. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Baltic European Herring Gull, Larus argentatus argentatus var. omissus. 27.02.2015. Cape
Kolka.
Great Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Rock Dove [Feral Pigeon], Columba livia dom. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village.
Common Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus palumbus. 28.02.2015. Barkava.
(H) Eurasian Eagle Owl, Bubo bubo bubo. 27.02.2015. Between Ventspils and Riga.
(H) Tawny Owl, Strix aluco aluco. 28.02.2015. Druviena village.
Ural Owl, Strix uralensis liturata. 28.02.2015. Pededze Forest, Lubans Wetland Area SPA.
Northern Hawk-Owl, Surnia ulula ulula. 28.02.2015. Kausa.
Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium passerinum passerinum. 28.02.2015. Gaidis and Maijas House,
near Druviena.
Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis ispida. 01.03.2015. Riga city.
Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Dendrocopos medius medius. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village.
White-backed Woodpecker, Dendrocopos leucotos leucotos. 28.02.2015. Gaidis and Maijas
House, near Druviena.
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dendrocopos major major. 27.02.2015. Between Vidale and
Dundaga.
Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker, Picoides tridactylus tridactylus. 28.02.2015. Gaidis and Maijas
House, near Druviena.
Black Woodpecker, Dryocopus martius martius. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Grey-headed Woodpecker, Picus canus canus. 27.02.2015. Sliteres.
Great Grey Shrike, Lanius excubitor excubitor. 27.02.2015. Vidale Area.
Eurasian Magpie, Pica pica pica. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.
Eurasian Jay, Garrulus glandarius glandarius. 27.02.2015. Between Vidale and Dundaga.
Thick-billed Spotted Nutcracker, Nucufraga caryocatactes caryocatactes. 27.02.2015. Between
Kolka and Vidale.
Western Jackdaw, Corvus monedula soemmerringii. 28.02.2015. Druviena village.
Rook, Corvus frugilegus frugilegus. 01.03.2015. Riga city.

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

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50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.

Hooded Crow, Corvus cornix. 27.02.2015. Cape Kolka.

Common Raven, Corvus corax corax. 27.02.2015. Sliteres.
(H) Goldcrest, Regulus regulus regulus. 01.03.2015. Varninas.
Eurasian Blue Tit, Cyanistes caeruleus caeruleus. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Great Tit, Parus major major. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Crested Tit, Lophophanes cristatus cristatus. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Willow Tit, Poecile montanus borealis. 27.02.2015. Kolka.
Marsh Tit, Poecile palustris palustris. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Northern Long-tailed Tit, Aegithalos caudatus caudatus. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Bohemian Waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus garrulus. 28.02.2015. Druviena village.
European Nuthatch, Sitta europaea caesia. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village.
Eurasian Treecreeper, Certhia familiaris familiaris. 28.02.2015. Gaidis and Maijas House, near
Druviena.
Common Starling, Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris. 01.03.2015. Riga city.
Common Blackbird, Turdus merula merula. 01.03.2015. Riga city.
Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village.
House Sparrow, Passer domesticus domesticus. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village.
Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus montanus. 27.02.2015. Dundaga village.
Common Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs coelebs. 01.03.2015. Riga city.
Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla. 01.03.2015. Riga city.
European Greenfinch, Chloris chloris chloris. 27.02.2015. Between Vidale and Dundaga.
Common Mealy Redpoll, Acanthis flammea flammea. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Eurasian Siskin, Spinus spinus. 27.02.2015. Between Kolka and Vidale.
Eurasian Northern Bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula pyrrhula. 27.02.2015. Vidale Area.
Common Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra curvirostra. 28.02.2015. Druviena village.
Parrot Crossbill, Loxia pytyopsittacus. 27.02.2015. Between Sliteres and Kolka.
Yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella citrinella. 27.02.2015. Ventspils.

Ural Owl (Tim Jones)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

19

A Few Photos

Birding at Cape Kolka (Jack Ashton-Booth)

Jack pointing out why Tim keeps missing the Hazelhens

(Jack Ashton-Booth)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

20

Gaidis and Maijas beautiful house in the forest (Andy Walker)

Gaidis garden (Jack Ashton-Booth)

Latvia Trip Report
March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

21

Ollie, Gaidis, Jack and Tim enjoying the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (spot the Muscovy Duck and Geese!)

Heading into the forest with a local fixer (Andy Walker)

Latvia Trip Report
March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

22

Andy in the forest (Tim Jones)

Ollie in the forest (Tim Jones)

Latvia Trip Report

March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

23

The forest can make your eyes go funny!

Us watching the female Goshawk in Riga (Jack Ashton-Booth), and her watching us! (Tim Jones)

Andy looking at something! (Oliver Metcalf)

Latvia Trip Report
March 2015 Andy Walker
http://awbirder.blogspot.co.uk

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