The Netherlands summer 2017: Buzzard

The day after I saw the owls we left Japan for the Netherlands. Summer is much less hot there, in fact some mornings were right out cold, with temps around 15C or less! Still, birding is also slow there in July and August. I mostly saw juveniles. Adultst stayed in hiding while molting I think. It was time for them to get changed into winter dress.

In my brothers 'backyard' a very blond young Buzzard, (Buizerd)

Birds in Portugal 4

The dirt roads were dry and dusty. A flock of Sand Martins gathered here and obviously found something to eat.

 

Barn Swallows

Small birds in the reeds and dry bush included Common Linnets (left) and African refugee Yellow-crowned Bishop (right)

 

And the Spotless Starling

Perfect for the Common Buzzard

And, seen from far: Black-winged Kite

Towards the greener pastures : a small number of  Gull-billed Terns