Hawk Owl and Pine Grosbeak feast

I've just returned from three days in the Pasvik taiga forest, northern Norway. This unique part of Norway holds many sought after bird species. During my stay I didn't see too many species, but some of them are pretty mouthwatering for a birdwatcher from Western Norway.

Pine Grosbeaks were singing several places, especially when the sun showed up. If you are able to track down a feeder you may get some really close encounters with the species. They do not worry at all in the presence of people. Below, an adult male to the left, and a female to the right.

The rodent situation is apparently good in the Pasvik valley, and I recorded as many as five Hawk Owls in a rather small area. The picture below show a female in her territory near Svanhovd. The male was nearby at the time.

Bird species list: Willow Grouse (1), Hawk Owl (5), Three-toed Woodpecker (1), Bohemian Waxwing (50+), Long-tailed Tit (4), Willow Tit (common), Siberian Tit (common), Great Tit (common), Blue Tit (1), Siberian Jay (2), Black-billed Magpie (common), Hooded Crow (common), Common Raven (common), House Sparrow (common near houses), Tree Sparrow (2), European Greenfinch (common), Mealy Redpoll (common), Arctic Redpoll (5+), Pine Grosbeak (35+), "trumpeting" Eurasian Bullfinch (20) and Yellowhammer (4). A total of 21 species.

The enchanting Siberian Tit can be found all over in the Pasvik valley.

Most surprising species was Long-tailed Tit. A party of four birds were seen on the 18th. A rare species during winter in Finnmark,