As a part of our daily life here in the woods we have flying creatures visiting us during all hours both day and night, winter as summer. They sing and squeak, warnings as well as joyful songs, come and go both hastily and relaxed, sometimes alone other times in big numbers. Some come with lots of noise, others in stealth mode. At nighttime, some even move in complete silence. You have to see them to notice them, because you can’t hear them flapping their wings as they are out hunting. The prey does not stand a chance when they burst out of the darkness and set their claws in them.
Who are they, these flying acrobats?
Alfred and family at diner time - Photo by Ivar Langerud
They are to be found everywhere, and here, in our little spot in the woods, we are lucky to have a great variety of species. These flying acrobats, the birds. Mostly because we have a mixed forest of needle and leaf trees as well as the nearby lake. Small birds, big birds, birds of prey, night birds and birds thriving by the water, all of them in different sizes, colours, and sounds. Some of them are permanent residents all year, some leave in the autumn and come back from the south in the spring, and some just shortly stop by on their journey elsewhere. So far, we have been lucky to observe a total of 57 different species (see at the end of the article), and we are delighted over all the bliss and wisdom they bring us.
Through all times, birds have given nourishment to folklore, carrying messages about the weather, sun or storm, life or death, happiness or misfortune. Some are said to have magical abilities such as being the connection between this life and beyond. Furthermore, there are lots of stories and myths on why they look like they do or behave the way they do. But most of all, we appreciate their daily visits, observing them and listening to the singing they share.
Sitting by the kitchen table, having a morning coffee, we can watch the sun slowly rising as it hits the treetops and paints them in a golden glow before daylight fully hits. This gives us the privilege to watch the awakening of our local daily birdlife, just as the stars and the moon in the night gives us an insight of what was alive when the rest slept.
We will try to bring you into this feathery world of wings through photos and a bit of text, adding videos if we manage to «catch» some nice moments. Some of the birds are remarkably hard to capture on camera. With these shots combined with the present knowledge we have, we hope to give you an insight into this fantastic part of nature. It will not be an alphabetical or systematic approach, just random as the days pass, but we will give you the names in English, Norwegian and Latin.
I must mention, some of the birds around here kind of become close friends, and we have given them names as we talk with them and see them years after years. The oldest one is Alfred, a male Osprey which has a nest not far from the house. He has been around since I moved here, and we have named his spouse Frida. Right now, they are somewhere south, but will come back and settle here again around mid-April. Another funny little guy is Jacob, an Eurasian pygmy owl. This tiny little friend with a funny face is often observed over the entrance door around the same months for several years. I could go on telling about these, but not know, there will be later stories.
“A bird in hand is better than two in the bush”
As a younger kid, I was already fascinated by birds. At first, it was the colourful exotic birds from the rainforest and alike. I was amazed over the colours and diversity, completely unaware at the time that I could actually just look around me where I lived. Back then, I imagined that the local birdlife was dull, ordinary and boring. Thanks to my grandfather, I started noticing the variations in shades, shapes and size of our native birds, and it was an amazing eyeopener. It is interesting to see how sometimes, what is close and daily, easily can disappear behind a veil and become “invisible” as you look elsewhere for something nicer and exciting. The proverb “The grass is greener on the other side” really fits here. So, I am forever grateful to my Grandfather who taught me to open my eyes to see all the beauty of nature surrounding us, which also includes our regional birds.
There is another English proverb saying, “A bird in hand is better than two in the bush”. In Norwegian, we would say: “A bird in hand is better than ten on the roof.” Anyway, they both have the same meaning: that it's better to hold onto something you have rather than take the risk of getting something better which may come to nothing. At the same time, I can’t help it, but I get this kind of Snow White “feeling” every time a bird comes in my hand, either to just say hello or as if it is to bring a message. It is a thrill to feel them and connect.
Below you will find a list over the species observed so far here at Valabærjet, and we will randomly (or should I say, organically) post articles about each and one of them and add more if we get new visitors.
If you know any local myths or stories towards any of these birds, please, we would love to receive them via our e-mail (valabaerjet@gmail.com) and read them.
Species observed:
We wish you a joyful flight.
Morten