The first days in northern Montenegro

Our first few days in Montenegro took us towards the north of the country. On the road to Žabljak we made a short stop at Nevidio Canyon, where we had our first look at several migrants that had spent the summer in Europe and were now heading back towards Africa, including a Spotted Flycatcher and Red-backed Shrike. We then continued to Žabljak and the surrounding area. In the forests, especially around Crno Jezero, we found a number of further species and finally an Eurasian Jay. After the Steller's Jay, this was another particularly beautiful jay to add to the collection. More birds appeared along the Durmitor Ring before we turned south towards Mrtvica Canyon. At the river, a White-throated Dipper was a small highlight. Dippers form a family of only five living species and are the only songbirds that use their wings to swim underwater. A very beautiful Grey Wagtail and, finally, an Eurasian Blue Tit were there as well. The following morning brought one final walk along the Mrtvica. Between the wooded slopes and clear water, a pair of Red-rumped Swallows rested on a wire, a fitting final new species before we continued south towards the coast.