The weather was warming and the snow melting albeit there was a cold wind. It snowed overnight but it was much warmer by day and the snow and tracks disappeared.
Today we went to the forest bird feeders - it was off the beaten track and still in snow so we donned snow shoes to reach them.
The birds that came to the feeders were all t*** great, willow and blue with one new one for us the crested tit (today's photo). While watching the birds we could hear hunters with their dogs and two shots - Anders guessed it was capercaillie they were hunting.
Sitting still in the wind and snow was a chilling experience - we lasted an hour before we decided to explore the ancient forest,behind the feeders, with its 600 year old pines and old and rare lichens eg lung lichen. The snow & snow shoes made climbing the rocky terrain easier as it had compacted in the gaps - not a summer walk!
After lunch we went to another forest to see if we could see bull finches - but their was no food in the feeder and they weren't even tempted by Lisa's offer of the excellent hotel trail mix in her packed lunch!
Unusually by the feeder there was a well rooted area - a clear sign of wild boar - a new experience for Anders. Apparently this species is becoming more prevalent in Sweden.
Enroute back to the hotel we went via Ander's studio in an old chapel. His career as an artist is taking off particularly since the Swedish Antiques Road show host who runs a gallery in Stockholm has started to sell his pictures.
Finally back in the hotel I went for a swim in the lovely indoor pool before dinner.