Northumbrian Birding

Red Kite -roost

2012-01-30T17:00:00.001Z

Last week I decided to go and check out the Red Kite roost just over in Gateshead, calling at Shibdon for the afternoon before heading to the nine arches , it was rather quiet at the pond workers over the far side on the boardwalk pushed out the Snipe and the flock wheeled around before settling at the edge on the North side top count as they settled was 66 but probably more just out of sight , also counted the Lapwings my first guess was about 300 but when they split into two groups it was easier to count them, I was surprised to get 536 but Lapwings being flighty birds it was not long before they where up again , only a score of B headed's and a few Common Gulls , 18 redshank and 8-9 Heron, the day had turned rather dull by now. Walking along to the arches two Kites seen straight away , up at the watchpoint 5-6 sitting in a tree and two more over the far side , the numbers increased rapidly with a total of 21 in the area and 15 in one view ,by now getting darker with light rain , although the birds coming lower the light was dismal for photographs , so I just enjoyed as they circled the valley , one was noted to be carrying a twig , it settled near the two birds but lifted rapidly and just circled around . Brilliant bit of birding I shall go back again soon but on a better day or keep going back till I do !!!

A flock of Snipe at Shibdon Pond

This Kite was carrying a small twig around

Coming reasonably close overhead giving great views , but not necessarily good photo's !!

Three of 5 sitting around

Iceland Gull - North Shields Quay

2012-01-27T17:00:00.002Z

Reports of Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull at North Shields fish quay again had me thinking at the moment it does not look like I am going to find one in Blyth Harbour so I headed back up to check it out , a bright sunny but rather windy day saw me on the actual quayside after checking the beach area on the way. First what appeared to be an adult came past but after further views you could see traces or smudges of light brown especially on the undertail so at the moment it's age is undetermined but I just refer to it as sub-adult, also a 1st year bird came past and it was thought another bird perhaps a 2nd year but this one not seen to come past , I think it was actually just the sub-adult when viewed at a distance looking very white. No sign of the Glaucous but it was good to catch up with the Iceland's a few birders came and went with varying degrees of interest from just a tick and go to some spending more time in the company of these great birds , there must be more Iceland's in the Country than in any time before perhaps it will take time for more to drift into the County hoping for a nice clear cut Kumliens type .

Light makes a huge difference in photographing these gulls although it was sunny all day the direction of light washed out the subtle colours .

1st year alights briefly

1st year mobbed by Carrion Crow

1st year

I just love the way they hang in the wind checking out any food source

The sub-adult cruised over a fishing boat flying slowly into the wind, it checked out the boat turned sharply then dropped down onto deck and came up with this fish, although I have no idea what sort of fish it is ?

It's getting late in the afternoon the sun light starting to glow

Fish Quay Foray !!

2012-01-23T17:50:00.000Z

Last week a run up to the Tyne to look for any white-winged gulls started off at the Black Middens just a few gulls around up to 10 Purple Sandpipers along the breakwater, after a good search no sign of any white -winger's , a Grey Seal pup on the small beach it seemed Ok as I watched it alert and mobile but I found out it was taken into care later into care the week , I presume that's a mark from The Farnes on it's back . On the off chance there could be something on the boating lake I stopped there for awhile , mostly frozen with just a 12-15' circle which meant the gulls if they wanted a wash had to use this ,plenty sitting around on the ice but nothing unusual not even any ringed birds

Purple Sandpiper Tynemouth

Grey Seal pup near the fish quay

Taken into to care later in the week

Herring Gull adult boating lake

1st year Herring Gull

Adult winter Common Gull

Maiden Hall Lake and the Coast

2012-01-19T17:22:00.002Z

A run up the coast at the weekend picked up a Peregrine sitting on the fence when I stopped to look for the Twite etc:, which I did not see anything of ,watched the Peregrine for awhile as its nice to see one perched even if it was facing away but a couple of jets going over persuaded it to turn slightly it was still there when I moved on . Called around to this new site Maiden Hall Lake , indeed large numbers of geese around the White-Fronts started to separate and move out onto the grass I counted about 254 with lots still on the water but a helicopter over sent everything onto the water, they all drifted into the shore below the gate eventually every single one of about 2,000 birds (Greylag, Canada, Pinkfeet , Barnacle 20, White-fronts) was out of sight and anyone stopping for a quick look would think there was nothing there, they did eventually drift back out and start to come back ashore , 2 Buzzards, and 3 kestrels in the area. East Chevington the next stop the 2 Bewick's still around but at the time fast asleep, 4 Short -Eared Owls two sitting on posts and 2 over the dunes the 2 Bewick's took off and headed south.

Called in to Druridge Pools on the off chance the Bewick's had dropped in plenty of Teal and Wigeon around and a pair of Pintail but no Bewick's .

Back along the coast towards Cresswell a SEO on the ground and another flying further along was the end to the day

Holywell Pond

2012-01-17T16:48:00.000Z

Visits to Holywell Pond of late have not produced much even the gulls don't seem to be in the numbers that can visit the site ,presumed to come from Seghill Tip but not sure if it's working ? I went that way around the whole area with only a hundred or so gulls around. Two Buzzards are providing the main entertainment along the north edge of the pond one trying it's luck to catch one of the thousand plus Wood Pigeons that seem to sit around most of the day, three Roe Deer 2d 1b the first I've seen here for some time small numbers of wildfowl around and an assortment of geese seem to drop in now and then but not while I'm around it seems.

The Snow Buntings are still near the Cemetery Blyth Links , I got a couple of digi shots , but I must confess they can be hard to pick out in the stubble.

Common Buzzard with a couple of mobbing Magpies (one on the right)

Not sure if it's the Magpies or something else that has it's attention

Roe Deer only this one showing enough to digi

Gosforth Park - Bittern

2012-01-14T17:00:00.000Z

Gosforth Park is a Private site run by The Natural History Society of Northumbria and is only open to members of the society membership details here.http://www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/

A few hours in Gosforth park Just to get out of the wind again ,usual suspects at the feeders and some Long Tailed Tits and a Stock Dove dropped in . I had a walk to the lake area not expecting much ,more just to stretch my legs before heading home after counting everything in sight the chap next to me said "Bittern " on your right, camera came out and I rattled a few shots off as it was only seen very briefly ,I should have reset my camera as I had forgot to put the IS back on and should have upped the iso as it was rather dull so I have put the shots into a slideshow on there own they are not much but together they show the bird in some sort of display? . It first stood on the reed edge then flew a few yards and started to flap rather like a young bird flexing it's wings this it did briefly before again disappearing into the reeds . The images below are some of the better ones from the run.

Bittern with it's wings spread neck feathers erect,threat display ? or actually just stretching it's wings ?

Newbiggin - Desert Wheatear

2012-01-11T17:00:00.007Z

Last Friday I headed up to Newbiggin to have another look at the Desert Wheatear walked along the beach to its usual haunt but no sign of it anywhere even further along on the beach south of Alcan Power Station , back to Beacon point in the hope it had returned gave it another hour ,there had been huge amounts of sand blown across the beach onto the cliff edge this could have been what eventually persuaded it to move on . Across the Golf course a couple of Short Eared Owls sparring with each other so I headed over and got into the Gorse in the hope they would come nearer ,they just always seem to veer off before you get that great shot , the amount of blurred shots or shots with just half a bird in all end up deleted . I counted up to 5 birds around ranged some distance apart , always great to see even the golfers seem to appreciate them. Last call before heading home a look on the beach several Mediterranean Gulls around but rather wary as a digger was dumping sand that had blown into the car park etc: . a very pleasant day,I was expecting the Desert Wheatear to be relocated further up the coast , perhaps it is still around just waiting to be re-found on someone else's patch !!!

I counted up to 10 Purple Sandpipers from Church to Beacon point

Short eared Owls hunting near the Golf Course

Med Gulls Newbiggin bay

Holywell Pond

2012-01-06T17:48:00.000Z

A couple of hours at Holywell Pond the other day ,very few duck around does not seem to get the numbers it used to, there was a Buzzard along the north hedge now that is something you did not see in the past, numbers of gulls low ,I presume the tip has not yet got back to full working and perhaps some of the gulls have spread out. Seven Eurasian White-fronts dropped in silently followed by an adult Med gull which as always did not stay long , I think it dropped into the east shore but as I had not long come from that end which is always the first port of call to check any gulls with colour rings , so I thought by the time I pack up and go down it will be gone. Three Tree Sparrows on the feeders none of them ringed there seems to be an influx in the County of late, I always thought they where fairly sedentary birds.

Silently they came and silently they left , but it did give us something to look at.

This must be a photo effect ,that Herring Gull looks huge !!!

1st Winter Common Gull

Tree Sparrows at the feeders ,perhaps the nucleus of another colony

Kicking off the New Year with 60

2012-01-02T18:00:00.000Z

Well I made it out fairly early for a New Years day ,the first bird seen a Blackbird as I walked home in the early morning as it was still dark, got sorted and was out ,first stop the stubble field Snow Buntings flying around within seconds also a large flock of Yellowhammers,Tree Sparrows Greefinch & Reed Bunting ,(Yellowhammers)some years I have found these hard to get in the early days of the year ,next stop Marden Quarry took about twenty minutes to get the Lesser Scaup with Goosander as a bonus . Desert Wheatear the next port of call ,parked at the power station I was the only car but when I got to the beach I could see about a dozen birders tracking the bird along the beach much nearer Newbiggin, great I thought going to have to leg it right along the beach , a guy coming towards me asked is there something around ,yes a Desert Wheatear I said but its right along there ,but as luck would have it just as I said it the bird dropped in about 30' away so there I was standing looking right down on it as it sat on the cliff side ,luckily I had brought the camera not thinking I would get to use it ,what a little star.

Headed further up the coast checked the Geese at Woodhorn most over a small rise no sign of the Bean Goose but White-fronts just over the hill , next stop Cresswell checking fields for geese as I drove along, most of the Pinks where a field over from the road checked the few I could see, a helicopter over put the lot up but instead of them heading off they circled and most landed in the field near the road , I picked out some Bean and White-fronts as they first landed all with heads up but as the fed it was hard to find them , a Pinkfoot with a neck collar noted as IVD waiting for info on it, swing your scope round 180 and you could scan the finch flock which had mostly Linnets with Greenfinch ,Goldfinch, Chaffinch and some Twite . Stopped at Cresswell on the way back three Short -eared Owls near the car park two settled along the hedge before they all disappeared, also a pair of Stonechats nearby. Second last stop of the day back at the windmill to look over the ash lagoon but no sign of any SEO's , so the last stop of the day checking the geese out as they where now more in the open, picked out the Tundra Bean Goose, and the four White -fronts of the Greenland race, so even though it was still light I was frozen stiff and unable to think where I could get anything new for the day I headed home , great start to the New Year 364 days left to go birding this year !!

Lesser Scaup always gives itself up eventually ,but why is it always dull here

I digiscoped this one as it was some way off , so I thought better get something before it disappears

There must be several thousand Gigs of photos of this bird around , so obliging for the patient !!!

That Alula is still dropped somewhat

Neck Collared Pinkfoot IVD

Short Eared Owl hunting the dunes at Cresswell

Not the best of shots this but I do like the look of concentration !!

Another shot which looks a little odd as you can hardly see the left wing

These shots are actually the wrong way around as the bottom photo is with the camera ,I then set up my scope and took this , but trying to get the twigs out of the frame I moved just to far and it was off.

Stonechats working the wall as I went back to the car

Tundra Bean Goose Woodhorn the White -fronts just too far.

Another year ends !!!!

2011-12-30T13:52:00.000Z

As we near the end of another year of birding here are a few images from my travels around the region ,looking forward to getting out again in the New Year with some good birds still around (hopefully) to get the year off to a good start , I'm hoping for a new gull in the coming months but anything will do , Dragonflies this year where the lowest numbers for me since I took an interest in them so lets hope for a good season or even a good summer this coming year

So here's wishing you all a very Happy New Year for 2012 and some good birding !!, it is my intention to get out on the 1st but you never know as I do like a sherbet or two !!!!!!!

Up to four Little Egrets on the River Blyth unheard of a few years ago !

This showy Turtle Dove gave many the chance to add it to their County list

I photographed this Black-headed Gull 4 times but still have not found it's origins.

And that star the White Throated Robin ( which I even got on my bus list )

Marbled White a new Butterfly for me

Boneparte's Gull which just never made it any further North. ( it did get me a small cheque for a photo in Birdwatch )

Although not seen a Red Kite in Northumberland this year

And what a turn-up Lesser Scaup on Tynemouth Boating lake (probably start the year off with this )

And the Greater Yellowleggs which I first saw in the gloom on Hauxley , but it stayed around for some time , surely Everyone should have got this one.

Bewick's Swans on Big Waters and I gather on other sites in the region again giving birders a chance to catch up with these one time annual visitors.

And another showy bird the Desert Wheatear the fourth I have seen in the County and I believe the third found by Dave Elliot ( amongst his many other finds )

Spoonbills another species that figured in good numbers this year.

Avocets breeding in the County, can't wait for their return .

This is another bird which I still have had no information from the ringers, but it has not put me off looking for colour ringed birds , they can provide some insight into bird movements , why not look out for some in 2012.

Linton Buzzard

2011-12-25T17:00:00.002Z

Well here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

This photo is actually a christmas card and was taken at 6500 iso hand held under tungsten light using my 400 lens from across the room and I thought it looked OK , so now I am ready for my next encounter in the gloom !!.

The other day I visited my one time favourite winter haunt of Linton Pools alas the west pool held 2 Mallard, 3 Tufted & 3 Teal.

The East Pool had 2 Mute Swans ,70 Teal and 2 Tufted so it actually took longer to walk to each pool than bird them .Except I noticed a Buzzard sitting on the fence ,they are usually miles away but in the scope it was not to bad ,so I thought I would video it . Now they are only very short so don't start them and then go and make a cup of tea, but heh !!!! at least they are not the repeats that the TV is offering .

I think it may have had some form of prey here but finished by the time I got set up.

Here it had flown over the grassland hovered momentarily then dropped down, flying to this post it seems puzzled that there is no meal available ,but it has taken a large chunk of grass showing the force of the drop.

This is just after the above but the image is slightly better till it flys off.

I think this an adult or perhaps sub/adult , most of the books I have cover flight ID

Located again slightly closer but now I'm in the wind , I was just going to move the camera to put the bird on the left so I could get it as it flew ,but alas it flew off.

Stoat'lly Ruthless

2011-12-23T16:25:00.001Z

Wednesday another visit to Holywell Pond not expecting much but just another chance to look through the gulls ,good numbers around again and more Common Gulls than usual on the shore at the east end . Thought I would check the fields to the east looking back everything had lifted took a few seconds to pick out a Peregrine as it lazily flew through the Lapwings rising then headed west. At the west end in the hide all there was to look through where gulls ,then I heard a shrill

squeal first I thought it was going to be gulls chasing each other , no thats too long perhaps Water Rail fighting , again no it was only one sided looked out the front a Rabbit hopped leisurely across the front of the hide a second or two later the sound again what the hell is that I thought , carefully went outside and there right in front of me a Stoat with it's teeth sunk into the neck of the Rabbit which was squealing very shrill and continuously but this just made the Stoat all the more aggressive. Camera at the ready I took a couple of shots the light so poor all where blurred so I pushed the iso up to 3200 and still I was only 1/50 th ,standing very still trying to hold the camera steady the Stoat could hear the shutter but the wind blowing my way it just had a look around , the Rabbit still not dead squealed again and the Stoat went at it again ,eventually after pulling it this way and that the Stoat satisfied it was dead started to pull it into the undergrowth which must have took some effort given the twigs etc around , one last shot and I left it too it and ten minutes later on the way home both where gone from sight . Thinking about it I have heard Rabbit squeal before but only briefly not on and on like this one nature can be ruthless !!!!

By the time I got this shot the Stoat had been attacking the Rabbit for sometime but the photos turned out blurred

Now it can hear the shutter sound but it's not sure what it is

Another frantic attack to finish it off

Again it hears the shutter and heads off into the grass, but I just stand very still and it soon returns ,it's not going to let all that effort go to waste

Not sure if this Rabbit has perhaps Myxomatosis, making it easier prey

A sizeable prey for such a small predator ,surprisingly only a small amount of blood on the face

And off it goes which is where I left

Shortest Day

2011-12-22T16:54:00.000Z

Well that's the shortest day over , day as in hours of daylight ,actually it was quite light and I was out longer than normal adding the fact it's much milder , the long stayers are still around hopefully for at least another 10days as they will be some good birds to start the new year with . Somewhat off topic but I came across this Graffiti on the old cinema wall in Blyth, it's due for development so I wonder if I should rescue it for the nation as it where , I could take it over to the Baltic, unless that's where it came from perhaps they sell stencils in the shop with cfc free & bio degradable paints all you need is a steady hand and a lookout !!! no idea what they would cost though, I know the last time I was in there a "T" shirt was £15

Seghill tip / Holywell Pond/ Blyth Harbour

2011-12-20T17:49:00.000Z

Today I tried another session at Seghill tip area at least that was the plan but actually very few Gulls around , the field that held the huge gull roost now had 70 Greylag , checked the area for gulls and counted 19 Moorhen on a pool then headed down to Holywell Pond . Walked down to the east end first nothing at all on the shore an ice shelf held about 60 or so gulls and I was surprised to see two Whooper Swans at the west end and I could also see two juv Mute. So at the west end the two Whoopers where not far from the hide , I can only assume they are the same two from the weekend ?, the two juv Mute Swans where the only two around so the adults and other young had left. The Whoopers took off and headed east neither had any problem flying but they soon returned and dropped in near the hide again, a huge amount of gulls most at the east end due to ice but again nothing unusual that I could find, the cold overcome me so time to head down to Blyth Harbour to find an assortment of rare gulls !!!! . First I had a good look for the Black Redstart but no sign for me two RTD and numerous Cormorants and Shags in the bay Guillemot on the river,probably a couple of hundred gulls around but well spread out , the light already poor even at 3'oclock time for home !!!.

As I said I presume these are the same two from the weekend one of which was unable to fly , but they seemed fine now

Wigeon just outside the hide

with empty feeders birds looking on the ground for fallen seed (the nut lady arrived as I left)

Juv RTD Blyth Bay never see more than a couple of Red throats in the bay

Blyth River

Holywell Pond Saturday 17th

2011-12-19T16:28:00.000Z

Saturday afternoon spent a couple of hours at Holywell Pond started off at the east end Mute swan Chasing a Whooper off which flew around calling before re landing over and over again, turns out its mate was injured not sure if by the Mute bit it did have a go at it a couple of times it obviously could not fly , I did phone it in to a rescue centre not sure what happened in the end. Huge number of Gulls around probably as the tip was not working Saturday ?, only had the bins with me but I could pick out nothing unusual out of the 2,000 or so .A single Buzzard and numerous Pinkfeet passing over but no geese on the pond a Bittern was seen briefly but only by one person so the rest of the afternoon we spent hoping it would reappear ,I have never seen Bittern at Holywell before, the feeders quiet but a female Bullfinch came to feed on Meadow sweet seeds then have a drink from the pool edge. A pleasant afternoon more talking than birding .

Sunday feeling lazy despite the rather pleasant but cold day ,had a walk down to the South Harbour but nothing of note fishing boats bringing in there catch and gulls with them but no sign of any white wingers, but I see an Iceland reported at Amble so may get one yet , also MH tells me of Black Redstart at South Harbour this am was intending to call on the way home but it never really brightened up any .

Whoopers seem to be very faithful to their partner this bird just would not go

and again it returns to the pond, as I say to date not sure of the outcome with the injured bird, Whooper Swan is not the sort of bird you can just pick up !!!

The Birds of Durham Heritage Project

2011-12-16T16:18:00.000Z

Last week I went to the talk by Keith Bowey and Paul Anderson of DBC ,giving an insight into the forthcoming Book Birds of Durham, and what an interesting talk it was the guy can certainly tell a tale , I don't mean it was fiction but he certainly has a way of putting the story across his mind must be full of anecdotal stories , I did think it was rather poorly attended given that it was a free event in the prestigious venue of Gateshead Civic Centre Council Chamber and the amount of work those involved have put in , but the talk was avidly listened to by those that did attend , we heard about Britain's first Great Reed Warbler , bones from a Great Auk dug up in a garden and G.W. Temperley where just some of topics covered. I must confess to having missed the last part of the talk , I went into a coughing fit and thought it appropriate to leave the room , but I will attend the next talk to find out what I missed and looking forward to it !!!

Seghill Tip

2011-12-15T12:36:00.000Z

Had a couple of hours in the area of Seghill Tip trying to find a good vantage point to scan through the thousands of gulls , a large group of mainly Great Black backed /and Herring gulls had settled on the north edge of a field with winter wheat , its not only being able to scan them but also getting the light especially this low winter light which can be very strong behind you , so scope set up, first scan to look for obvious "white wingers", many of the gulls tightly packed and at lot lying on the ground but no sign of any, so next checking them very slowly for anything that stood out from the rest hoping for Caspian which I confess I have not seen yet . Have been thinking about going to an area that has frequent sightings of YL/Caspian which looks like Seaton Common is the nearest, one juvenile bird caught my eye nice clean white head with a beady eye, no sooner had I got onto it when it lifted and settled in the back of the flock only showing its head . I also check for leg rings but could only find one Orange ringed bird in a flock of Herring Gulls /BH and 3 Common Gulls . So it was rather disappointing ,a freezing wind and distant birds, but I still enjoyed it. Ended the day at Blyth South Harbour hoping the fishing fleet ? had perhaps brought some gulls in with them but very few around no Snow Buntings and only one colour ringed Shag as most where on the river.

Even failed to get the ring clear enough to read !!!!!!

Colour ringed Shag Blyth Harbour looks like TUZ ?

Holywell Pond

2011-12-13T20:07:00.000Z

A couple of hours at Holywell Pond 40 odd Greylags ,30+ Teal at the west end , the Greylags left ,b ut large numbers of Gulls started dropping in to bathe could pick out nothing out of the ordinary from the large gathering but in any case I did not have a scope, the feeders devoid of birds even though they had just been filled.

Huge numbers of Wood Pigeon lifted from the woods and hedge flushed by a Buzzard, this was a well marked individual and I wanted to try and get some photos , but it just sat in various trees on the far side till it eventually dropped over the hedge out of sight . Then I noticed about 20 Geese heading straight for me coming in silent as they dropped on the water I thought there Bean Geese 18 in total the most I have seen in one flock , I noticed a couple with more orange on the bill with some degree of white to the base and where they larger ? thinking these two could be Taiga ,with no scope all I could do was get a few photos the light ever changing making the odd bill look more like Pinkfoot , but looking at the photos as they left they where all Bean Geese but I think all are Tundra. only one called a single very soft note which I only just heard. I waited for another half hour in the hope of Water Rail but no luck, a flock of 200+ Pinkfeet heading south ended the day.

Greylag leave

Bean drop in

there where two similar birds this is one on the right that I thought may have been Taiga

They drifted nearer

Before they lifted as one and left

More Desert Wheatear

2011-12-10T10:36:00.001Z

My visit to the Desert Wheatear I got more than some photos of the bird I also picked up a good dose of Cold/Flu which has laid me up most of the week reminiscent of my winters spent at Linton Pond looking through the gulls so stiff with the cold it was hard walking back to the car (but I do miss it), good to see it's still around hope it's finding plenty to eat , so here is a few more of mine I'm sure there are plenty to look through on the net ,which is all the birding I'm doing just now.

In true Panto fashion time to say "It's Behind You"!!!!!!!!!!

Desert Wheatear

2011-12-05T17:46:00.000Z

A Very Pleasant but very cold afternoon along the beach at Beacon Point Newbiggin for the Desert Wheatear which performed remarkably well giving views done to a few feet, what a little star , it seemed to have a bias to pose to the left with most of the shots facing that way , you would think you couldn't fail to get some decent photos at this range , mine seem a little soft I think it's time to get my lens serviced . Purple Sandpipers on the shore and a single Snow Bunting on the Golf course and 4 Short Eared Owls on the ash lagoons area, it took me till near home to get warmed up in the car with the blower full blast , I'm getting soft.

I also added a couple of different poses to Birdguides might as well add mine to the many others.

Alula seems displaced on this side

Northumbrian Magazine

2011-12-04T13:36:00.000Z

I have for sale some NORTHUMBRIAN magazines, looking for £15 the lot

I have for sale issues of the Magazine NORTHUMBRIAN as featured in the photo ,it is a near complete run from issue 9 - 79, lacks issues ,
22, 36, 41, 46 , 51, 73, 74, 77, 78 also includes 2 original binders and 14 duplicate issues . As you know these feature many Bird & Wildlife articles as well as described walks for the County.

Tynemouth Lighthouse

2011-11-25T17:00:00.002Z

This year I visited Tynemouth Lighthouse for the first time apparently it's only about 1/2 mile walk along the pier but it seems much longer ,we where allowed to go out at the top you get some fantastic views ,the first thing I thought about was what would the seawatching be like from here, but also in a heavy sea with the waves coming right over the top , not sure if I would be scared or not as it is so well build typical Victorian engineering built to last probably way beyond the years intended ,also can't help but wonder if it was rebuilt today how long would it last .

Looking up at the Lighthouse the joints are so tight and look how thick the walls are

Some of the original drawings on the wall still

A lot of the walls are those tile faced bricks easy to clean and reflects light

The light itself is sitting on a bed of Mercury and although it is about 1 ton ? it is so easy to turn

Makers plate on the light base

Telephone probably not used to order a takeaway

This is just under the light

and the stairs up to the top

more steps to the stairs of the light ,and more tiled bricks

actually the storage area although very dark was not as damp as I thought it would be , hundreds of Silverfish on the walls near here

View from the top back along the pier

View up the river

St Mary's Lighthouse in the far distance , just look how much further you are out.

Some old Lighthouse keeper has probably got an impressive list from here with these !!!!!

2011-11-18T17:00:00.001Z

Yesterday coming through Cramlington on the bus picked out some Waxwings along Horton Drive which seems to attract them every year not sure how many there was I saw 3-4 ,but past so quickly.

Thursday 17-11-11 headed off to Big Waters to have a look at the two Bewick's Swans that have been around for a couple of days, dont think I saw any last year and the year before just two birds late in the afternoon .

One of these birds seems to have a gape in the bill more so than the other bird , Whoopers would have the odd nip at them or at least one , I counted 19 Whoopers but did not count everything as I wanted to head next to Prestwick Carr and try and catch up with the Great Grey Shrike , it had been seen in the morning but I knew others had tried and failed and that was my fate no sign of the bird .

I did however have 4-5 Short- eared Owls , 4 Common Buzzards 3-4 Kestrels , numerous Fieldfare a single Willow Tit along the track as where numerous birders & Photographers. I also failed to get any flight shots of the owls but did get a couple as they sat around and a very short video more a silhouette , but it gives a feel of the night.

Two Bewick's not as regular as years past

They kept loosely together

Whooper Swans near the island Big Waters

This bird had a pronounced gap in the bill not sure if it is just the way it's holding it after feeding or slightly deformed ?

I cant see any difference in the bill patterns of these two birds .

Now that's a pose pity it was so far away

And finally a very short video ,just before it got too dark !!

More "Legs"

2011-11-16T16:55:00.000Z

Is it just me but isn't it a mouthfull saying Greater Yellowlegs numerous times then add Lesser Yellowlegs into the conversation , then try saying either when your numb with the cold ...............................

What a difference a couple of days makes in birding terms, I and several others headed off to Hauxley in the semi-gloom of Saturday night in the hope of seeing this County first, just in case it was one day wonder, I was going to say it now seems settled but I see it has relocated to Chevington again. There are now many images of this great bird ,but there is nothing better than getting your own photos .

This one from the wader hide , as I said it was odd this is a very big hide and everyone crowded around the end window as the bird although it could not get much nearer was hidden in the corner. It did take two brief walks out , till eventually it flew off from right beneath us .

While looking at the Grey Phalarope , I turned to answer a comment from another birder and right in front of us the "Legs " just walking past

I'm guessing that is some sort of snail it is about to swallow

I noticed this White- front as I walked past it had its head up although distant, till I walked along to check it out ,where it lay prone either playing dead or doing it 's best to hide. What do you do in this situation , carrying all my gear and trying to get over the fence to check it out seemed a non starter , having seen the geese further along , this bird was gone on my return, so lets hope it caught up with the others !!

I thought I had been tracking the wrong bird till I had a good look at this photo . The Redshank is having a real go at the Greater Yellowlegs , which is nearly submerged.

There where a few opportunities of flight shots but always too distant this is the best I could get as it came over to the right of the Ponteland hide

This is near as I got to the Phalarope you could see it across the pond right outside the "Eric" hide a mass of lenses sticking out the windows with somebody using a flash, it eventually came over but only briefly , long enough for a digi shot in the previous post.

Greater Yellowlegs & Grey Phalarope

2011-11-14T19:12:00.000Z

An early start at Hauxley to catch up with the Greater Yellowlegs , I had seen it on Saturday but it was rather late in the day and no chance of any photographs. Started at the Ponteland hide and was surprised to find it empty, the Grey Phalarope still around but no sign of the "legs", scanned from the Tern hide and could see the bird just to the side of the new wader hide so I legged it around . It was odd to see this large hide with everbody huddled around the end windows as the bird was so far in the corner you couldn't see it . So when it did show I was unable to get the camera on it so I digiscoped it . After getting my fill of both birds I headed off to look for the White- fronts located just along the beach road I counted at least 65 -70 . Headed back to the Ponteland hide just to have my late lunch with the hope the Phalarope & Yellowlegs would come over to that side which they did to some extent ,"Erics"hide on the far side was packed one guy to the side had his tripod over the fence while he looked through his scope on the other side !!!!

Ended the day at East Chevington , with Green Winged Teal, Short Eared Owl and a few Thousand Starlings but they only performed briefly and all had dropped in by 10 past 4

With the hide packed I got some digi, and actually unknown at the time it's trying to cough up a pellet !!!

I was just going to bin this one but watching it the bird actually does cough up a pellet it's so quick

The Grey Phalarope was rather distant so again I first got some digi

Surprised with this one as I was looking at the monitor the Phalarope came into view and at one stage chased off the much "Greater" bird in size and name.

The Phalrope drops in near the Ponteland hide

65-70 and perhaps more White-fronted Geese just North of Hauxley

Blyth River

2011-11-11T12:38:00.000Z

Checking along the river Blyth a few days ago The Little Egret still present also a couple of Seals near the loading dock of the long gone Bait's Pit also 3 Mergansers with two Goosanders well up river , 60 Golden plover on the spit, earlier in the day a look at Seaton Sluice only produced a single Common Scoter usually there is a small flock here and there is always the hope of something in with them single RTD also

Cresswell pond in the afternoon was a rather short visit due to some people who where very loud and insisted in pointing out the windows at things so I headed to the outflow for a look on the sea numerous Red Throats dotted about and 4-5 Pied Wagtails working the tideline

Goosanders well up river

Two Seals sunning themselves till the tide engulfed them

Still a Little Egret hanging around

My last photos of the |Little Egret this one just to compare with a Curlew in the background

Common Scoter on the sea

Gosforth Park

2011-11-08T13:21:00.000Z

Heading to Morpeth the other day I got excited seeing a Buzzard hovering low to the ground stopped and got the camera out of the boot the bird so low it's head is out of focus due to some long twigs from the hedge ,the hope of Rough legged soon dispelled and even the chance of a good photo spoiled the bird turned and disappeared rapidly. A walk along the river East & West did not produce much more than Black Headed Gulls and Mallard on the river

A couple of views from the feeding station at Gosforth park

Fungi frothing from this tree !!!!

Treecreepers are just too far for my lens but cracking little birds to see !!!!

One of three Water Rails seen also a Grey Squirrel , not seen any red in Northumberland for awhile. Little Egret just S/W of the reserve

Time to put something new on type post !!

2011-11-05T17:29:00.000Z

I thought it about time I put something on this blog to bring it more up to date this is a right assortment of photos some from "My Phone" as opposed to an i phone , which I find handy to get that shot which you can't be bothered to get the camera out for , I wont bore you with full frame shots of the recent Firecrest and Yellow -Browed's you'll be sick of those by now, so here are some full frame photos most taken with my phone (which is unfortunately is useless for digiscoping ) and probably the worst video I have posted to date of a mini murmuration , check out you tube there are loads of actual good ones

I was amazed at this tree growing and adapting to it's environment presume it was a sappling that grew up between the bars but has now engulfed them ,perhaps it needs the "iron". So amazed was I that I did not even note the species.

Blackcap at St Marys Island

Lesser Scaup still at Marden Quarry

The digger clears a channel at Cresswell then starts to drive up behind me so I had to get up on the bank , it does not look much but that sand bar was about 6-7' feet deep , at first it seemed to gush out but as this pool emptied it slowed down some what.

A few Cycle rides along the River Blyth Little Egret still around and I had one at Gosforth Park

One of the small burns that runs into the Blyth the water hides the supermarket trolleys and old tyres etc:

An afternoon at Gosforth Park recently and just as I was about to leave a flock of Starlings came over, here with two Kestrels amongst them , I watched rather enthralled as they swirled around the flock getting larger and larger, not one of those mega flocks you see but enough to entertain me as the sun rapidly set I got some rather crap video with my phone and it's only about the middle that you can actually see the tight mass but it gives an idea , Must get over perhaps to the Gretna site if it is still used this year.

Little Egret-Hen Harrier

2011-10-29T17:00:00.001+01:00

A cycle ride along the river was fairly uneventful a flock of about 15 Linnets the first birds noted ,tide fairly low so any waders where well spread out further East a Little Egret still around so I took the opportunity to get a couple of videos

Little Egret tackles a flat fish

The Little Egret finally settles in a tree which is actually the first one I think I have seen in a tree in Northumberland
The next day took the bus to Woodhorn area to try for the Hen Harrier to add it to my Bus List . Did not have long to wait as it quartered the area although distant frequently dropping out of sight , Fieldfares noted in the background several groups coming in off the sea also 2 Short Eared Owls also around , 3 Mistle Thrush,2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 2 Heron and c15 Long Tailed Tit working the hedge , not bad for just standing by a gate. To top it off the HH came fairly close giving some cracking views allowing me to take some notes as it's not often these birds give you the opportunity.

Big Waters....Whoopers

2011-10-28T10:51:00.000+01:00

A couple of hours at Big waters in the company of Whooper Swans which eventually came to the shore giving fantastic views , also a Water Rail came out along the far edge, the usual Tree Sparrows etc: on the feeders this is one of the best places to get good views of Tree Sparrow, Two Great Crested Grebes amongst the Wigeon and Gadwall , birds would get flushed from the edge in a panic and I was hoping for Otter but none where seen , a ring -tail passed over the corner which I missed,4 Common Darter sunning themselves on a fence rail ,the first I have seen for awhile and probably the last I will see for awhile !!

When the birds are settled on the edge of the scrape it gives fantastic opportunities to have some close views

After being on view mostly all upending (good chance to look for Darvic rings) they all flew to the scrape and settled to preen or sleep ,this one giving the classical and evocative honking call !!!!

A very pleasant and tranquil scene as they all settled down, with the odd bird taking the time to relax.

Gosforth Park

2011-10-27T10:43:00.001+01:00

A recent visit to Gosforth Park reserve of the Natural History Society , although it was quiet I enjoy the walk around in the blustery day ever conscious of the falling small twigs and Acorns . Three Jays glimpsed a party of about 15 Long tailed Tits along the board-walk c60 Wigeon and 6 Little Grebes from the hide . At the feeding station Treecreeper Nuthatch and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers along with Blue,Cole , and Great Tit oddly only one Chaffinch around I 'm sure that will have changed by my next visit.

Membership of the Society is required to visit the reserve, contact the office in the Hancock Museum Newcastle.

Whoopers are here !!!

2011-10-21T17:00:00.003+01:00

Sunday late afternoon saw me at Prestwick Carr started down the sentry end 20 Fieldfare well over by the wood , 3 Kestrels, 4 Buzzards, and a single Sparrowhawk ,also around M and F Stonechats and back down the track two Whinchats more Buzzards a Fox 2 Curlew and 3 Jays with a single SEO lifting form a small copse a Long Eared owl picked out but I could not see it, but just on dusk several SEO's where either on the wing or sitting on the fence line with at least ten before it was too dark to see.

Monday I travelled up to Cresswell Pond it was nice and sunny at home but the Westerly wind rapidly picking up strength by the time I got to the reserve , it was good to see the arrival of 31 Whooper swans it looked as though they had just arrived and toured the pond with the resident Mutes looking on, I took a short video just left in in place as they swan through the shot. In front of the hide I picked out a Jack Snipe it lay tucked up for most of the time so the photos I took where of no use besides the camera wanting to focus on the moving vegetation , so another short video the only way to capture the curious bobbing motion. Two Brent Geese at the North end , and the by now huge flock of Pinkfeet seemed restless as they swirled around landing before again taking to the air ,a Hawker still on the wing despite the wind , I just could not get an I.D. on it, my intended look at the sea for Divers was a non starter given the white horses you could see from the hide.

Only three Juveniles in with this group which failed to pass through the video

I have tried an edit to the video adding another couple of clips to the original

Foxy Photos !!!!!!!

2011-10-18T17:41:00.000+01:00

Spent Saturday at one or three places ,a few Silver Y moths around today , the lesser Scaup still at Marden Quarry I got some good digi shots of it and a Great Spotted Woodpecker but had forgot to put the card in the camera so now they are on the internal memory and I don't know how to get them off as yet. Came across this Fox it was at first hidden in the grass but to my surprise it just kept coming closer and closer till I had to reduce the length of the lens to get it in , I felt sure the shutter sound would scare it off but no it may have been that it was investigating , the wind in my favour till suddenly it must have got a hint of my "Lynx" and contrary to the ads it was off so it does not work on FoX .

Holywell Pond held little to hold me for long a Hawker from the hide failed to be identified so I headed off to Prestwick Carr one Short Eared owl on show and one Long Eared deep in cover with a Little Owl calling briefly.

More Lesser & (Speckled Teal)

2011-10-15T17:00:00.001+01:00

The report of the Lesser Scaup back at Marden Quarry so I went back up but on the bus to add it to my Birds by Bus list , as expected a few birders already snapping away, at least with ducks they dictate how close they will come , so it drifted back and forth always keeping its distance , the presence of so many cameras etc: causing the locals some amusement , the well travelled,locally at least Speckled Teal drifted past and at one stage was behind the LS , other distractions while waiting for the sun to lighten the scene where the constant fights of Mute Swans and two Sparrowhawks that would drift over.

Edit : 21st October The Lesser Scaup has been labelled a 1st winter female so I will have to get back for another look if it is still around ,because when it was on the boating lake you could see a purple sheen on its head in certain light so I thought perhaps 1st winter male.

No flight shots for me but did get a quick shot of the wing

Not the easiest of birds to get a decent shot of

Classed as plastic (must be that bill ) the Speckled Teal drifted past well I just had to get a snap.

Speckled Teal & Lesser Scaup in the same view now that's a first for me !!!!

To close for my lens these Mute Swans added some drama , this pond does actually provide some good photographic opportunities good practice for trying to get the best out of the light,

Two nice Sparrowhawks would drift over now and then !!

Turtle Dove/Lesser Scaup

2011-10-14T17:00:00.043+01:00

Sunday an afternoon visit to Prestwick Carr I came across this Bullfinch oddly feeding on Stinging Nettle Seeds , I would not have thought there was much actual food value in these but I wonder if there is some other trace element as Nettles are used for medicinal products ? No sign of any Owls although we did not stay till dark several Buzzards up and also a good number of Kestrels with Willow Tit also along the hedge.

Monday I went along for the Turtle Dove it circled the car park as I got there but took another thirty minutes or more to come down to the field , it also spent time in a couple of the nearby trees but all those photos where of no use, it did eventually come and sit on the fence for twenty or so minutes till someone got just to close.

The report of Lesser Scaup at Tynemouth saw me pull up later that afternoon ,a few birders already assembled with the bird on show , but it spent most of the time tucked in although I believe it had flown briefly and there is a nice flight shot on Birdguides. An adult Med Gull dropped in with the Black-headed Gulls,I tried to video both birds just for a change as they where just to far for my 400 lens.

I should have went for this bird on Sunday but at the time was not sure of its location

tried some video as it just sat on the fence

Lesser Scaup its a bit jerky as it swam out of shot ,should have set the tripod etc: to video. a Very nice bird actually with some saying it was rather drab , but seen in good light the feather patterning made this a very attractive bird

River Blyth

2011-10-13T17:00:00.004+01:00

Another cycle ride along the River Blyth without the camera this time as I had the scope , so it was digi or nothing went straight along to look for the Little Egrets ,but the council is working on the new path ( I think it's to make it easier for people to dump rubbish , or faster for the numerous unlicensed and uninsured motorbikes that seem to use this as a rat run so beware) any way found three of the Egrets but looking into the light so I had to go around and look back down but now they where some way off . Further down a Wheatear caught my attention so I spent some time trying to get some shots in a brief sunny spell , at least 200 Great Black Backs roosting on the old pit workings , 2 Goosanders fed along the north edge later 3 Mergansers by the old power sattion. Later I went down to Ridley Park via any trees or bushes I could find, there was a very good site that was last used as an old wood yard with a tangle of bushes,Brambles etc; giving loads of cover but now the site is cleared and it's just grass. Ridley Park at this time most of the birds concentrated behind the Tennis Courts the cover is thick with little access, I could hear a Yellow Browed calling but failed to find it all I got was Chiffchaff, the Great Crested Grebe was still around but the light no better making it look dull.

Click on an image to display and enlarge all images ..

I presume the Yellowish tone to the legs of these two birds is an indication of Juveniles ?

I am sure Dulux could come up with some fancy name for those yellow feet

This Wheatear proved very difficult to digiscope with a fence blocking not my view but the scope as in was set , I persevered as its all good practice for that one day "biggy" , Wheatears are fantastic looking birds even this Autumn male looking smart

Typical of trying to photograph birds the sun barely breaks through the clouds then went dull, only to later come out with full force, but by now the bird has gone !!!

Mixed Bag of sightings

2011-10-12T11:01:00.001+01:00

A few photos from some recent days out , a run through to Thornley for perhaps the last of the Dragons ,produced a female briefly and a male looking for the said female , with still a few Speckled Woods, a Buzzard and Red Kite over , on the way to Shibdon had a look over the old bridge on to the river with , Kingfisher, Dipper & Grey Wagtail noted , Shibdon Pond had a couple of Migrant Hawkers taking advantage of the sunny spell , a couple of cycle rides along the River Blyth of late to check out the waders nearing high tide has been interesting, heightened one day we I came across one of the smallest Curlew I have ever seen , I tried to stop behind a small bush to have a look at it but it was off and immediately out of sight, I did try and find it but it will remain a mystery ,was it as small as I thought or just because I caught a glance of it as I passed , interesting bird nevertheless and it was in my thoughts for the rest of the day. While checking out the waders a Kingfisher past silently and headed further up river behind me a loose flock of Long Tailed ,Blue and Great Tits with 2 Chiffchaffs tagging along , across the river 2 Wheatears dropped onto insects from fences and posts the Curlews gathered on the field edge up-to a 150 but no sign of my runt

Migrant Hawker from the track at Prestwick Carr

Migrant Hawker taken at Shibdon Pond

Buzzard over Thornley Woodland

Red Kite also over Thornley Woods just over a small clearing

Red Kite again as it circled the small clearing briefly

This Fungi forcing its way through the bark of a Birch Tree at Thornley Woodland

Two Moorhens give the classic pose as they fight over ? , just that bit to far for a decent shot, Shibdon Pond

Little Egret one of up to Four along the River Blyth

Still find it hard to believe that we now have Little Egret , becoming a fairly common sight in Northumberland and especially these four birds along the River amongst old tyres ,shopping trolleys ,traffic cones , and many other mystery objects.

Great Crested Grebe taken along the River Blyth.

Prestwick Carr

2011-10-07T10:49:00.000+01:00

Another couple of photos from Prestwick Carr and another short video of a bird sitting on the fence I am getting into video more as it can show some behaviour difficult to capture in a still shot, so its practice ,practice just need the subjects ...Sandhill Crane would have been nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is at least a nice pose as it looks intently at us looking intently at it !!!!!

A visit to Holywell Pond before going to Prestwick this Med Gull in with the Black -Headed

This Heron came just along the shore so I tried to just capture the head

Could not resist this rabbit as it and others came out late afternoon in front of the East hide at Holywell

More of the LEO and SEO's

2011-10-03T16:22:00.001+01:00

Pleased this week to have another one of my photos this one the Bonaparte's Gull at Seaham , published in Birdwatch magazine.

Here are somemore of my photos of the LEO and SEO's

Those eyes are just stunning and really bring the bird to life

some of the Short Eared Owls in the late afternoon sun they always kept there distance although in reality giving stunning views you do need a fairly large lens to capture detail.

Three birds briefly drifted over the track not giving me time to change my settings so they are a little dark

I like the pose of this one just looking down at me looking a little puzzled

and just a series of the same bird as it drifted across the track and down behind the hedge

Spotted Redshank that plied between St Mary's , Beehive Flash and Holywell Pond also another Adult Med Gull here they seem to be regular now I wonder if they may be spreading out from Newbiggin

It seemed to eat a large amount of fish and always looked as though it was masticating or crushing it before actually swallowing . Still not sure if it actually caught the fish or they are dead or dying near the edge as I have also seen Black-headed Gulls and a Ruff eating fish here.

The Leo has turned away again but has some nice light on its side !

One of a run from the top picture just looking down again as it relaxes

SEO/LEO

2011-09-30T12:39:00.000+01:00

Well first the Sandhill Crane what a fantastic but brief event , it was past before I heard about it so all I could do was follow its progress South , AC even got some good flight shots of it , a fantastic one off opportunity for a County first .

Sorted a couple of shots of the Owls at Prestwick Carr the Long Eared was in deep cover and mostly either kept its eyes closed or was looking down .

Coming to at the time a favoured post with prey.

Some digiscoped shots as most of the flight shots turned out rubbish this night

Absolutely cracking birds and a privilege to watch

Penny for your thoughts !!!

This one had tufts erect so not as relaxed as it could be , but with cars going past and people chatting

Short Eared Owl- Video

2011-09-26T14:38:00.001+01:00

I have got a lot of photos to process but had time to upload this 50 second clip of a Short Eared Owl from Prestwick Carr I have taken out the sound as mostly you get the wind through the trees ,aircraft or someone talking.

Produced, Filmed, Processed , Edited & Uploaded , as well as getting the gear to and from location , all done by me !!!!!!!! Just where do I get the time !!

The past week or so !!!

2011-09-21T16:57:00.004+01:00

Thought it about time I updated my blog although few photos of late.

I forgot to mention that I added American Golden plover to the bus list with a visit to Whitburn area the bird located on the fields with the shooting butts a very windy day only one digi shot which was rubbish,had intended to return but the bird only reported once there after.

Also went down to Greatham Creek for the Sharp- tailed Sandpiper but alas it had gone ,10 Curlew Sandpipers on the small pools ,with 4 Ruff and lots of Dunlin and Ringed Plover but again the wind very strong despite the birds being reasonably close I could get no photos. A walk along to the hide which I had not been in for years gave some welcome shelter from the wind, thousands of birds seem to be feeding here ,but it's a vast area, out of some of the nearer birds where 12-15 Black Tailed Godwits one of which was in difficulty floundering around trying to avoid the rising tide, a group of 25+ Grey plover and a single Avocet, back along the creak a Hawker patrolled over the seaweed. later at home a Swift circled over the garden .

13th a visit to Hollywell Pond only produced 3 Pied Wagtails , 2 Bar-tailed Godwit with a few Common Gulls in with the numerous Black-headed.

14th A Cycle along to Blyth Estuary for the rising tide saw numerous waders among which a single Ruff and 3 Curlew Sandpiper, with a Guillemot well up the river , 2-3 Speckled Wood Butterflies out. A brief walk to the old railway line near to my house produced 48 Speckled Wood with as many as 6 together in one spot.

15th Back along the estuary on the way north at least 3 Curlew Sandpiper still with the numerous waders feeding on the muddy shore. Stopped at Snab Point for a seawatch which produced 25 Manx, 4 Sooty , 2 RT Diver, 1 Velvet Scoter, 15 Teal, 9 Brent, 8 Arctic Skua & 3 Pomerine Skua which came over high before descending to sea level where they caught up with and Arctic, all heading North with 4 RTD south.

Cresswell turned up 2 Scaup in with the Tufted and a Curlew Sandpiper briefly.

16th A brief Seawatch from Seaton Sluice only produced Teal North and South and 9 Brent North.

17th

A reasonably early start at the Sluice with some good numbers of duck moving totals from 7:30 - 11:00, Teal 400,Common Scoter 542, Wigeon 60, 1 RTD, 1 Manx,1 Sooty, 45 Curlew, Gannet 260hr,1 Pintail, 1 Red -necked Grebe, 4 Brent (North)

20 RTD, 3 Velvet Scoter, 4 Little Gull (South). I realise these numbers are small compared to other sites but a good few hours nevertheless ,the highlight being one of the longest strings of Scoter I have ever seen . Hollywell for the afternoon and a Spotted Redshank dropped in ,Two Ruff didn't but a Med Gull also dropped in.

The famous Seal Sands NR it's huge you definitely need a scope just to see the birds never mind I.D. them, as expected plenty of Seals loafing around .

This Common Gull moulting to 1st Winter , 2 Bar -tailed Godwit on the shore

One of 48 Speckled Wood counted near my home on a nice sunny morn, and I discounted ones I thought I might be counting twice.

Graffiti this is down on the estuary not your usual rubbish with a spray can , but still Graffiti !!!!!

This is Perennial Sow Thistle sucking the life out of a Ladybird :)

Cowpen Bewley,Saltholme,Shibdon

2011-09-11T17:00:00.000+01:00

I had to go down to Middlesborough so I took the opportunity to call in at Cowpen Bewley Country Park it is a site that has recorded Brown Hawker in the Summer months but I just thought I would get a look around .

Common Blue , Meadow Brown and Red Admioral on the wing as where some Hawkers I did not have time to check them out properly plus it was a day of very strong winds and heavy showers, its a good area inhabited mainly by dog walkers with an area designated as off the lead run , but most seemed to just let them run anywhere as well as the ponds of which there are several and a small lake .

Drove on to Saltholme it was stotting down (that is very heavy rain for non Northeners) so i dashed across to the Phil stead hide but only Little Egret and Ruff here, next stop Greatham Creak but the wind so strong I had to sit and keep the scope very low.

So I thought I would go home via Shibdon at least I would have some shelter and a Spotted redshank and this is where I stayed till just before dark the water levels are controlled here and it shows with many Redshank, Snipe, Spotted Redshank & Green Sandpiper , two family groups of Lesser Black -backs amongst the gulls unfortunately they where just to far for some shots. There is a nice edge to this pond and I was sure of seeing Water Rail as the day ended but no !!!!

Southern Hawkers at one of the small pools at Cowpen Bewley , if I remember cowpen is something to do with where salt we also have a Cowpen near Blyth .

Red Eared Terrapin ? which I think has been here for some years it seems to being OK that must be about 15 " long

Ruddy Darter settled beside me but it was the only I saw and actually my first of the year.

This Juvenile Carrion Crow was odd being very tame sat on the car roof looking down at me as I sat in the car , having nothing to feed it I asked a couple in a Motorhome and they gave me a bun !!, I wonder if someone has had it in captivity then just let it go ????

Saltholme after the rain comes the sun briefly , Little Egret from the Phil Stead hide. This hide is outside the visitor centre so you don't have to wait for it to open at 10 (yes thats right 10 ' o clock before you can get in )

Ruff on the pool edge

Vignetting effect always a problem with digiscoping

Common Seal near the creak

Shibdon the rain has stopped and a little bit of sun to brighten the day

The ever present Lapwing a feature of just about every pond such as this.

Lesser Black -backed Juvenile ,I would have like some closer photos but they kept there distance

Hawker,Darter, Vole & Lizard

2011-09-09T17:07:00.003+01:00

A run up the coast to Cresswell and a walk along the road/ track to East Chevington, brief stop at the flash near Lynemouth revealed 5 Ruff , then the stop at Cresswell was also brief the water level very high and onto the road 2 Ruff and three Black-tailed Godwits circled the point but then headed South.

Nothing of note at Druridge ,plenty of Common Darter and a single Migrant Hawker just a little to high for me , a walk along the tarmacked road was just a stroll but was pleased to find a Common Lizard in the brief period of sunshine , and I nearly stood on this Short -tailed Field Vole ,which seemed totally unconcerned by me even when I put the camera near

Migrant hawker

Common Darter, absorbing heat from the ground

Still a few Butterflies around also, Small Copper, Peacock,Red Admiral, Wall & Meadow Brown

I nearly stood on this but instead of it disappearing it allowed me to get a few shots

Common Lizard was getting some sun , which allowed me to just stand very still and get some shots

Cambois Car Wash !!!!!

2011-09-06T21:17:00.000+01:00

A Garden first of late in the form of a Great Spotted Woodpecker , I could hear the call and looked around to see it fly off, I have a dead Flowering Cherry tree in the garden so it will be out with the drill and get some suet etc.into it .

Washing your car Cambois style ,this young lad was testing his cars ability to keep him dry ,lucky for him there was no small Boulders coming over as well. !!!!!

A few Manx past and a couple of Whimbrel, in the wader roost along the old staithes , cice 150 Oystercathcers, C200 Redshank, 60 Knot , 15 Dunlin, a single Kittiwake and another Colour ringed Black-headed Gull got only one shot of the ring but the code unclear something like VVY ?

Another look at Holywell Pond and another new to me Med Gull with a colour ring ,still awaiting details .

A couple of Ruff along the edge.

Migrant Hawker

2011-09-02T16:30:00.000+01:00

The other day I encountered my first settled Migrant Hawker usually find them fairly easily but not this year so I took what I could with the camera I had with me ,other things encountered , Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Common Darter , Emerald damselfly, Small Copper several species of Fungi but most of the photos dark due to the dull day ,

Puffballs looking really fresh ,spores dispersed via wind and rain .

Small Copper oddly it landed three times on Knapweed that had gone to seed ?

Common Darter on the seat beside me it lifted several times before I could get this close ,complete with designer satubble !!!!!

Migrant Hawker found this one already settled so it was quite obliging , it would be helpful but impossible to have the camera on a tripod for these type of photos as I am leaning over for what seems like forever and trying to keep the camera still.

Pleased with this shot although the head is not sharp but I was more trying to catch the colour on the wing , not hard to see why they are becoming more and more popular with Birders

The Past Week

2011-08-31T16:00:00.001+01:00

Just a few images from around the area over the past week , I did try for the Greenish warbler but alas no sign it was heard to call but only once ,also visits to Cresswell Pond, Holywell pond, St Mary's island & Big Waters.

Huge numbers of Hoverflies this year this Knapweed was covered in them.

Another Southern Hawker this one briefly settled at Big Waters

One of Four Black headed Gulls I found with Colour Rings this bird found twice at St Mary's, I have still to find the details.

Ruff at Holywell Pond also Common Sandpiper and Greenshank at the time.

Colour ringed Med Gull ZNV Holywell Pond they only seem to stay here briefly and I only got two photos.

Cresswell I had the bright idea of sitting down at the North Pool at the start of the causeway , but I attracted the curious , so perhaps the waders would ignore me and come along the edge , these guys had more patience than I as they just stood right in front of me till I had to move.

Obliging Snipe from the hide at Cresswell again Ruff and Common Sandpiper also here.

St Mary's Island Guillemot on the rocks with only a few Sandwich and Common Terns amongst the Gulls , numbers of Knot increasing and I also had a Red Colour ringed Adult Med Gull but was unable to get the ring code.

Juenile Sandwhich Tern

Southern Hawker ... Emerging

2011-08-26T22:57:00.000+01:00

Southern Hawker caught at the time of emergence when it turns from Larvae to Dragonfly the process took most of the day and it was still not complete when I left several hours later, it was rather cool in its chosen spot despite the pleasant and sunny day ,fascinating to watch this must be one of the sources of those alien movies as their back splits and the transformation begins .

Also witnessed the patrolling of up to three males ,a female egg laying, also the brief visit of Common and Migrant Hawker, with a good number of Speckled Wood ,with at one point four spiralling up chasing each other

At first it just hung there for some time ,but now you can just see the back is beginning to split open.

It hung upside down for some time and at one stage I thought it had died ,but suddenly it had swung up and I had missed it.

The wings are slowly pumped up ,but you can actually see them enlarge.

Veins starting to show and also the wing spots called Pterostigma

The Female looks for a suitable place to lay it's eggs ,even trying the boardwalk below , till it eventually finds this rotting log in the pool where it remained for an hour or more.

Pond Skater comes across a Moth that tried to settle on the water

I have linked some shots together to make a slide show of the process ,a bit of a breeze so it has moved at times.

Newbiggin Meds !!!

2011-08-23T17:00:00.001+01:00

A walk along Newbiggin beach from the South side to Church point and along past the Caravan Park, not looking for anything in particular but I had taken my camera ,it was good to find a number of assorted aged Med Gulls in with the Black-Headed Gulls that seem to like this area .

A lone Seawatcher in the form of The Liverbirder sat eyes fixed on the sea ,with little movement I did suggest he should have brought a book, the path along past the Caravan Park has all but gone due to erosion which makes it harder to get along and look down onto the beach at the same time.

A couple of colour ringed birds that I have already recorded

The Juveniles seem to change rapidly in their first few months

I counted 7 Juveniles but a recent count had up to 13 with a total of c60

The beach is a huge expanse so even though the birds get flushed there is always somewhere else to settle

Big Waters

2011-08-21T18:08:00.001+01:00

Spent a pleasant afternoon at Big Waters ,just a pleasant walk around getting some shots of whatever took my fancy , but the highlight of the day was a couple of Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpeckers chasing each other around the feeding area joined briefly by a female , but one of the Juveniles came down to the small dish that provides water and had a lengthy drink, nothing unusual in that you might think but its the first time I have ever seen a Woodpecker of any sort have a drink, let alone get a couple of photos , I know you lot that has them coming down to feed and drink in your garden sees this all the time but it was a first for me .

Just the one Southern Hawker this one deep in the Nettles & Brambles as I found out when I tried to get nearer.

Two Juveniles at the feeding area

Its comes a litle nearer

and finally lands near the small pool

took a lengthy drink

pauses can it see it's reflection (just visible bottom right)

this is one thirsty bird !!!!

I like to take photos of Fungi they all remain un- identified but I just like to see them.

Bonaparte's Gull

2011-08-18T20:27:00.002+01:00

Monday I decided to go over to Seaburn to try for the Bonaparte's Gull, got there well before the high tide walked along towards Whitburn Steele plenty waders on the rocks but not many gulls around till the message came through that the bird was further to the south feeding just offshore with Black headed Gulls , it always seemed the furthest bird so I had no chance with my lens ,eventually went up and further along the headland the bird could be seen below so I got some shots in case it flew off, but that was far from the case, heavily in moult and missing most of the outer primaries apparently, in never lifted from the sea once in the couple of hours I was there. The tide rose and fell immediately, I always thought it stood for an hour but apparently here it drops away again ,this gave us access to the beach with the bird just offshore but alas the nearer it was the more shadow there was (never happy !!!) so we waited till it drifted occasionally into the Sun , what can I say a cracking little bird , thoughts turn to the last Northumberland bird a few years ago ,it could conceivably be the same bird . A tree nester which must be some sight !!!

While waiting for the tide to drop a Wheatear fed near the seating area just by the road giving stunning views.

Also 3 otherss of my photos on Birdguides and those of others, link below.

http://www.birdguides.com/iris/pictures.asp?v=1&f=314381

White Faced Darter etc:

2011-08-16T11:39:00.001+01:00

Just a few more images from the visit to photograph White Faced Darter at the end of July, I may have used an image more than once but it's been confusing sorting them out so this is the last

This is the ideal perch for a White Faced Darter prominent ,giving good visibility and easily absorbing the suns rays which seems so essential to their lives . I can only assume these positions are held by the more mature males.

Despite their name other features of this species is very attractive,the red on the Thorax and sections of the upper Abdomen the dark spots on the wings and the erratic flight all add to the appeal.

Black darter ,despite all the shots I don't seem to have captured a female/Imm male of the White Faced Darter they could have been dispersed in the Heather .

A pair of WFD coupled in the tall grass was as near as I could get

I was keen to get a close up of the face , it seems to add some personality to them, but they nearly always either faced away or to the side

This is probably the best I got of the facial expression , there was no chance of getting close with my compact camera.

This is the same perch as the first photo which was very popular , if I could do it again I would set the tripod and camera at this and just wait , but it would be hard with so much else going on.

These are Emerald Damselflies unable to get them both in focus I had to focus from the Male to the Female, an attractive species seen at many ponds .

These Water Boatman where constantly on the move swimming (or rowing) upside down ,investigating anything that touched the surface tension of the water , a Common Blue Damselfly made this mistake and was grabbed from below , I put the camera up to get a shot but it just flipped over and dived down ,fascinating to watch.
This Water Boatman turns over to dive

Again the coupled WFD from the previous photos having moved ,still face on but just to far away to get them both in focus.

Black Darters coupled

Four Spot Chaser

And another Four Spot Chaser

Southern Hawker

2011-08-11T16:00:00.002+01:00

As I have already said this year has been very poor for Dragonflies ,I have spent a lot of time visiting and re-visiting sites that should be good for the larger Dragonflies , Emperors in previous years have been located at most ponds of reasonable size but this year the numbers are very much reduced ,this is just my personal observations . The Hawkers can be found anywhere so I always keep my eyes open when in any sheltered sunny area, I came across this Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea in just such a situation it crossed my path but low down hawked back and forth along a conifer hedge then settled as the sun went behind a cloud (yes there was some sunshine involved ) so several shots later the sun returned took a few more before it was off patrolling again .

I don't know if this is a camouflage technique resting on this vegetation , but I have to concentrate on it's position as it lands or it's lost.

I like Southern Hawkers they can be very inquisitive at times allowing good views and will settle at some stage.

I just turned this shot to show the facial expression and features of very large compound eyes ,the antenna and the mandabiles forming the chin also the looks like a smile facial expression .

Close up of the upper and just behind the lower appendages used to clasp the female

Holywell Pond 8-8-2011

2011-08-09T16:00:00.000+01:00

A couple of hours at Holywell yesterday two black-necked Grebes at the west end , numerous Little Grebes still feeding various ages of young , a Sparrowhawk took something from the feeding station and landed across the pond it was so silent ,no waders to get to grips with , but a Juvenile Mediterranean Gull following the plough with the hundreds of other assorted Gulls & Corvids.

The two individuals spent most of the time asleep with the occasional dive and preen

Could have got the exposures better,but using a different digidscope setup and its like starting from scratch.

For some reason one individual would feed near an upending Mallard perhaps it disturbed fish as it fed , but the Grebe made a definite and swift effort to swim over and dive nearby . Not surprising they can move so fast when you see the size of those feet

I thought "Podiceps " would have something to do with the shape of the foot but apparently its the placing of the legs at the rear of the body !!

Little Grebe almost giving me the eye as it feeds young near the hide.

White Faced Darter & other Dragonflies

2011-08-07T17:49:00.001+01:00

The end of July visit to look for White Faced Darter in the good company of blogger John from "Sedgedunum Warbler " . The walk to the site was warm and I was full of expectation a pair of Guinea Fowl on the track was an odd sight. A Hawker patrolled a sunny area but would not settle , Black Darters sitting on Heather gave the first photographs , and it took only minutes to find the first W-F -D, not in the best position for photos but I took a few just in case , better opportunities came later , actually I took so many I could not download the card till I made room on the hard-drive . The sun went behind the clouds at times and most species went with it ,but as soon as the sun returned so did the Dragonflies , great day out with a new species of Dragonfly to add to my photos. We where both exhausted on arrival back at the car the good weather had been kind to us but also took its toll !!!

Here are a few images from the day more to follow after processing .

Numerous webs of these Spiders dotted through the Heather

Black darter female

No Idea what this is just caught my eye on the Moss

Black Darter female

Black Darter male

Good numbers of Emerald Damselfly around ,they are so thin and wispy its hard to get a focus on them.

Common Blue Damselfly using a feather to rest on (anyone tell what its from )

White -Faced Darter

Black darters coupled with the female ovipositing along the pool edges

A few Four Spot Chaser which actually chased off the Common Hawkers

White -Faced Darter on cotton grass coming to the end of their flight period this one showing some wing damage

Common Hawker constantly on the wing but came so close at times as it searched for females. The Yellow Costa can be seen on the above .

Swifts 1-8-2011

2011-08-01T20:47:00.002+01:00

Edit :- The Swifts have now flown the nest and that's it for another year, I keep checking the nest just in case they have wandered out of camera range and will also check incase the adults return as they did one year and roosted for 3-4 nights before departing.

Just noticed the size of the gape so I have taken a snapshot from the video , that's one huge gape for such a small bird , the bill seems to be used purely for preening itself , partner or the young this in particular looks rather a rough affair .

1st of August already ,looking at the Swifts tonight it's getting harder to tell the young from the adults , it's getting to that time when they will be leaving the nest and not long after that they will all be heading South , it's always good to see them go but sad at the same time , always seems such a long time till they are with us again. So one evening I will turn on the camera to find an empty nest again, I have no idea as to what is happening with the other nest , I can only hope they will have reached fledging also .

St Mary's Island 29-7-11

2011-07-31T18:59:00.001+01:00

Friday a trip along to St Mary's to look out for Roseate Terns ,the tide dropping plenty of Common Terns around and a few Sandwich, picked out a Med Gull on the north shore it had a colour ring so I set about trying to get some shots using a different camera than usual it was much harder to use but hoping the quality will be better when I get used to it. About 10 mins later located another Adult Med this one unringed , there was a frenzy on the beach with Redshank, Turnstone & Black-headed Gulls all feeding as the tide rapidly dropped then they all spent time on the now exposed rocks preening , good little session

Adult Mediterranean Gull

Not sure if this is a full Adult yet thought I saw a trace of Grey/Black in the wing tips green ring with AHJH edit: checking the NTBC website (link on the side) this bird was ringed as a nestling 7/7/08 Germany and last seen Newbiggin 30/7/09

AHJH ring clearly shown is this shot

Found this small Hedgehog in the garden one morning seemed OK so I put it in a box for the day with some food and water, which it had ate by evening and released it back in the garden.

Found this redish Spider amongst the wood chippings

St Mary's Island & European Stormies

2011-07-28T08:00:00.000+01:00

Went down to St Mary's Island to try out some digiscoping at the start of the prom Sand Martins with the occasional House Martin were feeding just over the sand and along the edge of the prom where thousands of flies having emerged from the seaweed rested on the side of the wall, the Martins skimmed the sand and turned sideways to skirt the overhang I only had my compact camera with me so tried to get a couple of shots ,the beach had hundreds of Gulls and amongst them a single Adult Mediterranean Gull so I tried the video on my compact also.

A couple of sessions of seawatching recently produced some fantastic views of European Storm Petrel in an unprecedented movement along the east coast ,early morning they past very close inshore viewed from the island, one in particular gave stunning views as it past about 40-50yds offshore, I saw a total of 60 birds and apparently movement had continued all day ,will be interesting to see the total numbers reported along the coast with birds sighted from just about every bit of headland giving everyone the opportunity to catch up with this fantastic seabird.

Kibblesworth

2011-07-25T20:56:00.000+01:00

Another visit to Kibblesworth Pools a few days ago with more Common Darters around now very pale ones some in tandem, a pair of Emperors also coupled resting in the long grass till they went over to the trees and disappeared, still Four Spot Chaser , but Butterfly wise I did not see any Purple Hairstreak

Four-spot Chaser

Emperors couple in tandem

The same pair from the side

and another closer showing how the male grasps onto the female

I always like to at least try and get a flight shot

This -Four Spot Chaser settled near the ground as the sun went in

it sat there for some time allowing me to get closer , tried to get a shot from the front but it was off

Swifts 22-07-11

2011-07-22T11:23:00.000+01:00

Checked up on the progress of the two Swift chicks up in the loft ,seconds before an Adult sat in the opening surveying the outside eventually flying off, the two young are progressing fantastically and its fantastic to watch ,there is another nest located above the drive here there is a collection of droppings on the ground and has been for sometime indicating the young are backing up to the entrance to defecate whereas these two have only recently started to do this , below this nest is the roof of the utility room there is a good growth of Lichen that apparently needs the presence of bird droppings to start growing.

In the previous clip I thought it was one of the parents present ,but now think it was a prospecting bird that went in looking for a site

Two Watercolours of Owls

2011-07-20T18:00:00.001+01:00

These are Two Watercolours of a "Desert eagle Owl " and a " Striped Owl " painted by John Hopkin 1977 Originally bought from the famous Brunswick Gallery in Judd Street London. Although I can't seem to find out anything of the actual artist , frame size 21" X 16" £60 for the two.

Any "OFFERS"

Books For Sale

2011-07-20T17:00:00.000+01:00

I don't know about anywhere else but right over my house it is pouring down with rain so I have took the opportunity to sort out some books for sale. Email if you want further details

These five insect titles £15 the lot

Insight into Ants £5

" Predators & Prey in the living world "

New Zealand £6

Butterfly £8

The Classic "Birds of the World ............ Arthur Singer £5

Fair isle Bird reports, 1991,92,93,94,.....96 for £5

Watching Dragonflies......... signed copy by Steve Dudley & Andrew Maackey

Hawkmoths £10

These two for £7

Natural History Society Transactions G.W.Temperley " A History of the Birds of Durham" & The Northern Naturalists Union " The birds of the Tees Valley " for £10

Kibblesworth

2011-07-20T07:16:00.006+01:00

A visit to Kibblesworth Pools for Dragonflies found 2-3 Emperor Dragonflies, a Black-tailed Skimmer, and Common Hawker reported but I did not see it and some teneral Common Darter many of which lifted from the pool and headed over to the trees for cover ,numerous Grayling around the weather again changeable . Looking at my notes for last year Dragonflies where more abundant and out much earlier than this year , so what is the governing factor the very good April and part of May seems to have had no affect on early emergence here in the North, yet in the South many species had emerged earlier.

Common Darter with cellophane wings

When in flight with legs help up the stiff hairs form a sort of basket which helps to catch small insects

Just what can they see with those huge compound eyes.

Grayling absorb heat by facing side on to the sun sometimes tilting over to get the most from the sun

Crimdon Dene

2011-07-17T15:25:00.000+01:00

A visit to Crimdon Dene one reason to check out the Little Tern colony and another the habit which is supposed to be good for plants . The Little Terns nest on the dune edge on stoney ground which is added to in the winter by wardens the area is fenced off but still seems to get some disturbance ,people seem to think the fence is there so they can use it to watch the Terns from , I have read that 57 pairs had young great little birds to watch fiesty when it comes to protecting eggs and young any bird that flew over or near was harried.

Typical of a British Summer it was nice travelling down and for a brief spell there ,but it soon clouded over and became cool so no hope of Butterflies other than the few out earlier, tried to find some new flowers for me without much luck . Called in at the wardens and was immediately given a seat and a cup of coffee with commanding views of the sea and coastline what a great spot to spend a bit of time

I kept well away from the colony but birds would occasionally fly overhead ,this one about to have a mid-air scratch , a scope is needed plenty of areas with a bit of height to get some good views from

The fenced area containing the colony , without this they would not have a hope !!!

Looking back up the beach the fence in the foreground and wardens hut on the hillside

Some large areas of Betony the soil obviously suiting their needs

I have to look this up as I am not sure what it is yet.
Pyramidal Orchid

Interesting coastline due to the rock type.

There must be vast areas of coast like this with thick virtually inaccessible cover .

Swifts-update

2011-07-14T17:00:00.000+01:00

Thursday 14 July 11:00

Just an update of the progress of the two Swift chicks they have changed enormously in the past week , I had just switched on when the Adult came in but missed it in the delay before recording begins.

Sunny Days

2011-07-13T12:49:00.001+01:00

A sunny day looking for Dragonflies and Butterflies Meadow Browns and Ringlets in huge numbers along with Common Blue , only Damselflies on the pool, and a single Speckled Wood was a new record, found another 20 or so spikes of Bee Orchids , I wonder if it is a good year for this species, Common Spotted Orchids also in good numbers.

Small Skipper ?

Ringlet

Common Blue

Bee Orchid

Bee Orchid in the tall grass, nice healthy tall specimens

Azure damselflies the dominant species but also , Blue-tailed & Large red

Meadow Browns in the hundreds these two coupled in mating

Natures Mysteries

2011-07-11T23:30:00.000+01:00

The other day I found some of these an Ichneumon Wasp I think, there where several on one plant Willowherb , they seemed to be holding territory with one on each level or was it coincidence as I watched for awhile but could not work out what was happening they just kept turning around in circles first one way then the other, next to this where a number of Common Blue Damselflies one coupled pair perched on a stalk till the female twisted around and released from the male submerged underwater to lay eggs I watched for a full 10mins to try and get a shot as it emerged but never saw it again, a couple of Teneral Common Darter leaving the pool edges and heading for the trees, at this time still no larger Dragonflies.

The female just before she twisted out of the grasp of the male and submerged

Not sure how they breath under water

Broad Leaved Everlasting Pea putting on a good show it has large flowers

The Swifts where wheeling around over the garden later in the day tried to get some shots but only managed this one

Marbled Whites

2011-07-05T17:00:00.002+01:00

Went down to Wingate Durham to have a look for Marbled Whites , also to check for any Orchids large number of Common Twayblades varying in height from a couple of inches to 12+ " a rather plain orchid till you have a close look at there structure, plenty of Common Spotted Orchids again varying enormously in size depending I suppose on the soil depth , Frog Orchids have been recorded in the past but I could not find any, no surprise there, Bee Orchids also present I would have thought there where lots of unusual plants but unless they have a distinctive flower I probably would not notice them, Greater Knapweed a very common and showy flower , and St Johns Wort (slender ?). Picked up the first Marbled White flying high it just looked like a dirty white, eventually followed one till it settled very briefly a couple of times allowing me to get a couple of shots an impressive creature indeed , actually as are all Butterflies they just seem to sum up warm summer days .

Slender St Johns Wort ?

Greater Knapweed

Marbled White

Marbled White actually the same one re- settled

Common Twayblade

Common Twayblade three very healthy spikes

A few of these fungi around probably common but just caught your eye even though they are very small

As I sat on the grass for my lunch I noticed this Slug , so camera out I took a couple of shots , a very intricate red and black pattern along the foot of this specimen

I'm sure I have had these before , they will be on the blog somewhere the name Latticed Heath comes to mind .

Swifts 5-7-11

2011-07-05T11:19:00.000+01:00

Just an update of the progress of the chicks it's amazing how they have grown in such a short time , it should be very warm in the loft, so I would imagine they will be left for longer periods, about a dozen Swifts flying back and forth this am occasionally checking under the eaves for sites.

Swifts 2-7-11

2011-07-02T13:10:00.001+01:00

EDIT:- just added the above as the chicks where stretching

Just a short update on the Swifts still 2 chicks they seem to have put on some weight ,the parents are not the gentlest of birds watch for one of the chicks get its head caught up in the wing, the female has left at the moment but the chicks are just lying in a heap . The male roosts in the nest at night and preens the female the poor chicks just get trampled on.

More Bee Orchids

2011-06-30T18:06:00.000+01:00

Another visit to some of the local ponds while down south they are getting vagrant Moths and Dragonflies ,here for me I still can't find anything other than damselflies.

This was just on a post I have turned it around

More Bee Orchids perhaps it is a good year for them

This one showing the pollen that is supposed to detach and adhere to the bee which carries it too another flower ,the stalk then droops and pollinates the flower

Not sure what this one is

Common Blues out in good numbers

5 Spot Burnet Moth on Melilot

Broad Bodied Chaser......Not

2011-06-28T21:53:00.000+01:00

Went over to Stargate a few days ago to look for the reported Broad Bodied Chasers a Dragonfly I have not seen yet ,they don't seem to get over to Northumberland , at least Iv'e not heard of any, well I looked all over the weather was warm enough I even quizzed the fisherman if they had seen any Dragonflies But not a thing barely any Damsels even . Its a nice area though seems popular with the fisherman a few small jetties to view from , walked over the area the hill had many Common Spotted Orchids coming through its a fairly recent reclaimed site. Nearby was a huge Sand Martin colony its good to see nature so near towns

Edit :- If you see Broad Bodied Chaser please let me know !!!

White Melilot

Common Centaury

St John's Wort

Lucerne

Common Spotted Orchid

Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Ringlet , Small Heath

Swifts 26-6-11 15:05

2011-06-26T15:32:00.001+01:00

Spent all last night out looking for Bats & Moths so absolutely wrecked today ,sitting in the garden half asleep a Butterfly caught my eye dashed over to have a look , Speckled Wood on the garden list not the first but I did not see the first to busy getting the camera when I was told there was sitting on the ground ,so that one does not count.
Swifts the quality of the CCTV is looking poor not sure if there is a build up of dust on the lens ,anyway today I noticed an egg pushed to one side and could just see the movement of a chick it has to be a few days old given its size compared to the egg but not strong enough to keep its head up for long, it must be very hot up there today I thought the female was going to leave but she turned around and returned.. I saw her return to the nest one day which is just outside and above a window ,very distinctive pale under-tail, I will set the camera up when they are both actively feeding the young although when I say actively they do seem to disappear for some time Picked up a Swifts egg case from the drive last week it had been chipped out so it looks like the second pair have at least one chick ,although I have yet to see any adult enter or leave.
Edit :- not sure now if it's one or two chicks as it looks too big for one , they can lay 2-3 eggs so I will wait and see .
Edit 2 :tried using Picassa to capture thesecond video even more grainy but you can indeed see two chicks !!!!!!

Back around the ponds 17-6-11

2011-06-24T17:50:00.001+01:00

Another afternoon in search of dragonflies I did expect this year that they would appear perhaps just a little early given the dates of first sightings of some Butterflies, it's just down to the weather I suppose with some sunny spells but overall low temperatures, I did find more Bee Orchids, reading about them it stated that they can be found in large numbers but then not seen again at the same site which seemed odd as I always thought they spread through the ground as well as seed, Common Spotted coming through and a few Northern marsh Orchids but many dying back . Butterflies in low numbers but given the weather not surprised, did have my first Ringlet of the year this one with a kink in the wing ( actually saw the very same one today the 24th just missed getting a photo)

Woundwort bruise the leaves they smell foul !!!!! I did read somewhere that the term wort in plant use denotes its use at some time in medicinal remedies, in this case open wounds.

Large Red Damselflies I like these sometimes you can't get within a few feet and other times.....

The hardest part of taking these is trying to stop yourself from falling over as you lean in

I am told this Red Bartsia