Pomarine Skua from November

19=11-07 On the way home from seawatching I passed this bird in the central reservation of the dual carriageway beside Blyth Cemetery it was feeding on the carcass of a Black Headed Gull not sure if it had killed it but I think not,the weather was poor with a heavy overcast with light rain so the light was rubbish, I got some shots before it eventually flew of NW first time I have seen a Skua so close and having limited literature on them I have had to look at the net, I think it is a Juvenile/1st Winter dark phase Pomarine Skua

A New Year Looms

2008 fast approaches and I am setting myself the challenge of seeing how fast I can notch up 200 birds in the county starting, depending on the drink ,on New Years Day with the long stayers still around to give me the start I need, a newly arrived pager to help with the ticks, a new alarm clock to help me get out from under the duvet,( those things can narf get a grip on you stopping you from getting up on the cold wet mornings) but I intend to try,and also try & find birds for myself, so here is wishing you all a

HAPPY NEW YEAR & GOOD BIRDING
FOR 2008

Spponbill in the rain

The Spoonbill at East Chevington earlier in the year caught on video in the pouring rain

Hen Harrier, what a stunner

Hen Harrier keeping distant for photographs but stunning views in the scope,well worth freezing your buns off for,this bird seems to have some darker/ dirty grey in the wings and tail is it a sub adult type will have to do some reading up on the net.

GBB gulls are smart birds when you have a good look at them
This GBB was not calling but perhaps just trying to keep some food down ,they spend most of there time chasing after Eiders or Cormorants to steal there catch
Adult Winter GBB they are huge birds when you stand near them

December Gulls

3rd Winter Herring Gull

3rd Winter Herring Gull slightly more advanced moult

2nd winter Herring Gull
2nd Winter herring Gull
Adult Winter Herring Gull

December

Rock Pipit St Mary's Island 13-12-07
Stonechat in the links 13-12-07
Sunset at West hartford two Short-eared Owls around 11-12-07
Water Rail Cresswell 8-12-07
Kittiwake Blyth 4-12-07

Water Pipit

Some digiscoped shots of the Water Pipit taken last week ,

December 1st

Digiscoped images over the pond from the hide
Large Otter on the banskide of Cresswell pond for sometime as he (assuming he because of the very large size) ate a large Eel

Just look how thick the base of the tail is
Water Pipit at West Allotment very good find by MH, bird a bit flighty so digishots where all no good on this occasion

November

Went to the new hide at Cresswell only this fellow in & he never said a word 21-11-07

Blyh Harbour still Little Auk on the 21 st RTD on th 23rd


Grey Phalarope and 6 Snow Buntings Blyth Harbour on the 24th

Last of the Little Auks

Late afternoon at Killingworth Lake worth a look if your passing close views of Goldeneye & Tufted feeding at the edges
Tufted Duck & Goosanders on Killingworth Lake

Little Auks in the shallows these taken on the 15th but some still there as late as the 24th
Little Auk has just dived and can be traced going through the water