Big Waters

A visit to Big Waters where there was a good number of Wigeon I didn't  count them the pond is very well watched every day so the counts are always up to date, no sign of any Otters for me, now in my second year since I have seen one will have to get out more ,or at least to where they are seen  , a few Siskin near the feeding station on Alder  with the usual birds present on the feeders still one of the best places to see Tree Sparrows , also Great Spotted dropped in ,the hide can be a cold place to sit so I enjoyed the walk around more having come in from the village under the A1 but returning to the North over the A1 .

 Always plenty Tree Sparrows around

 Magpie with evil eye added !!!

Kestrel on a small tree above me but looking into the light raw file meant at least I got something

Snow Buntings

Very few photo opportunities of late resisted the temptation to go for Waxwings but have tried to find some in the Parish with no luck as yet these two Snow Buntings are from Whitburn area I found them along the beach from South Bents or I should say they found me dropping in nearby before heading up the grassy bank, always nice to see them one of Winters delights . 

Jack Snipe Cresswell Pond

This is some video of the recent Jack Snipe that spent a few days in front of the hide at Cresswell Pond  ,it's three short clips merged into one as it spent most of the time with head tucked in , one clip had some nice background calls of Redshank and lapwings  but then voices spoil it so I have taken all the sound off . Another great opportunity to see one of these cracking little birds , it bobs occasionally which is most curious to see it's almost an innate action ,  the usual following of birders keen to see it  , but unable too despite the most detailed directions given and the fact it was only  about a foot away from a large square block of wood and a purple wrapper on the other side ?  surprised it did not fly off  given the noise emanating   from the hide .