Last of the Year

Lapwing
Redshank

Had a run around on my own today to try and get some last pictures for the year but as the weather looked a bit dodgy over the hills I decided to stay near the coast. Went down to North Gare but it was really cold and windy. The thaw had begun so there were a few waders on Seaton Common but only the usual Redshank, Curlew and lapwing.

Wishing everyone who reads our blog a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

North Yorkshire in the snow.

Nuthatch

Siskin

Had a run out to North Yorkshire today, went to Northallerton then on up to the Visitor Centre at Sutton Bank to see what was about their feeding stations. Unfortunately they were very quiet with only the usual Chaffinch, Great and Blue Tits and Coal and Willow Tit seen there. We then went on to Helmsley to look around the Walled Garden Area. There we saw a large flock of Long Tailed Tit with Blue Tit, 7 Siskin, 2 G.S. Woodpecker, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Greenfinch and a Nuthatch making the most of the sunshine. Although we did not see anything out of the ordinary we had a lovely day out.

Winter Wonderland

Roseberry Topping in the distance
Long Tailed Tit
Golden Plover and Lapwing

Yellowhammer

Went for a walk and a coffee at Saltholme today, everything was frozen solid, the fox was hunting on the ice and a Mute Swan came skidding in. It was a lovely afternoon but unfortunately the tracks to the hides were closed due to ice but they did allow you to walk up to the centre over it!

Chilling out in the Winters Sun

Taking a rest
Having a feed

In flight

Getting a warm

Chilling out

Just had a drink

Swainby Church

Having got up late we had a run across to Swainby to see if there was much snow. It was a lovely day so we had a walk along the river. There were plenty of Redwings feeding on the holly berries but no sign of the Dipper. On the way back through Hilton village we spotted this snowman taking a rest, friendly chap.

Snow at last!

Snow Bunting

Well it's been a long time since we last posted on the blog - not much about lately and a lack of luck on our behalf has meant that haven't had any new pic's. Today we decided to go to South Gare and managed to find a flock of about 40 Snow Buntings on the beach, unfortunately the light was very poor (misty) so the photo's not as good as I would have liked but you can't have everything. Fingers crossed for some further sightings soon.

Back to Basic's

Turnstone
Stonechat

Starling - on the beach

Eyes bigger that its belly!!

Sanderling

Moorhen

Moorhen

After a week of work and appalling weather managed to get out today only to find that there are no new or 'exotic' birds in the area , so reverted to taking some pictures of some of our commoner shore and wetland birds. Hope something new turns up shortly with the Easterly winds that are due at the weekend.

Father and Son day

Twite
Stock Dove

Teal

Pink-footed Goose

Pink-footed Goose

Black-tailed Godwit

Took my son out for a birding and photographic day -letting him loose with one of my cameras. Started off at Crookfoot to see the Smew (no pic's), then down to Seaton Snook to get some pic's of the Twite (no sign of the Snow Bunting today!). We then headed off to RSPB Saltholme for some dinner and a quick look about. Caught up with the lads from Durham Bird Club for a chat before heading back to base. Looks like I've got competition with the photography.

Smew

Smew

We went on a guided walk around Hurworth burn and Crookfoot reservoirs with the a few members of the Teesmouth Bird Club this morning, pretty quiet in the area but a nice bonus was two female Smew on Crookfoot, just need the male to turn up!!

Short Eared Owls back in force.

Water Rail

Short Eared Owl

Plenty of Divers around today at North Gare, 3 Short Eared Owls flying around together at Greatham Creek near the Long Drag and also 2 Dark Bellied Brent Geese in the pools around the creek. The Water Rail was showing very well again at the Bottom Tank at Saltholme.

Black Start

Black Redstart
Black Redstart

Black Redstart

Black Redstart

Twite

Twite

Twite

Went over to Hartlepool Headland first thing to see the Black Redstart which was showing well at the Heugh pier, the only other bird of note was a Med. Gull which was roosting on the rocks nearby. Had a run down to Greenabella marsh to catch up with the flock of over 80 Twite, they were very mobile and difficult to get close to, did manage some record shots.