Moved on.

Reed Warbler

Red Backed Shrike
Well, Mick got out of work early to go out in the sunshine while I was stuck at school in a meeting till after 5 - not at all fair!! At least most of the birds had seemed to have disappeared so he didn't get to see as much as he thought he might (and I wouldn't) so serves him right. Anyway, he did manage to see the Reed Warbler and Red Backed Shrike again but just missed out on the Hen Harrier and a Jack Snipe. Other birds of note were Redstarts, Brambling, Lapland Bunting, Wheatear and Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Lets see what the next lot of bad weather brings.

What weather!

Brambling
Went back to South Gare after work to try to see the Great Grey Shrike which had been reported but the weather was abysmal and we had no luck. We did manage to see the Yellow Browed Warbler again, some Redstarts and Brambling. PS. My trousers have never been so wet with the rain!! For all you lucky souls who are off tomorrow - full sun is forecast.

Another Good Evening

Red Backed Shrike
Yellow Browed Warbler

Why can't we all have days off to go bird watching when there are so many birds about? Had to wait till after 5 before we could go out and then the weather and light were poor. Had a run down to South Gare and managed to see the Red Backed Shrike as soon as we arrived along with a couple of Brambling in the distance. In the bombhole we saw Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and plenty of Robins about along with a Siskin, Goldcrest, Redstart and finally the Yellow Browed Warbler. Can feel a sick day coming on! If only. The photos are not so good due to the fact it was nearly dark.

Another first for us.

Woodchat Shrike

Redwing

Snow Bunting

Another interesting day..........picked up on Bird Guides that a Woodchat Shrike had been found in Hartlepool, so a quick drive over and located the very pale individual in the bowling green bushes..............a first for us. A Redwing was also seen briefly on the green before being seen off by a Blackbird. We also heard that a Snow Bunting was in the play area behind the bowling green, this was easily located - looking a bit scruffy after its journey but nice to see...............looks like winters coming early this year!!!

The one that flew away.

Just like the one we missed but this one was taken on Mull in August.

Little Grebe


Shoveler Ducks

Redshank

Curlew Sandpiper

Dunlin

Had a brilliant sighting of a Buzzard sat on a telegraph pole near Crathorne church this morning whilst on the way to horse riding. Turned the car around and went back but as soon as we pulled up the usual happened and it took flight - typical. Went for a walk around Saltholme this afternoon and managed to see a Curlew Sandpiper from Saltholme hide. Were informed by the guide in the hide that as from 30th Sept. will have to vacate the hides from 3.20 to close by 4pm due apparently to the failing light!! How ridiculous, could at least stay open until the clocks change or it does start to get dark.

Still here

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper has graced us with its presence for a second day, unfortunately it is still a bit camera shy - staying at distance and with tonights poor light my photos are are only slightly better. Also seen tonight at Greatham Creek were Barn Owl and Short-eared owl.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper dash!!

Picked up on Birdguides tonight that a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper had turned up at Greatham Creek - had a quick dash over and caught up with it. A life 'tick' for Sylvia and myself, managed a record shot (which is very poor), didn't help when it was just about dark when we located the bird, still, it was fun to 'twitch' a bird even though it was on our doorstep.

An Action Packed Day - (A change is as good as a rest - so they say!).

STOKESLEY SHOW 2010

Really can't believe it's that time of year again and we were visiting Stokesley Show yet again. So instead of going 'Birding' we spent the afternoon walking around the show. The show jumping went off without a hitch and the stunt moto X team put on a good display, a pleasant enough afternoon ................pleased that no rarities dropped in on our area all the same!!!

Wryneck comes good.

Wryneck

Some Fungus from today

Lapland Bunting

After Sylvia had been horse riding we drove back to South Gare to see if the Wryneck was going to show for the 4th day - after a bit of a wait and some help from the Kinghorn clan, the bird gave some impressive views. A Lapland Bunting also graced us with its presence giving very close views.

In the Dark.........almost!!

Wryneck

Took a late trip down to South Gare this evening to see if the Wryneck was still in the area, which it was, but doing it's best not to show it's self. It did eventually break cover but it was almost dark by this time..........did manage to get a record shot but we're going back tomorrow for another try.

Nice to Catch up with Andrew Kinghorn and Tom Horne great to speak to you both and put names to faces...........see you around , no doubt!!