Long-billed Dowitcher

A bit of a late post but managed to catch up with the Long-billed Dowitcher on Greatham Creek on Wednesday evening, gave close views but yet again poor light.

Turtle Doves (a nice end to the day)

Part 1

Sylvia and myself took a party of Teesmouth Bird Club members for a guided walk around Codbeck and Sheepwash on Sunday. The rain held off and it even brightened up for a while. The walk stated with a couple of Cuckoo performing well around the carpark area, on the moor above sheepwash several Stonechat fledglings were about along with Common Buzzard flying overhead, Golden Plover, Curlew, Oystercatcher to name a few where in the top fields. Through the wood Blackcap, Willow warbler, Chiffcaff and Jay put in a in an appearence. The Resevoir itself was quiet but a Little Grebe showed well to the group. Crossbill which were in the waterside trees at low level, gave great close views as they fed on the fir cones. Everyone appeared to enjoy the walk and as we left the rain started again...........perfect timing!!!

Part2

As we were not ready to stop birding for the day we decided we would have a run further into Yorkshire to see if we could find some other goodies. Over the moors we came across Tawny Owl in the spot we had seen one recently and on cue it was sat in the same area...........brilliant.

A few miles down the road we went to a spot known for Turtle Dove, as we pulled up we could hear them purring in the trees, a very short walk gave us 11 sat or flying around with others vocal but hiding in trees. Never expected to see that many in one area. The down side was the sky was overcast and the light was very poor for photo's, managed some but a bit a shame really............we will go back if the weather improves.

Turtle Dove

Tawny Owl

Jay

Common Crossbill

On a Roll.

Yet another bird off Sylvia's list of favourite birds to see - roller at Aldbrough and what a lovely bird too and very obliging to see.

On our way to Flamborough we came across this Barn Owl hunting over some fields.

The sun was going down when we did arrive at Flamborough but we still managed to get a couple of half decent Puffin shots.

And also a Razorbill.

If only we had had more time.

A Dotterel at Last, but how cold!!

Well, our son has gone off to the Isle of Mull and sent us photos of todays weather there, full sun and blue sky on the journey up and 23 degrees apparently!  We enjoyed arctic conditions of 8 degrees whilst watching the Dotterel up at Danby Beacon.  Many thanks to Simon for reporting it early on the website enabling us to go and see it.  Have been paying a visit most weekends in the hope of seeing it but probably wouldn't have gone today.

Managed to find a Woodcock on the way back home in woods along Westerdale Road.  A nice find and one for our list.

Very well camouflaged as you can see.