Moors come to Life.

Had a run down to Dorman's Pool and managed to locate the Great White Egret which was in the exact place we had seen one last year.

Had a Walk around Swainby and Scugdale while Sylvia was horseriding. Plenty of Chiffchaff calling including one at the stables. Goldcrests in the forest along with plenty of Treecreeper and a Sparrowhawk over.

Then spent about two and a half hours watching the area around the cattle Grid on the Sleddale to Castleton Road. It was a lovely afternoon and we had numerous birds including two G.S. Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Redwing and a single Swallow - 26 species in all without moving along.

Jay at Sleddale

Snipe - Commondale Moor

Red Grouse

Slowly warming up.

Avocet

Black-necked Grebe

Had a quick run around today to see whats about, managed to see out first Chiffchaff of the year at Tilery Wood, but not much else there. Over to North Gare and a couple of Wheatear seen on Seaton Common. The Avocet were on their island at Greatham, a total of 9 here today. Over to the Rec. pond saw my first Sand Martin of the year and the Black-necked grebe was still in residence. With the onset of heavy rain had to make a hasty retreat back home.

Bunting on the Beach

Had a trip to South Gare today with the lads. The Wheatear were around with three on the beach and three at Cabin Rocks. Three Snow Bunting were also present on the beach looking very smart. A Kestrel was sat checking them out and unusually catching flies! The Hooded Merganser still present at Saltholme with a few pairs of Pintails and Goldeneye.

Avocets back in Force

Went out early this morning and it paid off as there were 14 Avocets near Greatham Creek viewed from the Bus Stop Hide.

Redshank

Starling on Seaton Common

Skylark

Seals at Greatham Creek

Had a wander around Saltholme and had good views of the Hooded Merganser outside Saltholme hide. Also found a newt sunning itself on the path to the hide. Also excellent views of a kestrel outside the visitor centre but unfortunately the sun was in the wrong place for good photos.

Hooded Merganser

Kestrel

Newt

Stock Dove - Saltholme

Forgot to mention that there was also a small Tortoiseshell butterfly

in front of Saltholme hide, my first butterfly for this year.

Waiting for the spring migration.

Canada Goose
Coot

Nuthatch

Out and about today with DJ and Col, pretty quiet and still waiting for the migrants to turn up. There was a mini fall of Meadow Pipits at Sion Cop cemetery, Hartlepool - otherwise not much to talk about. Crookfoot reservoir was a bit more interesting with Redhead Smew, Peregrine and buzzard present and plenty of Goldeneye. David managed a decent shot of a Canada Goose in flight.

Dipper

Dipper

Dipper

Long-tailed Tit

Had a pleasant family walk along Weary Valley today, a bit quieter that the other day but still managed to hear the Green Woodpecker and see a pair of Dipper, a Long-tailed Tit also gave some close views.

Shortie's

Short-eared Owl

Tree Creeper

Swainby this morning was pretty quiet, with only Tree Creeper to keep me amused. Later in the day had a run over to Greatham Creek and Seal Sands hide, here was very quiet but after a wait 3 Short-eared Owls showed, giving some good views.

Nice to meet up with James Robson in the hide.............good to put a face to a name.

Twitching!!

Red-legged Partridge

Red-crested Pochard

Pink-footed Goose
Avocet

Today was 'Twitching day'.............An early start and a drive over to Cumbria. First port of call was Sizegh Castle for Hawfinch, the birds were on cue with 7 birds showing, unfortunately the light wasn't good so only records shots. Then on to to find the Great Grey Shrike nearby.....no show for this. Then off to find Bittern also close by again no show. Then off to Martin Mere for the American Widgeon which was located eventually, also here was 36 Avocet and big numbers of Whooper Swan. Then off to try and find the Long-billed Dowitcher this too was located although distant. Last on the list for the day was Tundra Bean Geese - two located with a flock of Pink-footed Geese................then of home. Quite a day!!!

Peckers, nutters and Owl day.

Barn Owl

Greater Spotted Woodpecker


Nuthatch

Another bright, sunny day so couldn't stay in - had to go out and enjoy the day, after all you only live once. Today was the day for woodpecking birds, saw Greater Spotted and Green Woodpeckers and Nuthatch and also a Dipper and Kingfisher. Then to round off the day managed to spot three Barn Owl.

Out with the Monday club

Barn owl
Barn Owl
Tree Creeper

Went out with the lads from the Monday club today in search of Goshawk at Hamsterley. The birds gave excellent views although not close enough for photo opportunities, bonus bird here was Common Crossbill. Checked out Langdon beck area for Black Grouse but they weren't playing ball.

Back on Teesside called in at Bowsfield Marsh but was quiet, bonus bird here was Lesser Black-backed Gull, then over to see the Whooper Swan which was still there, bonus bird here was Tree Creeper. Finished off with the Barn Owl in my local area..............nice end to the day.

Whooper pt2

Whooper Swan

Managed to catch up with the Whooper again at Carter moor, today in more favourable conditions. It looks a bit lonely on its own as there are no other birds on the pond...........must be time to go back soon as today has seen movement of other Whoopers going north (50 at Hartlepool Headland seen by Sylvia). Managed to see a Green Woodpecker at the Ecology site, a nice bonus bird.

A Doggy Day Out!

Watching the sheep.

Muddy!!!

Ellie Smiling.

It was a beautiful sunny day today. Went on the Teesmouth Bird Club walk around the Headland this morning and then went for a walk on the moors with Ellie.