A Birds of Prey Day.

We decided to go over the moors for a run out then on to Scaling Dam and then over to Helmsley but did not get any further than Sleddale.  We parked on the roadside approaching the Chevrons and had excellent view of the Harrier and Rough Legged Buzzards.  The Grouse definately didn't like the Harrier and their flight was a good indication of its whereabouts on the moor.  We also had good views of a Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.

Hen Harrier



A mixed bag

Had an enjoyable day out to Leighton Moss on Sunday with the local bird group but unfortunately it was fairly quiet and we did not manage to get many good photos.  The past few days this week we have spent around the local area seeing peregrine, short eared owl and a good selection of waders including a couple of Grey Plover.  Hoping the weather stays reasonable so we can get out and about a bit more.

Grey Plover

Twite on Greenabella

Robin at Leighton Moss

Marsh Tit at Leighton Moss

The chase is on, watch out Sparrowhawk. Taken at Ellerton Park at Scorton.

2nd Lifer in a week - Pallid Harrier

Managed to get good views of the Pallid Harrier at Dormans Pool today.  There were lots of folk there today and would think it will be even busier tomorrow so if you have not yet been I would get there early, especially as the weather forcast is stating 'full sun' for most of the day.

Just thought we would add a few of Yarm Fair last night, went for a stroll through, bit of a tradition really, something you just have to do.  A bit like going to Northallerton to see the Christmas lights being turned on which won't be that many weeks away!!!!

Last days of Summer?

It probably is if the weather forcast for this week is right, with snow on the cards in the North of Scotland.  I understand the first Waxwing is in the country already.

I spent the day on my own again as Mick was at work again, although I shouldn't complain as he probably soon won't have a job to go to.  Went to see the Glossy Ibis again and tried my hardest to find a Yellow Browed Warbler but failed miserably.  I did however come across a Woodcock which gave me a fright as it flew out of some bushes along the Zincs works road.  The Lapwings looked lovely with the sun shining on their feathers.

Glossy Ibis

Lapwing

A First for me - Glossy Ibis

I say for me as poor Mick was at work all day and could not get to see the Glossy Ibis which turned up at Saltholme today.  I had not long been at Crookfoot Reservoir when I received a call to say the bird was at Saltholme so made a sharp exit down there. The bird was showing well behind the firestation and actually flew a shortdistance allowing for some flight shots as well.  There were also four Snow Goose on the reserve too.

Snow Geese

Purple Sandpiper

Pintail

Med Gull

Waders on the Rocks



Headland

Black Guillemot

Wheatear

Tried for the Yellow-browed Warbler at Hartlepool Headland today but they were always one step in front of me...............try again tomorrow.  The Black Guillemot was still in the harbour and an obliging Wheatear was at the amphitheatre.

Ready for Take Off!

 Or should it read "Walking on Water"

Whooper Swans

Went over the moors at the weekend and paid a visit to Scaling Dam to see if the Red Breasted Goose was still around.  The weather was not too good and the light was quite poor so not good for photographs, although we did manage some record shots.  It was nice to see a couple of Whooper Swans and also some female Goldeneye along with a Wood Duck.

Red Breasted Goose



Newburn scores again.

Had a run around the local area again today in phenominal temperatures, hard to believe it is 1st October.

The Pectoral Sandpiper showed well outside the hide at Saltholme along with a Ruff.  Stopped at Newburn around tea time to eat our sanies and enjoy the breeze when a white leucistic knot flew in.  There were plenty of other waders there too.  A group of Sandwich Tern were fishing just off the tideline, occassionally landing on the beach.  We then went over to the Headland where there were quite a few Red Throated Diver on the sea.

Pectoral Sanpiper - Saltholme

Sandwich Terns - Newburn

White Leucistic Knot