tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33113176408798706172024-03-05T06:06:13.141+00:00Druridge DiaryA diary of wildlife sightings and other goings on from Druridge Pools and LinksIpinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.comBlogger877125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-31122577292449923892023-07-30T22:14:00.001+01:002023-07-30T22:14:19.421+01:00And it was all yellow...<p>Hot on the heals of last month's patch tick (Night Heron), along came another on Saturday evening. Yellow-legged Gull - a spanking adult on the beach at where the Dunbar Burn runs out. </p><p>This is a first for me at Druridge and a first for the patch as far as I am aware.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJGuCSflMpal5_LuDWOcorx3fIPIkAz5gGlW28QhAgmBnbOAGAh-vFafWJmcr8pzT3fOhfawnBZ3ECMLSglQyUDE5E2Xt9hDSP4gaEcGW9VUQOzIBTpZZXdvJGoSru5GlaxUbWRuHHqzIYkpsX39YS-g4Z1nrViSPsrPQ3eyv8ezjjia08V9QQXIj6TgJ/s3100/0O1A3143-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="3100" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJGuCSflMpal5_LuDWOcorx3fIPIkAz5gGlW28QhAgmBnbOAGAh-vFafWJmcr8pzT3fOhfawnBZ3ECMLSglQyUDE5E2Xt9hDSP4gaEcGW9VUQOzIBTpZZXdvJGoSru5GlaxUbWRuHHqzIYkpsX39YS-g4Z1nrViSPsrPQ3eyv8ezjjia08V9QQXIj6TgJ/w640-h426/0O1A3143-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE1Gd38AKzfoKp40DU-VQ1ggEPsLF6iq2zxqP1oYRyNwWJiqWVk5uuqZQEjy0cXqMzdCAdAwrAYtwZpNbkFgLVWJmeaJy2CnKsLCPLj6hUp3dTGKq1MZwutE7VPuhr-5SvGj0t9ZiMRxqwGBy3z51OqkBXs7nJihTun99LnjDDUdoEdGmCK5HAE0rmnHe/s2250/0O1A3166-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2250" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE1Gd38AKzfoKp40DU-VQ1ggEPsLF6iq2zxqP1oYRyNwWJiqWVk5uuqZQEjy0cXqMzdCAdAwrAYtwZpNbkFgLVWJmeaJy2CnKsLCPLj6hUp3dTGKq1MZwutE7VPuhr-5SvGj0t9ZiMRxqwGBy3z51OqkBXs7nJihTun99LnjDDUdoEdGmCK5HAE0rmnHe/w640-h426/0O1A3166-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i5omsw8ZgCa6-eG5uVSptlmFH5DANBtKi77VRNMJQ-QbZbLWd58oAhgDsYzmQSVSJn8ykKRk18hI3MTN7GU4ar6xSYbXEaQXYcVgNzTjUiLze3dhwsK6HjRcinqlj8C_BRfp1QUOsVpKap-5f5cFnJvo1BrQhPjYq5eEeivY6NvlxoGxzbFAiB6LEaAf/s3588/0O1A3168-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2392" data-original-width="3588" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i5omsw8ZgCa6-eG5uVSptlmFH5DANBtKi77VRNMJQ-QbZbLWd58oAhgDsYzmQSVSJn8ykKRk18hI3MTN7GU4ar6xSYbXEaQXYcVgNzTjUiLze3dhwsK6HjRcinqlj8C_BRfp1QUOsVpKap-5f5cFnJvo1BrQhPjYq5eEeivY6NvlxoGxzbFAiB6LEaAf/w640-h426/0O1A3168-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BOKOkk8NWsTO6EGtLa2mHaC92zSy0kmDsjERWvNX6Z4XAgUIsQo301EAAQBWGx6DWmdotTOiYhyeUv9l1d6p_eqvsQlvLjNuDehi_-v4m80r_dDLtKsLyf6GKe1PIcXPorpmllyKkg46vSzQRTYMr-RnMRTnoemb96UAIGcyPxMen9HnuDpUdPNgP7FI/s2549/0O1A3176-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1699" data-original-width="2549" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BOKOkk8NWsTO6EGtLa2mHaC92zSy0kmDsjERWvNX6Z4XAgUIsQo301EAAQBWGx6DWmdotTOiYhyeUv9l1d6p_eqvsQlvLjNuDehi_-v4m80r_dDLtKsLyf6GKe1PIcXPorpmllyKkg46vSzQRTYMr-RnMRTnoemb96UAIGcyPxMen9HnuDpUdPNgP7FI/w640-h426/0O1A3176-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0v1st8gfhG8YE_UPrV93ngsRqAsNTINfTXcok09YJscQOfZ89OHLdyiljp6BG0VfQsX_LFWDNtxUOur6LNdWMTw7Yb3vuMsXOKFgr1fYTo_mUvmO7VyG-0eUlPFFExQbyPXoB8KD2bK3-l_j_dwpcCoJw4Kj-lZF9M5XRXCqSaLUMHshzVOVojfoE6PU/s3303/0O1A3198-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2202" data-original-width="3303" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0v1st8gfhG8YE_UPrV93ngsRqAsNTINfTXcok09YJscQOfZ89OHLdyiljp6BG0VfQsX_LFWDNtxUOur6LNdWMTw7Yb3vuMsXOKFgr1fYTo_mUvmO7VyG-0eUlPFFExQbyPXoB8KD2bK3-l_j_dwpcCoJw4Kj-lZF9M5XRXCqSaLUMHshzVOVojfoE6PU/w640-h426/0O1A3198-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stands out a bit</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I first got onto the bird from some distance away, it was at the end of the burn and I was in the dunes opposite the path to the hides. It was a 'Herring-type' large gull but the darker shade of the mantle rather than leg colour that alerted me to something different. The birds looked settled and there was nobody to disturb them, other than a couple with a dog at heal. Nothing is that straightforward, by the time I got there, the bloke had decided that the pool between the two spits that gulls were roosting on, would be the ideal place for a swim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The birds hadn't moved far, just a little way up the beach. I got onto the bird, my suspicion was correct, yellow-legged gull. The bird gradually made it it's way back to the end of the burn, where I managed to get some photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0kw6EZ1i_L06zAMCk1DL-bkTljObatiwFbbwozsHYU4bkfojmC4u-qQC-6Xnb9vW4e7jNJNIdIpkHo5M-ROhkGdhWHTgLLB8LRAT18qU65xzTmEI7ohE-kIeCgf796JFbMWqR72KrnOmf-cnRYXrCrDvgyFTgIbxIVjAprtn1wYcIChkTwMyAr-codCX/s4959/0O1A3181-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3306" data-original-width="4959" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0kw6EZ1i_L06zAMCk1DL-bkTljObatiwFbbwozsHYU4bkfojmC4u-qQC-6Xnb9vW4e7jNJNIdIpkHo5M-ROhkGdhWHTgLLB8LRAT18qU65xzTmEI7ohE-kIeCgf796JFbMWqR72KrnOmf-cnRYXrCrDvgyFTgIbxIVjAprtn1wYcIChkTwMyAr-codCX/w640-h426/0O1A3181-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the hundred-plus gulls. Can't spot anything odd here, but the bird in the middle looks a bit odd. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've seen thousands of yellow-legged gulls on my travels, but this was only my third in Northumberland, the last was a East Chevington in July 2006 and the first at Bamburgh in 2000. This takes my patch list to 256 and the overall patch list to 276. <div><br /></div><div>I was back on the patch just after 6am this morning. There was still a small rave going on! The drum'n'base didn't bother this female barn owl.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5LtGe3AZQIM1ED9oOXjHYHKzDVonHUeqHJIOTJzYKSRVeuMbeyf67_4wFaKFPt-aaVOChRUWKVIFgumwOTzYgNUXWSh2FJ5RLcfTM4SwudcbS73y5tVKnlwpp7n-NU4QRW8WC8gHwtnnCC4AnXoi49lssmlCAaGqBAgPRATgO34RzERnTOtY86CUKqRB/s2722/0O1A3235-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1815" data-original-width="2722" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5LtGe3AZQIM1ED9oOXjHYHKzDVonHUeqHJIOTJzYKSRVeuMbeyf67_4wFaKFPt-aaVOChRUWKVIFgumwOTzYgNUXWSh2FJ5RLcfTM4SwudcbS73y5tVKnlwpp7n-NU4QRW8WC8gHwtnnCC4AnXoi49lssmlCAaGqBAgPRATgO34RzERnTOtY86CUKqRB/w640-h426/0O1A3235-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdfXJ8Ghxyc6XWAtnRLheTziE-HaptQ-uq0gLE7dHxp2TTCEi_wO6QDfTqyEIEFTiqR0ZqZdj-gk3ytO2z3bG7tu89g0nXVQ9ppGellq1NVuq_YN4QLqfWjfQtNEp15dVQdYeMRun4vvMrnBEo-WMoyik67-7zb5beZyYJtQKKZHiU2p-ZWA9xNpwDbiR/s2907/0O1A3236-Edit-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1938" data-original-width="2907" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdfXJ8Ghxyc6XWAtnRLheTziE-HaptQ-uq0gLE7dHxp2TTCEi_wO6QDfTqyEIEFTiqR0ZqZdj-gk3ytO2z3bG7tu89g0nXVQ9ppGellq1NVuq_YN4QLqfWjfQtNEp15dVQdYeMRun4vvMrnBEo-WMoyik67-7zb5beZyYJtQKKZHiU2p-ZWA9xNpwDbiR/w640-h426/0O1A3236-Edit-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Barn Owl was mobbed by five yellow wagtails as it hunted, when they settled, one of the adults looked to be 'flava' race or maybe 'channel'. I'd seen two yellow wags on the beach earlier, which I assumed were different birds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzedkGh2EJFEPqw4R1MSuaP794FwOUkTYQ6viNXqbQH4wDNdxFsfTvs-XSI0S2z_XIOhwWoMDU8zxw-3yXAgVTvx2WuPKWrr0hZOpl5FvXfgmO4kHvStn1E6dsKKYCAKLu3JdcYrUxeeQSEaaAu9_OUZnqTt3urojJuLRRbL2XcI12KW4tXRQ82EpYkuJZ/s3317/0O1A3251-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2211" data-original-width="3317" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzedkGh2EJFEPqw4R1MSuaP794FwOUkTYQ6viNXqbQH4wDNdxFsfTvs-XSI0S2z_XIOhwWoMDU8zxw-3yXAgVTvx2WuPKWrr0hZOpl5FvXfgmO4kHvStn1E6dsKKYCAKLu3JdcYrUxeeQSEaaAu9_OUZnqTt3urojJuLRRbL2XcI12KW4tXRQ82EpYkuJZ/w640-h426/0O1A3251-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow wagtail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuritMxYybxppAXwR-gb82JXZWx4Efp8te4m_snL7qpN5AJBB5PPYShYTS_hJ5WVIvq-L4BlFkPtCWlx4p3EuDD5pe5QRK-SfU2zulT5cqYdHqFOHUb5MnaEJVNtHEBNUJ1f4AcHOOEuupdqjeDcN2_16CD2StFd1GUeDbPuALL675jDjccoj3Co0YyYpA/s4162/0O1A3254-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="4162" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuritMxYybxppAXwR-gb82JXZWx4Efp8te4m_snL7qpN5AJBB5PPYShYTS_hJ5WVIvq-L4BlFkPtCWlx4p3EuDD5pe5QRK-SfU2zulT5cqYdHqFOHUb5MnaEJVNtHEBNUJ1f4AcHOOEuupdqjeDcN2_16CD2StFd1GUeDbPuALL675jDjccoj3Co0YyYpA/w640-h426/0O1A3254-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow pipit about to feed it's young</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-Pth0StLVzm6NyjDH5QzVf9oZ0SYBadZXznK_VSOdfPZAAPnSwvjJ7HPjmQpL3bh2WF4fI5UdjqvxWMn4T2msK2ShGU_ZZpoiunrLk3gMUJvPMuxW4xdEy9eEUQrRDmTbGb8Qg5BWAfnzZ3YmbAVZncnI_av8Id8_YXdvmN94BRd3pHu_DfdqRgJ6aCX/s2975/0O1A3267-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1983" data-original-width="2975" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-Pth0StLVzm6NyjDH5QzVf9oZ0SYBadZXznK_VSOdfPZAAPnSwvjJ7HPjmQpL3bh2WF4fI5UdjqvxWMn4T2msK2ShGU_ZZpoiunrLk3gMUJvPMuxW4xdEy9eEUQrRDmTbGb8Qg5BWAfnzZ3YmbAVZncnI_av8Id8_YXdvmN94BRd3pHu_DfdqRgJ6aCX/w640-h426/0O1A3267-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another yellow wagtail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570814 -1.569908826.946847563821152 -36.7261588 83.567315236178842 33.5863412tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-88811199170042537812023-06-28T22:25:00.000+01:002023-06-28T22:25:16.021+01:00Another good tern<p>The white-winged black tern found at East Chevington yesterday evening finally made its way down to Druridge Pools this afternoon. </p><p>An adult white-winged black tern - what's not to like?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC_QRd73Dj56FTGzT9NfR1fGBjfUK0XspSN5PU9w48JItbc3KlcMWZdFfR_I7n5ofJzs5Ck3qMfSe0BCjAYYo7CI2XHnI5PhMV0nnBpjWVllD1xMq1J7O5oE7aLiI43YnWXC1UVY-Tp4g_rcQwlCbXAd_CGVPJ9NwF8vqi3CD1NE8RqC9Jw2t7nb5z0ah/s4629/0O1A2908-Edit-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="4629" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC_QRd73Dj56FTGzT9NfR1fGBjfUK0XspSN5PU9w48JItbc3KlcMWZdFfR_I7n5ofJzs5Ck3qMfSe0BCjAYYo7CI2XHnI5PhMV0nnBpjWVllD1xMq1J7O5oE7aLiI43YnWXC1UVY-Tp4g_rcQwlCbXAd_CGVPJ9NwF8vqi3CD1NE8RqC9Jw2t7nb5z0ah/w640-h426/0O1A2908-Edit-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2EMzqTjxEhI5cMfbDgu3UPxgyDOqBWTiwieZh8SYvEdRSxg9OTk8iR57hjn2YUhBFmGSNiPf6OBNGIY6jdJ1PDHOYSUI2XjnvCUaTxIMW1NFh-w9_LJ-K6nPZk1pw31DKpbvSFYahZzY82_vaMp9MC_aeUVPaj5bnLzaCrtjE0PZ4sbkr1zpnZUOIlRt/s3386/0O1A2909-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2257" data-original-width="3386" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2EMzqTjxEhI5cMfbDgu3UPxgyDOqBWTiwieZh8SYvEdRSxg9OTk8iR57hjn2YUhBFmGSNiPf6OBNGIY6jdJ1PDHOYSUI2XjnvCUaTxIMW1NFh-w9_LJ-K6nPZk1pw31DKpbvSFYahZzY82_vaMp9MC_aeUVPaj5bnLzaCrtjE0PZ4sbkr1zpnZUOIlRt/w640-h426/0O1A2909-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLPSBMs8iI_SwidWOnntTIBjy0tXeJpu5k1KY7AR3elNYAMIYsi4m7wPjAx0Yz4oRdgRG8AC1FmBiLP5x9g7Dn_Sl-ivlnPaaBMRnOGTwEUXxcoRU4RSeQ5HwJ0braHFjidXIQFH8xQ7ToOSqiVcpqpMA3LfMvzUgfA5745bexhNzn6-4crU4iTNWukv0/s5428/0O1A2915-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3619" data-original-width="5428" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLPSBMs8iI_SwidWOnntTIBjy0tXeJpu5k1KY7AR3elNYAMIYsi4m7wPjAx0Yz4oRdgRG8AC1FmBiLP5x9g7Dn_Sl-ivlnPaaBMRnOGTwEUXxcoRU4RSeQ5HwJ0braHFjidXIQFH8xQ7ToOSqiVcpqpMA3LfMvzUgfA5745bexhNzn6-4crU4iTNWukv0/w640-h426/0O1A2915-Edit-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcByHw0AwU-AeoJ4ilCcRyvzY9F7hvENkpOgykn0hys1H9y0hc_jhkchUwgaqZkOf4i9lYB89ANeapED9xFpdsGfwE9wOFHDhbCslYpUw40rAr2gmPACTuqO9gRMEZhqB3TaRtZaORRYp1TnQsRhL7tmpBsaQDWuTiIAzU7LkZcC5dNiB_s4_rs9U6dBd/s3755/0O1A2930-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2503" data-original-width="3755" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcByHw0AwU-AeoJ4ilCcRyvzY9F7hvENkpOgykn0hys1H9y0hc_jhkchUwgaqZkOf4i9lYB89ANeapED9xFpdsGfwE9wOFHDhbCslYpUw40rAr2gmPACTuqO9gRMEZhqB3TaRtZaORRYp1TnQsRhL7tmpBsaQDWuTiIAzU7LkZcC5dNiB_s4_rs9U6dBd/w640-h426/0O1A2930-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Despite the grey and drizzly conditions, the light wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. The tern had a route around the pool, starting in the NW corner, flying south then into the little bays, before flying east past the hide, into the SE corner and flying back up the northern edge to start again. Like clockwork, for half an hour when it went to the Budge fields. Amazingly, for that half hour, Janet and I were the only ones in the hide. That's Northumberland for you!</p><p>This is my second patch white-winger, the first was on<a href="http://www.druridgediary.com/2017/07/patch-tick-white-winged-black-tern.html"> July 1st 2017</a> - again another adult summer plumage bird.</p><p>This cormorant entertained us briefly, wrestling with an eel.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2Edtqxzh1kywgr0OXworklvAr22c3VmpI0TtqvNXj1phokwW3vHJkTgU7TPQI2K6kLBcebI6PkSPGMs8m9D2kP1Kjx59KykMSrD-_liwDNvVCLa5aAcXvHZVEER4q9RbctnHpg7iloYlj4afxT5X_CJE0zENtyQWbjMcVLwuFyXVjnd5_yUbihhPR1wr/s4738/0O1A2867-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3159" data-original-width="4738" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2Edtqxzh1kywgr0OXworklvAr22c3VmpI0TtqvNXj1phokwW3vHJkTgU7TPQI2K6kLBcebI6PkSPGMs8m9D2kP1Kjx59KykMSrD-_liwDNvVCLa5aAcXvHZVEER4q9RbctnHpg7iloYlj4afxT5X_CJE0zENtyQWbjMcVLwuFyXVjnd5_yUbihhPR1wr/w640-h426/0O1A2867-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorant with Eel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Somewhere around the Little Hide, there is a pied wagtail feeding chicks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA56h6iSD6sp5QTBhN_NtKocjDeVs5XmkJGVPIoDBJMd8N_X508Q5TsOcuE9x_e_vgnHrAkoHMp51EDcbefDVT88yaordPU8wP6QDbmeEQYyXv3cy_ab4S2JjjGrcXToUBf93Y9Z0uG2ENDik_ENp5tSKhf6SH7sDPANjRDBlqAgpWZ_PLHT041w8J9SEK/s5472/0O1A2947-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA56h6iSD6sp5QTBhN_NtKocjDeVs5XmkJGVPIoDBJMd8N_X508Q5TsOcuE9x_e_vgnHrAkoHMp51EDcbefDVT88yaordPU8wP6QDbmeEQYyXv3cy_ab4S2JjjGrcXToUBf93Y9Z0uG2ENDik_ENp5tSKhf6SH7sDPANjRDBlqAgpWZ_PLHT041w8J9SEK/w640-h426/0O1A2947-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85-FOjrBD3kGF7WO5n1BauMEOHLH8fOiBqldGPhVXqi6rL4XnsEeQG2JfmhdLF5go8kUpr2ixHE2jTJHpMM_cfOkCwapu1ZtCCMi6rYlp78aH4MxnBvrvSilISdHaKh8w1vRJFoo3_6ABSMiCNSoebM3nx2hm6ulVcxGIxGZCSBRGx92r0_tUg9EGtUyq/s5472/0O1A2954-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85-FOjrBD3kGF7WO5n1BauMEOHLH8fOiBqldGPhVXqi6rL4XnsEeQG2JfmhdLF5go8kUpr2ixHE2jTJHpMM_cfOkCwapu1ZtCCMi6rYlp78aH4MxnBvrvSilISdHaKh8w1vRJFoo3_6ABSMiCNSoebM3nx2hm6ulVcxGIxGZCSBRGx92r0_tUg9EGtUyq/w640-h426/0O1A2954-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570814 -1.569908826.946847563821152 -36.7261588 83.567315236178842 33.5863412tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-34636484887786298652023-06-22T23:43:00.003+01:002023-06-22T23:48:02.885+01:00Midsummer Night (Heron)<p>Midsummer night, the summer solstice, everything must've been aligned and luck was on my side.</p><p>A beautiful evening, the wind had dropped, the sky, and the sea, were pink and I just watched a minke whale making its way south and had watched a merlin through hunting through the dunes and I was still birding at nearly 10pm. I headed to my car a happy patch watcher.</p><p>I was just about to leave when a couple came along the road, headed for the path to the hides - Richard Hopwood and his partner Sharon. They proceeded to tell me they were trying to get hold of Alan Tilmouth as they were sure they'd just seen a <b>night heron</b> flying over the Budge fields. Their description sounded good, Sharon thought it might have landed in the corner of the budge fields so we headed that way. Nothing from the Little Hide, so I suggested we go along the path to the corner of the Big Pool as that was more likely habitat. We heard it calling before we got there.</p><p>We were no sooner scanning the big pool when both Richard and I found our bird - perched on a tree stem just above the water in the north west corner of the pool. We got the scope on it, confirmed ID and put the news out. It was 9.53pm!</p><p>Black-crowned Night Heron - in fine breeding plumage, lovely long white plumes from the crown, the red eye just visible in the fading light. What a bird! It continued to call, every 10-20 seconds or so.</p><p>Here is a sound recording</p><p><br /><iframe src="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/587315801/embed" height="383" width="640" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu3IW1f-zzBr4h6yQkP0l1h2Na40Y9L_z1TsoT3ik9rlwxjhgoRBL5CRoXY3EOUEptAOXz47GygMGdM6LxJYXg4ON1ugLhoWzDa4Aw8diROxDmmXVCTBsGo-ztAcSn6n_LBvub0ukOLecVLiqaCXF5iysjJEGMbbfHzatRAlorTWnURWaSA4c5VyFyGB5/s2114/night%20heron.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="2081" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu3IW1f-zzBr4h6yQkP0l1h2Na40Y9L_z1TsoT3ik9rlwxjhgoRBL5CRoXY3EOUEptAOXz47GygMGdM6LxJYXg4ON1ugLhoWzDa4Aw8diROxDmmXVCTBsGo-ztAcSn6n_LBvub0ukOLecVLiqaCXF5iysjJEGMbbfHzatRAlorTWnURWaSA4c5VyFyGB5/s320/night%20heron.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">best effort of a digi-scope shot in fading light. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I took a short video<br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="587" src="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/587308901/embed" width="800"></iframe></p><p>We watched the bird for 20 minutes or so, it didn't move far from the branch and then, it took flight, calling as it flew, away to the southeast. We lost it from sight, but the calls seemed to move more to the north east, then silence. We assumed it had gone. </p><p>A great end to the evening for the three of us.</p><p>Part of a mini-influx of this species, probably due to habitat loss on the continent due to drought. The way the bird was constantly calling, I thought it could be a male looking for a mate. </p><p>A new bird for the patch, taking my patch list to 255 and the overall patch list to 275. I've only seen one night heron in Northumberland before this, a juvenile which was at Cresswell Pond for a few days in the autumn of 1997.</p><p>I had another first for the patch last week - a new hoverfly. A Parhelophilus species, sadly it can't be got to species from the photos, but certainly a new hover for the patch.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXemBC5X8MxIGHz5XwxyWYdIKIWc8kuU6xgdYub9ZvnaHxnlRvduX7Lx8kHqnxamMkFJ3-KBxujz10FYGaRWfe1t1ZjDbe_gsuK_FEDGdbC8ByQ8SRd957a4hcyPefoBUrtiGMZEPxmwo_yGBDZ8ZkUasweYcn3sd9OHeu6xDy8C4XZ8oypGDBFMZO69BN/s2048/52984416614_4275460321_k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXemBC5X8MxIGHz5XwxyWYdIKIWc8kuU6xgdYub9ZvnaHxnlRvduX7Lx8kHqnxamMkFJ3-KBxujz10FYGaRWfe1t1ZjDbe_gsuK_FEDGdbC8ByQ8SRd957a4hcyPefoBUrtiGMZEPxmwo_yGBDZ8ZkUasweYcn3sd9OHeu6xDy8C4XZ8oypGDBFMZO69BN/w640-h426/52984416614_4275460321_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parhelophilus sp on Water Hemlock Dropwort</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570814 -1.569908826.946847563821152 -36.7261588 83.567315236178842 33.5863412tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-34896065917816308972022-11-19T19:04:00.007+00:002022-11-20T08:30:30.709+00:00Last gasps of autumn<p>The forecast didn't look too promising for this weekend and I felt like autumn was slipping away without a final finale. However, on Thursday things started to look better, with an easterly and some good seawatching. Instead of seawatching, I was sat in my office in zoom meetings all day.</p><p><b>Friday</b></p><p>As there looked to be a slim chance of a late migrant or two, I took a flyer on Friday afternoon and headed to the patch with Janet. We started with a look on the sea but it was quiet, a<b> bonxie</b> going south, only my second of the year, was the highlight. Not an auk in sight. Janet found a <b>snow bunting</b> on the beach which was a year-tick.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xnTVE_XfFmF6QOKSjLRKDRevfiQsueW25m2sgWUVN7nTRNZiVjGCSXFKCv5PrNEfbkylUfDtmXMQ5z_h67Io3Nr5d6Ym-hoGIAKQOjeGSd4-NTiuJMaTsaYojMxKNiGSB9EY4TLO5HJ_pngRY8leWjA09U1uQ5EVFmENhRAlAizDirRdqolusYkREg/s2983/0O1A7080-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="2983" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xnTVE_XfFmF6QOKSjLRKDRevfiQsueW25m2sgWUVN7nTRNZiVjGCSXFKCv5PrNEfbkylUfDtmXMQ5z_h67Io3Nr5d6Ym-hoGIAKQOjeGSd4-NTiuJMaTsaYojMxKNiGSB9EY4TLO5HJ_pngRY8leWjA09U1uQ5EVFmENhRAlAizDirRdqolusYkREg/w640-h426/0O1A7080-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female snow bunting in poor light<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwQnJaiVfHThQuI4MHqsgYmzj_tWnqaVPd1OABoaDjR13UozDeQ_nsYKvo9HZxw9Enbk-4lVinS1R10CIq4kjZCIC5RGk_sLzv1EtYjoCv8YQDexP7GsZE2_ifrk-wyMYFKxxOEnnfMt1c1YgNdTa2jJA6vjXCu5s5HbHbPffPG5JNFrRLTnyTdkIog/s3115/0O1A7095-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2077" data-original-width="3115" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwQnJaiVfHThQuI4MHqsgYmzj_tWnqaVPd1OABoaDjR13UozDeQ_nsYKvo9HZxw9Enbk-4lVinS1R10CIq4kjZCIC5RGk_sLzv1EtYjoCv8YQDexP7GsZE2_ifrk-wyMYFKxxOEnnfMt1c1YgNdTa2jJA6vjXCu5s5HbHbPffPG5JNFrRLTnyTdkIog/w640-h426/0O1A7095-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same bird, different pose</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We headed for the bushes, checking the area around the start of the path to the hides first. A female blackcap was a good start. I got onto a small bird flitting about in the branches, above the blackcap - I called 'yellow-browed warbler' to get Janet onto it, but it had flitted off. Even though I had the briefest views - Strong wing-bar and supercillium, pale tips to darker secondary feathers, it wasn't right for a yellow-brow. It was duller than a yellow-browed, almost with a grey cast. <b>Hume's warbler </b>sprang to mind but I needed better views to be sure and Janet needed to see it. I put the news out as 'a probable'.</p><p>We didn't have to wait long, as the bird re-appeared to the right and gave tantalizingly brief views as it flitted quickly through the branches. It had a colder, greyer look to it than a YBW, the wing bar and the supercilium were more off-white without yellow tones and the bill and legs appeared to be dark. It hadn't called at this stage, but we were both confident that it was <b>Hume's</b> and put the news out.</p><p>A 'bird wave' of tits and goldcrests came through, which also brought a <b>willow tit</b> and <b>chiffchaff </b>to the party. We lost the warbler in the melee, when we refound it, it was further right and it flew and called - a short, sharp two-tone call, not like yellow-browed's more drawn out 'twoo-eeee'. It did this twice before flying off south. </p><p>We suspected it might have gone south with the tit flock, so I headed down towards the Budge hide but couldn't relocate it. Two ruff were on the fields and water rails were calling. We couldn't relocate the warbler by dusk so headed home. I would be back in the morning.</p><p>I had a likely Hume's warbler many years ago by the Budge hide. It's in a long-lost notebook and was never submitted, so technically not a new bird for the patch. I've seen three others in the county, at Whitley Bay (2006), Lynemouth Power Station (2002) and East Chevington (2001). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH4gjjQnkT4V34ZIr3pWNijgImM9WJY3WiqJJspL55NvswKN0Zabc7lPkKLZ5T8lub94efbTb-_tLYgFeAJrTW_gHsvNsuz1bu6tNexPyOvkTWtDKjKutTNrnT5C7B5LpM_nXZC_p57d0hrwYUvbUBVJalX0Ejv1P841Whr4UPF0OOHrN_O9obFNG2g/s4145/0O1A7105-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2763" data-original-width="4145" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH4gjjQnkT4V34ZIr3pWNijgImM9WJY3WiqJJspL55NvswKN0Zabc7lPkKLZ5T8lub94efbTb-_tLYgFeAJrTW_gHsvNsuz1bu6tNexPyOvkTWtDKjKutTNrnT5C7B5LpM_nXZC_p57d0hrwYUvbUBVJalX0Ejv1P841Whr4UPF0OOHrN_O9obFNG2g/w640-h426/0O1A7105-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin - ever-present and singing a mournful autumn tune</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Saturday</b></p><p>I got down to the patch at about 9.30. A handful of birders including Ashington Gary and Paul from Gateshead were loitering on the path but had not seen the bird, I headed north for a look through bushes. Two female <b>long-tailed ducks</b> were on Druridge Pool. With no further sign, I headed south to the Budge hide and checked the bushes there. It was quiet, so I checked the Budge fields and picked up a <b>water pipit </b>on call, which I eventually found feeding on wet grassland to the left of the hide. Bonus!</p><p>I wandered north through the bushes, when a tit flock came through and I picked up a <b>firecrest</b> amongst them. Nice. This was my third of the year on the patch! The flock headed south, so I followed them. I called ADMc as I know he likes a firecrest. Andy, Paul, Bob and Steve arrived - the bird was tricky to pin down, but they all got onto it eventually. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbWRo5Kfp9WHNVpGm3fyYy76ewXnvdr-MjS9rgECreyy0MNMQSUVOatTkMt1fbSETkwERCCl5gdkACYU36NAmNdWzn3hIGuuNRcl7YxVCQ2FVV_UjVmMxrWd9Gusmk1-fA2tjAh_BhZ1NhKRuyWBF9uDnD8caynno7HAOPCYGtN_wMahtC_EuY36ciQ/s2486/0O1A7109-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1657" data-original-width="2486" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbWRo5Kfp9WHNVpGm3fyYy76ewXnvdr-MjS9rgECreyy0MNMQSUVOatTkMt1fbSETkwERCCl5gdkACYU36NAmNdWzn3hIGuuNRcl7YxVCQ2FVV_UjVmMxrWd9Gusmk1-fA2tjAh_BhZ1NhKRuyWBF9uDnD8caynno7HAOPCYGtN_wMahtC_EuY36ciQ/w640-h426/0O1A7109-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure this photo will make the Annual Report.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Whilst scanning for the firecrest, I found yesterday's <b>Hume's warbler </b>in a big willow. It was really tough to get people on it before it flew north over the path with some long-tailed tits. I found it again in a lower willow but it was lost to view after that and not seen again. I'm not sure how many people saw it - So frustrating!</p><p>A treecreeper was added to the day list - a scarce species on the patch.</p><p>I think that might be autumn over...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-35939870548797275462022-10-21T22:44:00.001+01:002022-10-21T22:44:45.913+01:00Strokes of luck<p>Several strokes of luck led to a full-fat patch tick today - <b>Pallas's leaf warbler</b></p><p>Firstly - I decided to take today off work today instead of next Friday</p><p>Secondly - When news broke of a Radde's Warbler at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and Wood lark at Newton, I stuck to my plan and birded the patch</p><p>Thirdly - I bumped into <a href="https://twitter.com/darrennwoodhead">Darren Woodhead</a> and his son Corin.</p><p>I set out, as planned, to bird the patch, I was there for 7.40 and it was just light but foggy. I followed my usual plan of attack, to work the bushes by the entrance and the plantation before heading north.</p><p>Not long out of the car, I got onto a classic S<b>iberian (tristis) chiff</b>, grey above, green in the wings and off-white below, not warm at all. And it called a thin 'toot'.</p><p>Two birders, that I'd not seen before, arrived shortly after me and started birding the plantation. They also had a sibe, when I went into the plantation, it also called - 'toot' - two birds (?). They were on a <b>yellow-browed warbler.</b> Darren and Corin Woodhead from Lothian. I recognised Darren - and now I know from where - I've often admired his artwork on my annual trips to Birdfair.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZXYLSo2Y_vAA94BZOvCZqKf8h-sO-1dTIXMqLMEYBZQnoDDCxGk2KnyvyNRyUeW3lqocLTQPpEKAMuq0KtGd1Xh3AsXAjMIq3IXKFK4Gc-rC0BsgRMWm-WxF2VzsiUIAGE2QmZeJRd4Vm9saVEB5NUsapAmmA3DZCyMMUP7y95XeVRMSDgy6mhPOew/s1986/0O1A6710-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1986" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZXYLSo2Y_vAA94BZOvCZqKf8h-sO-1dTIXMqLMEYBZQnoDDCxGk2KnyvyNRyUeW3lqocLTQPpEKAMuq0KtGd1Xh3AsXAjMIq3IXKFK4Gc-rC0BsgRMWm-WxF2VzsiUIAGE2QmZeJRd4Vm9saVEB5NUsapAmmA3DZCyMMUP7y95XeVRMSDgy6mhPOew/w640-h426/0O1A6710-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">record shot of Yellow-browed warbler</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKGhl4_4iqHT_oDwxfInvAhpzv19coodeIBZllMtutxqg9_HPdQzIwxRgsOcIyGt3trJ_o7gdplG2WV-ltKo5jzscHzpCD5ckPt1cJDQ1ZxfNCe7YdmucF7ZkQXyKmHdKohWcRB5HsVN7ltylZxbWKuTQ6oDqWWAgE99xHJPrRXSTUXzKKUWqt-1RJg/s2001/0O1A6720-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2001" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKGhl4_4iqHT_oDwxfInvAhpzv19coodeIBZllMtutxqg9_HPdQzIwxRgsOcIyGt3trJ_o7gdplG2WV-ltKo5jzscHzpCD5ckPt1cJDQ1ZxfNCe7YdmucF7ZkQXyKmHdKohWcRB5HsVN7ltylZxbWKuTQ6oDqWWAgE99xHJPrRXSTUXzKKUWqt-1RJg/w640-h426/0O1A6720-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-browed warbler</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I spent the next hour or so in the plantation with repeated views of the yellow-browed, lots of crests, robins, wrens and a steady trickle of skylarks overhead and a group of c25 siskin south. Four brambling dropped in and fed for a while. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfNExLiBgFgbX1spfxO5_BEj5OOxCUd5QlE3DQzwUghc7Eq-Lfn1skpyp5GwQd0eMBJAv6ZXzpIpMr_HgnqxSiWCOfKT_nclBmvruwpnp0IYI3kAix5org3KuOemGggF0UXwASGTIqMindBIAPH_BO4kcgxQTTGd0Gn-tLWEZwWnmSCbk93FcEVgslA/s2731/0O1A6693-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1821" data-original-width="2731" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfNExLiBgFgbX1spfxO5_BEj5OOxCUd5QlE3DQzwUghc7Eq-Lfn1skpyp5GwQd0eMBJAv6ZXzpIpMr_HgnqxSiWCOfKT_nclBmvruwpnp0IYI3kAix5org3KuOemGggF0UXwASGTIqMindBIAPH_BO4kcgxQTTGd0Gn-tLWEZwWnmSCbk93FcEVgslA/w640-h426/0O1A6693-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brambling</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back at the 'entrance bushes' I was watching a yellow-browed when a second bird called from the sycamore at the plantation- two. Redwings came in overhead. News broke of a Radde's warbler at Newbiggin - I ignored it. </p><p>I moved up to the middle plantation, where Darren and Corin were scouring the trees. I joined them, Darren and I were looking through the pines and sycamores, but Corin was watching the scattered scrub to the north and exclaimed suddenly <b>'Pallas's'</b>!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BvjepBpz6dK5iHzPCMI1z1wasvLH4-oJujfDTnamGQ78nDnGW3WMzkeArkkTMzWDMblXoKRRJgEc4DVdWZ7Zy54N9Ursiz4p-DKATT_NwPWbiRN5NQ_g7wemDqvPYTMB3xKAsNm2JPIiBuIGtFOv3EE15xY0fy6OWKtwWmTM3nfIf0nwpiLJRFjSgQ/s1829/0O1A6728-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1829" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BvjepBpz6dK5iHzPCMI1z1wasvLH4-oJujfDTnamGQ78nDnGW3WMzkeArkkTMzWDMblXoKRRJgEc4DVdWZ7Zy54N9Ursiz4p-DKATT_NwPWbiRN5NQ_g7wemDqvPYTMB3xKAsNm2JPIiBuIGtFOv3EE15xY0fy6OWKtwWmTM3nfIf0nwpiLJRFjSgQ/w640-h426/0O1A6728-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mega-cropped record shot of Pallas's leaf warbler in flight - 6400 ISO</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We got straight onto it - a Siberian gem, flitting around a crab apple tree. A patch tick for me and a great find for Corin. We enjoyed the bird for a good while before it flitted off. ADMc and others joined us, Whilst scouring the goldcrests for the Pallas's, I got briefly onto a <b>firecrest</b>, thankfully it showed on and off for the next 30 minutes, as did the the Pallas's. Another <b>yellow-browed</b> warbler was calling in the bushes to the north. </p><p>Further north I found another<b> firecrest</b> in a small flock of crests and tits behind the Budge hide. </p><p>Up at the path to the hides, by the timber screen, a 'bird wave' passed through with a long-tailed tit flock. There were at least five chiffchaffs around that area. This one has me stumped though - not a classic Sibe, I thought, too 'warm' but also too brown for a bog standard collybita. I know that Sibe's can be variable though and light plays a huge part. It didn't call. Not sure on this one...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdebBhRtCa-rA9r0aVtsh-s5T16bbJnjzae7wkCSQJpRp1GOV6SQyKYS7_axW2KQP0iSzkEh5NJqv_NlU6ApekFaRRkBiyP1VcadEFsadsAM5hCHCXX8Qhdknt1f6nxhroR3YCQk27ZaMbkAnZ0yIDfwrRWpFTYDPV8QEaLnggCq0ey7cvQQDUFniTg/s2671/0O1A6754-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1781" data-original-width="2671" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdebBhRtCa-rA9r0aVtsh-s5T16bbJnjzae7wkCSQJpRp1GOV6SQyKYS7_axW2KQP0iSzkEh5NJqv_NlU6ApekFaRRkBiyP1VcadEFsadsAM5hCHCXX8Qhdknt1f6nxhroR3YCQk27ZaMbkAnZ0yIDfwrRWpFTYDPV8QEaLnggCq0ey7cvQQDUFniTg/w640-h426/0O1A6754-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'brown' chiff</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oLGEVnOQPSd970vURS9xVP-ylhTOHF6kolwztX3mE6nHez2679shS1wU6p7qkZs2L5SiFFNSpkTmU_5NTW1Temc-BbAkpAlwuGLbah9hA5bkrejlNq0IH9abIL2wnk99GH505EpllkU_0B1GrwuZ2wusbpDmD1OfGaTu8UZfNqr4EolKguiVrX53jw/s2913/0O1A6773-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1942" data-original-width="2913" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oLGEVnOQPSd970vURS9xVP-ylhTOHF6kolwztX3mE6nHez2679shS1wU6p7qkZs2L5SiFFNSpkTmU_5NTW1Temc-BbAkpAlwuGLbah9hA5bkrejlNq0IH9abIL2wnk99GH505EpllkU_0B1GrwuZ2wusbpDmD1OfGaTu8UZfNqr4EolKguiVrX53jw/w640-h426/0O1A6773-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">same bird</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fOnFnhzrJ51I479urWJgAU0osOYieHq5xibioEvBqJ4M6jnhnG2P1fOvm1rNTsIogywT9b8fAtG1Do8n3OnzIoFo-Idd07DijS11SD2tQDyYXAv6-kFcTi6wIhvxt32VPCaHTPyXpT69nmECIonR6Tx0aRNRxUooG5wAVIyy-t-GZ1NLh7SrIWW6cA/s3324/0O1A6788-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2216" data-original-width="3324" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fOnFnhzrJ51I479urWJgAU0osOYieHq5xibioEvBqJ4M6jnhnG2P1fOvm1rNTsIogywT9b8fAtG1Do8n3OnzIoFo-Idd07DijS11SD2tQDyYXAv6-kFcTi6wIhvxt32VPCaHTPyXpT69nmECIonR6Tx0aRNRxUooG5wAVIyy-t-GZ1NLh7SrIWW6cA/w640-h426/0O1A6788-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Bog-standard Chiff'</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I heard a lapland bunting calling, it passed overhead behind three skylarks, all going south. A flock of about 18 lesser redpoll fed in the alders and I found a few more siskin further north before I headed home. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu3IQNl-ukrM0uRc2Mmrj4a-GKZPf62jn_S1RIMCOjmiaAM1_wgsU9uaQuurSvklPIPFyAQfbj1k8AXJiCa03skoG1w_qM-k6u68iNJrruGTWlxSqr6SkvuHj97q0wlermM5KRBu4jSV0inW7a5MzF31htk4aIRe40rt9Q_7hzZ0ul2LpfmwAqxUzsw/s2215/0O1A6746-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="2215" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu3IQNl-ukrM0uRc2Mmrj4a-GKZPf62jn_S1RIMCOjmiaAM1_wgsU9uaQuurSvklPIPFyAQfbj1k8AXJiCa03skoG1w_qM-k6u68iNJrruGTWlxSqr6SkvuHj97q0wlermM5KRBu4jSV0inW7a5MzF31htk4aIRe40rt9Q_7hzZ0ul2LpfmwAqxUzsw/w640-h426/0O1A6746-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of these miserable-looking birds </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVcF_OZhiJwWeWko7IUZRJNxn8menmfyudag2tgi47nQoJ1X4sJq38S7JPT4-kHZFADenP-7qOLnfzrRHPXs9IeTY7HX6NeeLlfV5aKVSkIjzX6q1xVNHAJV0WarIxQyP2TN4LKJD7u2IhDf8G9i3HjaIG5MXOZq1tYUfaI3-ZY86_Prug47HgSzlSg/s3844/0O1A6780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2563" data-original-width="3844" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVcF_OZhiJwWeWko7IUZRJNxn8menmfyudag2tgi47nQoJ1X4sJq38S7JPT4-kHZFADenP-7qOLnfzrRHPXs9IeTY7HX6NeeLlfV5aKVSkIjzX6q1xVNHAJV0WarIxQyP2TN4LKJD7u2IhDf8G9i3HjaIG5MXOZq1tYUfaI3-ZY86_Prug47HgSzlSg/w640-h426/0O1A6780.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and these<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18nipAZal8ybte5RtAJKFNoYCNhAy9ONBRBLX5w3nGLP1Z9Yh-cZl7ydWX7Sb9_NYXQWSGNUV3vXw9ZanzvhVjuDKfxcituX7LwUgMY0emPuVabvEWJCfJzQxTVIATcLid-yPu_nwSihi7Kc0NIgXUo7daqvcEjcsxG1TT5BhRm39QcngVe7OBzD5fg/s4089/0O1A6777-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="4089" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18nipAZal8ybte5RtAJKFNoYCNhAy9ONBRBLX5w3nGLP1Z9Yh-cZl7ydWX7Sb9_NYXQWSGNUV3vXw9ZanzvhVjuDKfxcituX7LwUgMY0emPuVabvEWJCfJzQxTVIATcLid-yPu_nwSihi7Kc0NIgXUo7daqvcEjcsxG1TT5BhRm39QcngVe7OBzD5fg/w640-h426/0O1A6777-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a few of these</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This afternoon, I acquiesced and went to the Ash Lagoon Banks at Newbiggin to look for the Radde's. No luck there, although others claimed it, but a roosting long-eared owl was worth the trip and new for the5km2 patch. </p><p>I'll be back out again tomorrow. </p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-37323041964592154002022-07-31T22:39:00.006+01:002022-07-31T22:39:43.723+01:00Med Gull Madness<p> After a walk up to north end of the patch and back on Friday after work, I did a bit of an evening seawatch , until it was nearly dusk. </p><p>It was relatively quiet, but there were a couple of close scoter flocks, numbering around 350 birds combined, so I went through them looking for a velvet or better. Three great-crested grebes and a red-throated diver were I could manage. Interestingly, the scoter flock was made up of over 95% drakes. </p><p>Otherwise, a few terns and gannets... that is, until I noticed a couple of Mediterranean gulls flying south and then for some reason, I turned to look inland to see a small flock of Meds head south behind me, they were soon followed by another flock of 25 birds, they were all flying south, over the reserve, as far away as the shelterbelt. Several more flocks followed and they were still passing, in small numbers by the time I left. My final count was 72, there were also 15, including 5 juveniles, in the gull roost on the beach.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSuIXspiuhA5Xe_hP_t8i9Xo-PKEb4jUT-TPAOrs5yHbJYhzqiplJzFjr6vL4XqrltfGaccivKaptF2ordp8W6sJbkDwe7gCMlljEwmmNKmJ8RM4lPMZEEtzcbSpdc2WQ5pCV3W6Rhm_j7zy7quKMrjqAl9g-58H29HCiloObM55xmWPRLvo1soRqFA/s3903/0O1A5286-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2602" data-original-width="3903" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSuIXspiuhA5Xe_hP_t8i9Xo-PKEb4jUT-TPAOrs5yHbJYhzqiplJzFjr6vL4XqrltfGaccivKaptF2ordp8W6sJbkDwe7gCMlljEwmmNKmJ8RM4lPMZEEtzcbSpdc2WQ5pCV3W6Rhm_j7zy7quKMrjqAl9g-58H29HCiloObM55xmWPRLvo1soRqFA/w640-h426/0O1A5286-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the passing Meds at dusk</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I can only assume that they had been feeding in fields north and west of Druridge and headed south to roost at Lynemouth or Newbiggin. </p><p>There were 48 sanderling on the beach, the adults molting out of breeding plumage. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IEYJ6RWY8puW00AOv5z7Zqe32A4MUGM6g1TOK4H_SIIQKLqsuecHcNsL3HJvTbNvWhk3Fxue0ngdmYuPIWZcDj7U0QBqz5kS1UISMf3ujv_t6HOjWsIAcWg40O90PpHe7AErL6viFzozSF3_E6sm7qFZv3Ej1rlrq9eJB87FTsA9Hzet-OiSxz_AZA/s3780/0O1A5265-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="3780" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IEYJ6RWY8puW00AOv5z7Zqe32A4MUGM6g1TOK4H_SIIQKLqsuecHcNsL3HJvTbNvWhk3Fxue0ngdmYuPIWZcDj7U0QBqz5kS1UISMf3ujv_t6HOjWsIAcWg40O90PpHe7AErL6viFzozSF3_E6sm7qFZv3Ej1rlrq9eJB87FTsA9Hzet-OiSxz_AZA/w640-h426/0O1A5265-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanderlings</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On Saturday, it was a still and humid evening. Janet and I had a walk along the beach, there were plenty of Sandwich terns offshore including a few juveniles which is promising. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjcNx7L8oEWQqRJDsyxJZBOc0ePNdJ0Z4tODk0AmM-wNC-moDdrluDf0ByUDmAi6pZXlwNkfkN2F4U4PcWrmKxm_x2YGOK_pprIwRiVXQNMgoGNbsja2JZ-T0_zO4mb6vpuOgX1iv5DGrSMSAj6TQ35JglJtFe6XIzQcdSCLrbc3-0TsrLWR4Lkrmlg/s2884/0O1A5318-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="2884" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjcNx7L8oEWQqRJDsyxJZBOc0ePNdJ0Z4tODk0AmM-wNC-moDdrluDf0ByUDmAi6pZXlwNkfkN2F4U4PcWrmKxm_x2YGOK_pprIwRiVXQNMgoGNbsja2JZ-T0_zO4mb6vpuOgX1iv5DGrSMSAj6TQ35JglJtFe6XIzQcdSCLrbc3-0TsrLWR4Lkrmlg/w640-h426/0O1A5318-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich Tern</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4_Ya6bHkNDBNrgq842nbwRRM3zV2jGVXGiUheSWI63Ah1bG3wqAa8oEqAIb20d75dhTrSttgyM2TQwr9c6zy5eFrItl3J5Zen2eT7SlkhAr2acg59bIxZWSuFnwu-6tfpaQ0Ssc2vsh7ju2Kxg9GyfHjjMLNMliESKEx1UtlvT6XquDlOk1BivPnJA/s3302/0O1A5343-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2201" data-original-width="3302" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4_Ya6bHkNDBNrgq842nbwRRM3zV2jGVXGiUheSWI63Ah1bG3wqAa8oEqAIb20d75dhTrSttgyM2TQwr9c6zy5eFrItl3J5Zen2eT7SlkhAr2acg59bIxZWSuFnwu-6tfpaQ0Ssc2vsh7ju2Kxg9GyfHjjMLNMliESKEx1UtlvT6XquDlOk1BivPnJA/w640-h426/0O1A5343-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich Tern</td></tr></tbody></table><p>There was big southerly passage of sand martins, we counted at least 200 passing through. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlFCi8rclyXOnszmTIF-I-GzH-bGG0U1moDWkOxPnkMVF_Yw_taqZ8QdA0TXqUdqV6J9fG4kkBW7-esRWUw166JRfUgJVmsdBV5tJZT-xB7UQJXbBo52hmuWs4dl-SFlzbzf0JHd7dShH4n-MqP2OsbKMvbMviszoKMZ9MWdvCLTiwoVs-SIJ4_VPTA/s1907/0O1A5288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1907" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlFCi8rclyXOnszmTIF-I-GzH-bGG0U1moDWkOxPnkMVF_Yw_taqZ8QdA0TXqUdqV6J9fG4kkBW7-esRWUw166JRfUgJVmsdBV5tJZT-xB7UQJXbBo52hmuWs4dl-SFlzbzf0JHd7dShH4n-MqP2OsbKMvbMviszoKMZ9MWdvCLTiwoVs-SIJ4_VPTA/w640-h426/0O1A5288.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Martin</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Today (Sunday), there was a northerly wind for most of the day, so I tried an afternoon seawatch but it was quiet. 15 Manx went north and there were at least 8 Roseate terns offshore. A flock of about 30 southbound redshanks were noteworthy.</p><p>Here are some photos of the stonechat family in the dunes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXburd0y8e-U7RCtQclhEaGwjPZ2iecP3sCbZSmEsh-Y0lG4kE8vs2F9h1h3g5CEp2kNzUcTa-cHh1YPtqNixUDn2V-XZfNj24PgE4P2BRrDtko6HJyLymZQeJUf3Ox_MDS6U1Y1ljGmUOuo9bez0FYZVrhyize9yzhfgZROP_WvnymldhYT2svrxJg/s3756/0O1A5190-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2504" data-original-width="3756" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXburd0y8e-U7RCtQclhEaGwjPZ2iecP3sCbZSmEsh-Y0lG4kE8vs2F9h1h3g5CEp2kNzUcTa-cHh1YPtqNixUDn2V-XZfNj24PgE4P2BRrDtko6HJyLymZQeJUf3Ox_MDS6U1Y1ljGmUOuo9bez0FYZVrhyize9yzhfgZROP_WvnymldhYT2svrxJg/w640-h426/0O1A5190-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male stonechat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTGOHmjyViTqvZ78oyhqFy_rAxq8v_iwTXVULgniXKUeJyXFIsk5BuS73Kl9ZVuhzH7IeWiAv3xQ9SwQKrSeual4IcMI_LtsorzNDr1anJtu2u2xeDXkvlVyRVEg6fu7jBadaXsFRCwjzPbD0U1M6FcLwbrKb1A2SWRFrwZVnFC5YKHCr9mgzUck0Sg/s4491/0O1A5209-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2994" data-original-width="4491" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTGOHmjyViTqvZ78oyhqFy_rAxq8v_iwTXVULgniXKUeJyXFIsk5BuS73Kl9ZVuhzH7IeWiAv3xQ9SwQKrSeual4IcMI_LtsorzNDr1anJtu2u2xeDXkvlVyRVEg6fu7jBadaXsFRCwjzPbD0U1M6FcLwbrKb1A2SWRFrwZVnFC5YKHCr9mgzUck0Sg/w640-h426/0O1A5209-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKQgQWqwwnjXNPsE0sUDUVH2DGMWs-mY9-9qLmRfiz9slRSzlrSti-pX7m3vJfojAOBIM6EuJfmrXRI4HarRkGTzmnL1QIqIcURCzElLHKdTbqKlj83ZJMitYQH8mUZlDY2yto3f6PI6qdHPBW0CxWh4DE3HnSnS2W8c0qw8B25xUsidyjPOM2jAqRg/s2962/0O1A5196-Edit-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1975" data-original-width="2962" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKQgQWqwwnjXNPsE0sUDUVH2DGMWs-mY9-9qLmRfiz9slRSzlrSti-pX7m3vJfojAOBIM6EuJfmrXRI4HarRkGTzmnL1QIqIcURCzElLHKdTbqKlj83ZJMitYQH8mUZlDY2yto3f6PI6qdHPBW0CxWh4DE3HnSnS2W8c0qw8B25xUsidyjPOM2jAqRg/w640-h426/0O1A5196-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-84207670361150059922022-07-21T23:03:00.004+01:002022-07-22T07:37:30.020+01:00New Hovers<p>It's that time of year again - birding is quiet and the macro lens comes out instead of the 400mm.</p><p>I've managed to find three new hoverflies for the patch over the last couple of weeks. The first was Eristalinus sepulchralis - one of the 'spotty-eyed drone flies'. Not something I was expecting on the patch, although Chris Barlow has seen them here before. A new hoverfly for me. This one was along the track to the hides, between the bunds. I am disappointed not to get the whole creature in focus - the joys of macro photography. I'll update the hoverfly gallery which can be found in the top menu.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcL6QWFNZuUF97bKturLZpFitRQHk6vZadGqZ_GxkoGtLdeoarx8GXPmB1Atyj-3cLVkNfNfaE5NczeK62HhEQyCKdbdeCu4TIsRBOc7-v8i4dCcEHtEI0bspNSj_sqiipOYowbv3QHA1jGWGtMxu_WItKCqhevY1UD9tkdjt8foWXfFaWezFSWppbQ/s2599/_U8A2347.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1733" data-original-width="2599" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcL6QWFNZuUF97bKturLZpFitRQHk6vZadGqZ_GxkoGtLdeoarx8GXPmB1Atyj-3cLVkNfNfaE5NczeK62HhEQyCKdbdeCu4TIsRBOc7-v8i4dCcEHtEI0bspNSj_sqiipOYowbv3QHA1jGWGtMxu_WItKCqhevY1UD9tkdjt8foWXfFaWezFSWppbQ/w640-h426/_U8A2347.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Eristalinus sepulchralis</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NhdoBAP_tL4If3Tj9rikQ-5ZUqFe9lpgMINgrSXTFSJKgAdOsIDTkhMEHaaTAtntLZnuxN98a2-PSt9NSOTWiaqMjJ_TNTzCNWwqO8nMa_M-Xt8x9B_qP0wbtXRkpXFoAVEmBeWE8l_7cJrIzNMOCcpbapKS8FBW-L860P79FeP8jFm6InS23ZIMZw/s2633/_U8A2354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1755" data-original-width="2633" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NhdoBAP_tL4If3Tj9rikQ-5ZUqFe9lpgMINgrSXTFSJKgAdOsIDTkhMEHaaTAtntLZnuxN98a2-PSt9NSOTWiaqMjJ_TNTzCNWwqO8nMa_M-Xt8x9B_qP0wbtXRkpXFoAVEmBeWE8l_7cJrIzNMOCcpbapKS8FBW-L860P79FeP8jFm6InS23ZIMZw/w640-h426/_U8A2354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Next up was Leucozona laternaria - not a common hover in Northumberland I think. This one was by the road, where the track heads to the hides. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEexP0l2QiPXeMXJHMUrPn3rW0a8FWveMvQBPKlEgZ0lYdeD_3Cv0Ii_C2TNOGftKMC7KvVd2t_DwqJGZdr4cUWJufqnfhCJDDSu8qHSCQN4_Eyxnja3ySQ2BxjSkTTr789VP-c3lhIWHrV-neiXV4xKe5fp5LrSQKLESZ0eFPytZ1icaJWVzxKToiOg/s2555/_U8A2491.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2555" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEexP0l2QiPXeMXJHMUrPn3rW0a8FWveMvQBPKlEgZ0lYdeD_3Cv0Ii_C2TNOGftKMC7KvVd2t_DwqJGZdr4cUWJufqnfhCJDDSu8qHSCQN4_Eyxnja3ySQ2BxjSkTTr789VP-c3lhIWHrV-neiXV4xKe5fp5LrSQKLESZ0eFPytZ1icaJWVzxKToiOg/w640-h426/_U8A2491.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Leucozona laternaria</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The last species that was new for the patch is under-debate, as to whether it is one or more species. At the moment it is regarded as 'complex' of Melangyna compositarum/labiatarum. Complex Melangyna compositarum is how it remains on my list.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEkuIKul7gMfjOlnzdDW4Vsaw4Fg4kooORt71HSgK9A-6tuJHGbU8SLSRUNxVbQFto64Wo8hnVfkatMR0RUbbYC_gIvVuZF9Liu9K6aosC5kunA2S9NDls5JjGDRy0mDCBTzIxi9QOcZPDMAAp5iD9F8wlT8suSoz1X_ED6lqEW8JED5JC4rJmEZaYA/s3663/_U8A2300-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2442" data-original-width="3663" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEkuIKul7gMfjOlnzdDW4Vsaw4Fg4kooORt71HSgK9A-6tuJHGbU8SLSRUNxVbQFto64Wo8hnVfkatMR0RUbbYC_gIvVuZF9Liu9K6aosC5kunA2S9NDls5JjGDRy0mDCBTzIxi9QOcZPDMAAp5iD9F8wlT8suSoz1X_ED6lqEW8JED5JC4rJmEZaYA/w640-h426/_U8A2300-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Melangyna compositarum/labiatarum</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRap8mnDZhQqHLfNi18xWQuaBtzSfx0_AuXt9en1CbMhbGzmIP1Lc80PB-F3MSKJVq4lKgY-pusNex0GCFA5IH19mZ4myOHe2ELKSTvSPw9hZKbpuzsvIIowtTXpIjChHHEUSzQaAuJqbXP1aQf1p6Tid83c--YBbqxqWcX3hVQlXbU0NOnKta4mCvg/s2530/_U8A2538.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="2530" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRap8mnDZhQqHLfNi18xWQuaBtzSfx0_AuXt9en1CbMhbGzmIP1Lc80PB-F3MSKJVq4lKgY-pusNex0GCFA5IH19mZ4myOHe2ELKSTvSPw9hZKbpuzsvIIowtTXpIjChHHEUSzQaAuJqbXP1aQf1p6Tid83c--YBbqxqWcX3hVQlXbU0NOnKta4mCvg/w640-h426/_U8A2538.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Cheilosia sp could be new but it can't be identified to species form these photos. </td></tr></tbody></table>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge, Morpeth NE61 5EQ, UK55.2489299 -1.560856826.938696063821155 -36.7171068 83.559163736178846 33.5953932tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-1379534943708661052022-07-19T22:55:00.001+01:002022-07-19T23:03:23.936+01:00A long-awaited patch tick<p> Red Kite has been my most anticipated patch tick for about four years and today I finally nailed one. </p><p>I was looking west from the dunes this morning after my WeBS count when I spotted a long-winged raptor over the shelterbelt by the haul road. I put the scope straight on it and there it was, a red kite sauntering along the top of the pine trees (what's left of them). I watched it for a while as it went it back and forth. A stunning bird.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY2SCjYOlE8ij_BmWLSFzekWwqDdRwNjbr9MiN8cN0HMOhQiVZOZ2qkWd9M6f6tIpHvfdIfWKHUAZir6IYTrtQMwqNvZ1Q4joH5aEQGXJZLrk15DM23D58hKndP-VCQcOQMTtFYsx03rfzJGfyOD3r4hwUVRRE9MJhLLBz3COv_Ja8fdX2xkAtyN_PA/s3437/0O1A5234.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2291" data-original-width="3437" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY2SCjYOlE8ij_BmWLSFzekWwqDdRwNjbr9MiN8cN0HMOhQiVZOZ2qkWd9M6f6tIpHvfdIfWKHUAZir6IYTrtQMwqNvZ1Q4joH5aEQGXJZLrk15DM23D58hKndP-VCQcOQMTtFYsx03rfzJGfyOD3r4hwUVRRE9MJhLLBz3COv_Ja8fdX2xkAtyN_PA/w640-h426/0O1A5234.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Record shot - you can just make out the forked tail</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Red Kite has been on the official Druridge patch list since 2016 but it's taken me another six years to catch up with one. There have been many more records from this part of Northumberland in recent months so it was only a matter of time.<div><br /></div><div>Red kite takes my patch list to 254 species. <br /><div><br /></div><div>The belated WeBS count this morning was quiet (we were away on the Solway Coast at the weekend). A handful of dunlin and snipe and three black-tailed godwit were all of note. The Budge fields look good but East Chevington seems to be attracting all of the waders at the moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today was hot, it probably touched 30 degrees this afternoon and it was still humid and warm this evening. I headed to the patch for an evening seawatch. A flock of 700 scoters were close in, I scanned them several times but could only find commons scoters. About 24 manx shearwaters flew north in several groups and two red-throated divers and two great-crested grebes were still in summer plumage. There were a few terns feeding including up to seven roseate, which is good given the Avian Influenza tragedy unfolding on Coquet Island.</div><div><br /></div><div>A beautiful sunset drew close on the hottest day of they year (so far...). I started the day with a red kite and ended it with a red sky.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWiiE38xjPS37x9T4k0anD3x5-O7xVR7K-wjAdKqv-mAGRtp8NkbKTnMAKLL1_JeKioUjShZDn_EZOUNmEYiC4otsAv1ff4BUU76Rpe_G6j22y1txLFrItFEz1obt7x9tV41hgEFxIguJd1UAny_3OFb9nvsDzjZhKBMLyhp1RCeEJzy8HEFEwf7vrQ/s5472/0O1A5243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWiiE38xjPS37x9T4k0anD3x5-O7xVR7K-wjAdKqv-mAGRtp8NkbKTnMAKLL1_JeKioUjShZDn_EZOUNmEYiC4otsAv1ff4BUU76Rpe_G6j22y1txLFrItFEz1obt7x9tV41hgEFxIguJd1UAny_3OFb9nvsDzjZhKBMLyhp1RCeEJzy8HEFEwf7vrQ/w640-h426/0O1A5243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This my first blog post for ages. I'm struggling to find the time to keep with things and the blog has slipped. I've got some new hoverflies for the patch to report, I just need a wet evening to write another post. </p></div></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-89393860594987124842022-05-15T22:47:00.004+01:002022-05-15T22:47:33.895+01:00Putting in a stint or five for the WeBS count<p>Well, I didn't expect to finish my WeBS count this morning by adding FOUR Temminck's Stints to it - but that's what happened!</p><p>John Day, an RSPB friend from Bedfordshire and his pal Darren joined us at Druridge this morning, they are up here for a weekends birding. When we joined them just after 7am they'd already seen more species than you can see in a month in Bedfordshire!</p><p>It was WeBS count day, so I counted the ducks whilst they enjoyed watching spoonbill, little stint, avocets, pintail, dunlins, lapwing chicks and other nice species. Little stint was new for the year so I was already happy with that. Count done and all three hides checked we headed back to the cars. They were off to the Harthope Valley whilst Janet and I opted for a look on the sea. Seeing very little, I checked my phone to see a missed call from Steve Holliday, and a text message - 'four Temminck's Stint in front of Budge Screen'. Seemingly they'd just dropped in. </p><p>We called John and Darren who were still faffing at their car and rushed to the hide, where, thankfully, the four birds could be seen on the edge of the pool. The four of them stuck pretty-close together and fed frantically along the muddy edge. I always think the 'gait' of Temminck's is quite diagnostic, they almost creep on their 'knees' as if their legs are set too far back on their bodies. They were chased by a redshank a couple of times, and then, without cause or warning, they were off, zig-zagging at first before flying off high and directly north. Steve and I thought that this might be a record count of this species for the County? These were my first patch Temminck's since two were on a pool by the coal haul road back in 2013. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMa92KL5n14kZ50JniDqU-dwE68FuLaWZaVJ0IEgEKdHsSVB9k56J0RWTy8AoHiwc1UTH9Ty6GWpuBRmT26NlN5Wwyb6zBRyNHSqsv0X7tnMxXhtw0iq7g37s4B4t3ESHRXEH3yYwtc5SS2byyjR8zBZXVf4flHZUA3fVYG8KVcU5rJDZyBCzrssKMQ/s2457/0O1A3920-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2457" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMa92KL5n14kZ50JniDqU-dwE68FuLaWZaVJ0IEgEKdHsSVB9k56J0RWTy8AoHiwc1UTH9Ty6GWpuBRmT26NlN5Wwyb6zBRyNHSqsv0X7tnMxXhtw0iq7g37s4B4t3ESHRXEH3yYwtc5SS2byyjR8zBZXVf4flHZUA3fVYG8KVcU5rJDZyBCzrssKMQ/w640-h426/0O1A3920-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Record shot - just to prove there were four!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHieJp5kbezk520w2PoPZ_qNxyLUlJquJughWwf21PbghNEPiLlIz_wDvbZdTZeqvA4MmZVJUopcqxvf2YVguRDRpuj-LqHG6id1HdrwFNUq5R97BeQVzNHppYTiGXThLT2eXxa9mkxciyltVsW-4K5TdxWEFP9goKiMPTlbGqe42Vkv6_kf6VzqzYig/s1755/0O1A3944-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1755" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHieJp5kbezk520w2PoPZ_qNxyLUlJquJughWwf21PbghNEPiLlIz_wDvbZdTZeqvA4MmZVJUopcqxvf2YVguRDRpuj-LqHG6id1HdrwFNUq5R97BeQVzNHppYTiGXThLT2eXxa9mkxciyltVsW-4K5TdxWEFP9goKiMPTlbGqe42Vkv6_kf6VzqzYig/w640-h426/0O1A3944-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slightly better shot of two of them<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWcd6kD0kPHunMze1PfMhU7eMC2Am0dtR952suIXBh8mXz8sJh3JIH88V-6KQWOFZ8GULPgxxY1zv7LaZHnJhqPaKpl3gIBn5fygFbexQxq-qG4k-wAnu8vCmnrAxljICvz62ct8a4-ruNYuG00LCPnRzKrCPKScN4MvyUHdn_aJ0YkgS0vTyne0WmA/s1721/0O1A3929-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1721" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWcd6kD0kPHunMze1PfMhU7eMC2Am0dtR952suIXBh8mXz8sJh3JIH88V-6KQWOFZ8GULPgxxY1zv7LaZHnJhqPaKpl3gIBn5fygFbexQxq-qG4k-wAnu8vCmnrAxljICvz62ct8a4-ruNYuG00LCPnRzKrCPKScN4MvyUHdn_aJ0YkgS0vTyne0WmA/w640-h426/0O1A3929-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one flying off<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>A very pleasant end to a morning's birding. Big thanks to Steve H for the tip-off.</p><p>The Budge Fields are looking fab at the moment. Despite the relatively dry spring, the water levels remain very high, something has changed with the hydrology of the site this winter I think. Birds are dropping in all the time, not long after we left a wood sandpiper was reported. The 'Channel' wagtail that I found on Friday was seen again today.</p><p>Here are a few more pics from the last couple of days.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvLpzaxKO_0f8GKTEZsK13QdZuwEG93k-a4bsBqn_NjEoew2j-1ayZUhL800XBj_h0yYRx3xKU-KjruGkjXuuGrBpPeqJQFSUvRyLNSKVinq9QKI2vYjW6QT0oAYt_ivOTG62q_MGsFnu10AfY5KxDgAQhxL8lyrG_MsYIP9X9ElLpSTbtBV5lKZcAQ/s4266/0O1A3895-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="4266" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvLpzaxKO_0f8GKTEZsK13QdZuwEG93k-a4bsBqn_NjEoew2j-1ayZUhL800XBj_h0yYRx3xKU-KjruGkjXuuGrBpPeqJQFSUvRyLNSKVinq9QKI2vYjW6QT0oAYt_ivOTG62q_MGsFnu10AfY5KxDgAQhxL8lyrG_MsYIP9X9ElLpSTbtBV5lKZcAQ/w640-h426/0O1A3895-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud parent on guard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU1LA7cVk3ihL1Y9o_hiK4nyvyCA2ssf5kxeLJxRh5w0ln4RKoLCp3egXUWMlRbA6VUmBDKW7hRQQuc8vl7uY8g0eV6WqH3uXsd0a-08Gh8ifcno2WvvzNRei25orGg0jAJSar0suLrALJHs9WYrjJ9ADy1Eu7NL2_lph8GcWBfTzAOWMz_jpSxCBFw/s4781/0O1A3896-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="4781" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU1LA7cVk3ihL1Y9o_hiK4nyvyCA2ssf5kxeLJxRh5w0ln4RKoLCp3egXUWMlRbA6VUmBDKW7hRQQuc8vl7uY8g0eV6WqH3uXsd0a-08Gh8ifcno2WvvzNRei25orGg0jAJSar0suLrALJHs9WYrjJ9ADy1Eu7NL2_lph8GcWBfTzAOWMz_jpSxCBFw/w640-h426/0O1A3896-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's the reason why!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRGGMD1UYJZI-soq5Dg-HTfiR7ws-0FG7P7pIiBy8NvzMnJS7RZvRqgozu_6qtfOnC1C8rBjOxZ8glgvW5w-Ror5TiWQOzTD6-dt78fyKwR875i_7tqcGBrah7d3zaIh8Knw4HqYh2A7LkMlfdfy5fm0mmxZXQTHy8P3lPSaS94EuXbAcufEZpcAc2g/s4707/0O1A3904-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3138" data-original-width="4707" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRGGMD1UYJZI-soq5Dg-HTfiR7ws-0FG7P7pIiBy8NvzMnJS7RZvRqgozu_6qtfOnC1C8rBjOxZ8glgvW5w-Ror5TiWQOzTD6-dt78fyKwR875i_7tqcGBrah7d3zaIh8Knw4HqYh2A7LkMlfdfy5fm0mmxZXQTHy8P3lPSaS94EuXbAcufEZpcAc2g/w640-h426/0O1A3904-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see why barn swallows were called bluebirds!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbp_989szdLMhPUPFX-QPJFarA7sVGwJQQft3qlvWs8piI2NtXMQpV1mcS3ESggbXP72vDf8M4PPb6vovyXi8oLGEHDwdWRXAZBCP5qPMvVm3f8-8QATKHihKehD-zmjQotF4HwNqMjQDB8yX2H8OlfbHbWGMSNteTroJP4WEQO2fC5wHSnRHbCTc6w/s3471/0O1A3948-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2314" data-original-width="3471" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbp_989szdLMhPUPFX-QPJFarA7sVGwJQQft3qlvWs8piI2NtXMQpV1mcS3ESggbXP72vDf8M4PPb6vovyXi8oLGEHDwdWRXAZBCP5qPMvVm3f8-8QATKHihKehD-zmjQotF4HwNqMjQDB8yX2H8OlfbHbWGMSNteTroJP4WEQO2fC5wHSnRHbCTc6w/w640-h426/0O1A3948-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoonbills are now a common spring and summer species on the patch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH7Sd7lgZVMGy0WqezMKb3fG2YXS5nWLF1TEOTdEJWeRpG7tAfzFH03M_TP8unHQMEaIZJ6aqZMCLmuZKqYZT5YwwXuBEmtzAe2eH1OBwMvdRkx8XIuqNY1G4x_GD1MfYJoBJSDsdAVXRQCQLdAarUwUNMSZrPPh2KNWJm4fVneIaROYmQ86x80DHsw/s2957/0O1A3908-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1971" data-original-width="2957" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH7Sd7lgZVMGy0WqezMKb3fG2YXS5nWLF1TEOTdEJWeRpG7tAfzFH03M_TP8unHQMEaIZJ6aqZMCLmuZKqYZT5YwwXuBEmtzAe2eH1OBwMvdRkx8XIuqNY1G4x_GD1MfYJoBJSDsdAVXRQCQLdAarUwUNMSZrPPh2KNWJm4fVneIaROYmQ86x80DHsw/w640-h426/0O1A3908-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pochard are increasingly uncommon - the four that are on site at the moment are most unusual nowadays</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXBjFCvo30_iz2bVl4rbxwOW-CMOu_AzpnV3LFfNlV5RY0_EL3_AVH74_UZxQEwmq5T5F-rSPQfkGftA8RFP_uSfgyAYHt0n0Zpjxb3rvlE7g7ydNkvAsCFsJdmGXMgi51LOGbBqzx1aXb6s0Oqxcd_DP3oQEa6WQNslkozn0wBdm2usyiXO4qT42zg/s4384/0O1A3954-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2923" data-original-width="4384" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXBjFCvo30_iz2bVl4rbxwOW-CMOu_AzpnV3LFfNlV5RY0_EL3_AVH74_UZxQEwmq5T5F-rSPQfkGftA8RFP_uSfgyAYHt0n0Zpjxb3rvlE7g7ydNkvAsCFsJdmGXMgi51LOGbBqzx1aXb6s0Oqxcd_DP3oQEa6WQNslkozn0wBdm2usyiXO4qT42zg/w640-h426/0O1A3954-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The geese took a dislike to two roe deer who wandered through the pool. Roe deer are on the increase, almost plague-proportions these days.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My Druridge patch year-list is now on 130 and my 5km from home list is on 157. <br /><div><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-83091272209334646842022-03-21T22:32:00.006+00:002022-03-21T22:32:43.038+00:00March WeBS<p>We arrived back from a week away in Cornwall (and a brief visit to the Somerset Levels) yesterday evening, twitching the long-staying belted kingfisher in Lancashire on the way home. It was my first time birding in Cornwall and I really enjoyed it. The Avalon Marshes were pretty spectacular too. We saw some good species including Kumlien's gull, yellow-legged gull, firecrest, ring ouzel, chough (13 from our accommodation was the peak count), black restarts, rosy starling and black-necked grebes.</p><p>I was back on the patch before work this morning to do the WeBS Count. There was plenty to count on the Budge fields which were full of birds. Wigeon was the numerous duck species with 257 counted. I'd just finished counting what I thought was them all, when this male <b>marsh harrier</b> appeared over the pools and scattered everything. It was soon apparent that there were a lot more wigeon than I had originally counted, so I had to start again.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEMb--k52jRES4dU4EF9l6Rv_Pv1_ZtI2Cb0Iesvj0A2gQbvg58oSOL2dO8E_xza7ctzqt329ZxpBy_i0yJx7CHPiN99zlRlXBxdyohJmAwv-4DE1ytHjpigbkANsg46ADYAVYTRGMO74JoMafCwrk3Ah8JRcFG8UVXZvgquz8GjQkS-pIAP2A27DH4g=s3869" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2579" data-original-width="3869" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEMb--k52jRES4dU4EF9l6Rv_Pv1_ZtI2Cb0Iesvj0A2gQbvg58oSOL2dO8E_xza7ctzqt329ZxpBy_i0yJx7CHPiN99zlRlXBxdyohJmAwv-4DE1ytHjpigbkANsg46ADYAVYTRGMO74JoMafCwrk3Ah8JRcFG8UVXZvgquz8GjQkS-pIAP2A27DH4g=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male marsh harrier in the morning sunshine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjflKEP3K4UbBuPbEYKqu5IKr-Eq0-4mvT_36W8eEqJDeq5VgeYbKhC0gAqaHbgCZikwWr1h6nuLGX97Iv_Tfu0iq8FdJWh8BZnPyBUBYsQxAwRAz62MlkYzK5YR7wI_GBNkkpRRnGpomnEJDMzEi1-KAaR2EEYp4LBMO48PCZqKV9VhJmKXJs7dJlKvA=s3471" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2314" data-original-width="3471" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjflKEP3K4UbBuPbEYKqu5IKr-Eq0-4mvT_36W8eEqJDeq5VgeYbKhC0gAqaHbgCZikwWr1h6nuLGX97Iv_Tfu0iq8FdJWh8BZnPyBUBYsQxAwRAz62MlkYzK5YR7wI_GBNkkpRRnGpomnEJDMzEi1-KAaR2EEYp4LBMO48PCZqKV9VhJmKXJs7dJlKvA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for food</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>A decent count of 35 shoveler and a single <b>pale-bellied brent</b> goose was on the fields before flying north. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA7De__orkoD5tyI-FYVLiicAVxewU8ol-aBB7eOO18OSD97TZWR6vpWieaT8ydd_bvY0KxH9a0BUNjqrnjX4_Z-RGrhM-ntNgxf94og3IPgulo-II_R2hQkiAxwsgBJdWs1eCGUK_PTNBditOEgysUibPzra2DP1xN4wJsFcXJKt8SdrJAIxBO36UPA=s3892" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2595" data-original-width="3892" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA7De__orkoD5tyI-FYVLiicAVxewU8ol-aBB7eOO18OSD97TZWR6vpWieaT8ydd_bvY0KxH9a0BUNjqrnjX4_Z-RGrhM-ntNgxf94og3IPgulo-II_R2hQkiAxwsgBJdWs1eCGUK_PTNBditOEgysUibPzra2DP1xN4wJsFcXJKt8SdrJAIxBO36UPA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale-bellied brent goose</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Avocet had been reported from the patch whilst I was away in Cornwall but there were none this morning. Five <b>ruff</b>, three <b>black-tailed godwi</b>t, 31 curlew and 17 snipe were notable. There was no sign of the jack snipe that's been around for a few days. </p><p>From the little hide I picked up the<b> water pipit </b>that's been seen over the weekend. It had either bee bathing or walking through the frosty grass as it looked a bit bedraggled. It's starting to look a bit 'pinky' on the breast I think.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgonMB4a7-eD-caiBYmAmqecV6Bv4jVmV2kGZ4Cj38Bpr1tvUD3QQQRnUc5uphIc__-r1HU-2OyCxseR6ibOJCHuquceKFvmx8IM0xctPx9zmtT_zlkCriByHk-9x48Wk7jD-UeI1MULyoUJWPhT7wC5L7ocRykXIAXTJy3gEN5u3_k3L60uNGAeOk3XQ=s3104" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2069" data-original-width="3104" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgonMB4a7-eD-caiBYmAmqecV6Bv4jVmV2kGZ4Cj38Bpr1tvUD3QQQRnUc5uphIc__-r1HU-2OyCxseR6ibOJCHuquceKFvmx8IM0xctPx9zmtT_zlkCriByHk-9x48Wk7jD-UeI1MULyoUJWPhT7wC5L7ocRykXIAXTJy3gEN5u3_k3L60uNGAeOk3XQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water pipit</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEadqik194Wk8npK3u6PEaNA2tHhWKMNUf3zFqwW3v0ft4f3WPpXf5dUKzrVDuLWs06aJTUAVPcJoPlYYWYHUHHt63ofUTzbLA9Kqk63l-jQCL6iFwU_Nx6cz7F3J4bxEFQMfs3FBLnkk_YhYMb78Av34ODpJ0JHmKYr2-XpP5nAdZjiFsDolzCcBFag=s3535" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2357" data-original-width="3535" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEadqik194Wk8npK3u6PEaNA2tHhWKMNUf3zFqwW3v0ft4f3WPpXf5dUKzrVDuLWs06aJTUAVPcJoPlYYWYHUHHt63ofUTzbLA9Kqk63l-jQCL6iFwU_Nx6cz7F3J4bxEFQMfs3FBLnkk_YhYMb78Av34ODpJ0JHmKYr2-XpP5nAdZjiFsDolzCcBFag=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking a bit bedraggled</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Chifchaff </b>was the only migrant passerine 'new in' and two <b>siskins</b> by the Budge hide were notable for late March. </p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge, Morpeth NE61 5EQ, UK55.2489299 -1.560856855.239136570370867 -1.5780229376953125 55.258723229629133 -1.5436906623046875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-46973608042536460522022-01-07T21:32:00.002+00:002022-01-07T21:35:04.797+00:00Raven - an unexpected patch tick<p> A new species for the patch this afternoon and quite unexpected <b>- Raven!</b></p><p>The circumstances were quite fortuitous. I was on the patch for work this afternoon. Our wonderful <a href="https://www.coast-care.co.uk/about/">Coast Care team</a> were working on behalf of National Trust, doing some coppicing in the bushes and I popped down to meet them and thank them for their hard work. After they left I had a quick look on the sea, a very late lunch-break. A black-throated diver was way to the south, a great northern diver flew south and a couple of great crested grebes were on the sea - all good stuff. I got a call from Mark Whittingham to say that he had found a white-fronted goose, probably a Greenland race bird, in the pink-footed flock in the front-field at the farm. </p><p>I'd noticed the PFG flock on my way to meet the team and did think they would be worth a look through. </p><p>When I got there, the light was awful, looking straight into the setting sun, but I picked up the white-front in the flock. The bill looked orange, but not a 'huge carrot' and the legs looked stout and orange so I assumed Greenland race, but the light was dreadful.</p><p>I scanned through the pink foots further south, into better light, looking for something different, and I found something completely different! A huge corvid in amongst the geese, it looked almost as big as the geese! Raven surely. It was facing away but when it turned it's head, the huge deep bill confirmed it as a full patch tick. Species 253 for the patch. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl1UbpLswvIB1v2pg2JnV2WG5VIXi-zA8Fg4yuVL60VXDohaGCWAonocpGXSm7daHmBezy2M-4E0P92QN8g15_m4fvyk1Gb6t6IzGIGmWh09nQyCMxXG_7askq1jSJoLVJNduAk-h1cukFvZRWRUPzr3jiz7Fniv9YF1zypOXfxZs86vkrK3JyTtz4ig=s2839" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2836" data-original-width="2839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl1UbpLswvIB1v2pg2JnV2WG5VIXi-zA8Fg4yuVL60VXDohaGCWAonocpGXSm7daHmBezy2M-4E0P92QN8g15_m4fvyk1Gb6t6IzGIGmWh09nQyCMxXG_7askq1jSJoLVJNduAk-h1cukFvZRWRUPzr3jiz7Fniv9YF1zypOXfxZs86vkrK3JyTtz4ig=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brute</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOTTDmu2KkzVsRAadMn1X0WNZ0qVfHwr3LtteQZ8nZ3ReHH0UWveI5_0i4NA5wQNrparuc7PD8h7QWiw-02q_7bjmth0xy4lGK_eqshz9jauoaUpqjiF9p3V4AlEIjft5VIY9h2RY64S_FYgxz074RkISD_Si_LuFLV1_xeGXtaPZHm_Bmb6X7myM4HQ=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOTTDmu2KkzVsRAadMn1X0WNZ0qVfHwr3LtteQZ8nZ3ReHH0UWveI5_0i4NA5wQNrparuc7PD8h7QWiw-02q_7bjmth0xy4lGK_eqshz9jauoaUpqjiF9p3V4AlEIjft5VIY9h2RY64S_FYgxz074RkISD_Si_LuFLV1_xeGXtaPZHm_Bmb6X7myM4HQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">digi-scoped record shots</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Not a species I was expecting to see, but maybe it should have been more on my radar? The range is increasing and they're breeding on the coast further north from us now. Janet saw one recently at Snab Point, so maybe this was the same bird?</p><p>It was quite funny, as when I had been with the Coast Care team earlier, one of them was using a pair of loppers that sounded like the 'cronk' of a raven, which caught me out a couple of times. I mentioned to him that raven would be a new bird for the patch - little did I know what was to come!</p><p>Photos of the white-fronted goose circulated by Mark are inconclusive so it might be 'un-raced' until I get a better look. hopefully on the bird race tomorrow.</p><p><br /></p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-44747957634012215342022-01-01T17:56:00.002+00:002022-01-01T19:17:56.532+00:00Tradition dictates<p>Tradition dictates that on my first visit to the patch of the year, I'll find a species that I hadn't seen on the patch in the previous year. This happens most years. And guess what? It happened again today.</p><p>I've not seen<b> yellowhammer</b> on the patch since 24th November 2019 so to find a flock of eight in the hedge behind Druridge Farm was a real surprise. I was beginning to think that they were locally extinct.</p><p>Today was unseasonably mild, 12 degrees C, but it was very windy from the SW. Janet and I had a good wander around the patch and managed to see 53 species in total. Highlights included a southbound <b>great northern diver</b> offshore, two <b>woodcock </b>flushed from the bushes, at least 300 Linnet and 200 chaffinch in the dunes and eight stock doves.</p><p>There was a lot of people though. It was like a July Sunday with cars abandoned at the site entrance and hundreds of people on the beach. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzLJxkpZZnsXIr8_3zYJeAHoWcQYUOZ2-4qJApx35p5Vnopg_yXfOUaq_q1OgmWi1g1egwuWsrggzY2TqIWaH66arEqOrSJ2lO84SXpKxmcjjPih8poPmXwE331EVNjy1hz99avoRFYVeqOgaatNdMAXKLTv-XbpvIRSlvBWOeycEVlAJ1m5jk8zm6aw=s3438" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2095" data-original-width="3438" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzLJxkpZZnsXIr8_3zYJeAHoWcQYUOZ2-4qJApx35p5Vnopg_yXfOUaq_q1OgmWi1g1egwuWsrggzY2TqIWaH66arEqOrSJ2lO84SXpKxmcjjPih8poPmXwE331EVNjy1hz99avoRFYVeqOgaatNdMAXKLTv-XbpvIRSlvBWOeycEVlAJ1m5jk8zm6aw=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach was busier than it looks in this photo!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The ringed plover flock that roosts on the beach at the south of the patch had no chance to settle and just flew back and forth, looking to rest. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj20zB1BVGjmp-gLZ5ng5jpHbUizPvY_cn4igdbvkGaD5AqhfRFlE6wtun8du7C3dV8fQRaTdvReUKxlgxmLoA4XDeHUt6sAKbAzI-VsF69-mV9pshuEyZPYEvVB3Zvw8dBPd_0xi6SrGrKWEmL4RH0m_GVuanFZGelA7Kk6SrxfOvsSOb_cANPs_ljJg=s3977" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="3977" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj20zB1BVGjmp-gLZ5ng5jpHbUizPvY_cn4igdbvkGaD5AqhfRFlE6wtun8du7C3dV8fQRaTdvReUKxlgxmLoA4XDeHUt6sAKbAzI-VsF69-mV9pshuEyZPYEvVB3Zvw8dBPd_0xi6SrGrKWEmL4RH0m_GVuanFZGelA7Kk6SrxfOvsSOb_cANPs_ljJg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringed Plovers looking for somewhere to rest - no chance today.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I finished 2021 on a credible 167 species for the patch, which, given how poor an autumn it was wasn't too bad. Usual autumn stuff like pied and spotted flycatchers, garden warber, yellow-browed warbler, redstart and whinchat all missing from my list.</p><p>I also concentrated a bit more on the <a href="https://bubo.org/view-all-lists.html?showlists=42,BOU_ENG,1,2021,11,0">5km patch challenge</a> because of covid-lockdown. I saw 191 species within 5km of home which was nine more than the next patches. Ellington is obviously a good place to live if you're a birder. I'll continue with the 5km challenge this year as it does add a bit of variety to my birding.</p><p>I'm hoping to keep the blog updated more regularly too. My work/life balance needs some adjustment I think.</p><p><a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S99818522" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Today's list on eBird</a></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm3ZxB0rclMJWjOVGPj1A-iZtxRLcOPXRqGcJWalqDU93NmB3B8kuThF31bxc1jes8vcd2TkR8LTL4TvkZBwfnx-YUUggQJeMgyEsxAaC1-fLvk3LfcKbO6yGpaY-shkoPTtgzelrAf1jW4jBbx7rSq9lBqqENqX5cprM3iqEgVFnSTAiLi9ca0KLnAg=s3212" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2141" data-original-width="3212" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm3ZxB0rclMJWjOVGPj1A-iZtxRLcOPXRqGcJWalqDU93NmB3B8kuThF31bxc1jes8vcd2TkR8LTL4TvkZBwfnx-YUUggQJeMgyEsxAaC1-fLvk3LfcKbO6yGpaY-shkoPTtgzelrAf1jW4jBbx7rSq9lBqqENqX5cprM3iqEgVFnSTAiLi9ca0KLnAg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing Curlew</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-6760612902981563382021-11-29T21:37:00.003+00:002021-11-29T21:37:31.679+00:00The calm after the storm<p>Storm Arwen well and truly lashed the Northumberland coast on Friday night into Saturday morning. A northerly wind reaching nearly 160 kph came from beyond Svalbard, straight down the North Sea to hit us square-on. </p><p>In theory, seawatching was on the cards for Saturday as winds eased. Instead we awoke to devastation. Trees blocking roads and various bits of neighbours houses in our garden. It was still very windy, very cold and and occasionally snowy or windy. I didn't fancy a session at Snab Point, especially after spending the morning helping our neighbour with his shed roof.</p><p>The assumed influx of little auks didn't really happen so when Sunday morning dawned bright and calm we headed for the patch to check out the destruction. The bushes were virtually unscathed, years of coppicing leaving less prone to being blown over. The Oddie hide however wasn't so lucky.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQGVcVHCLl0/YaVDf4HMjQI/AAAAAAAAKFo/vgzFOyKxTqYXsKB6oW6HT9RS5GJEUcWnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51712899597_a664eb8368_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQGVcVHCLl0/YaVDf4HMjQI/AAAAAAAAKFo/vgzFOyKxTqYXsKB6oW6HT9RS5GJEUcWnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/51712899597_a664eb8368_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have lift-off! Open-top bird hide<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxIYnvXgUM/YaVHDOjycpI/AAAAAAAAKGc/LpZuicPUXsUhlKAKWoCurMRGpg-SXR5jACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PHOTO-2021-11-28-09-51-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoxIYnvXgUM/YaVHDOjycpI/AAAAAAAAKGc/LpZuicPUXsUhlKAKWoCurMRGpg-SXR5jACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/PHOTO-2021-11-28-09-51-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room with a view<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>The roof had come off in a single piece and was lying nearly 50m away in the Budge fields. Impressive!<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHL_RYIvgos/YaVE8SBvJPI/AAAAAAAAKGU/Uo-1b5waZqg2iUuD9WOOUf9g2IzaNm1xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51714559150_15617b14c1_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHL_RYIvgos/YaVE8SBvJPI/AAAAAAAAKGU/Uo-1b5waZqg2iUuD9WOOUf9g2IzaNm1xwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/51714559150_15617b14c1_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not good.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Not related, this mute swan wasn't lucky either. I can't be sure the storm did for it or Avian Influenza which is prevalent at the moment.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib0q_8GHqVg/YaVDgD8smsI/AAAAAAAAKFs/MHYbe29VFa0d1o43XMhwdmb-XBIgDS5wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51712899977_22ab65fb00_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ib0q_8GHqVg/YaVDgD8smsI/AAAAAAAAKFs/MHYbe29VFa0d1o43XMhwdmb-XBIgDS5wQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/51712899977_22ab65fb00_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so lucky</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was ringed and Andy Rickeard soon got back to us with the details. It was ringed a cygnet at Testo's Roundabout on the A19 (unusual swan habitat) in July 2016 and has been a regular at QEII Country Park since 2017. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcNAT3w2XpI/YaVDg69RqCI/AAAAAAAAKF4/X93EKKb55uQ5149ncdP5OttXZTsMaxreACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51714349504_d700476445_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcNAT3w2XpI/YaVDg69RqCI/AAAAAAAAKF4/X93EKKb55uQ5149ncdP5OttXZTsMaxreACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/51714349504_d700476445_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><p>We didn't see much else at Druridge, a winter skylark was noteworthy, so we headed home for lunch.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K7anWN3Ei4/YaVDg75EKsI/AAAAAAAAKF0/dmas2lOCFnUBjzn8yWWf_37r-QxNYoIgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51713952273_fa05445df6_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K7anWN3Ei4/YaVDg75EKsI/AAAAAAAAKF0/dmas2lOCFnUBjzn8yWWf_37r-QxNYoIgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/51713952273_fa05445df6_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wind-sculpted sand dunes</td></tr></tbody></table><p>No sooner were we back when news broke of a potentially twitchable Brünnich's guillemot being tracked up the coast. With no time to get Newbiggin, we headed for Snab. </p><p>I hadn't set my scope for long, when I got onto a bird heading north that looked the biz. I alerted Janet to it - it looked very 'black and white' with a black head but it was the shape and jizz that made it stand out (it travelled on its own), it was dumpy, almost barrel shaped, it looked really white with more white on the flanks than a common guille (or maybe there was just more flanks with it appearing so deep chested).The underwings where strikingly white and it showed a white 'armpit' as the wings whirred around. I was surprised that it had arrived as quickly and hadn't been reported from Newbiggin, I checked my phone to see that it had been seen at Newbiggin, five minutes before we saw picked it up off Snab. </p><p>We watched it into the bay as it headed towards Coquet Island - it was motoring. It was quite distinctive compared to the guillemots and razorbills that followed. It's dumpy shape (described by one of the Newbiggin seawatchers as looking like a 'rugby ball'). What a bird! I've seen them in Iceland and Arctic Norway on the breeding grounds but it was brilliant to see one on home turf. </p><p>We stayed for 45 minutes and added a couple of little auks, two great northern and a handful red-throats to the list. It was odd seeing shelducks on a seawatch, we counted seven. We then had to go to Chibburn to look at an injured barn owl reported by the farmer. </p><p>It's been an odd week for weather, last weekend was cold and wintery but by midweek we watching many wasps on hoverflies feeding on ivy. Hoverflies in late November aren't common.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izLeJwvdwmg/YaVDgQ26-6I/AAAAAAAAKFw/WW6vEBFXY3oeqgGB6JucyZbgyPvXEN4UACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51713949683_f62b43203e_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="2048" height="558" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izLeJwvdwmg/YaVDgQ26-6I/AAAAAAAAKFw/WW6vEBFXY3oeqgGB6JucyZbgyPvXEN4UACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h558/51713949683_f62b43203e_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eristlalis sp - probably E. pertinax on Ivy<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmy-7S_cozM/YaVDfoL-MUI/AAAAAAAAKFk/jvpY3oDWX5Al1yAqKh4S_fAdz1QNXIscgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51713946213_bd77a995ee_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmy-7S_cozM/YaVDfoL-MUI/AAAAAAAAKFk/jvpY3oDWX5Al1yAqKh4S_fAdz1QNXIscgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/51713946213_bd77a995ee_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">moody-skies at Druridge last weekend</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-30989909896708585212021-11-14T17:59:00.002+00:002021-11-14T17:59:42.700+00:00I am the Walrus!The plan this morning was to put some low nets up in the dunes to the north of the turning circle to catch and ring twite. Light rain at first light literally put a dampener on that. Plan B was to go out for a wander somewhere when news broke via the local grapevine of a <b>Walrus</b> at Seahouses. It wasn't April 1st. Andy Douglas posted pics of a young walrus on the rocks in Seahouses harbour.<div><br /></div><div>We were soon on our way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Arriving in the harbour, a small crowd had gathered and more looked on from above. We could see thw walrus from the car as we drove along the harbour, a brown hulk on top of the rocks. We parked-up and walked along the harbour for better views - and we got them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkLs73w7Of0/YZFMtKQlpVI/AAAAAAAAKEY/9lBDK6Magn4dsfTnR2zufIu09uie36GrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3191-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkLs73w7Of0/YZFMtKQlpVI/AAAAAAAAKEY/9lBDK6Magn4dsfTnR2zufIu09uie36GrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3191-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fsc_7Pllf4/YZFMs8KSNjI/AAAAAAAAKEU/IVNGT_OxgOgueiX2e8YFj33CvVr6lZ6jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3194-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fsc_7Pllf4/YZFMs8KSNjI/AAAAAAAAKEU/IVNGT_OxgOgueiX2e8YFj33CvVr6lZ6jwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3194-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFEKTDAiYjs/YZFMv45lBAI/AAAAAAAAKEg/tvy0MH0jAkc4xE0bjMuemViblYP8B1d2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3200-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFEKTDAiYjs/YZFMv45lBAI/AAAAAAAAKEg/tvy0MH0jAkc4xE0bjMuemViblYP8B1d2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3200-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Seemingly this Walrus has recently been in the Netherlands and Germany, a young female who now goes by the name of Freya... This was confirmed by a mark on her flipper. Presumably she came overnight at high tide. This is the first record for northeast England.</div><div><br /></div><div>We watched her for an hour or so, she didn't move much, just occasionally looking up when a boat went by. At one point it looked as though she was purposefully shielding her eyes from the sun. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbGDJbfgehQ/YZFMtBtg0oI/AAAAAAAAKEc/yXUnXN9vTbEHJeoVKguTPUmVkrgoIU4NACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3184-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbGDJbfgehQ/YZFMtBtg0oI/AAAAAAAAKEc/yXUnXN9vTbEHJeoVKguTPUmVkrgoIU4NACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3184-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">too bright to sleep</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Walrus - a first for me, but I would never have predicted one in Seahouses Harbour mind. More like one of David Steel's legendary April Fools gags than reality. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Eiders drakes were already displaying to the ducks 'ahuuu'</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93lG7txh0FY/YZFMv--EXQI/AAAAAAAAKEk/YD_ni4qR7TEEdaOCLF3wOdynSm48oLeoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3213-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93lG7txh0FY/YZFMv--EXQI/AAAAAAAAKEk/YD_ni4qR7TEEdaOCLF3wOdynSm48oLeoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3213-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very smart drake Eider</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We headed to Bamburgh for seafood and and then a look off Stag Rocks where a Back Guillemot was showing well just offshore. We didn't see the long-staying Bonaparte's gull which was seen again later in the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been quiet on the patch. 80 Twite in the dunes was the highlight of yesterday's walk and last weekend we saw four <b>snow bunting </b>on the beach. Days are short now, so birding either side of work is difficult. </div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com2Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-90034848158730320062021-10-19T21:09:00.003+01:002021-10-19T21:10:05.935+01:00Thrushes, Little Gulls and Waxcaps<p> I was sat at my desk, in my loft-office at home, yesterday afternoon, the velux windows were open as it was mild and by 4pm I could hear redwings over the house, seeeeep, seeeep.</p><p>I popped my head out to see a flock of 80 flying just over our rooftop and then another 40 or so. I tried to work but by 4.30 I could concentrate no more and headed for the patch. When I arrived, redwings were coming over but quite high. I thought I would check the plantation and entrance bushes first for grounded migrants until I read a Whatsapp message from Shaun Robson - 81 little gull off Druridge Links. Surely a typo?</p><p>I asked him to confirm and he replied to say 'yes' he had counted 81 little gulls offshore. I headed for the Dune. Shaun and I must've passed as he wasn't there when I arrived (he'd gone to Cresswell) but the little gulls were still there, well at least 50-60 of them, it was hard to keep track as some moved off south, some loafed on the sea whilst others fed. I would guess that 95% were adults. Easily a patch record count for this species.</p><p>The thrushes kept coming but in smaller numbers, I was watching them coming ashore from a long way out, mostly redwings with a few blackbirds. At least four brambling also came in-off. No fieldfares yet. A great northern diver was on the sea. </p><p>I stayed until dark, by which time, thrush movement had stopped, but another brambling came over. As darkness fell, unknown numbers of pink-footed geese arrived on Budge fields.</p><p>I love to see this visible migration of winter thrushes arriving over the sea and always find it amazing that after such a long and perilous journey, that they don't make landfall at the first opportunity. I tracked a small group which just kept going towards Widdrington and probably beyond.</p><p>No visits to the patch today but yesterdays arrival was still evident in the Goswick and Beal areas with many grounded thrushes, bramblings and robins and a few reed buntings which I presume are incoming birds too?</p><p>There are a few waxcaps in the dunes, by the side of the paths, which I think are 'dune waxcap' - <i>Hygrocybe conicoides</i></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtiv_7Mvnqo/YW8k1-SVVyI/AAAAAAAAKDg/eLidRN-ZOJQN-EJYEVsfA4Uo2vgSRxYOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtiv_7Mvnqo/YW8k1-SVVyI/AAAAAAAAKDg/eLidRN-ZOJQN-EJYEVsfA4Uo2vgSRxYOACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/original.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dune waxcap?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i><br /></i></p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-22567808417981520112021-10-17T21:06:00.002+01:002021-10-17T22:25:10.803+01:00Tystie, tystie, very, very tystieTwists of fate led to a full-fat patch tick on Friday.<div><br /></div><div>Firstly - I wouldn't have normally been at Druridge on a Friday lunchtime. I'd have been at work. A good friend from Malta, Justin Vassallo, was visiting so I took the day off to take him birding. Justin is a legend - he started the first Maltese Raptor Camps in 1999, when he was only 19. I met him in 2001 when I went to my first of four raptor camps. We've been friends ever since. </div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly - We'd spent the first part of the morning seawatching at Snab Point so wouldn't have ordinarily gone back to look at the sea. We were in the little hide at Druridge when a couple of visiting birders told us they had seen two great northern divers with a single red-throated offshore - A chap had put them onto them. We retrieved the scopes from the car and headed up there. The 'finder' wandered off when we arrived. No sign of the GNDs but there was enough to look at so we stayed a while.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's how I happened to be in the right place at the right time.</div><div><br /></div><div>We counted at least 20 red-throats on the sea, 160 common scoters, large auks, red-breasted mergansers, three <b>scaup,</b> great crested grebes. All good stuff for a Maltese birder. After 30 minutes or so of scanning, I picked up an auk headed north, already north of us - big white wing patches stood out immediately on an otherwise black and white 'motley' auk. Justin was looking south when I called it - <b>Black Guillemot!</b> Despite my best efforts I couldn't get him onto it before it disappeared into a trough and was lost to sight. Given the scaly-dusky-ness of the bird I think it was a first-winter rather than a winter adult. </div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose 'tystie' is overdue as a patch bird and I shouldn't have been unexpected but it certainly wasn't on my radar for Friday - given reports from elsewhere, great shearwater or white-billed diver would've been more likely. So, a pleasant surprise. Tystie takes my patch list to 253 and the patch list to 272.</div><div><br /></div><div>We retired to the Drift Café for lunch and a celebratory beer.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FH-JDNYHoUs/YWx_iRKmK-I/AAAAAAAAKDU/tU4k1kUjDIM_E12YHvbgmax-eEcyoHq1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/0140e0b7-a97a-4c55-93b5-c1bc132c3338.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FH-JDNYHoUs/YWx_iRKmK-I/AAAAAAAAKDU/tU4k1kUjDIM_E12YHvbgmax-eEcyoHq1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h310/0140e0b7-a97a-4c55-93b5-c1bc132c3338.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin and me - celebrating a few lifers for him and a patch tick for me with a bottle of Curlew Return each</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Elsewhere on the patch, late common darter and migrant hawker dragonflies were on the wing and three mistle thrushes were around the farm. Four barnacle geese were new for the autumn.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H37ZO-xTKVo/YWx-L6elQwI/AAAAAAAAKCw/NgJM7OD9qJMvy-YEo1PJGOlF8Qhu_L_CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H37ZO-xTKVo/YWx-L6elQwI/AAAAAAAAKCw/NgJM7OD9qJMvy-YEo1PJGOlF8Qhu_L_CgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many common darters</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KXQAQP6hCo/YWx-Iex_ofI/AAAAAAAAKCg/mbxpDDHBjBsWBoIxeHp5F_za_t4zYIcaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3130-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KXQAQP6hCo/YWx-Iex_ofI/AAAAAAAAKCg/mbxpDDHBjBsWBoIxeHp5F_za_t4zYIcaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3130-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mistle thrush - not common on the patch</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After the excitement of Friday, Saturday was a bit more mundane. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a grey day, no wind, just flat... as was the birding. I decided to have a look on the sea. The sea was flat too. There was steady, northerly, kittiwake passage and three little gulls lingered offshore. A single female scaup came in with a red-breasted merganser and two turnstone flew north. 35 red-throated divers were on the sea, eight flew north and one went south. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8QiGzN5M5Q/YWx-LHg7IlI/AAAAAAAAKCo/Mr9lLOrNeewkBr_dfrTej0ZXFLj90-AvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3134-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8QiGzN5M5Q/YWx-LHg7IlI/AAAAAAAAKCo/Mr9lLOrNeewkBr_dfrTej0ZXFLj90-AvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3134-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coal tit in the plantation on Saturday</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Today, Janet and I walked north from the plantation and back by the beach. The bushes were VERY quiet. The three mistle thrushes were still about. On the beach, a single rock pipit feeding on the seaweed north of the Dunbar Burn was a year-tick. Rock pipits are tricky at Druridge so it was welcome. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMSyu6KwuIU/YWx-MzDnU_I/AAAAAAAAKC0/-VpytWIPK-MyIWnskral9nFVd83_n83zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3144.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMSyu6KwuIU/YWx-MzDnU_I/AAAAAAAAKC0/-VpytWIPK-MyIWnskral9nFVd83_n83zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock pipit</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmtl2-KePEs/YWx-O1XWG1I/AAAAAAAAKC4/3IMfuaIDFyglXZHcBkgJvp8ioC11FyADgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3157-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmtl2-KePEs/YWx-O1XWG1I/AAAAAAAAKC4/3IMfuaIDFyglXZHcBkgJvp8ioC11FyADgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3157-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrion Crow on the beach<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLgm8w2q2_0/YWx-JaAoFXI/AAAAAAAAKCk/0MlU4X_6DBARWwnMjMGLXEZCqRusWqgbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3114-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLgm8w2q2_0/YWx-JaAoFXI/AAAAAAAAKCk/0MlU4X_6DBARWwnMjMGLXEZCqRusWqgbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3114-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Razorbill - still a few auks feeding close inshore</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNJbwjr8GmM/YWx-LQv5gaI/AAAAAAAAKCs/_6v4lU_vTbAIwnYtfor-yDGgyoqTnvyCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A3117-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNJbwjr8GmM/YWx-LQv5gaI/AAAAAAAAKCs/_6v4lU_vTbAIwnYtfor-yDGgyoqTnvyCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A3117-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringed plovers from last week</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>A sizeable (250+) flock of finches roamed about the dunes, I think 85-90% of them were linnets. No twite yet. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-52500435393192212712021-10-10T21:26:00.000+01:002021-10-10T21:26:03.569+01:00Autumn hasn't really got going<p>It's been a month since my last blog.</p><p>In my defence, I have been on holiday. We had ten days away in late September to Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. We finally managed to connect with the black-browed albatross at Bempton on our way south and called in for the long-staying White-tailed Lapwing at Blacktoft. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PuxdQLCMXA/YWNIg6F78QI/AAAAAAAAKBo/00zduTnpOwQRCkfy6x5lslN10KkjW6kgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2441-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PuxdQLCMXA/YWNIg6F78QI/AAAAAAAAKBo/00zduTnpOwQRCkfy6x5lslN10KkjW6kgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2441-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-browed Albatross at Bempton</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbJyUAC5UUI/YWNIhSo0yoI/AAAAAAAAKBs/mrtGZ8z5vCksWOF201UQMWIk-57dD1NFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbJyUAC5UUI/YWNIhSo0yoI/AAAAAAAAKBs/mrtGZ8z5vCksWOF201UQMWIk-57dD1NFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2682.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-tailed Lapwing at Blacktoft</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Norfolk and Suffolk were quiet bird-wise. It's great to see hobby everyday and great egrets are everywhere (both still description species in Northumberland). As the birding was so quiet, we concentrated more on invertebrates. The wonderful Suffolk Wildlife Trust Reserve - Carlton Marshes, didn't disappoint. We saw <b>fen raft spider </b>and three species of Bush Cricket there.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Sxg9WY6vWw/YWNInmBGPII/AAAAAAAAKBw/3n2vdtv4MRUHNZOkFn9_Hcq2xcCWI3y_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A2121-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Sxg9WY6vWw/YWNInmBGPII/AAAAAAAAKBw/3n2vdtv4MRUHNZOkFn9_Hcq2xcCWI3y_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A2121-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roesel's Bush-Cricket</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw0na5itkek/YWNIn_PIsvI/AAAAAAAAKB0/1jlWTB843e8MGtudMHp_syAn3uq_P_IgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A2161-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw0na5itkek/YWNIn_PIsvI/AAAAAAAAKB0/1jlWTB843e8MGtudMHp_syAn3uq_P_IgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A2161-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short-winged conehead</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We also watched a little egret catching migrant hawker dragonflies on the wing- who'd have thought that 20 years ago.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-EgVsSKL4A/YWNIfm8aZ-I/AAAAAAAAKBk/gOfNoD5Swc4oujLT54mySGeRq_wodhxhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1471/0O1A2981-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1471" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-EgVsSKL4A/YWNIfm8aZ-I/AAAAAAAAKBk/gOfNoD5Swc4oujLT54mySGeRq_wodhxhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2981-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little egret hunting dragonflies</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At Waxham, we went to successfully twitch vagrant emperor dragonflies and also saw wasp spider - bonus! I like Suffolk. There's lots of interesting things that we don't see up here (yet). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkVppUaTXhI/YWNKyJyq_UI/AAAAAAAAKCE/2DVrMGF9PpMp5-4eYnilPyB--Wy9LuCvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/wasp_spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1861" data-original-width="2048" height="582" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkVppUaTXhI/YWNKyJyq_UI/AAAAAAAAKCE/2DVrMGF9PpMp5-4eYnilPyB--Wy9LuCvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h582/wasp_spider.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wasp spider</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back on the patch it's been quiet though. With the wind mostly from the west, there's been no falls of birds and common passage migrants have been absent. My chances of redstart, pied or spotted flycatchers or garden warbler are now very slim. With the forecast saying westerlies for at least another week, a vagrant American bird could be more likely than a yellow-browed warbler. Speaking of which, yesterday, I went to twitch the red-eyed vireo on Holy Island - a new world-bird for me.</p><p>Since coming back from holiday I've added <b>pectoral sandpiper</b> (28th Sept), greenfinch (4th October) and a <b>brambling </b>to my patch list (yesterday - a fly over in-off) which takes me to 160 for the year.</p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-86868879328945812712021-09-08T23:00:00.007+01:002021-09-09T13:34:58.541+01:00Back to VizMigging<p>The wind moved into the west which brought an end to exciting seawatches. It's since turned south-s'easterly which can be good for VizMigging -visible migration - which for me means observing and counting birds on their autumn migration from a single vantage point. I'm normally in Tarifa at this time for the most spectacular VizMig in western Europe, it wasn't to be this year...</p><p>Instead, my vantage point was the 'big dune' at Druridge this morning. No flocks of Honey Buzzards, Short-toed Eagles or White Storks but a great vantage point at the innermost part of the bay which funnels coasting birds in to one point. I only had an hour or so before work from 7.30am to 8.30am. The wind was light and the skies were clear.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ew7efyJG4LE/YTkwVNLPB6I/AAAAAAAAJ_4/GEvlnQLV2jIqwBuOljCmaiGrPxq561FaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2303-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ew7efyJG4LE/YTkwVNLPB6I/AAAAAAAAJ_4/GEvlnQLV2jIqwBuOljCmaiGrPxq561FaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2303-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical view of a passing Meadow Pipit</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Meadow Pipits and Swallows were piling through as I arrived and continued to do so. House and Sand Martins came through in lower numbers with only a few Skylarks and Pied/White Wagtails. A few waders included 2 Ruff, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and four Snipe. </p><p>The final tally for one hour was:</p><p>Barn Swallow - 557</p><p>Meadow Pipit - 288</p><p>House Martin - 36</p><p>Sand Martin - 14</p><p>Skylark - 4</p><p>Pied/White Wagtail - 2</p><p>The last couple of evenings have been warm, sunny and calm and I've had a couple of brief looks on the sea. Yesterday I photographed a wader coming in-off, it flew over my head as I photographed (I nearly went-over backwards) and had me stumped at first. Any guesses what it is?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jwqedw4Maw/YTkwVKNdHeI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/3FxlXwa4AHI9fC2JNbNODmphCqA-bdN9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2296-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jwqedw4Maw/YTkwVKNdHeI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/3FxlXwa4AHI9fC2JNbNODmphCqA-bdN9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2296-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of context wader</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Scoter flock numbers around 350 but is always changing, last night there were two Great-crested Grebes with them, tonight two Tufted Duck. The flock is constantly changing and requires regular scrutiny if a 'Surfy' is to be found. </p><p>Tonight I had two treats, an aerial battle between an Arctic Skua and a young Sandwich Tern and a beautiful sunset. An adult and juvenile Roseate tern were nice as it won't be long until they're gone. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-HC49axqSI/YTkwVJZvquI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/AMDgswLOOOgL63JG4e9zp4a0y_p9xeTXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2315-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-HC49axqSI/YTkwVJZvquI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/AMDgswLOOOgL63JG4e9zp4a0y_p9xeTXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2315-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let battle commence</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwB7HyzxGL4/YTkwXcz9llI/AAAAAAAAKAE/8IPAPM1yxeY2_f-BVKmL_0mwKnt1EIpCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2317-Edit-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwB7HyzxGL4/YTkwXcz9llI/AAAAAAAAKAE/8IPAPM1yxeY2_f-BVKmL_0mwKnt1EIpCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2317-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEQrorjhciQ/YTkwWQr0W2I/AAAAAAAAKAA/XdWcR4fvSzsi1xh5bT6d5-kBFMh6fCBgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2316-Edit-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEQrorjhciQ/YTkwWQr0W2I/AAAAAAAAKAA/XdWcR4fvSzsi1xh5bT6d5-kBFMh6fCBgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2316-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otG-dQVasds/YTkwXfXHR_I/AAAAAAAAKAI/yStNjz2_zu4NWXZRL4qIVbmXSG27TFubgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2320-Edit-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otG-dQVasds/YTkwXfXHR_I/AAAAAAAAKAI/yStNjz2_zu4NWXZRL4qIVbmXSG27TFubgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2320-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off they go</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZZUvmtpYmw/YTkwYXjl8TI/AAAAAAAAKAM/dm7SyjvnSsgs5LOH_GjDF-41UFzgXqqUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2333-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZZUvmtpYmw/YTkwYXjl8TI/AAAAAAAAKAM/dm7SyjvnSsgs5LOH_GjDF-41UFzgXqqUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2333-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset, that's the Simonside Hills behind the turbines. </td></tr></tbody></table>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com2Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-47820892373309148152021-09-02T23:23:00.006+01:002021-09-04T12:52:20.030+01:00Still seawatchingLast week I was <a href="http://www.druridgediary.com/2021/08/mostly-seawatching.html">mostly seawatching</a>. Well, since then, the wind has remained out of the north and I've continued to be 'mostly seawatching'.<div><br /></div><div>I've had two sessions on the patch and two trips to Snab Point for rarer species, just to give myself a better chance of seeing them. </div><div><br /></div><div>On Tuesday evening I had a two-hour seawatch from the dunes at Druridge. It started quietly so I decided to count 'everything' - I don't normally do this, because, when you're counting a long string of Gannets, you might just miss a skua or shearwater slipping through. Anyhoo, I did count the Gannets - 977 in two hours, give or take. That's about 500/hour on average. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other highlights from Tuesday evening included:</div><div><br /></div><div>Pale-bellied Brent - 7</div><div>Bonxie - 2</div><div>Arctic Skua - 1</div><div>Roseate Tern - 1</div><div>Sooty Shearwater - 2</div><div>Manx - 8</div><div>and a Grey Heron - not a common sight on a seawatch.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S93995383">Full list on eBird</a></div><div><br /></div><div>On Wednesday afternoon, a <b>Fea's type Pterodroma petrel</b> was tracked north up the East Coast. It was due at Newbiggin after 5pm, but I was cutting it fine, leaving the office at ten-to, I headed for Snab Point. I hadn't even got my scope set up when news came through from Church Point. Six minutes later I picked it up about 2/3rds out turning and towering, I got a fella, Dave, who was also there onto it and we watched it for the full three-four minutes it took to pass us and head north into the Bay. Despite the distance, the light was fabulous and the dark 'V' from the wings to the back could be made out as it banked and turned. What a bird! Much better views than the one I saw from Druridge a few years ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>This morning, Janet and I were back at Snab Point before work. A juvenile <b>Sabine's Gull </b>had been tracked up the coast. Shortly after being reported at Newbiggin we got onto it, straight out, above the horizon. It was really obvious compared to the Kitti's we'd been watching coming through. A bit of a 'tick and run' - we headed back to work.</div><div><br /></div><div>This evening I headed back to my dune perch, with a new bit of kit. <a href="https://www.blacks.co.uk/15984367/eurohike-anywhere-chair-15984367/?istCompanyId=d92b362f-ac8a-4a8a-87ca-c56eafad7955&istFeedId=2f99410f-1124-43d5-8232-86c184f09479&istItemId=iawwrqipp&istBid=tzlt&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7MGJBhD-ARIsAMZ0eetK-lWVrk6fJXPMtI6oyvYNOebpUPpEAk4GVNi20Fqoq9Zp5o0ViogaAgjGEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">A foldable camping seat</a>. This one just has a back and base, no legs, so ideal if there is a dune to sit on. I've been standing recently but it's hard work standing for three hours, let alone six or seven. </div><div><br /></div><div>It started quiet. There weren't even many Gannets. </div><div><br /></div><div>About forty minutes in I picked up a pale-phase Skua to the south, about half way out, the flight was slow and buoyant and I fancied it was a Long-tailed Skua. As it came closer my suspicions were right, a beautiful dusky-grey and white adult long-tailed skua, drew level with me and continued north. What a bird!</div><div><br /></div><div>It picked up after that, with a couple of Bonxies and Arctic Skuas, and then a group of five Arctic Skuas together at half-five, close-in. Two adult <b>Pomarine Skuas</b> had been tracked north and they promptly came through just before half-six. Nice pale birds complete with spoons. Three little gulls, more Arctic Skuas and four Purple Sandpipers went through.</div><div><br /></div><div>It had turned into a canny seawatch. I was thinking of going home to make tea when a juvenile<b> Sabine's Gull </b>appeared in the bottom of my scope, filling it. It was close in!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now this is where my new seat was my undoing...</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sabine's was in my scope, it landed on the sea, I panicked looking for my phone to try and video it (as it was that close). The phone had fallen onto the sand, as I reached from my new seat for it, it shifted, so did I, and the scope went over. I set it back up but couldn't find the bird. If I'd been standing up, as I have been for the last year or more, this wouldn't have happened. Frantic scanning of the sea where it was last seen and then, back on my feet with the scope set up properly, a prolonged scan yielded nothing. Gone! F'ing seat!</div><div><br /></div><div>Two more tracked <b>'Poms</b>' came through at 19:18 - both adults with spoons and four <b>Little Gulls </b>were on the sea, two adults and two juvs. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S94080930">Full list here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>During a quiet spell tonight, I contemplated the pros and cons of modern communications that allow birds to be tracked up the coast. This morning, when the Sabine's Gull was at Tynemouth, I knew I had time for a bowl of Muesli before heading for Snab Point. You can now twitch seabirds. Whilst this undoubtedly means that more people get to see rare seabirds, it does take some of the fun out seawatching. Even though my views of the Sabine's gull at Druridge were brief this evening, before falling off my new seat, I still enjoyed that experience more than the tracked bird at Snab Point this morning which gave prolonged views. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tracked birds still need to be found by someone. I love seawatching and still put the hours in when nothing is being seen. It doesn't work if everyone sits at home waiting for Whatsapp to ping. Long-tailed Skuas are my favourite skua (by far) so finding an adult tonight was a real treat, it wouldn't have been the same if I knew it was coming like I did with the Poms. As I said... Pros and cons.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's some gulls...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esjuGI4GhpU/YTFKywyKgfI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/9PKBCcSm87YddqCocKnyixUTsujV2k2BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2241-Edit-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esjuGI4GhpU/YTFKywyKgfI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/9PKBCcSm87YddqCocKnyixUTsujV2k2BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2241-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Great Black-backed Gull</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUXE7_Gvt_E/YTFKxRamKcI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/Qw-wmnYXTcQvrgnwKmOLA48j6IFkmHPGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2253-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUXE7_Gvt_E/YTFKxRamKcI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/Qw-wmnYXTcQvrgnwKmOLA48j6IFkmHPGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2253-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult Common Gull</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ec20ZjlKNo/YTFKy8pL_RI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/XwLPB4AChSMoc7T2NJAdF-cZxzTAysIewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2238-Edit-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ec20ZjlKNo/YTFKy8pL_RI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/XwLPB4AChSMoc7T2NJAdF-cZxzTAysIewCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2238-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult Great Black-backed Gull</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-36012379722408043152021-08-30T23:23:00.003+01:002021-08-30T23:23:23.514+01:00Mostly Seawatching<p> This week I've mostly been seawatching.</p><p>With the wind switching to the north for most of the week, I've been seawatching at every opportunity, I've even abandoned Druridge for Snab Point a couple of times for rarer species.</p><p>It all started last Sunday, I had an evening seawatch, the wind was NE but light but it was a good start.</p><p>Arctic Skua 2</p><p>Bonxie 2</p><p>Little Gull 1</p><p>Roseate Tern 3</p><p>Sooty Shearwater 1</p><p>Manx Shearwater 11</p><p>Two Velvet scoter with 460 Common.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJvZyl_YZcw/YS1UD8G9ADI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/c8jn7XKihWQZub2TiCpfF8QWmx_A537EACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2138-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJvZyl_YZcw/YS1UD8G9ADI/AAAAAAAAJ-k/c8jn7XKihWQZub2TiCpfF8QWmx_A537EACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2138-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Gannet</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On Tuesday evening the seawatching was quiet but the light was amazing and it was nice to just watch the common species. A juvenile <b>Black Tern </b>going north was a nice year-tick.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezvXZtLryus/YS1UGqaqLcI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/GSlYZg4SiWs6aKY2qbGDoUbWtDHd5sLlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2143-Edit%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezvXZtLryus/YS1UGqaqLcI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/GSlYZg4SiWs6aKY2qbGDoUbWtDHd5sLlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2143-Edit%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oystercatchers in evening sunlight - a mix of adults and juveniles.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dH_QJuXzsIA/YS1UFWr8iTI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/JRDsFfFgxYgVpnIGVBOtAkLvbzkvRe6-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dH_QJuXzsIA/YS1UFWr8iTI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/JRDsFfFgxYgVpnIGVBOtAkLvbzkvRe6-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2096.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curlew in silhouette</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On Thursday another evening seawatch was more productive. 12 Manx and four Sooty Shearwaters, a <b>Great Norther Diver </b>in summer plumage, four Roseate Terns and four Bonxies.</p><p>On Friday evening, the wind had dropped but was still NE and it was overcast. 18 <b>Pale-bellied Brent Geese</b> headed north were my first of the year on the patch. Seemingly the same group were in Norfolk the previous day. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t30nKiusnxY/YS1T_h00COI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/ElSychv-SiYWtGmQunCBLYR8tfbbYgeZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2177-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t30nKiusnxY/YS1T_h00COI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/ElSychv-SiYWtGmQunCBLYR8tfbbYgeZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2177-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northbound - Pale-bellied Brents</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A few Sooty and Manx Shearwaters, five Bonxies and two Arctic Skua, as I was about to head home when I got onto a distant shearwater. On jizz, before side-on views, I thought 'Balearic' - the flight was too languid for Manx. It was distant and and the already poor light was fading fast (19:20) - it probably was Balearic but I wouldn't want to claim it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znzFtc7YOmE/YS1UGPxttvI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/ea8jebCdVvM6Y6-ki9TDsVbHRHC24g0hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2150-Edit%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znzFtc7YOmE/YS1UGPxttvI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/ea8jebCdVvM6Y6-ki9TDsVbHRHC24g0hwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2150-Edit%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorant </td></tr></tbody></table><p>On Sunday morning reports came through of a Balearic Shearwater headed north past Whitburn. I decided, rather than risk not seeing it at Druridge I would go to Snab Point, still inside my 5km Patch. News came from Newbiggin that the bird had gone past Church Point, we waited, and waited. 40 minutes passed, two angling boats that had been offshore motored north, Ashington Gary suggested the shearwater might be behind them, I scanned wit the scope and there it was, some way departing boats. It was distant but gave good views, showing a 'dark' armpit, but not a very dark 'smudgy mark' - jizz was more Balearic than Manx but it looked different. </p><p>Photos and videos taken at Whitburn show this bird to be atypical for Balearic and it certainly looks like many photos of Yelkouan Shearwater. One for the experts...</p><p>An amazing number of Med Gulls, at least 75, were on the beach in Lynemouth Bay. A Greenshank on the beach there was nice. I like Snab Point, it's nice to see some rocky shore species. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcaQul5RVOg/YS1T8yNot_I/AAAAAAAAJ-I/SBJvBQvbgl4q5DgRmgatLGcLW0RtXlpLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2205-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcaQul5RVOg/YS1T8yNot_I/AAAAAAAAJ-I/SBJvBQvbgl4q5DgRmgatLGcLW0RtXlpLACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2205-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Meds</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The wind was still out of the north this morning, it was cold and raining when I arrived on the patch. I headed for the Budge hide rather than the dunes. The Spoonbill was still there but little else so I braved a seawatch. </p><p>The showers kept coming, they were light, but squally, and the visibility was awful. Two Pale-bellied Brent went through, followed by ten more and a single bonxie. Another squally shower, and from inside the bay, through the murk, a shearwater came through, again I thought Balearic, again, because of the poor light, not enough to clinch it. I was more certain of this closer bird than Friday's mega distant bird. A single Manx followed it shortly afterwards and I was more certain the first bird was a Balearic but I'll not be submitting it. Another shower loomed so I gave up and went home.</p><p>I was back out at Snab Point later for another north-bound Balearic that didn't make it much beyond Newbiggin, where it stopped for lunch. I did the same.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb3BB-NffAU/YS1UCb781dI/AAAAAAAAJ-g/6jNWxCYbFcYSO5O831coc0FDvOt5nAFPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2211-Edit-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb3BB-NffAU/YS1UCb781dI/AAAAAAAAJ-g/6jNWxCYbFcYSO5O831coc0FDvOt5nAFPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2211-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the resident Fulmars at Snab - much closer than the passage birds</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqKzzZfz9K0/YS1T_y3aa_I/AAAAAAAAJ-U/NpCHNVG-cho4wMhkLFse23mZ5G8qjSIWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2222-Edit-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqKzzZfz9K0/YS1T_y3aa_I/AAAAAAAAJ-U/NpCHNVG-cho4wMhkLFse23mZ5G8qjSIWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2222-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Arctic Skua</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stJHwkz0kAU/YS1UBWzQJ8I/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/qIwMvTL2NwEcTwejhOnsYywrk3hS2OvuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2228-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stJHwkz0kAU/YS1UBWzQJ8I/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/qIwMvTL2NwEcTwejhOnsYywrk3hS2OvuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2228-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same bird as above</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-41568785415617380892021-08-15T22:05:00.004+01:002021-08-15T22:36:27.561+01:00Viz Mig - it's just a hobby!<p>Firstly, apologies for the lack of blog updates. There just aren't enough hours in the day and when it is still light in the evenings I would rather be out birding than sorting photos or writing blog posts, especially as most of my time these days is spent in front of the computer in my office.</p><p>Since my last post we had a holiday to Wales - a week in the Llyn AONB with an excursion to Anglesey for the Elegant Tern at Cemlyn Bay and two new damselflies. All in all, a great trip!</p><p>Back to Druridge, I've managed a few visits before and after work and the patch year-list is now on 146, a couple of decent seawatches and a few early migrants, like Cuckoo and Green Sandpiper, have pushed it up in July.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRvupokG4Ho/YRl6-4YH5_I/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/y40B65xv0VU-1_cldewQjyuwlDj-9HlWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1554-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRvupokG4Ho/YRl6-4YH5_I/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/y40B65xv0VU-1_cldewQjyuwlDj-9HlWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1554-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Tern feeding offshore in 'Golden Hour' light in July</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6KuNmSI1QQ/YRl6ySK5rZI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/C720z1z8U-4vA2Cf8eh_4LPZpiuawrfAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1940-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6KuNmSI1QQ/YRl6ySK5rZI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/C720z1z8U-4vA2Cf8eh_4LPZpiuawrfAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1940-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn Owl - un-ringed second year female</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Back to the here and now, on Friday I took a day off work and spent the morning on the patch. I did a bit of viz-migging from the high dune, it was reasonably quiet but I did scope the Little Owl at the preceptory. I had a wander down to the hides with the macro camera to look for bugs and beasts, where, bizarrely, I bumped into a chap from Oxford whom I'd met at Icklesham back in 2011, where I'd spent a week ringing with him as a trainee. As we were chatting a small falcon flew fast, over the bund, spooked by seeing us, it banked around over the Budge fields and headed off in the direction from which it had come - <b>Hobby</b>! An adult. My first on the patch since 2015.</p><p>I scrambled up the bank to look out over the big pool but I had gone. Shortly after I was sat in the little hide with a chap called Harry and we saw the same bird come back over the Budge fields before again heading our over the big pool. I think it must've been hunting hunting dragonflies. Both views were brief but the grey upperparts, lighter plain tail, paler underparts and heavily streaked under-carriage with reddish buff 'trousers' all visible, but it was it's jizz that made us all call hobby before detail as noted. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAo80OvlFFw/YRl6UkeZ41I/AAAAAAAAJ8k/Ixz0ZXvB7DwDjb3fu7T7By2i2FeAdf5VACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A1513-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAo80OvlFFw/YRl6UkeZ41I/AAAAAAAAJ8k/Ixz0ZXvB7DwDjb3fu7T7By2i2FeAdf5VACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A1513-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Field Grasshopper - pink form</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2Yy_XbSQCw/YRl6TnE69dI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/cN-ZFplXVJ0Nbd8GLx_opjy9LoeqsO3wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A1515-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2Yy_XbSQCw/YRl6TnE69dI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/cN-ZFplXVJ0Nbd8GLx_opjy9LoeqsO3wgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/_U8A1515-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New for the patch - Denticulate Leatherbug (Coriomeris denticulatus)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v65z7wr9RPs/YRl6WrxOAuI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/9-LPbfYEZYEg_e-fwNQP4xcSh8IB__-0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A1561-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v65z7wr9RPs/YRl6WrxOAuI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/9-LPbfYEZYEg_e-fwNQP4xcSh8IB__-0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A1561-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comma Butterfly - not common on the patch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLi4Iqmhq3Q/YRl-yTkI8cI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/U8KKlCngj98q8sPZ50rJLdhe-QYDtn15wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1972-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLi4Iqmhq3Q/YRl-yTkI8cI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/U8KKlCngj98q8sPZ50rJLdhe-QYDtn15wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1972-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roe Buck headed south across the Budge Fields</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Yesterday, on arriving at the patch, just before 8am, I saw a few Swifts overhead, Janet sent me a message to say she had seen Swifts moving over the marina in Amble. Another viz-mig session I thought... The wind was stronger from west, which is good for viz-mig at Druridge as birds are 'pinched-in' to the middle of the bay, but also tough-going so I chose a lower spot, rather than the big dune.</p><p>Swift passage continued and by 9am I'd counted 109 going south with strong passage of hirrundines, mostly House Martins. This continued until after 10 am when it seemed to ease, in total I counted 245 Swifts south in two and a half hours.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V1FwN0_bRo/YRl6RZk7T_I/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/ZiyCm5U8SF0LJGSEkjLIZk30-XpcnoBUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1971/0O1A2026-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1971" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V1FwN0_bRo/YRl6RZk7T_I/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/ZiyCm5U8SF0LJGSEkjLIZk30-XpcnoBUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2026-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of over 245 Swifts that went south</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A <b>Hobby</b>, presumably yesterday's bird, soared high on two occasions, between Druridge and East Chev and over towards Low Chibburn before drifting south. Scope-views was I all I had, but they were prolonged as it soared on the thermals. Two Merlins and two Sparrowhawks came through as did a juvenile Marsh Harrier - it was almost like being in Tarifa (maybe not). <b>Green Sandpiper</b> (with a Snipe), Little Egret, four Black-tailed Godwits and 17 Meadow Pipits went south.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ezpuJcnv54/YRl6RH_-30I/AAAAAAAAJ8U/anWlfAcpIWYhXI2a6FJVl-MQNTM3Ora0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1984-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ezpuJcnv54/YRl6RH_-30I/AAAAAAAAJ8U/anWlfAcpIWYhXI2a6FJVl-MQNTM3Ora0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1984-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two Sparrowhawks<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1hHnzebgW0/YRl6SI7KvmI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/q9G4HhrWMQos5NVc9ZpeJyKlJOh__ebawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A2010-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1hHnzebgW0/YRl6SI7KvmI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/q9G4HhrWMQos5NVc9ZpeJyKlJOh__ebawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A2010-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it was gone... one of two Merlins</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I went looking for Harebell Bee in the dunes afterwards with no joy but did see some other interesting critters. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04W6kspL5hk/YRl6WXf1N_I/AAAAAAAAJ8o/rp06xDtJviccOI4JODHN0caOnvdhy7SIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A1582-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04W6kspL5hk/YRl6WXf1N_I/AAAAAAAAJ8o/rp06xDtJviccOI4JODHN0caOnvdhy7SIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A1582-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dune Robberfly (Philonicus albiceps)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owC1yD8psuA/YRl6ZZqbsvI/AAAAAAAAJ80/xOwfqd53B2MBOPFKU7Ru_9ACcJEE7R7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A1643-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owC1yD8psuA/YRl6ZZqbsvI/AAAAAAAAJ80/xOwfqd53B2MBOPFKU7Ru_9ACcJEE7R7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A1643-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Copper Butterfly in the Dunes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OCSCvc7KCE/YRl6XyBnqVI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/bRGkY--iG64H-_Me7fD_iG2Eakepiv4RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A1624-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OCSCvc7KCE/YRl6XyBnqVI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/bRGkY--iG64H-_Me7fD_iG2Eakepiv4RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A1624-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoverfly Scaeva pyrastri</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-89298624779897796242021-06-27T22:51:00.008+01:002021-06-27T23:01:15.074+01:00Patch Tick<p>A patch tick today - not a bird but a new dragonfly for the patch. <b>Broad-bodied Chaser</b>. The species had been reported a couple of times earlier in the week so I was pleased to catch up with them today. </p><p>I saw the female first, sat motionless on a dead stick.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPMG225HtNw/YNjsDh1N8gI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/qpbmV4StyYIWSfWZ8hjEAfrIum0e1m6ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A0631-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPMG225HtNw/YNjsDh1N8gI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/qpbmV4StyYIWSfWZ8hjEAfrIum0e1m6ngCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A0631-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Broad-bodied Chaser</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A few minutes later a male flew in from somewhere, perched briefly and was off.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ4eGmhJJiPG2y1p6yn_B49LotdvBAs5wuLS0QLPMBgDJxxLHG6Y85lcSRjBtOCTuMY1Up6FjgM7lX-joKLBU9StIyvjpbg7kCPpVcyPXIWuVz-_bXRUSh02Gem_mpB9HM5ZQ7gK5E9o1/s2048/_U8A0654-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ4eGmhJJiPG2y1p6yn_B49LotdvBAs5wuLS0QLPMBgDJxxLHG6Y85lcSRjBtOCTuMY1Up6FjgM7lX-joKLBU9StIyvjpbg7kCPpVcyPXIWuVz-_bXRUSh02Gem_mpB9HM5ZQ7gK5E9o1/w640-h426/_U8A0654-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Broad-bodied Chaser</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A nice addition to the patch odonata list. </p><p>There were lots of damselflies on the wing today, all Blue-tailed and Common Blue that I could see. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NE-gk8-_p84/YNjtHexFMfI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/HEtSiBAdcDsxiPPIPhv-4uUpfcSXXVJVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A0678.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NE-gk8-_p84/YNjtHexFMfI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/HEtSiBAdcDsxiPPIPhv-4uUpfcSXXVJVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A0678.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two different forms of female Blue-tailed Damselfly</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFc5aoC7Uog/YNjsDWTVDoI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/sO7ysbEkseQe_ckDvHNf1HK8Fno_1AhkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A0612-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFc5aoC7Uog/YNjsDWTVDoI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/sO7ysbEkseQe_ckDvHNf1HK8Fno_1AhkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A0612-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A few hovers were out on the Hemlock Water Dropwort and along the path. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNiS5LkuI1E/YNjsC2rnLbI/AAAAAAAAJ58/QCfKcbw_WWowwT7w0tZtmf5UkOE__xnXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A0617.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNiS5LkuI1E/YNjsC2rnLbI/AAAAAAAAJ58/QCfKcbw_WWowwT7w0tZtmf5UkOE__xnXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A0617.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helophilus pendulus (m)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjtEuY7Ullg/YNjsEk4yTrI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/w0MNqJsanBYGHycQtou4dg3xG4mG_IbMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A0635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjtEuY7Ullg/YNjsEk4yTrI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/w0MNqJsanBYGHycQtou4dg3xG4mG_IbMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A0635.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syritta pipiens - Thick-legged hoverfly</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2QG_1PEzuk/YNjsFHgcd5I/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/vUjDeXLeG4cgOkvuNNwxa8T4dTbJR2d6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A0645-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2QG_1PEzuk/YNjsFHgcd5I/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/vUjDeXLeG4cgOkvuNNwxa8T4dTbJR2d6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A0645-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syritta pipiens - Thick-legged hoverfly</td></tr></tbody></table> - female</div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdIDMQ5Hl6s/YNjsF7xqf-I/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/u-X2O7C07iYp26BqiLiXQQ_aIXoJlsiIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_U8A0659-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdIDMQ5Hl6s/YNjsF7xqf-I/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/u-X2O7C07iYp26BqiLiXQQ_aIXoJlsiIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/_U8A0659-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eristalis pertinax (m)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>On the Budge fields, a single summer-plumaged <b>Spotted Redshank</b>, <b>Little Ringed Plover </b>and Dunlin were noteworthy. No sign of the two Spoonbill reported earlier. Offshore the scoter flock is starting to build with c120 in the Bay. </div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-57008908512532078962021-06-26T18:34:00.005+01:002021-06-26T18:34:23.199+01:00New Bins<p>I was on holiday in northern Scotland for the first two weeks of June and it's taken me a while to find the time to write a blog post. The garden was top priority, work has been hectic and on light evenings I'd rather be out than sat in front of the computer.</p><p>I missed some good 'County birds' whilst I was away - Red-necked Stint and Pacific Swift. I did catch up with the American Golden Plover at Cresswell on the night we got back, but missed it on the patch on the Tuesday when it was last seen. A new bird for the patch taking the patch list to 271. </p><p>I've not had that much time for birding but I've been down to the patch a few times since we got back. I've added a few new birds to the year list including Cuckoo, Roseate Tern, Manx Shearwater, Bonxie, Little Egret and Wood Sandpiper. The first birds I saw on my return the two Ruddy Shelducks that had been on the patch the whole time I was away. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QP6-8twyRYA/YNdebxDsZAI/AAAAAAAAJ44/G_g1y5Xt9WY92SMMjqoEIejHBvqtY2d8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QP6-8twyRYA/YNdebxDsZAI/AAAAAAAAJ44/G_g1y5Xt9WY92SMMjqoEIejHBvqtY2d8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1057.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruddy Shelducks</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36mDV5UwSAY/YNdecfMTfeI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/udwkKX3WFwwspWf-yK4ZQbC8GlMYqCZVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1092-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36mDV5UwSAY/YNdecfMTfeI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/udwkKX3WFwwspWf-yK4ZQbC8GlMYqCZVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1092-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Tern over the Budge Fields</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EwXDA09dPY/YNdecC6C9fI/AAAAAAAAJ48/_1OXw5AAgL8O4vm94knBlhwo15wu8JxeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1061-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EwXDA09dPY/YNdecC6C9fI/AAAAAAAAJ48/_1OXw5AAgL8O4vm94knBlhwo15wu8JxeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1061-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapwing on the Budge Fields</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSNji1H4K6I/YNdebNx-9MI/AAAAAAAAJ40/-wRRWBJ1Aq03LUmVllmmLHGla-ALlhOywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A1069-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSNji1H4K6I/YNdebNx-9MI/AAAAAAAAJ40/-wRRWBJ1Aq03LUmVllmmLHGla-ALlhOywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A1069-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coot with young in tow (it'll have killed the others)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNpnltvgyXM/YNdeW55gawI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/pGWKl4hekQ4xd-8qtzupbQFI2j5uXmZQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6241584-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNpnltvgyXM/YNdeW55gawI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/pGWKl4hekQ4xd-8qtzupbQFI2j5uXmZQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P6241584-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Robberfly - <i>Pamponerus germanicus </i>in the plantation</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On Thursday morning I did my territory mapping exercise. harder work at this time of year with warbler silent, feeding young. Some are on second-broods and have started to sing again. It was a lovely calm morning and unlike the previous Tuesday no campers, motorhomes or 'drunk miscreants'! If only every day was like that.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG0XHJ5rH88/YNdkrZn5XrI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/Jkso7Td31B8x881sL8Rrdm_1IgUCJ1u1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D74A68A4-65C9-4A67-8944-04D85BEC8071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG0XHJ5rH88/YNdkrZn5XrI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/Jkso7Td31B8x881sL8Rrdm_1IgUCJ1u1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/D74A68A4-65C9-4A67-8944-04D85BEC8071.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday Morning</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I've been pondering buying a new pair of binoculars for some time. My Swarovski 8.5x42 ELs are 21 years old now, whilst optically fine, they are big and have some action. Time for a change.</p><p>The new Swarovski NL Pure 10x32s caught my eye, but a discussion with Neil Osborne and others led me to testing out the Zeiss Victory SF 10x32s for a weekend. Zeiss do a brilliant 'try before you buy' deal whereby they send you the bins via courier for a weekend and then collect them again the next week. Brilliant!</p><p>I enjoyed using them, much smaller and lighter than my ELs and 10x as opposed to 8.5x that I'm used to made a difference. The field of view was amazing and a huge amount of light came in for 10x bins. I was impressed.</p><p>I had to try out the Swaros too. Swarovski don't do a try before you buy deal, but London Camera Exchange in Gosforth got a pair in for me to try, which I did this morning. Luckily they also has a pair of the Zeiss in too so I could try them side-by-side (okay only in Gosforth High Street, but the light was <i>testing</i>). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRVpXYgNvP8/YNdiBg9tL2I/AAAAAAAAJ5U/UyRDKV0EwMQWX0enNYf0EjdsP6NEpbHjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRVpXYgNvP8/YNdiBg9tL2I/AAAAAAAAJ5U/UyRDKV0EwMQWX0enNYf0EjdsP6NEpbHjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7874.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side-by-side - the Zeiss and the Swarovski 10x32s</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><u>The result:</u></b></p><p><b>Clarity and light: </b>- on par, Swarovski slightly edging it</p><p><b>Field of view: </b> - on par</p><p><b>Close focusing:</b> - Zeiss were a couple of cm closer but not much in it.</p><p><b>Weight:</b> - Zeiss slightly lighter but not enough to be noticeable in use</p><p><b>Use and feel: </b> - this is where the big difference was for me - the Swarovski bins felt much more comfortable to use, there were places for both my thumbs whereas the Zeiss felt slightly awkward. When testing the Zeiss at home, I couldn't quite get the eyecup relief right and I found the same today. I found the focusing wheel a bit stiff at first on the Swaros (almost too light on the Zeiss) but it loosened with use, probably just because they were new. Now this is an odd thing to say - the Swarovski's felt 'better quality', the Zeiss feeling a bit 'cheap' (they're not!).</p><p>Binoculars are a personal thing, what suits one person doesn't suit another. Janet can't get away with my Els for instance. That's why when people ask for advice about a pair of bins, I always tell them to try some out against each other if possible. </p><p>In the end, it was the ergonomics of the Swarovski's that won it for me, they just felt 'right'.</p><p>The Zeiss are excellent and I would recommend trying them. Since buying the Swarovski's I've heard some negative stories about the armoring deteriorating - which isn't good considering the price of them! Time will tell I guess. </p><p>So, I'm the proud owner of a new pair of bins. The old Swaros resigned to a spare pair/house bins.</p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-33721203648437556782021-05-23T23:21:00.007+01:002021-05-23T23:37:35.434+01:00First patch Osprey in 25 yearsAfter heavy rain and cold northeasterly winds on Friday/Saturday morning Janet and I went out to look for migrant passerines at Druridge on Saturday morning. We stopped at the Budge Screen first and finally caught up with some <b>Little Gulls </b>and the<b> <i>thunbergii </i>(grey-headed) Yellow Wagtail</b>. With two <b>Wood Sandpipers</b>, a pair of Garganey, a Knot, two bar-tailed and three Black-tailed Godwits among the supporting cast we would have been happy to leave it at that. <div><br /></div><div>We wandered north along the bushes and onto the haul road. It was there, where we were alerted to a large bird flying north pursued by five or six Lapwings. The Lapwings wouldn't have bothered going that high for a gull, so bins onto it and it showed it to be an <b>Osprey</b>! It was heading steadily north and soon lost to sight over East Chevington. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pK9FARk5HlM/YKrP7l1b9BI/AAAAAAAAJy4/WcSUXdyjJCUbD53m_sD6gdJ_fNKPZCRZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0523-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pK9FARk5HlM/YKrP7l1b9BI/AAAAAAAAJy4/WcSUXdyjJCUbD53m_sD6gdJ_fNKPZCRZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0523-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey heading north pursued by Lapwings (heavy crop)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This is my first patch Osprey since at least 1996 - it was so long ago, the record is in a long-gone paper notebook. </div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't find any noteworthy migrants passerines, not even a Wheatear. There were hundreds of hirrundines and the Swifts were flying very low. The sun came out briefly later and brought out some insects.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrj8qP0AFvs/YKrRyG9TYCI/AAAAAAAAJzY/kmMNNTMAt8MiMfbLt7xPpn7A_l8AtkjFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220681-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrj8qP0AFvs/YKrRyG9TYCI/AAAAAAAAJzY/kmMNNTMAt8MiMfbLt7xPpn7A_l8AtkjFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5220681-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Cardinal Beetle </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKmHDcho5Fo/YKrRxSilTHI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/_SDXHQ_B1S8gglGYCVwZDjmpCPLKDiwvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220696.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKmHDcho5Fo/YKrRxSilTHI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/_SDXHQ_B1S8gglGYCVwZDjmpCPLKDiwvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5220696.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Andrena sp of bee</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSDi5F4ybt8/YKrRx-DdlYI/AAAAAAAAJzU/BBZuY2cwJ486c9Fku0uhpC7P4FPfGpKvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220706-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSDi5F4ybt8/YKrRx-DdlYI/AAAAAAAAJzU/BBZuY2cwJ486c9Fku0uhpC7P4FPfGpKvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5220706-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Red Damselfy (female)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-vk04sD7LY/YKrRydY8AMI/AAAAAAAAJzc/-Ewd-NCNo_4rzbsK7G6AFEzcI-SAp5MFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1603/P5220712-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1603" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-vk04sD7LY/YKrRydY8AMI/AAAAAAAAJzc/-Ewd-NCNo_4rzbsK7G6AFEzcI-SAp5MFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/P5220712-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">22-Spot Laydybird</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLSVX0-dEB8/YKrRz2i5lmI/AAAAAAAAJzg/KS_j3iUJb28Zv3Uxiquh8c8bOPdUnqs3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220732.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLSVX0-dEB8/YKrRz2i5lmI/AAAAAAAAJzg/KS_j3iUJb28Zv3Uxiquh8c8bOPdUnqs3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5220732.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheilosia sp of Hoverfly -STOP PRESS - Roger Morris thinks this is C. bergenstammi</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO3Mx5ib9CWmk7fJ5rbPyFZmBDVGJCCg6xMFRjLrW2VcjQ0IVQ1i5L_Z06mf-9QSGY-onH5XQP5c56b4pYTieknx4NryHYdIcC56hnnfLN-6gyZA3qlVCEGUc9VXfFKkIIZXOWXTnoTiH/s2048/P5220750-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO3Mx5ib9CWmk7fJ5rbPyFZmBDVGJCCg6xMFRjLrW2VcjQ0IVQ1i5L_Z06mf-9QSGY-onH5XQP5c56b4pYTieknx4NryHYdIcC56hnnfLN-6gyZA3qlVCEGUc9VXfFKkIIZXOWXTnoTiH/w640-h428/P5220750-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green NettleWeavil</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elmO8H4XoSo/YKrR1GQN-JI/AAAAAAAAJzo/-J1rZE_ld9MWhO9QewlOFycLdUXc38IgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220764-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elmO8H4XoSo/YKrR1GQN-JI/AAAAAAAAJzo/-J1rZE_ld9MWhO9QewlOFycLdUXc38IgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5220764-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sphaerophoria sp of hoverfly - the females can't be identified to species by photographs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0W-CZ18K6w/YKrR1cqkBAI/AAAAAAAAJzs/J9chei9ETN4cfLrWrWRWU8cmbpyxErw3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1799/P5230774.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1799" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0W-CZ18K6w/YKrR1cqkBAI/AAAAAAAAJzs/J9chei9ETN4cfLrWrWRWU8cmbpyxErw3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5230774.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red and Black Froghopper</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Today was WeBS count day. Highlights were five <b>Little Gulls</b>, one <b>Med Gull</b> and a single Drake Garganey. Wood Sandpiper and Ruff had been reported but we didn't see them. The Grey-headed Wagtail was gone but there were two<i> flavissima</i>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX5qWwR8TwY/YKrP8Y5DKHI/AAAAAAAAJy8/9ZqGU1BjPdsFaeEyLTqFaAbYxRQGd6P-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0551-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX5qWwR8TwY/YKrP8Y5DKHI/AAAAAAAAJy8/9ZqGU1BjPdsFaeEyLTqFaAbYxRQGd6P-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0551-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drake Tufted Duck - without the orange eye, this could be monochrome photo</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div> We walked to Chibburn mouth to check on my fence and walked back along the beach seeing very little along the way - only a handful of Sandwich Terns.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf4bd89WuQk/YKrP-YK-9gI/AAAAAAAAJzE/pikavtWESK8DvVYIdI06gjHotvUON4DzACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf4bd89WuQk/YKrP-YK-9gI/AAAAAAAAJzE/pikavtWESK8DvVYIdI06gjHotvUON4DzACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0557.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Sandwich Terns</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W68hEiqfFkk/YKrP8kB8SPI/AAAAAAAAJzA/eT7cxho6swsbPuQgf-45dI7859Q5222sACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0494-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W68hEiqfFkk/YKrP8kB8SPI/AAAAAAAAJzA/eT7cxho6swsbPuQgf-45dI7859Q5222sACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0494-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoonbill looking miserable on the Budge fields earlier in the week</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com1Druridge Bay, Morpeth NE61 5EG, UK55.2570852 -1.569923626.946851363821153 -36.7261736 83.567319036178844 33.5863264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3311317640879870617.post-24212357888659313702021-05-09T23:18:00.001+01:002021-05-09T23:18:30.720+01:00At last, someone turned the heating up<p>Saturday was an awful day with heavy rain/sleet and feeling very cold for most of the day, it felt more like January than May.</p><p>The forecast was for the rain to clear late afternoon, which it did. Janet and I headed to the patch to see if anything had dropped in. When we arrived it was still cold and damp but within half an hour, the wind moved into the south and the temperature increased by about seven degrees, it was almost as if someone had turned the heating up.</p><p>The rain hadn't dropped nay passerines in, a few swifts moved through though. We walked along the beach and 12 Sanderling flew north in nice breeding plumage. Whimbrel called overhead but nothing like Mark Eaton's incredible count of 120 or more at dusk the day before. </p><p>A few more breeding birds have young now. Some of the Canada and Greylag Geese have goslings, a Moorhen attended to four recently hatched young and there were five Lapwing youngsters in field northwest of the coal road.</p><p>A couple of mammal photos for a change.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqiNhIdV0H8/YJhc3u-BQ-I/AAAAAAAAJxM/PxR7_gtUxoU1hUreeKe66Wf39kVoLp65wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0423-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqiNhIdV0H8/YJhc3u-BQ-I/AAAAAAAAJxM/PxR7_gtUxoU1hUreeKe66Wf39kVoLp65wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0423-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Rabbit on the Budge fields</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hzl2vKLa0E/YJhc3ruRseI/AAAAAAAAJxI/ILzj1YNex3wKOvDlnPZ12nfNO7tp1UrdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0425-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hzl2vKLa0E/YJhc3ruRseI/AAAAAAAAJxI/ILzj1YNex3wKOvDlnPZ12nfNO7tp1UrdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0425-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roe deer bouncing through the Teasels</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This morning felt much more spring-like. A warmish sou'westerly bringing the temperature up nicely, enough to entice some insects out at last. There were lots of Hawthorn flies out along the path to the hide and some other bits and bobs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcHiTjrjtF8/YJhc9sPa03I/AAAAAAAAJxg/0FXtIZDNBNkrbH9h2C_gCz5-DG18lm7rACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5090526-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcHiTjrjtF8/YJhc9sPa03I/AAAAAAAAJxg/0FXtIZDNBNkrbH9h2C_gCz5-DG18lm7rACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5090526-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinker Moth caterpillar</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EH_CvbRpFdo/YJhc-wxurKI/AAAAAAAAJxo/eraZQrb1zQ4in5v5efdcYh8UHPGVKxgiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5090541.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EH_CvbRpFdo/YJhc-wxurKI/AAAAAAAAJxo/eraZQrb1zQ4in5v5efdcYh8UHPGVKxgiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5090541.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Carder Bee</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czZ2Oo1KBbQ/YJhc9_PyfVI/AAAAAAAAJxk/tyCtZ9ypXjgym4CtZt42PB060eN9NT4WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5090527.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czZ2Oo1KBbQ/YJhc9_PyfVI/AAAAAAAAJxk/tyCtZ9ypXjgym4CtZt42PB060eN9NT4WQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5090527.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noon Fly</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YivPv3A5fZk/YJhc8BDzZdI/AAAAAAAAJxc/8zbieWQKfCsQuq413PCiHBn_aK5k0xyLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5090518-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YivPv3A5fZk/YJhc8BDzZdI/AAAAAAAAJxc/8zbieWQKfCsQuq413PCiHBn_aK5k0xyLACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5090518-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorse Shieldbug</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9q9PFqjVhVY/YJhc6YeStgI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/ydBNIJ4b9TU769Cm3yybdn5pi39vgOsAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5090511-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9q9PFqjVhVY/YJhc6YeStgI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/ydBNIJ4b9TU769Cm3yybdn5pi39vgOsAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5090511-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gooden's Nomad Bee</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOZDH95NFQM/YJhc_CFohII/AAAAAAAAJxs/27FDpyDNeUkhPRcUGbro16cWkxNrwPwigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5090549-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOZDH95NFQM/YJhc_CFohII/AAAAAAAAJxs/27FDpyDNeUkhPRcUGbro16cWkxNrwPwigCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h428/P5090549-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This hoverfly wasn't on the path to the hides, but along the edge of the Dunbar Burn on Common Scurvy Grass - Platycheirus clypeatus agg which is new for the patch</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A Garganey pair on the Budge fields still and a few Dunlin and 11 Whimbrel lifted off the fields and headed north, leaving a single bird behind. A single Wheatear was the only migrant passerine on the Budge fields.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMWIabC9kIs/YJhc6r7eHEI/AAAAAAAAJxU/E6Y5uIhicf8JQSjneHCZdzUfwlC91UqagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0473-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMWIabC9kIs/YJhc6r7eHEI/AAAAAAAAJxU/E6Y5uIhicf8JQSjneHCZdzUfwlC91UqagCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0473-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheatear</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWuy5EduqC4/YJhc6uOGXbI/AAAAAAAAJxY/uYiEDynNBYojIEpi0sUOfo-9uBSaygWhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0467-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWuy5EduqC4/YJhc6uOGXbI/AAAAAAAAJxY/uYiEDynNBYojIEpi0sUOfo-9uBSaygWhACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0467-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off they go - six of the Whimbrel</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A very vocal Sedge Warbler by the path to the hides as attracted the attention of the Toggers. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hn_KTHDIhXE/YJhc3am9ZiI/AAAAAAAAJxE/0BQ6opaXUgEluINwgXXivRG2fd8DPeL6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0O1A0452-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hn_KTHDIhXE/YJhc3am9ZiI/AAAAAAAAJxE/0BQ6opaXUgEluINwgXXivRG2fd8DPeL6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/0O1A0452-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In full flow - signing male Sedge Warbler</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This evening I had an uneventful look on the sea. No new terns were added to the list. A few Gannets and six summer-plumaged Red-throated Divers were on the sea. </p>Ipinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063130576130638977noreply@blogger.com0