Still Checking

Starlings

'Not another one ...'

Red-throated Diver

Snow Bunting

Kelp Flies

It is getting harder to keep the motivation going, but someone has to do it. Whitburn Steel and Jackies Beach are worth the effort still. Weed and Flies attracting Rock Pipits, Starlings and Wagtails to check through. Even this morning some lucky birder found a nice Isabelline Wheatear on the Yorkshire Coast.

Also a good mix of waders: Sanderling, Knot and two Redshank here but many more along the shoreline including: Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Grey Plover. There is also a chance of a Kingfisher at this time of the year.

Kestrels along this bit of coastline are also very approachable.

 

October to November

Pallid Swift

I was in the right place at the right time when I heard two birders shout 'Swift'. It turned out to be one of an influx of Pallid Swifts which were being reported in the country.

A lone Redwing landed near the rifle ranges and later the same day many more were reported coming in over the North Sea.

Kestrel

Curlews

Wheatear

As with the swifts, the Southerly airstream had me checking beaches in the area. Hoping for a Desert Wheatear. No luck so far.

Grey Plover

Rat

One of seven at the bird feeding hide, Whitburn.

Sand Bunting?

News yesterday of a Pied Wheatear North of the Tyne made it an easy choice of where to go birding today. I set off on the Shields ferry and then walked to Whitley Bay via Tynemouth and Cullercoats. On arrival the Pied Wheatear gave terrific views and despite being very close I managed to fail to get my photos in focus.

Pied Wheatear and Goldfinch

Last year (23rd November) I made the effort to see the Whitburn bird, travelling from Northumberland??

On the way back I dropped in at Tynemouth to look for the Subalpine Warbler that has shown every day for over a week. Conditions were poor and like most birders there I  stood around catching up on the gossip. There were a few who kept looking (Well done Paul!) but I soon gave up headed for some fish and chips before getting the ferry back. Not a bad day.

I'll be back at the beach tomorrow still hopeful of seeing a Desert Wheatear before the end of the year.