Great Birding

Down in One

I could watch these all day. Love them!

Weather almost perfect. Windy from the South East, rain and mist. (North East or East would have been better.) The poor light however makes the snaps a bit dull.

When the rain stopped there were flies everywhere. The week was notable for the almost constant stream of thrushes. Most headed straight inland after grabbing a few berries. The blackbirds lingered a little longer near the coast. A dull looking Yellow-browed warbler eventually identified as YBW caused quite a discussion in the field with no one willing to offer an opinion. Photographs however show the bird to be well marked and not a Hume's. (Would have been clinched in the field if it had called.) 

Black Redstarts turned up everywhere. This rare 'eye-browed' form was at Newbiggin.

Same bird as above, without its make-up.

Siskin at Druridge

A very dark SEO at Druridge. Just as the light improved tonight I was told about two more Black Redstarts along the cycle track at Druridge. I only found one but it was a beauty!

The Coast

Following news of a bright yellow Wilson's Warbler up North I was pleased to find my own lemon yellow beauty in the trees at Hauxley.

In the last couple of weeks I have visited most sites between Tynemouth and Lindisfarne. There are some great birds to be seen and always the chance of 'the special one', no not the Chelsea manager.

Very pleased with this, 1/40th second setting, virtually no light but easily recognisable if a little blurred.

Not the most handsome of waders in winter plumage but worth checking in case there is an American mixed in with the flock.

Flies ... lots ad the pipits and wagtails were very happy.

Crossbills were noted at three sites, GS Woodpeckers more obvious than usual and Kingfishers  and their posts cropping up everywhere.

Some redpolls worth checking.

Oh and just in case the little teaser at the start got you, here is one with its tail showing.

Searching Everywhere

Aaah October

A time to check new habitats and reliable old ones.

Two Ring Ouzels, a Brambling and a good fall of Goldcrests at Newbiggin on Monday

Trees around the Amble Yacht Club well worth a check.

Today plans to visit Holy Island were dashed when I heard news of a Pallid Harrier on Monday. The thought of bumping into loads of people not my ideal day. So I visited Blyth in the hope that there would be fewer people checking out this rather smart bird.

So tame it was almost squashed under the wheels of a van.

Spot the Rarities

Yes its that time of year when everything gets a second look.

Well a great day on Holy Island in the rain on Tuesday did produce plenty of good birds but it was a bit 'gripping' to hear of the SR and AH's  Radde's Warbler today. I've only ever seen one before.