Dipping

Well 2020 is nearly over. Despite all the problems it has still been a good birding year. Some amazing Northumberland rarities and a couple of rare breeding records.

The last week for me has been as good as many this year. Mealy Redpolls (2) in the country park. An inland Little Egret, Wintering Marsh Harriers, singing Cetti's Warbler and 'birds of the month'; singing Dippers.

 

Happy Holidays

Todd's Canada Goose

Amble

Long-tailed Duck

Kestrel

LOL

Alnmouth

 

Water Pipit

 

South Shields Pier

This Snow Bunting (one of four) was sporting a white ring with E3 code. It may be a bird ringed in Calais in 2013. (Another code E0 was ringed then and appeared on South Shields Pier in  March 2013 I think.) So I'm awaiting details.

Great to get a quick response from Quentin. Just arrived early evening. This bird is at least 7 years old! Any birders checking the South Shields Buntings should check to see if the others are ringed. This was in a small flock of 4 but the others avoided close scrutiny.

The Turnstones on the pier have become very tame. I'm wondering if local toggers are feeding them be cause the followed us everywhere as you'll see from Mum snapping them with her iPhone.

 

Dull December ... I think not!

Otter (female and 3 kittens) If the video works you can also here the Cetti's Warbler. Two Water Rails, Pintail, 3 Long-tailed Duck, female Marsh Harrier and 23 Little Grebe. Offshore another LTD, Great Northern Diver, Red-breasted Mergansers and Guillemots.