Waxwings

STa found this flock of Waxwings in Ashington. They were quite mobile and I only managed pictures as they preened high up in an Ash tree. I am sure they will be seen over the next few days in more pleasing settings. It looks like there will be a lot about this year.

A Few Calls

After a busy holiday it is always difficult to slip back into patch birding mode.

These safety notices and the bank-holiday weekend fun run do not help. I imagine the track at Chevington will be closed on Sunday.

When I left for Arizona the first few Whitethroats had arrived, now, they're everywhere.

Breeding is well underway with our commoner birds. Fully fledged Stonechats, rows of Shelduck ducklings, scattered lapwing chicks and goslings (say no more).

Tuesday I got a call from JA (Thanks John) to let me know about a Little Stint on the tiny flash North of Druridge pools. It was accompanied by 5 Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin. It remained fairly settled despite the best action of barking dog, farmer's quad and rampaging cattle.

This morning, while seawatching, I received a text from AC (thanks Andy) to let me know about a Bonaparte's Gull at Castle Island, Ashington.  This bird hung around long enough for some record shots. It spent most of the time facing into the stiff, cool breeze. Then it decided to fly, but headed away towards  the A189 road bridge. I'm sure it will still be around the area.

I resumed my seawatching and best birds of the morning were 10 Manx Shearwaters close in from Snab.

Waxwings

Yes!

I have been checking the trees near Woodhorn Motors for the last ten days expecting to find Waxwings. Early morning  Friday and the distinct silhouettes (5 in total) could be seen at the top of the tallest trees. I parked my car so I could use it as a hide and waited for the light to improve.

As the light improved they became more vocal and the trilling helped me locate them.

Finally they dropped to the berry trees but they were constantly hassled by a Mistle Thrush.

My hope was to get that classic picture of the berry in mid air and a nice sharp bird side on. No chance!

 I was surprised at the lack of birders coming to see the birds but I guess the Morpeth birds in January meant they were already on the year lists (oh and some people have to work .. tee hee).

Sadly just before AC arrived the Mistle Thrush chased the birds away. We did a couple of circuits of the area but without success.

The 'Brute'

I thought it was worth another look this morning (Sat 28th Nov). This time the light was a bit better and the birds obliged by using the small berry trees. Still no classic photos but again I had them all to myself. This time there were 8 (when I left there were 9) and they seemed to be ignoring the Mistle Thrush.

Last stop of the morning East Chevington and the Black-throated Diver was still on the North Pool.

Park Life

A visit to QE II park lake, Ashington. Good opportunity for close-ups of common birds. In the surrounding woodland Redpoll, Siskin and several Red Squirrels.