North and South

Little Egret

Saltmarsh south of the River Aln.

(Buston Links)

Feathers in lovely breeding condition if a tad early?

Yellowhammer

Ashington Community Woodland

Treecreeper

East Chevington Feeders

The Pheasant was so bright on a relatively dull day. The Water Rail did visit a couple of times but was disturbed by the slightest movement in the hide.

Chaffinch (male)

 

A visit South of the Tyne and I came across this flock of 34 Waxwings.

Unfortunately they were not allowed to feed on the berry laden tree because it was being protected by the Mistle Thrush below. Managed also to see the 7 Snow Buntings flying over the beach as I headed for a coffee on the coast.

Heading home from South Shields a brief detour to Northumberland Park and the NS Fish Quay.

Eider (drake)

Herring Gull

(No white-wingers though)

Today it was over to Fontburn Reservoir.

Very little on the birding front but the peaty water in the reservoir made for some nice reflections.

Fontburn Reservoir

Magpie (moth) Abraxas grossulariata

(at Chev actually)

House Martins

The fishing lodge at Fontburn reservoir. Adults still patching nest although chicks about to fledge. At Chevington today one pair of Swallows are just starting a new nest??? In my village the birds were massing ready for migration.

Knapweed

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Argyresthia goedartella

I think?

Lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica

Any Offers?

Think this is ...

Bog Willow Herb Epilobium palustre

Spotted Flycatcher

Red Rattle Pedicularis palustris

A great day out, not many irds but plenty to photograph. Not 100% sure of all my IDs but hope someone will let me know my mistakes.

Out and About

Fabulous ...

On the last post I mentioned how uncooperative these birds can be. Ha ... eat my hat, a pair of duelling males took not notice of me and the camera. I was delighted :-)   .

First Lapwing chick of the year. Sadly the Druridge crows are on the look out for these young birds.

Despite the poor early light the camera coped well with these shots I thought.

Finally a trip inland was well rewarded. I think flycatchers are my favourite birds. So to see two species nearby was amazing. The Spotted version kept in the canopy and no photos were possible. It may have been a new arrival as they are one of the last to arrive. The Pieds seemed well settled and at least two territories were noticed with other birds heard ... good news. The more settled birds allowed these photos. The last one has a soft focus affect was caused by the leaf in front of it which I couldn't avoid.

Finally it's hard to resist photographing  Swallows, caught the light right here.