Blown Away between the Showers

Gadwall (drake)

Another blustery week but the odd moments of sunshine did allow a few snaps to be taken.

Hazel

(Male flowers above, Female below)

The windswept beach did produce this nice composition.

Teal

(4 failed attempts to locate the G-wT)

The feeders at Chevington are attracting Water Rail. I was really pleased with my photos until I saw Tom Tams' picture on twitter.

Pheasant

Beautiful birds (a bit stupid, but beautiful).

Despite the squally showers it was a great day to be out. Marsh Harrier (male), 2 Sparrowhawks, Weasel, Cetti's Warbler (singing), Roe Deer, and the Druridge (Playschool) Little Owl

Good to catch up with two visitors from Northern Ireland (Dave and Derek) Hope they had a good day.

DBCP

Druridge Bay Country Park

This well managed area provides shelter from the wind, a decent road and free parking. At times I find it a good alternative for parking when visiting Chevington as you don't have the pothole problems.

This used to be the classic place to see all three 'sawbills' but now it seems only the Red-breasted Merganser is a regular winter visitor.

The wooded areas offer plenty of diversity and a slow walk around Ladyburn lake can produce a good day list. Be warned it is a popular place for activities such as running events, dog shows and water sports. So Winter days are often the best.

The Moss and Lichen identifications are not necessarily correct but are my best guesstimates from my limited books.Haven't had time to check them on the internet. Contact me on Twitter if you know more.

Evernia prunastri

Mousse de Chene (French) Oak Moss

Cladonia coniocraea

Eurynchium praelongum (Top centre)

Scapania nemorea ((Bottom right)

Xanthoria Sp?

Opegrapha atra

Gadwall

J1TL

Ringed as 3rd  calendar year + in  April 2013 near Oslo, this bird has been reported every winter since at DBCP. My latest sighting 10/01/2017

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.

Expecting .. not me .. that's the beer!

Good morning birding with ST. Hadston, lots of birds mostly Willow/Chiffs one Redstart briefly and lots of overhead migration (including Grey Wags, Skylarks, Siskin, Tree Sparrow and Mipits). Yellow wag still in field with Wheatear. East Chev still teeming with waders including 9 Blackwits, 20 Ruff, S Pool.

Subalpine Warbler still at Druridge and reports of Firecrests and RBFs keep the expectations high.

Keeping Mum!

Adult birds taking care of their offspring.

Cute ... I think not!

Red-eye Reduction System failed on my camera?

Gadwall chick. One of  brood of 5 from the Ponteland hide.