Something to Brighten any Day

Sedge Warbler

As the number of returning birds increases they become more vocal and showy, marking  their territory. This makes them easier to photograph for a short while before they get on with nest-building and feeding duties. If they double brood they may burst into song again, a month or so later.

Yellowhammer

After the shower the birds were up on their song posts (branches) again.

Lesser Whitethroat

Only three on patch (and one at Cresswell Car Park) So not easy to photograph as yet.

Grasshopper Warbler

Lots of returning birds. Ten territories (at least) on my patch.

The black-billed male remains on his chosen territory close to the hide but this year he has nearby competition.

15 Wheatears on the patch following yesterday's fall of birds.

Lovely watching this in gorgeous light. Need to zoom in to appreciate all the plumage details. I think it deserves a better name than Grey Heron!

 

Lesser Whitethroat (and a few Common)

Lesser Whitethroat, just a few metres from my house, very busy catching food for its nestlings. 

This was one of the adult Common Whitethroats feeding its fledglings in DBCP.

Relaxed Restrictions ...

Red Clover

Well there is nothing relaxing about lifting restrictions. I can see the joy and relief on visitors to the coast this week but I feel it is a little premature. It has me more tense/fearful than ever. So if you see me out and about and I avoid you, head in the opposite direction or keep the conversation very brief I do apologise but I need to protect myself.

Hairy Tare

Cinnabar Moth

Small Copper

Checking out the Hawthorns for insects I came across this larva. It turns out it is the larva of a Yellow-tail (Moth). I also noted from my field guide the hairs can cause irritation. (Glad I didn't touch it.)

Speckled Wood

Lesser Whitethroat

Willow Warblers

Small Tortoiseshell

Orange-tip

Drinker Moth

This was a particularly small caterpillar. I don't think it will be long before it grows much bigger.

Yellow Wagtail

It may appear that the birds are taking second place. Not so. It is just my walk takes me through some quite varied habitats and there is plenty to look for or in this case stumble across. Sometimes I wonder how I notice things? Luck?

Brimstone Moth

... and back home on the garage door a Garden Carpet. I think I need to get the paint pot out.

Any Day Now?

Why can't Y-bWs sit in the open like this |Robin?

A trickle of Barnacles moving through my patch.

This flock of Goldfinches were joined by c20 Siskins today.

2 Yellow-browed Warblers at East Chevington today.

This Lesser Whitethroat appeared very pale in the open but once it was in the bush it appeared like a typical LW.

A few thrushes and news of one or two more migrants arriving were exciting. Fingers crossed for next few weeks!

Mixed Bag

Rhynchokinesis

Curlew Sandpiper

Dunlin

(easy ID in Summer Plumage)

Mistle Thrush

Newbiggin Golf Course

Some Stonechat variation to muse over.

Pale female Newbiggin

Bright Male

East Chevington

Male

East Chevington

Not back at Chevington yet. This was one from the Country Park.

Sedge Warbler

A surprise find at Lynemouth

These two having a welcome drink and bathe after their long flight over the Himalayas.