Still Birding

Well NWT had raised my hopes after clearing the ditch at Chevington. Sadly they didn't continue to the burn mouth. Result very little water movement.

Trps to Amble and North Shields become more frequent at this time of year. Sad to see this GBB suffering from discarded or lost fishing line. Equally worrying was the photo on Twitter of a Glaucous Gull which had swallowed some line (and probably the hook).

This (rather colourful for winter) Red-necked Grebe was found by TF at QEII country park.

Size comparison with Black-headed Gull

Even gave me a wave as it swam away from the camera.

Large numbers of Song Thrushes along the coast (the snails at Chevington) are taking a hammering (groan).

This Rock Pipit was all fluffed up waiting for the rising sun to have some effect.

Dunlin

Lots of waders to sort through at  Newbiggin.

Great Northern Diver on Widdrington Moor Lake.

Other birds of note, Plenty of Geese to check through and a Red-breasted Goose was the reward for one lucky observer.

Waxwings to look for; so far only one reported at Ashington by STa.

Today I will continue my search for a Black Redstart; there must be one somewhere.

Still Plenty to Enjoy

Nice to see a Lapland Bunting on the ground. This was my fifth of the Autumn but the only one to spend time on the ground. (The others 3 on Holy Island and 1 at East Chevington. All flying over and calling apart from a brief landing of one of the HI birds after an unusual interaction with a Starling.)

This Brent Goose landed on the cliff top path at Newbiggin.

The seed on the beach is attracting Twite, Shore Larks, Photographers and Birders. The Twite flock reached 120 last week and the lone Shore Lark was joined by a second on Friday (3rd).

Long-tailed Duck (Juv?) 

This bird commutes between the N Pool Chevington and the Sea. Also on the sea; Red-throated Divers, GC Grebes, Auks, Common Scoter and Red-breasted Mergansers.

First proper frost this Autumn (5th). The Bee-eater is still in the North East. At Whitburn last week and now back at Tynemouh. Close observations of the hedgerows and plenty of Wasps were still in evidence.

Fresh Water Mussel from N Pool

A rare trip to Linton Lane ponds to see the Red-necked Grebe. Good to see the NWT have cut back the vegetation in front of the hide.

Cetti's Warbler still singing at Chev and a suppressed Cetti's still at Druridge. Keep up the good work lads!

Poland (part 3)

Heading North West we stopped at some fish ponds. Great Crested, Red-necked and Black Grebes were present but no Little Grebes were seen on the entire trip.

The call of Common Rosefinch became instantly recognisable and many of the early birds encountered were those of the Grot variety. Having never seen a red one I was beginning to doubt their existence.

A chance encounter with these magnificent beasts rounded off another great day.

Our accommodation near Bialowieza was terrific. I could happily live in Poland (Might have to have a few million language lessons first.) gorgeous countryside.

In fact found my perfect house (below).

Raven

Yellow Wagtail

Fritillary Sp?

Yet to get the book out for this one.

Whiskered Tern

Whinchat

Another Whinchat photo.

Yellow-veined Darter

Think this might be Scarce Chaser?

Hawfinch

A common bird, even in the Parks, but rarely gave good photo opportunities.

Nice!

Mistletoe

Black and Red

Lesser Spotted Eagle

River Warbler