Woodland Magic

A trip inland to a site near Greenhaugh turned into quite a magical morning.

Firstly this fox entertained me, catching prey in the grass verge. The fox was not bothered by my presence and even ignored me when I got out of the car to take some photos.

It is hard to believe that people would rather chase these beautiful animals with hounds rather than watch their hunting ability. I bet some of the hunters marvel at the Arctic Fox on TV but don't realise they have such a beautiful animal on their doorstep.

On to Sid Wood (as recommended by AC)

The amazing Lichens indicating a largely pollution free environment.

My target bird for the day was Wood Warbler ... easy.

They might not be so easy soon as the tree canopies block the light and provide maximum cover.

Polytricum commune

This moss forms a mini forest on the ground.

This photo looks so much better on my phone. Here the yellows look a bit washed out. I must have taken 30-40 photos and only three were in focus ...but that will do for me.

The area of coniferous trees adjacent to the beech/birch woodland held Siskin and Crossbill. The Crossbills were feeding in the birch tree (eating buds I think). Crossbill will be easy to view as they will no doubt use the puddles for drinking, so a careful approach along the road is needed. The Siskin was either picking up seeds or gravel from the road (or maybe both).

After Lunch back on the coast BB managed to spot two small waders land in front of the Budge Screen. Turned out they were Temminck's Stints. Still too distant for a decent photo.

Now With Notes

Adding notes today in my coffee break. Got so fed up with the slow speed of my computer yesterday that I gave up after adding the photos.

Spoonbill found by JA (19/05/2015)

It was surprisingly active for a Spoonbill; feeding, flying and preening. Then after a short time it decided to head high and west.

Later Tuesday IR called me to tell me about four distant stints at Druridge. After much debate we agreed they were Temminck's. Several birders braved the hailstorm to see them and some even had point blank views (if only short ones). They were gone the next morning but two turned up again today (more in next blog).

Orange Tip (First Wall Brown also seen).

Unusual display between two families of Canada Geese. The lowered, extended neck posture with open bill was directed at the other adults but no sound was made. The goslings fed unconcerned.

Iceland Gull (QEII CP) 20/05/2015

This bird gave great views and has been present for some time now.

LBB

This Avocet was ringed as a pullus, 10th August 2012 Cresswell pond (one of a brood of three) by IF.

It was first seen back at Cressell 03/04/2015, then later on the Blyth Estuary. Yesterday (when I took the photos and today it was on Lynemouth Flash.

Colours

Left Tibia Lime over Blue

Right Tibia Black over Blue

Right Tarsus Metal

Temminck's Stints

Thanks to GB for letting me know about these two. Pity I didn't nail the GRW today... well two weeks later it finally allowed me to confidently put out the news.