A Wry Smile

Buff-tip Phalera bucephala caterpillars

I Think?

Lots of events in the bay this weekend. Microlights (don't you love them) landing in a field at Hadston. A distant fly past by he Red Arrows. Kite flying in the Country Park.

However the excitement was due to the birds.

Common and easy to photograph Stonechats.

Then a change of scene .. Cambois with ST.

A couple of flocks of birds and the final group just as Steve had to leave contained a Barred Warbler. A further hour watching the mobile flock and the Barred W showed well but never in the open for a photo (apart from a short flight view).

Wheatears were arriving along the coast throughout the day, by Sunday they were more settled and photographing them was easier. Understandably, when they first arrive they are wary about predation.

Finally, 'Bird of the Weekend' a Wryneck.

This bird stayed hidden in the vegetation for 15 minutes, stock still. Then it finally gave in and moved to the outside and allowed some snaps.I returned two hours later and it was still there, feeding on the gound around some dumped garden waste.

Wrynecks are really well camouflaged and I guess many go unnoticed. 

Spotted ...

After hours of walking I was finally rewarded with some excellent birds. All of which were camera shy. (Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whinchat, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Linnet and Goldfinch.)

Then finally a Spotted Flycatcher which immediately flew into deep cover.

Reports of interesting birds still turning up along the coast had me heading for Newbiggin. After an hour of disappointment I headed for the coastline. Bingo .. A Spotted Flycatcher, newly arrived, and looking totally out of place around a rock pool. It did however let me get a few snaps.

The two Wheatears arrived and another flycatcher before it all went quiet again.

  

European Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus

also called Cross (Orbweaver) or Diadem Spider

Easily recognised by the white cross on the abdomen.

Arachnophobes Beware

Great Spotted Woodpecker (above)

Little Grebe (below)

Lesser Whitethroat enjoying the blackberries.

Spider

Araneus quadratus (female)

Four-spotted Orb Weaver

Well another sunny day wandering along the coast. None of the expected sub-rarities maybe I should try somewhere different tomorrow.

...more Dragons

Well I sent an email to my ex-colleagues to wish them well for the new term (no gloating) then headed for the beach. Fab day ... lots of duck migrating. Mainly Teal, a few Wigeon and 10 Pintail.

Migrants were reported as close as South Shields but so far nothing in the bay. The weekend could be quite good.

Last Day of the School Holidays ... ;-)

Reed Warbler

Well the children go back to school tomorrow ... and I don't!!!! ;-)

For those who don't know I retired this year. Until now it's just been a typical school holiday. Tomorrow, however I will not be in the school car park at 07:00 and ready to greet those eager youngsters at 08:45. No more marking, meetings, targets or £*^%£. Will I miss it ... Yes and ... No.

Redshank

Blackcap (with a brown cap because it's a female).

So 'Best Wishes' to staff and pupils embarking on a new academic year. I hope you all have a really positive year.

Tomorrow I will be thinking of you at 09:00, when the only decision I shall be making, when I reach the beach, will be: North for a long walk to Amble and a 'Fish and Chips' lunch or South to Cresswell for an Ice Cream brunch?

'Love Ya Bye'

Little Stint

It's not very often that birds walk towards you when you want to take photos of them. This one did and I managed some canny shots, I think.

Braces not quite straight but nice and obvious.

Stretching its neck to make it appear more elongated.

It's All Over

Well where did those six weeks go?

Must start ironing the shirts, making seating plans, getting up early .... OH NO!

Well I can't wait for next week?