Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Goldy 'O'



Sunny, warm with a light SE breeze, some hazy spells...

On my way to work this morning the pager blurts out 'Golden Oriole at Cambois'. Now this is on my way to work but all my gear is packed ready to go on holiday ( would you believe it, typical ) so I thought it would probably be gone before my arrival so I put it to the back of my mind. Until ADMc rang me to say that he was watching it and it was showing well. Optics, thinks I, and indicated off the duel carriageway...

At first, the bird was only seen as it flew through the bushes but after half an hour it appeared in some rose twigs up a baffle bank and sat out in the open like a shrike! What a cracker. A female but it was a bright luminous green complete with red bill. A great bonus for the spring.

Golden Orioles are sometimes seen in Northumberland mainly in May but they are typically elusive one day migrants. I've dipped one or two, so I'm over the moon to claw this one back to my county list.

Better than the Stork anyway and deservedly number 316 on the list...

Later this evening at Boulmer, 1 House Martin, 2 Teal, 4 Whimbrel and a Wheatear.

102. House Martin.
103. Teal.

Northumberland County 316. Golden Oriole.

6 comments:

Seaside Observers said...

The golden oriole was in woodhorn church grounds yesterday..and its only 5 minutes walk from where we live, but it was gone by the time we got there...typical.
But we did see one about 2 years ago in the woods near scotsgap..great
Hope you have a good holiday bb!

Blyth Birder said...

Aye, I was happy with that.

Was half tempted to push it South across the river mind.......it would have looked better in Blyth I reckon :)

The Wessex Reiver said...

One great bird to see in Northumberland, hope the hols brings in more gems like that.

darrell j prest said...

good stuff nice tick

Anonymous said...

Beautiful watercolor sketch! What a lovely bird and a nice handling of the color. You just inspired me to run outside and draw some birds-thanks!

ST said...

whilst you were away
temmincks stint on your patch