Monday, March 08, 2010

Yaffle.

On holiday today. Didn't do much other than potter around, really. I was returning home from the shops and as I left the car a Green Woodpecker called, clear and ringing, from the copse next to our garden. I spent the next ten minutes looking into the leafless trees but there was no sign. I had just about given up, when it called again, this time much further away over the back field. I soon picked it up, very distantly, sat right at the top of one of the hedgerow trees, gazing around. After a while it flew towards the Heugh where I just managed to see it doing a 'wallcreeper' up the rock face before moving out of sight.

To all of you who live south of Yorkshire, Green Woodies must be quite mundane, but in Northumberland they are relatively scarce, so casual sightings like this one are always appreciated.

About 60 Kittiwakes have returned to the cliffs along the coast path this weekend and they can be heard calling even from the garden.

A wander to the pond with Bunty was very springlike, with small birds in song all over. Two pairs of Bullfinches looked immaculate as they nipped the buds from some willows, a Marsh Tit flew along the ditches and the Heronry is at full volume. 53 Curlews stopped off in the back field for a while yesterday.

OFFH List 103

7 comments:

Killy Birder said...

Nice one. I wish I had some artistic talent is all I can say. Cheers.

abbey meadows said...

I haven't seen any greenies around here this year. They are difficult to see. Got your e-mails Stew...much appreciated.

Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris said...

Nice one - we only heard ours yesterday, couldn't spot the little blighter for luv nor money.

Cheers

Davo

James said...

Got one in the new year at the top of Sutton Bank near Thirsk. Get them in the in-laws garden regular pecking at the ant hills in the lawn. They're in mid Beds.

Anonymous said...

They are far from being mundane Stewart. My only wish is that one would pose close & long enough for a photo.

Goosey said...

We hear them alot but much more tricky to see...They sound like they are laughing at you because you haven't seen them!

Stewart said...

Thanks for the comments all. One of these days I might get a photo of the Green Woodpecker to show you...