tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311593492024-03-19T08:47:57.833+00:00Stewchat...Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.comBlogger2069125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-17116434275625326432024-02-26T09:49:00.008+00:002024-02-26T09:49:54.850+00:00False Spring.<p>
Well that made a change. Some very pleasant weather for Saturday and
Sunday!
</p>
<p>
Saturday was spent cleaning the greenhouse and tidying in the garden a bit.
Some molehills were collected to mix with peat free compost to plant seeds in
but that was about it really. Heron was added to the garden list as there has
been some territorial flighting past with birds grunting at each other on the
way.
</p>
<p>
As it felt quite spring-like, on Sunday we took a short trip to a usual inland
patch to look for Goshawks. That particular quest didn't end well and a lot of
our forest area has now been clear felled, mainly in the aftermath of Storm
Arwen damage a couple of years ago. Still, the place is now a light-filled
open space so there might be more plants and insects in the summer plus it has
extended the Nightjar habitat by a great deal.
</p>
<p>
On the way, a short stop to scan a finch flock in a stubble field was a nice
surprise. There were 80-100 Bramblings with a few Yellowhammers, Reed Bunting,
Chaffinches and Linnets. The air was filled with singing Skylarks, Snipe were
tick-tocking and Lapwings were in tumbling display in the next field, but they
need to be careful, this is just a temporary 'false' spring that we always get
at this time of year. There is a chance we will get some snow yet.
</p>
<p>
Up in the clearfell it was quiet other than some nice Crossbills singing and
showing very well and a Raven carrying nesting material. For me it doesn't
matter too much if there isn't much to see up here, it just feels so quiet and
remote, and we never bump into anyone so its always a great walk.
</p>
<p>
We were back at the car for lunchtime. On the way home a short roadside stop
found 3 Adders basking. Two were very black looking individuals with a more
normal olive toned female. Seeing these is a highlight every spring, long may
it continue.
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That area on the left was tall pines when we were last here.
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At the top of that spindly tree is a singing Crossbill. This is just my
phone shot. Compare how much difference a shot through the scope
makes.
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This female was further along. We saw around 25 birds in total.
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Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-3392177704514959142024-02-19T16:28:00.004+00:002024-02-19T16:29:39.459+00:00Fulmars Incoming!<p> Around about the patch this week.. An odd <b>Snow Bunting</b> or two seems to be hanging on in the Bathing House field with birds heard last weekend and this morning first thing but I couldn't see them in the dawn light. </p><p>The undoubted highlight of the week goes to a <b>Marsh Tit</b> on Valentines Day in the Arboretum. This is my first on site since one visited my bird table in <a href="https://boulmerbirder.blogspot.com/2018/04/what-is-rare.html">2018 </a>. This weeks bird was doing a chattery sub song and showed well in some taller Lime Trees beside a birch planting called Red Wells. Just across the track is the wild wood, a wet bit of wood behind the pond that gets no management at all so should be ideal for them.</p><p>Last year one or two Marsh Tits were seen all down the Arboretum to the coast by three different good observers but I couldn't find them. Lets hope this might be the start of a re-colonisation here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0QUVxlvt1tzlP3s7s80yAwrhh_nXPb81i_OWKaueLo28ewiezpnpU7DdGDGdyEhgASWmFYwta-IZNfK59U9HMWrvEIjkkcDImH4OavPZC2MoGer42oRMjE-QSCmTEkHxLwuenOD534EL086Ik4wS8txQOQUJlnFPTKOovOoFL_ojVHvPV-Ol0g/s1200/Marsh-Tit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1200" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0QUVxlvt1tzlP3s7s80yAwrhh_nXPb81i_OWKaueLo28ewiezpnpU7DdGDGdyEhgASWmFYwta-IZNfK59U9HMWrvEIjkkcDImH4OavPZC2MoGer42oRMjE-QSCmTEkHxLwuenOD534EL086Ik4wS8txQOQUJlnFPTKOovOoFL_ojVHvPV-Ol0g/w640-h498/Marsh-Tit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Spring gets closer with the first local Toads crossing the road and Coltsfoot in flower.</p><p>For the garden year list, a Sparrowhawk was causing much pandemonium in the local Sparrows at the feeders yesterday plu,s in true garden list fashion, I was lying in bed on Sunday morning when an unusual call outside clicked me awake. It was the guck-guck-guck of <b>Fulmars</b>! Peering out of the window three birds were chasing around overhead, close enough to take a phone shot. These are not rare even in a garden context here in early spring but when I am taking special notice this year they do seem an unusual garden bird I suppose.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvdhig2vHtC_RHCy49aWt9BkDa9PvliSsw9Q5ikS-q-cT9Gf4KSg-iAJpPuIE94Hy6C2ypzbL2oewgwhELhZD00fuw3fZyarj3QnRyCjLbkkG01LM0EMAHGGaYg73UJ70Ih_Kw2_WAGkohcNQFqVBrJomJP03pY0uisI4TUNjfo7TzU7T1dUqQQ/s1200/Fulmars-phone-shot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvdhig2vHtC_RHCy49aWt9BkDa9PvliSsw9Q5ikS-q-cT9Gf4KSg-iAJpPuIE94Hy6C2ypzbL2oewgwhELhZD00fuw3fZyarj3QnRyCjLbkkG01LM0EMAHGGaYg73UJ70Ih_Kw2_WAGkohcNQFqVBrJomJP03pY0uisI4TUNjfo7TzU7T1dUqQQ/w426-h640/Fulmars-phone-shot.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First light Fulmars from the bedroom window.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> Today's lunchtime walk was along the lane where the 70+ wintering Chaffinches have suddenly gone up to 110+ and in with them 2 <b>Brambling</b>, a male and a female. No good for the garden (yet) but a patch year first so that will do nicely. </p><p><br /></p><p>2024 Garden List - 48</p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-12736673897373358982024-02-14T10:16:00.002+00:002024-02-14T11:04:45.806+00:00The Ultimate in LOCAL ...<p>I've never done a garden birds year list. Being so restrictive with limited scope its not something I've really considered before, until now. So, just for a change, 2024 will be my first attempt. I mean. how hard can it be, you just total up what you bump into when hanging out the washing or doing the moth trap or weeding or whatever.</p><p>My own rules are - I will count all seen or heard from within my home boundary. We have a good radius view South West around to North for about a kilometre, but North around to South is more obscured at maybe 10 to 50 mtrs or so ( of course on a clear night I can see across several million miles but you know what I mean). At night there is little noise pollution so calls along the coast can be heard if it is still.</p><p>My all time garden list stands at 143 with Common Sandpiper missing although I think I have heard one? and Hawfinch that I saw once from the back hedge across the field that had I been on our drive I could have seen it. But I wasn't.</p><p>Last year I had Quail, Siberian Stonechat and Firecrest as highlights but some years there aren't any.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDETlJiD-VyE9NCIzIHAsrQgda6yyPs3NmhJDhEIAslQs3NjO8YX15zmT7zUYgPCA17ykeZfhEORWuslLlhG0fVoeDZ3lF5ahyphenhyphenbZzReRcTM4lWxwW8NjVv9Edb3UcXnyF7xzH-5zeVCjA1YH9FUVVoTyCkQfEU8wJRAWA4p8f8hOakCvFFop_KnQ/s1200/Grey-Partridges-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDETlJiD-VyE9NCIzIHAsrQgda6yyPs3NmhJDhEIAslQs3NjO8YX15zmT7zUYgPCA17ykeZfhEORWuslLlhG0fVoeDZ3lF5ahyphenhyphenbZzReRcTM4lWxwW8NjVv9Edb3UcXnyF7xzH-5zeVCjA1YH9FUVVoTyCkQfEU8wJRAWA4p8f8hOakCvFFop_KnQ/w640-h426/Grey-Partridges-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Partridges in the back field over our wall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>My 2024 list so far stands at 46 sp. - </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Grey Partridge 8 lekking in the back field on 08/02/24</li><li>Pheasant</li><li>Pink footed Goose regular parties going to and fro over the house.</li><li>Greylag a few back and forward as with Pinks.</li><li>Feral Pigeon Yes I am counting it. They're more wild here than the Pheasants.</li><li>Woodpigeon</li><li>Collared Dove</li><li>Golden Plover heard several nights calling as they head into field to feed.</li><li>Snipe 1 heard 'scraping' close behind our garden last night.</li><li>Woodcock 1 at dusk on 15/01/24 flew along just outside our drive.</li><li>Curlew flying over to coast and back on feeding missions.</li><li>Redshank 1 a rare bird for the garden flew in to the flooded corner of the back field early Jan I forgot to note it down.</li><li>Black headed Gull</li><li>Common Gull</li><li>Herring Gull</li><li>Great black backed Gull, gulls are daily flying from the sea inland. </li><li>Buzzard </li><li>Tawny Owl very active since new year calling in and just outside our garden.</li><li>Great spotted Woodpecker male and female regular on our feeders.</li><li>Kestrel one flushed our feeders during Big Garden Birdwatch in January.</li><li>Magpie</li><li>Rook</li><li>Jackdaw</li><li>Carrion Crow</li><li>Coal Tit</li><li>Blue Tit</li><li>Great Tit</li><li>Skylark small numbers over now starting to sing.</li><li>Long tailed Tit 6 regularly on our feeders.</li><li>Goldcrest 1 wintering around our feeders picking bits of dropped fatball scraps.</li><li>Wren Resident in the garden.</li><li>Starling daily, small roost in next doors conifers maybe 100 birds.</li><li>Blackbird resident.</li><li>Fieldfare a few seen, 1 in off overhead last week, one this morning with Starlings.</li><li>Song Thrush singing every morning now.</li><li>Redwing few seen as with Fieldfare</li><li>Mistle Thrush one in song behind garden.</li><li>Robin Resident</li><li>House Sparrow Resident</li><li>Tree Sparrow up to 30 winter in the garden. Several pairs breed.</li><li>Dunnock Resident has bred.</li><li>Grey Wagtail 1 has been on house rooves seen from the garden.</li><li>Pied Wagtail as above.</li><li>Chaffinch Resident</li><li>Goldfinch Resident has bred</li><li>Siskin a few over none at feeders yet.</li></ol><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vW1I3aEv2W6G__RRDC2dp6tx9iDh4WtI1DAYT6sX8fVfPbDZrYnCdPaSx4irSrceUPK_waJ0AXPdjwqvbeHmuFeqcx3vXMmgjzcWSVwjSWDrwDMUkhS7iXO8e5YcMb5GhuRSW4iVp5mMlHf6bWoHEVpGvNn8D-2lIpyS0MfGRgERjWsynopGGg/s1391/1%20Back%20Field%20Map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1391" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vW1I3aEv2W6G__RRDC2dp6tx9iDh4WtI1DAYT6sX8fVfPbDZrYnCdPaSx4irSrceUPK_waJ0AXPdjwqvbeHmuFeqcx3vXMmgjzcWSVwjSWDrwDMUkhS7iXO8e5YcMb5GhuRSW4iVp5mMlHf6bWoHEVpGvNn8D-2lIpyS0MfGRgERjWsynopGGg/w640-h365/1%20Back%20Field%20Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Back Field boundary. It is the view west from our house, you can see it is uninterrupted for some way. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11LZoIOw8iP4msdWTm72qzU9Rd2YHrSoB3A7RK4yqQtyGpgY-9d69P4a8J3V9ZWAFoPxUPLlJP0-sMDQKh_dDllZDAkKxuU5dBKr14tvKhzA4JpICwVqVewDhACaHC8BB8ZX7LB0NdfuNbA-gYvv5-STNANwf3UvEuYkJlwfDOsTM_nbe6GJ7nQ/s1200/2%20Back-Field-March-2009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11LZoIOw8iP4msdWTm72qzU9Rd2YHrSoB3A7RK4yqQtyGpgY-9d69P4a8J3V9ZWAFoPxUPLlJP0-sMDQKh_dDllZDAkKxuU5dBKr14tvKhzA4JpICwVqVewDhACaHC8BB8ZX7LB0NdfuNbA-gYvv5-STNANwf3UvEuYkJlwfDOsTM_nbe6GJ7nQ/w640-h427/2%20Back-Field-March-2009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view towards our house from the North facing SSE. You can see how close the sea is, but we can't see it from home!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr2lqO6o1nLCTYBZsb6Y-4MUHt1kvfbOeCbpZUGBCB7yFKg4OCAqRQunBgvRwMZeWPvJe9CDDhshawG8rhB3-K-zGpQpuVWfWlHXTXkzbYbsRYiuInvb5gX55rljt6hXRa3iyY6Tz1KreX67eToMoPf-h8rWMB6hBcyk_U86timQ7g6CkVmklvQ/s5472/Locked%20in%20garden%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr2lqO6o1nLCTYBZsb6Y-4MUHt1kvfbOeCbpZUGBCB7yFKg4OCAqRQunBgvRwMZeWPvJe9CDDhshawG8rhB3-K-zGpQpuVWfWlHXTXkzbYbsRYiuInvb5gX55rljt6hXRa3iyY6Tz1KreX67eToMoPf-h8rWMB6hBcyk_U86timQ7g6CkVmklvQ/w640-h426/Locked%20in%20garden%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOESNWWVcXL9XAmSdk8ZaYQpiDNaXRKUM-DlNuMIQCEVPi6sJqZFQ7TaQduUNjh-pPO40OGe4wOE2Cmy6oy05GIXHorJOwh6N_9hk7gIljJG8ZDBkPS1_pGpShuvSTYBsENovYAFauUuoGnM4ff8RTIMLWurETzNZ2nIpHE6oeH-M2Ud9NGQtaQ/s5472/Locked%20in%20garden%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOESNWWVcXL9XAmSdk8ZaYQpiDNaXRKUM-DlNuMIQCEVPi6sJqZFQ7TaQduUNjh-pPO40OGe4wOE2Cmy6oy05GIXHorJOwh6N_9hk7gIljJG8ZDBkPS1_pGpShuvSTYBsENovYAFauUuoGnM4ff8RTIMLWurETzNZ2nIpHE6oeH-M2Ud9NGQtaQ/w640-h426/Locked%20in%20garden%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5c2FnQighoiXp5jqIUCOo_4mCGB98vtMJaPGl9QxEtBvEr3F5v-fT9DvmxaooVt1WkIzdGxEexi72tRS4ACoiIk54ICSGZsY2Dixo8HqwVVHVG3fL0YMl0jsvYxZh9jjzUR6WD9bLHjxYtndbfuQrqSXq2zlhI3uh3RbSutu48vaUUJti17NnA/s5472/Locked%20in%20garden%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5c2FnQighoiXp5jqIUCOo_4mCGB98vtMJaPGl9QxEtBvEr3F5v-fT9DvmxaooVt1WkIzdGxEexi72tRS4ACoiIk54ICSGZsY2Dixo8HqwVVHVG3fL0YMl0jsvYxZh9jjzUR6WD9bLHjxYtndbfuQrqSXq2zlhI3uh3RbSutu48vaUUJti17NnA/w640-h426/Locked%20in%20garden%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu-yQ9lSPwwBK2LQxXGjGN00IKg3q0-wud5G5fgYvjv11IEUI_d0WK07S8eq-1bLx5KFyda8CuvGhX7hCHDkCLusln0y4lgjJ9SuD1Dd_I5Fj-50inczLnBmWwmn6FYKiz4qBqPe4W87wZpwZCAq01qB-rVw4x64dspKBP9Hpa9-0WN3_rIvgMw/s5472/Locked%20in%20garden%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu-yQ9lSPwwBK2LQxXGjGN00IKg3q0-wud5G5fgYvjv11IEUI_d0WK07S8eq-1bLx5KFyda8CuvGhX7hCHDkCLusln0y4lgjJ9SuD1Dd_I5Fj-50inczLnBmWwmn6FYKiz4qBqPe4W87wZpwZCAq01qB-rVw4x64dspKBP9Hpa9-0WN3_rIvgMw/w640-h426/Locked%20in%20garden%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr7ow4g_KmpOV79BiqtEPG1eksgGpWeYIlQaIDjbW4ItKPPIhDc7tfme0KfUUo3zQQCpVp1Xi8OmCOKvWth9U05_WyDVSJsix7Y4CRySi5qOwB96QPr0Y6EZ1zjY3f2Do8ROe0jYGwtVub2DzJcM7rq_qkp1NzR15o_13cYKj1tdUAJpSSSe6Ug/s5472/Locked%20in%20garden%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr7ow4g_KmpOV79BiqtEPG1eksgGpWeYIlQaIDjbW4ItKPPIhDc7tfme0KfUUo3zQQCpVp1Xi8OmCOKvWth9U05_WyDVSJsix7Y4CRySi5qOwB96QPr0Y6EZ1zjY3f2Do8ROe0jYGwtVub2DzJcM7rq_qkp1NzR15o_13cYKj1tdUAJpSSSe6Ug/w640-h426/Locked%20in%20garden%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The above few shots taken during lockdown 2020.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-76857983295561843902024-02-07T09:14:00.009+00:002024-02-07T09:19:07.757+00:00This is the Smews...<p>What is it with Smews? Or Smew?</p>
<p>
Over the years Ive seen plenty of them, harking back 30 years we would get up
to 9 on Druridge Bay Country Park that sometimes included one or two males as
well as the commoner red headed females. In recent years, as most of my
birding time is not near large bodies of fresh water, they have become
decidedly scarce for me. I cant even remember the last male I've seen but it might have been the one
a lot of years ago on the River Coquet above the Warkworth Wier one fine
New Years Day.
</p>
<p>
This year there seems to be more Smew around so I thought I might try and see
a drake if one was available near by.
</p>
<p>
Getting back to my question, what is it with Smews? They are certainly proving
elusive for me this year. When we were in Fife a couple of weeks ago, a drake
was wintering on a reservoir not far from us, but not on the day we went. Back
home, a redhead has been showing quite well on the QE2 Lake near Ashington. I
drive past the car park every day I am in the office, technically I might have
been able to see the bird from the car as I went past but didnt, so last week
I called in on two mornings. Not a sniff, so when a drake was reported
as showing well at East Chevington the other day, it was an offer I couldn't
refuse, after all this is a big water body that holds a lot of wildfowl, why
would it move on?
</p>
<p>
Yesterday I parked at the south end of Hadston T junction road and walked in
to Chev from the North. At the centrally positioned L shaped hide I met Mark
Eaton with Sam and Rosie ( golden retrievers). Mark had been here a while and
yes you guessed it, the white nun had done a bunk!
</p>
<p>
I gave it half an hour to scan around. Of note were 2 Otters, 4 Red breasted
Mergansers and a dozen or more Goldeneye with a Cetti's Warbler singing in the
background.
</p>
<p>
On my walk back to the car, I did a short detour into DBCP for a scan in case
it had flown on to this traditional site for them, but it wasn't there. A few
more Red breasted Mergansers, Tufted Ducks and Gadwall were all I could see
with a Willow Tit calling away in the car park.
</p>
<p>
I hear the redhead is still on QE2, so might have a look on my way to work on
Friday. See if I can make it 5 unsuccessful attempts in a month...
</p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL6BaCkKye34L1fWnAFwnHMDuUDdCA4_18bFqF5bxKAAbI8LvpdOIKj1lQhSrn8sCtDOhyphenhyphenFtEQM_Lk9eZsebeDkBtBCbiIyDRU-EBPoWIttCiZg97L8RmEwi90yfv90INNqnw2nUWij0U2YBRNoPcyzl838uNBSgrO-ZbzmH6vEdskV4xe8ToNg/s1600/Smew-3.jpg"
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><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL6BaCkKye34L1fWnAFwnHMDuUDdCA4_18bFqF5bxKAAbI8LvpdOIKj1lQhSrn8sCtDOhyphenhyphenFtEQM_Lk9eZsebeDkBtBCbiIyDRU-EBPoWIttCiZg97L8RmEwi90yfv90INNqnw2nUWij0U2YBRNoPcyzl838uNBSgrO-ZbzmH6vEdskV4xe8ToNg/s1600/Smew-3.jpg"
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Above -Successful Smews from the past...
</td>
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<br />
Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-35719690825933961102024-02-04T18:36:00.007+00:002024-02-07T08:32:47.102+00:00Marsh....<p>
This morning we didn't go far. In fact we only went as far as Alnwick and
Lesbury, no more than 5 miles from home, where we walked the old railway line
hunting for 'brown' tits. That might get a few unwanted hits...
</p>
<p>
At this spot we are still lucky enough to encounter Marsh and Willow, with
Willow being the most common and widespread, probably due to their incessant
buzzing calls. Today its more discreet cousin the Marsh Tit was our target.
</p>
<p>
In one likely spot we heard some faint and distant Marsh Tit like sub sounds
but despite taking time for a good look we couldn't pick one out of the masses
of Blue Coal and Great Tits all calling together. While searching we did
flush 5 Woodcocks though which are always nice to see.
</p>
<p>
After a break for tea we headed back to the other end of our walk in the car
to wander in from the other side. We ended up in the same spot where again we
could hear the faint calls of Marsh Tit somewhere.
</p>
<p>
I wandered across a small, 'rewilded' field with self set hawthorn, blackthorn
and willows growing all over. Then, from a tall Larch plantation came a loud
'pitchoo' call. High up in breezy larch tops we found a pair of Marsh Tits
feeding on the seeds of the cones. The male had bursts of singing now, that
wasn't occurring earlier.
</p>
<p>
So our goal was achieved.Supported by the Woodcocks, a lovely singing Dipper,
Siskins, Long tailed Tits and Goldcrests, it turned out to be a canny
morning...
</p>
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<a
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These 4 images show the same bent tailed male Marsh Tit. Lots of these
seem to have a curvature of the rectrices, maybe as a result of a
confined hole roost site
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<p><br /></p>
Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-82294246622506146472024-01-31T15:36:00.008+00:002024-01-31T15:36:59.060+00:00A poor show...<p>
After 16 years of Blogging this has been my worst January showing of
all. One post. Well, two now.
</p>
<p>
Why is that? I'm not wholly sure, but this winter weather is a big factor. The
constant winds, wet weather and named storms have made for a grim landscape
with little to encourage optimism.
</p>
<p>
Still, despite the doom and gloom the year moves on gradually. I've heard
Skylarks, Great Tit and Redwing in full song, Woodpeckers drumming and today,
my first Song Thrush chuntering away from a sheltered thicket. Only Chaffinch
to go for the early birds singing. Tawny Owls are particularly vocal around
the village on calm nights, when we get one that is.
</p>
<p>
One of our neighbour's conifers blew over during storm, er, Isha. They all
roll into one these days. The tree lay precariously on our greenhouse but the
weight was taken by the stone garden wall so only soft branches lay on the
roof causing no damage. It seems to be a lucky greenhouse having survived
Arwen and now Isha unblemished. Lets hope the lucky spell continues.
</p>
<p>
On Saturday we did the RSPB Big Garden Bird watch, seeing 15 species, with
highlights being 18 Tree Sparrows, a Great spotted Woodpecker, 6 Long tailed
Tits and the Goldcrest that has been at the feeders most days since Christmas
feeding on tiny bits dropped from the fat balls on to ivy leaves below.
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV85wxGNmrn9K3J7YqucCtJNDgVHFHizTehyphenhyphenFKHRf0Nk34Rf6JFAw90SDKgUt02Uc56W4GYwgI9EI82Wn0yru_N0gh1cVXwjMjU4us_tD6JlffA53i1LZxgp4f1xDs0gxQdYSSDL2fL3MMhpCJII7AGtdFWGTEoRNJLpupFDwXVgXjy9u-tf_gaA/s1600/Long-tailed-Tit-2.jpg"
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Long tailed Tit, Robin and a pandemonium of Tree Sparrows during the Big
Garden Birdwatch.
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<p>
My first lifer of the year arrived last week when a Common Flower Bug<i>
Anthocoris nemorum</i
>
crawled over my phone in the living room.
</p>
<p>
On Sunday a few hours inland was less than productive, but a moorland Great
black backed Gull, adult, hunting for a carcass to feed on was quite
unusual.
</p>
<p>
New Year Waxwings remain absent but the Snow Buntings did a lap of the Bathing
House field again on Saturday morning, the flock now up to 30+.
</p>
<p>
Snowdrops, Winter Aconites and Winter Heliotrope are now all in flower, so
given a window in the weather, I am looking forward to getting out into the
field properly!
</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Flower Bug</td>
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<a
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A pair of Robins displaying ina roadside wood made a change from them
trying to kill each other...
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Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-81209621994845187102024-01-22T11:39:00.009+00:002024-01-22T11:41:57.997+00:00Happy New Year<p> What is going on here? Its been weeks since my last post.</p><p>So, what has been happening around about?</p><p>Some decisions have been taken with regard to my wildlife agenda this year. Nothing too earth shattering, but its a start. </p><p>To begin with, I'm not doing much of a patch list this time. The beauty of living within a patch is that there will be the usual time spent seeing stuff on a day to day basis but I'm not going all out for it. </p><p>I am hesitant in saying this, as it might not come off, but this year I might go to see a few of the better birds that occur along our coast during migration etc. For example, I used to regularly visit Holy Island for the autumn birding but not so much in recent years. It does get a bit busy with other birders now, but it would still be nice to enjoy those migrant /rarity filled days that occur from time to time, rather than being a patch martyr. After all, time waits for no man so best enjoy our hobby while we can.</p><p>My sketching is getting more regular now, so there will be continued self development in this field, I hope, possibly linked to inspiration after more of our county birds are seen, as indicated above. I'd like to get more into a format or style, as I tend to be all over the place drawing in different books, papers etc at the minute. That's my nature though, a bit messy.</p><p>As well as the drawing, my notebooks might get a makeover too, by trying to write a little more to describe the scene rather than counts and lists as much. This might be more difficult as I've always had this habit. Its a thought.</p><p>Id like to get more blogging done too instead of wasting bloody time on social media!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJXDPswYo9-Sn_7g62o_QVRl0w2tTM536gc0HeR_7qqP7xK3QXOOAP2CtHeaIdW_0yo_3zbq5X34dtpaqPTNsi26lhsnJE29aJxXfeulBYKAyW21HUs4qccEj6DnN3mOS9c9Gu7H553y_jex7i9VqFN7-uBa11Rm0vpS7M2vlMjSa5-ih4zGk8g/s3506/20240121_142938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="3506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJXDPswYo9-Sn_7g62o_QVRl0w2tTM536gc0HeR_7qqP7xK3QXOOAP2CtHeaIdW_0yo_3zbq5X34dtpaqPTNsi26lhsnJE29aJxXfeulBYKAyW21HUs4qccEj6DnN3mOS9c9Gu7H553y_jex7i9VqFN7-uBa11Rm0vpS7M2vlMjSa5-ih4zGk8g/s16000/20240121_142938.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of our village Snow Bunting flock, that I have yet to see this year though they are still around. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>We have been away last week. Having visited all corners of Scotland we thought we would give Fife a go. Its not too far from us for winter driving, and its all new so that's what we did. </p><p>Jane booked a small house in Lower Largo right on the coast road. Some readers might have been or know the place from last years sea duck extravaganza when a Stejnegers Scoter and 4 White winged Scoters were with 1500 other scoter in Largo Bay? I can confirm however that they werent there last week, or if they were they remained too far out to identify.</p><p>We enjoyed great weather with clear cold sunny days all week, amazing considering the wet dark days we have been used to recently. The days were mostly filled by walks around small harbour villages, eating chips and generally relaxing.</p><p>On the birding front as I've said, not too much was seen. Immediately opposite our cottage scanning the high tide has double figures of Velvet and Common Scoter, up to 11 Slavonian Grebes, plenty of Red breasted Mergansers and Long tailed Ducks, with a few Goldeneye, Red throated and Great Northern Divers.</p><p>There was one visit inland to Cameron Reservoir for a wintering drake Smew, as its years since I've seen a male ( that's patch watching for you) but we couldnt find it on the day. There were 70+ Goldeneye (see, Im still counting stuff) a dozen Goosander and a female Scaup. Along the shore woods were good numbers of Crossbills and Siskins with a flack of singing Redwings too.</p><p>We came home on Saturday with time to prep for Storm Isha's arrival last night. Not that we did much preparation. The news tells us that Northumberland was up there in the wind tables with 99 mph recorded at Brizlee just west of Alnwick, one of our inland patches about 10 miles from home. Damage around our village seems minimal with a couple of trees down, one conifer lying on our greenhouse without doing any damage, but all in all it was no storm Arwen thats for sure.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2PST7Rrf8sYEUS4wmECc8JqDgyTsapgc9174RGYgYd6Vi1d0nyiPuPIlZzGNzfTolV3CXnRbGP-9T6xMiEPdac1E8ccQK0ZG2m7R2WnsS8LxT9PoI__EMKpmiVNz2csR6qOTZJLUpN7AHyIpMAAShKGFv5oi1cHOhM7bYn2aY6T4Dnip_Fn1wQ/s4624/20240118_124044.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2PST7Rrf8sYEUS4wmECc8JqDgyTsapgc9174RGYgYd6Vi1d0nyiPuPIlZzGNzfTolV3CXnRbGP-9T6xMiEPdac1E8ccQK0ZG2m7R2WnsS8LxT9PoI__EMKpmiVNz2csR6qOTZJLUpN7AHyIpMAAShKGFv5oi1cHOhM7bYn2aY6T4Dnip_Fn1wQ/w640-h360/20240118_124044.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pittenweem with the Isle of May in the distance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vAPdlfcTmRDe3_4gEh_vNBgPOaBntkfV81Sx9NoVdEhUG4MjOMh8RdBonkCrLAshepvDrYtf4IAd44JPkjz1ci3m6Au_FPlmulcuYZrrGiGpCsuru0olGnqwzPb6neGBQDl2IG915xH40QbPNuliqEj-U-9rqH_5f9Y15g6HimvPFAixmSltYA/s4624/20240118_120239~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vAPdlfcTmRDe3_4gEh_vNBgPOaBntkfV81Sx9NoVdEhUG4MjOMh8RdBonkCrLAshepvDrYtf4IAd44JPkjz1ci3m6Au_FPlmulcuYZrrGiGpCsuru0olGnqwzPb6neGBQDl2IG915xH40QbPNuliqEj-U-9rqH_5f9Y15g6HimvPFAixmSltYA/w640-h360/20240118_120239~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNHOfQIK8GzfamYFD5JqpUu8mSJ55Lw1sQVgLKE-M4-alccCrRRi9bYPyPUMR8bDVtiPvKovnmv6Gu0qcV9zgeKoKcd8AkimHpkOyxhxm4ONPXcZSkHnGN9WaSgHIe3vE752faPH51x-3t8qb-CvIGidz8IVy2-sjtB-LpNxhYZLcQq7Yi0kbcQ/s3471/20240116_141646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2538" data-original-width="3471" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNHOfQIK8GzfamYFD5JqpUu8mSJ55Lw1sQVgLKE-M4-alccCrRRi9bYPyPUMR8bDVtiPvKovnmv6Gu0qcV9zgeKoKcd8AkimHpkOyxhxm4ONPXcZSkHnGN9WaSgHIe3vE752faPH51x-3t8qb-CvIGidz8IVy2-sjtB-LpNxhYZLcQq7Yi0kbcQ/w640-h468/20240116_141646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKXJLalEbYseCy6T4FpoGWq3BpomqO-xY0UBYkMFffCpr6-v_DonfsvyR0fh53flZPFq-EMyhnY3PLvmISv-jWHFdS-wadp0k_gYszOKvA6eUX6pZpc7nmfFS6V7_35HwRnGgzPcKC13JKPmoOFDxye39PbCsA8CnxmYSlyROwNZiuEbJ3AtjEQ/s4624/20240118_185154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKXJLalEbYseCy6T4FpoGWq3BpomqO-xY0UBYkMFffCpr6-v_DonfsvyR0fh53flZPFq-EMyhnY3PLvmISv-jWHFdS-wadp0k_gYszOKvA6eUX6pZpc7nmfFS6V7_35HwRnGgzPcKC13JKPmoOFDxye39PbCsA8CnxmYSlyROwNZiuEbJ3AtjEQ/w640-h360/20240118_185154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT1zPgBlZDZAB26OJfs-Feiir5I7ZpCbv4iTD8z8n0UZwOhOMXKj2ViqpkrcBVD3w2i8Bb8OMaeGh-s66s7auOI_YfK3ifhulwR0GUW33pup-V0LcRcN8DdA4RF9bgOPTIyfqXtCvjPoU1ia6WvjX-PmhzdoPzpS4o1efbJnShcrrxlXeeUY8Yg/s4624/20240116_131232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT1zPgBlZDZAB26OJfs-Feiir5I7ZpCbv4iTD8z8n0UZwOhOMXKj2ViqpkrcBVD3w2i8Bb8OMaeGh-s66s7auOI_YfK3ifhulwR0GUW33pup-V0LcRcN8DdA4RF9bgOPTIyfqXtCvjPoU1ia6WvjX-PmhzdoPzpS4o1efbJnShcrrxlXeeUY8Yg/w640-h360/20240116_131232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPKcFMnJJxb7WpAGmK7H4xlt-hUE8d6liXBCO5wLUIxmXvntAjxHrYXHPI6AwDOP-8V5UCKIyB1B_i41OlA6so2PdjcujJ779tJdECiQvA5uFbcj-XV5lZ_Ueic4L9eRH6ofTR4Z0GHs7uPbcGFxdD86KSBqZwiVwS6rh3iAUngslIxmQmbvG2w/s4624/20240116_090454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPKcFMnJJxb7WpAGmK7H4xlt-hUE8d6liXBCO5wLUIxmXvntAjxHrYXHPI6AwDOP-8V5UCKIyB1B_i41OlA6so2PdjcujJ779tJdECiQvA5uFbcj-XV5lZ_Ueic4L9eRH6ofTR4Z0GHs7uPbcGFxdD86KSBqZwiVwS6rh3iAUngslIxmQmbvG2w/w640-h360/20240116_090454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCCLU4pTGaMg_HIRCcOoUKYpTWhL3LMI-DH-UqHkhqM_cRTtsaB2uD9cfiNmSi1rDlMveigP-puhsf4PW-Q31Cl8xn-XFh5IKH-2OY8W6iLedO-JZ5_UHM9H4ivRdWc7AcCgvxyIqI9Pzyk8MuwUInVBlhEshDMatoG2oVtB1Sa9Csze34XZF-A/s4624/20240115_121605.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCCLU4pTGaMg_HIRCcOoUKYpTWhL3LMI-DH-UqHkhqM_cRTtsaB2uD9cfiNmSi1rDlMveigP-puhsf4PW-Q31Cl8xn-XFh5IKH-2OY8W6iLedO-JZ5_UHM9H4ivRdWc7AcCgvxyIqI9Pzyk8MuwUInVBlhEshDMatoG2oVtB1Sa9Csze34XZF-A/w640-h360/20240115_121605.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate sculptures by artist Alan Faulds were all over the village. carved for oak and given multiple coats of paint they really brightened the area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvljwZPOlYNBSoFCiJOPOscahiWfrTZbJGeM-Rt2uekS0KPIwLfBg8qvtqk9BTSMnvv_RzMJIeOKlCG4N84hiOA4SH6mog_u8lTLBZxhBSvnxH6VISX4iNbyDoYoI-7Xf4lEZ7ZectHhD54hEXSBU1ZtPTwKIWGDckovIpvNNJAc5OoCk3uo6rJQ/s4624/20240115_105144.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvljwZPOlYNBSoFCiJOPOscahiWfrTZbJGeM-Rt2uekS0KPIwLfBg8qvtqk9BTSMnvv_RzMJIeOKlCG4N84hiOA4SH6mog_u8lTLBZxhBSvnxH6VISX4iNbyDoYoI-7Xf4lEZ7ZectHhD54hEXSBU1ZtPTwKIWGDckovIpvNNJAc5OoCk3uo6rJQ/w640-h360/20240115_105144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Largo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvlp7C_oC0f0aAQJK7en9furQVLXyQ0hLtRSo_pTBaboEITXiZa91zN49aWu5VlsMoEDNwXWQxLuz051Vmh6RV_qNYW2w7liITgLA7UPB0OcPaU2lDfzoF5gJa5Ub4reJU6Zj7Jamv5aR-7ti2yWjNl20Tu2IVauHzqiF75_wntIhBT1RvurLmw/s4624/20240115_105003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvlp7C_oC0f0aAQJK7en9furQVLXyQ0hLtRSo_pTBaboEITXiZa91zN49aWu5VlsMoEDNwXWQxLuz051Vmh6RV_qNYW2w7liITgLA7UPB0OcPaU2lDfzoF5gJa5Ub4reJU6Zj7Jamv5aR-7ti2yWjNl20Tu2IVauHzqiF75_wntIhBT1RvurLmw/w640-h360/20240115_105003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidasDnUORKBvxz3rxofqBVvUccndsaPnzl9mImiTLW-ACMqV1eZ_8FS5Rmza2IePjMGdhW-77LDjEglBFmMzhgSQPmrY5aRCOVOi3h_nJiX0hndzdcjEH_I6xtf1xC6Jj8XT0POZIchNYbQ62kjTjwncCV68uw9Ih2m7jdSZS9f6N_aZgSgK-Dow/s4624/20240115_104949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidasDnUORKBvxz3rxofqBVvUccndsaPnzl9mImiTLW-ACMqV1eZ_8FS5Rmza2IePjMGdhW-77LDjEglBFmMzhgSQPmrY5aRCOVOi3h_nJiX0hndzdcjEH_I6xtf1xC6Jj8XT0POZIchNYbQ62kjTjwncCV68uw9Ih2m7jdSZS9f6N_aZgSgK-Dow/w360-h640/20240115_104949.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BozZtAqXWViBQEgzv3RS-9nxjl1N2siCwivJlSRlAYKjx0gzI81EhxaNh8GWd72ARuUtHn0NWyrUHguFqkM9KxLJR_KfYwWGgFMt3BynmSkevQInTljdhh4nFoEihOCPzVANryKzxV_w_VU91Hctz7pSbuhB51yWFloLYdTfcGXgc-mMtVkwIw/s4624/20240115_103059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BozZtAqXWViBQEgzv3RS-9nxjl1N2siCwivJlSRlAYKjx0gzI81EhxaNh8GWd72ARuUtHn0NWyrUHguFqkM9KxLJR_KfYwWGgFMt3BynmSkevQInTljdhh4nFoEihOCPzVANryKzxV_w_VU91Hctz7pSbuhB51yWFloLYdTfcGXgc-mMtVkwIw/w640-h360/20240115_103059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stayed in the brown cottage on the left. The viaduct is disused...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sGwiqKNmU7SBv_jTXjYTe5b7cKlY1PNFK7aHB67PAM1jvFMDE_qbfvzTaOU2IlyznW_mA14Ld8alY1FB8fxt5RPq1WXrXazi6ml6O286oNCkl7yKf6q0YxPPxMCjmH3fr3cFmEztTRJvMOIK4yJ1HKf2FMhi2pAUxG2k6zsr0TMbiWCBIfjk7w/s4624/1000019867-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sGwiqKNmU7SBv_jTXjYTe5b7cKlY1PNFK7aHB67PAM1jvFMDE_qbfvzTaOU2IlyznW_mA14Ld8alY1FB8fxt5RPq1WXrXazi6ml6O286oNCkl7yKf6q0YxPPxMCjmH3fr3cFmEztTRJvMOIK4yJ1HKf2FMhi2pAUxG2k6zsr0TMbiWCBIfjk7w/w640-h360/1000019867-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Largo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqaGFEzmnliyQ71nl2rQD6b9wlqjpcfAZUJ7AdC8UsFwj6ZjlcIJhjAZKmJ-qmriuZmMf9nkre5DZfV6SN6mwEs6RYDVj7D9FrwlgDTihg7OO6lXWHi2YowetcddewrKnEV2Dqtu28cq_wGHvBaFQnCZ6BcGTveY3JkNIF1B4yTMVlubG_7Z69Q/s4624/20240114_133939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqaGFEzmnliyQ71nl2rQD6b9wlqjpcfAZUJ7AdC8UsFwj6ZjlcIJhjAZKmJ-qmriuZmMf9nkre5DZfV6SN6mwEs6RYDVj7D9FrwlgDTihg7OO6lXWHi2YowetcddewrKnEV2Dqtu28cq_wGHvBaFQnCZ6BcGTveY3JkNIF1B4yTMVlubG_7Z69Q/w640-h360/20240114_133939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAUyM2DJeVk4QXXBZ4jAvit3D6CCyQYSZ0ajVDcSTZd5wkq_CO5-eZqUHFi_HG75UovIar1BFY_y9H4MsFAoaLUYhjVn5Stod5KJ7Rivk0c22mn9x1C6LjBvoLspwwJo8ctRRBVdeXFl5yzUaiXe3ujuP135lSgjwJqBRfv41hgNcaHoviawtqA/s4624/20240114_130119.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAUyM2DJeVk4QXXBZ4jAvit3D6CCyQYSZ0ajVDcSTZd5wkq_CO5-eZqUHFi_HG75UovIar1BFY_y9H4MsFAoaLUYhjVn5Stod5KJ7Rivk0c22mn9x1C6LjBvoLspwwJo8ctRRBVdeXFl5yzUaiXe3ujuP135lSgjwJqBRfv41hgNcaHoviawtqA/w640-h360/20240114_130119.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anstruther </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuJqMKzcsaD7-2fj0Ktp5_xcPBQ6zs7g_Zs2kF0P7HAfQSHK6N_9sR340Ntfy66Vstfp6Qoa5eSQ62MXBaWLamwpPsjw4ZHa2rcIiLxaSzuXZiOwTjaEI3X9ZSuMY5i4Sxjf2E_7nmFPPMdIUn6sDwxxgXlvaejurbuK-XJ50XNHt3urvO_zqew/s4624/20240113_160626.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuJqMKzcsaD7-2fj0Ktp5_xcPBQ6zs7g_Zs2kF0P7HAfQSHK6N_9sR340Ntfy66Vstfp6Qoa5eSQ62MXBaWLamwpPsjw4ZHa2rcIiLxaSzuXZiOwTjaEI3X9ZSuMY5i4Sxjf2E_7nmFPPMdIUn6sDwxxgXlvaejurbuK-XJ50XNHt3urvO_zqew/w640-h360/20240113_160626.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Largo opposite our house.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-4270362921857587852023-12-30T18:45:00.000+00:002023-12-30T18:45:26.335+00:00Looking back...<p>One of the unwritten rules for bloggers and those on social media, an etiquette if you will, seems to require that the final post of the year should be a contemplative look back over the last 12 months and to plan forward into the coming year.</p><p>I've not posted for a few weeks because, to be quite frank, I am struggling to think of something to write about, let alone something 'contemplative'.</p><p>Its not that there have been no high or low lights, its just that I am having a bit of a writers block. </p><p>You might have noticed in several recent posts, I have only been doing a 'been there, seen that' type of style. I really do wish I could find a way to be more engaging. So, there's a plan for 2024. Try to make posts more interesting and engaging! Just how, I'm not sure yet, but, dear reader, I will try....</p><p>Right, 2023. </p><p>As the year comes to a close, I can feel very lucky in that there have been no major dramas with health for me and my family though a very close friend has suffered a life changing, but hopefully manageable 'glitch' in the machine.</p><p> As I rapidly approach the opening of my 7th decade (what!) I am expecting, like a car with high mileage, some things might start to give, but we can cross those bridges as they arise. At the minute, I have a clean MOT and for that I am thankful.</p><p>On the wildlife front, after all that is the purpose of this blog, the year has been quite good. Not a classic, but not bad either. The majority of my observations have been local, usually within a few miles of home, with an odd exception and holiday, such as the trips away to Ardnamurchan in June followed by a fortnight in Suffolk in September, where both brought some great wildlife experiences.</p><p>Two bird lifers came my way during the year with the Grey headed Lapwing at Low Newton, 6 miles from home, and the Brown Booby at North Gare, my only out of county twitch. New, other long awaited, Northumberland ticks were the Alpine Swift at Bamburgh and the Red breasted Goose at Elwick. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwT83GN4VimWZRO0_BOxSQsnioc-sXQLS7L_WtyiDFKZHhFEzRN2UDB3vBImC95KhUNtV7SC7T3WjxA5tQSLbE0CBpqelwG6hsQvVUY4xqgYyG9TlgLeyGBhCioaJl_6tZOD_rc5Bsew1Zj3rbEumzX3CMHkVgcDrC1EVKVRmz8sUkDeGuQ5FvA/s1200/Brown-Booby-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwT83GN4VimWZRO0_BOxSQsnioc-sXQLS7L_WtyiDFKZHhFEzRN2UDB3vBImC95KhUNtV7SC7T3WjxA5tQSLbE0CBpqelwG6hsQvVUY4xqgYyG9TlgLeyGBhCioaJl_6tZOD_rc5Bsew1Zj3rbEumzX3CMHkVgcDrC1EVKVRmz8sUkDeGuQ5FvA/s16000/Brown-Booby-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxs24BeIXaQ565mUTzjZnv43d05ARWtMcy8tVumInYS_l4s6Fxtvba41GfGSs0pcjQDtQSgFTElfsmnzsgJxbC09rPls6LvEspPy1D7-kyOgOOIcM3NI_w671UBTNVb_R9-JtStchnYjz5SwsHiqdRzKG-EoqsXA_0wjsJSDWfn8yO5r_ygwoEg/s1200/Grey-headed-Lapwing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxs24BeIXaQ565mUTzjZnv43d05ARWtMcy8tVumInYS_l4s6Fxtvba41GfGSs0pcjQDtQSgFTElfsmnzsgJxbC09rPls6LvEspPy1D7-kyOgOOIcM3NI_w671UBTNVb_R9-JtStchnYjz5SwsHiqdRzKG-EoqsXA_0wjsJSDWfn8yO5r_ygwoEg/s16000/Grey-headed-Lapwing1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both very unexpected lifers above, who knows what 2024 might bring...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Drilling this theme down, there were no patch ticks this year, but there were some nice highlights including two great new birds for the garden with a brief Siberian Stonechat and an also brief male Firecrest both in October. On the downside, this is my third year without a Yellow browed Warbler on patch and laziness meant that a few common species were missed too such as Wigeon. My excuse is that we were away for the last two weeks of September when most birds come through on passage during seawatches.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfrh1TpOuuJ10E3HZlLLOc6IWG8g7YUs7xYzlW3vSavK2tXQlaNzk92kooTj0R6WldviTlmUpQGpWadZhIdSfjUpf6PbMWpa7q_ZvS0IAR_oIjDslmOpYbSKg6DRCuf6OY4DPWSx47hlqUA9OfYYyl2QrjZ5rlWRiWQWnM8bMWbcK22nBgmC8Xg/s1202/Siberian-Stonechat-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfrh1TpOuuJ10E3HZlLLOc6IWG8g7YUs7xYzlW3vSavK2tXQlaNzk92kooTj0R6WldviTlmUpQGpWadZhIdSfjUpf6PbMWpa7q_ZvS0IAR_oIjDslmOpYbSKg6DRCuf6OY4DPWSx47hlqUA9OfYYyl2QrjZ5rlWRiWQWnM8bMWbcK22nBgmC8Xg/s16000/Siberian-Stonechat-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sibe Stonechat of one form or another as seen from the kitchen window.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Other patch 'goodies' were Russian Whitefronts over the garden, the 2nd Egyptian Goose for the patch, Hobby, Sabine's Gull, Great Shearwater, a brace of Grey Phalaropes, Northern Bullfinch, 40 odd Waxwings and a great flock of 22 Snow Buntings. Not too bad within 1km of my house.</p><p>Moths were quite good too with 10 new species for the garden. This list included a first for Northumberland ( vice counties 67 and 68) and no less than 4 firsts for vc68 alone.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktU8YfXWFVCqwQUs3wO9nkgVNNwu62v-evOfqa4QZQ2raSHJ-BFoN0ZgyjCLsE1mkFXhCYdV5wjJUPy5rs4ZW5Jwb1Nng3AN7kvdkOxMlsZCf9ddZemb8RsrhFbNiXqGAgYswGhFe37hakFWF73zBnbAATaYsdWeYntjsRFKMtPKQXjmuHVtByA/s1800/Moths-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktU8YfXWFVCqwQUs3wO9nkgVNNwu62v-evOfqa4QZQ2raSHJ-BFoN0ZgyjCLsE1mkFXhCYdV5wjJUPy5rs4ZW5Jwb1Nng3AN7kvdkOxMlsZCf9ddZemb8RsrhFbNiXqGAgYswGhFe37hakFWF73zBnbAATaYsdWeYntjsRFKMtPKQXjmuHVtByA/s16000/Moths-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream bordered Green Pea 1st for Northumberland, Dusky Thorn 1st for VC68, European Corn borer, 1st VC68, 4th Northumberland and Tissue.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Throw into the mix a few new plants, some great spiders for Northumberland, beetles etc and the whole 12 months hasn't been too bad at all.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9dSFUXv28m-xbJdPa2FQcVQ7DnjBWMNfPjuoNZ7vgayU8B4mSg8J-FwZSmsS_1rw0JT7n4ffH4aw4UgCrqvDkx6AtjA5VM0zLNfzZYDqqFNnL9Rqn30gO-EVzXaj9apZcQb_f5O2SVyi1_JqpBtN5NzOevMT4V8XvvoE6o_0YBFe51YbvwuoGw/s1800/spiders-2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9dSFUXv28m-xbJdPa2FQcVQ7DnjBWMNfPjuoNZ7vgayU8B4mSg8J-FwZSmsS_1rw0JT7n4ffH4aw4UgCrqvDkx6AtjA5VM0zLNfzZYDqqFNnL9Rqn30gO-EVzXaj9apZcQb_f5O2SVyi1_JqpBtN5NzOevMT4V8XvvoE6o_0YBFe51YbvwuoGw/s16000/spiders-2023.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Episinus angulatus 1st Northumberland, Euophrys frontalis, Uluborus plumipes, Pholcus phalangoides</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>As for an absolute favourite wildlife encounter in 2023? Encounters with one family in the summer remain top of the pops and don't come any better than this. Please see - <a href="https://boulmerbirder.blogspot.com/2023/06/holiday-heatwave.html" target="_blank">Here</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y5ygxGngjKE" width="481" youtube-src-id="Y5ygxGngjKE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-49858099412219182842023-12-06T13:45:00.004+00:002023-12-06T13:45:46.979+00:00Waxwing Blogging<p> A nice sunny lunchtime walk to the Pond Field today when, on route I noticed a car parked on the roadside opposite the pink rowan tree. As I passed I said to the occupants, '<b>Waxwings</b>?' They replied that there were three birds still and as I watched the birds flew up into a birch across the road. I said there had been 40 odd last week but most had moved on. </p><p>The couple of observers were on holiday from Yorkshire and asked if I wrote 'the blog'. 'Yes, I do' I replied. They went on to say they had hoped to see some Waxwings on their visit and had googled them, then found my blog that gave them an idea where to look. Isn't that nice! Sometimes I wonder what the point of the blog is, but its these occasional little interactions that make it more worthwhile. </p><p>I'm sure they enjoyed the birds, after all, its not often you find a tree with Waxwings that doesn't have a togger hiding below it.</p><p>On Monday in foul weather conditions, 9 Waxwings dropped into our village hall car park for 5 minutes before flying off back towards the rowan, so there may be other birds still hanging around somewhere.</p><p>We continued our walk down to the Pond Field. The pond sluice was open to reduce levels as the lane into our village was like a river on Monday. 2 Teal, 2 Mallard and a Little Grebe were the only things present but the <b>Chiffchaff </b>was still calling in cover in the wet wood.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBqmLWEBfQ7Ey9Sa5mIj7LXsibTBrgd44TizEyByheSRFAn0Ahd8e3ueB-VeYYNfkWt-fT3g7uujOmn3bVEXbpFTIi2-vor0dUCqYTVJYcXDddwSyyxOwpydQsHDqQABF7IRk66aDZ5Viv0EOV5-h3fB1i84tWXbfgoPVIGjtStod7XWXT9i4Kg/s1200/20231201_122749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBqmLWEBfQ7Ey9Sa5mIj7LXsibTBrgd44TizEyByheSRFAn0Ahd8e3ueB-VeYYNfkWt-fT3g7uujOmn3bVEXbpFTIi2-vor0dUCqYTVJYcXDddwSyyxOwpydQsHDqQABF7IRk66aDZ5Viv0EOV5-h3fB1i84tWXbfgoPVIGjtStod7XWXT9i4Kg/w640-h360/20231201_122749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-25929290938502439512023-12-04T12:50:00.005+00:002023-12-04T12:50:54.179+00:00Blue ( with the cold) Velvet...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
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The Old Rectory in our village...
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<p>
Since last weeks post, the weather changed considerably, for the worse. The
snow became 'real' and the temperature dropped to -4 degrees freezing anything
already wet into a solid lump of ice. Often, hard weather spells like this can
produce a movement of birds such as Skylarks or Woodcocks on the patch but as
in all weather patterns there are some subtleties to watch out for. In this
case we didnt get any hard weather movement as the main cold was confined to
the east coast, leaving birds already in further west non the wiser.
</p>
<p>Still, in local patch terms, it is always a bit interesting in some form.</p>
<p>
On Peggy's walk on 1st, we wandered around the field beside the coast path.
All was quiet, Peggy occupied by the enhanced snowy sniffing opportunities
when a roar of wind over head caused us to pause and look up. Here we found a
big adult <b>Peregine</b> scything through a flock of 30 off Golden Plover
dividing the numbers in half. The rush of the wings was amazing, with Go Plo's
parting like the Red Sea. The executioner unfortunately left without
breakfast.
</p>
<p>
Later, a single <b>Waxwing</b> was still hunkered down in the pink rowan along
the main road and a cracker of a <b>Tawny Owl </b>sat out in the pink light of
a snowy dusk, giving great views on a fence post along our lane.
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWnppMBQQ86Ua6B2D2oMvOA4EAw9nHvl_9HvvKwL3QC0GxBBnhsoi1Zua3HSpv2R4IeBboTaJzgOBsskiREmJD7lp5cptkzGl0KftqgSwhs_nDN24s-BLUcw5PiCsHbmXYvincETvQESn4nLKz7lpjnNMj2HzLPwb9v8E3HJOBNM9lkQoUyz5vQ/s1600/Peregrine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWnppMBQQ86Ua6B2D2oMvOA4EAw9nHvl_9HvvKwL3QC0GxBBnhsoi1Zua3HSpv2R4IeBboTaJzgOBsskiREmJD7lp5cptkzGl0KftqgSwhs_nDN24s-BLUcw5PiCsHbmXYvincETvQESn4nLKz7lpjnNMj2HzLPwb9v8E3HJOBNM9lkQoUyz5vQ/s1600/Peregrine.jpg" /></a>
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Phone shot. By the time I got it out of my pocket the Peregrine was on
its way...
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pond Field</td>
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<br />Yesterday we were to do a Guided Walk for Alnwick Wildlife Group from
Dunstan Steads to Low Newton and back. This wasn't until 10am so we met at 8 and
had a short wander around our village first. Wednesday's <b>Tawny Owl </b>was
sat out again in the same place before flying past us into some ivy covered
trees to roost while a <b>Treecreeper </b>hopped up a telegraph pole nearby.
More interesting were two calling <b>Chiffchaffs</b>, one by the pond field in
the wet wood, the other along the lane beside the village wood. It feasibly
could have been one bird moving around but I dont think so?
<div><br /></div>
<div>
After not a bad start it was off, all of 3 miles along to Dunstan Steads. The
roads were a bit tricky along here most not having seen a gritter so we didnt
expect a big turn out. We were right. The group consisted of 6 hardy members
but the weather was calm freezing and bright, ideal for a coast walk. And,
even better, the golf course was closed so there were very few people around
too!
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
We walked along the shore with snow down to the high tide line seeing a few
bits and pieces. Best of all was a close in female <b>Velvet Scoter </b>eating
shore crabs. On the flat sea she gave some great views.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzyFQy9C_6i6GCwRM1Cg4wW4ESB24ouefrly2iFlmqbzKzKFopMRSCuOKVzhHljnu2DBur48OVat6CqkGSkz4-91PYRML6b1obxOALDmfQjKF1kfuHSuTMMSw5SdoIPNBLaitYp6lxlwi8U43I-9oPCGNsHHdV-gmfZpLvtYlfTJdR580-nJFwA/s1600/Velvet-Scoter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzyFQy9C_6i6GCwRM1Cg4wW4ESB24ouefrly2iFlmqbzKzKFopMRSCuOKVzhHljnu2DBur48OVat6CqkGSkz4-91PYRML6b1obxOALDmfQjKF1kfuHSuTMMSw5SdoIPNBLaitYp6lxlwi8U43I-9oPCGNsHHdV-gmfZpLvtYlfTJdR580-nJFwA/s1600/Velvet-Scoter.jpg" /></a>
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Velvet Scoter dismembering a shore crab...
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<br />
</div>
<div>
A bit further on were a few waders and more wildfowl forced onto the sea as
the pond and scrapes were frozen solid.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
We had 1 juv<b> Brent Goose</b> on the beach, 40+ Wigeon, a few Mallard and
with them an ocean going <b>Gadwall,</b> 3 Common Scoter, 3
<b>Red breasted Merganser,</b> 2 <b>Purple Sandpiper</b>, 2 Bar tailed Godwits
and 2 Grey Plover. Passerines were in short supply with only Stonechats,
Skylark, Greenfinch and a few Blackbirds, Song and Mistle Thrushes in the dune
bushes.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Not a great deal to write home about but it was a very nice walk out with
enough to keep us interested.
</div>
<div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWSU0ie71lhBpzz2qwkPf6NiZGsL6niNKWbiIO8cmN-GESf6QXg3whObTHPg92t1jyOrDum9e250aWodQklSjnuo9TOEpEWbacvhwR8sJfEeUV1IG8DSA2w53LlObSUenR8bjNyBgZ7zV84BTHiQ71jFjwdyUQZoFD1s-qv1wzNEgFoiSHm2xRg/s1600/Snow-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWSU0ie71lhBpzz2qwkPf6NiZGsL6niNKWbiIO8cmN-GESf6QXg3whObTHPg92t1jyOrDum9e250aWodQklSjnuo9TOEpEWbacvhwR8sJfEeUV1IG8DSA2w53LlObSUenR8bjNyBgZ7zV84BTHiQ71jFjwdyUQZoFD1s-qv1wzNEgFoiSHm2xRg/s1600/Snow-5.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embleton Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>
Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-67112187082846279252023-11-29T14:08:00.006+00:002023-11-29T14:09:32.817+00:00Snow, Roe, Birds and Bees...<p>
Snowing today. The first of the winter. Last night there was a lot of
sleet and hail leaving about 1 cm of wet snow over our cars this morning but
now, there is some proper large flakes falling. It doesn't seem cold enough
for it to lie properly just yet.
</p>
<p>
Peggy's lunchtime walk today was a slushy wet affair brightened up by the
presence of 3 <b>Waxwings</b> in the usual pink rowan tree along the roadside.
When silent these birds can be surprisingly hard to detect and these three
were hunkered down out of the snow in the tree. I was just taking a few photos
when a female Sparrowhawk came out of nowhere, flushing the birds out of
sight. Luckily for them, none were taken. Its good to get some Waxwings
without a togger in sight! Apart from me that is...
</p>
<p>
Yesterday, as I walked down the pond field track, a very late ( for
Northumberland) Buff tailed Bumble bee flew past and dropped into the pond
edge reeds. It seemed ok, but I hope it manages to find a spot to hibernate
in.
</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19-Rxq3t6eKrg8qoFgUOFdExnmG2WzdQazZYikdx1MVEzubjfkCOKL5J3du_nI7i-RBHtcNYeZYB1nEz01TDHmRmH64XpfKBjjvUX00DK6Hgbk1LFOKQsaeXx1CpN8bbClaI8qvhDaWzfBo5MS0oj7zzOMWRft4Bj5KspygmvZJsrxs1zvuVclw/s1600/Bumblebee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19-Rxq3t6eKrg8qoFgUOFdExnmG2WzdQazZYikdx1MVEzubjfkCOKL5J3du_nI7i-RBHtcNYeZYB1nEz01TDHmRmH64XpfKBjjvUX00DK6Hgbk1LFOKQsaeXx1CpN8bbClaI8qvhDaWzfBo5MS0oj7zzOMWRft4Bj5KspygmvZJsrxs1zvuVclw/s1600/Bumblebee.jpg" /></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
A very late Buff tailed Bumblebee on the wing.
</td>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6VqaEhkhJCpJUFEuMSQLYm1nWVxD8aJzQk-SadqJyx_rZKAtcGQ9cc8dNW2eFy2AcQIC-vhQ9ODEqureYo_REBXb8s_Lt4ZwgwRM7oTg-GK3vuFmwXjc_r7HMpw76PDaodU1ClQHBAfxOP5tpY_zBzKhW9v4t3sp6Drpmb04UmIFpoRgnbqL-w/s1600/Roe-Deer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6VqaEhkhJCpJUFEuMSQLYm1nWVxD8aJzQk-SadqJyx_rZKAtcGQ9cc8dNW2eFy2AcQIC-vhQ9ODEqureYo_REBXb8s_Lt4ZwgwRM7oTg-GK3vuFmwXjc_r7HMpw76PDaodU1ClQHBAfxOP5tpY_zBzKhW9v4t3sp6Drpmb04UmIFpoRgnbqL-w/s1600/Roe-Deer.jpg" /></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Roe Doe watching from the wet wood.
</td>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3R7EfBqcS34jF92Xncv1ZZgo5dGJCTWaFha02KGduYJW2i_M2EdWJ-6q0Y3GaO-3mdm-SQOf0fWEmkaC7dHvLX3KJewps37IK4D1lkDiqD2_nOTTI1AI4VTMjFKQ6oWJGIIlZEc87AiMIEpbXkqFHahsp5Qv7XfvVNc9sNC9IOhbV2lofB_1Nw/s1600/Waxwing-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3R7EfBqcS34jF92Xncv1ZZgo5dGJCTWaFha02KGduYJW2i_M2EdWJ-6q0Y3GaO-3mdm-SQOf0fWEmkaC7dHvLX3KJewps37IK4D1lkDiqD2_nOTTI1AI4VTMjFKQ6oWJGIIlZEc87AiMIEpbXkqFHahsp5Qv7XfvVNc9sNC9IOhbV2lofB_1Nw/s1600/Waxwing-1.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAngeGQrro0wIRb40nbN-kGlCi8vcMX0gwcUKu8LXe6e2G6pep2LWppbuFk-Cj3hXVYyNjIkGiKme1rNe_yffDTK5WPXcPH10sQNq2X9IP2V7EX2SeuO0I3E-nABfK2EktLIZX3-FBXXXVXQ7dxbq5RWr4nP6rTL7SfaH0ze6KJ9WdhDVwwfJZA/s1600/Waxwing-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAngeGQrro0wIRb40nbN-kGlCi8vcMX0gwcUKu8LXe6e2G6pep2LWppbuFk-Cj3hXVYyNjIkGiKme1rNe_yffDTK5WPXcPH10sQNq2X9IP2V7EX2SeuO0I3E-nABfK2EktLIZX3-FBXXXVXQ7dxbq5RWr4nP6rTL7SfaH0ze6KJ9WdhDVwwfJZA/s1600/Waxwing-2.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3GJXl6KQFjO46MEPbVcSuPqAt-tjRqqiH-U-AFV7xk-j_Zqh6tyA4SAznFkE-T7oWUI-O66NPcKE3ULx0VsIoeHPEA9yQt_x-uryC6EI8n2GT8CtOzaCrCbBDHOsmNbn8Bou9J8JCzPb-pWzq-XQBpF1UbE_FdBrUx_zTSjCQbjkN3FVjHZ3SA/s1600/Waxwing-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3GJXl6KQFjO46MEPbVcSuPqAt-tjRqqiH-U-AFV7xk-j_Zqh6tyA4SAznFkE-T7oWUI-O66NPcKE3ULx0VsIoeHPEA9yQt_x-uryC6EI8n2GT8CtOzaCrCbBDHOsmNbn8Bou9J8JCzPb-pWzq-XQBpF1UbE_FdBrUx_zTSjCQbjkN3FVjHZ3SA/s1600/Waxwing-4.jpg" /></a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Waxwings still around the patch.
</td>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmst_NUsfQrOinIY5xhDP0yZUrD_c13UIw4G-bK0UDVv6ZOAJdzRU9zRR0pl54dQ3MBZ_AAHYCLSREbyonV4-4fS_FaemZXvDFza8sOz2cf-Ec3tC3VHmoBneS_O_ahZojf1ThU8pc9NPmXsPd6AgDCnF_kPlCHUBTmlW8mK1IryjpEDk_XxCTlg/s4624/20231129_074115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2084" data-original-width="4624" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmst_NUsfQrOinIY5xhDP0yZUrD_c13UIw4G-bK0UDVv6ZOAJdzRU9zRR0pl54dQ3MBZ_AAHYCLSREbyonV4-4fS_FaemZXvDFza8sOz2cf-Ec3tC3VHmoBneS_O_ahZojf1ThU8pc9NPmXsPd6AgDCnF_kPlCHUBTmlW8mK1IryjpEDk_XxCTlg/w640-h288/20231129_074115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>
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Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-60498016140050454292023-11-27T11:09:00.009+00:002023-11-27T11:12:09.884+00:00Wax - wings and caps<p>
Its not been a bad week for the naturalist around here, really.
</p>
<p>The weather has been variable, though quite moderate. </p>
<p>
Mid week a dog walk through the Village Wood had that soft cool, earthy, early
winter smell to it. In the diluted sunshine, a pile of oak logs left
after Storm Arwen attracted attention. It was covered in a colourful array of
small fungi, including one new to me, <b>Purple Jellydisc </b>as well as Hairy
Curtain Crust, Sulphur Tuft and one that remains to be identified. It may need
further scrutiny this week.
</p>
<p>
In that evening a couple of late Pipistrelles (?), well, bats, were still
hawking under the street lights.
</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEi_k-lm1IUtQNWSMuAdAy-WTPztGh2I4N708UH_8P_VlfW3LuwbTbY9V4lwgrIozM7J7KLmUdUOlUXMeyzeMMYJFEnE9M_9aGjFLvMByCZ6tIXnEPP4aQaMkA5Wxff4iMXHSSxRUWBQUjQScYXSLwOG-OgdSqpUe7GnhaFDeVmmLgKnPLGEAnQ/s1600/Fungi-Logs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEi_k-lm1IUtQNWSMuAdAy-WTPztGh2I4N708UH_8P_VlfW3LuwbTbY9V4lwgrIozM7J7KLmUdUOlUXMeyzeMMYJFEnE9M_9aGjFLvMByCZ6tIXnEPP4aQaMkA5Wxff4iMXHSSxRUWBQUjQScYXSLwOG-OgdSqpUe7GnhaFDeVmmLgKnPLGEAnQ/s1600/Fungi-Logs.jpg" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log Pile</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCvz7WJBqP2aqkS57ZE4uzh7rkCGybAvPVgeekjvv8EfMgHtWMfBRtosQHDTWCkrlvRROktZe6vZZHJNjDgKHiIxIIl7dBUUohROoaqOqCMdZ9CAFDVd6XphHbdxmhCL-OwEgicss_Apvke0KZdcUdQhgBs145x8F3lKVldZ6oImedt8GdCRf4w/s1600/Hairy-Curtain-Crust-Fungi1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCvz7WJBqP2aqkS57ZE4uzh7rkCGybAvPVgeekjvv8EfMgHtWMfBRtosQHDTWCkrlvRROktZe6vZZHJNjDgKHiIxIIl7dBUUohROoaqOqCMdZ9CAFDVd6XphHbdxmhCL-OwEgicss_Apvke0KZdcUdQhgBs145x8F3lKVldZ6oImedt8GdCRf4w/s1600/Hairy-Curtain-Crust-Fungi1.jpg" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Hairy Curtain Crust
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemd86-vbPje8fB_N0F7GFi-g6nkOrxuZHlWf_HK3gSMnMK94dI6EDNoq4I4CMSiFa6LgrRK30DIFaKCgsrokg-g9HV1lxrQPcRsLxFJgRp9PygQmfaO38K9wl34g7w16Td7RuEQ3Oup3ZIpyZYpp5mSF_vYJxEmV1h8fncc_ljB9oDQKmOovCXA/s1600/Purple-Jellydisc-fungi1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemd86-vbPje8fB_N0F7GFi-g6nkOrxuZHlWf_HK3gSMnMK94dI6EDNoq4I4CMSiFa6LgrRK30DIFaKCgsrokg-g9HV1lxrQPcRsLxFJgRp9PygQmfaO38K9wl34g7w16Td7RuEQ3Oup3ZIpyZYpp5mSF_vYJxEmV1h8fncc_ljB9oDQKmOovCXA/s1600/Purple-Jellydisc-fungi1.jpg" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Jellydisc</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQjwF-74qsJE1XVwbQ7N5QgWmC5jkRDQKkR0H0Ci3UhrYk5d5Zo16-h6HkAYZTor54uL1GZhACUy8_Lt40pEfabEmvJ0esqPqy9pjQa883Yhs6SF3f7zCUIbTIN6gqAMjl01_AK2K9baOBYAlyu-u0euOCzFoJ3NxqX0Tmoc2NUKbbIopzBnYJg/s1600/sULPHUR-tUFT-hAIRY-cURTAIN-cRUST-Fungi-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQjwF-74qsJE1XVwbQ7N5QgWmC5jkRDQKkR0H0Ci3UhrYk5d5Zo16-h6HkAYZTor54uL1GZhACUy8_Lt40pEfabEmvJ0esqPqy9pjQa883Yhs6SF3f7zCUIbTIN6gqAMjl01_AK2K9baOBYAlyu-u0euOCzFoJ3NxqX0Tmoc2NUKbbIopzBnYJg/w427-h640/sULPHUR-tUFT-hAIRY-cURTAIN-cRUST-Fungi-2.jpg" width="427" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
I think the fungi at the top may be Sulphur Tuft?
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />Keeping to a fungi theme, I was surprised when Debra Burley found some
<b>Pink Ballerina Waxcaps</b> in Alnwick Cemetary. Ive looked in many good
waxcap grasslands in North Northumberland without success so I gave it a twitch
on my way to work.
<div>
After some directional confusion, there were 10 small stout pink Waxcaps
around an area of gravestones...Excellent.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdF5z-YNg6lmuxopNVvT2_Oe7qALbMa03E0011yA81AY85W4teQif899uM_ysz4t8zJPlvBeX844g0wV0wJNIY7ZuIutjENMRNxBmhNEDJKlFTFjR81krE9ncFgHyauGAA5aQJz-4hOJTRHkvnxetoPxnkosbJEkTzllRKXCbi4jGopX4PWh0wg/s1600/Ballerina-Waxcaps-Fungi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdF5z-YNg6lmuxopNVvT2_Oe7qALbMa03E0011yA81AY85W4teQif899uM_ysz4t8zJPlvBeX844g0wV0wJNIY7ZuIutjENMRNxBmhNEDJKlFTFjR81krE9ncFgHyauGAA5aQJz-4hOJTRHkvnxetoPxnkosbJEkTzllRKXCbi4jGopX4PWh0wg/w427-h640/Ballerina-Waxcaps-Fungi.jpg" width="427" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Pink Ballerina Waxcaps
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<div><br /></div>
<div>
By Friday, the wind had swung to the North and then some, On Google
Earth the northerly could be followed right up to the North Pole. The
'socials' were filed with commentary about masses of Little Auks, it could be
the best showing for years, White Winged Gulls, Brunnichs etc. I jested that
we might even get a Spectacled Eider off it, such was its reach, but, I sort
of knew that we had been here before. Many times.
</div>
<div>
On my blog in
<a href="https://boulmerbirder.blogspot.com/2021/11/expectations-hope-and-lottery.html" target="_blank">Nov 2021</a>, before Storm Arwen, I posted a very similar weather map and pondered just
the same. Whilst the record breaking gales blew an unprecedented number of
Brunnichs Guillemots southward, the rest was pretty much standard. This time,
I was more tempered and considered that most Little Auks would be further west
by now so although a good northerly will always give us a few birds, the
chances of a classic were slim.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Early Saturday morning found me traipsing along to my nearest seawatching spot
for a couple of hours. Yes, there wasn't a great deal moving, but there was
just enough to fill the time. From 8am - 10am I had
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><b>Great Northern Diver 5 N</b></div>
<div>Diver sp 1 N</div>
<div>Red throated Diver 7</div>
<div>Goldeneye 2m 1f N and 1f S</div>
<div>Teal 2 S</div>
<div>Common Scoter 16</div>
<div><b>Purple Sandpiper 2</b></div>
<div>Eider 7 S</div>
<div><b>Great crested Grebe 1 S</b> the rarest bird of the day.</div>
<div>Fulmar 6 N</div>
<div>Gannet 7 N</div>
<div>
<b>Litttle Auk 1 N </b>at last, and new for the year. Dan and Mark watching
from 300 mtrs south of me managed 74 Little Auks. They must have been too
distant for my eyes is I'll I can suggest.
</div>
<div><b>Brent Geese 2</b> N</div>
<div>Pink footed Geese 500 S</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>This brings us to Sunday morning.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
JWR came to pick me up to do a recce for next weeks Alnwick Wildlife Group
guided walk from Embleton to Low Newton along the coast. Before we left, I had
a quick task to collect some greenery for Jane's Christmas wreath making
session. While getting some bits of Ivy at the Lane End, the distinctive
trembling calls of <b>Waxwings </b>filled the air. Soon we located 26 of them
perched on top of a tall Ash tree opposite a large ornamental pink Rowan tree.
This tee is still laden with pinkish white berries that are always last to go,
usually eaten by Bullfinches and Mistle Thrushes. As we watched down they came
periodically, like locusts, to systematically clear the tree. The resident
Mistler was having none of it and did his best to keep the viking raid at bay
but he was fighting a losing battle.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
All of a sudden a Sparrowhawk dashed through panicking everything and the
Waxwings headed off south to safety.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq9qJBuHSBVLXtfqhQS-mtdYGpoO-lt7K9zn_1dJhqrK9YrIWJGMEp2zN3OL6_FUHMrDvzMzo_8ZTBKnonIDVDn4NynjTThEJD1KFOACoHpwK13YSrJe1ArptefylQ0VV2MSeCsMLNhN4JgpQZkoOCZ-n6iniRwyjAKAtgQ5yOxPKRiBIyDEhCQ/s16000/Embleton.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq9qJBuHSBVLXtfqhQS-mtdYGpoO-lt7K9zn_1dJhqrK9YrIWJGMEp2zN3OL6_FUHMrDvzMzo_8ZTBKnonIDVDn4NynjTThEJD1KFOACoHpwK13YSrJe1ArptefylQ0VV2MSeCsMLNhN4JgpQZkoOCZ-n6iniRwyjAKAtgQ5yOxPKRiBIyDEhCQ/s1600/Embleton.jpg" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The start of our walk, Dunstan Steads / Embleton Golf Course with
Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpcD_OUspWj0g1Prvf0EYrNm4XPwRs18yjdz2XdIAa79pnVH96hOrVxwwidhkkyOQFFm4CfFKVMU15R7HnOUmu-DQhOt1X2bwSXOcZgg4CmEYCMzQU_YkaQK3qDUOai0WrpiiAdILYxso1jQLhXUmwKY1G4sEBMVXYJW_aBokEqTvoOw-siOVuQ/s1600/Long-tailed-Duck-Low-Newton.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpcD_OUspWj0g1Prvf0EYrNm4XPwRs18yjdz2XdIAa79pnVH96hOrVxwwidhkkyOQFFm4CfFKVMU15R7HnOUmu-DQhOt1X2bwSXOcZgg4CmEYCMzQU_YkaQK3qDUOai0WrpiiAdILYxso1jQLhXUmwKY1G4sEBMVXYJW_aBokEqTvoOw-siOVuQ/s1600/Long-tailed-Duck-Low-Newton.jpg" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Long tailed Duck. I wont even try to age or sex it.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<div><br /></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
We moved on to Embleton where the car was left at Dunstan Steads. This is only
about 5 miles from home so still pretty local.
</div>
<div>
Our walk was quite pleasant witha few bits and pieces to make it
worthwhile.
</div>
<div>
<b>7 Purple Sandpipers</b>, on the shore and <b>19 Greenfinches </b>looked
fabulous feeding along the strand line,. At Newton Scrapes,
<b>13 Whooper Swans</b>, plenty of usual wildfowl and a nice
<b>Long tailed Duck</b> showed well as Water Rails screamed in the background.
</div>
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<div>
We got back home at 12, so I took Peggy for a walk to see if the
<b>Waxwings</b> had returned. I was pleased now to find the numbers had gone
up to 40+. I couldn't get an accurate number as they flew off during my best
count but I know there were somewhere between 43 - 45 birds.
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So, another grand early winters day out. I wonder when our roll will end?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdOHIUy4iwMhLJC9G3OSrC-UTyf6Mw6WIORiKsKC7YisdYHO-O7lIGBUMybdlH80wpcnSDEYCFV5E1FYtjLXazD_4sF_HfjJIHqe07eA3lRColkNWdlpurWiDDP-y56BaWyqM_CjrzbrnD-8fw3dedvMr29cVnjYUoMDr9cJpeOCzCIgouOOaXw/s1600/Waxwings-flock-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdOHIUy4iwMhLJC9G3OSrC-UTyf6Mw6WIORiKsKC7YisdYHO-O7lIGBUMybdlH80wpcnSDEYCFV5E1FYtjLXazD_4sF_HfjJIHqe07eA3lRColkNWdlpurWiDDP-y56BaWyqM_CjrzbrnD-8fw3dedvMr29cVnjYUoMDr9cJpeOCzCIgouOOaXw/s1600/Waxwings-flock-1.jpg" /></a>
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Waxwings. The shot above has 31 of the 40 odd birds in it.
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Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-2945836222958903272023-11-22T14:24:00.001+00:002023-11-22T14:41:06.898+00:00Winter Birding <p> Its about the time of year to start having a think about plans for the coming one, 2024. </p><p>So far I have no fixed ideas, as is usual, so I read as much as possible from books, blogs, social media etc to try and get some juices flowing. It can be difficult in early winter, in the aftermath of our busiest season to get fired up.</p><p>Yesterday Andy Mould, a good Northumberland birder and stalwart of Holy Island birding, posted a short tweet ( I am as likely to change that to X as I am to change the name of a Ross's Gull) about his year of garden birds. This had me thinking, whilst a lot of time is spent birding from my garden, I never really summarise it or keep a real eye on what has occurred over the year. With the garden being my Local Patch epicentre, thats one thought for next year.</p><p>Another strand I've pondered, is how to change from as many written notes to more sketches and illustrations that I enjoy doing. This always leads me to a dead end as its just not possible to cover a days birding, fully, in sketch form. without missing loads of stuff.</p><p>More to think about in coming weeks.</p><p>The last 10 days have been spent locally as usual.</p><p>Last Friday a nice bit of birding fortune came my way. Late morning, standing at the office printer, in a daze, I glanced out of the first floor windows, to see a lovely sunny early winters day. Just the type of day, you could imagine a flock of <b>Waxwings</b> catching the sun on top of some trees maybe. So, I sauntered the 20 or so feet from the printer to the window and gazed across the car par towards the main A189 dual carriageway. Surely not? There was a single bird sat right at the top of a roadside Ash, It is too far for details it looked like a medium sized dumpy blob. Then more appeared as if from nowhere, 9 in total all on top of highest twigs nicely spaced. Too neat for Starlings. Then the clincher. Two began flycatching like oversized Spotted Flycatchers climbing high to snatch an unseen insect and gliding back, bee-eater fashion to their perch. A flock of Waxwings! Well predicted by me!</p><p>To be fair, I have seen them in this exact spot some years ago so it is favoured, but there were a genuine surprise. I decided to check them with my scope that was in the boot of the car, but as I glanced back from my desk they had all gone and did not return. I'm not having much luck nailing these fluffy buggers down...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqygHY7k92enElmF9TmGdSJc0SqrEw2qwghBLk4F_zLmtHUQER12LAc0yIvEB-xcDBZ0D829nfGua9kBj26W4vJuGOJRAWrkF1u_T2TMTUSsP_s-TGLi3Q7RfcWnnBqEP8eKubUCV341seOBMKB3KS_00YNoTwnpjQfJP6hqrqAUQZB9syeOang/s1200/Waxwing-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqygHY7k92enElmF9TmGdSJc0SqrEw2qwghBLk4F_zLmtHUQER12LAc0yIvEB-xcDBZ0D829nfGua9kBj26W4vJuGOJRAWrkF1u_T2TMTUSsP_s-TGLi3Q7RfcWnnBqEP8eKubUCV341seOBMKB3KS_00YNoTwnpjQfJP6hqrqAUQZB9syeOang/s16000/Waxwing-3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>This brings me to Sunday. We tend to expect very quiet days in winter but if you are lucky a nice little list of birds can be found.</p><p>JWR and I met up at Boulmer main car park at 7.45am. From here we decided to wander north around Longhoughton Steel and back and maybe have a sit and wait at the north end, which we did.</p><p>Out to sea 3 duck <b>Goldeneye</b> flew S , 6 <b>Red throated Divers</b> loafed and fished, as did 25 or so <b>Gannets</b>, En route to the Steel we had 4 <b>Purple Sandpipers</b> on the rocks. 3 <b>Shelduc</b>k flew S and 1 ad and 1 fw <b>Little Gull</b> flew N. </p><p>A nice start.</p><p>We loitered around the Longhoughton Steel bench for a while. Here, a nice <b>Woodcock</b> arrived in-off, landed briefly then continued west. On the sea towards Howick were 5 Goldeneye inc 2 males, and a nice drake <b>Long tailed Duck </b>with last weeks female. <b>Common Scoter</b> females had increased by one to 8 birds. Over head a light movement of <b>Pinkfeet</b> with 80 and 62 birds south.</p><p>Ive not had a <b>Wigeon</b> on my patch list this year so 40 on the shore here can just about be scoped from the south end of the homestead. One to bear in mind. </p><p>4 <b>Black tailed Godwits</b> N here was a nice record for our wetland impoverished bit of rocky coast.</p><p>The wander back to the car park was uneventful but another sit and watch tea from the car boot gave us some more to look at. <b>73+ Dunlin, 18+ Ringed Plover, 16+ Bar tailed Godwits, 50+ Lapwings, 4+ Grey Plover </b>and<b> 19 Sanderlings</b> were all regulars but still nice nonetheless.</p><p>As we were about to head home, John picked out a little <b>Merlin</b> sitting on the rocks offshore. It sat a while before doing a drag start across the haven towards our waders. Here, it was unlucky when it missed a Dunlin when the bird dropped, in defence, into the shallow water to hide. The Merlin gave up on that and headed, low, back over the bay to the rocks. As it arrived, it flushed the Lapwings and a few more Dunlin high and away, but one Dunlin was a bit slower and remained seated. The Merlin by now was just about a metre over its head and on its way past when it caught sight of the dozing calidrid.</p><p>In one move, the Merlin stalled, back pedalled and stuck out a leg, grabbing the wader from its slumber and into the air. They came to rest a short distance away on the weed covered rocks where the falcon administered the last rites before eating every morsel in front of us. Gruesome. but still amazing! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="331" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zVaq_S8yfpg" width="452" youtube-src-id="zVaq_S8yfpg"></iframe></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv7aEvUwU6GdPlJK67Bb11FoA_qmTedztq-1K_o3e6HbEKkjTOFQQXVbA4J3E1Nkz1X9RdAHUg-dBOWf6ug0uhHxwkfIvljb2rPJSUJc-zMgSDdDgk8I698ISSLHBgrk6CPSF8ACOulmUWx5BPN_PnmW9-VtRyOs1TiK8ak6NDNFs-3lWqgIG-A/s1421/Merlin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv7aEvUwU6GdPlJK67Bb11FoA_qmTedztq-1K_o3e6HbEKkjTOFQQXVbA4J3E1Nkz1X9RdAHUg-dBOWf6ug0uhHxwkfIvljb2rPJSUJc-zMgSDdDgk8I698ISSLHBgrk6CPSF8ACOulmUWx5BPN_PnmW9-VtRyOs1TiK8ak6NDNFs-3lWqgIG-A/s16000/Merlin.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above - Merlin and top, same bird eating a Dunlin. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-48536454490878344802023-11-13T16:45:00.003+00:002023-11-15T08:41:54.779+00:00Its almost over...<p>November. The trees are almost leafless now, the nights are dark and the area has a quiet wintry feel to it. Still, the past two weeks locally have been quite good really. There have been no rarities but a few birds have been moving through that should cheer up the most brow beaten of local patch watchers</p><p>The month opened with a dozen <b>Bramblings</b> under Beech trees along our lane and there were still two Pipistrelles out feeding at dusk.</p><p>On the 4th the incongruous sighting of 3 <b>Coal Tits</b> leaving village gardens at dawn and flying off high into the sky and out of sight was a thought provoker while a flock of 6 deep calling <b>Redpolls</b> flying south over head were likely Mealies. <b>21 Whooper Swans</b> flew low S over our village in the afternoon, adding to the melancholy feel with their soft trumpeting calls.</p><p>We had a short visit of 3 miles along to Boulmer on Guy Fawkes where we had some nice viz migging and seawatching with <b>2 Snow Buntings S, 1 Twite S, 800 Pinkfeet S, 12 Puple Sandpipers, 27+ Bar tailed Godwits, 60+ Knot, 8 Red throated Divers N and 3 S, 1 Great Northern Diver N, 1 ad Little Gull N </b>and a<b> drake Pintail </b>dropped in to the shore Wigeon flock.</p><p>The next morning at home viz mig had picked up with <b>44 Siskin, 11 Redpoll, 1 Twite, 2 Crossbill</b> and <b>10 Whooper Swans </b>all S. These were just the appetiser as an hour later <b>2ad and a juv Russian White fronted Goose</b> flew low over our garden nicely lit by the morning sunshine. Only my 2nd record here after a few in the good year for them of 2010. In addition were <b>750 Pinkfeet</b> S over head too.</p><p>Another <b>2 Mealy Redpoll </b>called loudly overhead on the 7th.</p><p>A few local patch walks from home this weekend in quite nice weather, Pre Storm Debi, had <b>9 Crossbills, 4 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff, 21 Whooper Swans, 300 Pink feet, 1 drake Goosander S, 1 f Long tailed Duck with 4 Goldeneye and 7 Common Scoter</b> at the burn mouth and, saving best til last, <b>3 Waxwings,</b> 1 with <b>20 Redwings </b>behind the Cricket Hut then 2 in the Village Hall car park all too briefly before flying off SW. These are my 5th of autumn but all have been in a hurry to move on. Do they know something we dont?</p><p>Is it time to start Christmas Shopping I wonder?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bZSBOi5aDzHnHef6IvoX9ngWtTAvkBYYyZavbSEsleX_efHY-fnvDGwFIB8KY8jYdchu3KJ-5PGdRES9F1fsn_uf07W0bIHzAlHALpgfOMhmwFgZ6UsmSrTB-FpTHJC2exGyvZ7QnV8qXB6oIb01605pC0DHOyDUNxZlKZF6DUyB228WxrMqMw/s1200/Waxwing-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bZSBOi5aDzHnHef6IvoX9ngWtTAvkBYYyZavbSEsleX_efHY-fnvDGwFIB8KY8jYdchu3KJ-5PGdRES9F1fsn_uf07W0bIHzAlHALpgfOMhmwFgZ6UsmSrTB-FpTHJC2exGyvZ7QnV8qXB6oIb01605pC0DHOyDUNxZlKZF6DUyB228WxrMqMw/s16000/Waxwing-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3iu91oVcGjpDruYhBWA9IIegXK08v9N5BcwiAQyzm91yOiL93heVVxp2VBkt1se_rGH2jOAJbpfcTtWm1bh1uJBdXcWwjnHdR9dsJoIgbxnvk4mS0y6fgQTZxdJ7UvtZK-89vdXY3hmiPrvOrxj_UHJvCVXkMHSgwtxjb9aNucN6cmb8J7uJ_Q/s1200/Waxwing-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3iu91oVcGjpDruYhBWA9IIegXK08v9N5BcwiAQyzm91yOiL93heVVxp2VBkt1se_rGH2jOAJbpfcTtWm1bh1uJBdXcWwjnHdR9dsJoIgbxnvk4mS0y6fgQTZxdJ7UvtZK-89vdXY3hmiPrvOrxj_UHJvCVXkMHSgwtxjb9aNucN6cmb8J7uJ_Q/s16000/Waxwing-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-2847693590552573082023-10-30T11:18:00.000+00:002023-10-30T11:18:39.897+00:00A Storm is a Threatenin'<p>
For a nice change, the wind for the last couple of weeks has been
usually from the eastern half, with quite a bit of rain too, so we have had a
few interesting things to see on patch. Nothing to set the grapevines alight
but enough to keep me occupied.
</p>
<p>
Before I get on the that we had a short fine interlude on the 14th where we
had a good influx of butterflies into the village. The short Ivy hedge near
the village hall had 105+ Red Admirals one lunchtime with 3 Comma and a
Painted Lady. Each time a car passed they would lift up like the autumn leaves
in a wind. In the village wood some <b>Striated Earthstars</b> were a new
fungi for me.
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<a
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Striated Earthstar like a little spaceship.
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<p>
The very next day, it was cold, down to 2 degrees with a mod NW4 blowing so we
spent the morning seawatching. The sun was bright so we were often blinded but
a change of angle helped a bit.
</p>
<p>From 07.15 - 11.30 we had - </p>
<p>
<b>Sooty Shearwater</b> 1, Red throated Diver 4N 6S,
<b>Great Northern Diver</b> in summer plumage very close in N, Arctic Skua 1N,
Skua sp 2N, Pink footed Geese 90, 30, 70 S, Barnacle Goose 50 N, Purple
Sandpiper 2, Shelduck 3 S, Common Scoter 4N, Red breasted Merganser 1N,
<b>Long tailed Duck</b> 1male and 1 female N, <b>Sabines Gull</b> 1 juv S,
loitering for a short while offshore to dip feed before drifting out of sight,
Arctic Tern 1ad 2 juv N and finally 2 <b>Twite</b> S calling.
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<br />
<p>
17th Oct, 4 late Swallows, I'd not seen any for weeks, were in the village at
dusk.
</p>
<p>
On Thursday 19th we were treated to a 3 day Storm Barbet with its ESE8 Gale
and heavy rain.
</p>
<p>
One of the Swallows above was so tired it flew into our shed and settled on
the bench just to rest.
</p>
<p>
A few Redwings and Fieldfares arrived over the garden first thing, with 3
Brambling but it was a cracking male <b>Firecrest</b> that graced our compost
heaps for a few minutes that made the day. Still a scarce bird up here, this
is a garden first, and it started quite an influx of them all along our
coastline. Also around the garden were 3 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff
and a Raven overhead. A Woodcock flushed from the village hall pond mid
morning.
</p>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGZr2kdYZ12vDL9IyvMnU7X3q26zeX_6bN5uRWtnu0Tcgny5jj-SoMh5yII0-z6sI7U6dhLfjdK8lACEB0IVqtrG6FeQh7Q5UzC4OaZf325-t4gNYx9Yri21nk3FxfhlaUGF4LIqn-SvN6Sbo9JlC6avK6WNr_IAhNpj64TQBdwH8XwxCs_2Dpw/s1600/Firecrest.jpg"
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><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGZr2kdYZ12vDL9IyvMnU7X3q26zeX_6bN5uRWtnu0Tcgny5jj-SoMh5yII0-z6sI7U6dhLfjdK8lACEB0IVqtrG6FeQh7Q5UzC4OaZf325-t4gNYx9Yri21nk3FxfhlaUGF4LIqn-SvN6Sbo9JlC6avK6WNr_IAhNpj64TQBdwH8XwxCs_2Dpw/s1600/Firecrest.jpg"
/></a>
</td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Rough field notes.....Firecrest in the garden.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>
On the Friday, Babet was cranking it up with 50 mph E winds causing massive
seas and sea foam feet deep across the coast road and paths.
</p>
<p>
I was at work so popped down to Newbiggin where a lot of birds sheltered in
the bay inc - <b>Grey Phalarope 8 </b> ( 6 in one scope view!), this
number increased to 12 over the weekend, <b>60+ Little Gulls</b>, 1 ad
Mediterranean Gull, 2 Bonxie and 1 <b>Pomarine Skua, </b>4 Brents N 3 Shoveler
N<b> </b>in an hour. The Little Gulls were knackered being blown around
the beach.
</p>
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><img
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height="360"
src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPdczGQGMIxUEAA8Q0NyfqSLKXxZFK5TxmufMG0f5ddKeRIGHhF7-Xcz39n1htiZoyVyJBSsFE48VW66NtWX9AwqYJNYpjqWEN4IrneU2-uJslICOD8W8FUSEL4_Nnmyfw3hFieW3nVIfMrVrpt2me6DNkZGBdUkf37bSFfNSnlU46-HiqMUEQQ/s1600/Newbiggin-Sea.jpg"
width="640"
/></a>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Outside Newbiggin Bay.
</td>
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<a
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style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="800"
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiForAyJ4vuuOQoG9oqZlJ0kGhkGrM-G1Mg5hDbuL9ld6M97nHJL5k6QIrXAeW_ihssW3bXkGdRwha8ksXEyiZv4OL2J20KEGcrdoQDOGzfog6dsnl6T5RSqnlbnKMOClEjnTZ4hJNFaHpOys23uok2yirVkNlnYOWaLbFAAkpqTfJqp1AvdodttA/s1600/Little-Gulls-1.jpg"
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Exhausted Little Gulls, Newbiggin
</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>
Saturday 21st and Babet still raged with ENE gales, rain and huge seas, too
rough to watch. At home I short watch from the car only had 5
<b>Little Gulls</b> and 15 Common Scoter N. A few more birds were in the
village, with a beautiful tortoiseshell patterned flock of
<b>60+ Bramblings</b> swirling around the back field. Two came to our feeders
for a while. 115+ Redwings flew W with 3 Fieldfares and 3 Blackcaps fed on
apples in our garden.
</p>
<p>
When a small 'brown' shrike was reported a couple of miles along the road, at
Sugar Sands, I dashed along, but the bird couldnt be relocated. The views had
been frustratingly brief of a Red backed type of Shrike. Of note here were
<b>3 Grey Phalaropes, 4 Little Gulls</b> and a few <b>Twite</b>.
</p>
<p>
Sunday 22nd saw the back of Storm Babet being a fine, calm, cold, frosty
morning, a total contrast to the mayhem of the previous few days. Wanting a
Phalarope for the patch I wandered along to the Rumbling Kern where
<b>2 Grey Phalaropes</b> fed close in with Black headed Gulls, only my 2nd
patch record. An adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Purple Sandpipers, 3 Red throated
Divers were also present.
</p>
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><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKcDDt10lA1pXgN4Zc0Wc2ToHORHoRjDojDImz4LmRGN2sJRqzs-fbzf6FvwceS2fxTIxu4lKmlV55HmzbEsKeTXI7wOmTHQgHcH_ijNb3K87TVB7_ZYjuI9bCPhLJXB3j7VMsk1x28QJm2EIEwj2IWLuuqg-G-dI99YNeBbpLxPkhF1StTGWEA/s1600/Grey-Phalarope-3.jpg"
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Howick Haven and Grey Phalaropes
</td>
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<p></p>
<p>
After this I took the short drive to Alnmouth for a walk with John where the
highlight here were viz mig Snow Bunting, Crossbill and several Siskins.
</p>
<p>
Back home for lunch and I was surprised to find a very late Hummingbird
Hawk-moth on our second flowering Red Valerian, despite the white frost
earlier. Seems an odd combination seeing the hummer, Grey Phals and Snow Bunts
on the same day...
</p>
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Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-2865946919015056772023-10-23T10:31:00.006+01:002023-10-23T10:33:00.375+01:00Fall...chat<p> On Saturday 7th October the weather was awful. For most people that is. For the birder, heavy rain for 24 hours with a light ENE wind can only mean one thing - migrants!</p><p>I stepped out of the door at 08.30 to the swirling sounds of hundreds upon hundreds of thrushes teaming out of the sky. Most years recently have only seen a small trickle of thrush migrants as early as this with most not coming in until late October or even early November. Especially Fieldfares.</p><p>During an hour standing around the village getting soaked, a minimum of 2700 Redwings, 50 Fieldfares and a few Blackbirds and Song Thrushes arrived. The back field behind us was carpeted in birds. </p><p>It was while getting some respite from the rain indoors while scoping the thrush carpet from our kitchen window ( I wish I had taken a blog photo of that), a smaller bird flitted into view, dropping onto the plough between the larger birds. It was very dull and raining leaving the birds more soggy than I was so initially I couldn't work out what the small visitor was. It was sat hunched, facing me, reminding me a bit of a Dester Wheatear but it wasn't quite right.</p><p>It was only when it flew a short way and began feeding by hopping, and flying from clods of earth that it dawned on me. It was a Stonechat. A <b>Siberian Stonechat</b>. From inside our kitchen. </p><p>These days I don't keep up as much with the very latest taxonomy but to begin with the bird looked more dark orange that most peachy Sibechats I've seen so wondered about it being Amur or Stejnegers Stonechat? A further 10 minutes watching through the scope, showed that its apparent dark tone was nothing more than the grim light and damp feathering causing it. As the rain eased a bit the bird became more perky and looked paler. It was quite the shape shifter though, changing tone and even pattern according to its angle.</p><p>After scribbling some notes I decided to go out to try and photograph it with the camera. My phonescoped shots are dire, as I'm sure you will agree. </p><p>The best plans though don't always work out and as I approached the field a wave of thrushes headed west and there was no futher sign of the chat. It seems it was travelling with them and moved on.</p><p>Back home after checking some literature, I don't think I could attempt a specific id on this bird but its going down as Eastern Stonechat and its still a total garden mega so I'm having it.</p><p>By lunchtime, most of the thrushes had moved on west leaving the place quiet as if nothing had happened.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgRWJX10qA_59xyFsuKkNkSgtDlfP88_lpIFJLBOHMVL29b248e8ZkG1r5lqAvaAJ6CETJquc33e0fZEFpKiHOFqNdFce1JPTVNQezoswL95la-8hFWSwS20tewqpO6E0xuOPR6p8VMgauWBbhkwlIPVWscH6O5VQ4Di1vz8A9MHj4eWa3aSlJA/s1200/Siberian-Stonechat-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgRWJX10qA_59xyFsuKkNkSgtDlfP88_lpIFJLBOHMVL29b248e8ZkG1r5lqAvaAJ6CETJquc33e0fZEFpKiHOFqNdFce1JPTVNQezoswL95la-8hFWSwS20tewqpO6E0xuOPR6p8VMgauWBbhkwlIPVWscH6O5VQ4Di1vz8A9MHj4eWa3aSlJA/s16000/Siberian-Stonechat-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoKQUV1yERfNPiGloOx4tmNx9RSYSKvIQJAJthMXrEYRd9vproWQFm6JDdOmQs9fDNAsk8elbZOL94DmDBFkoNx9KF1NTzFk9hn6mwvmuM6_rbSgU4P_EZtKzP_tEmf4RJwQVhkgigzs6W2OWrs2fS7Qc7d1NPcQR3suZ8R5qlokqxFytGqCBvg/s1200/Siberian-Stonechat-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoKQUV1yERfNPiGloOx4tmNx9RSYSKvIQJAJthMXrEYRd9vproWQFm6JDdOmQs9fDNAsk8elbZOL94DmDBFkoNx9KF1NTzFk9hn6mwvmuM6_rbSgU4P_EZtKzP_tEmf4RJwQVhkgigzs6W2OWrs2fS7Qc7d1NPcQR3suZ8R5qlokqxFytGqCBvg/s16000/Siberian-Stonechat-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06323o8Oh5j7mFIKfchMrAtPrBPbWsLmPpgNjLIPsw3C6Z3zOnzL0Heb6rExxwV5XhJ-WQa80JdpuTMPL62JgxB-9InKs8fNCdLi7eiYufWsKiLIvRJtBQwtrZl9ze-31LBbwmtWpcc1sVAoihoBKgHD-2YIznXQKq7hpNDiB1n-iKc7yx4fO4A/s1200/Siberian-Stonechat-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06323o8Oh5j7mFIKfchMrAtPrBPbWsLmPpgNjLIPsw3C6Z3zOnzL0Heb6rExxwV5XhJ-WQa80JdpuTMPL62JgxB-9InKs8fNCdLi7eiYufWsKiLIvRJtBQwtrZl9ze-31LBbwmtWpcc1sVAoihoBKgHD-2YIznXQKq7hpNDiB1n-iKc7yx4fO4A/s16000/Siberian-Stonechat-3.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_hWnMoEShv2mF8qezUzVKTq4Qo2hvNQ5fgxKJUwKqzHvJ8Xm0lxC3akAOnnycZTUBFwF2xPJwCPHuSDvZSs9r2enJaYncdNv2BcdnuWg5fr8bv2hV9WKyPt03hahV_gUPwzUwBm7MgIKqj-PlUccaR4URKWFxm7xdE441fd8ssZhh7g5j_nCBw/s1202/Siberian-Stonechat-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_hWnMoEShv2mF8qezUzVKTq4Qo2hvNQ5fgxKJUwKqzHvJ8Xm0lxC3akAOnnycZTUBFwF2xPJwCPHuSDvZSs9r2enJaYncdNv2BcdnuWg5fr8bv2hV9WKyPt03hahV_gUPwzUwBm7MgIKqj-PlUccaR4URKWFxm7xdE441fd8ssZhh7g5j_nCBw/s16000/Siberian-Stonechat-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above, Eastern Stonechat, apologies for the photos.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-29569089177177849152023-10-18T15:31:00.008+01:002023-10-18T15:35:07.693+01:00Red breasted Goose etc.<p>
So, September ended with a big dip. Oh well, its one of those things.
How would October fare...
</p>
<p>
Sunday 1st October was a lovely fine autumn day here. Dawning quite cool but
warming up later on.
</p>
<p>
John and myself took a trip up to Elwick on the Lindisfarne Reserve to look
for the Red breasted Goose that has been hanging around with the large geese
flocks for a few days.
</p>
<p>
We wandered up the track knowing from experience that the geese here are
usually quite mobile and as we arrived at the end, this was certainly the
case. Flock after flock of Barnacle Geese were leaving a distant field to our
right and flying across our vision to land, unseen in a field, two to our
left. Each flock was scrutinised in nice morning light as they passed, without
luck.
</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The view we had as geese flocks flew left at the end of this field. Holy
Island lies beyond the flats.
</td>
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<br />We decided to try to get a view of the geese over to the left so we
stalked close to the hedge, into a dip, to peer into the next field. The ground
was wallpapered in Black and White. A 'magic-eye' illusion of Barnacle Geese
greeted us with birds still arriving. The problem was, we were too close. We
stopped, scarcely daring to breathe and quietly scanned through. No joy. We
waited. In the distance from Holy Island causeway I saw another few hundred
geese strung out in the air heading our way. As they whiffled down to the ground
we had another scan. There, only about 100 mrs away, right on the front in full
sunshine a stunning adult <b>Red breasted Goose</b>, probably the first with
good credentials since the 1800s in Northumberland. It had arrived with a small
flock of Brents from high to the east originally before moving in with the
Barnacle Geese to feed. What a belter, and I had left my camera in the car
thinking the geese would be too far off.
<div><br /></div>
<div>
As it happened, that was irrelevant. No sooner had we seen the target, a
farmer on a quad drove straight into the field putting 3000+ geese to flight
right over our heads. The sound was incredible. I've seen lots of goose flocks
into many many thousands across the UK but have never experienced such noise
from wings and voice only 50 feet above me. It was truly awesome.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
As we watched the mass head back to the fields they originally came from, we
scanned and scanned but couldn't pick up the Red breast. It was here a twist
occurred. As we looked, I noticed an Egret coming off the flats towards us
mobbed by crows. I couldn't say I'd seen that before, so I just put the scope
on them. The Egret had a bright crocus yellow carrot pushed into its mush - it
was a <b>Cattle Egret</b>! This was only my 2nd in the county and my first
self found. These may be tame fare on the Avalon Marshes but up here they're
still hens teeth. We watched as the Cattle Egret lowered its
undercarriage and glided over a hedge appearing to land unseen. We went to
investigate.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
From our new vantage point, we never did see the Egret again but we could see
the geese. It took about half a dozen scans before the Red breasted Goose was
picked out. Now at comfortable distance we could scope it feeding with
Barnacles and showing how such a colourful harlequin could be camouflaged in
the monochrome sea of wildfowl.
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<div>Two great county birds UTB by breakfast, excellent.</div>
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A stop at Budle Bay for our tea and snacks had a lot of birds but just the
usuals. Highlight was probably 35 Shovelers.
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<div>
On to Monk's House Pool of Ennion fame where there had been an American Golden
Plover. Unfortunately most of the flock had departed leaving only 115 Eurasian
Goldies to scan through.
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Still not a bad day, RBG is no 363 on my county list and only my 2nd
ever.
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Cattle Egret field notes.
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Red breasted Goose field Notes
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A worked up version of the Red breasted Goose back home.
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Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-41619434360399008672023-10-13T13:25:00.002+01:002023-10-13T13:25:15.170+01:00Suffolk...<p> I was going to do a better holiday blog, but things are backing up on me a bit so this will be brief, just for completeness. While we were away for 2 weeks there were very few noteworthy bird reports from Suffolk but my Northumberland Birds WhatsApp group was niggling away at me with almost daily reports of the goodies back home. Most galling was a tremendous juvenile Red footed Falcon on one of our local moorland patches. I even recognised the telegraph pole it was perched on in the photos! After about 10 days of daily gripping frame fillers, we were on our way home. Bird still present at 10.30am. Looking good. After 360 miles with a sickly clutch I decided to get up there first thing next morning. Yes you've guessed it. That 10.30 am sighting while I was on the A1 near Stamford, was the last. It had gone.</p><p>Back to the Suffolk report. The only good bird ( for us) was a very close Dartford Warbler in the dunes at Sizewell. We went for a brace of Glossy Ibis at Aldburgh but dipped those. Im starting to sound like Unlucky Alf here...</p><p><br /></p><p>So, I'll just end with some snaps from the week...</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVMlHDoKr3g1e6tTZmHEbd4Pjt4L1gIbXTVuIYCqHBjgIgAiLvlxkDt9oIxqStabLziJxaX2z6J1LrnwQ0cNC1dnEgC3-NneIuBaNH_xf-biehdSCHL4RYWssXFGSJHx-dJScK3pbudv1YjwCYkWKdxLc_POKihVKdHh6F_zZGl0YGCkGgk2Irw/s1200/Westleton-Sept-2023-(2)Peggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVMlHDoKr3g1e6tTZmHEbd4Pjt4L1gIbXTVuIYCqHBjgIgAiLvlxkDt9oIxqStabLziJxaX2z6J1LrnwQ0cNC1dnEgC3-NneIuBaNH_xf-biehdSCHL4RYWssXFGSJHx-dJScK3pbudv1YjwCYkWKdxLc_POKihVKdHh6F_zZGl0YGCkGgk2Irw/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(2)Peggy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy enjoyed her trips out and pub lunches...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPoRgZrXdstTjq-lgij7x-Wp5BT6a0IrUs4h4LoeBdVYGekWqATX_L713rCSISqCPVUTpOWS4ZWwnQrfSylyvDvt8BXiYOJ7VCl7OW2thcKYd8-UlHvGQ-zAxLbhwu3EytCag608563I0b3959kRkKq9jNIhVMUEgbF3TRIze-hC_dAXcZSxVzw/s1421/Westleton-Sept-2023-(4)Southwold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPoRgZrXdstTjq-lgij7x-Wp5BT6a0IrUs4h4LoeBdVYGekWqATX_L713rCSISqCPVUTpOWS4ZWwnQrfSylyvDvt8BXiYOJ7VCl7OW2thcKYd8-UlHvGQ-zAxLbhwu3EytCag608563I0b3959kRkKq9jNIhVMUEgbF3TRIze-hC_dAXcZSxVzw/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(4)Southwold.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southwold, always a pleasure.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4ln8Kgz1CunK8R9_qccUga8IkTjnQHG24iNYRMUWLEAjxTfgC5eb_9gZaVGXzdwd09FUvrCZtrg11qTpNIPeEkLJSN1oYb555g5ph-fU6JJNFRkj661Oqiq02DW3XgFjfkCCZGh0WnaitDXKT1hNSZNfsV4Wnqt1ge_nEns9k68-UgZ7WWheFA/s1377/Westleton-Sept-2023-(15)Toria-Freddie-Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4ln8Kgz1CunK8R9_qccUga8IkTjnQHG24iNYRMUWLEAjxTfgC5eb_9gZaVGXzdwd09FUvrCZtrg11qTpNIPeEkLJSN1oYb555g5ph-fU6JJNFRkj661Oqiq02DW3XgFjfkCCZGh0WnaitDXKT1hNSZNfsV4Wnqt1ge_nEns9k68-UgZ7WWheFA/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(15)Toria-Freddie-Jane.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aldeburgh Food Festival at Snape Maltings.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTs6DjKcfxYt18JMs251RPLHxRr39tYd1kitGovspCeaj48CjKrEftjp1M_bYCujT5dIBx8KYukhWwhuqyY01cXZIYq6lD3gCegUqkQ4L7pSFvzN5lqubw375IpLntFUW3mnfkY7dtAN3VhSn2ZU-EEExXIvRJDDpuqV6Kgdi-J_yYc56PYNewdQ/s1421/Westleton-Sept-2023-(21)Crabbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTs6DjKcfxYt18JMs251RPLHxRr39tYd1kitGovspCeaj48CjKrEftjp1M_bYCujT5dIBx8KYukhWwhuqyY01cXZIYq6lD3gCegUqkQ4L7pSFvzN5lqubw375IpLntFUW3mnfkY7dtAN3VhSn2ZU-EEExXIvRJDDpuqV6Kgdi-J_yYc56PYNewdQ/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(21)Crabbing.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crabbing at Walberswick.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRib-lszYSfaOqcxw5NGLYvgJeyGLOVwkC9C58b9qeQDa8DMhxjepdVIJSLVQtUYZvKla5fZu_jLRyTorrhkTVr07gOI8Fr0YEwjcVyt4lmBPkPnPQMGhSDqsYnxLzWDX01zjCLbh2bS2CLdJKZdAX0jp_cRMmf2_uXdm9n262OSwFRRavKILS6Q/s1422/Westleton-Sept-2023-(24)Shingle-Street1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRib-lszYSfaOqcxw5NGLYvgJeyGLOVwkC9C58b9qeQDa8DMhxjepdVIJSLVQtUYZvKla5fZu_jLRyTorrhkTVr07gOI8Fr0YEwjcVyt4lmBPkPnPQMGhSDqsYnxLzWDX01zjCLbh2bS2CLdJKZdAX0jp_cRMmf2_uXdm9n262OSwFRRavKILS6Q/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(24)Shingle-Street1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvTvFztogeSteXN16gJCbBrQibzSbt9eXTppU_nyYjawDUX1unvmWuY06f5ZSJXPsOVTx9y19ClbVdkvjPHdwq_aDQC2Q6gsWXhgEaKjjeD0X1i27cK94fibgPGFLiWkq1y3eNGygGp1zLNwJPqysyOBxL7WR_jyctx9mpZc_EO7_LpSrpfuT4w/s1421/Westleton-Sept-2023-(25)ShingleStreet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvTvFztogeSteXN16gJCbBrQibzSbt9eXTppU_nyYjawDUX1unvmWuY06f5ZSJXPsOVTx9y19ClbVdkvjPHdwq_aDQC2Q6gsWXhgEaKjjeD0X1i27cK94fibgPGFLiWkq1y3eNGygGp1zLNwJPqysyOBxL7WR_jyctx9mpZc_EO7_LpSrpfuT4w/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(25)ShingleStreet2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjdk5kpyZny2V9ls7sDmgjxgybIcwzTsplPk_y1RxaJ1KzZv3UEZ-GcG-cFVsF12wMw6b5GGGZ3oDzY5Iq4aC7lVtXoqSWf391FExOm6zMTNdJSDgwUPcHIFGzPB-TDqV0m6Y3czJdhUF1BYV1_RagM0MJ2rjgnjlWQIxXCU_n-JMydKq1epiPQ/s1422/Westleton-Sept-2023-(27)ShingleStreet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjdk5kpyZny2V9ls7sDmgjxgybIcwzTsplPk_y1RxaJ1KzZv3UEZ-GcG-cFVsF12wMw6b5GGGZ3oDzY5Iq4aC7lVtXoqSWf391FExOm6zMTNdJSDgwUPcHIFGzPB-TDqV0m6Y3czJdhUF1BYV1_RagM0MJ2rjgnjlWQIxXCU_n-JMydKq1epiPQ/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(27)ShingleStreet4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above, Shingle Street. What a place.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UdM2HhGsPjcJ_KV0a-exogPl1HheU2AbHfFMWt4MvfsbaBbOKB8Hs-AkZBuHD3jfBMfPcaAQFYyWbTLVHgL7ZUlhHbRXBqLChTrAT4HeNzhBW-cXkLCvpWQzK_DlopXwcQb3glN53FquWgRC60zhYKDI32TJlZUXvYBnhGASjA9latUMNlAZkA/s1421/Westleton-Sept-2023-(35)1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UdM2HhGsPjcJ_KV0a-exogPl1HheU2AbHfFMWt4MvfsbaBbOKB8Hs-AkZBuHD3jfBMfPcaAQFYyWbTLVHgL7ZUlhHbRXBqLChTrAT4HeNzhBW-cXkLCvpWQzK_DlopXwcQb3glN53FquWgRC60zhYKDI32TJlZUXvYBnhGASjA9latUMNlAZkA/s16000/Westleton-Sept-2023-(35)1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from the house</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRUBU0QZWYDaPR24q5wmsH5N3a87Y3Jl6PmWLT7TniCx9jvmoIrR8kqxIt8bQSPFvdqeAGwkF_kzPAgBdUN_rON_GHajucJmSR403jJWPsIZ-YizJzBZNEm626IPCo-26HkIeAl63IrQmFe3M1r_McYFApGjIo1NGbEF-JIOuZ3FFzesvbT1jVg/s1200/Wood-Mouse-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRUBU0QZWYDaPR24q5wmsH5N3a87Y3Jl6PmWLT7TniCx9jvmoIrR8kqxIt8bQSPFvdqeAGwkF_kzPAgBdUN_rON_GHajucJmSR403jJWPsIZ-YizJzBZNEm626IPCo-26HkIeAl63IrQmFe3M1r_McYFApGjIo1NGbEF-JIOuZ3FFzesvbT1jVg/s16000/Wood-Mouse-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Mouse watching the moth trap action...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-75733431576420030332023-10-03T09:53:00.003+01:002023-10-03T10:08:50.311+01:00Holiday Moths<p> Well that's our two weeks holiday in Suffolk over and we are back to work.</p><p>We spent the fortnight, as usual, in Westleton, a village only a mile or so from RSPB Minsmere, a place we have visited twelve times since 2002, staying in eight different houses! Its probably enough to say that we like it there.</p><p>From a wildlife perspective, I never seem to do very well with the birding, but for insects and other taxa, there is plenty to keep my interest up over multiple visits. Who knows, one day I might even jam in on a good bird !</p><p>For this post I just want to get the mothing out of the way. Over two weeks I trapped on 6 nights, missing others due to overnight wind or showers.</p><p>There were 9 new species for me, most interestingly were a good few migrants.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3R9EBGxY-vbzOqjhkH1pE4ymMVNGCqEf1VThsnesXIHWhGfKZY8AZZ4p-DWEgxrUlVVYCuWO6TFatKm6swWIqJXt-cYZazrGQwRz46xwP6DTJXPPamLzQF3rnYb6rtibtKxoQJPqmg4SRIJkf1fV7OLKBdSRJnL5HvFlilDZkFJRf3YzTgB4XA/s1200/Diasemiopsis-ramburialis-Vagrant-China-Mark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3R9EBGxY-vbzOqjhkH1pE4ymMVNGCqEf1VThsnesXIHWhGfKZY8AZZ4p-DWEgxrUlVVYCuWO6TFatKm6swWIqJXt-cYZazrGQwRz46xwP6DTJXPPamLzQF3rnYb6rtibtKxoQJPqmg4SRIJkf1fV7OLKBdSRJnL5HvFlilDZkFJRf3YzTgB4XA/s16000/Diasemiopsis-ramburialis-Vagrant-China-Mark.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best of all was this Diasemiopsis ramburialis, the Vagrant China Mark. This is a vagrant with only 8 previous Suffolk records.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXtitAntZTFGRzttHslVlwhmGk8jRodFYqk_SMA1XbLiijn3GX1D4RVQfkYyLlIBnsk8Ks4K5woFD4Lgp8A0MegY4beDkDkI8gEJMr2n5MsVGGoAzkwAMikEzCGQIQsJjdq7_PXdHGYmTvXzK2VJ8q5Jt9Sob9cn8AsyQcaIC09RVhC2PEuHrvA/s1200/Pediasia-contaminella-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXtitAntZTFGRzttHslVlwhmGk8jRodFYqk_SMA1XbLiijn3GX1D4RVQfkYyLlIBnsk8Ks4K5woFD4Lgp8A0MegY4beDkDkI8gEJMr2n5MsVGGoAzkwAMikEzCGQIQsJjdq7_PXdHGYmTvXzK2VJ8q5Jt9Sob9cn8AsyQcaIC09RVhC2PEuHrvA/s16000/Pediasia-contaminella-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this Pediasia contaminella is new for me? Not found at home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWQt1VWM8zr1GIkrh_E2InGBcwOlUsfJPGtxHGnSInqtKhHdMFVPhyphenhyphen14Qwr6svM9D50lH8K2-yUh3xkO6ZMiFyHyfeUlyr3L20JbPSlSinLtogyh-aKu1ox480YDV5STGatjGKkc0-BI5Pj3ia9Z1a6l6Z6ifcXHaJuLJgAoZwQJW1BB2nOXH1w/s1200/Carnation-Tortrix.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWQt1VWM8zr1GIkrh_E2InGBcwOlUsfJPGtxHGnSInqtKhHdMFVPhyphenhyphen14Qwr6svM9D50lH8K2-yUh3xkO6ZMiFyHyfeUlyr3L20JbPSlSinLtogyh-aKu1ox480YDV5STGatjGKkc0-BI5Pj3ia9Z1a6l6Z6ifcXHaJuLJgAoZwQJW1BB2nOXH1w/s16000/Carnation-Tortrix.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This Carnation Tortrix<i> Cacoecimorpha pronubana </i>was nice even showing its orange hindwing.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJzUuYE9Puk2QwOmFwc03SzcipvLXPl68RbXXbm7fRC4OfnOM7nQxIfJLsR3Mb0LaqrnRT665XHmSW6k4KytDbT-hEunoyXlfffHoroKVPBjVWymUIMPeMzRBIipB_Kd660YCF3rATtP107d2mjQzQUpONiGvhd8SuYopweI5bRieqkFYCioeKw/s1200/Palpita-vitrealis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJzUuYE9Puk2QwOmFwc03SzcipvLXPl68RbXXbm7fRC4OfnOM7nQxIfJLsR3Mb0LaqrnRT665XHmSW6k4KytDbT-hEunoyXlfffHoroKVPBjVWymUIMPeMzRBIipB_Kd660YCF3rATtP107d2mjQzQUpONiGvhd8SuYopweI5bRieqkFYCioeKw/s16000/Palpita-vitrealis.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my most wanted migrants, <i>Palpita vitrealis</i> came on the final night trapping. What a stunner, smaller than imagined.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01JFd0OF012cU2qghih988Biu2AD9ycMMPYFoS6yvdfL0Y4PfYeHeKUK6Bvd31BP0Y1Q8w7DfUiNekl0WWVaXVREKvEAO13MivHRwA-zi0Erd4igCPRK2NqFMtjUku6GVAIpWXi7msE-QpSTDPnRYYP1G1KC3Wr2xroT3JbIRUr9MfRXxI-_pQw/s1200/Mallow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01JFd0OF012cU2qghih988Biu2AD9ycMMPYFoS6yvdfL0Y4PfYeHeKUK6Bvd31BP0Y1Q8w7DfUiNekl0WWVaXVREKvEAO13MivHRwA-zi0Erd4igCPRK2NqFMtjUku6GVAIpWXi7msE-QpSTDPnRYYP1G1KC3Wr2xroT3JbIRUr9MfRXxI-_pQw/s16000/Mallow.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Mallow was quite distinctive when compared to the Shaded Broad Bar which is common at home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ_EPCGZDoLqhbUV_6P5uRZRqHxHb_CVy7xRokMIqm5O2TcxzFrPl72CcfgxZZCOS9Q5XmF_r0eT0rvFbd54L5nR9wb8n5wambE6D7k1gfYFaPlZIDdahKBOKYs_eYIrTSiwlbm1dFIm7OrWx6jk2BrBeT_kDs9Za9V7_nrBx7qq0RXkrnfva4g/s1200/Hoary-Footman-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ_EPCGZDoLqhbUV_6P5uRZRqHxHb_CVy7xRokMIqm5O2TcxzFrPl72CcfgxZZCOS9Q5XmF_r0eT0rvFbd54L5nR9wb8n5wambE6D7k1gfYFaPlZIDdahKBOKYs_eYIrTSiwlbm1dFIm7OrWx6jk2BrBeT_kDs9Za9V7_nrBx7qq0RXkrnfva4g/s16000/Hoary-Footman-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc9cSu3c75ePZNJzoHcEdeCRN6b3jL8nwTPfH5UEpSNd968vuFTqhAxHSeOFamvzj1XqVktI2JsMGS4kTyMELdeIN5Dlj5FnogdApnfRHerRNIUdNtUjqtTwQck2eLP_tuSQO5Ha7oj6LNxarGXJs9pWkFQUdTynqWfsBXhCTBNU_6HjBUANQ4w/s1200/Hoary-Footman-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc9cSu3c75ePZNJzoHcEdeCRN6b3jL8nwTPfH5UEpSNd968vuFTqhAxHSeOFamvzj1XqVktI2JsMGS4kTyMELdeIN5Dlj5FnogdApnfRHerRNIUdNtUjqtTwQck2eLP_tuSQO5Ha7oj6LNxarGXJs9pWkFQUdTynqWfsBXhCTBNU_6HjBUANQ4w/s16000/Hoary-Footman-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above, this Hoary Footman was tricky to separate from Scarce Footman but both were caught.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz7z__IAESB-LMehSl6H2e6Ho_E8PHtjgzw_YWZJyNWkVgO66KMrrR2NtrzDEt-Hfv0CjkQdnWZOYoPrho6e0C_R7wNWKAb3_FO64pkmFzp-Ov_pFDdGUiwu2j2DeklzeERv4E4AEyPvjAEpe7E55xMG3aH5vjlnnDIp9ev_HIwsFh8zElttswg/s1200/Scarce-Footman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz7z__IAESB-LMehSl6H2e6Ho_E8PHtjgzw_YWZJyNWkVgO66KMrrR2NtrzDEt-Hfv0CjkQdnWZOYoPrho6e0C_R7wNWKAb3_FO64pkmFzp-Ov_pFDdGUiwu2j2DeklzeERv4E4AEyPvjAEpe7E55xMG3aH5vjlnnDIp9ev_HIwsFh8zElttswg/s16000/Scarce-Footman.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarce Footman with the bright darker yellow full length costa.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexSLrV100bEpD7KBWPRwd5VPjj-L5M7cUBabVRvR0MVF0n1b20wU0Jpfc1l2aTavXnrtiJ-UDEmsLXOvez_XBZsQmhMNdYikYQFvuF32SPaYDis1L3JpiAc6WmXLwmV1p9b1wd-eVd3S_ZzJspaeHOuCzb8Wjn0m4p-8-8NfDdWpqCWj4wKj7ZQ/s1200/Feathered-Brindle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexSLrV100bEpD7KBWPRwd5VPjj-L5M7cUBabVRvR0MVF0n1b20wU0Jpfc1l2aTavXnrtiJ-UDEmsLXOvez_XBZsQmhMNdYikYQFvuF32SPaYDis1L3JpiAc6WmXLwmV1p9b1wd-eVd3S_ZzJspaeHOuCzb8Wjn0m4p-8-8NfDdWpqCWj4wKj7ZQ/s16000/Feathered-Brindle.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feathered Brindle was a nice surprise and off my radar, only the one caught.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfOTNGPWlVg_giG0-xuEXTG7Ht8qoxAfIOZQ9KoH38GGjXSKrEP-S8PuK4TAJ-myHQeeaycpRr8v9SPVNt-CrW-rdpfxC4fHp-zQ8lnR3JozPHcFblevRUb44A6YvzMNLPZyjtFqYHrYg3DI0UGj91uWKfHYgXUxV5OcD_2gePCkmJH4AO_vXWA/s1200/Deep-Brown-Dart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfOTNGPWlVg_giG0-xuEXTG7Ht8qoxAfIOZQ9KoH38GGjXSKrEP-S8PuK4TAJ-myHQeeaycpRr8v9SPVNt-CrW-rdpfxC4fHp-zQ8lnR3JozPHcFblevRUb44A6YvzMNLPZyjtFqYHrYg3DI0UGj91uWKfHYgXUxV5OcD_2gePCkmJH4AO_vXWA/s16000/Deep-Brown-Dart.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geography sorts out this Deep Brown Dart from our own Northern Deep Brown Dart. Caught a few of these. Back home NDBD is barely annual in small numbers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Apart from those new to me species, there was also some I am pleased to get on my visits to Suffolk - </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7fS7L7RgYXW9iynL7dd6h6Edw7mK0kBdaxxxnSALJO9ENdDhDSgCZ0LGKRKUErGoDl2gaTAfhr5i2dmOmq0yGspqAxk5O-_zZ4_aqyjl7wcTV5dtcVbD3I5NRe3OjfTHbHlRsLkaEvxfaYTCguWUJjldvFOOeREkEB5SOdh9ZRGKarvgjR2fwA/s1200/Convolvulus-Hawk-moths.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7fS7L7RgYXW9iynL7dd6h6Edw7mK0kBdaxxxnSALJO9ENdDhDSgCZ0LGKRKUErGoDl2gaTAfhr5i2dmOmq0yGspqAxk5O-_zZ4_aqyjl7wcTV5dtcVbD3I5NRe3OjfTHbHlRsLkaEvxfaYTCguWUJjldvFOOeREkEB5SOdh9ZRGKarvgjR2fwA/s16000/Convolvulus-Hawk-moths.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convolvulus Hawk-moth, three taken on the first two nights, none thereafter. These two in the trap together.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IcTrrmaFFvHGaPrW_yiQq8NYZCWPhIpIzswv4_t2A69p297TazKJRfQglyaWkGYeCzb5ka1C5wwEeqNXNOgZBbJ9p4JOeFO4NDTG6lrhOmj0iSpiiKafuImgZhG3LiVR5EgviO-zGG5fBozsHjumhl1_u0YsbEaAP7CfDw_95d0QpYM38hBlw/s1200/Delicate-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IcTrrmaFFvHGaPrW_yiQq8NYZCWPhIpIzswv4_t2A69p297TazKJRfQglyaWkGYeCzb5ka1C5wwEeqNXNOgZBbJ9p4JOeFO4NDTG6lrhOmj0iSpiiKafuImgZhG3LiVR5EgviO-zGG5fBozsHjumhl1_u0YsbEaAP7CfDw_95d0QpYM38hBlw/s16000/Delicate-3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYrOLv9fMZR9FNlKM1rk57Sqbc9Mf4l-sdRv_Y8561OgQinN5aRwXCZqvRz8eAl7iTYPp0KwWTUCIoa4DiSOoJH0wqRcUKBPFZpwRbI5HDp9Fx_1-hInMfC50gIB7QMhjmFekVoV4t1Aqiz7HaVhfHZT_VmC_OG5EySuFY_bzzSXVAohebLQkgA/s1200/Delicate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYrOLv9fMZR9FNlKM1rk57Sqbc9Mf4l-sdRv_Y8561OgQinN5aRwXCZqvRz8eAl7iTYPp0KwWTUCIoa4DiSOoJH0wqRcUKBPFZpwRbI5HDp9Fx_1-hInMfC50gIB7QMhjmFekVoV4t1Aqiz7HaVhfHZT_VmC_OG5EySuFY_bzzSXVAohebLQkgA/s16000/Delicate.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have only seen one Delicate before, but caught them every time trapping here up to 5 a night,</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZG3swywDAkzNYHC4U6ouAXapIAL0GElAh9j3-mVPhpfvltV0z44RoEySiSAxv3VcgR7H3tm9AMNPKh13FEbg4KivJkHelYJc2B1x8o3Oux1HAUWRzYufa-jxKhloRzrwPLTSKzuUPaAFIbi2E8RNzYt86kfwM6uQGhuTq4fS3Hc2-SCytOoa0A/s1200/Scarce-bordered-Straw-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZG3swywDAkzNYHC4U6ouAXapIAL0GElAh9j3-mVPhpfvltV0z44RoEySiSAxv3VcgR7H3tm9AMNPKh13FEbg4KivJkHelYJc2B1x8o3Oux1HAUWRzYufa-jxKhloRzrwPLTSKzuUPaAFIbi2E8RNzYt86kfwM6uQGhuTq4fS3Hc2-SCytOoa0A/s16000/Scarce-bordered-Straw-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUxJJGLZgPGcdWgI8FrEJA5yquCjk0ZpP26icGHcj9JuwsHXVZKoX-PHWz6DkpoWz0zV8avQTgm6Iwt4pA316v0F7ICQutyIgUdMulUgn0Ie7SVfGuBXWl2ZliYd5E8wUWvheGqkta2CMBS_A44L2gFin7NxryXPE0ebEtJmXHkD0y0QpHBXCnA/s1200/Scarce-bordered-Straw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUxJJGLZgPGcdWgI8FrEJA5yquCjk0ZpP26icGHcj9JuwsHXVZKoX-PHWz6DkpoWz0zV8avQTgm6Iwt4pA316v0F7ICQutyIgUdMulUgn0Ie7SVfGuBXWl2ZliYd5E8wUWvheGqkta2CMBS_A44L2gFin7NxryXPE0ebEtJmXHkD0y0QpHBXCnA/s16000/Scarce-bordered-Straw.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarce Bordered Straw visited 3 times, both pale and dark forms seen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCyeSWYDGA_3s44zbxEH2jbnXA_J-4nC8t27yN7jiYkK4bV_7oDYtvZaJjmP0FSeED_cwiG9g1_lgIXMeyKzdhD5YtaXHGrCt0G29XNhj03AtR6GB0xJ2ZCV8cta-e-23QWyIqqRqXbrxBWmM-xOff_VCJvbNsn7huYsKhObRch78g4n5fHHH1Q/s1200/Tortrix-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCyeSWYDGA_3s44zbxEH2jbnXA_J-4nC8t27yN7jiYkK4bV_7oDYtvZaJjmP0FSeED_cwiG9g1_lgIXMeyKzdhD5YtaXHGrCt0G29XNhj03AtR6GB0xJ2ZCV8cta-e-23QWyIqqRqXbrxBWmM-xOff_VCJvbNsn7huYsKhObRch78g4n5fHHH1Q/s16000/Tortrix-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neocochylis molliculana Ive had on a previous visit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e5nzdRU7iUqOHgr08bHqjpI8-w84qckxLhFq1UlDCWYtGfo51kV06cRE8swDTTxg-z0I8m-qou053iedBOOlxbkVBRN_1e23i1VKnLAaRVLEGhs329hx-fY7XPgmg39zBpmlU9mOzYgdY79vGOa-mVJBKHLd8Vq1jd4QlCuN3p4SkTqaluyPPw/s1200/Webbs-Wainscot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e5nzdRU7iUqOHgr08bHqjpI8-w84qckxLhFq1UlDCWYtGfo51kV06cRE8swDTTxg-z0I8m-qou053iedBOOlxbkVBRN_1e23i1VKnLAaRVLEGhs329hx-fY7XPgmg39zBpmlU9mOzYgdY79vGOa-mVJBKHLd8Vq1jd4QlCuN3p4SkTqaluyPPw/s16000/Webbs-Wainscot.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As above, Webb's Wainscot has graced the holiday trap before.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>So, its always good to take the moth trap on holiday, there is always going to be something of interest in there...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzyT_6NTBmX6V37kcIMup_d9T05L7zGZD1NwrI_sTmRCL8PnoalIWBh8itjRcRLuNCokDrk8cHhHUEtOzQnHdKXTkMhaXSm7mR_NChkWEfmSN1pH_FUAXaP1OZKGkZYqxkLDALnW06EA8C25ijV1aR1nejw93kw0bWU2vihHyScKxg9pKIYndPw/s1200/Easter-Cottage-Westleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzyT_6NTBmX6V37kcIMup_d9T05L7zGZD1NwrI_sTmRCL8PnoalIWBh8itjRcRLuNCokDrk8cHhHUEtOzQnHdKXTkMhaXSm7mR_NChkWEfmSN1pH_FUAXaP1OZKGkZYqxkLDALnW06EA8C25ijV1aR1nejw93kw0bWU2vihHyScKxg9pKIYndPw/s16000/Easter-Cottage-Westleton.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-80309665271045531162023-09-11T17:02:00.004+01:002023-09-13T11:08:24.732+01:00Club Tropicana....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXucZlUqF0tecb1MCOl9lY3r68m6bO35NFtwYTSgjwgZrGzKUO7h2Vw6LtH1-DjCF-WMJwoa3Lt8o3inLPhAj9u8K_OeaCy6Ov2TDb1Xh8beit7H5KgGsiZ3v46EGyzUD_DQQ8RnaaVInPd0qr1NSdA1XLAGD4yzWgj_qJR2b1-Eb4zcvTuYpKYA/s1600/Brown-Booby-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXucZlUqF0tecb1MCOl9lY3r68m6bO35NFtwYTSgjwgZrGzKUO7h2Vw6LtH1-DjCF-WMJwoa3Lt8o3inLPhAj9u8K_OeaCy6Ov2TDb1Xh8beit7H5KgGsiZ3v46EGyzUD_DQQ8RnaaVInPd0qr1NSdA1XLAGD4yzWgj_qJR2b1-Eb4zcvTuYpKYA/s1600/Brown-Booby-1.jpg" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
The bird was on that Red Buoy.
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>
After the run around on Wednesday, I was pleased to find that the
Teesside <b>Brown Booby</b> was still hanging on down at South Gare, Redcar.
To put this to bed once and for all I carried out that most heinous of
birding crimes and twitched it. In my car! How very dare.... but the 160 miles
round trip was worth it and it turned out to be one of the easiest twitches
I've done.
</p>
<p>
I met John at Alnwick Homebase at 6am and we headed on a traffic free A1 down
to J60 at Sedgefield then a short run eastwards to arrive at our destination
at 7.30am. The car was parked in a road side pull -in and as we got out and
opened the boot to get the gear out, John said ' In the bag, let's away!' Eh?
</p>
<p>
'Aye its sitting over there' so I scanned with the bins and sure enough, at
range the angular shape of the Booby could be seen sat atop the tall red buoy
in the river mouth. Target ticked by 7.35am!
</p>
<p>
A short wander across the road with the scopes and an hour observation gave
nice, if a little distant, views. The bird preened a while before being shook
from its perch by the wake of a large ship passing by. It then flew around,
chased by a few gulls where its small size could be seen. It then joined a
gull / auk feeding frenzy to feed. The method was quite unexpected. I imagined
it would plummet in like a Gannet but no, it sat on the calm surface and
dipped its head down like a dabbling duck or maybe a pelican, before lifting
up with a mouthful of fry.
</p>
<p>
Some field sketches were put in the book and a few digi phone scoped shots for
later.
</p>
<p>
A few other birds passed the time too with a nice morning lit Peregrine low
over, 2 Arctic Skuas, 1 Yellow Wagtails S and 1 Redpoll S.
</p>
<p>
We left at 9.30am arriving back home at 11am. Excellent timing as we both had
family commitments in the afternoon.
</p>
<p><b>Brown Booby #428 BOU.</b></p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtftp0dU0niYxMyebkh5HaQZ6fc4CjwDp1z5q329KYkO0K6elGh5RcApJaMy4BCw0EkpM6L4_SZlaiR4t1FY_gOPqdve6qmXt4SijcPmKLyX7SGPf4vpUfks4ImG77UsbpczZlq28dy9MTs17ICUQ1tYU0mvk7VWwnvl6hJOdAbBzp-qbsrMbAg/s1200/Brown-Booby-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtftp0dU0niYxMyebkh5HaQZ6fc4CjwDp1z5q329KYkO0K6elGh5RcApJaMy4BCw0EkpM6L4_SZlaiR4t1FY_gOPqdve6qmXt4SijcPmKLyX7SGPf4vpUfks4ImG77UsbpczZlq28dy9MTs17ICUQ1tYU0mvk7VWwnvl6hJOdAbBzp-qbsrMbAg/s16000/Brown-Booby-2.jpg" /></a>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievVWIdQ9LerkUwlpstH2ODHwtpYMumqk6u5xFrkwEPRdcbH9xZJMOarYv94UJB_vpoB1RNSyb0g2IGKEegSD4nxfZOVNlh9BQWGc_0OQylScJv9CnOWmdynBD2euyOWThX1EZ-A4g17v_4rD5Rcoi6gPPCVZgJabXPUb-Ggc9b9HiQD0taTW98A/s1600/Brown-Booby-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievVWIdQ9LerkUwlpstH2ODHwtpYMumqk6u5xFrkwEPRdcbH9xZJMOarYv94UJB_vpoB1RNSyb0g2IGKEegSD4nxfZOVNlh9BQWGc_0OQylScJv9CnOWmdynBD2euyOWThX1EZ-A4g17v_4rD5Rcoi6gPPCVZgJabXPUb-Ggc9b9HiQD0taTW98A/s1600/Brown-Booby-3.jpg" /></a>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L-g2fky1H_d7UCOn5JFjzdYrXbm6u4CA7ARwT9dlaMGfBlMIPKGv2WV0-xBCYNnOaMzkJlXvPrbLfWbRF0mP91GIG7OEw_ahvh8lDJ5ZZC3GLZfmOY-2uOAyIl-0O_zeaHTB15CjoigSJxB7IjL1-eNdFk3an0l_prLQo0Z0bNkhWVaQKTJgSA/s1600/Brown-Booby-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L-g2fky1H_d7UCOn5JFjzdYrXbm6u4CA7ARwT9dlaMGfBlMIPKGv2WV0-xBCYNnOaMzkJlXvPrbLfWbRF0mP91GIG7OEw_ahvh8lDJ5ZZC3GLZfmOY-2uOAyIl-0O_zeaHTB15CjoigSJxB7IjL1-eNdFk3an0l_prLQo0Z0bNkhWVaQKTJgSA/s1600/Brown-Booby-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field sketches, coloured when back home.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTxDxmJFbq0qghOVaTlrjGRF7dh3DXg_2zPvAeskayPspwWzNKKA3w-KTwe-NIQkcrpap1ookQWvf2q2_1ZO87qOmyBhlRTJcmFl9AcFAn3Q-eUzf5TYJtYfgNkQYurtDXjBmo_jp8tuGStveLzvuBJfoXDuaeMCxRRREMjtA4M9wKYLGFcBf_w/s1600/Brown-Booby-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTxDxmJFbq0qghOVaTlrjGRF7dh3DXg_2zPvAeskayPspwWzNKKA3w-KTwe-NIQkcrpap1ookQWvf2q2_1ZO87qOmyBhlRTJcmFl9AcFAn3Q-eUzf5TYJtYfgNkQYurtDXjBmo_jp8tuGStveLzvuBJfoXDuaeMCxRRREMjtA4M9wKYLGFcBf_w/s1600/Brown-Booby-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worked up sketch for my neater notes.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<p></p>
Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-68422032346475424672023-09-06T19:58:00.004+01:002023-09-11T11:24:59.518+01:00Boobycarnage!<p> This morning before leaving work to go into the office a local WhatsApp message popped up - </p><p><i>Brown Booby, North, Long Nab, Scarborough.</i></p><p>This is a message that causes a basic life pause, just for a second while the info is mentally processed.</p><p>Then its reported very close in past Cowbar in Cleveland.</p><p>Clearly this is the bird that has spent a couple of days off Filey, so, what chance that it is actually on the move and not just circling around in the sea haa looking for a nice feeding frenzy to join in with?</p><p>Just in case, you understand, not that the chance would arise, and yes I am remaining cool, it might be worth checking timescales.</p><p>Long Nab to Cowbar took 1 hr 15 mins for 36 miles.</p><p>Cowbar to Newbiggin in Northumberland, only 2 miles from my office is 75 miles. By counting fingers and toes I can deduce from this that the tropical <i>Sula</i> could be due in around 11.30am. </p><p>No, I'm still not too bothered, chances are it will be back in Filey before I get in to work.</p><p>Fast forward and I am in the office at 10am and logged on.</p><p>A message banner pops up on my phone. <i>Brown Booby past Hartlepool Headland, very close in</i>...</p><p>Shit is getting real, this could be on the cards.</p><p>A humorous and hasty conversation with colleagues and manager about 'weh hey' Brown Boobies ( insert emoji) and I cant hold on much longer, I'm off to Newbiggin arriving at 10.50am.</p><p>Already there are 20 people eagerly concentrating and grilling the rolling calm waves into the mist. The good thing about these type of twitches is that we can meet up with good friends we don't see so often, so its always going to be a win. </p><p>The tension is palpable. Each juv Gannet gets a sigh as it passes. The concentration is broken briefly when a <b>Black Guillemot</b> flies through my scope and on to several peoples county and year lists.</p><p><i>'Cullercoats Brown Booby North towards Seaton Sluice'</i>.</p><p>That is almost in sight! Come on...</p><p>After a few minutes there begins to be some coughing and fidgeting in the now 35 strong crowd. The rumour mill is grinding. Word has it, that it has not been seen at Whitburn a seawatching mecca. But there are close in immature Gannets. Then one observer says that the sighting at Hartlepool was believed by some ( always a good one) to be a Gannet too.</p><p>The observers at Cullercoats chip in that it might not have been a Booby?</p><p>It turns out there are NO confirmed sightings North of Cleveland.</p><p>Ah well its been a pleasant two hours and I am back in the office at 12.45.</p><p>Things should have ended there, but no, life is never that easy, is it.</p><p>Gary Woodburn calls. After all the earlier confusion, conspiracy and string, the real deal has just gone past Whitburn! Could you believe it. Right, one last ditch attempt sees me back at Newbiggin for 1pm but I need to be back by 2pm.</p><p>I needn't have worried, as I got out of the car Gary messaged to say 'Stand Down, the Whitburn sighting is erroneous too!'</p><p>Whats going on here. Looks like another young Gannet is responsible.</p><p>While standing discussing this with those who about turned back to the point, we had a close in very dark <b>Balearic Shearwater</b>, a Bonxie and a few Manx and Red throated Divers.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMdJ5Nqqp6GC4m33ccIwNiw__A8Lp9unLWCKos3x9XNt6ip4FKyevGgMQkuvBOj03tBOlbH-CKZKp5FauCDL68281odqWYDwP3SWoxVSwymrRomXWlAUUyGc3KgZF0KMwGX3vcipPs1KZk6sNCg9lVAtNAs2Hbuu6Yq9nucm9ztsJRsXtkYsJSw/s1200/Balearic-Shearwater.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMdJ5Nqqp6GC4m33ccIwNiw__A8Lp9unLWCKos3x9XNt6ip4FKyevGgMQkuvBOj03tBOlbH-CKZKp5FauCDL68281odqWYDwP3SWoxVSwymrRomXWlAUUyGc3KgZF0KMwGX3vcipPs1KZk6sNCg9lVAtNAs2Hbuu6Yq9nucm9ztsJRsXtkYsJSw/s16000/Balearic-Shearwater.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balearic Shearwater courtesy of Paul Weddle.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>30 minutes passes, time to call it a day. While there had been several Boobies this morning there was no Brown Booby for Stew.</p><p>As we left, a photo came through of the cracking adult <i>Sula leucogaster</i> now loitering off South Gare. Looks like it has never passed Cleveland after all...</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNsmiaaziCOASbMZUtANkzI1sNP5TBSDqtG1a60-3_DfFfYwqaC_2lZWz0L5s3ZJrXGha3lawrtJDL8VYU3Bfoz0GQd96wRQqeh5-dQpGt4ACLrMNt8sO1Arzj6wqlp1hiNt7i-MTWEfnp5AZoPGo13K0eWaZPdLl3gMI0i-5OuxIh_R1ovST7w/s1200/Newbiggin-Seawatching-Booby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNsmiaaziCOASbMZUtANkzI1sNP5TBSDqtG1a60-3_DfFfYwqaC_2lZWz0L5s3ZJrXGha3lawrtJDL8VYU3Bfoz0GQd96wRQqeh5-dQpGt4ACLrMNt8sO1Arzj6wqlp1hiNt7i-MTWEfnp5AZoPGo13K0eWaZPdLl3gMI0i-5OuxIh_R1ovST7w/s16000/Newbiggin-Seawatching-Booby.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br />Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-52360528086594264492023-09-06T19:10:00.000+01:002023-09-06T19:10:09.685+01:00Of his Time....<p> I'm not sure what is going on lately, but things have been a little bit ... well 'meh' or 'pfff' so to speak.</p><p>Motivation has been as elusive as a good bird around these parts, but here are a few bits and pieces from over the last two weeks or so.</p><p>Maybe my highlight of this period is finally getting around to reading all of <a href="https://northdownsandbeyond.blogspot.com/p/hawfinch-corner.html">Steve Gale's short 1970's memoir of his early birding experiences 'Of my Time'.</a> Steve is a great writer and his diary had me nostalgic for those better times. The anecdotes about his formative birding years around London, Dungeness and the south of England, had me gripped! </p><p>Only one grumble, Steve - get on with the 80s!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdQT5vO9kG5VKOt2oCTKxuDnap3oF1uaqMVplefOQD3NgTM4vRLkhuBUPHLzyFP-4oMrZol2er5jKowdUQBf_CKsfhhaImgmIZnx6v0jLSOYgHmcEiJoxddxxudWr32R1QDaHp-1Gp_rCahVDfe99QDUZtQoym1EkYFYnATTwnJ7TWGZ-XmnNGQ/s4624/20230827_082656.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdQT5vO9kG5VKOt2oCTKxuDnap3oF1uaqMVplefOQD3NgTM4vRLkhuBUPHLzyFP-4oMrZol2er5jKowdUQBf_CKsfhhaImgmIZnx6v0jLSOYgHmcEiJoxddxxudWr32R1QDaHp-1Gp_rCahVDfe99QDUZtQoym1EkYFYnATTwnJ7TWGZ-XmnNGQ/s16000/20230827_082656.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedgely North Pit despite looking good for waders on all of the pits, we heard that the farmer drives around the very margins on a Quad each morning to check his stock, thus chasing off any grounded birds!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>On Sunday 27th we headed inland to Hedgely and Branton Pits to avoid Bank Holiday on the coast. While we had a pleasant wander in good weather there was little of note other than 9 Little Grebes, 300+ Lesser black backed Gulls inc 2 'intermedius' types with very dark upperparts and long wings. This big flock of gulls were put up by two Marsh Harriers, a female and an imm male who soon drifted off south. Single Greenshank, Wigeon and Kingfisher, a few families of Redpolls, 2 Ravens and a Spotted Flycatcher were the best of the rest. Until I got back home that is....</p><p>Mid afternoon I was on our drive when the local Swallows began mobbing something. A scan over the back field revealed a small, spiky, <b>Hobby</b> casually flying away from the hirundines off to the North. Through the bins it looked very grey and was likely an adult or near adult male. Its long swept back wings really did match the 'swift-like' cliche. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfTcWwuG5CeuE2_Q2Ym7BVJsZ3fzzemCiN34RN5ZlLBZ-PgjKjJOjmgi6e3axwplCo1I91NEpmb55QSm6v9caER-45CWi3hnzSLJs141aSQul17oyoFgACqFLcosEswlRuUG_lCa9wpBZjOnBArflJjjLQsNoq6EYefSOCLhF4qe1L3qxduxdwQ/s1200/Hobby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfTcWwuG5CeuE2_Q2Ym7BVJsZ3fzzemCiN34RN5ZlLBZ-PgjKjJOjmgi6e3axwplCo1I91NEpmb55QSm6v9caER-45CWi3hnzSLJs141aSQul17oyoFgACqFLcosEswlRuUG_lCa9wpBZjOnBArflJjjLQsNoq6EYefSOCLhF4qe1L3qxduxdwQ/s16000/Hobby.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Bank Holiday Monday we mostly remained around the garden and village where 2 Ravens in the back field, an adult Mediterranean Gull in plough at Cullernose and 2 garden Holly Blues were the highlight, narrowly taking the prize from an off patch Peregrine over the road on our way home from Sainsbury's.<div><br /></div><div>A mid week seawatch for an hour had 26 Manx Shearwaters, 54 Shag, 3 Sandwich, 3 Common and 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Common Scoter and 400 Gannets per hour all N. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the forecast was for warm sunshine yesterday we went on a dragonfly search inland at Corby Woods. The first two hours were cool and quiet with not much seen other than for a dozen Crossbills.</div><div>flitting around.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the sun came out so did the insects with 4+ Common Hawker, 4+ Black Darter and a dozen Emerald Damselflies. The the pine plantation were full of post breeding bird flocks with many Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests seasoned with 1 Treecreeper, 1+ Redstart and 2+ Spotted Flycatchers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Larch Ladybird, Lesser Willow Sawfly larvae and Spotted Toughshank fungi were all new species for me. Hopefully the autumn will have a word with itself and kick in soon...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWLumbO8Pm1-k11Lq5Z9GPtTFjhP5y5AvtmKOp_D7hPM51AKU2h3-k_REolAW1ErOAVgOjtoOqvvoZsBphHvkFcavuMpQDd33fPMR9oB0tFXVzFg0GJ9OVUu3bbTSZb02LB_lTqHygG6H7jNH7pDzao7X-X6qgslMddMmKXeFwhm6bjQqOo4pIw/s1421/Corby-Woods-Pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWLumbO8Pm1-k11Lq5Z9GPtTFjhP5y5AvtmKOp_D7hPM51AKU2h3-k_REolAW1ErOAVgOjtoOqvvoZsBphHvkFcavuMpQDd33fPMR9oB0tFXVzFg0GJ9OVUu3bbTSZb02LB_lTqHygG6H7jNH7pDzao7X-X6qgslMddMmKXeFwhm6bjQqOo4pIw/s16000/Corby-Woods-Pond.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0Vjw4f-ck0ie-DlR6CGC2UhbnPCJIBpcFIYOiHA9CP60TuhUqf0_gxZ62REqd8azVdnXxystV66JCnRuL_7JxomleX5ePMNxzSUnxSJ__99FPGUuwMjJegrTJo9oP-r-ZHqE20mqZ9SXhtSnITZ4ehXX6JvF9EKdUU0pllPfYoztMTv7Yxupxg/s1200/Black-Darter-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0Vjw4f-ck0ie-DlR6CGC2UhbnPCJIBpcFIYOiHA9CP60TuhUqf0_gxZ62REqd8azVdnXxystV66JCnRuL_7JxomleX5ePMNxzSUnxSJ__99FPGUuwMjJegrTJo9oP-r-ZHqE20mqZ9SXhtSnITZ4ehXX6JvF9EKdUU0pllPfYoztMTv7Yxupxg/s16000/Black-Darter-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Darter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn3KGb2s41t8B_jAktAFvf93UuP4LsSbZCH6a2vEFQdegYcNSwZrK4ltU3IEbuBBcL4BeTLm_PQfJoT0ksvaFB1AT5gmGY2N77-HKmkG-tC0E7URUq8UW9ueCe3pCtiOO_V8Bio9O_CxkKfqhV-HO0sPAbWqR5Lbo1BahRnBDFzG07B5bb7z5Iw/s1200/Common-Hawker-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn3KGb2s41t8B_jAktAFvf93UuP4LsSbZCH6a2vEFQdegYcNSwZrK4ltU3IEbuBBcL4BeTLm_PQfJoT0ksvaFB1AT5gmGY2N77-HKmkG-tC0E7URUq8UW9ueCe3pCtiOO_V8Bio9O_CxkKfqhV-HO0sPAbWqR5Lbo1BahRnBDFzG07B5bb7z5Iw/s16000/Common-Hawker-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Hawker</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLaMPqmJSIXM2AkYGCN1BKpvJit4W-FUmfdj9Mu-6JML8zaqedcmfbwVqyqTYJ4RBYUKJAUlE4qRWtMAWU4maseQT-fRygvI1NQOPYqdR9WNlj-L2gZOs59bgz2W4gdx6uxpJhNQnuecEB1U43sAJYZaoedJOVR3OnvHo7yG55lXqkXfysh6g_Q/s1200/Larch-Ladybird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLaMPqmJSIXM2AkYGCN1BKpvJit4W-FUmfdj9Mu-6JML8zaqedcmfbwVqyqTYJ4RBYUKJAUlE4qRWtMAWU4maseQT-fRygvI1NQOPYqdR9WNlj-L2gZOs59bgz2W4gdx6uxpJhNQnuecEB1U43sAJYZaoedJOVR3OnvHo7yG55lXqkXfysh6g_Q/s16000/Larch-Ladybird.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larch Ladybird</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p></div>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-45680686394918247082023-08-23T10:36:00.008+01:002023-08-23T10:36:41.519+01:00Migrant Moths<p>
Northumberland and VC68 in particular (North Northumberland) aren't
exactly renowned for migrant lepidoptera. We get a few but nothing like what
can occur in the south . Apart from Silver Ys and Diamond backs most other
things cause a raised eyebrow at least.
</p>
<p>
Last autumn was quite good in my garden for migrants with a few good arrivals,
in particular Scarce Bordered Straw, Hummingbird Hawkmoths and Beet Moth. Now
that we are three parts through August we are starting to see a few more
migrants arriving here, so hopes are high that it might become another good
season.
</p>
<p>
Last night a nice arrival came with 25 Silver Y and single Vestal, only my
second in 14 years, Rusty dot Pearl, Rush Veneer and Diamond back. Earlier in
the month my first Great Brocade for 5 years was a surprise too. Here's to
more of the same, but there is one mystery. Where have the Dark
Swordgrass gone? We used to get them most autumns with good years like 2011
when I had 13 over the year. Its almost 2 years since the last in my garden...
</p>
<p></p>
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<a
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style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRRpgDjnZbEON-ZQ6lMtLVhnphC2QPa35KwbU5ZhXKXGlrsjsfvgomr72_ISkxUftK1rgDPkg0Vl9zTfAYDMwMtB8Me1KHkh2i9cXnLvZp1DU7wwuxARbpVZCL3-Cc6yvi3gPxUE0IqEi4qYxn6Xk5XXd1tfwz3IDGZFoKxENaJQnz_iwVWKgeA/s1600/Diamond-Back.jpg"
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
Diamond backed Moth
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3XjekoUn9TPwW3ZmN96XES2IQCyIY88UiUFhDF5pt8jAK1GiPwlfNLb_m56iM0tuvTfIP9MXEgaYFd2ZeLeQQrFEV9KW2Qy988DhNEUuMHga8NMCxC1LSPqAhW_jOQocPRznz9x0qo8hGrucG9f4j3E3RItbdviyJbiAqUO2TlDB4btb9jKpmg/s1600/Rush-Veneer.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="800"
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3XjekoUn9TPwW3ZmN96XES2IQCyIY88UiUFhDF5pt8jAK1GiPwlfNLb_m56iM0tuvTfIP9MXEgaYFd2ZeLeQQrFEV9KW2Qy988DhNEUuMHga8NMCxC1LSPqAhW_jOQocPRznz9x0qo8hGrucG9f4j3E3RItbdviyJbiAqUO2TlDB4btb9jKpmg/s1600/Rush-Veneer.jpg"
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</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rush Veneer</td>
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</tbody>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeW5GcDcfu9x_zm46WGfK4lQjpw4FHH2g53koUOTrAaOk4REX4SjyxvnDJQjfn59GshTOjL5vNzgofCAl7fWTZKiB4h9pWVU5f9Piui347ImIsUvkzLOplat0LK8lwo7tPJbwGTHsUA2La2r6e9-HblZCVA0OlBtf1NhyGpuUpFrQWemT-77RSw/s1600/Rusty-dot-Pearl.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
border="0"
data-original-height="800"
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeW5GcDcfu9x_zm46WGfK4lQjpw4FHH2g53koUOTrAaOk4REX4SjyxvnDJQjfn59GshTOjL5vNzgofCAl7fWTZKiB4h9pWVU5f9Piui347ImIsUvkzLOplat0LK8lwo7tPJbwGTHsUA2La2r6e9-HblZCVA0OlBtf1NhyGpuUpFrQWemT-77RSw/s1600/Rusty-dot-Pearl.jpg"
/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusty Dot Pearl</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<a
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style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV6iS-VmkDokDEeph-cco9KtvFojZEtZbwAaVfngW0b3YnA67hwPu18cjTpAfA-qQ9UfUkfSu5Hhhhmy0rSk5lyODHKn2oU_KVZGle9mZU0hGoTWWoGFfWjRDG0gn2U53yv7DPKJl4xapEk8v6zNtyJOyR4XTRVmf1NfiRH1GMjEJPXDXHxY_RQ/s1600/Silver-Y.jpg"
/></a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Y</td>
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</tbody>
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<a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi866xgc_iHbiiGQrNADbMEmLkNh2s8kxSWXN4xa-stK9pEQ6rote5LjXQqFHPjtNK1M7t9nOSkc7srh7lmM0FuHRi6ByuSqkcQNaPPc_UbKDBKw7P4W7cAF8jT-s8vRZgPKyjiVBBS0cVPD9VLrP4P6-wYKSLUcpmVvD2f7yHIlv2gRLEHLnzbKg/s1600/Vestal.jpg"
style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
><img
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Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-4958291591985495892023-08-21T14:12:00.001+01:002023-08-21T14:12:29.392+01:00Wader Time.<p> Yesterdays post is a bit out of kilter date wise. I meant to post it on Saturday but forgot, so read that as Saturdays news.</p><p>This one is for Sunday.</p><p>The morning was warm and pleasantly sunny with a light SW breeze. I was along at Boulmer for 7am to meet John to have a look for the White rumped Sandpiper found on Saturday by Mark Eaton. </p><p>On arrival the tide was high leaving little room for the birds but a scan along towards Seaton Point showed there to be masses of gulls and waders gathered . The bird has been favouring north of the village but that can wait until the tide starts to fall back opening feeding areas there. For the minute we wandered along the shore to check out the feeding frenzy.</p><p>There was no White rumped but that didnt detract from the scene as there was a nice Little Stint, 1 juv Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 40+ Ringed Plover and 30+ Dunlin with good numbers of Redshanks, Sanderling and Turnstones . While we watched a Yellow Wagtail flew S along the coast.</p><p>It was quite sad to see a dead Porpoise on the tideline here. I often wonder if Dolphins are the suspects...</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILQ7kvMmnD1Twpqm_0ELnrElNPZRgiWHiEO9QK-Ria0ot83FKlDhUC8kAXMv9SNGTuuMXDa1NWBQ-Oq9r_4W3ubFEwg-XMrFO2cE0hHu3dJtCmwYXKex5iEIRRUQi3etBE9CIa2GiS9aFTA51TSQ5hvUNuz478V5-Qu63R2Yf0m7jkTIffS4Q3g/s4624/20230820_071021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILQ7kvMmnD1Twpqm_0ELnrElNPZRgiWHiEO9QK-Ria0ot83FKlDhUC8kAXMv9SNGTuuMXDa1NWBQ-Oq9r_4W3ubFEwg-XMrFO2cE0hHu3dJtCmwYXKex5iEIRRUQi3etBE9CIa2GiS9aFTA51TSQ5hvUNuz478V5-Qu63R2Yf0m7jkTIffS4Q3g/w640-h360/20230820_071021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deceased Harbour Porpoise.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="353" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kz4v1YhNfBo" width="424" youtube-src-id="Kz4v1YhNfBo"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Stint with other waders.</div><br /><p></p><p>As the tide began to recede we walked back to the village where we soon picked out the White rumped Sandpiper from the masses of other feeding birds. It showed well and at times came quite close, but it was never still so the photos are poor and I couldnt get it steady enough for a video. It was a nice adult and a first for Boulmer taking the site wader list up to 39. What will 40 be? My money is on Spotted Sand...</p><p>Also here another 2 Little Stints, 1 Ruff, 4 Knot inc 2 in red summer plumage, 1 Bar tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 150+ Ringed Plover and 100+ Dunlin.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2-sr15Ht-EStGWG_UtZlr2pA9LJkQhkmR3J3MmwB2JgnPyBAqgMWgKQor8qLNEigrjHJcLNIOdo-7tRVbtrH-iD5xd-kB1oqHZTe-dCpMTQPONjIKKI2lXb4cD2UizG36Zg8HawAkJgqz7IF1pYriJd9m_83zw4S4wj8kuHVA1X49qLsFklTbA/s1200/White-rumped-Sandpiper-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2-sr15Ht-EStGWG_UtZlr2pA9LJkQhkmR3J3MmwB2JgnPyBAqgMWgKQor8qLNEigrjHJcLNIOdo-7tRVbtrH-iD5xd-kB1oqHZTe-dCpMTQPONjIKKI2lXb4cD2UizG36Zg8HawAkJgqz7IF1pYriJd9m_83zw4S4wj8kuHVA1X49qLsFklTbA/s16000/White-rumped-Sandpiper-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult White rumped Sandpiper.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged_EwIvMQYZgNkISIb8hvoNwB26SJ7slrbLz3L6dtP_OVRtaTyEfJSQnw-N-9EVWyPSQu9T9vQM2NHc2ot_jxHXetrCl_Vus0zxrMk406JoaU65PpDT1aTPK3ZndxdBxiyaUATV8dwVpEm1qtZ3H5O8-JDB7rRUNkslnkrFmdMxSuBs5DrAhugg/s1200/White-rumped-Sandpier-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged_EwIvMQYZgNkISIb8hvoNwB26SJ7slrbLz3L6dtP_OVRtaTyEfJSQnw-N-9EVWyPSQu9T9vQM2NHc2ot_jxHXetrCl_Vus0zxrMk406JoaU65PpDT1aTPK3ZndxdBxiyaUATV8dwVpEm1qtZ3H5O8-JDB7rRUNkslnkrFmdMxSuBs5DrAhugg/s16000/White-rumped-Sandpier-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White rumped Sandpiper, Boulmer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Boulmer was now filling up with visitors so it was time to bail out. Next stop the Aln Estuary. Apart from an Environment Agency Hovercraft racing up river and mud flats alike putting every creature for a kilometre square into the air there were a few waders to see.</p><p>3 Avocet, 47 Black tailed Godwit, 6 Knot, 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 4 Dunlin and 7 Little Egrets.</p><p>Once the hovercraft with its engine like a Sea King helicopter had cleared the decks, we decided to call it a morning...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSBrJXk8DOsogr0I5k6_oms5FQx6HV6OdPuD2OAeko5cYrI-rmaDFnunfZdokQrxUfxMMDzMwBQ02Yn-YJRl6FOEj1n5ivgXjfw6lIG4eEJG-RT5YbCcEzInPFlvACLfg0uJgn-y_GYsA5OS1JXvJH9iaeu_A7oX1txtnqRcfwVU8uorBYdrmQw/s4624/20230820_112710.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSBrJXk8DOsogr0I5k6_oms5FQx6HV6OdPuD2OAeko5cYrI-rmaDFnunfZdokQrxUfxMMDzMwBQ02Yn-YJRl6FOEj1n5ivgXjfw6lIG4eEJG-RT5YbCcEzInPFlvACLfg0uJgn-y_GYsA5OS1JXvJH9iaeu_A7oX1txtnqRcfwVU8uorBYdrmQw/w640-h360/20230820_112710.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stand aside bird life here comes a thunderbird at 30 mph into your feeding area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahr7TjygXoaSM8cFvGyb-OWBdqQlu59i8oafnvfH48F_sVUQLTQAfeXFRLxkqE6BV-TSPK5u1I-vNOLDesIAccuERJOzKlSGVcpVwZxggQMAta11Md-EVo0YMaAWZFPuLZhMw99NtnonHsHW51NbBKxUI2VTbW1Q-CoZq1ckuB0Idjx80M4OJaw/s4624/20230820_112917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahr7TjygXoaSM8cFvGyb-OWBdqQlu59i8oafnvfH48F_sVUQLTQAfeXFRLxkqE6BV-TSPK5u1I-vNOLDesIAccuERJOzKlSGVcpVwZxggQMAta11Md-EVo0YMaAWZFPuLZhMw99NtnonHsHW51NbBKxUI2VTbW1Q-CoZq1ckuB0Idjx80M4OJaw/w640-h360/20230820_112917.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking mud samples. There must be a less intrusive way than this surely.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159349.post-8403877928149090652023-08-20T19:11:00.001+01:002023-08-20T19:11:23.057+01:00All change...<p> I smell change in the air? Or maybe its the stench of a dying social media platform due to the mismanagement of an egotistical madman? </p><p>With Twitter (up yours Elon) being degraded faster than the NHS, there is the makings of a mass exodus of people I had previously enjoyed following. They have now left the building, as it were. </p><p>It seems however, that there is a surprising benefit of this in that, coincidentally, some of these good folks are also top bloggers with the likes of <a href="https://notquitescilly2.blogspot.com/">Gavin Haig</a> and <a href="https://literateherringthisway.blogspot.com/">Alastair Forsyth</a> showing some renewed blogging vigour after the demise of Twitter accounts. Still hanging on there in the Twitterverse, formerly the most regular of bloggers, North Downs and Beyond big hitter, <a href="https://northdownsandbeyond.blogspot.com/">Steve Gale</a>, has also indicated a return to past form. I wonder if there are other hitherto unknown bloggers out there ready to follow suite. We might even get more from our local stars like Ipin at Druridge and Alan Tilmouth. Its looking good .</p><p>Getting back to the job in hand, today I had hoped to be blogging about some tasty local patch birds after last nights stiff Easterly with heavy rain. In years gone by, a forecast like this below a big high over Scandinavia would surely have dropped in some birds to hunt through for things a bit more scarce.</p><p>Some observers will say that when recording natural history sightings, a nil count is just as important as a large number. If that is the case, today has been brilliant.</p><p>I got up shortly after first light and after coffee and breakfast headed out on foot for a walk along the coast path to see what goodies had been grounded. An hour and 15 minutes later I was back having seen exactly nothing. No Willow Warblers, Pied Flycatchers or Garden Warblers and certainly no icing on the top with a spare Wryneck, Barred Warbler or 'Icky' ( Icterine Warbler). The only things in the book were 2 Whimbrel N, 6 Swifts S, 3 Sand Martins over the village and a pair of Stonechats feeding a third brood.</p><p>When I posted this outcome on Twitter, responses said 'Pied Fly at Seaton Point according to Birdguides'. There had been a Garden Warbler there too and a handful of birds on Holy Island and down at St Mary's Island but that's not the point. That's more of a Shifting Baseline Syndrome. What should there have been? As mentioned above, 30 years ago, a forecast like this would have dropped in double figures of these commoner species and an odd individual of the rarer ones too. For example in 1995 early Sept an hour lunch break from work had 20+ Redstarts and 30+ Pied Flycatchers at Newbiggin. Another day in 2002 had a range of rarer and commoner species that would seem fanciful in today's times.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxiwRrYpDm87w0Bvs81NIGLcxc5qP64r8fxf6K4H2XBMXSd8C7NCsenLxXGJCFUA1eoBRIX_xtSJVlY7o5_g3YMsjXgU2Jtbb9AIkAn5aqpJqXgr57JS8H1-PXrfgMXQVJJF8W0JFm4iZ1qxRKCHAkR55YBDncrBzAgJAQyQ16kqF1h_9Kbi-pdg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="524" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxiwRrYpDm87w0Bvs81NIGLcxc5qP64r8fxf6K4H2XBMXSd8C7NCsenLxXGJCFUA1eoBRIX_xtSJVlY7o5_g3YMsjXgU2Jtbb9AIkAn5aqpJqXgr57JS8H1-PXrfgMXQVJJF8W0JFm4iZ1qxRKCHAkR55YBDncrBzAgJAQyQ16kqF1h_9Kbi-pdg=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I hope I am wrong but I fear the days of having to hastily arrange a day off work to enjoy 'fall conditions' may be over...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEV-eSq74gdIE8S8QnHF9VBR39TxXdHhZkjWDMBhji_d9IcpJgxPwy_Lm84xtDQnOBLsbAcehKtj59T9MCAkBfOdaQqTjaeRUY2YiQOSq3AskPYEwsUDJ1Bpk-132trw6ptMhdffrnwfcetJvtTDFmq9ljHTIWQox2vJKKVkNPGs4S6a4v35XGNw/s500/ick08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEV-eSq74gdIE8S8QnHF9VBR39TxXdHhZkjWDMBhji_d9IcpJgxPwy_Lm84xtDQnOBLsbAcehKtj59T9MCAkBfOdaQqTjaeRUY2YiQOSq3AskPYEwsUDJ1Bpk-132trw6ptMhdffrnwfcetJvtTDFmq9ljHTIWQox2vJKKVkNPGs4S6a4v35XGNw/s16000/ick08.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only patch Icterine warbler, Sept 2008.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985665182124985194noreply@blogger.com1