Wild up North

Iceland & Glaucous Gulls - North Shields Fish Quay

2012-01-23T19:58:00.000Z

The number of White-winged Gulls has been increasing further North in places like Shetland, so it was only a matter of time till a few spilled further south - well North actually - North Shields Fish Quay.

A look this morning revealed nothing. The tide was out, so poorly timed. Wind on a few hours to 3pm and, with a high tide and trawlers returning, there were plenty of Gulls including 3 Iceland and 1 Glaucous.

Iceland Gull

Glaucous Gull

Bay Watch 09/01

2012-01-09T15:55:00.002Z

The Waggonway today

More spring than mid winter, making a laughing stock of the 'alternative' weather forecasters who had this winter down as the start of the new ice age.

Hazel Catkins

Gold Finches and a Blue Tit taking a bath. No ice age this year.

Walking along the Waggonway towards Holywell Dene, I scored early with four Tree Sparrows by Whitley golf course - my first record of this species in Whitley Bay. A single Goldcrest by Churchill playing fields was also quite unusual. I rarely see these on the coast outside of autumn when they can be found in their thousands on a good year.

Tree Sparrow

Into Holywell Dene and the feeders were pulling in the crowds; Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Robin, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird......... and a Little Grebe on the Dene.

Nuthatch doing a classic pose

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Along past St Mary's Wetland, and I see there are now a number of bird tables. A lone Woodpigeon took advantage.

St Mary's - bird tables!

On passing by the Brierdene Car Park a Med Gull hung around for scraps.

Injury time mothing

2012-01-01T00:42:00.000Z

Well, with 4 hours till next year, there's precious little time left to catch a moth in December. I'm not giving up easily - the trap is on full blast.

See you all next year.

The beast of Whitley Bay

2011-12-30T14:49:00.002Z

Ringed Plover

Low tide at Whitley Bay meant plenty of waders at the North end. Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, and this obliging Ringed Plover.

Unfortunately there was also an idiot with no control over his dog. The beast chased every bird on the beach for 20 mins, while the f'wit owner stood 300 yards away on his mobile. It was a only when the dog started on me that he bothered to call it back, probably because he saw a large vets bill coming his way if my tripod made contact!

Harwood Hike

2011-12-27T17:43:00.001Z

A walk from Harwood Village up to Tutehill Moss was a great way to blow away a few crimbo cobwebs. No shrike this year, so far, but plenty of Crossbill action.

Along the track into the forest I saw large flocks of Coal Tits, the ever present Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Kestrel, Fieldfares flying over, a single Grey Heron, and Goldcrests.

On returning to the village at dusk, a Starling roost of a few hundred birds was 'exploded' by a Sparrowhawk, adding a bit of drama.

Blyth Harbour Tranquility

2011-12-26T16:14:00.001Z

Red-throated Diver

To escape the Boxing Day crowds at the coast, bolstered by unseasonably mild temperatures, I went to Blyth Harbour. Fantastic, just me, three Red-throated Divers, and a few Eiders.

Eider Duck

Big Waters

2011-12-22T20:28:00.001Z

Took a trip out with my mate Mick to photograph a couple of target species today, namely Dunnock and Tree Sparrow. Despite a sortie from the local Spuggiehawk, all went well.

Lovely Flava.

2011-12-16T15:17:00.002Z

Cracking pint in the Hotspur Pub

Bitterns, Berries & Ice

2011-12-15T21:39:00.001Z

There were up to three Bitterns at Gosforth Park Nature Reserve today. Not the attention seekers that others have seen, strutting naked in front of the hide, wings akimbo. Oh No! These were the coy shy type, hiding amongst the phragmites like their supposed to.

The lake was frozen, bar an area opened up by the Wigeon. Further holes appeared as several swans 'crash landed' on the ice, only to be turfed off by the resident pair.

On the way home a large flock of Fieldfare and Redwing were found by the roadside, so a quick park and camera out the window..............

A new camera lens combo!

2011-12-09T17:34:00.001Z

Tried out a new combination of the Canon 7D + Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS II USM + Canon 2 x Extender III. The yanks rave about this combo, and I can now see why.

Very portable compared to hauling around the Canon 500mm f4, so a good option for foreign trips, or where there's a hike involved. And the Canon 70-200mm at f2.8 is superb for low light, and good to hand hold.

Could this be the end of the road for my Canon 100-400mm?

Newbiggin by the Sea - it's mainly rubbish!

2011-12-05T18:11:00.000Z

Having spent 10 million on a new breakwater and beach, you'd think the local community would take care of their new asset. The beach is covered in rubbish, tons of it. Shame on you Newbiggin.

Anyhow, I did manage to get one shot of the Desert Wheatear without a pop bottle, or plastic bag spoiling things.

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti

It's not over till the fat lady sings

2011-11-28T16:50:00.001Z

There's still time to register your objection to the housing development that threatens Gosforth Park Nature Reserve.

I popped there this afternoon and found this chap.

Red Squirrel

To give your objection use this link for more information.

Gosforth Park - Friends round for dinner

2011-11-26T11:38:00.000Z

I'd hoped for a view of the Bittern yesterday, but horizontal rain coming in through the hide led to a hasty retreat to the comfort of the feeding station, for a pleasant hour 'shooting' the visitors and putting the world to rights with Paul and Morgan.

Introduction of offence of vicarious liability for raptor persecution in England

2011-11-23T10:09:00.000Z

Scotland, recognising that those who persecute birds of prey frequently do so at the direction of their employers or others with vested interests, has introduced an offence of vicarious liability, the purpose of which is to bring those parties to justice. This petition calls on the government to introduce an offence of vicarious liability to bring to justice those who direct or turn a blind eye to raptor persecution in England. As an indication of how bad thing are, in the last year only four pairs of hen harriers successfully reared chicks in England, fourteen peregrine falcon territories failed on grouse moors in Lancs forest of Bowland, and only one successful goshawk nest was recorded in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire. Current legislation is not enough to deter those who break the law and destroy our heritage; the introduction of vicarious liability would hit those directing the slaughter.

Sign the petition here:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/23089

The show goes on.....

2011-11-21T17:42:00.000Z

The Prestwick Carr Owl Show

2011-11-20T18:02:00.001Z

I arrived at Prestwick Carr about an hour before sunset, and the Short-eared Owls had apparently been up for a couple of hours in good light and had just gone down. This happens to me a lot.

My luck soon changed though, and having spied a Long-eared Owl roosting in thick cover, the Short-eared Owls came out to play :)

East meets West!

2011-11-17T19:30:00.005Z

East meets West!

A phone call from Tom last night, "You seen anything on your pager?"

"Er, no Tom. It's in the van. Two minutes...........*/@!..........I'll pick you up at 7.30 tomorrow."

We arrived at Holy Island, in glorious sunshine, and headed for the beach where a couple of birders had already found the Eastern Black Redstart. What a stunner!

Eastern Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides

It was joined a while later by an equally stunning male Black Redstart.....

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

The day just got better as we headed to The Chare. We had Hen Harrier, 14 White-fronted Geese, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and a good laugh with a 'heavyweight' (in expertise and dimensions) group of birders trying to turn a juvenile White-front into a Bean Goose. The best decision was to go find a nailed on Bean Goose which we did in a stubble field at Dunstan near Embleton, several in fact, with Pink-foots, Barnacles and a couple of Ross's Geese just to add colour.

"They're talking b******s Tim. It's a juvenile White-Front. Let's go find a real one"

More photos of Eastern Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides are on my website.

Greater Yellowlegs - First for Northumberland

2011-11-13T12:17:00.001Z

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa Melanoleuca

Having dipped yesterday, an early start paid off with gripping views at Hauxley Nature Reserve. At one point the Greater Yellowlegs, accompanied by a Grey Phalarope, came within 10 feet of the hide.

Down by the swings

2011-11-09T12:47:00.000Z

A pair of Ring-necked Parakeets are setting up home in Churchill Playing Fields, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay. The nearest know colony is Hartlepool. Present since last Friday.

Turdus

2011-11-09T09:05:00.001Z

At Prior's Park in Tynemouth. Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Fieldfare and Blackbird all together.

Also a couple of Blackcaps but no Isabelline Wheatear, yet.

The lone camper is still there.

Here's for at least 3 days. Each day the tent has moved. No resident spotted yet.

Laugh or Cry

2011-11-01T18:07:00.000Z

Went to Shetland for a Siberian Rubythroat and saw....

Twitchers at the front

Ponies round the back

And the toon win 3-1 on the telly on the ferry.

MEGA - Tynemouth

2011-10-28T12:04:00.003+01:00

Black Redstart

This morning, just before connecting with this fine Black Redstart at Priors Haven in Tynemouth, a Jay flew over! A patch tick for me, the Jay that is, a real mega for the coast.

Firecrest - St Mary's

2011-10-25T15:46:00.002+01:00

Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus

2 Firecrests were reported at St Mary's today. A tricky chap to photograph, being very active in very poor light.

Urgent - help stop plans to destroy wildlife at Gosforth Park

2011-10-20T17:58:00.001+01:00

I received this today, from the Natural History Society of Northumbria:

Dear Natural History Society Member

We need your help to save the fields surrounding Gosforth Nature Reserve from being turned into 600 homes by the end of the decade. This would have a devastating effect on wildlife and the nature reserve.

Many of you will know that these fields are home to otters, roe deer, badgers, bats, owls and songbirds and are an important wildlife corridor and part of the Green Belt. The reserve is one of Newcastle’s last remaining wildlife areas and is home to rare birds, plants and animals including England’s last urban population of red squirrels.

Newcastle City Council is setting out its latest development plans which they are calling their “One Core Strategy”, this includes a “Strategic Land Review” in which they have identified potential sites for new development. They are proposing that 8,000 new homes are built in the Green Belt, including 600 new homes in the fields next to Gosforth Park Nature Reserve, which they are calling Salter’s Lane Neighbourhood Growth Area – the fields are conveniently owned by Persimmon Homes. You can see maps of the proposed development area on the attached flyer.

The fields that would be destroyed provide essential foraging habitat for wildlife that lives in the nature reserve. Without this habitat this wildlife will be lost forever. This includes families of badgers and roe deer, brown hare, several species of bats and birds such as barn owl, kestrel, and buzzard. Other wildlife in the reserve that would be badly affected by this development includes otters, red squirrels, voles, shrews and small birds. The area is also attractive and peaceful countryside that is well used and loved by local walkers, nature enthusiasts, dog walkers and cyclists.

This areas is so valuable for wildlife that 10 years ago Newcastle Council designated this area as a Strategic Wildlife Corridor linking Jesmond Dene to the wider countryside. Further developments since then make this wildlife corridor even more important today. The Government’s Environmental White Paper, published in June, highlights the importance of creating buffer zones around important wildlife sites and retaining wildlife corridors – the Council’s proposal clearly goes against this Government advice.

The Council is consulting people on their views of these plans. You have until 18th November to tell them what you think.

YOUR VIEWS WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. You can stop the destruction of our wildlife and countryside by telling the Council that you object to their plans. The more people who object the better the chance we have to stop this terrible proposal and to save our wildlife and open spaces for future generations.

You can view the Council’s full plans at http://onecorestrategyng-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal

If you want to give them your views on their plans to build houses next to the nature reserve then the policy that you are objecting to is Policy CS3 1a Salter’s Lane Neighbourhood Growth Area.

To give your comments online go to http://www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/news/cms/save-gosforth-wildlife/ and follow the instructions. Alternatively send your comments by email to planning&housingstrategy@newcastle.gov.uk or write to Harvey Emms, Director of Planning, Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, NE1 8PD.

Local residents, the Natural History Society of Northumbria and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are encouraging people who live, work or visit Newcastle to contact the Council and object to these plans and ask the Council to protect this important wildlife area for future generations.

To demonstrate our opposition we are holding a public walk-about of the area at 11am on Sunday 30th October (meet at the entrance to the nature reserve http://www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/resources-gosforth-nature-reserve.php) and there will be a public meeting with Newcastle planners held at Gosforth Civic Hall, 7pm on Tuesday 15th November. Please come along to these events to show your support.

Please forward this email to neighbours, friends or colleagues and ask them to give thier views as well or help to circulate on Facebook and Twitter - I attach a flyer which you may wish to use to help spread the word.

This type of threat to Gosforth Park and other nature reserves is set to become more common if the government's planning reforms go ahead. We would encourage you to write to your MP asking them to influence the Government's reforms so that they benefit the natural environment not just the development industry. The Wildlife Truts have a web-page to help you do this http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/nppf?dm_i=9L7,1WPE,ZLI4G,1OEK7,1

The wildlife at Gosforth Park really needs your support at this critical time. We really hope that you will take a few minutes to contact Newcastle City Council to object to their plans, and if possible join us on the 30th October or 15th November.

Kind Regards
James Littlewood
Director

Natural History Society of Northumbria
Great North Museum: Hancock
Barras Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT

Late departures

2011-10-15T12:52:00.000+01:00

Today's late departures

The causeway that joins St Mary's Island to the mainland is covered quickly on the incoming tide, and everyday people leave it a little too late to leave.

Bar-tailed Godwit

Lesser Scaup - Tynemouth Boating lake

2011-10-10T17:57:00.001+01:00

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis

I thought I would be blogging about the Turtle Dove at Big Waters and the Hen Harrier at Prestwick Carr having bagged both early this afternoon, but the reported Lesser Scaup was re-found in Tynemouth.

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

A cracking start to the week.

Gosforth Park Today

2011-10-08T18:09:00.001+01:00

A trip to the new feeding station at Gosforth Park NR was just the ticket. As well as lots of Tits there were Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Sparrowhawk, a melanic Rabbit and a Bank Vole.

String Theory

2011-10-07T00:05:00.001+01:00

Northumberland String Watch

2011-10-02T15:39:00.004+01:00

A site to keep an eye on. Checkout the 'Kestral Hawk' which is also suggested as a Brambling, and a Fieldfare. It is in fact a Linnet :) If you're not on Facebook, just as well!

http://www.facebook.com/Northumberland

Can you tell me what this is?

2011-10-02T11:09:00.001+01:00

I've got no idea what this is so any ideas would be gratefully received.

Thanks to Gordon who has identified it as a Hoverfly larva. And those on Wildaboutbritain who have confirmed it specifically as a Syrphid larva

What the papers say

2011-10-01T20:01:00.000+01:00

In the Metro in September. Shame on the journalist.

Prestwick Carr Rooster

2011-09-30T15:30:00.000+01:00

Went to Prestwick Carr early this morning to photograph an SEO stretching and preening out in the open on a nearby post in lovely soft morning light. Like that was ever likely to happen.............

Roosting Short-eared Owl

MEGA trail.............................

2011-09-29T17:00:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Google Earth and the Rare Bird Alert plugin, here's a screen grab showing the reports of the Sandhill Crane today. Had I not chased after it, I could well have ticked it as it flew over my garden. Bugger!

The red stars denote a MEGA

Here's something you don't see every day!

2011-09-27T20:45:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of Tom Tams

I went down to Northumberland Park today and Tom was photographing an unusual beast sunning itself in the pond. A Red-eared Terrapin!

One thing we didn't see was the Mandarin Duck. It was there last night displaying to a Mallard. Apparently it comes and goes so hopefully it will return. It's very tame so defo an escapee. It probably took flight when a council operative turned up with a petrol leaf blower. I did, it's not only a complete waste of time (leaves are blown back by the wind seconds later), but incredibly loud.

The Terrapin was joined by a very obliging Grey Wagtail.

Migrants at St Mary's

2011-09-26T16:14:00.000+01:00

Wheatear

Wheatear, Whinchat, Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher and Blackcap were seen at St Mary's today, as some migrants arrive at last.

Chiffchaff

Isle of Mull Trip Report 2011

2011-09-23T13:02:00.008+01:00

Our week long trip to the Isle of Mull, this September, was a last minute choice and we decided to visit during a window of decent weather. This meant booking accomodation was out the question, as most places are booked up a year in advance. So camping was going to be the name of the game. Having two dogs in tow also complicated the accomodation situation.

While on the subject of dogs, the local Deer Ticks are numerous and blood thirsty, so go prepared for your dogs to get a tick or five. And tuck your trousers into your socks if you go into long vegetation! Here's some advice on ticks.

The remains of Hurricane Katia hammered the Island on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, such that the ferrries were off all day Monday and Tuesday. We left Whitley Bay on Tuesday afternoon and managed to find accomodation in the form of a 'Heated Wigwam' near Loch Lomond.Very cosy.

Wigwam, thank you Mam!

Wednesday morning we headed for Oban where we got on standby for the next available ferry. They run every two hours, and the one about to leave when we got there was full, so we had to wait a couple of hours, which gave us time to stock up on supplies at the local supermarket.

We arrived into Craignure harbour, on Mull, after a crossing of about 45 minutes. We were disappointed not to see any dolphins on the crossing but did get a Manx Shearwater fairly close.

Off the ferry we drove a few hundred yards to the Shieling Holidays campsite and commenced battle with our 'quick erecting' tent.

It's worth pointing out that Craignure is a very good base for exploring the whole island - everywhere is within an hours drive.

Exhausted after sorting the tent, we went for an evening walkabout along the shore, and got our first sight of an Otter. Needless to say it slipped away as soon as it saw my camera - a recurring theme during our trip.

Otter waves goodbye as it skeddales

Our first full day on Thursday started with clear skies, no wind, and most importantly no midges. And it remained that way all day. Midges were about, but gave us very little grief during our stay. And outside our tent in the morning, a Red Deer! This explained the haunting bellows throughout the night - or does it?

Red Deer - you'll see lots of these here. And those you don't see will be watching you!

We decided to 'do' the North of the Island so headed to Loch Na Keal first. Here we had White-tailed Sea Eagle very close up, and Golden Eagle high above the ridge North of the Loch.


Loch Na Keal and perfect weather.

White-tailed Sea Eagle

We left Loch Na Keal and went onto the Isle of Ulva where you park up and get a ferry across for a fiver return, including the dogs. The Boathouse on Ulva serves excellent scran and is a good place to scan the peaks on Mull - we spotted a couple of Hen Harrier rising on the thermals.

Ulva is very tranquil with some well marked routes for walking. The deciduous woodland had Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper to add to the trip list. Speckled Wood butterflies were everywhere.


Excellent place for a pit stop. The lentil soup was superb!

Holly and Dill having a good time on Ulva feeding the Ticks

After a couple of hours on Ulva we drove to Calgary beach and then onwards to Tobermory for fish and chips.

Tobermory at moonrise

By the end of Thursday we had seen most of the raptors including Kestrel (everywhere) and Sparrowhawk (one at Calgary). We only dipped on Merlin and Peregrine.

Friday was a day of sunshine and showers (and rainbows) and was initially spent upgrading our accomodation from our tent to one of the large marquee type tents available for rent on the campsite (£30 a night). These tents are very large and the next best thing to a cottage. Included are comfortable camp beds, tables and chairs, and heating.

Shielings Campsite

After moving house we headed south a couple of miles to Lochdon where a lone Greenshank and a couple of Curlew were on the shore. We drove down to Grasspoint and had views of White-tailed Sea Eagle, Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle and numerous Buzzards. In Lochdon an otter fed on crabs. It eventually came to the shore but the light was too poor for any decent photos, drat!

Later we drove down to Loch Scridain where we watched another Otter feeding on crabs. This one eventually headed for the shore near where we sat. On reaching the rocky shore it vanished amongst the rocks, double drat!

Loch Scridain - there's an Otter in there somewhere.

Saturday and we were off to the Isle of Iona. We left our crossing to the afternoon to avoid the tourist crowds that arrive by coach each morning, on the ferry from Oban.

On the way to Iona we stopped off at a couple of quiet beaches, Port of Uisken and Kintra, not far from the ferry port at Fionnphort.

Port of Uisken

Kintra

The area here is the least hilly of Mull and it was around here we had Stonechats and Wheatears, and more Buzzards, of course.

More Buzzards than Rabbits

On Iona we walked past the Abbey to the stunning beach at the Northern tip. On the way there were large flocks of Starlings and Twite feeding in a newly cut meadow. Oh, and a single Ruff. We also added Jackdaw to the trip list, but dipped on Tree Sparrow which have been recorded around the Nunnery. We didn't see any Nuns either.

It was too late in the year for Corncrakes, which at least meant we didn't have to spend a frustrating few hours hearing but not seeing.

Beaches on Iona are stunning, and deserted

Sunday was another stunning day weather wise so we set off to do the scenic route from Salen to Loch Scridian. We stopped off to visit the Macquarie Mausoleum at Gruline on the way. There were alot of Ravens here just to add to the atmosphere! There were also a couple of mentalist cocker spaniels, in one of the local gardens you have to pass through on the walk to the mausoleum, which don't like other dogs. You have been warned! Thankfully the owner was on hand to drag them off before I battered them with my tripod.

Gronk, gronk

Enroute, at Loch Na Keal, we had all the eagles again, and a Skylark. Have no doubt, if you visit Mull you will see eagles, unless you have a dog with a high vis jacket and a metal lead :)

Passing by Loch Schridain we stopped to see Otters, but with the tide out they weren't showing. Just a few Golden Plover to photograph.

Golden Plover

On our way back to Craignure, we stopped a couple of miles before Lochdon to look for Short-eared Owls that frequent a large area of grassland that rolls out to the hills. Apparently this was a good area for them earlier in the year. While the owls were a no-show we did watch rutting Red Deer stags on the hill side. A couple of stags had a nasty shock when the biggest stag you have ever seen came over the horizon towards them. This huge beast quickly chased the other two stags, but not before clashing antlers with one of them. An exciting end to our trip.

All photos from our Mull trip are in our album - Isle of Mull Trip 2011

Play Spot the Stag

2011-09-20T16:51:00.000+01:00

This photo was taken on the Isle of Ulva. Can you spot the Red Deer Stag?

Cracking start to Mull trip

2011-09-16T10:36:00.001+01:00

Arrived on Mull, Wed afternoon, as the remnants of Katia was departing. By all accounts it had been pretty grim! We setup camp at Craignure campsite, and an evening walk along the beach gave us out first Otter of the trip.

Thursday morning delivered light winds and blue skies, perfect raptor weather, and we weren't disappointed. By the end of yesterday we had White-tailed Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Trip report and pics to follow.

Windhover Haven

2011-09-06T18:59:00.002+01:00

Prior's Haven of Tynemouth has been good for migrants of late, with good numbers of Willow Wren, Mavis and Blackies.

Mavis

Willow Wren

If you pay a visit, checkout the Sea Buckthorn and Elders, berryfull, around the Haven car park, south of Prior's Park (or Knotweed Park - badly infested with Japanese Knotweed).

Windhover

The cliffs around Tynemouth Priory are pretty much a dead cert for a 'Windhover' or two. If you want a gripping 'hover' shot then this is the place. I'm yet to succeed :(

Flittin in the riggin

2011-08-30T18:32:00.002+01:00

Barn Swallow

Swallows were checking out the sailling dingies at Tynemouth Haven today. Must be getting ready to leave.

Hot Spot

2011-08-29T18:59:00.001+01:00

Spotted Flycatcher

I found a hot spot for birds today, on the footpath heading North from Earsdon cemetery. Past the cemetery, at the end of the first field, is a small stream along which the trees and hawthorn hedge provided cover for a variety of tits, warblers and a rather pleasant surprise in the form of a Spotted Flycatcher.

Long-tailed Tit

Great Tit enjoying a wasp!

Blue Tit

Willow Warbler

And feeding on thistles was this Gold Spot moth..........

Gold Spot Plusia festucae

Holywell Pond

2011-08-23T17:29:00.001+01:00

Heron

I missed the reported Marsh Harrier but found a fishing Heron, a fine adult Med Gull and a rather smart Ruff in front of the public hide. And I dodged the rain :)

Med Gull

Ruff

Feast on the fence - Bon Appétit!

2011-08-22T17:51:00.001+01:00

If you park in the Old Hartley car park, north of St Marys Island, check out the cliff top fence. It's covered in snails - mostly Garden Snails (Helix aspersa) and a few Dark Lipped Banded Snails (Cepaea nemoralis). If you fancy some wild food, here's your chance. Go on, and if you see some slugs, you can eat those too!

Buzzing Marmalade

2011-08-17T00:11:00.000+01:00

Have you noticed the huge increase in hoverflies over the last week? One species, in particular, is very numerous at the moment - the Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus.

Spotted Redshank Beehive Flash

2011-08-09T12:33:00.000+01:00

Spotted Redshank was reported at Beehive Flash, but all I could find was this Common Redshank.

Common Redshank - showing well at Beehive Flash today

Double Take at Holywell

2011-08-08T15:12:00.001+01:00

Black-necked Grebe

I popped along to Holywell Pond to see the Black-necked Grebe this morning, and there it was, right in front of the members' hide. For the first few minutes it sat with its head down having a snooze. Then, deciding to feed, it dived. And when it surfaced there were two of them!

Along a nearby hedgerow, a Whitethroat scolded me as waited to ambush it with my camera. A few minutes passed and it came into the open, only to be ambushed by a Sparrowhawk, some six feet in front of me! The Whitethroat managed to dodge the attack, and then did a very good job of avoiding getting photographed, save for a couple of shots taken through the undergrowth.

A new species for Northumberland

2011-08-04T17:45:00.000+01:00

1247 Plum Fruit Moth Grapholita funebrana

Caught in my garden moth trap last night in Whitley Bay. The 1st record for Northumberland!

Storm Chasers

2011-07-26T22:01:00.005+01:00

The Storm Petrel passage, witnessed by many over the last couple of days, is still showing no signs of abating.

Somewhere in the photos below you might just see a small black spec that is, believe me, a Storm Petrel.

From Seaton Sluice I had 8 moving North in just over 40 minutes, and at St Mary's I had at least another 10 in the same period. Simon P had already counted over 30 in an hour and a half at St Mary's.

This passage is quite unprecedented for the North East, or maybe I'm just too young to know any better :)

Monkey Business

2011-07-24T21:58:00.001+01:00

The North East coast was taking a pounding from a big Northerly swell today. There were good movements of Storm Petrels and Skuas reported.

While a single Artic Skua sat on the sea just off Seaton Sluice, and Oystercatchers fed along the shore, a group of pink monkeys were learning about natural selection.

St Mary's Island, as viewed from Seaton Sluice.

Oystercatchers

Monkey business

A queer fella at Arcot

2011-07-15T06:48:00.001+01:00

While do a spot of mothing at Arcot I noticed lots of these little fella's in the grass which turn out to be Common Green Leafhoppers (Cicadella viridian).

A few other highlights included a reeling Grasshopper Warbler, posing nicely in the open.

Moth wise there was just a few including Udea lutealis, Straw Dot, Silver-ground Carpet, lots of Agriphila straminella, and a single Latticed Heath.

Agriphila straminella

Latticed Heath

North East Biodiversity - have your say

2011-07-09T10:07:00.000+01:00

A day later this was mowed!

An online forum has been set up for the discussion of North East Biodiversity. The aim is to provide ecologists, biodiversity officers, naturalists, recorders and the public, a place to share ideas and concerns.

You can get involved here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nebiodiversity

Go on, ~~vent your spleen~~ have your say.

All the fun of the Farnes

2011-07-02T09:58:00.006+01:00

So what is it that attracts 40,000 visitors a year to the Farnes? Travelling cheek by jowl with 60 clumsy people with tripods, cameras and unnecessary rucksacks on a fishing boat? Paying over the odds? Watching idiots drop litter on Staple Island? Seeing how many numpties ignore the request not to cross the blue rope? The sweet smell of guano? Sunburn? Well for me it's the fantastic scenery, and of course the birds. Oh, and watching the Artic Terns terrorise the visitors to Inner Farne :)

The good news is that this year is proving to be a very successful breeding season on the Farnes with many species fledging very early, and in good numbers.

I think I might visit again next week!

Some more pics on my website: Farnes Island Photos

Raped

2011-06-27T17:52:00.000+01:00

While walking along the beach yesterday evening, a huge number of small black beetles swarmed around my wife, landing on her hair and clothing. Thankfully she's an adult, and not prone to running around screaming, giving me a chance to have a look. Turns out they are Pollen Beetles, which fly in from nearby oilseed rape crops to gather in open flowers where they feed on ripe pollen. Or they land on anything pretty and yellow, or blonde in my wife's case.

Today the beetles are on all the yellow flowers in my garden.

Hatching Hermann

2011-06-17T10:06:00.002+01:00

The 6th hatchling from this year's eggs - my wife breeds Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) - in the wild they can be found throughout southern Europe. The first clutch was laid about 8 weeks ago and started hatching last weekend. Here's some time lapse video of one hatching.

Have you seen a Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum)?

2011-06-12T17:16:00.002+01:00

Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum)

The Tree Bee has a very distinctive ginger head, black body and white tail. It was first recorded in the UK in 2001 having arrived from continental Europe. It is thought unlikely to impact negatively on existing bee species, making it a welcome addition to our island's fauna. Northumberland is as far north as it has got so far, and judging by the large numbers in Whitley Bay, it's doing very well and likely to progress north of the border sometime soon.

The Bees, Ants and Wasps Recording Society (BEWARS) is keen to receive sightings. You can contact them on their website, http://www.bwars.com

You can download a factsheet on the Tree Bee from http://www.bwars.com/Files%204%20downloading/Info_sheets/03_Bombus_hypnorum_1col_infosheet.pdf

Charva free Garganey

2011-06-11T20:48:00.001+01:00

Propa Belta

A late afternoon visit to the public hide at Holywell Pond was well timed. As I arrived, the drake Garganey untucked his head from under his wing and came dabbling towards me. Thanks to the crap weather, there were no cider soaked charvas to keep me company.

Ladderless in Cleveland

2011-06-08T15:25:00.004+01:00

Having got away from Hartlepool before the 'madness of the ladders' started, I headed off with Tom Tams and Joe Dobinson, to meet Keith Dover in a field at Long Newton, near Stockton, to see what is believed to be the biggest colony of Forester Moths in the UK.

0163 The Forester Adscita statices

Then onto Blackhall cliffs to see The Forester's cousin, Cistus Forester - an even rarer species.

0164 Cistus Forester

And if the day couldn't get better, we also had Northern Brown Argus and a Satin Wave. All species seen without the aid of ladders.

Northern Brown Argus

1709 Satin Wave
Idaea subsericeata

White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis

2011-06-06T21:59:00.005+01:00

White-throated Robin Irania gutturals (adult female)

My plans for Monday were well and truly flushed down the toilet when the pager shouted 'MEGA'. And for a change, just down the road in Hartlepool.

The first mainland record and only the second UK record (after one on Skokholm Island). It has also been recorded on the Isle of Man (apparently not part of the UK).

Several hundred birders rushed to the bowling green that was to be home for this rarity for today - I almost wish I had stayed to see the scene when the 'olds' turned up for their 2pm game of bowls - but there were more rarities to be seen.............more tomorrow.

This made local TV news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-13675833

Lunar Horny Moths

2011-06-02T19:05:00.002+01:00

When you put 6 Lunar Hornet moths together
you know something's going to happen.

The female pushes out a gland from her tail and releases pheromones

A male arrives within minutes.

The male gets in position.......

........ a bit of jostling.......

...and it's game on, for 6 hours!

The female then lays eggs on a Willow Tree trunk. Job done.

Three moths you've never seen before

2011-05-30T19:56:00.002+01:00

One of the joys of mothing is you just never know what you're gonna find in the morning. The trap was full of joy this morning thanks to a warm, windless night - perfect moth trapping whether.

Amongst the species caught were two real rarities:

0200 Psychoides filicivora

Psychoides filicivora had only been recorded once before in Northumberland in 2009. Two were trapped in the county last night including this one in my trap.

0893 Mompha epilobiella

This Mompha epilobiella is only the fourth record for the county.

0371 Lunar Hornet Moth

This Lunar Hornet Moth emerged this morning from an old Willow Tree stump that Tom Tams had in his shed. He noticed the characteristic holes made by the larvae, so kept it to see the moths. Something of a mythical creature in Northumberland, rarely ever seen. An amazing beast.

Willowob cuties and a Scorpion

2011-05-29T22:56:00.000+01:00

Walking near Humshaugh this evening I came across six beautiful Willow Warbler fledglings in a roadside hedge. This puts my garden Blackbirds to shame, the best they manage is two eggs and one fledger!

Nearby I found this female Scorion Fly Panorpa germanica

Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil?

2011-05-24T22:19:00.002+01:00

This picture was taken on the North coast of Scotland and initially I thought it was just Bird's-foot Trefoil, but it's just too hairy and big. Can anyone confirm that it is infact Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil? Click on image to enlarge. Thanks in advance.

A picture taken by Stew Sexton - see comments below

The one that got away, at Arcot

2011-05-17T22:53:00.000+01:00

Tom and I went on a mothing mission to Arcot today, and ~~hilariously~~ regretably Tom botched the potting of a very small pug which he is convinced was something notable. Ooops!

Still, we had a few good moths;

1126 Ancylis badiana 1
1184 Epiblema scutulana 1
1251 Grapholita jungiella 12
1255 Cydia ulicetana 1
1738 Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata) 6
1935 Mottled Umber (Erannis defoliaria) 1 Larvae
2462 Mother Shipton (Callistege mi) 1


2462 Mother Shipton Callistege mi

1738 Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata

There were several species of butterfly on the wing including, 1 Small copper, 2 Wall, several Orange Tip & Green-veined White's. And the insect life was quite simply, abundant..................


Common Field Grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus

Leucozona lucorum

Birdwise the place was lifting with Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats and Reed Buntings. On the pond, a pair of Shoveler and a single Common Tern fishing.

Far out.........in Kielder Forest

2011-05-17T08:33:00.001+01:00

A fantastic moth trapping session at Kielder on Tuedsay night, resulted in the capture of a Light Knot Grass. A rare species in Northumberland (last recorded 2000), and a new species for my mothing compatriots - Tom Tams & Keith Dover.

2286 Light Knot Grass Acronicta menyanthidis

We were expecting the midges to be biting and went prepared, some more than others :)

New moth trap does the biz

2011-05-09T20:20:00.001+01:00

My new skinner trap went out for the first time last night, and I was rewarded with a superb Alder Moth this morning. A terrific start to the new mothing week!

2281 Alder Moth Acronicta alni

This is only the 20th record for Northumberland, and the earliest recorded by 20 days.

New SkinnerTrap

The new trap was made for £20 (not including electrics). The previous trap was bought ready made for £60 (not including electrics) and was pretty poor quality with plenty of gaps for moths to escape, and suffering from warping due to the thinness of the ply used. Thanks to Tom Tams for his power tools, joinery expertise, time, coffee and chocky bickies.

A day of firsts

2011-05-05T19:27:00.001+01:00

The first task this morning was the daily checking of the garden moth trap. On the walk across the garden the first Swift of the year flew over. In the trap my first Rustic Shoulder-knot of the year.

2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot Apamea sordens

And at Cresswell, Northumberland's first nesting Avocets.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Frosty start with a jingling ending

2011-04-25T20:29:00.004+01:00

A new moth for the county was my quarry first thing, so a trip to Lambley in Northumberland to meet David who had trapped Northumberland's first Frosted Green Polyploca ridens, last Friday night. This is a moth you would expect to see in southern England. According to Heath & Emmet - 'Occurs in mature oak woodland, chiefly in the southern half of England and Wales where it is sometimes common, but it does not extend much further north than Lincolnshire in the east, and Cumbria'. Well it does now!

Frosted Green Polyploca ridens

Allenbanks - awesome

Next stop off was Allenbanks to see Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler. We parked at the National Trust carpark and after 100 metres along the river we had both target species singing. Getting a decent picture of either was another matter. What's needed is a canopy walk to get on level terms with them. Here's a couple of 'Up the Khyber' shots:

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Having lugged my camera and tripod up to the tarn, and then down and along to Plankey Mill I was a bit disappointed with the photo opportunties - until I spotted these critters - Mining Bees. There are some 60 to 80 species in the UK and I would welcome a pinpoint ID on this one if anyone knows. Here's what they do:

Find a vegetation free sandy area.

Land and check suitability as a nest site

Head down and start digging

Going

Gone

After 5 hours at Allenbanks we returned to the carpark to be greeted by the jingling sound that means one thing, well two actually - 99s.

Well I never!

Far from the Madding Crowd

2011-04-23T15:59:00.002+01:00

One of the great things about Northumberland are those hidden gems that you can enjoy without seeing another soul, even during the current holidays and fine weather.

Let's start with Hawsen Burn, Harthope...............

Minotaur beetle Typhaeus typhoeus - a dung beetle of heaths, moorlands and mountains, especially in the north and west of the British Isles. Here seen enjoying Sheep dung.

Red Grouse

Meadow Pipit

Brown Silver-line

Wheatears were singing. Buzzard, Kestrel & Sparrowhawk overhead.

Today I went to Beacon Hill. The approach road gave me my first Whitethroat and Cuckoo for the year. In the wood......

Pheasant

Redstart (female)

Redstart (male)

No Pied Flycatcher or Wood Warbler yet and no sight or sound of Mr Whippy.

Our man in Havannah

2011-04-20T18:16:00.002+01:00

An hour spent at Havanah Nature Reserve today was richly rewarded with a sighting of a Common Lizard - it ran over my foot!

Plenty of other wildlife on view including a possible sighting of a Water Vole and a couple of moths; one yet to be identified and one identified as 1251 Grapholita jungiella last recorded 13 years ago in 1998.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula

Green-veined White Pieris napi

Mega Moth - Adela Cuprella!

2011-04-18T16:22:00.005+01:00

A search with Tom Tams for Emperor Moth today ended with the fantastic discovery of Adela cuprella, a rare 'Longhorn' moth last recorded in Northumberland by Bolam in 1889!

Five moths were observed flying and landing on the highest catkins of Grey Willow Salix cinerea.

0149 Adela cuprella

This moth is probably under recorded as it appears in April flying high above flowering Grey Willow. If you are any where near rivers, lakes or wetland and you see Grey Willow, check above them with binoculars and look for small black triangular moths 'dancing' around flowering catkins. If you see any, please let me know.

This duck's no chicken

2011-04-17T20:38:00.001+01:00

Sharpness Point in Tynemouth was the unlikely spot for a romantic rendezvous for a pair of mallards this afternoon. The male proved himself a worthy suitor by playing chicken with the breaking waves.

Ha!

2011-04-17T11:24:00.000+01:00

I was in my front garden yesterday when a passer-by commented, "It would be peaceful round here if it wasn't for the f'ing seagulls". I looked up.............

Warbler Blank at St Mary's

2011-04-16T13:55:00.001+01:00

Reports of Lesser Whitethroat, Wood Warbler(!) and Grasshopper Warbler at St Mary's yesterday spurred me into a visit this morning. I found no warblers, not even a Chiffchaff. Plenty of hirundines, Linnets that would fly off if you got within 50 yards and a wetland without ducks. And no White-tailed Sea Eagle flyover :(

Pied Wagtail

Last night the moth trap pulled in an interesting Pine Beauty variation (normally a rich orange brown colour) and an early Least Black Arches:

2179 Pine Beauty Panolis flammea

2078 Least Black Arches Nola confusalis

Admired from a distance - Black Scoter

2011-04-15T18:03:00.000+01:00

Black Scoter Melanitta americana

A very distant shot taken from Stag Rocks, Bamburgh, Northumberland (it's the one on the left with the bright yellow bill. The other ducks are Common Scoter).

Bamburgh Castle

Allendale Golden Plover

2011-04-14T16:22:00.003+01:00

Tynemouth Springs to Life

2011-04-08T16:22:00.000+01:00

Northumberland Park was blooming gorgeous today, filled with bird song, blossoming trees and butterflies. Check it out....

Treecreeper

Nuthatch

Peacock

Worra corker of a day!

2011-04-07T19:47:00.004+01:00

Work took me to Rothbury this morning and on the way back I headed for the coast to see the reported Shorelark at Druridge Pools and the Avocets at Cresswell.

A quick look/see at Hauxley gave me two singing Willow Warblers and my first Swallow for the year, nice!

At Druridge the Shore Lark was briefly seen but disappeared as I grabbed my camera. Never mind, the Wheatears, Twite, Sand Martin and House Martin kept my face straight :)

Twite

Wheatear

At Cresswell there were now six Avocets, two by the causeway - too far for a decent pic and with the sun behind them - so here's a 'record shot':

Avocet

A nice surprise was a Yellow Wagtail that appeared briefly before being lifted by an aggressive Meadow Pipit.

On returning home I had a call from Tom Tams to come and see the first V-Pug for Northumberland for 32 years, caught in his garden last night. As I arrived an Osprey flew over!!!!!!!!

If I score a hat-trick at footy tonight it'll have been a perfect day.

(All I got was a dead leg)

First Wheatear

2011-04-06T11:33:00.002+01:00

The horse fields at Seaton Sluice are always worth a check. They came up with the goods today with my first Wheatear of the year.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Corncrake in the Toon!

2011-04-01T19:34:00.005+01:00

Corncrake Glug glug
Luckies opposite Newcastle Civic Centre has been refurbished by Weatherspoons and Corncrake is £2 a pint. Nice!

Fully Fledged in the Toon

2011-03-30T21:52:00.002+01:00

I was In Newcastle yesterday, by the Civic Centre, when the begging call of a young bird caught my ear. A full grown fledgling blackbird was hassling it's mother amongst the flower bed. By my reckoning the parents must have been getting 'jiggy' mid Feb.

Bufo bufo migration

2011-03-28T09:24:00.000+01:00

Common Toad Bufo bufo

Near Langley in Northumberland the annual migration from the woods to the lake for breeding are in full swing.

Signs of Spring in the Garden

2011-03-25T16:00:00.001Z

Blackbird nest building in the Ivy

Neighbours Cherry in blossom

Frog spawn appeared on the 23rd March this year - 2 days earlier than last year!

Swift box has Starlings nesting in the downstairs 'flat'

3 men and some moths - in Stocksfield

2011-03-24T11:34:00.002Z

Met up with Tom Tams and Keith Dover for a moth trapping session at Stocksfield last night. Some good moths and good crack.

Good company, Tom Tams and Keith Dover.

Oak Beauty and Yellow Horned - identified and logged

The light off Keith's pearl white teeth was our secret weapon :)

Early Tooth-striped

Oak Beauty

Yellow Horned

Trapping Totals:

Temp dropped down to a chilly 4.5c

Semioscopis avellanella was noteworthy

Taxa
0666 Semioscopis avellanella 1
1659 Yellow Horned (Achlya flavicornis) 9
1881 Early Tooth-striped (Trichopteryx carpinata) 6
1930 Oak Beauty (Biston strataria) 6
1947 Engrailed (Ectropis bistortata) 1
2139 Red Chestnut (Cerastis rubricosa) 3
2182 Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda) 52
2187 Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi) 44
2188 Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta) 17
2189 Twin-spotted Quaker (Orthosia munda) 5
2190 Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica) 32
2256 Satellite (Eupsilia transversa) 1
2258 Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii) 14

You can discover more on the moths of Northumberland on the Northumberland Moths Website: http://www.northumberlandmoths.org.uk/

Bathtime at St Mary's

2011-03-22T16:57:00.001Z

The song of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits filled the air at St Mary's today. A Chiffchaff was singing in Holywell Dene while at the Beehive Flash there was a pair of Shelduck and 150 Greylag Geese.

A flock of a hundred or more Starlings take a

communal bath on the wetland at St Mary's

Meadow Pipit preparing for another aerial display

Common Toad Bufo Bufo at St Mary's Wetland

Skomer Island......almost

2011-03-21T20:51:00.001Z

I've just returned from Pembrokeshire and yet again managed to time it so that the boat to Skomer Island isn't running yet - it runs from Good Friday or 1st April (whichever comes first) til 31st Oct. Maybe next time.

The view from Wooltack Point is breath taking and not a bad place for birding in itself. I had a pair of Chough for starters, apparently they are common here. Shame my pics were 'record shots' only (i.e. crap).

Stonechats are plentiful here

Raven on the cliffs (300ft cliffs by my reckoning - not for the faint hearted!)

Gwyfynod Cymru

2011-03-20T16:02:00.000Z

The trap went on in while on hols in Pembrokeshire last night - very briefly thanks to the rain. Thankfully the mild conditions meant moths were in abundance. Here's a selection of some real crackers:

Engrailed

Red Chestnut

Twin-spotted Quaker


Early Grey

It's still raining. And by all accounts it's sunny back in Whitley Bay!

Common Quaker

2011-03-16T22:28:00.000Z

One moth in the trap last night, but one in mint condition. The highlight to an otherwise grey misty damp day here in Whitley Bay.

Common Quaker

Bay Watch 14/03

2011-03-14T20:12:00.001Z

Waggonway Today

Thought it might be an idea to make the most of the calm sunny weather especially with easterly winds and low cloud and rain forecast for the rest of the week. So I unhackled myself from my laptop, put on the walking boots and set forth up the waggonway as far as Brierdene Farm, across the fields to Whitley Cemetery and along the beach to Whitley Bay and home.

Along the waggonway it was very busy with bikes, dog walkers, runners and the pupils from the local school 'doing PE' which involved some running, most walking, talking and throwing mud at each other.

Birds seen included Wren, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Crow, Robin, Magpie, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit. No Wheatears yet but they won't be long now. Further south migrants are arriving in numbers with Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and Wheatears the expected early arrivers. More exotic birds have been seen too with an early Hoopoe at Portland Bill a couple of days ago. The easterly winds forecast could bring a few surprises if people are prepared to suffer the cold to check their patch. I'll lend you my hat on John :)

Frogs in the pond in Whitley Cemetery in the 'throws of spring'

Blackbird in Whitley Cemetery

Sanderling on Whitley Beach

At the beach a solitary Grey Seal moved along the surf line followed by a flock of Common Gull looking for the remains of any fish suppers. A Red-throated Diver was further out along with a small number of Eider Duck.

Whitley Beach - just needs a deck chair or two?

Hebrew Character and Satellite

2011-03-13T16:33:00.000Z

Two moths in the moth trap last night:

Hebrew Character

Satellite

What colour is your frog?

2011-03-12T12:51:00.000Z

The frogs are coupling in our the pond and I've noticed one to be a bit off colour - purple no less!

Common Frog - looking as you would expect

Common Frog - the female looking purple

Keeping Toot

2011-03-07T13:00:00.002Z

Little Owl near Druridge today

Kittiwakes return

2011-03-06T17:46:00.001Z

Kittiwakes were back in significant numbers at the mouth of the Tyne today. Unfortunately when they return to their nest sites in Newcastle they may find the council have decided to evict them - read about it here: http://www.sustainablescotland.com/index.php/Communities-News/sustainable-scotland-newcastle-britains-cities-kittiiwake.html

Tynemouth Fulmars

2011-03-05T12:42:00.000Z

The Fulmars are readying for breeding on Tynemouth cliffs. Note the oil on some of the birds :(

More Fulmar pics here.

St Mary's Today

2011-03-02T13:56:00.000Z

Plenty of Waders at St Mary's today including Knot in large numbers, Dunlin, Turnstone, Redshank, Oystercatcher and four Bar-tailed Godwits. There was also about 400 Starlings on the rocks. Here's a few pics:

Fulmars

Bar-tailed Godwit

Knot

Dunlin

Starling

Goa Trip Photos Online

2011-02-28T11:43:00.000Z

Images taken during my Goa trip in Feb 2011 are now online here.

Here's a couple of my favourites:

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Bay-backed Shrike

All photos were taken with a Canon 7D + Canon 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 IS USM Zoom and processed from RAW files in Adobe Lightroom 3.

Goan Surprise!

2011-02-27T14:04:00.001Z

I'm busy working through my photos (mainly deleting) from my Goa trip and I just came across a bird I took a distant shot of - it's a bird I've always missed in Goa before and is like rocking horse shit over there - a Wryneck!

Wryneck

Beauties

2011-02-26T18:48:00.001Z

Last night I had six moths of three species; Hebrew Character, Clouded Drab and Agonopterix heracliana. All good moths, but the Pine Beauty trapped by Tom Tams was a real belter.

Clouded Drab

Pine Beauty

Garden springs to life

2011-02-25T21:13:00.000Z

Frogs thrashing around in the pond, a Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly on the decking and a Dotted Border in the moth trap this morning. 11 deg C last night - quite a contrast to last year when it was -5 deg C!

Goa Tip Report

2011-02-23T14:48:00.000Z

Cattle Egret at Morjim Beach

Just got back from Goa, working through photos and tallying species count which was somewhere around 220. A great place for birds but plastic rubbish is everywhere!

More to follow........

Here we Goa again!

2011-02-07T10:21:00.002Z

This should be the view from my balcony in 24 hours :)