Red-flanked Blue Tail & a Rare Gem

Red-flanked Blue Tail

This morning had the Red-flanked Blue Tail showing well so I took a flying visit to St Mary's to grab some more pics. Light was still poor so not the quality I had hoped for.

1720 Gem Orthonama obstipata

In the moth trap was a real treat, a Gem. This is a rare migrant, this being the 23rd individual recorded in the county - see http://www.northumberlandmoths.org.uk for more on moths in Northumberland.

Red-flanked Blue Tail, Dusky Warbler & Redwing Tragedy

Red-flanked Blue Tail

When I visited Tynemouth Haven yesterday afternoon it was clearly going to be a matter of time before something rare turned up. Goldcrests, Song Thrushes and Redwings were raining in thanks to the strong easterly winds and low cloud. So why did I pub it last night?

When I rose late Saturday the pager was going mental. A quick breakfast and off to Tynemouth Haven with Tom for the Dusky Warbler. After a short while a brief but good view was made and a lifer duly ticked. A wander round Priors Park turned up a couple of Redstarts but no sign of the reported Great Grey Shrike.

Then Tom got a call of a Red-flanked Blue Tail at St Mary's so off we went. A crowd was already on the case and again brief views were made and a photo obtained to record another lifer. Time to go home.

Redwing

Sadly, on getting back home a Redwing had smashed into the kitchen window. It's now in the freezer awaiting a trip to the taxidermist, unless I get peckish (pardon the pun)!