Home is in the hedgerow

A wander along the field margins at East Holywell, gave me numerous encounters with the new residents in the hedgerows.

What was nothing but barren twigs just 4 weeks ago, is now alive with Whitethroats, Yellowhammers and Greenfinches.

And the Dandelion, persecuted by our culture of tidiness, is a corner stone of the hedgerow ecosystem - feeding the many insects that in turn feed the birds. In a parallel universe, they would surely be coveted blooms?

Bluebell - sometimes they're white!

Hoverfly

Black Ant

 Greenfinch pair

Yellowhammer

Whitethroat

Blackcap

Bay Watch 28/01 - Tree Spuggies Galore!

Waggonway Today

A lovely sunny day with hints of Spring; Skylark singing, Willow catkins bursting forth, and Great Tits calling from all angles. Underfoot, plenty of ice, and according to the met office there's the possibility that the mild winter may have a sting in it's tail - hopefully while I'm filling my bins with new species in The Gambia :)

Willow Catkins

Blackbird

In the fields between Holywell Dene and the Obelisk were unusually large numbers of Tree Sparrows 100+, along with Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings. I've never seen such numbers.

Hedge full of finches and Tree Spuggies

A frosty Holywell Dene

Black-headed Gull - taking a drink from the Brierdene as it flows
down the beach at Whitley Bay

Holywell Dene & Pond

I parked up at Holywell village and headed east towards the Dene and then took a turn northwards towards the Obelisk eventually heading back to Holywell going along the south of Holywell Pond. A mild and sunny day meant a chance of taking some photos with some light to work with and without getting hypothermia, again!

On reaching the Dene a flock of Blue, Great and Coal Tits were feeding when a single male Bullfinch flew in to view.

Bullfinch

Then a heron flew up from the Dene into the field above.

Grey Heron

Heading north a flock of 8 Linnet and 15 Yellowhammer were feeding in the stubble field.

Yellowhammers take cover in the hedge

Along the south of Holywell Pond a new path is under construction

Great Spotted Woodpecker by the hide at Holywell 

And on the pond ..... a few Tufties, couple of Gadwall, a Mallard and a pair of Mute Swan.

Mute Swan

Bay Watch 25/05

Waggonway

I set out along the waggonway at 6.30 this evening and the most noticeable thing was that the Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs were silent. Even the Whitethroats have become a little less conspicuous choosing to skulk within the brambles and bushes quietly singing. Other songsters were still giving it what for.....

Willow Warbler

Yellowhammer

Sedge Warbler