TELBIRDING

April near Aberystwyth

2008-10-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

A selection of bird images during this magical month around a small wild beach. Buzzards and kestrels soar overhead, ringed plover feed on the tideline, just arrived in pristine plumage. Gooseander fly up and down the nearby river, whle sandwich terns fish the shallows. The gorse is buzzing with insects and a male stonechat has its favourite perch. A song thrush suns itself while a swallow is inspecting its nesting site in an old shed. Whimbrel numbers are up this year ,again feeding in the soft sand, gone the next day. Resting in the harbour, an adult yellow legged herring gull, a rarity here, loafs around for an hour or so. Wheatears should be here anyday now.

West Wales

2008-03-19T13:54:00.001-07:00

Strong gale force winds brought up to 6 kittewakes into Aberystwyth south bay
on the 8th, not a common bird here. A walk along tanybwlch beach suprised a female goosander on the river and the first wheatears of the year. Just 1 male on the 12th and 6 males on the 17th, habitat is ideal here and they never fail to impress. Next morning a new bird for the garden, two nervous jays, briefly, and 1 male and 2 female siskins, every spring these appear, surely on nothward migration! On the 14th a hunt for the long staying cattle egret was successful, just a few miles inland from Aber. Poor light, and not close enough, some shots at 1000 asa, but a great bird for ceredigion. Buzzard and Kites just everywhere, so no suprise to get these,they just seem so difficult at times to get the right shot in the right light and background. Brambling seem to be abundant this year and this stunning male rounded the week off at nant yr arian. Note: female blackcap still in garden.

Mediterranean Gull

2008-03-09T01:40:00.001-08:00

Two adults together away from Holbeck for a change, these were at Seamer road mere with all the Black heads, not as approachable, and soon flew off.

Mediterranean Gull

2008-03-06T00:14:00.000-08:00

At least three different adults and a 1st winter, all easy viewing at Holbeck car park. One adult constantly displaying and pestering black headed gulls.

Black Bellied Dipper(Cinclus cinclus cinclus)

2008-02-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

Great views of a fantastic bird near tophill. Only seen one of these continental forms before near Scalby mills years ago. A very confiding bird, well worth a visit. A nice covey of common partridge in a nearby field brought back memories when these beautiful birds were common.

Rime

2008-02-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

A week of freezing nights and sunny days, but for a couple of days some areas around scarborough looked stunningly beautiful with vegetation covered in thick rime. It all disappeared on the 21st when the anticyclone was moved back into europe by a warm atlantic frontal system.

Snow buntings

2008-01-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

Some images of the flock near the Blue dolphin caravan site. This 10 minutes of sunshine last week was about the only window of bright light good enough when this flock was present. Up to 70 on one visit but usually about 30 ish birds. Always a delight, and to me these are special birds.The jackdaw suddenly looked stunning in the evening light.

Black throated diver

2008-01-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Just record shots during a 10 min spell when the bird stayed in the middle of Burton riggs mere, too much activity around the edges to get it closer.

Scarborough harbour

2008-01-04T03:48:00.000-08:00

A quick call into the harbour produced 4 red throated divers and 35 purple sands clinging to the harbour wall. The sea was a boiling cauldron of mountainous waves but this seems ideal for an adult winter little gull. This bird was settled on the water in the harbour but suddenly flew out to sea, it reappeared just off the lighthouse feeding, but so fast in flight, a bird in its element.

Aberystwyth

2007-12-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ring necked duck

A great spotted woodpecker is now a regular visitor to the garden, however, a suprise was a pair of blackcaps, overwintering presumably or early spring visitors! Only seen feeding on pears and apples after the blackbirds had opened them. At least two black redstarts wintering around the old college buildings, one showing regularly near the entrance. Stormy seas most of the week with barely anything passing but a suprise bird turned up on a local woodland pool. This male ring necked duck showed so well but dismal light conditions, 1000 asa at an 80th of a sec, not ideal but a good record shot. Plenty of red kites and buzzards but just so dull. Still, the duck and blackcaps made up for it.

Mistle Thrush

2007-12-12T14:37:00.001-08:00

Typical behaviour from this bird, anything landing on this tree was chased away immediately. Every berry is mine!

Desert Wheatear

2007-11-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

A rare but almost predictable east coast november bird.This 1st winter male was found on monday pm near cromer point, exactly to the day of the last one and not too far away., about 15 years ago. Walking down the path towards the site this bird flew towards me, almost landed on my shoulder, and gave stunning views in perfect light for about 30 mins. My first pics with the canon eos 40d, hope they are all so easy, thanks dave for site details etc. Poor flight shots show rarely seen black auxillaries, what next i wonder?

Pallas's warbler

2007-11-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

On a cold, blustery november morning, what a delight to see this tiny jewel of a bird. Yet again Filey has turned up a gem. Even though wholly overgrown, Arndale ravine has sheltered many a rare bird. This bird favoured the sycamores still with a few leaves, hovering for aphids and always typically highly active. All photos taken at 800 asa, the light was not brilliant, but a magical and one of my favourite birds.

Fieldfares etc

2007-11-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

When the fieldfares are drinking, the hawthorns are visited by many common birds. Blackbirds, chaffinch, goldfinches and an inquisitive robin. Blue, great and l t tit, greenfinch, tree creeper, starling and mistle thrush all feeding around and within this berry feast.

Bullfinch

2007-11-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

While waiting for the fieldfare flock to settle, listening to the archers and garderners question time, this gem of a bird emerged from some dying vegetation and posed for just a few seconds. What a great hide the car makes, unless you have mega powerful lenses your struggle to get close shots. So, its just sit, relax and wait for that magical moment! If only a merlin had swooped down and grabbed it! Too much to ask for i suppose, sorry mr bullfinch.

Fieldfares

2007-11-14T13:59:00.001-08:00

Definate juv, outer g coverts unmoulted, still a white tip.

These fieldfares near Flixton gorge themselves on hawthorn berries and then move on. They appear here every year along with redwing and blackbirds. The first two birds above are obviously distinctive heavily marked dark faced males, black tails and dark centres to crown feathers. The rest are females and 1st year birds. Strange they are so timid, how nice to sit in your car to watch these beauties. The top bird, a redwing, is such a smart bird.

Scarborough harbour/Divers

2007-11-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

Within just 10 minutes of arriving, a superb 1st winter Black throated diver surfaced. Distinctive white thigh patch, thick, well defined neck pattern, domed forehead and large straight bill show well in the first 3 photos. In 2 hours this bird only caught 2 small crabs. The 4th photo shows the Red throated diver, present for a few days, a very different bird! The last photo shows a little auk, this flew into the harbour but was wary and nervous, lots of gulls about! Five others flew out of the bay.

Filey

2007-11-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

Rotting seaweed and flies! yummy.

Another warm, bright sunny day with a light south westerly, is this October! A stroll down the brigg revealed the usual suspects. Lots of turnstone, knot, oyster catcher, redshank, 4 purps and 2 ringed plover. The sanderling still in bay corner along with juv cormorants. Carrion crows on the look out for scraps and 2 nice fieldfares on the top fields, what a pleasant way to spend the morning!

Whooper swans

2007-10-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Highlight of the morning were this probable pair of whooper swans at scalby mills. They were distant at first but came closer, one in particular looked tired and was often asleep. I think the male is the larger right hand bird, great to see them in good light and locally. Lots of redshank in the pools and turnstone. This bird was turning over quite large stones which can be seen in the picture.

Filey

2007-10-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Continental blackbird.

A wary ringed plover.

Nice to see the sanderling flock back in the bay corner, about 30 birds being harrassed by flocks of dogs! Quiet on the fields and hedgerows, just a few crests and lingering migrant blackbirds. This blackbird is a first year male and typical continental dark bill! A flock of about 50 knot on the brigg and 12 ringed plover of note.

Black Redstart

2007-10-28T00:35:00.000-07:00

Just a short time to rest in the warm afternoon sun, but always highly alert.

Mid afternoon the sun came out so did this nice black red on Filey church. High up and actively feeding, superb camouflage against this stone, just a few records in spring and autumn.

Short eared owl

2007-10-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

A quiet morning at filey top fields, lots of skylarks, linnets, tree sparrows, some yellowhammers and 6 lapland buntings but all flighty. However, this short eared owl just in off the sea is a typical october event. Its no wonder they do not hang around here, the crows, magpies and gulls mob them constantly.

Red flanked bluetail

2007-10-21T02:10:00.001-07:00

Arrived late afternoon for this superb bird, after being ringed near flamborough lighthouse it was released in old fall plantation. With a low sun and difficult light conditions not an easy bird to get just right. However, just pleased to get shots. A new bird for me and so easy, fantastic.

Barred Warbler

2007-10-19T14:59:00.001-07:00

This barred warbler was far too distant for a photo, however, you can see the main features of this juvenile bird. Found in a ravine not far from scalby lodge pond, the bird has been showing well for two days. A wren was busy catching spiders nearby, and this male peregrine falcon flew past the headland, seems to have a full crop, super bird.

Mediterranean Gull

2007-10-19T13:13:00.001-07:00

A 2nd winter and adult showing well at holbeck car park again, they seem to appear from nowhere when there is bread around.

Filey

2007-10-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

A few birds around filey over a couple of quiet days! Large numbers of blackbirds have arrived, just a few linger on. Despite its bright colours, the male bullfinch almost disappears within the autumn leaves. Carrion crows scour the stubble fields for spilt grain. Three lone pink feet seem lost without the large flocks that have passed through lately. Redshank, snipe and a superb gadwall are the pick of birds on the dams. Finally after a search for the lapland buntings on the top fields, a lone stonechat was feeding low down on the cliff top.

Lapland bunting

2007-10-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Lots of birds moving over the last two days, mainly blackbirds, redwings, thrushes and fieldfares. This well marked lapland bunting, one of about six birds present was unusually confiding, a young male of the year. A Richards pipit gave good views through a scope before flying out of sight. The top bird is a reed bunting, a neat, smart little bird. Many different migrants seen, good days birding.

Filey dams nature reserve

2007-10-07T03:42:00.000-07:00

Just a few common species feeding through the hedges. The redwing was most probably hatched in the birch forests of scandinavia, who knows? A flock of about 30 lapwing, mainly birds of the year loafing around the pools, possibly local birds from the moors.

Brown Flycatcher

2007-10-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sunny warm day and lots of cameras and optics trying to pick this possible first for britain in the old fall plantation, flamborough. Good brief views and almost impossible to photograph over a sea of heads, just managed a few record shots.

Filey Brigg

2007-10-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

I was amazed to be the only one on the brigg with this grey phalarope spinning away in the dull surf, it did not stay still for a second, but great views from behind a rock. A male eider swam in to preen but for just a minute or two before swimming out to the small flock present in the bay. A nervous curlew made its escape down the brigg, they do not allow close scrutiny out on the brigg. Finally a barn owl flew out of the top scrub being mobbed by crows and magpies, a great few hours birding.

Isabeline shrike

2007-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Another great rarity on the yorkshire coast, this bird originates from around central asian steppes, and ends up in Buckton, just inland from bempton cliffs. Constantly catching insects and looked like it had a larder of food in a bramble thicket. Too far for detailed plumage shots but a wonderful bird to watch.

Filey

2007-09-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

rabbits sunning themselves after a cold night.

A quiet autumn morning, not many birds about but just a hint of things to come. A juvenile male great spotted woodpecker and young reed warbler on the move, overhead two skeins of noisy pink feet moving south, a small flock of goldcrests, a few brambling, blackbirds and redwing, all migrants heading south. Even the kestrel could originate from northern europe.

Buff breasted sandpiper

2007-09-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

A well watched and obliging rarity for a change. However, trying to photograph this bird under dull skies and a howling gale was difficult. When it did come close enough it was constantly active and buffeted by the strong winds. Such a confiding beautiful bird.

Mediterranean Gull

2007-09-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Back to holbeck car park again, just one bird on the grass, a superb adult winter med gull. I remember seeing my first in Bridlington harbour years ago, they are far more abundant now but still a suberb bird!

Scarborough harbour

2007-09-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Another overcast showery day, strong northerly winds still raging. This partial albino guillemot was sheltering in the harbour along with about about six normal ones, quite a striking bird. A small group of sanderling, a few divers, bonxies, arctic skuas, terns, 2 sooty shearwaters, many auks, gannets, kittewakes and 7 dark bellied brent geese all within 30 minutes off the castle headland. Nothing like a good seawatch from the comfort of your car.

House Martins

2007-09-20T15:32:00.001-07:00

The parents and siblings from the first clutch still feeding this brood. They are coming back less frequently now, mainly to roost, soon be off to warmer climes. We miss their constant presence and noise but yet another good year for them. See you next spring boys!

Scarborough harbour

2007-09-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Just a short look around the harbour, lots of auks in the bay and a few in the harbour, some lingering kittewakes lazing about and the ever present turnstone waiting for scraps.

Filey

2007-09-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

This barnacle goose had a bloody drooping wing a week ago but seems ok, hit the wires possibly. The male blackbird still moulting head feathers feeding up on plump blackberries. Up to 5 dunlin and a ringed plover feeding in ideal wader mud! This years young dabchick not as terrified as the parents, feeding right in front of the hide. A flock of long tailed tits busy themselves through the hedges, a redshank drops in for 5 minutes and a male teal is almost in pristine condition. Summer is over,and you can feel the change, birds are restless, autumn migration is under way.

Filey

2007-09-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

A common hawker keeping territory over the top scrub pond, not a common dragonfly, only a few records from filey.

Scarborough

2007-09-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

The QE2 passing scarborough on its final voyage, quite a sight.

Wykham

2007-09-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

A small flock of typical forest birds on a dry, sunny and still warm autumn morning. Chaffinch, chiffchaff, coal tit, goldfinch, long tailed tit and siskin.

Bempton Cliffs

2007-09-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

A hot calm day and thousands of gannets, lots of birds of varying ages showing well in good light, still some fulmars around the cliffs in heavy moult and an obliging meadow pipit at a very quiet Flamborough.

Brown argus

2007-09-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

A small insignificant butterfly but close up, stunning. Quite rare in yorkshire but steadily increasing,this was fluttering around with common blues near filey yaught club one sunny morning last week.

A study in kingfisher

2007-08-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

For once a kingfisher that did not fly off. This juvenile content with the sun on its back and a bit of preening, life is good eh! The juvenile reed warbler feeding deep in the reed, just emerging for brief spells. The greylag geese building up into huge flocks dominate the pool, all taken at tophill today.

Dunlin

2007-08-28T14:40:00.001-07:00

Went to see the little gulls at hornsey mere, too windy, just a few gulls far out, have been up to 16,000 roosting on some evenings. This juvenile dunlin allowed close inspection, possibly never encountered humans before!

Top hill low

2007-08-28T14:32:00.001-07:00

Lots of birds on the d lagoon now its drained but too far for decent pics, but two nice dragonflies in the wood. Brown hawker and Southern hawker, bigger than some birds!

Filey

2007-08-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Finally back to filey at the end of the holiday to catch up with juvenile black tern, common tern along with many terns around the brigg. The drab garganey showed well on the dams and the small roadside pool near muston held most waders, ruff, wood sandpiper and dunlin shown here. A juvenile yellow wagtail also dropped in, what else will turn up on this small patch of muddy water?

Stumpshaw fen

2007-08-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

A few hours on a quiet afternoon, no swallowtail butterflies but a magnificent unspoilt area. Lots of shoveler in eclipse, a few common terns hawking the ponds, grey herons, and always a marsh harrier somewhere overhead.Finally, black tailed skimmers everywhere seemed the commonest of all the dragonflies.

August holiday snaps

2007-08-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Just a few images from my paradise bay near aberystwyth. A few whimbrel always feed here on passage. Rock pipits feeding through the boulders. Some fantastic mackerel evenings where the sprats litter the beach through glorious sunsets. Finally. the ever faithful wheatear juveniles enjoying life.

Moths

2007-07-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

Two of the most photogenic and beautiful moths caught on the 17th, the night was warm and
humid, perfect for mothing. The first for the year, Swallowtail and Elephant hawk moth.

Ellerburn bank

2007-07-20T02:48:00.001-07:00

I spent a few hours on a warm sunny morning last week in heaven. Just lie down, close your eyes everything is just perfect. My childhood days playing in endless fields like this come flooding back. At least 3 pairs of yellow hammer and many common species present. One of my favourite stunning butterflies Marbled whites out in numbers along with small skipper and rinlet. All of these could not exist without the variety and number of wild herbs and flowers. I have included just a few of these, well worth a visit!

Fulmar

2007-07-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

The odd fulmar patrolling the headland, graceful silent effortless flight when there is any available wind, unlike the acrobatic noisy kittewake. Both species seem abundant in this area.

Herring Gull

2007-07-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

An untimely end to a young kittewake. Almost as soon as it fell off its ledge it was pounced on. It took a few minutes of pecking to kill it, fly off and swallow it whole, not a pleasant sight but a necessary one, as the bird would have died sooner or later. Taken from the road under the kittewake colony at Scarborough castle.

Peregrine

2007-07-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

After resting, preening, sunning and eyeing up prey this juvenile bird joined its siblings and took to the air. All shots were taken using a 1.4 converter and the birds were not close. Such an amazing master of the air, a truly wild spirit.

Bempton Cruise

2007-07-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

The RSPB boat trip out from Bridlington to the seabird colonies on bempton cliffs is as spectacular as you would imagine, the towering cliffs and number of birds are overwhelming. Luckily on this trip the light conditions changed from bright and sunny to dark threatening thunder clouds, lightening, torrential rain and finally a double rainbow. The gannet colony, which is the biggest in europe is stunning, while puffins, guillemots, razorbills are difficult to photograph from the boat if not sat on the ledges. Very few shags nest here but can be seen on the lower cliff and fulmars follow the boat. One arctic skua showed up chasing kittewakes far out but i have included the image. If you have not been on this trip give it a go, you will not be disappointed.

Filey dams nature reserve

2007-07-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

High water levels on the dams as seems usual these days, oh for a drought! Tree sparrows seem to have had a good year, this one basking in the midday warmth. Tufted duck have bred on the reserve but no young so far. Ruddy duck males prominent but females hidden, either still sitting or with small young in deep cover. Two or three little grebe pairs with young as with coot, just one or two survivors, too many crows, magpies and foxes nearby. Nothing to note on carr naze or filey brigg, very devoid of birds, a few cormorants and gulls. The cliffs have plenty of kittewakes, fulmars , razorbills, guillemots and a few puffins, all busy feeding young.

Swifts

2007-06-27T04:18:00.000-07:00

After the foul weather of the last two days these swifts were taking full advantage of a sunny, warm windy evening at cayton carrs sewage works last evening. A fantastic aerial display from up to 50 birds, frantically feeding before the next weather front arrives. Identification of rare swifts can be a problem, a range of form and colour in this one species is quite evident. Notice the full crops on some of these birds.

Grass Stem

2007-06-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Garden Warbler

2007-06-24T10:33:00.001-07:00

I heard the chack alarm call in a small overgrown copse and briefly saw the adult bird with food dissappear quickly. I took these images to give an impression of how skulking this bird is. It really is a plain bird but that white eyebrow, cream throat and blue grey legs make it one of my favourites. Once again, dull with heavy showers, not ideal for photography. All photos taken near ravenscar.

Grey wagtail

2007-06-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

Away from the dark banks where the kingfishers preen, grey wagtail young spend time sunning themselves. The adults still feeding them, catching insects from the swollen river surface.

kingfisher

2007-06-23T03:58:00.000-07:00

The usual sighting of this bird is a flash of blue down the river at high speed. However, if you sit and wait and have luck on your side, this azure gem comes to rest and the colours explode when the light catches it in its favourite haunt within the tangled roots of a shaded bank.

Great White Egret

2007-06-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

A quick trip to Tophill Low reserve near Driffield to see this bird. Opened the hide shutter and there it was, elegant and docile after eating a large carp!

House Sparrow and Linnet

2007-06-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

The final two birds in this sequence. House Sparrows frequent the bottom and along with the Linnet the scrubby areas of gorze, rosa rugosa and rocky edges. House sparrows are scarce here but Linnets thrive. Looking forward to the next visit, soon!

Pipits

2007-06-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Meadow and Rock pipit are common enough all along this area, meadow more so than darker, larger rock pipit. So difficult at times to approach in the open habitat they prefer.

Stonechat

2007-06-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

The alarm call of this bird is so characteristic, just knock two stones together, perfect! I love how bright and bold these small birds are, perched on top of gorze or a rock fits them perfectly.

Wheatear

2007-06-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Perfect nesting conditions and an abundance of food create ideal habitat for this early summer visitor. I love seeing the new arrivals in spring, one of my favourites.

Raven

2007-06-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Croaking and tumbling over the cliff tops is indeed a sight to see, always on the look out for food, Ravens are in charge of these wild cliffs.

Red Kite

2007-06-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

What an inspiring magical bird, having lived near them for many years i still get that surge of excitment every time i see them. They hunt and play along the coastal edge in their effortless way.

Chough

2007-06-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Usually heard before being seen, not so easy to get a great shot this time, always looking into the sun. A special bird of the cliff, feeding on short turf created by sheep, most birds you see now are ringed.

Buzzard

2007-06-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Quite a common bird but so watchable, usually being mobbed by crows, jackdaws or ravens, even Red Kites.

The Wild West Wales Coast

2007-06-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

Back to my chilhood haunts along wild coastal paths near Aberystwyth. This peaceful unspoilt coast holds specific species, on the whole left alone to live out their lives. Firstly i have included some views of the area and then the main species.

Ynys-hir reserve

2007-06-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

Just an hour to spare to walk the woodland path. So dark now full leaf cover has arrived, the wood is alive with young bird call, mainly blue and great tits. They are so difficult to see, just the odd leaf movement and flight view. Just caught this great tit with caterpillar high in the canopy. This wonderful pied flycatcher was the only one i saw, it just appeared in front of me and was gone. Five seconds of sheer bliss, i always love seeing this bird, most are feeding large young at present, an early year.

Moths

2007-06-04T13:58:00.001-07:00

A worn male Buff ermine.
Heart and dart
Spectacled moth
peppered moth
Just 4 species caught last night, but all fascinating!

Swift/House martin

2007-06-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

Early evening brought the odd swift and many martins over the house. The excellent light and strong cool north westerly brought out the best in these birds.

Spotted flycatcher

2007-06-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

After a warm sunny day i walked up the river near troutsdale late afternoon. The air was cooler and in the dappled sunlight this flycatcher was feeding over the river. Notice the large tick just behind the ear covert. Typically flying quickly out to catch insects, returning to its perch. After a short time it was gone and all was quiet.

An evening stroll.

2007-06-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

A selection of birds enjoying warm early evening sunshine along the river near Hackness. The common whitethroat uttering its deep churr warning, a young song thrush sunning itself, not as wary yet as the adults. A distinctive call high in an alder shows the male yellowhammer, half asleep almost but calling repeatedly to another male nearby, quite a stunning bird! Finally the male blackbird perches in the open singing away, oblivious to all. Time flies!

Lesser whitethroat

2007-06-02T06:07:00.001-07:00

Usually a skulking difficult bird to photograph but this bird appeared to investigate the noisy wren, beautiful in pristine breeding plumage.

Wren and Dunnock

2007-06-02T05:40:00.000-07:00

A loud burst of song revealed this aggitated wren scolding a stunned dunnock.

Red Legged Partridge

2007-06-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

Red legged appearing, even in a flat field they are masters of just blending in.

Yellow Wagtail

2007-05-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

After a few days of cold winds, rain and dull conditions its so nice to see blue skies, sunshine and as an extra bonus,these birds. The female remained deep in cover but the male was inquisitive, this not so common grey partridge also put in a brief but nervous appearance. My spirits have risen again!

Garden Birds

2007-05-27T00:57:00.001-07:00

My house martins have repaired the nest, almost from nothing in 3 days and female is sitting. Think this is the male bringing in food, note the large crop shows well in one shot, a joy to share their comings and goings. They reared 3 clutches last year and usually 2. The young blackbirds have increased to 4 and are so confiding, easy prey for predators especially cats, mother, father and I are constantly on the alert!

Scarborough Castle

2007-05-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

A quick stroll under the frantic kittewake colony revealed just two species lurking in the boulders. A singing rock pipit quickly defined its territory even seeing off a lingering wheatear, fascinating how they find these small prey items out of thin air. Nothing else of note, a whitethroat under the castle wall and everywhere you go, goldfinches! They seem as common as ever. Note the red pattern on the head, an obvious female! Also this bird is ringed.

Moorland Birds

2007-05-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

Some typical scenes of the yorkshire moors inland from Helmsley. All photos taken from the car showing birds found at this time of the year. Lapwing, red grouse, curlew and golden plover all relatively easily seen but ring ouzel feeding young a chance encounter. Wheatear. meadow pipit, mistle thrush and buzzard sp also seen. Cool, windy and overcast in morning but clearing and warming up mid afternoon, a great days birding.

Garden Birds

2007-05-23T00:31:00.000-07:00

Greenfinch still displaying to female even though feeding fledged young, the male looks in superb condition, must be all the sunflower seeds its eaten? Male and female house sparrow on second brood, same nest every year,under a roof tile next door.

Swallows

2007-05-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Small groups of swallows feeding low over the fields in a strong westerly, so difficult to catch these fast flyers. What amazing birds!

Seamer Gravel Pits

2007-05-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Lots of these small damselflies around the pool edges. 28 young canada geese eating everything in sight, and my first speckled wood flitting through the dappled pathway. Blackcap and garden warbler calling but so difficult to photograph.

Garden Birds

2007-05-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Young greenfinches visit the nuts every day while the male blackbird seems constantly alert looking out for its one youngster.

House Martins

2007-05-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

My 2 pair of martins are back building, front and back. They have nested here for the past 8 years, i look forward to their return every year.

Blackbirds

2007-05-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Wheres my food! First young of the year in garden

Filey

2007-05-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

A swift, robin and this singing chaffinch about the only birds noticable today, poor for the time of year.

Beeater

2007-05-17T05:21:00.000-07:00

Bird distant and flighty, calling as it flew high towards Aldborough.

Red Necked Grebe

2007-05-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

Called in at Weel to see Grebe.

Dipper and Mandarins

2007-05-17T05:05:00.001-07:00

While watching Dipper at Troutsdale, a noisy party of Mandarins floated past. Just hatched by the look of them.

Wheatear and G partridge

2007-05-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Wheatear and C Partridge nearby.

barn owl

2007-05-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

Ringed owl from Wykham area, can be elusive but easy this time, so nice to see in daytime.

Wykham

2007-05-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

During a dry spell managed to catch these beauties.

Filey

2007-04-28T01:44:00.000-07:00

A quick visit to the dams resulted in just Coot and Little Grebe, so much water, grebes calling loudly and a lone swallow passing through.

Little Grebe

2007-04-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

A quick visit to the dams on the way home was an anticlimax, coot and this Little Grebe were about all there was.

Troutsdale

2007-04-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail and Robin constantly seen feeding around shallows. Dipper and Kingfisher seen along with Mandarin duck, cool and showers again.

Low North Camp

2007-04-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

A nice warm day, first redstarts, secretive as usual but patience pays off, disturbed a roe deer, think a calf is nearby. nearly stood on an a female adder,too quick to photo, but this slow worm was easier, note the tick! Tree pipit, green woodpecker, blackcap and a few chiffchafs calling.