Worthy of a mention

Rather than leaving it just to Birding sometimes, I thought I'd give the weekends adventure a mention. Our second trip up to Mire Loch, St.Abb's head for the Sardinian Warbler ended in success as we got brief but good views almost straight way.
Sardinian Warbler is up there as one of the best birds I have seen. In amazing surrounding with Ravens and Peregrines overhead it was a great day. I'll let John's pictures tell the rest of the story.

Make it a hat-trick

http://birdingsometimes.blogspot.co.uk/

Yesterday at Hartlepool...

Once again why waste time saying something somebody else has already said and has picture: http://birdingsometimes.blogspot.co.uk/

Earache

What more can I say: http://birdingsometimes.blogspot.co.uk/.

Sub Appearance

The purple patch continues as myself and John were up at Druridge late afternoon for the Subalpine Warbler- lifer. It was showing well on and off before flying off to another group of bushes north of the turning circle before ending up in dunes heading towards East Chevington.
Another great bird to accompany Bluethroat asnd Firecrest over the past few weeks not forgetting the American Golden plover of course. Whats next?

Fiery

Continuing the theme of recent weeks myself and JM headed to the St.Mary’s area yesterday afternoon to see if the rain had landed any migrants. Rocky Island was first but only a lone Stonechat was on show although a raft of 60+ Common Scoter were offshore.

Whitley Bay cemetery was also disappointing and we didn’t hold out much hope as we moved onto St.Mary’s. The Gut held a few Redwing and 60 Mallard and three female Pintail were on the wetland. The tracks along the wetland were quiet with only a few Robins ticking away. It was the return part of our journey that got interesting.

A Yellow-Browed Warbler called form the overgrown edges of the wetland and a Redstart and female Blackcap showed occasionally. As we passed the second viewing screen at the wetland I heard a strange high-pitched call not dissimilar to a Goldcrest. As we looked up and scanned the row off willows next to the screen a stunning Firecrest popped into view.

They are amazing little birds and never disappoint even though the views were limited. It worked it way along the willows and lower bushes between the first and second viewing screen before we decided to leave. Also a Goldcrest was calling from the willows.

The Goats who stare at men

At one with nature

Yesterday I got the chance to see something in Northumberland that I have always wanted to see – Wild Goats.

With Cain doing some work up in the Cheviots photographing them it was the ideal opportunity to not only see them but get up close and see how these ancient creatures live. We focused on three main herds around the border ridge area of the Cheviots north of Alwinton. The weather was perfect and there was some bird life to keep up the interest including Ravens cronking overhead, Buzzard, Red Grouse and the most Meadow Pipits I have seen in a long time. The roads around Alwinton were littered with Red Legged Partridge and every lowland stream through the hills held small family parties of Goosander.  As well as the goats Roe Deer and a sun bathing Fox were seen.

As you would expect the goats were in the most awkward parts of the hills so photographic opportunities (for my camera anyway) were limited. The herds were mostly a mixture of generations with some kids and females staying together and the Billie’s leading them as they grazed on the hills. The 11 hours we spent in their company yesterday was a great insight into their lives and a truly wild experience.

Billy on the hillside