Sunday, February 22, 2015

Black-bellied Dipper, Kelk Beck, Harpham















With horrendous weather forecast for this afternoon we decided to make the short trip this morning to see the black-bellied dipper in East Yorkshire. With temperatures just above freezing and a biting wind, no-one hung around for very long. We found the dipper straight away, sitting and fishing under the opposite bank. Dog walkers came down the path and the bird never flinched, remaining just a few feet away, totally oblivious to people. Watched it fishing until we had near hypothermia then beat a retreat back to our log fire and a roast dinner !

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Chiffchaffs and Stonechats









On Sunday afternoon we went to a local site that we hadn't visited in a while. Quite a shock to hear two, possibly three chiffchaffs singing in the hedge in the car park ! Singing in the second week of February. Further down the track we stumbled upon a pair of stonechats. Just managed to get a couple of shots before they were flushed by dogwalkers, totally oblivious to everyone and everything around them.  

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Harlequin Duck, Aberdeen











 














We had a couple of days holiday from work so decided we would make the 800 mile round trip up to Aberdeen to see the Harlequin Duck. This had been there for some time but the weather was against us for a few weeks and then we thought we couldn't be bothered with the massive drive but eventually could not resist any longer. It was a new UK and world bird for us and took Karen's list to 377 and 1638 accordingly. Anyway, we got a very cheap Travel Lodge room so decided to head north. We were at Seaton Park for first light and the only birds around were dippers. A seal swam by and a few birders saw the otter. Then at around 8am it was found well down the river past the toilet block only to fly upriver to it's usual rapids. Now, as the crow flies this wasn't very far but walking there was a right obstacle course that involved two very muddy, slippery slopes, a new housing estate, steps, fences and barbed wire which we navigated not once but twice before 9am ! Anyway, it was well worth it as the duck simply sat on a rock about 10 yards infront of us, fishing, preening, excellent views. Pity the sky was greyer than grey, infact borerline fog ! And the photographer that was at the front of the crowd, you are definately not a birder with this 'one step closer' approach. You ruin the hobby. We did smile to ourselves when a small fracas broke out as a birder had stood infront of a camera ! Well worth the 800 mile drive. 

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Laughing Gull, Marine Lake, New Brighton


 






A day off work meant we could finally catch up with this gull so off we went to Liverpool. Far too many lorrys on the motorway for me to drive, so Simon did the honours both ways. So, looks like it's my turn tomorrow ! Found it straight away on the amusement arcade roof just as we parked, brilliant. It then flew and stayed on the pontoon, the place it had favoured all week. It was a total loner, not associating at all with any other gulls.  A new UK bird for us taking Karen's tally to 376.