ST

A dash of red.

2011-05-02T20:21:00.003+01:00

Pastures new.

Two pics of butterflies from the patch. One you have seen before and a yearly patch tick.

Speckled wood.

This morning i had a trip around Ulgham local nature reserve nature.

Some thing i have been meaning to do for a while. It features on abbey meadows blog, from time to time .

I found this little place well worth a visit. A good variety of woodland plants in flower, enough cover to create interest from bird movement and calls.

One call i have not heard for a long time. Not quite a me-aow but similar to some noises a kitten would make lead me to,

high in the tree tops. A pair of Red squirrels. When i located this one i realised i was being watched, by the other one .

Mostly White .

2011-05-01T20:05:00.006+01:00

blue bell

Horse chestnut flower

Just over half a mile from the house but not on patch, around noon. I disturbed four, roe deer.

Then ten minutes later i was face to face with a very dark buck roe, which was ready for a stand off. Until i reached for the camera. Then he disappeared.

Soon all the dandelions will be white.

Nettle flower.

Today's main aim were butterflies , although i did check a few places out for damselflies with no luck.

The weather has been good over most of the last couple of weeks.

So my chances of butterflies were good. In a stretch of 100 yards, next to a fairly busy road. I had

Green veined white, with at least ten in flight. Four Large white, small tortoiseshell, five.

(Garden escapee)
Peacocks i had at lest six of these. Three wall browns, which were very elusive and a small copper.

There were even numbers of Orange tips, with three of each

Female orange tip.

Strand line

2011-04-25T21:29:00.007+01:00

On Friday i decided to try for a sunrise at Blyth. Standing on the bridge of the spine road with plans for a silhouetted shore and water and sky of warm colours. But fog put pay to this as i could only see a thick white mist.

The sound of the dawn chorus ringing in my ears.

(any ideas ,from the mist)

I decided to return to the Wansbeck estuary and bird by ear.

I now believe this is a great way to improve your field skills. because i picked up a few year ticks by ear alone.

Over the course of the weekend, i have spent most of my time in the garden. With a surprising number of sitings.

Butterflies have been the best with peacock, small tort, large,small and green veined white. With a new tick of a fly through orange tip.

Today i have dotted about here and there, but spent a while walking the beach along the retreating tide. spotting things along the strand line.

The backbone of the fish (above) ,was an unusual sight, due to it's size. Now worn round my neck like the tribal vw badge of the same size (NOT).

But this was the the best find of the day for me

The remains of what i believe to be Masked Crab Corystes cassivelaunus

Found in the sandy beaches lowest echelons if you dig for them.

It was with a mixture of crab remains, shore and edible also present along with sea urchin shell fragments and a number of bivalve shells including the muscle and a couple i need to look up.

My friend from the shadows.This groppa was at east Chevington.

The pools near the shore had a few of these displaying.

Great crested newt.

Today -

2011-04-20T20:46:00.007+01:00

Another bright day, warm and made all the more enjoyable, because i should have been at work

(work)

An afternoon in the long grass. If you find one of these

You stand a chance of one of these

A seed eating butterfly

Orange tip with crossed wires (or a scientific first).
Others were hungry.

and after a good meal sleep

What's this?

2011-04-05T20:10:00.004+01:00

No not Mr Tilmouth's shoveler from down under, now residing at druridge pools chasing local shovelers.

But this

I realise it's refracted light, a type of rainbow but does it have a formal name.

I had a look for migrants today but nothing that i have not noted (except the Quantas traveller). On checking the bird news i may be back out tomorrow.

A little bit of almost everything.

2011-04-03T22:17:00.005+01:00

Today started with a sunrise and a dawn chorus not quite the full ensemble, but a joy to my ears.

bird chif chafs were sining every where i have been today, i have also seen my first wheaters of the year. Initially through ipin but i picked up another couple further south.

It has been a good day for mammals as well, with the above hare at cresswell, a fow at linton and pipestrelle bats above the garden at home.

Bricks have many uses but if you fancy planting a rock pool.

Continuing a theme- a rare 16 spot

I was looking for starfish, only found inshore when the sea temps start to rise. No luck but i did find three types of crab, a fish and

these beautiful beadlet anemone .

There are two main colour groups, red and green. They all seem to come with neon contasting colours as well

On the reptile front, no snakes but i did have a lizard.

Back home i did well in the amphibian stakes. While cleaning my pond i have had

toad, frog and great crested newt.

but the most unusual

thing today was the pond dwelling horse, which was feeding on the submerged vegetation.

MEGA

2011-04-01T15:17:00.008+01:00

Most views south across the bays of Northumberland end with a view of a castle. Unfortunately the south of the county has more castles inland, But a previous generation of thinkers located this power station to complete the view near Lynemouth.
Located near, now defunct; coal mining operations to provide power for the nearby aluminium smelter.

The beach was used for many years, as a dump. The dumping of waste from the mining operation has long since ceased. But evidence is still strong. With the tides and storms slowly returning the beach to the natural state..

Sea coal is still collected off the beach .

It was on this beach i sighted a mega in the migration stakes today, but you can always gain one or two unusual sightings

Pseudo seven spot above

Some clearly are northern

Others easily identified and aged

But explain how this made it to a Northumberland beach,

I don't think it was a local release or escape.

Reason for this it would not feed on bread.

300 miles is a good distance for a brick to travel.

I dipped the American wigeon today, but did have a good number of sand martins at the gypsy flash late morning, peregrine showing for ages in a field , just behind cresswell pond.

Digging holes.

2011-03-04T22:21:00.007Z

Post way over due.

My days off in February were always accompanied by very grey days, usually wet.

Until, a torn, muscle in my back. Gave me plenty of days off, but no incentive to move.

Today the sun shone for about half an hour, then became a dullish day.

It's not often i twitch, so today was the exception to the norm. A leisurely twitch though, drifting up the coast picking up, everything that came across my gaze.

( Above and below taken in December playing with the apperture, just found the card in my bag)

After picking up the usual coastal collection, plus Fulmars and Kittiwakes and a 'collared' jackdaw. Four whooper swans were a highlight at Cresswell.

I then decided to get my target bird.

Easier said than done. I swerved to avoid a quarreling Swan and Canada goose at Lady burn lake, ending up stranded on the muddy grass, digging a deeper holes with my front wheels.

I was the only one there, no dog walkers either.

Nearly two hours later, a small plastic bucket and a nearby pile of road stone and many trips to and fro. I finally freed myself.

The funny side of this was every time i spread the stones, the local birds decided i was trying to feed them, surrounding the car, after every trip. Only for me to return to chase them so i could throw stones.

On the return i picked up a flock of twenty whooper plus mixed geese ,opposite Longhirst flash, where i did a bit of seed sowing ( a wild flower mix) along the edges to the viewing platform.

I then returned home, to dig more holes, for the replacement fence. My weekend job.

After sorting the car i connected with this pair of smew, The drake (white) was a first for me. Well worth the unexpected extra effort.

Wellies and ice, don't mix- New years day

2011-01-04T21:22:00.006Z

(warkworth beach from the ALN river mouth)

(Druridge bay, another very busy beach)

Can you remember when Robin Cousins won a gold medal at the winter olympics , i was a small child. But, i can. At the end of the final routine . He did a back flip on skates to win the adulation of the crowd, etc .

Well i discovered , its not that hard and i did it in wellies to a startled dog walker. Who must have wet himself , judging by the laugher i could hear.

Oh! My landing was not quite as clean as Robins .

And the day started so well with a 27 bird species in the garden. 28 if i included the Feral racing pigeon.

I must be the only one in my area feeding birds.

Blackbird,wood pig,house sparrow(including one with faint cheek patches)wren,dunnock,chaffinch,brambling,goldfinch,greenfinch,G.S.woodpecker,yellowhammer,

,reedbunting, skinheads,jackdaw,crow,commongull,B.H.gull,herring gull,bluetit,greattit,coaltit,robin,magpie,collareddove,. And a bird with no friends sparrow hawk.

Two fly overs grey heron and canada goose.

( pollution)

I decided to abandon the patch and head up the coast. Following my usual route, but extending it up to just south of Alnmouth.

Where the pollution picture came courtesy of a lady astra driver who thought her car, could go where 4x4's were thinking twice about.

But the star of the day for me.

Devils Coach Horse Beetle (Staphylinus olens)

This is druridge dunes resident, but should not be active at this time of year.

Info from-http://www.judywoods.dial.pipex.com/ A uk wildlife site easier than typing it.

Size: Grows to a length of around 28mm about 1inch

Distribution: Found throughout the UK.

Months Active seen: April to October.

Habitat: Woodlands, meadows, gardens and hedgerows.

Diet Insects, spiders, worms and woodlice. (my DCHB was following rabbit tracks! coincidence! )

Features: The devil's coach-horse is one of around 1000 species of rove beetles in Britain, so-called because they are constantly on the move. The devil's coach-horse is a fast moving beetle which is capable of flight, but prefers to spend most of its life on the ground.

The other popular name for this beetle is 'cocktail', because of its habit of raising its tail like a scorpion (as above) when it feels threatened. It cannot sting like a scorpion, but it does have another, rather bizarre defence mechanism. At the end of its abdomen are a pair of white glands which can emit a foul smell. It can also squirt a stinking brown fluid from its mouth and anus.It overwinters as a pupa in leaf litter or moss and emerges as an adult the following spring. If you disturb a Devil’s coach horse, it adopts an aggressive, scorpion-like position - it raises its rear end and opens its powerful jaws.

The devil's coach-horse is a carnivorous insect, feeding on other insects and small creatures. It has large pincer-like jaws which can crush and kill its prey.A nocturnal predator, this beetle lives in and around decaying matter. During the day it tends to rest among leaf litter or under stones. Females lay their eggs in the soil, and these hatch into carnivorous larvae.

Did not do much after that, a bit sore after my olympic routine.

2010-12-25T21:09:00.003Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS

to the delude,lost or those who just feel sorry for me and my efforts.

Andrew Formally Quicksilver, now The Wessex Reiver.

Is holding his Christmas birding competition. If your interested

http://wessexreiver.blogspot.com/

Rules are simple

Yellow Snow

2010-12-21T19:59:00.003Z

The picture below was taken three days after the last snow fall. With the minus day time temps

holding the just fallen look

But if you look a little closer, you will see

a woodpecker in the hawthorn tree (mornings only).

Areas of yellow snow

Yellow hammers are now the most dominant bird in the garden, between fifteen and twenty average. Mixed in with this flock eight to ten Reed buntings.

Sparrow numbers are worryingly low with collared doves absent, but high notes are both Green and Gold finches. A scarce species for this garden, the jackdaw arrived today.

Along with

The brambling( one of two). Ok not as good as crammy's Lesser Redpolls, but it's a long over due first for this garden.

Hard times

2010-12-01T19:22:00.008Z

Weather still white, but you would not think it as my lavender is still flowering.

Usually a little later in the winter, i'm visited by the more exotic garden birds

The irridesance of the underrated starling, is stunning.

But for unusual on the bird table try

This little fella.

One sure sign of bad weather is the woodpecker visiting,

And the numbers of birds suddenly in the garden was surprising. At least ten fat boys and a flock of finches and buntings including the 'budgies'

We have never had as many Yellow hammers (budgies) in the garden, well into double figures

Never one to be happy, I'm hoping for a brambling or a tree sparrow, both would be firsts for this garden.

Snow clearing made easy.

2010-11-27T20:55:00.002Z

We have had the odd snow flake, here in Northumberland.

With food scarce in the natural world, it's best to provide a little help, but my cupboard was bare.

So my wild life trip today was a walk across town to buy some seed, on the way picking up some nice views of mostly common birds on other people feeders.

20 gold finches on a feeder, in a terraced garden, next to a busy road. The parakeet which haunts peoples park, I still only see, once in a while. Also in the park (a large field containing football pitches, bordered with deciduous trees), small flocks of finches and tits working the trees.

Oh SNOW CLEARING made easy, just add bread (see below)

A mini twitch

2010-11-08T20:04:00.005Z

On Sunday one week ago, I tried to catch up with the pink punks currently, well everywhere or so it seems.

After they had been reported, repeatedly in my locality.

All I had to do was fall out the door. One mile from the house. Taking the mobile hide, I parked, looked to right. Less than four feet from me and the car, sixteen waxwings feeding freely in the entrance to a bungalow, opposite a local car dealer.

Now at this range and on a sunny morning, I had visions of cover pages of magazines. I carefully reached out for the camera to discover the case empty and the camera still on the kitchen bench charging.

Now they are still being reported, everywhere but i have not seen them since.

Yesterday, the mini twitch was for a large mostly black (with a buff tail) bumblebee on the last of the nasturtium flowers. I then realised the camera was in the car.

So today's mini twitch was for the squacco heron reported from Morpeth. Firstly camera glued to hand as i left the house early.

Luckily for me ADMC and another birder (sorry don't know your name), had just picked up the bird as it flew over the weir, up stream of East mill, where it fed on the opposite bank

It disappeared for a while, picking it up a while later as it flew past me ( down stream) over the weir again at East mill.

A dog walker asked what I was looking for,just as I was leaving. After a brief explanation. He replied, a small white heron like bird, was seen, by him last weekend.

It makes you wonder how long it has been here for. Anyway, I'm a happy bunny as it was a first for me.

Catching the sun

2010-10-22T22:02:00.005+01:00

A bit of a mixed bag.

Fishermen catching the rising sun.

While hunting for furniture early on in the week, i spied three seals in the estuary of the river Tweed at Berwick . A leaping salmon, well i have it down as a salmon. It was evading one of the seals.

The clouded yellow above was another flutter seen while i was catching the sun (Greece).

I have also had a comma (small in size) on the fallen apples in the garden. This week!

The last trio, were getting the last of the rays.

It will not be long before this part of the garden, stays in the winter shadows.

They have appeared,

where there was a red tailed bumble bee nest, last year.

Originally it was Deans fault

2010-10-14T21:44:00.004+01:00

Since the last post, I spent a lot of time on nights initially. With my only time looking at wildlife, a few hours each afternoon.

Why Dean. His Tree Bumble Bee post intrigued me, so I spent my spare time, in the garden, looking at and taking pictures of bees.

When i came off nights, I had to catch up on chores around the house in my spare time. I have also built a Well (ornamental) in the garden.

small copper

I have tried posting in between this and the last post. I would write my text, up load pictures and the entire post would fail. This had me completely baffled. There is nothing wrong with the computer.
?

(Moths everywhere, every morning. I moved this one off the road.)

It turned out it was my fault. I was uploading, far to big a picture. After playing around with my camera, one day.
Turkish gekco

The bee pic is from the garden in august. But the rest of the pictures are from one of the greek isles. This time Corfu. The south of the island, where the wildlife just wanders across your path.

balkan lizard

The number of butterflies were especially notable. But the star of the holiday, was a drop by visitor. Which cause alarm for a young semi-clad lady as a nutter, with a camera charged towards her.Screaming don't move, or something similar.

Violet Dropwing Dragonfly

Nice to be back.

Quick trip around banks

2010-07-12T14:47:00.006+01:00

Field grasshopper (I THINK)
Today while putting oil in my car i received a text from A.G. telling me of a of woodsand piper with a couple of common, on Bothal pond. This proved to be a nice diversion and a first for the year on route to Banks pond.

Where hopefully i was going to pick up a few damsels or dragons.

The emerald damsel (above) is recently emerged, but there were plenty on show around the ponds.

(small skipper)
Also in good numbers common blue, blue tailed and a solitary large red.

Many of the emeralds and common blues were in tandem. With males trying to disrupt pairs.
On the dragon front, Some common darters amongst the trees, all fairly fresh to the air world
There is a pair of emperors on the small pond, the female egg laying. Whilst watching the ovipositing female, I disturbed, another dragon, resting on the ground. I only had two views of this. Initially I thought of a black tailed skimmer because it flew low and landed on a bare patch of ground. But my second brief viewing led me to the conclusion of a worn female four spot due to the dark body , although it did seem a bit to bulky.

Another recent emergee were a couple of ruddy darter (Picture on darter blog)

Bumper issue

2010-07-06T13:28:00.011+01:00

Don,t tell everybody. But this is the first picture of the Ashness bridge Troll caught under Cumbria's most photographed bridge. Why? The most photographed bridge.
On a good day the view is fantastic. But it would not be traditional visit to the watendlath area if it was not raining.

What many of the tourists, don't do, is travel to the tarn (small lake) further up the valley.
Where, in my opinion there is a better bridge, with a better view.
only one day of rain the rest of the time
the view was like this.
Now why were we there, a bit of RnR or another mission.

I was chasing the rare money fungus , which can only be found in June.
this rare condition causes the stumps of trees to, exude coins.which we collect annually.
Nearer home and back on track.

INSECTS
pterostichus nigrita
mating meadow browns (not small heaths)
Small Skipper, I have always wondered where NASA got the design of the space shuttle
I need a ID for this (above) it's about one inch long.
virtually spotless ringlet
Second common darter of the day, which does not look full matured.
No idea (help)
first sighting of a darter of the year. Very few about, no doubt this will change, over the next few days.
Different view of a large skipper.

Other butterflies seen today. Small white, Large white. A number of common blue Including an enormous specimen Oh and this
Dark green frit at dru.

Now here is a moth, even Stewart or the other trappers have not caught.

The kamikaze moth
Actually it's a silver y which has impaled it's self onto a teasel spike.

Also starring the more garish five spot Dean has told me this is a narrow bordered spot I thought there was only two types .
and six spot
But the star spot and most impressive of the day, winning, the ugly but beautiful and eye catcher of the day awards
I think this is an Iron Prominent caterpillar ( correct me if I'm wrong).

colour

2010-06-25T22:53:00.004+01:00

while clearing the over grown edges of the lawn,an unexpected flash of yellow flash caught my eye. The culprit a large yellow underwing. Unfortunately It was well brought up and would not flash for the camera.

Also lurking in the growth a silver y (above), Unlike , the underwing a drab moth for colour, but quite dapper on closer inspection. A melt into the background, type of character. But there is always a show off in a group.

Cinnabar moth.Part 2

As I followed the sound of the wood mallet, on the skin of the drum.

Weariness creeping into my bones, i caught the sight to gladden any heart.

So i slipped the shackles, to watch a glorious sunrise, on the longest day.

Only caught on my mobile phone, so old the camera runs on film.

Chasing Dragons

2010-06-21T15:59:00.003+01:00

Today i went to druridge in the hope of a common darter. In the last couple of years i have arrived just after the emergence of a host of darters and the hum of the wings , when i approached and disturbed them. will live long in my memory.
But today i had a 'buses' moment. I have not seen a four spot chaser in Northumberland, until today. When walking along the path at dru, after the hides, i heard the familiar clatter of a dragons wings. With six 4 spots in view and a total of ten in view at once.

I then went to the community woodland with the hope of picking up chasers there. i have seen quite a few dragons here, mainly darters, but often bigger ones in the tree tops, i can't identify sillouttes. But the farm pond was alive with them. Some egg laying.

There were many damsels egg laying, tandem and wheels, including the reds above.

Other firsts for the woodland, butterfly wise, ringlet and woodland brown(12).

The above damsel was at Banks pond (any ideas very fresh) with a supporting cast of 'thousands' with the 15+ buses (4 spot) and a single emperor patrolling the small pond
The last picture is the first i took today, of a dragon at least, i also had cinnabar, silver y and a host of carpet moths

only pics

2010-06-18T22:23:00.003+01:00

Sometimes

2010-06-09T21:19:00.004+01:00

Just sometimes.

Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

Which do you prefer, the first or second butterfly picture. I prefer the second! Why?

it's more dynamic.

But It was far easier than the next picture. The subject was still and it was a reasonably bright day.

The Header picture was taken on a dull day, but the subject was a much easier challenge, than usual, due to the weather. It was a cold ,windy day, making the swallows more concentrated on the shore line of the lake.

As any fisherman will tell you, the insect life is blown to lakes edge, so face into the wind and hunt your prey.

If only

Nearly a good picture, but the conditions did not help(never mind the idiot with the camera).

I was trying for the martin in the foreground.

My tactic of picking a point, to focus on ( My camera is not sophisticated enough, to chase a moving target.). But the subject needs to give a helping hand.

I blame the grass for this, it moved in the wind.

An even faster moving target.

Similar conditions to the swallows but a much smaller body of water. With the most impressive thing being, able to hear the wind on the swifts wings, As they skimmed past me.

IF ONLY, i pressed the button a fraction later.

So sometimes it's best to stick to those subjects that never really challenge.

But life would be boring.

2010-06-06T22:39:00.011+01:00

The above picture of a swift, was one of many. Some a whole lot better, most a lot worse. But you get the jist of the speed.

So i decided to stick to the,not so fast, of the natural world.

Yes it's that time of year again, where, this blog features lots of insects

Usually there is a damselfly and a scorpion fly.

With the recent trend, in the blogging world i inhabit, chasing moths. So to stay trendy

here is a carpet moth of some description.

The only similarity the bug below has to the moth is i could not identify it. from the books i have.

The moth is a silver carpet and the bug an immature shield bug sp. THANKS Dean.

unlike the soldier beetle (owner of a big latin name)

Now insects have a varied, reproductive patterns and rituals, but the pair below

Liked to include food.

But i'm better sticking to what i know

like the female gastrophysa viridula below

how do i know it's a female?

Well mated females , become grossly extended .
a few more insect pictures

Well at this time of year it's about offspring.

or stuffing yourself, like the vine weevil above.

OR just sitting, watching the world go by

some more from yesterday

2010-05-22T23:35:00.004+01:00

The individual above was unlucky as it morphed.

One of many i saw yesterday,which had not quite finished the transformation

with the final ,picture showing the full colour of an adult large red damselfly.

A day in the sun

2010-05-21T23:25:00.003+01:00

Getting out of the blogging habit, lets hope i can put that right.

The bee above is preening, but i like to think he is pretending to be a bull with the horns his front legs.

Today i have been out and about, with the warmth of the sun on my back.

Mostly looking for damselflies, but all comers were welcome. I have seen a small tortoise with almost 60% of it's wings missing fly away strongly, fuelled by dandelion nectar and the instinct to survive. Other butterflies have proved just as nippy, in the heat of the day.

Around the bodies of water, the early flowering plants now carry seed heads but, as with most things they are running late with the long cold spell

the water birds mostly are feeding there young

and others are looking for new lives in a different medium

The damsels seen today have been Azure, Blue tailed, with some colour forms showing and reds in wto stages, some newly emerged and others ( from a pond with better aspect) been out about a week, actively hunting a good way from water.

Things are picking up

2010-04-11T20:31:00.003+01:00

The warmth of the last few days has made a leap in the nature stakes.

Insects are starting to appear in numbers, with butterflies starting to show. The humble bumble bee, now out and about. With queen red and buff tailed bumbles hunting the garden for nest sites. Last year i had the privilege of a red tailed nest in the garden.

Over the last week i have picked the summer migrants, with sand martin, swallow and white wagtail, being the latest ones

This weekend i finished work on Saturday morning, feeling much like the owl below

But after a yawn and a stretch or two i had a plod around.

another birder told me of the gargany at druridge but i dipped, but i did pick up the pintails with a nudge in the right direction, helping the tired eyes and every thing on zooom.

A swallow around the house,this evening, marks a early return this year. On average it's the 20Th, of the month, this is the earliest i have had, since moving here.

a post ........

2010-04-05T18:58:00.003+01:00

for a change.

My Easter weekend started by finishing work on good friday morning and watching the end of a stunning sunrise.

(for some reason, i cant put the pictures in order on the lap top. So they will appear as they were loaded)

So here is the post. Back to front. You will also notice it similar to the post of a certain blogger, and i almost had the same title.

I finally caught up with, this little owl. Even though i was given his postcode a few weeks back. It has taken a number of attempts to pick him up.

no black redstarts for me.

Later than most, i picked up the Great White egret, forgive the arty manipulation, but i'm trying to get to grips with photoshop. I'm used to a different photo editor, unfortunately, the one i was used to was part of the original, old pc software. Normally,

i would only, crop and resize pictures

This sunrise was good, because of the unusual light. Giving the windfarm an arty look, which is an original picture.

five weeks

2010-03-22T21:28:00.005Z

The last five weeks have not been, totally in the galley,following the beat of the drum.
The weather, has either been, white or wet and grey,on my time off.
Not the most inviting weather. On top of this, the computer i was going to buy became a telly.
with the old one putting up a pretense of the model citizen, then becoming a rouge.
I used a hammer and chisel to fix, now it works well, as a wind chime in the garden.
Wildlife wise, the last five weeks, i have had a couple of firsts, on the patch.
A couple of bramblings in the garden, during the really hard weather and a lucky connection with the waxwings ,quite late, in there stay. I drove past a man with a scope near a local builders merchants and caught the flock as the flew into my patch.
Currently, the roads around here are dotted with toads and i have a mystery moth living in my car.

BARKING AT THE MOON

2010-02-11T20:20:00.004Z

I have worked a lot of nights nights lately, during this time fighting a heavy cold,

which got the upper hand, after i tested, Cresswell's possible winter Olympic bid, on the last day of January. I was out and about hoping for a pintail duck, barn owl or white wing gulls. The only thing i got , for the effort was a highly efficient running nose, which would have easily won another Olympic sport, the marathon.

The Robin above, showing what it thought, when of one of the gardens, less popular diners arrived.Normally they don't dwell for long. But occasionally, the chance for a picture emerges. Generally, all I'm left with is this

a modern art shot ( if your benevolent) or a heap of... (good for the roses). By the way all taken through various windows which need cleaned .

The, Peach Cheeked Assassin.

the Sparrow hawk.

Now if i was really lucky, it would start to sun, it self and show the those stunning features off. Like the eyes in the back of it's head, not something you see,as it shoots past.

Note must clean windows, you never know, who might drop by.

View from the window

2010-01-18T14:38:00.003Z

Not seeing a lot of daylight, even though the hours of light are beginning to stretch.
So most of my birding is through the looking glass.With surprising results.
Numbers of some birds are increasing, others are down and new additions to the current years garden appearance register, continue to cause a dash for the bins, but until today the light has been poor.
Missing in action, well numbers are way down the humble house sparrow is causing concern.
Usually there is a flock of twenty five to thirty. Now we are lucky to see fifteen.I don't think it is competition for food as there are a number of feeder points in the garden. All well spaced and topped up daily.
The bunting flock continues to rise, now ten regulars, haunt the garden from dawn to dusk. But they have there charm and seem to be bringing new additions, in the form of yellow hammers(2f) and green finches (2m,1f).
The greenfinches are not very aggressive, easily giving in to the sparrows.
Ten blackbirds, mostly last years birds,cause constant whirl of activity.
The robins seem to have dispersed as the weather has improved, with only one showing regularly, the fat boys stay at a constant six birds, with the slighter and more demure collard doves down to a single pair.
The record for collard doves seen in one visit is 36, a summer sighting. Others, making up the flux of visitors are starlings (30 to 50), drawn in by the old ash tree( highest point in the area. chaffinches, six are always around the bottom of the garden. Amongst the rarer birds, the wood pecker is still seen first thing, but once the human activity starts he is gone and the trio of black caps, were a lucky glimpse or so it seems for now.
Off to fill the feeder, in the hope of something spectacular.
OH, one other thing a barn owl is feeding along the central barriers between the footbridge and the moorfarm roundabout on the spine road. a first in ten plus years of travelling this route . Anybody else seen him? Or know from whence he came!

butterfly and buntings and a

2010-01-14T22:21:00.006Z

house sparrow and reed bunting.

...second look.
Check those ordinary looking grey and brown birds in the garden.
you may have the odd new visitor amongst the winter throng

other than the blatant, look at me, show offs.
I now have a near resident flock of reed buntings, six male and two female. They first hung around with the house sparrows, as numbers have grown they have formed there own tribe

female reed bunting.

Normally after topping up the feeders, the brazen are first to return to the food. While the snow was on the ground last week, gulls were first down. With the dunnock, the first on the feeders nearest the house
Today though was a real surprise,

not these but they are always welcome.
As i turned to close the door, a male black cap, was on the nearest bird table.

after getting the bins in a hope of relocating him

A female was in, one of the bordering trees and another male at the very bottom of the garden,

the first male, was seen on the bird table again as i took the above attempt.
Three black caps. in the last two years i have had one male and one female in each year.
So now your thinking what about the butterfly.
Well last year my first wasp appeared on a sunny but cold day in February.
The butterfly has beaten this.
First week of January, and this flew past me

and i took a second look
Indoors, it was on the wing for two days, it appeared to feed from a deliberate spillage, of a well known fizzy drink. I am hoping it found a cool spot in the factory i work in to, hibernate.

2010-01-01T14:12:00.012Z

I did not have as much of the giddy juice as i intended, last night. Largely due to the snow, well the fact, that my better half was at work last night and may of needed help getting home this morning.

She described the road conditions as the worst she had ever driven in. A good dusting of five inches.

Can't ever remember seeing this, as a road sign.

So, once, she was warmly tucked in, it was on with the gear and out.

Oh invest your money, into neoprene gloves, you will never have cold hands again .
So today's birding/wildlife.

Starting in the garden.

Blackbird,robin.wood pig,carrion crow, house sparrow,chaffinch and starling, dunnock and strangely common gull.

Along the lane rooks, magpies, Fieldfares and Redwings, with pheasants and grey partridge.

Cutting down through the Dene, a wren scolded me and a sparrow hawk (male) took a blackbird just in front of me, by the time i switched the camera on, he was gone.

Yes I've got a thing about this tree

the riverside paths, were dotted with the committed dog walker.

Snow backed ducks, with tufted and waterhens and a heron was huddled against the snow near the road bridge.

Bothal pond (above), looks a lot smaller in the snow

But there was a small stretch of open water, packed with coots, Wigeon, teal and mallard and a few Black headed gulls.
wildlife margin?
Walking along the road, to the hill, down to Bothal. The hedgerow between the cottages , produced tree sparrow, great tit and Siskin.

Bothal village ,picturesque on a wet dull day, looked stunning with a dusting of snow

the churchyard was 'alive', with birds not noted so far, Siskin, willow tit, coal tit and amongst the thrushes a Mistle thrush objected to my presence.

Above is the war memorial and church

the snow laden tree is a red leaved acer, even more beautiful in full leaf.

My return journey, followed the river bank. hoping to see the odd mammal

Other than, magpie hatted sheep.But i only had tracks, of fox, deer (roe)and rabbits.

I did pick up a pair of kestrels,working hard in the conditions.

Every now and then on my journey, i have come across small 'fields' of standing grass. No doubt, put in by or for the shooting brigade, but these are a boon to other birds.

Large flocks of finch and buntings were, hanging around this one.Constantly on the move and hard to get close to.

The answer for the edginess, was a stunning female sparrow hawk.As they 'settled', for slightly longer spells i worked through them, this produced two Bramblings. oh and a snipe, gave my heart a severe test.

My birds of the day both, Siskin, and Brambling, but the most impressive sighting the number of yellow hammers 40+, amongst the bunting finch flocks around one of the patches of 'standing crop'

last chance

2009-12-31T19:48:00.002Z

Today,
gave me a year tick for the patch. Only eighteen months ago, the bird in question would have received a casual glance. Today, though! It was watched with a smile on my face.
The bird a Greenfinch. A single male.
The garden, redwings have doubled to two, although there is not a lot of feed about. Other winter visitors, returning are the reed buntings. With numbers of all others (blue, great tit, chaffinch,sparrows, starlings ,crows
and fat boys(woodies) ), building. Although the G.S.Woodpecker has been missing.
Patch list ended on 80 birds. Yes i know i have not listed much this year, with the work load.But seawatching has increase my tally. It would be slightly higher if I was better at it.
Notable misses have been Little Egret and Grasshopper warbler.
five better than last year.
The patch this year has been good for insects, mainly the butterflies.
Time to sink a gallon or two.
All the best.

An unexpected, but welcome guest

2009-12-26T17:46:00.002Z

The unexpected guest , followed a recent theme.
Occasionally, at this time of year some one, who is very familiar just turns up, to say hello, wish you seasons greeting or lands unannounced, scoffs as much food and drink as they can before leaving abruptly. Leaving you wondering, just, which direction they came from.
Redwing
Today's guest, was the latter.They continued the red theme, just a flash. But enough to catch your eye. Unfortunately, a solitary bird. I'm hoping he puts in a good word, with the red fahionestas, and maybe, just maybe the next one will be a red poll or the like.

A garden first and here is me, complaining about the lack of finches.

The hard weather

2009-12-23T00:42:00.004Z

has made the garden a more popular place to be with the birds. Not only are the sparrows, devouring the dwindling supplies.

Robins (see superb pic at top of post), three, to be exact, spend most of there time tutting and chasing each other. The snow has even produced a 'pair' of chaffinches, four fat boys, magpies , one blue+one great tit a host of starlings (the big ash tree , being the focal point for them in this area.) But the showings are still poor compared to the average day three years ago at this time.

Three years ago, i would have had, by now, most of the 'common' finches, with reed bunting and yellowhammers as regulars, on frosty days, but the local gardening trend of tree removal and paving has put paid to most of that.

But a flash of red kept hopes alive this morning, not a robin in sight.Not much after dawn, a hard winter visitor appeared.

early this year, but always welcome.

last but not least, the picture below was of a night sky scape. The moon, clouds and the star looked good for the arty shot.

the picture came out as i was seeing the world at that point in time.

Inebriation ,is the title of this picture.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and my new year promise a bit more content in the posts, as i think i will have, a lot, more time on my hands.

pics

2009-12-09T16:29:00.005Z

Still, chasing the kestrel picture

It never stayed still very long, due to harassment from gulls.

The most interesting thing i saw today, a wading pheasant, maybe this remarkable behavior, has helped it avoid being shot.

Other, than that. Today has been an quiet day.I have seen nothing out of the ordinary.

Except the sky scape

So i thought i would try and create a new wallpaper for the forth coming computer (waiting for the sales).

Arty bits and bobs,

a bit of life

faces in the rocks

clouds

better still ,stick something in front of them

to much

not enough

better balance

I'm working for the next 8/9 days, then I'm off until the new year.

What have i picked, non of these but the last one, is my favourite of the blogged pictures.

It's december

2009-12-07T16:16:00.001Z

AND
i have just read reports of dragonflies.
OK they are in the south,
mostly common darters.Catching the last rays of the year
The best report a common blue damsel emerging for a tropical fish tank, unfortunately released into the great out doors.
Oh and the crumble was to die for, as usual.

Outside at last

2009-12-06T17:21:00.003Z

Today i had a run along the east coast, as far north as Budle bay, picking many birds along the way and hoping for a few mammals.
The mammals let the side down, but the birds didn't disappoint, even though they were all fairly common at this time of year.
Sadly no white wing gulls, even 40 Min's of searching through a huge flock near Seahouses, proved fruitless.

Not many pictures, from today's journey, as this morning was, dull grey and wet in places.
Best sightings, were of buzzards, five. Including one above the road in a tree next to rock village's pond. With an almost white, one. To the west of Eglingham, which i always pick up when I'm up that way. Unfortunately it is always very wary. even though it was a great distance away, any at temped approach and it disappears into the distance.
Field fares and thrushes dominate any bush with hips or berries. With finch flocks, putting in good appearances. With the exception of the greenfinch. Sadly i did not see one. My observations in line with AT's post a few weeks ago.
Budle had the usual array of waders, in good numbers as you would expect at this time of year.
I nearly visited Ross back sands and now wish i had after reading about the fish there, just before posting this.
Inland the tops of the Cheviot's have snow, not much but it's there.
That ,reminds me, i haven't seen a snow bunt yet this year.
I'm off to Newton tomorrow, A day off with Mrs T ( first, for about six weeks), a dinner of spicy soup and the apple crumble-I hope .
Oh we know how to live it up

Raining cats and dogs

2009-11-29T20:08:00.005Z

So not much birding done, and to dull for pics.
Birds in the garden, a poor mans show, with a minor highlight.
Sparrows, house, 30 strong flock, four bickering dunnocks and two robins.
Occasional visits from two woodies, this years brood, with just the odd white neck feather starting to show, black headed gulls, 5 and the pair of magpies, i see everyday.
The highlight, a very dapper male sparrow hawk.

And the reason this was interesting.
Well it was posted, on a Greek birding blog, sent in to the blogger, from a lady from Denmark.
Who had spent six weeks birding the spring migration (sounds like, heaven to me.) and she labelled it- wood sand piper?
there were no comments on that blog so i thought i would throw it out here,
As Stewart pointed out, there is nothing for size comparison. With both Stewart and Alan going for redshank.
I initially thought red shank (leucistic). The leucistic, being obvious even to me.
But the date, is in the corner of the pic, so it's not a juvenile and the bird has yellowish/green legs. Not a hint of orange/pink .
A closer look at the head, may indicate a full stripe (look hard or maybe I'm seeing, what's not there).
SO I'm agreeing with the danish lady and going for wood sand.
BUT I'm, as far ,from an expert as you can get.
what do you think?

For some reason

2009-11-29T00:30:00.002Z

The system, chooses to work fine tonight, must know I'm getting shot of it.

So, the fault has become selective. Or I'm winning the battle, but not yet the war.

Picture above is interesting , not taken by me.

But what is it?

Still can't leave comments

2009-11-25T13:45:00.002Z

Tried to leave a few comments, yesterday.
Again explorer ' encountered a problem and must shut down.'
So it's a reboot or a new machine.

AT LAST

2009-11-24T14:03:00.002Z

I think i have cracked it.
I have had a heavy work load, lately and have not been out much, but i have also been blocked from logging into anything, to do with the Internet.
Any attempt to log in anywhere, has resulted in, explorer closing down, immediately. In' every walk' of the net including email. So although i have been reading blogs, i have not been able to add my inane comments and extensive lack of knowledge to yours.
Still have a problem with ebay, not a bad thing there though.
Oh just a word of advice don't shop below
COS it will always be.... the

expect inane contributions soon

monday

2009-10-12T13:43:00.003+01:00

A quick shufty around, nothing radical, unfortunately.
A few butterflies in the garden. Getting it, while they can.

Still a few at druridge, chancing there arm on ipin's rad, with the glossy ibis, still there, making the journey worth it for some.

But the diver below was a plus point for me. It appeared to have a dodgy leg and the wind direction was driving it towards the hide.

On the way home i called into Newbiggin to catch the med gulls, one even had the birding equivalent of the Pandora's bracelet. Early indications are that it is french.

last but not least clarting, because it was to dark for a good pic of the godwits at Blyth

Two firsts for the garden.

2009-10-01T20:51:00.004+01:00

No , not the goldfinch.

I built a pond just over two years ago and the first resident was a pond skater. Slowly the pond has increased the amount of wildlife in the garden. Even though, it took nearly two years to get a frog.

My latest visitor

and a first for the garden, a female common darter.

But, she is an enigma, because her wings are fresh and a slightly yellow colour. She was also very flighty, not unlike an early season darter.

So is she home grown, late on the scene darter or a welcome visitor. Sadly only the one.

The second first is a seasonal one.

Which you will see a lot of soon and this one is home grown.

Included for scale a garden rake.

OH,The rake is two foot across. ;-).

Dawn/ Sunrise

2009-09-27T16:09:00.007+01:00

I often pass a sunrise on the estuaries i cross. when I'm toing and froing, to the galley's oars.

Usually, wishing i had, both the time and a camera with me.

and yesterday was no exception where the Wansbecks estuary was yellow.

SO this morning,

i decided to get up for the sole purpose of catching the dawn.

even tried to get arty, to red i think

But you can't watch it alone. as there is always someone looking for it.

The above picture. is a sculpture in Newbiggin(by the sea)'s bay. Which until this morning i have never really been that fond of.

As i don't like the platform they are on.

Normally along the east coast of England you get a line of cloud along the horizon, which has been missing for the last few days

The sun is just emerging between the middle pillars of the platform.

It's well worth coming down just to see men with tripods, running around the beach. I was on the promenade.

If your lucky you will even see the fox, which is often on the beach, ignoring the no dogs rule.

A little later i dropped into Cresswell , no ibis, at that time, but a fishing otter and seven barnacle geese where points of interest.

As i left, the cult of IBIS was just beginning to grow.

But i will leave you with the watchers, who i have seen in a different light today. Not a bad job if you can get it.

Hey duck, what are they.........

2009-09-26T21:53:00.006+01:00

looking at.

over there

must be behind me

Must be me, I'll pose

I tried an early straight from work, shot at the Glossy ibis. Early this morning gave up after an hour, needing sleep.

But it's thanks to Alan and Stewart. Otherwise, i would have be oblivious until tomorrow.

The same duo took pity on me, and gave me it's location, this afternoon.

It's also thanks to the lad in red, as he saw it last night with a bloke from Scotland( or he had a Scottish accent.)

So Alan's info was, spot on.

No further than....

2009-09-21T14:19:00.008+01:00

50m from the pool bar, is where all the pics where taken.

I have just spent the last two weeks in Skiathos, with a quick look at Skopelos and Alonisis.

The resort of Troulos, is still quite Greek,not over developed ,even though it is popular with English tourist, it is also very green. Especially where i was staying. The only disadvantage a bit of a hill to climb.

The most observed and entertaining local wildlife where the hooded crows, with a liking for figs.

With one, regularly dropping the figs from a great height, diving alongside the dropped fig and and stopping just in time before impact.

But they were not the only birds around

even looking up, produced a few raptors

a flock of fifty of these appeared mid week

bee eaters and a first for me.

Insects a plenty

including this caterpillar which appeared on my towel

at least 4 types of grass hopper

and clouds of butterflies, especially after the rain storm.

Lots of other bugs to

I lied, the next one, was not taken by the pool, but the numbers of fish in the sea was impressive

The woodpile, below the pool was always alive with birds

with the spot fly being the easiest to capture

Last minute deal.....

2009-09-20T16:01:00.007+01:00

(Shortest run way in Europe.)

I'm a sucker for a deal.

So i got a good one from the net.

Two weeks, with a bit of sunshine, light and airy accommodation and transport included .

As, usual when i travel there is always a few hiccups along the way. But this year , I was wise to the pit falls of last years exploits. Exploited was the key word.

Classic Bike, no thanks

Classic English car with free sun loungers thrown in, No thanks. I said

Plenty of room for the luggage. No thanks.

Classic hire car, but no air con. No thanks

You see, i had it sussed .

Four wheel pick up with easy start and canopy to cover the luggage from the heat of the sun. With hire of a good quality boat ,so i could visit the nearby islands.

So this is what i got.

and the boat.

Well, uncle Nicko's had it 40 years, he said. so it must be good quality.
Two weeks of that!! Did this to my hair, never mind the sun on my face.

OH and the accommodation.

P.S. he said, watch out for the mossies

That's not a mossie, they hide amongst the green stuff.

Proper report soon, here's a taster,all taken within 50m of the bar.

First, i would like to think this is a northumbrian heading to Africa.

secondly ten minutes at the wood pile, gave me some good views.
.

Buying shoes

2009-08-31T15:54:00.006+01:00

Well that's, what, i was supposed to be doing on Saturday.

But i could not help myself, with a trip to druridge.
Was it because of these?

No, and the numbers were way down on Tuesdays visit.
There was still a good few about, just counting from the end of the boardwalk to the oddie hide-
35 painted ladies, 6 peacocks, 24 of the combined whites (mostly large) 15 small coppers
and one that was missing on Tuesday, common blue. a very small individual, which was smaller than the small coppers.

No, it wasn't the lizards either, which were showing well again.
But it was the draw of a dragon. Plenty of common dragons or darters to give them there proper name.
My target was only seen briefly on Tuesday gone and i was not entirely sure, which it was.

But it was the migrant dragon, which eventually landed after 30 min of hawking.
It would take a dragonfly the size of the migrant hawker, to satisfy this beast. Who had a web close by.

I then called to Linton, with the hope of more migrant dragons. As i have had good views here in the past.

This green veined white caught my attention, it looked very unusual in flight, but turned out to be a fashion victim.
Also catching my eye, this moth.

Any ideas!
Linton also produced a family of bullfinches, which disturbed a dragonfly. The dragon, in question looked very green in flight, constantly hawking.
The for no reason it started, to fly in a v formation flying up and down in a definite v shape.
Was this a display for a mate? I don't know, but all of a sudden there were two.
Normally when two meet there is a clash of wings. This meeting was followed by circling the flying off together out of sight.
So it was off to buy some shoes.
Monday
Today, i started at Bothal.
The south east northumberland annual Canada goose meeting was taking place. Which was well represented, judging by the number of Canada's on the pond. i did spot a few interlopers in the form of greylags and one with an orange neck tie. He was to far away and well buried in Canada's to read it's home lodge.
Longhirst was devoid of bird life, with exception of the odd drab duck and a green shank.

Linton again had the bullfinches, with the hawking dragon
This was the target for today, i followed one for ages when it landed, i heard a clash of wings turned around to see three others

More migrant hawkers, the damaged wing was not a hindrance.
But the day was going to get better,in a rapturous way.
Druridge, had a female marsh harrier, giving, superb views

but not photo opportunities.
I then stopped, at cresswell on the way home, the north end. A gent returning to his car, said i had just missed a Merlin fly through. typical.
But just as i set up my scope all the waders( which included a lot of black tailed godwits and a couple of curlew sandpipers oh and a wood sandpiper), lifted.
The Merlin took a dunlin right in front of me the landed in the crop field just to the north of the cause way.
A man with a camera, then preceded to cross the causeway, shouting for his wife to follow him.
Then he bellowed 'has it gone'.
'Don't know mate' was my reply 'your in my !"£$%^& way'
Never mind it was good while it lasted.

Clouds of them on tuesday

2009-08-25T16:48:00.007+01:00

I can honestly say i have never seen as many butterflies in one place in my entire life as i did on Tuesday

From the sole hanger on to the 200+ painted ladies,with small coppers (26) peacock (11) and three species of white all into the teens with the wall brown just getting into double figures.

I took many pictures particularly of the coppers.

Last year i discovered that the small coppers i come across are a sub species

This sub species is easily recognised by the small blue scales

Usually on the hind wings and can range from a few scales, to a definite blue patch.

So i always try to capture the coppers on 'film' in the hope of a 'pure' one

So where were these scenes, the same place i had scene the lizards, Druridge.

The butterflies were concentrated in a small stretch of the pathway between the end of the boardwalk and the hides. There were more dotted along the entire path , but the 20 metres of path before the hides ,was, just mind blowing.

(taken on Monday)

My reason for the trip to dru was to see if i could find the lizards again.

But the hot, sunny day proved to be more of a challenge. so i filled in time by taking pics of all the small coppers and other flutters.

But as soon as the sun was behind the clouds, they started to appear.

There is one in the above picture (click on it to see it if you can)

Also in the long grass, blue tailed damselfly colour forms.

With rufecens and violacea being particular stand outs.

Plenty of common darters, the odd grasshopper

and the occasional distraction from reptiles

The stand out bird was a fly over osprey, high in the sky and only seen by me, due to a passing dog walker . With the enquiry 'do you know what that is' .

A close second was the pair of confiding greenshanks. Who were seen with a bit better light than Monday

As churchill would say...oooooh yes

2009-08-24T18:26:00.002+01:00

Although i have not posted much lately.

I am still following the exploits of fellow bloggers, although some of the people who blog every day like Pete. Mean that I'm missing chunks. Others, well obsession has taken over or they are getting himself, to wear a furry suit and take blurred pics ;) giving the impression of large mammals nearby.

Then there is the new lease of life brigade , there are a few of you out there. But the 'no so' dusty bins is steaming ahead, but i miss the views of the granville's mate, a blog that is now history.

As for me well, i receive the occasional tempting text, but cannot leave the oars of the galley. But i do get out, not as often as i would like.

Today for instance i finally caught up with the semi p (no pics) and i saw a redshank with measles a couple of nights ago. But the sandpiper was not the only highlight.

One of six seen along a well tramped path, but i guess not seen by many and another first for me in Northumberland. Better still who's patch, was i on? As he has never reported them.

P.s.

The above common lizard was not hurt in the above picture, but the photographer will think twice about diving head long into the unknown, as he is not as fit as he thinks he is. Secondly i obliged the curiosity of a passer by, who witnessed the actions, of the mad man and has now a beautiful set of pictures of a lizard and my hand.

Mish mash

2009-08-04T21:02:00.008+01:00

All of my posts should start with the line, 'forgive the bad pics', but the next three are from my mobile phone.

The first one was taken at 5am whilst at work. With the warm weather and hot conditions off the machines, the roller doors are often open. Attracting the odd moth.
They are often described in technical terms as , wallet moth ( over used joke), B52 moth or bloody white things.

But I'm fairly sure, the one above is a Swift.
The next picture taken by a worse for drink, wildlife enthusiast, is of a large white, egg laying

the small yellow oval to the left of the picture is also an egg.
The last is where you would expect to find an aptly named forest bug. On the puvc door frame of BBQ host.
Very common throughout the British isles, so check those plastic frames

now here is a garden pond inhabitant of pride

it would not leave the stone ,so i had to put it in the pond ,where, a flick of the tail it was heading into the depths

I took this quick pic for ID, now correct me if I'm wrong.

Great crested newt.

Local ponds

2009-08-03T22:16:00.006+01:00

I had a wander around some local ponds on Sunday.

Stepping on the toes of the bothal creeper.

Looking for dragon's.

The ponds south of bothal barnes farm are well established, with one of them going some remodeling over the last few years in the form of a rubble dump. This work was completed a year ago or so and now the ponds have shooting hides.

But it's not winter, so , i had a wander.

It was a bright day, with a fairly strong breeze. The walk to the ponds produced two young herons and ten snipe a couple of yellow hammers and a kestrel with only one black headed gull, showing a lot of brown feathers.

The ponds themselves held the obligatory coot and not much else. No dragons of any kind. Which i find strange, because a small, isolated and hidden pond, nearer to home is alive with small damselflies.

Properly equipped (wellies) i searched the margins in vain.

The land around the pond , with a poor covering of vegetation produced a nice surprise

With twenty small copper butterflies, some very washed out . All bearing the blue scales of the subspecies

Whites were also in good numbers with large and green veined, feeding on the patches of ragwort and thistle

Red admirals were sheltering in good numbers along the paths in the grain crops, on my return journey.

I then went to the Linton ponds, hoping to pick a few dragons but the only ones i could find were low in the grass

Sheltering from the wind. Mainly common and emeralds.

It was turning into a butterfly day

I saw four pairings of small skippers and a fresh looking wall brown.

Later

in the day i came across this painted lady as i watered the hanging basket.

Tucked up for the night, with this small tortoiseshell hiding in the lawn

It was still there at ten this morning, sunning itself before a light breakfast on the buddlia.

Bank's Pond

2009-07-24T19:28:00.003+01:00

A trip around bank's pond's near Dinnington this afternoon to get a bit of fresh air after a stint on nights.
The farmers were cutting the fields around the pond

much to the delight of the gulls as they were picking up tit bits of food, i think this one has a rat.
Other bird life around the pond included a family of Canada geese, two greylags, a buzzard and a pair of oyster catchers.
common darter
The real reason for the visit was to try and catch some dragons
common darter
much to my delight there were a few present, including two Emperor's both male. Common and Ruddy darters .
(i think this is a ruddy tell me if you know different.)
with an abundance of damselflies, mostly common blue and Emerald and a presence of blue tailed damsels around the larger pond only
Ruddy darter
A lot of the damsels were mating with high numbers of the common and emerald damsels in tandem with some of them laying eggs.
Don't believe the guide books which describe emeralds as having a weak flight, they were flying in tandem in the breeze, strongly away from me, against the wind.
I also saw at least four pair of ruddy in tandem,

and one pair in the wheel

Rain nearly stopped play.

2009-07-19T20:47:00.004+01:00

I was supposed to be off today, but i had to go to work due to the driving rain on Friday.

The wind driven water some how found it's way into my place of work, turning the beast i work on, into million pound indoor water feature. Hastily arranged Heath Robinson drainage channels saved the day and were enjoyed by all as the water feature slowly had gargoyles and fish added to the collection barrels.

(self portrait)
But the gremlins were not finished with the machinery, and another malfunction elsewhere, turned into an escape for me. So at eleven o'clock today with the words still in the air ( sorry but you will have to go home). the door was closing and i was in the car.

Earlier in the week i contacted Stewart, for the location of his red veined darters. This was going to be my target today.

(check out the clumps)

On arrival at the pond, there was somebody ahead of me taking the odd picture so i hoped i was in luck.

He said he had seen a red dragon 'shoot by' in the wind, so the hunt was on .

In amongst the grasses were various butterflies and moths including silver y feeding and a bigger moth i could not pin down, it appeared to be a hawk moth of some kind ( it was large in size)

I located one (third clump up in above picture) but i did not heed the advice on wellies so only

got some distant shots , but this dragon was holding territory.
( J Steele in action, note the wellies)
The other person turned out to be the original finder of the red veined darters and was equipped with the right gear for some good pictures.

We both saw, at least three red veined D's, including a mating pair,I also saw an emperor and a broad bodied chaser (female). With a med gull overhead for good measure.

Luckily for me one liked the shore as well

And the answer is...........

2009-07-13T21:02:00.002+01:00

how's this skipper

or this not wingless

ahh my best side.

large i'm afraid

just pics-can you name the second last one?

2009-07-12T13:40:00.008+01:00

Below the blue tail damsel in various forms some are 'fresh' all within 3 feet of each other.

not many large red about

Here is the challenge- what's this?

Answer tomorrow.

And to finish

female common blue

Road Trip

2009-06-30T13:56:00.009+01:00

Red kite at wetherby on the journey down,was the start of a week in Norfolk. Somewhere i have never been before. The 6am start, meant day one was not just travelling and we could have a good look around, this paid dividends with views from the car of marsh harriers passing food and avocets at road side flashes.
car mascot

This was not planned as a wildlife holiday. But occasionally it got in the way ;)

We were lucky with the weather, cloudless sky and hot, but this has it's draw back as these

(female BBC egg laying)

become very active and don't sit still, unless.

(for he who shall remain name less)

You catch them like this (B.B.C. i think).

Oh, i must included a health warning, Norfolk has a large spider population, just in case your not fond of them

it preys on these!

or even these

and if it runs very quickly

(still trying!)

Obviously there is a bit of water about, so you see a lot of water birds

and if you go to pensthorpe (BBC spring watch base) and over rated (my opinion) you will see more from all over the world. Although it does have a very nice flower meadow,

the star for me the banded demoselle, ignored by most passers by

two hundred males and a few females along their riverside walk, but i also saw these at a lakeside location, where there was no river?

More wild locations where alive with caterpillars

With literally hundreds of garden tigers (above) at horsey mere and peacocks also in abundance

and a few of these, which i have not identified yet

A few other grassland beasts caught my attention.

Well it is the season for cricket!

The most common butterfly seen, was the speckled wood, to the point where i was sick of seeing them. One brief sighting of a swallow tail from the car had me abandoning the car and leaping over a fence, into, trouble, basically.

A Territorial thing!

which leads me to

Cause they will always land somewhere in it, if you work it out.

Black tailed skimmer.

The emperor below was watched for twenty minutes, without landing, he landed and i got this shot of in focus grass one second later he was chasing a female, was in a wheel and gave me ten minutes of brilliant wildlife watching but no more picture opportunities

so here is a couple of other moments

male broad bodied chaser, who's territory was a 10 foot ornamental circular pond

Four spot chaser in a field, not as lost as me.

and to finish a female black tailed skimmer, there is a story behind this pic, for another day.

If you get the chance go to Norfolk it has a lot to offer.

All of a flutter.........

2009-06-14T18:23:00.009+01:00

Belsay

Early start as my body clock is out of sink after so many night shifts.
I left the house just after four, a bright start to the day, i had no plan as i was so tired on Saturday i kept falling a sleep.
So i had a look around my usual haunts, But i thought the young otters at Druridge would be the best start to the day.
At dru, well it was quiet, unless you include the noise the rave was making further up the beach. Actually more noise was coming from ipin (Dru pools blog) in the bushes, something to do with nets and putting them on wrong (fishnet sto.. na, but you never know).

The otters, all three were showing well but the light was not good enough for a poor picture, I left dru , checked cresswell, and was on my own patch by six.
I could not see Alan's golden eye and everything else was as usual, with lots of dog walkers.

Next stop bothal, with the only thing of interest, seven fledged wagtails. Then it was inland.

Bank's pond, looking for dragons, hoping if there was any they would be a bit on the slow side, as the day was turning into a 'good un'.
Unfortunately there were only blue tail damsels on show and the resident Canada's seem to have lost a gosling, probably to a fox as they are a good size now.

The real reason for the inland trip butterflies or one in particular, with the location given to me in a conversation with Richard Dunn ( a proper photographer). So the next stop, Sweethope lough, a beautiful area with stunning views, alas no scenery pics due to the heat haze and i wasn't there for the landscape.
Flutters on show included a mad, sexed up male orange tip, chasing anything that was remotely white and moving. He moved so swiftly up and down the strip of grass, i gave up trying to get a picture.

Another missed opportunity, came in the way of a small copper, a very smart example. With no blue scales, like the ones i see nearer home, but the camera was set for macro and i got greedy and tried for a shot like this,

and it disappeared into the distance.

A lone painted lady fed vigorously, she looked a bit worse for wear, but i caught her better side.
Also in the sedge grass,

With

and this goats beard

sick of insects

with a calling cuckoo, for added intrest.

I'm not, still don't know this one, though Pete!

With the ever present scorpion fly (female) feeding on a spider's dinner

but it fancied frog hopper

But the star of the show and a first for me. With at least six on the wing

Small pearl- bordered fritillary, above and below.

and an arty shot

Cheers for the info Richard.

Also in a field at Hartburn, on the way home my first large skipper and a host of

chimney sweeper's

I finished the day of with, the first of the garden spuds.

Can you ID this bee?

2009-06-04T12:21:00.003+01:00

Rob from Ramblin Rob left this comment-

'I found an all-black mining bee a while back, looks not dissimilar, which was Andrena pilipes so far as I can tell - one of the features, though, is white hair on the hind leg which is obscured here by the wing..'

I have one other photo ( click on picture for better view)

It does seem to have white hair on the hind leg.

Snatching a little wild time

2009-06-02T15:55:00.006+01:00

The lovely weather at the weekend, evaded me.

With monday a day of catching up on chores, then off to the world of vampires.

So when i woke at dinner time today, it was time to snatch some wildlife

alright semi tame.

A quick shuffty around the business park pond, produced one or two damselflies.

All blue tailed with a couple of colour forms visible, but they are fairly fresh and a might jumpy. Another week or so will see large numbers and maybe a couple of posers will be among them. Also around the pond

and

with

Then it was off to the community woodland and Stewart's pond as i call it, in the hope of a bigger dragon

(they are here to)

Large reds, blue tail and azure damsels present

and the odd colour form

No dragons yet though also on the bank side

yes they are all 'at it'

Is this the native black( hairy) honey bee?

I disturbed lots of moths including this common white wave

OOPs got to go!

ACW

2009-05-26T23:13:00.004+01:00

out of practice

Ashington community woodland on a bank holiday, with everyone staying at home!

The result of a walk around the wood and H's first visit.

5 people, including two parties of dog walkers (8 dogs) and a lone walker with map and enough gear to last a few years in this far flung wilderness, all of 400 yds from the town centre and a Mc Donald's even closer.

Under used ,yes, under rated, no.

(Garden Tiger)
Seven types of butterfly, including speckled wood a modest range of birds and the odd mammal or two. Not forgetting the aquatic life.

(stickle back and tadpoles)

The walk down from the new police station, revealed thousands of these with only one thing on their mind.

(Chrysolina hyperici) i think- it's down to the black legs

and one or two of these

(Cercopis Vulnerata) frog hopper
But the real reason for the trip out, well it's that time of year.

Disappointingly only the one, large red damsel. Until the return journey when the sun was on my back and i could see about fifty, hunting hover flies in the pine trees above my head.

also on the return, and only the one in view

blue tailed damsel.

but more to come.

Still working silly hours (i have no choice) so posts will remain sporadic.

A quick run out- monday

2009-05-19T13:45:00.003+01:00

On Monday i had a couple of hours to spare, before chasing vampires in the evening.

So it was off to newbigginn, to see if there was anything left to see, on the mound.

A local hot spot for rarities in the right conditions. Unfortunately for me, the heavens opened just as i got out of the car at church point . The driving rain , made me return to the car and rethink my options.

The possibility of a spoonbill and shelter made me head for Druridge.

Linnets were feeding on dandelion seeds by the entrance ( and yes it stopped raining). With a Wall brown butterfly hugging the ground at their feet.

The strange sight above, drew my attention, as it zipped by in the driving wind, a first for me.

A gull carrying a shopping bag.

Actually the gull was frantically trying to escape from its captor, while being blown across the sky out to sea. I later saw the gull trying to fly with a bag full of sea water.

Just out side the hide was this fella

With a the aptly named spoonbill.

and a supporting cast, including 14 black tailed god wits, dunlin, a redshank

Mallard and Gadwall

Local flavour- new ticks

2009-05-13T00:05:00.010+01:00

I have not posted much about my local patch recently. But I'm still plodding around, when i get

the chance, hoping to add to a meagre list as i go.

A new patch tick for me, on Monday was a sedge warbler.

Other notable birds were the common and lesser white throats and a party of fifty one ringed plover on the sand bank in the estuary.

But it was the insect world that led the charge for ticks.

(still trying for the hover fly in flight shot)

The whole patch was alive with butterflies mostly the white forms

Which seemed to be in every view,

with sex on there mind.
like this pair.

Or these large whites high in the canopy.

But the two new ticks came from the orange tip,

both male and female on view.

And two sparring speckled woods, both small in size to the only other one i have seen.

Bored yet, try this mushroom.

Other flutters on show peacock, small tortoiseshell and the wall brown below

and a garden tiger caterpillar for good measure

I have still to post, a bird list for the patch and the flies need to be labelled on this post, but the cabbages etc, have priority at the moment. With a pumpkin and a melon as this years experiments.

Spot the odd one out

2009-05-08T15:11:00.007+01:00

sedge warbler

I was out on Sunday and Monday morning, Tuesday evening and Thursday morning.

The mornings were early starts, out of the house by five thirty, poking my nose, where ever i thought it would be good to look.

drinker
Sunday and Monday were both wet and dull mornings, but each held there own part of the bargain. With birds picked up including winchat and blacktailed godwit.

Stonechats with family to feed

Tuesday evening was a trip for the marsh harriers and with any luck may be an owl or two. Well the owl's let their side of the trip slide, but the harriers were impressive .

But it was to dark for any pictures, other than blurry ones.

Thursday morning, another early start with harriers on my mind. It was a bright but breezy morning, there had been rain over night.

but the standing, in the cold wind was worth it, for the views.

I watched the harriers, only two, for a couple of hours before having a wander around the site.

A hare in a field, nearby, led me to a long, round the houses stalking session. When i was within 30 feet of said hare. Down wind and hidden by a hawthorn hedge and set for a near macro picture, the batteries died. The following expletive, startled my prey and the opportunity was lost.

Helophilus pendulus

Set on returning home, the sight of ADMC, halted my journey.

A bit of chat with this sage, and a grand stand view to harrier courtship display, also led me to return by the other reserves of druridge and cresswell. In the hope of something.

Dru held 3 blacktailed godwits and the usual .

Rhinga Campestris

Out of the now strong winds around the dandelion, were one or two interesting insects.

mellow yellow-you must be joking

2009-04-27T14:46:00.005+01:00

Due to a breakdown (mechanical), i finished work earlier yesterday, got in, switched computer on. Only to get a text from Alan of blyth birding, giving me a push to get out. So i had a journey around, picking up my first wheatear of the year and a reeling gropper at dru.

Also a display of highland dancing and a dodgy picture opportunity

I'm on nights this week so i thought i would get out for a couple of hours
on patch, but heavy rain stopped play so i headed to cresswell in the vain hope of a passing avocet or three.

Instead i got an influx of yellow wagtails. First there was three, then a few more arrived

(sorry for the low light pictures)

then the air turned blue

This one was a pale blue

I noticed brian (northunbrian birding) behind me got out of the car to tell him about the blue headed.

He later got his eye onto this darker one

a closer but just as bad picture

We were both confused by this one

It had this marking on only one side of it's head possible genetic variant or maybe it has not reached breeding colours!

Then this one was closer in and less active

after looking in my guide at home. i have come to the conclusion it was a juv (unlikely given time of year).

A much sleeker wagtail was even further away, more a kin to the black headed picture on birds north east, but without the black head and a bit of wishful thinking on my part. I counted nine including the distant sleeker bird

Left with headache, but happy.

Avocet intrupts post

2009-04-25T18:46:00.006+01:00

This post should have appeared on Thursday, but i read about the avocet at cresswell, while i was waiting for the pictures to load up. I have never seen an avocet, never mind just a few miles away so i abandoned every thing and shot out the door, forgetting the camera and binoculars.

Luckily for me, they were easy to see and i got good views, from the road side. It was getting a bit dark for pictures any way. I presume these are the same birds seen by the biking birder ( i wish he would blog) approx a week ago. Just read of some good birds in in cramlington today, but there not lifers and I'm hoping a young man from cramlington has blogged them.

So here goes.

I met a proper photographer on Monday, chasing butterflies, who gave me some locations, for ones i have not seen and directions to a good dragon site, so here's hoping for some time off soon.

But i was informed today that my crazy work hours, will last another four weeks, so i will be shy in the blogging dept for at least the next four weeks.

The following pics were taken on tuesday in bob the builders (Stewart's) back yard, well just over the wall and a bit. I'll let him tell you about the area, well worth a look around though.

Firstly can anybody name this plant as i want one for the garden.

The arboretum was alive with flutters in the sun, a few birds about as well

just two of four kinds seen.

and to finish, not the best but my favourite at the moment

(Click on pic for better look)

Hoping for a harrier-Andrews challenge

2009-04-13T20:22:00.003+01:00

Yesterday i bumped into a birder who told me about the possibility of a harrier at Chevington. Which had been seen a couple of days ago. As you know by now, if i twitch some thing, it's never there, but i passed a couple of hours in the hope, of a glimpse, through the morning fog.

I called into cresswell and druridge on the way up. Visibility was poor to say the least. Even the Little Egret, was initially poor to view.

The sun eventually burnt through the fog, producing a bright clear day.

So it I tried to increase my paltry total for Andrews challenge, on my return home.

I have had two fairly short sessions with limited results. On Sunday i was not really trying to see as many birds as possible and Monday's early fog reduced my options considerably. Because i still had eight foot of glass to fit, in the afternoon.

Lows - still waiting for wheat ear, left out the woodland birds, Nuthatch, tree creeper etc.

highlights - garganey, swallow, yellow wagtail and my last bird was a first for the year, sand martin. TOTAL 62

Lost hour

2009-04-12T23:04:00.004+01:00

I lost an hour this evening, whilst trying to cram as much as possible into my three days off.
The two hours i had given myself to renew a section of the green house roof.
Remove the glass and replace the rotting support dwindled away quite quickly, the glass was easy to get out, only breaking one pane of the eight i was removing, this was interrupted frequently, with watching the antics of the local blackbirds which are feeding young.
Defend territory, catch worms, chase opponent, catch worms, feed one self and follow the female. Then the cycle would start again.
In amongst this, a robin would sporadically appear and steal worms dropped by the defend mode blackbird. Two Jackdaws wandered around the compost heap and a crow sat on a high fence post just biding his time. A Dunnock skulked in and out of the privet hedge to my left and a neighbours Amethysts pheasant would screech to the right.
The wood cut, to size and nailed into place, i suddenly noticed the war was over, with the birds all singing . A Mallard flew over head heading towards a nearby pond, which drew my eye to a small active bat, then another.
Four in total, hawked the air, then i noticed it was getting dark. Still no glass fitted .
A job for another day.

Missing-Again

2009-04-12T21:53:00.007+01:00

Missing the great outdoors and the nature that goes with it due to work. My alleged week off never happened and i have been at work for most of the last three weeks. The only time off being the switch between days and nights. With the exception of ten days ago, where i caught up with the garden, on a rare day of freedom, which i blogged but it never appeared.

The picture below doesn't do the insect justice

Bee fly taken on my mobile, got one or two strange looks at the garden centre on Saturday . Chasing this from pillar to post.

The reason for the 'garden blog', first butterflies of the year a small Large white and two peacocks and the abundant pond life. I also think the tadpoles in the pond are newts. I have not seen or heard any frogs and the tadpoles are slimmer( no fat body) and relatively few. I might be wrong on this as i have not had a lot of home time.

Today Sunday, started with a frost, and someone with a lot of catching up to do.

Not a lot on the home patch,but the first willow warbler of the year, was a highlight. Still no sand martins or terns though.Not that i have been there long

A run up the coast to my usual destinations, Lynemouth-cresswell- druridge -linton-bothal.

Lynemouth flash was quiet, no water pipit, and no wags of any kind on the gypsy flash, cresswell had a smattering of the usual.

Druridge

Initially i missed the garganey as i was looking into the sun and it had its butt in the air, the picture is purely accidental, the egret was also there , with no yellow wags and not a hint of an avocett, i was early though. One of ipins birds, collecting nesting material

The otter was resting on the back of the island , with a Canada goose, playing the brinkmanship game

that was close.

another mammal on show was a large hare.

Linton produced my first swallow of the year and was fairly quiet, if you exclude the coots, with one even chasing the mute swans and the ten drake tufted ducks courting a single female.

Bothal two barnacle and a couple of pinkfeet with the canadas, no grebes or swallow/martins, but a wren put a fine courting dispaly on, right in front of me, but the camera was in the car
Willow warbler (Linton)

spring has sprung

2009-03-21T10:05:00.002Z

Early start with the hope of a summer visitor dropping by to say hello.

I was greeted with the usual tut of a robin and the agression of the blackbird, this morning .But the early start was worth it. with birds seen ranging from owls to a plethora of ducks, mostly in pairs. Including the mallard pair in the garden again this year.

I was hoping the patch would throw up a wheatear or two and maybe a singing chiff chaff, no such luck.

Further afield from home base 10 whoopers winging it north at linton and a barnie at druridge, linnets apparently everywhere, i looked.

But the herald of summer and i never get sick of hearing his monotonous call

The chiff chaff at linton wood this morning.

I will try the patch, again tomorrow. and maybe let you know what i have seen so far this year.

Well got some gardening to do then some egg chasing to watch.

lost

2009-03-10T19:44:00.003Z

I have lost a huge number of pictures and other files in my reboot these were supposed to be safe. One reason, i bought this model of computer, every picture up loaded was supposed to have an original image, retained in the partitioned part of the hard drive.
I also left my back up hard drive connected and it has been wiped???. So family pictures are gone.
On top of that while reloading my itunes, the programme crashed and has left me with a blank ipod and blank i tunes. At least i have 95% of the music on CD, but it took weeks to do first time around.
Anyway enough felling sorry for myself, most of the week of has been taken up with gardening and bit of diy.
Today H wanted to see the otter at druridge

Eel for lunch,

It's almost a cert.
Below a self portrait

Exotics

2009-03-07T16:31:00.002Z

Just a short note.
Trilling in Morpeth led to 20 waxwings in Morrisons carpark in Morpeth at 11.00 am.
Parakeet--I have looked for this before in Peoples Park, Ashington (regularly seen by a birder who lives nearby) but today was on feeders along the Wansbeck Road side of the park. i have thought it was a probable escape. If it is the one from last summer it has done well to survive the winter.
Also large numbers of goldfinches are in the Ashington area, their song seems to be everywhere.

Jacks back!!

2009-03-05T20:13:00.009Z

Jack, laid down a heavy frost this morning, but the signs of spring are there if you look.

Today was a beautiful day and typical for this time of year. A clear night producing a heavy frost and a clear sky today producing a grand day.
Highlights included the linton synchronised swan display team

Some early blooms, this one in my shadow

Early insect life, surprisingly agile.

And a very smart duck

Forgive the close up, it does not, do it, any justice.

Pintail -Linton pond.
and to finish a slightly better bird picture.

A little bit of magic!

2009-03-01T20:05:00.002Z

Wasn't planning to post anything as it's reboot day, but

This was in the garden this morning. It never stayed still.

After Wednesday i have 7 days off, so with any luck i will be sorted by the weekend, although i have a lot of gardening to do!

the last 30 days or so!

2009-03-01T00:24:00.003Z

I'm battling with a computer virus or something, which, is inside my security package/Internet protection. I have tried various solutions. The last being, removal of most of the programmes on the computer, then the reload, now it won't let me reload the security packages, so i will be rebooting from scratch.

But in a nutshell.

It snowed and the pot noodle feeder was popular.

I have been told to tell you it was actually a fresh soup container! As we don't entertain such things. Well not when she is around, Anyway!

I was over the moon to have these in my garden.

Only to find a missed call, when i was at the tip (spring cleaning), from Alan (blyth birding) saying he had waxwings in his garden.

Spring is definitely on it's way.

And the sparrows are suddenly back in the garden, it is still a puzzle to me, why they have avoided it for the last 6/8 weeks.

Speaking of birds, i have not neglected the patch, nothing out of the ordinary.

Although one of these would be nice.

Two short trips

2009-01-27T16:17:00.005Z

Yesterday, i had a run along Ulgham lane. The road is not far from linton ponds.

Partially inspired by blyth birders blog and the mention of a buzzard to the west of Ashington and i am late in ticking boxes this year.

A few flocks of fifty or so finches were along the lane, with one containing two brambling. On the edge of some woodland seven jays were feeding and a lone buzzard was feeding in the field opposite, it looked very similar to the one i saw early summer last year, for about a month.

Today

A double lap of bolam lake, one around the lake and the second lap around the high woodland path.

A good area of the surface was iced up, with the swans and geese zig-zagging , from one side to the other in the hope of a free lunch. In our case, brown bread. Feeling sorry for the gulls i threw a slice on to the ice

But darth vader had other ideas

The car park at bolam, was full of bird feeders, with cameras (the human kind). A great variety of tits, finches and a handful of nuthatches keeping them happy.

But the most unusual sighting was of a birder doing multi laps of the lake, inspecting the reeded areas. Then across the lake another, with scope scanning the same. They were looking for a Bittern, i hope they found it.

The second lap, takes you away from the lakeside. I noted a few woodpecker holes on route and the bird numbers were less, Jays being the highlight on the bird front. But the fungus on show was the most interesting.

Can anybody name this? I must but a book

Buses

2009-01-25T13:58:00.002Z

This blog needs an overhaul and hopefully i will get it done soon. It also needs up dated as there are many more local blogs on the go, well worth a mention here !!

As you can see by the above picture, it was a bit grey this morning and slightly damp.
On my local stomping ground, the birds worth a mention bullfinch, siskin (on a feeder over, a fence) , with a good number of the winter thrushes.
Jackdaws inspecting nesting holes and the appearance of one flower on the forsythia means spring is around the corner.

Unfortunately no white wing gulls, i know that an Iceland gull was seen here recently.
Further up the coast, huge numbers of crows,gulls and geese filled the air, constantly on the move.
The gypsy flash (just outside Lynemouth) as i now call it. Was very quiet, with only a single mute swan.
Cresswell- (The land of the bus syndrome)
Behind the farm was the greatest concentrations of corvids ,geese and gulls (top pic) and on the ponds, wild fowl numbers were fairly low. But the star attractions here were.

With two barn owls taking it in turn to hunt, i was hoping to see one. One owl hunted for half an hour making three successful kills, the disappeared into the barn at the farm. Then the other started hunting, in a much broader area, also making three successful kills.

A forth kill, was made from this post, a rat was it's lunch. until a car screeched to a stop and the entire family leap from the car, excited to see an owl, the owl the left for the far end the field.
I moved on to Druridge and another barn owl was hunting.
You look for one, and three come at once, Buses!!
I spent some time trying to pick up yesterdays waxwings, between Morpeth and Ponteland and failing. Still it's been good to get out and about .

house bound

2009-01-18T18:08:00.003Z

I have been nowhere this week end, or for the last few days.

The reason my under the weather feeling has escalated. The result was Leslie ashes lips.

You know the actress, who spoilt her looks with a procedure to give her a better pout.

No i have not been injecting myself with the hope of a better pout . But the chest infection which seems to be in charge of me at the mo! Decided to branch out, into my eyes. So for a while they looked like this

As you can imagine, i have not seen a lot.

After visiting the docs, I actually got something this time (second visit). Amazing really, it's been five years since i was there and the last time i was there, a surgical bolt was loose in my knee ( as i pointed out i only pop in for trivial things).

Hopefully the crap reports, you torture yourselves with ,will return soon.

i spied with my little eye

2009-01-10T20:43:00.003Z

On Andrews challenge.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER,

SORRY BUT WITH WORK AND THIS BUG THAT I CANNOT SHAKE I HAVE NOT BEEN FAR. So postings will be delayed until next weekend.

dunnock,housesparrow,treesparrow,chaffinch,greenfinch,siskin,blackbird,starling,robin,bullfinch,mistle thrush,carrion crow,rook,jackdaw,treecreeper,coaltit,greattit,blue tit,wood pigeon, wren,mallard mute and whooper swan common,herring,black headed,greatbb,glauc and iceland gulls,canada,greylag, pinkfeet,whitefronted geese,shoveller,gadwall,pochard,wigeon,coot, moorhen ,littlegrebe,great created, goldeneye,tufted,scaup,common scooter,longtailed,grey wag yellow wag,pied wag ,grey heron, r.b.merganzer, eider, dunlin ,lapwing,sanderling,ringed plover.curlew,redshank,oystercatcher,willowtit,goldenplover,turnstone,rockand meadow,twite,linnet,goldfinch,commonbuzzard,spuggyhawk,pheasant,kestrel,magpie,cormorant,snipe,medgull ,yellow hammer,stone chat redwing,fieldfare,water rail.

A record!!!!!!! not

2009-01-01T19:28:00.005Z

I know i haven't won but I'm happy with my final total, i will list the birds later, as I'm I'll ,so i have beaten the record (78rpm) by 2.
My last bird being a water rail, i also had a double entry of moor hen, but this has been rectified.
Birds not on list G.S.W., kingfisher and bittern. A bit of sea watching boosted the list.
I think it will be between Stewart or Dean. As dean has certainly had the bit between his teeth, unless one of the 'quiet' posters has something up their sleeve.
Final score 80

aadd years nite

2008-12-31T20:36:00.003Z

Ti's the end of the year.

Time is running out, for the challenge, a certain reiver set.

Some, will indeed have a ton of birds, others a more modest amount.

Today i had a couple of hours in the freezing temperatures, with a few ticks in mind,

The bay above is newbiggin by the sea, i have never see the tide out this far.

It was nice to see, a sea coaler at work, and the sand replacement has worked.

It was also nice to see some things don't change, two parties walking their dogs on the beach, in the same week they have taken somebody to court for this.

The only thing to do was huddle up and keep warm and try to see through the mist. it plays tricks on your eyes.

I realised today that my old phone number, is still set up in bird guides, hence no alerts and missed opportunities.

So no waxers and i never did see that odd looking chaffinch.

But the highlight of today was showing two tourists, the otter at druridge to their delight.

ANYWAY,

HEALTH, HAPPINESS if you have these you don't need the wealth, but it helps.

ALL THE BEST.

Velvet swimming crab

2008-12-28T23:24:00.005Z

Yesterdays crab picture ---a little more

The Velvet Swimming Crab ( Necora Puber ) is found commonly and abundantly around all UK coastal waters and most of Europe. They are commonly found on the shore line and in shallow waters but can be found down to a depth of 70 meters. They are usually greeny brown in colour with bright red eyes. They are covered in hairs that gives them a velvety texture hence their name.

The back legs are adapted, and resemble paddles . This enables the crab to move at speed in the water. These crabs are very aggressive by nature and can give a powerful nip to the diver or rock pooler stupid enough to stick their fingers too close.

Believe me when I say that!! Cos it hurt!!!!!

Andrew's challenge- so far

2008-12-28T20:38:00.004Z

Well where do i start,

Christmas day was at the in laws, so i took a longer route to their house, in the hope of seeing something. My route passes, a rookery, actually two. But with the local tip closed for, some reason or other. The surrounding fields are full of gulls, with flocks in the high hundreds.

Any way the fun only began, when a strange chaffinch had been seen. Also some funny looking green things on the feeders, not the usual sort, we get.

The absolute highlight though a treecreeper, which flew in front of me ,as i was on the way to the pub. It landed on the tree adjacent, five feet from the ground and preceded to feed, ignoring the motley crew adjacent.

Boxing day.

Garden is still lacking birds, with the highlight being a sparrow, sparrow hawk that is, the little un's are still avoiding the garden.

27Th- not a lot seen

28Th -A grand day out.

A quick tour of the patch, then along the coast.

Not many birders were out and about, i only saw one other.

The day started out grey and then got brighter, before raining as i returned along the A1.

Locally the patch had a Great Crested Grebe and Golden eye. plus a great deal of dog walkers.

Surely some of these count, judging by their general demeanor, one or two have lived a wild life.

Coney garth- was a bit short of life the usual ducks and some gulls ( nothing unusual) and two waves of geese came in all Canada , with one of the showing the light body colour normally seen on castle island.

Linton- Mistle thrush, Grey partridge and Bullfinch on approach to the car park. Shoveller on pond was a highlight.

On approach to Ellington, on the left just before the round about

In a field containing, hundreds of gulls, and some geese.

Also just north of widdrington village, 40 whooper swans

Much further north, a spot of sea watching, produced, R.B. merganser, common scooter and long tailed duck.

But the most unusual sight, as i returned home a buzzard, with a crow in its claws, viewed from the car in traffic on the A1. Otherwise there would be crap pics as usual.

Traditions

2008-12-24T06:46:00.005Z

It was supposed to be a happy time, but it wasn't.
Santa was very mad. It was Christmas eve and NOTHING was going to plan.
Mrs Claus, had burned all the Christmas cookies.
The elves, were complaining about not getting paid, for all the overtime they had put in, to make all the toys.
The reindeer always spent Christmas eve relaxing, before the busy night ahead, but this year they got drunk and crashed the sleigh, in to a tree, on an impromptu test run. Breaking a runner.
Santa was beside himself with anger.
"I CAN'T believe it. In a few hours from now, I have millions of presents to deliver all over the world. The reindeer are drunk, my elves are on strike and I don't even have a Christmas tree!
I sent that stupid little angel out HOURS ago to find a tree and he's not back yet!
What am I, going to do?"
Just then the door opened, and in from the snow stepped, the little angel, dragging a tree.
"Yo Santa, where do you want me to stick the Christmas tree, this year??" He asked.
And thus the tradition of angels perched a top of trees came to pass.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Always look left.

2008-12-17T17:52:00.006Z

Mrs T and me, decided to have a run up the coast in the car.

This is after two days watching a plumber fault find, on our boiler.

Not the most exciting of days, but it's sorted now and we're slowly turning pink again.

We decided to have lunch at The Ship in Low Newton, so i decided to go along the coast as much as possible. Starting with Lynemouth, when you leave the village cross the bridge.

ALWAYS look left, no, not the gypsy camp. But immediately after that where they keep the horses, there is a flash. Which always looks promising.

Usually there is the odd wagtail, red shank and gull, but you never know!

If you don't look left

luckily i had the camera

COS, also on the left, a little further along the road.

someone else out for lunch

Not sure if he was smiling or belching?

Also on the left , a small portion of the geese,but no snow goose

The gull was not reported, as it flew off just after picture was taken.

chasing the grand master

2008-12-13T10:09:00.004Z

Yesterday i spent two hours at cresswell, looking for the bittern.

A quick fly hop in the distance was a first sighting on arrival.

Followed by another bittern, taking off within feet of the hide, on the right hand side. unfortunately no pictures as the camera was still in the bag. I think i may have disturbed this bird whilst setting up my scope.

Luckily another birder picked up the bittern returning to the small pool, as usual in these situations the camera had turned it's self off so my best effort from great views is below.

I also picked out the snow goose , amongst a flock of geese in the air behind bells farm with the added bonus of a Merlin taking a starling as i returned to the car.

A sizable flock of twite have built up near bells farm.

As for the grand master

White stuff

2008-12-04T21:00:00.005Z

Work usually eases at this time of year, so last night was mostly a maintenance shift.

spent with one eye on the security camera to see if, the much predicted snow would arrive.

6 am came and still no show. But at 8am it came out to play.

When i got up this afternoon, the garden was still barren of bird life.

Although a slight hope of a finch, was in the offing, as they were in the ash tree.

No such luck .This has me totally puzzled.

The feeders have lasted 3 weeks now

Where are all the birds?

2008-12-02T13:52:00.002Z

Sunday and the frost is on the cards for the next few days.

So my garden should be full of birds, but it isn't. I was late with the feeders this year, but only by a couple of weeks and one of the gardens that backs on to mine, feeds, all year.

The only and regular sightings are 6 blackbirds, 1 wren, 1 blue tit and a robin, with two magpies usually in the morning.

So where are all the sparrows ? Normally there is at least 20, with numbers peaking 40ish in the high of summer. Doves and pigeons are scarce to, only a couple of collard doves, show themselves and so far one fat boy (Woodie).

In the early spring a nearby garden, cut down it's enormous conifer hedge (25+ft), and this was the main breeding area for the local doves, with a peak of 35 birds in the summer a couple of years ago. Other houses, close by, have put in extensive patios. This to, must have had an effect on the areas bird population.

Breaking news! coal tit on feeder and a hawk just flashed through the garden.

Occasionally there is a glimmer of hope, but even this does not explain the lack of sparrows.

clarting

2008-11-23T20:07:00.005Z

Out this morning amongst the snow with driving conditions a bit dicey early on.

My patch is still fairly quiet. As i had the camera i thought i would try for some pictures elsewhere. I have to get used to it again, plus all the settings have been returned to factory settings.

Then with no autumnal pics this year

I tried to get a bit arty

But they are not great.

Birding wise,

Coney garth, the waters edge was full of widgeon and ice walking coots, but no geese and the usual locals in the distance.

Longhirst flash, had the resident swans, a couple of grey heron and a dozen mallard. The fields to the south west were full of gulls, but alas no white wings present.

Cresswell was next, with a brief stop at the horse field next to the gypsy camp, i like this flash, which seems a lot deeper than usual. It is probably just an indicator of the amount of wet weather this year.

I did not bother with the hide which must have been overflowing with scurrilous tales judging by the number of cars parked up. Nothing outstanding amongst bird life present, but the distant sky was alive with skeins of geese.

bogey bird (picture wise) was watching dedicated patch workers

Watching gold finches ( no twite, Yet?).

The fields beyond the druridge pools were holding geese and swans, with whoopers flying over, but i was not traveling far from the car. No doubt when i check druridge pools blog i will be sorry.

The message no card came up on the camera, " £$%&%^" i thought and headed home.

Getting better

A trip south to cambois (cammus)

for half a hour as the sun was shining brightly.

The sea was not rough, but was rolling in.

Playing with the white balance.

You can get to close, some times.

Smelly bins

2008-11-23T05:45:00.010Z

Monday,
a bout of vigorous exercise, digging up the last of the potatoes on the extensive veg plot ( yes I'm well behind) and a general much needed tidy up. Lasted until mid afternoon. When various parts of my body started to complain.
It was then, i decided that a quick trip around the local sites was in order for a bit relaxing.

Patch- most notable the Golden eye are back.

Coney garth - one hardy fisherman and by the 'new' road the usual wild fowl ( no geese).

Longhirst flash- one solitary grey heron ( no swans or gulls visible).

Linton pond- a hope view of a white wing gull was hoped for. As the gull numbers tend to build up in the afternoon. Only gulls of note lesser black backs 2.
But the geese where the stars Canada, Greylag, Pink feet, White fronted and a bean goose.
I also picked up great spotted woodpecker and jay thanks to Nigel's ( abbey meadows) sharp eyes.

Tuesday- woke up with the same day as monday, but could not move (well, i could but it was painful and slow). So all plans of gardening were left for another day. I decided that i would, become a twitcher for a day, by residing in a hide.
Target the Bittern, currently haunting cresswell pond.
The only problem with this, the odour that surrounds my binoculars, they have been living in the glove box of the car with some air fresheners (magic tree like) and stink of 'citrus glade'.
The smell is quite over powering.
Cresswell- Water level high and quite choppy, one other occupant of the hide on arrival, who kept sniffing the air for some reason.
On asking 'anything about', 'oh yes bittern gave a good showing five minutes ago'.
Whilst scanning the edge of the reeds and general scout round noted Common Scoter amongst the collection of ducks.
After about half an hour, the heron put in an appearance, flying across from the north eastern edge towards the hide, giving unbelievable views. Finishing with a full fly past, with views of all angles. A false landing right in front of me, then a short journey to the left of the hide, landing in full view, before melting into the reeds.
The opportunity for pictures was unbelievable, if you had a camera. This was a life tick for me.

As my muscles seemed to have eased, a journey north for Crossbills was in order this was a failure, so was the next stop for possible lapland bunting.
Although, there were plenty of birds to be viewed at Boulmer, i did not see any lap or snow buntings.

Wednesday- Christmas shopping in the metro centre (Oh what joy!)

Thursday- ill

Friday - ill, but i had a long arranged diy job for Mrs T's mate, to do, in the cold.

Saturday- still ill , highlight, kestrel in garden, a first for the garden list , also noted a distinc lack of sparrows over the last few days and i finally got the camera back.

today - hope to be out later, you never know there maybe pictures of snow to post.

Sorry,

2008-11-14T14:23:00.002Z

.........But i have had enough.
I'm still awaiting the return of my camera and frustration is starting to get the better of me.

Still, today was a good day, the file hidden in the cake smuggled into galley. Finally, cut the link in the chain of my shackles, yesterday and we made good our escape.
Alright in truth, i got the pink slip of a holiday request form, authorised. Giving me a few days away from the oars and the shackles.

Started today on patch, nothing unusual lurking about, unfortunately, for me. I was hoping for a white winged gull as there starting to appear across the country.

Then, it was a run along the coast, to druridge via cresswell, both these areas were quiet, with the strong winds keeping most of the bird life clinging to the shoreline of the ponds. The return journey was more eventful, with me nearly running over a snow bunting.
And this is, where it gets frustrating.
The bunting flying just above the bonnet of the car, travelling in the same direction as me gave great views. As i braked to give it some room, it veered right and landed on top of a stone wall, giving me the best photo opportunity ever.
Less than six feet away, hunkered down against the cold wind, showing beautifully. After five minutes or more it, dropped on to the other side of the wall out of view.

Then it was off to morpeth, for waxwings.
I caught up with the ashington waxwings, finally on Monday. Due to a call, from the always in the know, BB. (you woke me up, but it was worth it).
The morpeth waxwings were hanging around Morrison's car park. When i arrived, there were still some berries on the trees, but no sign of the birds.
After a speaking to Amc last Wednesday, i was fairly confidant of finding them nearby, as he pointed out a yellow berried rowan, where they also occur.
Putting my money into the parking meter, i heard the distinctive trilling call, and located them by the tree next to the old iron works gates.
Two very mobile flocks, gave great views from the car, the 60p fee worked out as 2p per bird, a bargain.

Dipped!!!!! , dipped again.

2008-11-04T19:28:00.005Z

On Monday, i surfaced from my slumber to do a bit of blog surfing.
I always check the bird guides page first.
Usually everything interesting is miles away, not that i would travel that far to see the worlds only surviving dodo. But Waxwing and Ashington, were listed.
----3 on rowan opposite cookswell garage, 9am---

This is about half a mile from my home, but it was noon, so the birds had probably moved on.
Still this bird has eluded me on a number of occasions, even putting an appearance in the garden of my old home (where i had planted rowans in the vain hope). Only for my neighbour to tell me of the 'pink crested birds eating berries on that tree'.

So a dash around the house and in to the car up the road. Passing a man with bins, near the trees in question. made me hope full.
There were few berries left on the trees, a 'scout' of the estate for anything with berries or starling sized birds, then further a field for rowan trees and starling flocks or something pink.
Unfortunately i had to sort my gear for work, so was short on time.

Tuesday-- another in vain look around the area, this afternoon also ended in failure. if you hear/ or see any in my area, please leave word, if only to torture me.

More depressing--- i was thinking of buying a new toy, to capture images, but the central heating boiler is having other thoughts.

Shh!

2008-10-30T18:05:00.002Z

I was out and about, on Sunday.

I needed some air, big sky and an escape from people, so i gave the patch a miss ( to many dog walkers). A run up the coast, which was surprisingly quiet, very few people about, it was also quiet on the wildlife front as well.

With the winter wildfowl beginning to build in numbers, but i only saw one goose which reminds me.

Remember my orange necked greylag from earlier in the year.

While clearing the inbox i stumbled across this, the life story of AJJ.

Recapture History for Greylag Goose – orange AJJ
Ring Age/ Capture
number Type Date Init Details
Greylag Goose
5227298 N 5M 29/02/04 Lingham Lake, Nosterfield, North Yorkshire
O 4 Sighted 16/03/04 CSL Lingham Lake, Nosterfield, North Yorkshire (16 days)
O 4 Sighted (R) 18/03/04 PB Nosterfield Nature Reserve, North Yorkshire (2 km, W, 18 days)
O 4 Sighted 01/08/04 CSL Nosterfield Nature Reserve, North Yorkshire (2 km, W, 154 days)
O 4 Sighted 05/08/04 CSL Nosterfield Nature Reserve, North Yorkshire (2 km, W, 158 days)
S 4 Sighted (R) 21/08/04 PVI Staveley Nature Reserve (+ Arkendale), North Yorkshire (18 km,
SSE, 174 days)
O 4 Sighted (R) 19/01/05 PB Lingham Lake, Nosterfield, North Yorkshire (326 days)
O 4 Sighted (R) 02/02/05 PVI Lingham Lake, Nosterfield, North Yorkshire (340 days)
S 2 Sighted 13/10/06 JG Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 2 yrs
227days)
S 2 Sighted 06/11/06 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 2 yrs
251days)
S 2 Sighted 09/11/06 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 2 yrs
254days)
S 2 Sighted 20/11/06 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 2 yrs
265days)
S 4 Sighted 07/02/07 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 2 yrs
344days)
S 4 Sighted 28/12/07 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 3 yrs
303days)
S 4 Sighted 31/12/07 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 3 yrs
306days)
S 4 Sighted 07/01/08 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 3 yrs
313days)
S 4 Sighted 05/02/08 MB Salthome Pools, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees (46 km, NNE, 3 yrs
342days)
S 4 Sighted 10/06/08 ST Ashington, Northumberland (104 km, N, 4 yrs 102days)

A bit of a home bird or a slow wander north just taking in the sights.

The Twilight Tapdancer

2008-10-21T14:38:00.003+01:00

I am switching between days and nights, continually which means that i am working seven days a week, and will be for the next week or to.
The result of the twelve hour stints, plus travel and early nights, mean wildlife observations are limited.
I love this time of year, the changing colours, the influx of winter visitors and the visitors to my garden. That's when i get time to sort the feeders.
But this time of year also leads to the twilight tap dancers, there appearance is usually aligned with the onset of autumn and there always most active when your a sleep.
You don't sleep for long, when Fred and ginger, set about there usual professional display. Like true professionals the will always enter stage left, reaching the crescendo of the routine about three o'clock in the morning.
But a few days ago, there was a new troupe in town, they have based there show on the world wide success, known as STOMP.
At 2.30 am, it started, this was to much and had to be dealt with.

As i entered the loft, clothed in only the night air, and a torch in my mouth, balancing on the rafters. Making my way to the far end of the and least accessible part of the loft space. There was nothing to see. This filled me with dread.
It meant that, the tap dancer was under the insulation ( being clothed in only the night air and insulation is not a good move). After moving loads of the stuff and more than the occasional, scratch and obscenity, i found Stomp.
Stomp poor soul had his tail in one of the traps. But he was not beaten and made a dash with trap across the loft.
This resulted in mouse and man leaping about like lunatics, until eventual capture. I found a box and released him into it, left the loft and released stomp into the garden. it was only the i remembered that i was standing there naked.

P.s. Camera still under repair- just how long does it take to change the batteries.

man verses beast- no pictures though!

2008-10-05T01:10:00.007+01:00

As i approached the bridge i could see him (it could have been a her).
The nostrils of the beast flared as it sniffed the air. Yes, it knew i was there, slowly, cautiously it made it's way towards me.
At this point i did not know whether to approach the beast for a better look or to give way and let it cross the bridge and still get a good view.
I made my mind up, edging forward. It still closed the gap. By now i did not know if there would be enough room for us to pass.
The beast stopped, growling and stomping it's feet, by a swinging sidewards motion up and down. I stopped. It stopped. It turned, then turned again to face me. A low growl and a mini charge, I retreated, a few feet. The beast stopped.
A stand off on a bridge, in the early hours of a day. I decided to scare it, it crouched down as if it were about to leap. What now or something like that went through my thoughts.
I moved forward making a lot of noise, it worked, it turned and ran, i followed, crossing the bridge, nearly onto the other side of the river, it slowed and with a low growl.
The next thing i knew the beast was at my side, snapping, growling. The faster i moved the more aggressive the beast became. A few choice words left my mouth. Bloody hell it's going for the tyres, did i mention i was in the car.
An early morning encounter with a badger.