The Bramblebush

Well it wasn't just a bramblebush there were lots of other things growing in it. Most of it was dead or dormant but there was a green section of evergreen growth. And I spent a couple of hours photographing either dead plant growth or a snatch of blurred greyness as my target eluded me yet again. What am I writing about?

I'll start again. Fairly early I arrived at South Gare and parked as near the end as possible. I set off hoping for a firecrest which had been reported in a bush in the far compound. I saw it within minutes and eventually got a really good view. Then I decided to go back for the camera and try to photograph this tiny, fast-moving bird. A species I hadn't previously had the chance to capture. It took a long time so it's a good job I was alone - anyone else would have become very bored! However, the wait was worth it.

Firecrest

Firecrest Then on for the main hope of the day: ring ouzels at Hummersea or Boulby Cliffs/Quarry. Unfortunately this didn't come off. I saw far below me two blackbirds but nothing suggested from where I was that they were anything other than blackbirds. There were lots of yellowhammers and linnets and at Boulby Quarry several pairs of fulmars nesting were seen. My presence caused them to fly quite close but I didn't linger. The public footpath along the cliff top passes quite close to one nest just below but out of sight to walkers.

Yellowhammer Linnet

Fulmar