The Big Fight

Sunday 13th May

Barry and I decided, given an uncertain forecast, to try Skipwith Common for wood lark and then to go and shelter from the coming rain in North Cave's hides. Skipwith was not at its best and we found no wood lark. We tried to change a mippit into one but failed. Two cuckoos heard. So on to North Cave. The avocets quite like the current workings and waders can be found there at times including the LRPs.

Avocet

A few warblers could be heard and chaffinch often dominated the background. This one allowed me very close to him.

Chaffinch A coot was being very solicitous of her two youngsters.  The young frizzyheads look quite cute.

'Have you tried spinach? That'll sort your silly hairstyle!!'

Coot Coot

The sacrificial crop field is now heavily fortified against rabbits. A lone oysercatcher had the field to himself. Old Knobblybill seemed quite happy there...

Oystercatcher The highlight of our visit to North Cave for me was the battle royal between an avocet-exocet and a black-headed gull. Let the pictures tell the story.

Avocet v. Black-headed Gull Avocet v. Black-headed Gull

Avocet v. Black-headed Gull Avocet v. Black-headed Gull Avocet v. Black-headed Gull

Frampton Magic

Monday 14th May

Another of my favourite early starts [especially on these light mornings] as I scampered off to Lincolnshire down the A1. Thanks to local birder Andy Simms for his help - we soon had three little gulls and a little stint. The reported curlew sandpipers were not immediately visible so we moved - a long walk is the norm at Frampton - to East Hide. We saw the curlewsands immediately - as they flew off!

Curlew Sandpiper Altogether there were 9 of them. We later relocated them back at the 360 hide. This distant view shows all nine - two blocks of three on the left and three singles. It's one of my very poor record shots beyond my camera's range and ability!

Curlew Sandpipers
A little  egret was nearby and a confiding reed bunting allowed some close views. Both shots are the same bird.

Little Egret Reed Bunting Reed Bunting A great crested grebe came clos on my walk back to the visitor centre.

Great Crested Grebe Common Tern were on the shingle banks...

Common Tern ...and proud parents took their goslings for a swim!

Greylag Geese The swifts were flying very close, so I tried to get a decent shot. I don't think I'll ever achieve the result I have in mind - but I'll keep trying!!

221 birds in 2012