It's a Wonderful World!

I had a fabulous day on Wednesday 22nd October. I shall try to be spartan with my words.

First I went back to Sunderland to try to photograph the olive-backed pipit. It showed nicely.

Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit

I headed south to Hartlepool Headland to walk the promenade...

What's this I wonder?

Mediterranean Gull

I found a med gull [not Medusa - I checked him out at Newburn Bridge later] on the rocks.

Mediterranean Gull

There were lots of knot...

Knot Knot

...and a few purple sandpipers...

Purple Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper

I often look on the Headland for rock pipits but don't find them. I found one...

Rock Pipit Rock Pipit Rock Pipit Rock Pipit

I included this because I suddenly spotted a ring...

Rock Pipit

Eider and a lone guillemot were spotted from the Pilot Pier.

Eider Eider Eider

Guillemot

Tide was coming in fast: the gulls and waders were forced off the rocks...

Redshank Curlew

This curlew got left behind.

Curlew

The med gull was eventually forced to fly.

Mediterranean Gull Mediterranean Gull Mediterranean Gull Mediterranean Gull

This knot chose to stick it out on his favorite rock.

Knot

What's this diving bird?

Turnstone Turnstone

Turnstone undergoing sea trials!

This drake eider also gave in in the end.

Eider Eider

I wound my way to Newburn Bridge, calling at Jackson's Landing. A seagull was playing with a food carton.

Herring Gull

Thinking there might be a merganser about a distant shape drew my eye. Grabbed the bins. RTD!

Red-throated Diver Red-throated Diver Red-throated Diver Red-throated Diver

Final port of call: Dorman's Pool. Spoonbill reported.

Could see a heron...

Heron

Quiz time: spot the spoonbill.

Spot the Spoonbill

It is there. Look for the leg!