Fur and Feather

Sunday 2nd March I headed early up to Tynemouth to see the siberian lesser whitethroat. It showed well on the feeder at 9 Tynemouth Place but was a bit distant for the camera. Diversions to East Chevington picked up red-necked grebe and at Cresswell Pond, my first avocet of the year. On the way back south I called at Saltholme to see what might be about. I soon met up with this fine fellow - unfortunately he had a bad limp on his front left foot.

Fox

Fox Fox

On Wednesday 5th March I decided to visit Dingle Dell, Bubwith, for the first time. This proved very interesting as I saw marsh tits and jays and, out on the river along with the whoopers, an egyptian goose. This was followed by a pair of grey partridge along the road near Wressle. Next stop: North Cave. I hoped to meet up with the chiffchaff: in fact I saw at least 2, possibly three. First I spotted the smew on Carp Lake...

Smew

...and the great crested grebe...

Great Crested Grebe

...and the little grebe with his mid-morning snack!

Little Grebe

But the chiffchaffs were really busy and rarely stopped still. It look me quite a while to get these.

Chiffchaff Chiffchaff Chiffchaff

Cute, I think.

The plan was to finish the day at Bempton hoping for short-eared owl. It never showed but I had a lovely afternoon focusing my energies chiefly on flight shots of fulmar. But first of all I went for a few easy pickings! The guillemots and razorbills are back!

Guillemots

Guillemots

Gannets are always photogenic!

Gannet Gannet

But I had resolved to concentrate on these lovely stiff wingers.

Fulmar

Getting a good view in good light can be a challenge in the afternoon as the cliffs are in shadow. Ultimately I was well pleased with my efforts.

Fulmar

Fulmar Fulmar Fulmar

Almost scraping the cliff-face!

Fulmar Fulmar

Fulmar

Back in the car park a few tree sparrows were having a bathe.

Tree Sparrow Tree Sparrow

A sparrowhawk shot past from behind me. I snatched this as it disappeared from view.

Sparrowhawk

157 UK 2014