13th-14th March 2015
Old friends...
Sometimes we forget or neglect our old friends. Thinking only of those great rarities and lifers and so-called quality birds. But old friends are still attractive, can still be seen doing interesting things and so this blog is dedicated to old friends. I think you'll see what I mean.
March 13th: as I have to go birding on my own these days, Sheila said she'd come for once and I could go wherever I liked. We set off for Bempton thinking I could see some bread and butter birds to boost my year list a little after over two weeks of not being at my best shall we say. I soon saw my old friends the kittiwakes on the cliffs.
Kittiwake
Sheila has very good eyesight - much better than mine. 'I think I can see some puffins!' she said. 'They'll be guillemots,' I thought. I couldn't even see them never mind identify them. Eventually I found them in the scope: 5 puffins - much to the delight of the adjacent RSPB guide who got on his radio to announce the sighting. Later I found a group of 6 razorbills. Walking back to the car park a skylark rose ever higher above us. Four bread and butter ticks. Tree sparrow old friend in the car park.
Tree Sparrow
It was still very misty so we abandoned the plan to go to Wykeham to look for goshawks and headed north to Saltholme. A long way I know but the penduline tits were showing well across the road from the fire station. It was good to meet Karen and Simon Spavin and after a bit of South American chat I settled down to try to find the pendulines. Sheila and I had brilliant 10-minute long views of 2 birds, often on the same reed. Scope job I'm afraid but fabulous nonetheless. Not a tick however as I saw the Gloucester pair earlier in the year.
Parakeets have always amused me and our northern gang in Hartlepool were our next stop. Say no more!
Ring-necked Parakeet
Ring-necked Parakeet
Ring-necked Parakeet
Ring-necked Parakeet
Ring-necked Parakeet
Ring-necked Parakeet
We finished up at Newburn Bridge for one of my favourite old friends. Unlike some,
Medusa rarely lets you down!
Mediterranean Gull
March 14th: I began with visits to Ellerton and Aughton churchyards in the Lower Derwent Valley complex. Disturbed some grey partridge in the moat at Aughton. Nine whoopers still present and good numbers of pintail. Moved on to Goole Fields looking for corn bunting but no sign. Ended up at Old Moor. Walking towards the reedbeds this magpie was unusually tame and tolerated me as I came closer.
Magpie
I sat down at the reedbed screen hoping for bearded tit but they never showed. Another old friend entertained me. What's this I see?
Water Rail
Water Rail
Water Rail
After about half an hour and beginning to feel the cold, I headed for the family hide. Met another friend who is often neglected, not even given a second glance. Yet subtle colouring when you look more closely.
Dunnock
A lesser black-backed was standing on a rock.
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Two black-headed gulls were displaying. I like this one a lot!
Black-headed Gulls
A snipe flew in just in front of me.
Snipe
Finally another bird that people only half notice. Beautifully marked gadwall.
Gadwall
There's more to come!