Glossy Ibis and Green-winged Teal

It was such a beautiful afternoon that I went out for a few hours and I decided that a look around Teesside would be the best thing to do for a few hours. My two targets were the Glossy Ibis and the Green-winged Teal, I first tried for the Glossy Ibis. A short walk to Haverton viewpoint and a brief wait provided some good if not a little distant views of the Glossy Ibis. Not having my scope really made me appreciate how much I miss it, hope it is back from repair soon.

(Glossy Ibis - © Ian Forrest)

After my success with the Glossy Ibis I decided to try from the top car park and see if I could see the Green-winged Teal, every bird was very distant and drew a blank. I therefore headed down to the TBC hide and after a short wait I was able to see the Green-winged Teal fairly well both on deck and in flight. Pretty good views through the bins so I was more than happy.

(Green-winged Teal - © Ian Forrest)

Nice little outing and most enjoyable.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

I'm still alive!

Been very busy these past few weeks and hence why I have not added anything to my blog for a while. I have mainly been pottering about here and there, however today I tried for my second attempt to see the Hawfinches in Wolsingham. The birds are best viewed from Durham Bird Club members Mike Passant's garden, knowing Mike he kindly allowed me to stand in his garden on both occasions and look for the Hawfinches. Not only did I see the bird today on my second attempt but also a bit of breakfast (thanks again Mike - very kind). The weather was fairly favorable and a short while after 7.35ish I picked up a bird landing in a distant tree, I quickly got Mike's scope onto it and it lifted its head; "I've got one!". The bird took off shortly after this and it became clear there were actually 2 birds! They flew towards us and landed in a tree just outside of Mike's garden and performed superbly briefly in superb light and really close! They then took off and disappeared for a short while before reappearing when they flew in front of us giving flight views, they then perched up briefly in the hedgerow before flying off and not to be seen again. Superb! Was extremely happy and a county tick I didn't expect to get anytime soon. 

To go with this post here are some shots I've taken recently, just a couple of my favourites.

 (Common Pheasant - © Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Common Pheasant - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Common Pheasant - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Common Pheasant - © Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Nuthatch - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Robin - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Stunning Mega makes for Superb day

So there I were at University; studying. And upon a sudden I get a text from a certain 'Stringer' (nickname). "Wales tomorrow then" were his words. My heart sank a little, what could it be? I was just about to sign into BirdGuides when Stringer replied informing me it was a Yellowthroat. I signed in and sure enough there it was posted on the page "Common Yellowthroat", how dare they! Nothing common about them over ere'.

Friday was long but news was still coming through the bird was present and in the afternoon was showing well. Forecast was terrible but that didn't matter. Saturday at 2.15 I departed the house and was on my way to Stevie Dunn's house, arrived around 4.45ish and departed with Stevie, Mike, and Richard picking up Adam on the way. We arrived on site early hours in the hissing rain and no sign of the bird, good time for some catch up with old faces (quite literally; sorry Chris ;) ) and meet some folks I knew for the first time. No sign of the bird by late morning and so back to the car for some shelder and a game of 'Plop Trumps' don't ask! It was a funny as the title of the game suggests. Then off to McDonald's for a spot of lunch, all was going calmly until news broke......it was seen again. Straight back on site and after a short wait it pooped out in the bottom of some brambles. Gasps and whispering from the crowds said it all. What a stunner!

(Common Yellowthroat - © Chris Baines)

 (Common Yellowthroat - © Michael Colquhoun)

(Common Yellowthroat - © Michael Colquhoun)

The best view I obtained was when I first saw it, then had a few more glimpse views including seeing the bird in flight. I hadn't cottoned on it was showing nearly constantly from a ditch some 20 yards away; doh! So missed my chance for more prolonged views, but I am not going to moan. I had pretty superb views now and then as it went about its business, a very skulking bird but not seeming all that bothered by the crowds.

We also called in at Cosmeston Lakes County Park just on the outskirts of Cardiff where I had truly excellent views of my first drake Lesser Scaup. It showed superbly well and just rounded off the day nicely. Great company, great birds, great twitch! Thoroughly enjoyable.

(Lesser Scaup - © Michael Colquhoun)

(Common Yellowthroat crowd - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Herring Gull ringing recovery

I have just received some info on one of the four ringed Herring Gulls I had a few weeks ago, this is the 3rd bird I have heard back and I am just waiting for details on the last bird I have not yet received details on. Here are the details for this bird:

"

Dear Andrew,

 

Thank you for reporting your sighting of a colour ringed Herring Gull. Herring Gull with orange ring 1346 was ringed on the 10th March 2005 on Ellington road Landfill, near Ashington, Northumberland, (grid-ref NZ2689) as an adult with metal ring Number GN77839. I have received one other sighting of this bird since it was ringed- on the 17th July 2005 in Lossiemouth Estuary, Moray, Scotland  (grids ref NJ2470).

 

If you have any questions, or any more sightings, please get in touch.

 

Kind regards,

 

Sara"

It hasn't really gone very far but I felt it was still worth sharing, the Pitsea bird remains the most well travelled of the 3 I have recieved detauils back on.

OH! I saw the COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and drake Lesser Scaup in Wales yesterday, more on that to come soon.

Until next time, Foghorn out!