Saturday 21 January 2012

Hello again Glawk'

Today started off well with a trip to an undisclosed site in Durham where I enjoyed views of my first Long-eared Owl of the year and more cracking views of a Short-eared Owl, the latter sitting just a stones throw away from where it was sitting when I saw it on Monday. So I conclude the same bird. Long-eared Owl was pretty well concealed but respectable views were had, local dog walker commented he sees both species every day. Below is a picture of the presumed same Short-eared Owl that was sitting just feet away from the public footpath on Monday.

(Short-eared Owl - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Down to Teesside for some Gulling, which didn't last very long due to the absence of....you got it; Gulls. Dorman's Pool produced nothing of note, and I mean nothing! Next Ward Jackson's Park where 3 Ring-necked Parakeets showed well, a Great black-backed Gull on the main lake was notable for here. Also a  Nuthatch where I parked the car was nice to see, everyone loves those stunning little birds.

Final proper stop of the day was at Hartlepool Headland where nothing much of note was around, not even the Mediterranean Gull! A decision to check the Fish Quay paid off as no sooner had I set my scope up to scan the gulls on the rooftop of the fish quay when I picked up a juvenile Glaucous Gull. Presumably the same bird that has been around since December, good to see it again. Brilliant views through the scope. Drove around for a better view and failed at first, however sat a while hoping it would cross over the roof of the building to the side visible right close to the road. I wasn't disappointed, as I was about to leave the bird appeared at the far end of the roof right next to the road showing extremely well in the bins. It then took flight and dissapeared after a short while, my best views ever of a Glaucous Gull. Fantastic way to end the day.

 (Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

2 comments:

  1. That's a stunning shot of a Shortie Andrew.

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  2. Hi Christian, thanks very much. Owl was about 20 yards from the path! Not sure who got more of a shock, me or the owl! I am amazed it didn't flush when myself and local dog walkers were walking past, clearly content. It appears to be still roosting in the same area (as I mention above for yesterday) so clearly content. Good to know they are still about.

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