The Fog Blog

Gulls....again

2012-02-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

Are you sick of winter gulls? If you answered yes then you are not a larusphile. I never get bored of Gulls so on Saturday I headed on down to Hartlepool Headland for another look at the white winged gulls and perhaps get some more improved shots of the Kumlien's, Glaucous, and perhaps Iceland. Sadly no Iceland seen during the hour or so I was there, however the Kumlien's put on a cracking show as did the Glaucous, the lack of any Iceland Gulls was made up by the presence of a fairly stunning 1st winter Little Gull.

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Little Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Kumlien's Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Kumlien's Gull - - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Greyish wash to most of the outer primaries can be seen here even in this fairly distant image.

(Kumlien's Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

The presence of what was once a tail band can be seen here.

Sadly Uni work is almost certainly going to stop most play, probably only manage to get out once a week for next few weeks. So if you don't hear from me for a while that's why.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Ringed Gull Recovery - Aberdeen & Essex

2012-02-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

I had 4 colour ringed Herring Gulls at Rainton Meadows DWT yesterday, I have already had 2 speedy replies to two of the birds I submitted, here are details below:

The first gull is perhaps not as exciting as the second bird, it had a YELLOW ring with T081 written on it. Here are the detials for that bird:

The bird was 'whoosh netted' in the ringers garden in Petercultre in Aberdeen last summer
GR23891 - T:081 - Peterculter, Aberdeen - 14/07/2011 - Adult ringed today
GR23891 - T:081 - Girdleness, Aberdeen - 06/08/2011 - Sighting - Raymon Duncan
GR23891 - T:081 - Rainton Meadows, Durham - 06/02/2012 - Sighting – Andrew Kinghorn

What has been learned from the ringing of the Gulls in aberdeen is that this bird is the fifth to be wintering on the East Coast of England.

___________________________________________________________

This bird is perhaps more interesting, all will become clear why, here are the ringing details of the Herring Gull that has been rang as part of the North Thames Gull Group, the bird had the following ring: ORANGE with MJ3T written on it:

Ring Number: GN86948
Age: 10
Ringing Date: 09 Jan 2010
Location: Pitsea Landfill Site, Essex
Sighted again: 06 Feb 2012
Location of Sighting: Rainton Meadows NR, Houghton-le-Spring, Durham
Movement: 390km NNW
Interval: 2 years 28 days!

So what's so interesting about the latter bird? Well it was rang on a tip that regularly gets good numbers of Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls. In addition to this the tip has had possible Thayer's Gull and the UK's first (perhaps, depending on what you think of it) Slaty-backed Gull! I do wonder if the rather stunning Yellow-legged Gull I can not seem to see is actually from Pitsea as well, just a thought and can never really be proven.

Pictures of the (possible?) Slaty-backed Gull.
Pictures of the (probable) Thayer's Gull.

All very interesting in my opinion.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

White-fronted Greenland Tundra Goose

2012-02-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Now that would be a hybrid to behold! Today (Monday) I managed to get out for a few hours and down to Rainton Meadows DWT in the hope of seeing the Tundra Bean Goose, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 5 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, and the single Pink-footed Goose that are currently hanging around with the local Greylag and Canada Geese. Birds remained distant and so no photos from me, thankfully John Bridges has some stock photos of the same birds which again he kindly allowed me to use on my blog. I've added some comments under each image so if anyone is interested they can have a look at those, nothing much else at Rainton today other than 4 colour ringed Herring Gulls, details back from two already revealing that one was from Aberdeen and another the Thames area!

(Pink-footed Goose - © John Bridges)

Species does exactly what it says on the tin; has pink legs. A small goose generally speaking and also a fairly narrow band across the bill as can be seen here in this shot.

(From left: Greenland White-fronted Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Goose, Tundra Bean Goose, 2 Eurasian White-fronted Geese - © John Bridges)

Very instructive shot and shows all birds present and the variations that they can show. Will go over more detail later on in post but large orange triangular shaped bill is obvious on this Greenland here compared to the Eurasian birds. The Tundra Bean Goose has a much heavier set bill than all the White-fronts and generally looks out of place in this shot; it appears larger in the body, bill, and head regions.

(2 Eurasian White-fronted Geese and Tundra Bean Goose - © John Bridges)

Nice shot showing the pink bills of the Eurasian White-fronted Geese which immediately separates the birds from Greenland individuals. Tundra Bean Goose here shows the nice thick set neck, bulky dark head, and obviously large bill with heavy base and nice obvious orange band around bill. In Taiga Bean Geese the bill is predominately orange lacking the banded orange effect shown here by this Tundra.

(Greenland White-fronted Goose - © John Bridges)

Compare this bird to the Eurasian White-fronts above. The obvious features separating the two races are; the orange bill in Greenland is nearly always lacking on Eurasian White-fronted Geese. However some birds have been noted to have orange in the bill, but these birds are rare. Equally as striking as the differences in the bill colour is perhaps the much darker upperparts, neck, and head of the Greenland bird compared to the Eurasian White-fronts. However lighting may change how a bird appears in the field so beware, however in my experience with distant geese it is far easier to pick out a Greenland on the dark upperparts than on the bill colour.

(Greenland White-fronted Goose and Tundra Bean Goose - © John Bridges)

Nothing I can really say that I haven't already, features that cannot be seen in these shots but may be seen in the field is that all the birds have orange legs. This photo shows the top of both the birds legs revealing the orange colouration of the legs.

Glad I managed to catch up with them before they left, a brilliant treat.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Kumlien's Gull - Hartlepool Headland

2012-02-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just a quick blog post pointing out some of the features as to why many (including myself) believe this bird to be a Kumlien's Gull. I have learnt loads about Kumlien's Gull ID just through this bird, very educational indeed! So here are a few shots with some details underneath each photo as to why the bird has been ID'd as a Kumlien's Gull.

(Kumlien's Gull - © John Bridges)

Nice photo showing the blotchy breast and neck sides this bird has making it quite a handsome bird. The outer primaries show the greyish wash here, showing the feature is evident even in strong sunlight.

(Kumlien's Gull - © John Bridges)

P9, P8, and P7 showing that greyish was nicely here. Also the remnants of a tail band can also be seen here in this shot.

(Kumlien's Gull - © John Bridges)

Greyish wash to the primaries can be seen here in this above photo.

(Kumlien's Gull - © Mark Newsome)

I've added some annotations onto this wing shot image taken my Mark.

Very educational bird and the sort of bird I really enjoy...a nice challenge. Now if best go off and brush up more on my Yellow-legged Gull ID which is pretty atrocious at the moment.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Big Gulls you are Beautiful

2012-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

News emerged a short while ago of a Kumlien's Gull at Hartlepool Headland, I didn't see it last week and as pictures emerged gradually I decided I must see it. So this morning I headed on down to Hartlepool Headland armed with scope, bins, and camera. The latter object came in particularly useful as I spent most of the day photographing the gulls around Hartlepool Headland, the photos kind of speak for themselves but I will add some comments for anyone who is interested. The days totals are as follows:

1 3rd winter Kumlien's Gull
2 adult Iceland Gulls
1 1st winter Glaucous Gull

Not ashamed to say that an intended few hour period turned into a day! A superb day might I add! I love white winged gulls and today just got me hooked even more, yet I still have not seen a Caspian Gull in Durham this year. Need to get my finger out, anyway enjoy the pics! I hope...

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Big, obvious, and powerful looking bird. Note the massive two toned bill.

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

The snow white wings can be seen well here, also I would add a stunning looking gull in 1st winter plumage. Big hefty long bill obvious here aswell.

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Note the contrast between the underwing coverts and the primaries in secondaries, they almost look translucent. This feature is particularly obvious in some 1st winters, certainly in all the Glaucous Gulls of this age I have seen have shown this.

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Size difference is easy to see here, Glaucous Gulls are much larger and thicker set than Herring Gulls. Its at least a third bigger than any surrounding Herring Gulls seen in this shot.

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Greenish tinge can be seen in this shot, obviously the completely snow white plumage is obvious as is the blotch appearance to the breast.

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

This bird is not particularly obvious from the underwing, this bird really comes into its own when you see its upperwing.

(Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

The greyish wash on the outer primaries from P10 to P7 can clearly be seen even from this fairly poor image.

(Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

The greyish wash on the outer primaries from P10 to P7 can clearly be seen even from this fairly poor image.

(Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

Superb bird, if you live local and get a chance to go; do! You don't regret it. Very educational bird.

More on this bird to come soon with far better shots. Meanwhile John Bridges captured just one image of this stunning creature:

(Fog near the Tees - © John Bridges)

Note the distinctive Durham Bird Club hat as well as as the overall tired appearance usually associated with the species at this age.

Superb day and a one that probably won't be beaten for a long while yet!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Return to Iceland

2012-02-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

This morning a check of Boldon Flatts NR didn't produce the hoped for Yellow-legged Gull, will try again tomorrow morning and hopefully get it then. Here's hoping! However a check of Roker Pier and the lure of some bread thrown out by Derek Charlton brought the Iceland Gull in within a matter of seconds! Was quite humorous as the bird simply appeared from nowhere. Mark Newsome reports a 2nd winter and juvenile to be also present at the same site this afternoon. Managed some better shots of the bird than I had managed on my previous attempts, I really like adult Iceland Gulls. Truly are stunning birds, with this cold weather on its way I wonder what might be encouraged to move south a little bit. Ross's Gull or Ivory Gull anyone?

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

If this bird was distant it should be fairly easy to pick out as an Iceland. Note the long and slender winged appearance, snow white primaries and light mantle shade similar to or lighter that larus argenteus. Fairly delicate head with small bill, lacks the general robustness expected of Glaucous Gull. But beware as some Glaucous Gulls can look more delicate than some of the more 'monster' individuals.

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

This image shows the lime green tinge to the bill, typical of adult Iceland Gull.

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Best image I managed to get, note again the lime green tinge to the bill, also in particular note that the outer primaries are snow white eliminating any thoughts of claiming a possible Kumlien's Gull (due to range and variation it would be a dangerous game). The primaries create an almost translucent effect which is often visible from even a considerable distance.

I did mention Kumlien's Gull above briefly and I forecast that we may get a twitchable bird in Durham in the next few weeks...though I would prefer an Ivory or Ross's Gull. Never pleasing some people....

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Gulls, Shrike, and Crest

2012-01-29T04:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a cracking days birding, another one of those birding days in the UK that I will remember for a long time. The day started off with down at Seaton Common, that place almost feels like a second home. I am convinced Hartlepool council are going to ask me to start paying some rent! Anyway the first brilliant bird of the day was an adult Iceland Gull skilfully picked out by Andy Close (who I was with yesterday). Bird showed in flight for me before landing on the other side of the common, decided to drive around for a better look. On the way out of the car park a Merlin flushed from a post on the side of the road, if only we had seen it earlier! It then flew off heading past Zinc Works road tip and away, we got around to the other side of the common and the adult Iceland Gull was sitting out nicely and showed well.

(Spot the Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Next stop was Coatham Wood in Darlington area for the Great Grey Shrike had been present, we were walking to the location the bird had last been seen and it flew across the path and landed in a tree close to the path. Brilliant! It showed really well for a short period....until I got my iPhone out to get some footage.

(Great Grey Shrike - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Who doesn't look a Great Grey Shrike? Next stop was Rainton Meadows DWT where a check of a reliable spot turned up 2 Jack Snipe, first time I had ever seen two sitting in the same place. One bird nicely marked but the other superbly marked. Next stop was Far Pasture NR, beware anyone going as there is a long wait to get past the traffic lights which delayed us by about 15 minutes. A fairly impressive flock of birds but the prize was a little tricky, however after a patient wait coupled with restless searching produced the Firecrest which after a short wait showed extremely well reminding me how stunning these little birds truly are! Chester-le-Street was final port of call with at least 4 Goosanders present and showing well, one bird with truly stunning peachy flush to breast and underparts. Stunning!

(Firecrest - © Derek Charlton)

Also seen during the day 2 Long-eared Owls, 1 at a winter roost, and another at a different site when I glanced up at a nest used last year a bird was sitting on the rim! Left immediately in order for the birds to settle down and hopefully nest there again this year, here's hoping. 2 Short-eared Owls also appear quite settled in an area where they occasionally breed in some years, here's hoping.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Gulls of the Caspian

2012-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Caspian Gull is not a particularly common bird in the North of England, infact they are still fairly rare everywhere in the North . They are still a description species in Durham and therefore still a fairly rare bird, though this year Seaton Common and Cowpen tip have been reliable spots to catch up with the species. They can be tricky especially in adult plumages but they can be straight forward when in 1st winter plumage, I haven't seen all that many but have learnt a lot from the individuals I have seen.

Caspian Gull - © Mark Newsome
The white head and underbody with barely any visible markings it obvious here, also note the the shawl effect on the nape of this bird which then bleeds partly onto the birds mantle. The small beady eye is evident and a small dark mask is also present encircling they eye. The grey mantle feathers with dark centres is obvious in this photo and this feature is particularly useful to look out for when trying to pick out a first-winter Caspian Gull. Finally the long and obvious parallel sided bull is evident in this image, compare this to the (presumed 2nd winter?) Herring Gull's bill behind.

Caspian Gull - © Mark Newsome
You can see that in flight it shows a white head with small dark eye, the shawl effect on the nape can be seen quite well in this high quality image. The axillaries look greyish/white, but this feature is very variable in Caspian Gull and some can show brownish axillaries.

Caspian Gull - © Mark Newsome

Compare to the above image and it can be seen how a birds axillaries can change in the field depending upon lighting conditions. But note the very white head, with black beady eye set far forward in the head and the shawl like pattern on the birds neck extending down onto top of mantle.

Caspian Gull - © Mark Newsome

You can clearly see the broad and solidly black terminal band on the tail contrasting with the fairly sparsely marked rump/uppertail coverts. Nice contrast between the secondaries and the much paler coverts which creates clear cut black and brown areas on the birds upperwing. Also you can see the grey mantle and scapular feathers with dark centres creating a fairly distinctive appearance. Overall first-winter Caspian Gulls are usually four coloured; white, brown, black, and grey. This is particularly evident when a bird is on the deck, compare this to Herring Gulls which can often look less well defined and don't usually show such a sharp contrast throughout the whole plumage at this age.

I think first-winter Caspian Gulls aren't half nice birds! Especially in first-winter plumage, which in my opinion is the nicest plumage of the species. Thanks to Mark for allowing me to use his images, hopefully my comments might be of some use to some readers. Something I have missed out or you want to add? Leave a comment.....

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Hard as Nails SEO....

2012-01-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

I decided I needed to get out for an hours fresh air today to escape the boredom of this evenings pending assignment work for University. I popped out to a local Owl roost, no surprises to find the same Short-eared Owl sitting in the same place as last Monday! Its a sucker for punishment or is it? It seems really content, naturally it is alert to peoples presence and it would be impossible not to be as its a very well walked area. But it really is tolerant, I peeked over my shoulder when I walked past it and it would follow my every move though seemingly not too concerned. Just making sure its got its eye on me, the ear tufts are raised showing its listening to my every move.

(Short-eared Owl - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Elsewhere in the area a regularly used tree held 2 Long-eared Owls, many people seem to be visiting the base of the tree (frustratingly) with a large track leading up to it. A quick look and a few pics were taken then I left the birds in peace, its fairly important these birds get as much rest as they can during the day. Unlike Short-eared Owls they don't hunt during the day unless they are pretty much starving or have a family to feed, so its critical they get as much 'kip' as they can during the day. Masses of people standing around for hours watching them does them no favours at all, and its likely if this occurs the birds will just abandon the roost and move elsewhere.

Can you see us?
(Long-eared Owls - © Andrew Kinghorn)

What is that dog walker doing?
(Long-eared Owl - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Oh hello....
(Long-eared Owl - © Andrew Kinghorn)

If I make myself as thin as possible, they might not see me.
(Long-eared Owl - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Gotta love Glaucous Gulls!

2012-01-22T04:31:00.000-08:00

Here are two images taken by John Bridges of presumably the same Glaucous Gull I saw yesterday, these shots were taken at the same Fish Quay when two birds were around. However this individual appears to be a creature of habit and is regularly at the Fish Quay which would seem to indicate it is the same bird.

(Glaucous Gull - © John Bridges)

The next shot is a lot like the views I got yesterday, except it stretched a bit and let me see the underwing. Highlight of the day, call me sad if you like! Just not often I get a view of a Glaucous Gull like I did yesterday.

(Glaucous Gull - © John Bridges)

Interestingly enough the banner image I have is of presumably the same Glaucous Gull aswell, its good to have a nice reliable Glaucous Gull away from the tips.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Hello again Glawk'

2012-01-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

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)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Move to Junko

2012-01-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

...well I won't be moving my memories from Wednesday to the memory junk pile! Had a fantastic day down in Hampshire, started late on Tuesday evening and was at the Spanish Sparrow site for first light. It was a bit nail biting at first as the bird didn't show straight away at first light but it was soon picked up sitting deep in cover but made its way out gradually and I had a brilliant initial view. It flew off but came back some hour or so later, being relocated further down the hedgerow sitting in fairly good light right out in the open. Superb chestnut head with fantastic arrow head markings from the breast side down onto the flanks. A stunning looking bird and its white facial markings made it fairly easy to pick out amongst the local House Sparrows. The last twitchable bird in the UK was a long staying individual in Cumbria which proved most popular, since then there was no records up until this bird. There are hybrid House x Spanish Sparrows present so the bird has been there for at least 1 breeding season, from what I understand it has been suggested the bird might have been there for longer.

(Spanish Sparrow - © Chris Thomas. Chris's Website: http://birds.ceeege.com/)

After the excitement of the Spanish Sparrow we headed off to the New Forest and to Hawkshill Inclosure, this is a section of the forest where a clearing is present and a mobile finch flock is present, in with the finches was our target; Dark-eyed Junco. The bird showed fairly well a few times and although most views were brief it was easy to take in and enjoy the stunning but fairly simple plumage of this stunning species. We even had it feeding on seed low down briefly allowing for great views, in flight I noted the birds pink bill and white belly is particularly striking and stands out well. Brilliant bird (like the Sparrow) and well worth going to see.

(Dark-eyed Junco - © Brian Harrison)

What a truly fantastic day, been a while since I've had two British ticks in a day.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Ringed Herring Gull Recovery

2012-01-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

I saw a colour ringed Herring Gull before Christmas at Rainton Meadows DWT. This afternoon I got some information back on the colour ringed Gull and where about it had been since its sighting at Rainton. Here is the reply for all who may be interested:

"
Dear Andrew,

Thank you for reporting your sighting of a colour ringed Herring Gull. Herring Gull with orange ring 1975 was ringed on the 30th November 2007 on Seamer Carr landfill, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire (TA038820) , as a third winter bird with metal BTO ring number GN78392. I have received one other sighting of this bird since it was ringed, on the 12th February 2008 on Gloucester landfill, near Hampstead, Gloucester, (SO816173).

Thank you for taking the time to report this sighting. If you have any questions, or any more sightings, please let me know

Kind Regards

Sara Bone

(Herring Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Very interesting!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Round the Doors

2012-01-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

Year has been brilliant so far, with many highlights. But I am still adamant that you can't really beat a nice day out locally enjoying the stuff in your own county. Today was one example, I was out with Kieran Lawrence and Derek Lawrence. We started off at Roker Pier where the adult Iceland Gull put on quite a show and I managed (compared to other peoples amazing shots) some poor photos of the Iceland Gull. I love gulls (surprise!) so I always enjoy a good white winger'. From here we headed down to Teesside and out port of call was Seal Sands where we enjoyed nice views of Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Brent Geese amongst the other fantastic birds present. Another call in at Ward Jackson Park (my second visit this year) produced some cracking views and photo opportunities for the Ring-necked Parakeets which performed well. A dodge up to an uncisclosed site produced 2 Peregrine Falcon displaying, Sparrowhawk, Kestrels, Common Buzzards and a Hen Harrier (though I didn't see this). Cracking day!

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Ring-necked Parakeet - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Norfolk Trip List

2012-01-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

Kindly supplied by Killy Birder here is the full Norfolk trip list of all species seen on the trip;

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Lesser White Fronted Goose, Bean Geese (Taiga), Pink-footed Geese, Greylag Geese,

Canada

Geese, Barnacle Geese, Brent Geese, Ross’s Geese, Shelduck, Egyptian Geese, Mallard, Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveller, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Long-Tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Red-Breasted Merganser, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Rough-Legged Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Golden Pheasant, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Common Crane, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Knot, Western Sandpiper, Ruff, Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Guillemot, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Owl, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler (H), Goldcrest (H), Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-Tailed Tit, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll. Coues' Arctic Redpoll, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Snow Bunting, and Yellowhammer.

I think the total comes to 103 species. Not bad for 2 days in winter on the north Norfolk coast!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Plug and a Glaucous

2012-01-08T03:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I pooped down to Hartlepool Headland for a few hours in the afternoon, nothing much of note other than the usual reported birds, I did manage flight views of the Black-throated Diver and some (at last) views of the Glaucous Gull perched up on a nearby rooftop in the Fish Quay. So below you will find the video.

(Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

This is also a plug for another blog, it belongs to a mate of mine who I went to Norfolk with just a few days ago. Why not check it out and perhaps follow? He's from Yorkshire and so has decided on a pretty interesting blog title name, I might change mine to the Pitman: CLICK HERE.

King down near Lynn

2012-01-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was a quiet day, I really should have done some more on my assignment (when I think about it) but I spent the day relaxing before the drive to Sheffield and then onto Norfolk for a few days birding. Wednesday didn’t really seem to end with no sleep and the day began early with me picking up Killy Birder at around about 2.15 on the Thursday morning and then driving down to Sheffield. I arrived at the Flat Cap birders house around about 5.00 in the Morning and we hopped cars and were soon on our way to Norfolk. We arrived around 08.30 after stopping for breakfast at McDonalds. Our first port of call was Wolferton Triangle where after a short wait we were rewarded with cracking views of two male Golden Pheasants, I must confess they were more than humorous. Running across the road in a comical fashion too reach cover whenever a car came along the road. After the views we had we knew we were not going to get much better views and so left. We picked up Oliver Simms from Morrison’s in Kings Lynn, he wasn’t living there or anything it was just the place where we were picking him up from. With all of us in attendance we headed for Buckenham Marshes RSPB.

(Golden Pheasant - © Andrew Kinghorn)

When we arrived at Buckenham Marshes RSPB it didn’t really look all that windy, that was until I stepped out of the car and onto the marshes. I think this site is a contender for the most windy and windswept place in the UK, maybe just beaten by Cowgreen Reservoir on the Durham/Cumbrian border. Nevertheless in true hard as nails Northern style we pressed on, we sheltered by the hide and started scanning. A disaster of a goose amongst some Barnacle Geese and Canada Geese was all we could manage, then some keen eyes local spotted a single Taiga Bean Goose appear from a ditch like area about 74 miles away (or so it seemed). Soon it became clear the little tinkers were all hiding in the ditches at the back of the reserve and gradually more appeared, they were joined by some more birds that flew in from the direction of Cantly Marshes. Then it happened, after about 30 minutes a flock flew in and I scanned the flock and there it was; Lesser white-fronted Goose. It quickly disappeared from view and I was starting to worry the others present and the rest of the lads I was with weren’t going to see it but it eventually played ball and showed fairly well. Even though it was distant views were respectable at 50 odd times zoom. Allowing us to note the smaller size, large white blaze, short neck, and the fairly unique shape the bird seemed to have (to me anyway). Content with our sighting along with about 80 Taiga Bean Geese we moved on. Our next stop was Hickling Broad where we paid a rather handsome price to get into a nature reserve that I wasn’t overly impressed with, however the roost was a different story! The roost at Stubbs Mill was simply fantastic with no less than 5 Cranes, 2 Hen Harriers, 2 Merlins, 40+ Marsh Harrier, and Kestrel noted. Pretty fantastic and certainly a British birding spectacle that is a must see! Brilliant way to end a brilliant day.

Day 2 started well with Kingfisher but not the hoped for Great Northern Diver, but an escaped Harris Hawk did put in an appearance! Next stop was a location where some Bewick Swans had been reported the previous day but sadly there was no sign, though we did see 10 Whooper Swans, a female Merlin put on an nice appearance as it attempted to catch and kill a small passerine. Next stop was Cley Marshes NWT where again we dug deep and managed to get together some money (took out a mortgage) and headed to the hides to look for the Western Sandpiper, we were not successful at first and it took a while but eventually the bird gave itself up and we enjoyed fairly good views if not a little distant (compared to when I first saw it). From here we headed to Holkham where excellent views were had of a Barn Owl, 2 Ross’s Geese, and 2 Rough-legged Buzzards. Our final stop was Titchwell RSPB where I enjoyed pretty good views of the 1^st winter Coues’ Arctic Redpoll amongst the Lessers present, though no sign of any Mealy Redpolls. Finished the day off before the long drive home with good views of a ringtail Hen Harrier flying over our heads. Brilliant! A truly memorable trip, Lesser white-fronted Goose was a lifer for me and I always like to see the Golden Pheasants.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

EDIT: A look at the Titchwell RSPB Redpoll that has caused some debate on the Rare Bird Information page on BirdFourm.
Titchwell RSPB Redpoll

!!!! Happy New Year !!!!

2012-01-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

....to all my blog followers and readers alike. I hope 2011 was a good year for you and here's hoping 2012 will be another good year. As 2011 drew to a close so did my year lists, I decided last year to keep 2 and have not yet fully decided this year if I am going to keep a British Year List and a County Year List, it will be most likely one or the other. But then knowing me I will probably cripple at the thought and end up doing both like last year! So what did I end up on 2011, not bothered? Then that's the end of this blog post for you. If you are here is what I got in 2011:

Durham - Total BOU: 242

Britain - Total BOU: 279 Non BOU: 284

The non BOU birds counted were: Eastern Black Redstart, American Black Tern, Ross's Goose, Northern Harrier, and White-tailed Eagle.

I beat last year (my previous best) on my British list by 13 species, which I was fairly amazed at due to the fact I had an amazingly good year in 2010.

Here's to 2012!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

British Birding Highlights 2011

2011-12-30T07:49:00.000-08:00

In birding and twitching terms 2011 was a very good year for me, the year got off to a very good start where I added Coues’ Arctic Redpoll to the year list on the 1^st of January, I continued to see ‘Arctic Rolls’ right up until I saw my last of the year on the 26^th of February. January was far from quiet and I saw some brilliant birds, I dipped the putative adult Slaty-backed Gull at Rainham Marshes RSPB on the 15^th however this blow was softened by my first Caspian Gull (at the time were hard birds to see in Durham). February was fairly productive and the month started off with a pilgrimage to Norfolk for the Northern Harrier which performed well, I also added Ferruginous Duck to the life list. Toward the middle of the month I again dipped the Slaty-backed Gull but was slightly more successful and managed good views of the Oriental Turtle Dove in Oxfordshire the same day, this bird was a welcome and unexpected addition to my British List. April saw things liven up and mid month I added a stunning male Subalpine Warbler which spent 2 days on Holy Island to my life list. A few days later I was back up near Holy Island at Bamburgh to see a male Black Scoter, another bird I had not expected to see in the UK so soon. May saw a Stone Curlew down at Teesside, this bird possibly more than most others on the British List is a species I never anticipated seeing in Durham. The bird was the first twitchable in Durham after previous record was a one observer and the previous two were shot in 1800’s and early 1900’s. A male White-winged Black Tern mid month was a truly stunning individual at East Chevington NWT and performed well if not a little distantly. A trip back down to Norfolk and Suffolk toward the end of May allowed me good views (for species and location) of Golden Oriole in Suffolk, the same trip saw me adding 3 Red-necked Phalaropes; two in Norfolk and one in Lincolnshire. A Purple Heron at Minsmere was only my second in the UK and encouraging seeing this stunning bird making regular appearances at Minsmere RSPB. On the same trip I added a slightly more that ‘dodgy’ male Golden Pheasant at Sculthorpe Moor NR; however this bird wasn’t added to my BOU list. I finished the trip to Norfolk and Suffolk by retuning on the evening of the 29^th of May and driving to Low Hauxley NR to add Terek Sandpiper to my British List after having missed two birds previously in Durham over subsequent years.

(Coues' Arctic Redpoll - © A Certain Stringer)

(Terek Sandpiper - © Andrew Kinghorn)

June got off to a bang with a cracking male Surf Scoter added to my British and Durham list, this individual was the first twitchable Surf Scoter in Durham. One of the highlights of most birders years turned up in early June; the female White-throated Robin was undoubtedly a highlight for many birders including myself. Only the third for the UK and the first ever twitchable bird, it proved very popular and most people managed to connect with this special visitor. Made more special for me as it also doubled up as a county Durham tick! A visit to Wykeham Forrest in North Yorkshire produced at least 3 different Honey Buzzards with males showing amazingly well flying over the crowd looking down on us! Also seeing the display flight was very special, a highlight of the year for me. Mid June produced a first summer drake White-winged Scoter on the sea off Murcar Links Golf Course in Aberdeenshire, although not the most handsome of birds it provided for an exciting twitch with the difficulty of picking the bird out amongst the thousands of the accompanying scoters. The scoter was a first for the UK and perhaps long overdue, lets see if it returns in 2012 to allow those who missed it in 2011 a chance to see this educational bird. First day in July brought a summer plumage White-winged Black Tern to Teesside, sadly this bird was a one evening wonder and wasn’t present for the masses the next day. The bird was a Durham tick for me and the first one for a few years. Mid June produced my 300^th BOU bird in Britain in the form of a popular Marsh Sandpiper at Blacktoft Sands RSPB in East Yorkshire. This bird was pretty obliging and allowed for good views and a chance to study the bird. A few days later a White-rumped Sandpiper turned up on the causeway at Saltholme, no doubt to the delight of those who missed the one evening wonder the previous year. The end of July saw and unprecedented passage of European Storm Petrels along the East Coast of England with Durham racking up the highest totals, on the 26^th an incredible 358 passed by Whitburn Observatory a new East cost record held by Durham. Thankfully I was around to witness the event and saw 42 of these birds that day, including the 300^th bird to go past. The month ended on a high with a Semipalmated Sandpiper at Saltholme, again on the causeway. This was a county tick for me and showed well with a Temminck’s Stint in summer plumage, a plumage we are not used to seeing in Durham.

(Marsh Sandpiper - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Honey Buzzard - © Adam Williams)

(White-throated Robin - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Semipalmated Sandpiper - © Ian Forrest)

(White-rumped Sandpiper - © Ian Forrest)

The start of August was fruitful and produced a returning Bonaparte’s Gull at Whitburn Steel in Durham; thankfully this bird was slightly earlier in its return this year and had retained much of its stunning summer plumage. A Wilson’s Phalarope mid month was a more than welcome addition at Greatham Creek down Teesside and constituted to the only bird in the

this year, I had missed one previous bird and dipped another, so I was a little more than pleased at the arrival of this bird. Another White-winged Black Tern a few days later at Saltholme was moulting out of summer plumage but was still looking fairly stunning; this was my third in 2011! On the same pool it was favouring was an eclipse Blue-winged Teal, although it may seem unkind it was certainly one of the most uninspiring birds of the year. I ended August with my first ever Long-tailed Skua flying south past Whitburn Observatory in Durham, although very distant the bird was a lifer. August got off to another great start with an American Golden Plover putting on a great performance at Whitburn Steel in Durham; the bird had still retained some of its summer plumage and was therefore fairly attractive. A few days later and a nearly full summer plumage Sharp-tailed Sandpiper spent a day at Greatham Creek in Teesside, again this was almost certainly the same returning bird from last year and due to the earlier arrival it was in pretty much full summer plumage making it a very attractive looking individual. Mid September saw an American Black Tern turning up at Covenham Reservoir in Lincolnshire, this provided to be a very obliging bird and I managed brilliant views of the species both in flight and on deck. The end of September provided me with another really unexpected bird in the form of a Sandhill Crane at Loch of Strathberg RSPB in Aberdeenshire. After having missed the Orkney bird 2 years ago I was sure that my chance with the species in the UK had all but gone. The bird later headed down the coast and was seen in Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Sadly I narrowly missed it in Durham.

(American Golden Plover - © Adam Williams)

(Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Bonaparte's Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Sandhill Crane - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Wilson's Phalarope - © Ian Forrest)

(White-winged Black Tern - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Yet again October got off to an amazing start with the North of England’s first ever Solitary Sandpiper which performed well in a farmer’s field in Lancashire. Although occasionally hard to observe at a distance it was still identifiable at the range it was being viewed at. A Red-breasted Goose of unknown origin turned up at Scaling Dam in North Yorkshire and at the time of writing the birds origins are still under dispute and it is present at Harewood House in North Yorkshire at the present, not the best place to go to give a bird the best credentials! A trip to Dumfries and Galloway allowed me to add Long-billed Dowitcher to my British list, making up for regret of not twitching the long staying Port Carlisle bird two years ago. Only days later a Lesser Scaup turned up in the Tynemouth area of Northumberland and although at first mobile it settled down to winter at Marden Quarry. It was not middle of October an a Red-flanked Bluetail at Whitburn Costal Park was a welcome addition to the county life list and was one of three in Durham in 2011. The pain of dipping the Norfolk Rufous-tailed Robin was eased by bagging a Glossy Ibis and four Snow Geese at Saltholme on the way back from the dip, both birds were county lifers. Only days later Durham was treated to its first Pallid Harrier, and a truly stunning juvenile to be a first, it spent most of its stay at Dorman’s Pool and wandered around the area for the next few days before moving on altogether. I finished the month of nicely with the addition a more than welcome juvenile Purple Heron to my county life list, I had missed the previous two and the last one by a matter of minutes.

(Glossy Ibis - © Ian Forrest)

(Lesser Scaup - © Derek Charlton)

(Pallid Harrier - © Ian Forrest)

By November I was expecting things to calm down a bit but it was not to be, the first week had me driving to Spurn to see an Isabelline Wheatear, the bird performed well if not a little mobile during its two day stay. The next day a long drive down to Sheffield and then Shropshire produced excellent if not a little distant views of my first Steppe Grey Shrike, a bird I feel surely deserves to be given full species status soon. Only a few days rest and it was back down to North Yorkshire again to see a Desert Wheatear, another first for me and the bird put on a nice little show allowing for close study and enjoyment. A Hume’s Warbler a few days later at South Gare was another welcome addition to my British list having not been able to go for the previous bird that wintered in the village of Norton. This bird performed amazingly well and allowed again for close study. The next day was fairly hectic and produced amazing views of my first Greater Yellowlegs in Northumberland, along with a Grey Phalarope which at the time was also a lifer (I know, embarrassing!), the day proved to be truly memorable with great views of a fairly sizeable flock of Tundra Bean Geese at Hurworth Burn Reservoir along with another juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper at Greatham Creek down at Teesside. The following weekend I was up on Holy Island enjoying an Eastern Black Redstart which was a little more than lost, if it hadn’t of been for the Kent bird in 2011 this bird would have no doubt been far more popular.

(Desert Wheatear - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Eastern Black Redstart - © Adam Williams)

(Greater Yellowlegs & Grey Phalarope - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Hume's Warbler - © Adam Williams)

December was not the quietest month but did allow for my wallet to recover slightly! A Siberian Stonechat conveniently turned up months after it was split by the BOU as a separate species, fortunately I was no further than 5 minutes from where the bird had been found and I had some pretty good views of the bird before it went to roost. It was seen the following morning but sadly went missing; death was sadly a possibility for its sudden disappearance. The following morning saw me at Wolferton Triangle in Norfolk where I had some very brief views of a male Golden Pheasant a BOU tick and a slightly less dodgy bird than the first generation Sculthorpe birds I ticked on my personal list earlier in the year. Later in the morning I went for what I was truly after; a Western Sandpiper at Cley Marshes NWT. The bird performed very well and both short and long distances and allowed me to observe the fiery red fringes to the scapulars and tertials, along with the sewing machine like feeding action. Toward the end of the month I was able to observe my first first-winter Caspian Gull down on Seaton Common in Teesside, I saw several during the month but the first bird was a county tick for me. The end of the month allowed me brilliant views of a male Desert Wheatear at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland, the same day I had amazingly close views of a photogenic Iceland Gull at Amble harbour. The end of the month allowed for one final highlight in the form of my favourite bird; 2 immature White-tailed Eagles at Vane Farm RSPB in Perth and Kinross. They are still rare birds on the East Coast of Scotland and Loch Leven is looking like the first location where the birds may attempt to breed on the east coast.

(Desert Wheatear - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Siberian Stonechat - © Ian Forrest)

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

If I was asked to pick a bird of the year I don't think I would like to assign it to one bird in particular, so this year I am going to have birds of the year. The two winners are Sandhill Crane & White-throated Robin. Both birds performed really well for me and I very much so enjoyed seeing them, definitely my highlights.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

* Merry Christmas *

2011-12-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

This will be the last time I update my blog before Christmas Day, therefore I would like to wish all my blogger readers a very Merry Christmas.

Every year I share a video, so this year I have decided to use Once in Royal David's City:

(Above is the spot believed to be the exact location of the birth of Jesus Christ - Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem - © - Andrew Kinghorn)

He came down to earth from Heaven,

Who is God and Lord of all,

And His shelter was a stable,

And His cradle was a stall:

With the poor, and mean, and lowly,

Lived on earth our Saviour holy.

" Merry Christmas "

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Embarrassing Grebe..

2011-12-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

On Saturday gone I was down Teesside again and my first port of call was Seaton Common where on arrival Dave Foster had found a 2^nd winter Caspian Gull on view, I studied the bird for a while before it took flight and was lost amongst the gulls. Sadly I didn’t see another during the morning Gulling session. I decided that I would have a dodge along to Hartlepool Headland and try for the Glaucous Gull; it had now been located at the Fish Quay at the Headland. It took a while but eventually I saw the bird and then a few other times, however all sightings were brief as it disappeared out of view as the Fish Quay is inaccessible for the general public. It was a good day and an enjoyable couple of hours.

Today I went back down to Teesside with the hope of seeing the Slavonian Grebe; very embarrassingly this was a county tick for me. Having never found my own or twitched one in Durham before, this bird showed well and what a nice bird to have as my first. Whilst at the Headland the other highlights included Purple Sandpipers and at least 2 Mediterranean Gulls. One of the birds with nearly its full summer hood as the pictures below will show. Sadly no sign of the Glaucous Gull today but it didn’t appear that much action was going on at the Fish Quay today so it was probably either out at sea with the trawlers or sitting on a rooftop in Hartlepool somewhere.

(Rock Pipit - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Red-throated Diver - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Slavonian Grebe - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Also the two different Headland Mediterranean Gulls:

(Mediterranean Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Note that on this bird its retaining quite a lot of its summer plumage.

(Mediterranean Gull -© Andrew Kinghorn)

This is clearly a different bird, the hood is not as obvious as in the bird above and P9 & P10 appear to have thin black fringes to the inner webs.

I decided to have some lunch and then head on down to Seaton Common for some afternoon Gulling, after 2 packets of crisps and some chocolate (healthy living) I made my way to Seaton Common. I scanned the gulls with by bins from the car but no sign of anything jumping out at me, I decided that I was just wanting to stay in the warmth of the car so manned up and got out, set up my scope, and started scanning. After a few minutes I turned to the two guys to me left and said "I think I've got a Casp", waited a while and got a better view; it was a Caspian Gull. Sitting down it was still a fairy distinctive bird:

Nice white head with small beady eye and a mask around the eye.
The shawl like markings were present on the hindneck.
The bird overall looked like a miniature Great black-backed Gull, which I believe look similar.
The bird looked long in the body with long primaries and a fairly deep chest, this was easily discerned even thought the bird was at first sitting down in the grass.
The tertials were solidly brown with fairly broad white fringes.
Long parallel sides bill was obvious even at range.
The upper scapulars and mantle is grey with dark markings throughout, making the bird look quite smart and fairly handsome.

(Caspian Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Sadly the gull got lost amongst the flock after about 10 minutes and another 30 minutes or so gulling produced nothing much out of the ordinary, I therefore took and long and fruitless walk from North Gare to Seaton Carew and back looking for Snow Bunting but yet again didn't see any. When I got back to the car a Short-eared Owl had just come out of roost and was hunting the common allowing for some fantastic views and got this poor video:

(Short-eared Owl - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

A Grand Day Out

2011-12-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

A good day out today, first stop was Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, a short walk along the beach provided some cracking views of Sanderling. But it wasn't long until I spotted the Desert Wheatear on the bank, I had heard this bird was really obliging and wasn't bothered about people. The below photo will testify that! Was a lot more obliging that my first last month at Loftus in North Yorkshire. I think these are stunning little birds and I enjoyed watching and photographing this fantastic little bird. I thought to be honest this bird would be really struggling so exercised some caution, however it was catching loads of flys the 15 or so minutes whilst I was there. It did catch a few insects at my feet whilst I was there and remained active, here's hoping the little gem survives the winter months as it looks in good health. A check of the beach at Newbiggin revealed 2 Mediterranean Gulls.

Next stop was Cresswell Pond NWT which was fairly quite however a flyover Peregrine was nice, a couple hundred distant Pink-footed Geese, and a male Red-breasted Merganser were nice to see.

(Desert Wheatear - © Andrew Kinghorn)

After lunch a check of BirdGuides revealed an Iceland Gull had been found at Amble harbour so I went up to see if it was still there. It showed really well whilst I was there, as did the other local gulls. But it was fantastic to get some cracking views of this stunning species.

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Iceland Gull © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Redpoll Identification

2011-12-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

The following is a small article I wrote that should help with the identification and separation of the following Redpoll species:

Lesser
Mealy
Coues' Arctic
Hornemann's Arctic

Feel free to distribute it as you see fit if you want to do so. You can simply read it here on Blogger or you can Download it below. If you have any comments or think there is something I have missed out or some information that you deem to be not factual then please get in touch. Other than that enjoy!

Redpoll Identification

Until next time, Foghorn out!

A morning out and about

2011-12-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

Spent the morning down at Hartlepool Headland in the hope I would catch up with the Great Northern Divers which had showed up mid-week ish and also get some better views of the Grey Phalarope. Sadly the latter species was conspicuous by its absence. Was good to catch up with some local and not so local birding mates. As is regular a good bit laugh was had, and during the conversations the Slender-billed Curlew crept in as did the "rokerjoker". 2 Great Northern Divers put on a really good show as did a Red-throated Diver and the local Gulls were a constant source of entertainment. Nothing really out of the ordinary apart from a Glaucous Gull, it put in a very brief appearance by flying over the pub next to the Andy Capp statue before flying out over the town and being lost to view. A self-find for me and Chris (Northumberland birder, can't remember your last name. Ooops), spotted the bird at pretty much the same time. Was quite a humorous moment when we both went "Glaucous" at the same time.

A very nice morning out. Great Northern Diver takes me to 240 in Durham for this year.

(Great Northern Diver - © Ian Forrest)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

You've come a long way! Both of ya'

2011-12-05T16:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday was spend down on the North Tees Marshes and to be specific at Seaton Common. On arrival it was clear the Gulls were just not playing ball and most of the birds were not roosting on Seaton Common itself so interest turned to Geese. Had brilliant views of the European White-fronted Geese that seem to have taken up a form of residence here. I was checking North Gare for the second time that day looking for Snow Bunting and Lapland Bunting when I received a phone call from Chris Bell (cheers again Chris) to say a Siberian Stonechat had just been found at Zinc Works road! It would appear I had missed the bird but then the call went up and someone had it. I managed to get views of the bird in flight and some cracking views of the bird perched up nicely. A bit of a stunner! This was a British tick for me, it has just recently been split from European Stonechat and is therefore now classed as a full species. Its not to difficult to see why! The photos will ofcourse confirm this. Bit unfortunate the bird appears to have now gone as I would have liked a better and more prolonged view as I saw it just before it went to roost, but not to worry. There should be others in Durham in my life time (I hope!)

(Siberian Stonechat - © Ian Forrest)

Sunday was a busy day and I headed on down to Norfolk for the Sandpiper that was clearly doing most peoples heads in! It was first put out a Semipalmated Sandpiper and then re-identified as a Western! I has looked at this bird from the minute news broke it might have been a Western and at first I was firmly in the Semi-p camp from the photos I had seen. However as the week went on new photos emerged showing some key ID criteria and some interesting features that pointed toward Western Sandpiper. Some photos were uploaded showing the fringing to the mantle feathers and the lower scapulars, plus the fact the bill looks to long for Semi-p I was convinced (like many others) this bird was indeed a Western Sandpiper and not a Semipalmated. Went down to Norfolk with Tom Middleton and we headed first to Wolferton triangle, after a while I had my first ever tickable BOU Golden Pheasant, it was a male aswell! Poor views but was still a BOU tick after having seen the fairly dodgy birds at Sculthorpe Moor, these birds are less dodgy than the Sculthorpe birds (apparently). We then headed on down to Cley Marshes NWT and we headed straight for the hide where the Western Sandpiper was. It was still present and showing at really close range just outside the hide! We had distant views of the bird aswell, most of the time it was fairly close allowing us to study and enjoy the bird. Here are my comments on the bird having seen it in the flesh:

Can appear occasionally short and dumpy.
Has this habit of running like a Sanderling when feeding. Not too dissimilar to the feeding habits of the Dunlin's it was associating with.
Its feeding action is mainly probing, with a drill like motion. Fairly distinctive, and cannot recall having witnessed Semipalmated Sandpiper feeding like this with the birds I have seen.
White underbelly that extends onto the 'shoulders' making distinctive oval like markings on this area.
Bill was long and obvious, bill was a good size for birds size.
Crown was a dark rufous colour, contrasting with rest of the head.
Legs were not dissimilar to Semipalmated Sandpiper or Dunlin. However photos do show palmations between the toes eliminating runt Dunlin.
When alert the bird looks very Dunlin like indeed! Pictures are not good to go off when making a judgment on this bird. See it in the field and I believe it is fairly straightforward and points way more to Western Sandpiper than Semipalmated.

Brilliant bird and a brilliant day! Got home extremely tired, but was it worth it? Ofcourse it was! 3 lifers in one weekend in winter...wasn't expecting that. But the numbers don't really matter(?) what matters is I enjoyed the birds I saw. The thought of where the Western Sandpiper was from and its rarity really appeals, and I love waders!

(Western Sandpiper - © Dave Barnes)

(Western Sandpiper with Dunlin - © Dave Barnes)

(Western Sandpiper - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Winter Gulling Season (2011-2012) Commences

2011-11-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

So it's that time of year again when the Autumn draws to a close and the Winter reveals what has arrived in the Autumn. Seems that Mealy Redpolls are starting to arrive in various parts of the UK, however only a few Mealy’s have been reported to date in our local area. Hopefully these numbers will build up and we should get some Mealy’s back this year. Oh how I have missed them so.

I started my Winter Gull’ing last Saturday, I spent a gruelling 4 or so hours looking for a Caspian Gull on Seaton Common down at Teesside but drew a blank. I would be back for round 2.

Sure enough on Monday I went back down to Seaton Common and was down for round 2 with the Caspian Gulls. I put in a further 5 hours and still nothing, not even a Yellow-legged Gull to keep me amused. It would appear that strangely there are more Caspian Gulls than Yellow-legged Gulls down Teesside at the moment in time. Quite bizarre and certainly very different to what we are used to.

Today I went down and put in another 6 or so hours and I was not disappointed, shortly after arriving I was onto my first 1^st winter Caspian Gull. I had seen the species before, if you remember early in the year when I was twitching the Slaty-backed Gull (or dipping) I had my first ever Caspian Gull. However that bird was an adult and I had never seen the more distinctive 1^st winter Caspian Gulls. At first the bird was concealed and you could only see the head, however it soon moved slightly and walked up the bank and allowed for some good views. It took off and I managed to follow it in the scope for a short while allowing for me to see the broad tail band and the contrast between the grey mantle and brown wing coverts. The bird was followed and was seen to land and instantly picked up again. It showed really well and we were able to get a side on profile view of the bird and we were able to study it at length. I decided to take advantage of the situation and take some field notes, I will show these below and I have also added to them slightly:

Black bill.
Jet black primaries matching the same colour tones as the birds bill.
A very upright posture.
Base of the bill showed some pinkish tones.
Terials well marked, with brown dark centres with broad white fringe.
Small and beady eye, set quite far forward in head toward bill.
Fine streaking on the breast sides.
Shawl like pattern on the birds hindneck, fairly neat and tidy.
Broad black tailband, thickset and obvious in flight.
Coverts a light brownish, contrasting with the black cantered upper scapulars and white underbody.
Head, neck, and underbody very white, clean pearly white opposed to dirty looking like most Herring Gulls. White areas mainly unmarked and therefore gives the bird a distinctive appearance.
Pear shaped head, with sloping forehead. However this latter feature can vary depending upon the posture the bird is adopting.
Overall the bird gave off a gentle and kind feel, very memorable individual and would easily pick the bird out again from a large loafing flock of gulls.
4 coloured; black, white, grey, and brown. Each colour contrasting with each other fairly strongly. This makes for an all together distinctive look.

Below is my video of the first bird and a rubbish picture, the second picture is far better and is of the second 1^st winter bird we saw today.

(Caspian Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Caspian Gull - © Chris Bell)

Brilliant way to kick off the winters Gull’ing, how where’s the white wingers?

Until next time, Foghorn out!

You can help make a difference..

2011-11-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Please could you read and sign the following petition:

CLICK HERE

People who persecute raptors need to be brought to justice, they are criminals. There is no nice way of putting it.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

That doesn't look right....

2011-11-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

Thankfully the Eastern Black Redstart stuck around until today. Brilliant! Shame my car tyre decided not too, additionally my alloy wheel is knackered up. Brilliant egh? Holy Island is a long way from home and decided not to go all that way incase something happened as it would be expensive to get back if anything happened! Went up with a few mates who kindly picked me up (thanks Martin) and we headed to Holy Island. On arrival the bird was immediately on view and showed really well. What a striking bird!

Please view my YouTube videos in HD, if your unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

(Eastern Black Redstart - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Eastern Black Redstart - © Adam Williams)

With that nicely in the 'bag', we headed south to catch up with one of winters spectacls and we were succesfull. A nice flock of about 600 Pink-footed Geese, with 2 Ross's Geese, couple of White-fronted Geese, Branacle Geese, and about 20 or so Tundra Bean Geese thrown in for good measure. Good fun sifting through looking for different species among the flock and I focussed on my favourite; Tundra Bean Geese. A fair few were in with the flock and although distant brilliant views were had. Certainly the largest amount of Bean's I had ever seen in one place. They all took off thanks to a plane and we were treated to a fantastic spectacle over about 5 minutes as they flew around looking for pastures new to land and feed. Brilliant.

(Tundra Bean Geese - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Rounded off the day with my best views ever of Bewick's Swans which evidently were not at all bothered by our presence. Considering a man was walking his dog though the field and must have walked right past them, quite humorous I can assure you. Had such good views of the Greater Yellowlegs on Tuesday we didn't bother going to look at this beauty again, very naughty and a bit 'dude-ish' but there we have it.

(Bewick's Swans - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(1st Bewick's Swan - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(2nd Bewick's Swan - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Brilliant day with some ace birds.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Bean and gone.

2011-11-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

On Wedensday I went back for seconds at Low Hauxley NR in Northumberland and has amazing views of the Greater Yellowlegs, down to literally 10ft for about 5 mins. A moment I will never forget. After having a look at this cracker I went to go and look for a Tundra Bean Goose that was in the area with the 80 or so White-fronted Geese. Sadly just as I got to the hide to start scanning the side of the flock I couldn't see from the hide I'd just been in all the geese took off and flew towards Amble. A drive toward Amble didn't produce the flock so I went onto East Chevington NWT to see if the Green-winged Teal was going to play ball, it would be rude not to take a look as I was in the area. However on arrival I noticed a flock of geese in front of the hide and sure enough they were White-fronted Gesse, checked through and it became clear it was the flock from Hauxley as there sitting in among them was the Tundra Bean Goose. Brilliant! Best views I have ever had of the species on deck, fairly close and good views through the scope. Never saw the Green-winged Teal but wasn't to bothered.

(Tundra Bean Goose - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Today I was text by Gary Crowder and Stevie Evans informing me the White-fronted Geese were back in front of the hide at Rainton. Shortly after a text came through about some Tundra Bean Geese...drat. Finished Uni early today but it wasn't much help as the birds left 30 mins before I arrived after being there for about 4 hours. Typical! Did see 6 White-fronted Geese and 1 Pink-foot, the White-fronts were the first local ones I had ever seen. Though the highlight was 12 Whooper Swans which flew over the reserve and appeared as though they were going to land but headed off South West calling to each other, the sun was setting and it was a picture perfect scene. Brilliant. Still annoyed about the Tundra Bean's though. Oh well.

(White-fronted Geese - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Now I just hope that Eastern Black Redstart sticks on Holy Island until Saturday, though I doubt it!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Happy Days!

2011-11-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Please view all videos in HD if possible, if your unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

Sunday 6^th of November

I was one of about 10 British birders who still needed Steppe Grey Shrike in the UK so myself, Tom, and Kieran headed on down to Shropshire to Wall Farm NR to see this stunning bird. A particularly interesting bird and I hadn’t expected it to be so different from a Great Grey, nice pale bill and small dumpy posture. It almost looked like a fat ball of feathers when it was sitting still. It was feeding fairly regularly when we were there but would also sit for prolonged periods allowing us for good views of this little beauty. Satisfied after good views we set off to look for a local Squacco Heron, however plans were soon squandered by the appearance of a Penduline Tit in West Yorkshire so we went for that. We ofcourse dipped but I wasn’t to upset, after all I only went for Steppe Grey, anything else would have been a bonus.

(Steppe Grey Shrike - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Wednesday 9^th of November

Tuesday saw the occurrence of a Desert Wheatear, but it wasn’t some drab looking female bird it was a stunning 1^st winter male. I had a feeling one was going to turn up on the east cost so imagine my delight when it was in North Yorkshire (Cleveland). Had amazing views of this bird aswell, really well marked bird and I would argue one of the most stunning Wheatear species on the British list. After here we decided to go to South Gare, on our way I picked up a male Hen Harrier! We were able to pull over and thankfully the other lads managed to get onto it, not often we see a male Hen Harrier in the North of England. We eventually got to South Gare where I saw at least 1 Black Redstart, these are the first ones I have seen this year as they have been really rare in Durham this year with only a handful of records and only 1 on the coast.

(Desert Wheatear - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Hen Harrier - © Adam Williams)

Saturday 12^thof November

The day started off again at South Gare as a Hume’s Warbler had been found there, I missed the previous bird in Durham as I could not drive and at the time was never really into twitching or travelling long distances to see 1 bird. When I arrived I was informed it was showing on and off, however I hadn’t interpreted that as being on, off, on, off etc. It was on view nearly the whole time and calling. Very noticeable was the lack of a median covert wing bar and the very faint greater covert wingbar, it wasn’t a feature that struck me as being particularly obvious in the field. The call was pretty distinctive and not like that of Yellow-browed Warbler, it was calling that much that it was easy to compare the different (from memory) with Yellow-browed Warbler. All together the Collins bird guide really sums up this bird; looking at a Yellow-browed Warbler though misty lenses. The day was going so well….until a Greater Yellowlegs turned up and we went up to try and see it and dipped badly!

(Hume's Warbler - © Adam Williams)

Sunday 13^th of November

I have had some pretty memorable days birding in my short space of birding in the UK, however today has to come out on top as one of the best days I have ever had. The day started at dawn at Low Hauxley in Northumberland, I knew exactly which hide the Greater Yellowlegs was seen from before it went to roost so I headed for this hide. Some scanning in very poor light conditions produced very little just some local Redshank then my companion asked “Is this just a Redshank?”…I raised the bins “That’s it!”, there about 10 yards from the hide walking on the grass was the Greater Yellowlegs. What a well marked and stunning bird, a species I didn’t think I was going to see in Britain for a long time yet. A short while passed and the Greater Yellowlegs flew to the other side of the pond allowing for views of that tail showing the lack of a white cigar up the back and the white rump. Not long after this the Grey Phalarope flew in and the Greater Yellowlegs was showing from the other hide, I headed around to the hide and got on the Grey Phalarope pretty quickly. Very embarrassingly for me it was a lifer, a bird I never even came close to seeing in the past. I enjoyed brilliant views but the best was yet to come as I had the Greater Yellowlegs and Grey Phalarope in the same scope view about 10 yards away from me in good light. Absolutely brilliant! A moment that will no doubt be one of the highlights of my British twitching for years to come.

(Greater Yellowlegs - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Greater Yellowlegs & Grey Phalarope - © Andrew Kinghorn)

My companion had not seen Lesser Scaup before and it was en-route to where we were going next so we called in at Marden Quarry to see it. I had far better views than I did last time I saw it as it spent most of its time asleep when I saw it the first time. From here we headed to Boldon Flatts in Durham, was good to be back on home soil, the Tundra Bean Geese and Bewick’s Swans had departed but we were treat to some excellent views of White-fronted Geese. Definitely the best views I have had of the species in the

(Lesser Scaup - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(White-fronted Geese - © Andrew Kinghorn)

After the geese I headed down to West Pastures area where after about an hours wait I was treated to only my second ever Durham Hen Harrier, as usual the bird appeared out of nowhere and quartered some rough grassland before being lost to view and I didn’t pick it back up. Just as it was going out of view I got a call from a mate to say some Bean Geese had been found at Hurworth Burn Reservoir, I needed Bean Goose for my count life list after having missed the Whitburn birds as I wasn’t able to get there. However thankfully this time I was on site within 30 mins and Chris had done the hard work for me and located the bird. We watched them for a while and it was the first time I was really able to study Tundra Bean Geese in detail, as we were watching it my companion spotted some more geese flying in and Chris soon ID’d them as more Bean Geese. As they got closer we had brilliant views of the birds as they came in to land with the other Bean Geese, the final count came to 13 Bean Geese, brilliant! My companion had never seen a Semipalmated Sandpiper in the UK and I had never seen a juvenile, so our final stop of the day was Greatham Creek where we enjoyed brilliant views of the Semipalmated Sandpiper. What a day! Absolutely brilliant.

(Tundra Bean Geese - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Ear of Wheat

2011-11-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

I had planned for a fairly nice and relaxing Saturday, chilling out a bit......then an Isabelline Wheatear turned up at Spurn in Yorkshire. Managed to gather together a team of 3 and we headed down. We arrived around about 12.30ish after a drive on roads that can only be described as some of the worlds most frustrating! It took around about 3 hours each way, which to be honest wasn't really to bad. It was well worth it for such a brilliant bird. Funny moment when some other Durham lads had headed down for the bird and a stretch of sand dune became like a scene from Durham with 6 of us all standing.

Very interesting bird, nice pearly underwing seen well in flight. Black lores very thick and obvious, upper breast slightly brighter than rest of body with lower breast being more uniform with rest of plumage. Cracking bird.

Please view the below video in HD, if unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

(Isabelline Wheatear - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Isabelline Wheatear - © Derek Charlton)

(Dart Ear - © Derek Charlton)

(Durham birders (from left): Douge, Tony, Mike, Fog, and Finney)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Hurple Peron!

2011-10-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday should have been spent revising for an exam I had on Friday but I adopted the "I can revise when its dark" approach! Went to Castle Lake to catch up with the Rough-legged Buzzard that had been hanging around that area, an awesome bird and I really do like this species. Only the second I have ever seen in Durham.

Then headed down to Teesside to look for migrants but was rudely interrupted when news broke of a Purple Heron at Saltholme RSPB. Went along to Saltholme and had cracking flight views of it, second one I have seen in the UK this year and a county tick for me. Awesome! I think these are stunning birds. The pictures testify it:

(Purple Heron - © Adam Williams)

(Purple Heron twitch from left: Finney, Fog, Williams, Pablo Hugelist - pic © Derek Charlton)

Today I had planned to go for the Olive-backed Pipit but it had other ideas and appeared to have departed the night before....the little tinker! So instead spent a few hours in the hide at Scaling Dam, the Bread-rested Goose....I mean Red-breasted Goose is still there.....hasn't disgraced itself yet. Still feeding with intent and doesn't like mingling with locals that much. After here went to Sleddale area where I saw one of the Rough-legged Buzzards and also had a bonus of the Hen Harrier. At one point had both birds in the same scope view, awesome!

On way home news came through of a Hen Harrier at Castle Lake, I had never seen the species before in Durham so was keen. It was pretty much en-route so it would have been rather rude not to call in to see if the bird was still in the area. Only took my bin's with me to go and look from a suitable point. Saw the Pectoral Sandpiper but it was distant, was scanning some distant suitable land for Hen Harrier and after about 15 mins bingo! I picked the bird up hunting over the motor-cross fields. It went and flew over the trees and disappeared, thankfully it returned shortly afterwards. It soared over the field I first picked it up in before gaining height a bit and heading off to my left and out of view. Brilliant! My first Durham Hen Harrier.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Good job I didn't Jack' in hope

2011-10-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Went out today for a few hours to escape the boredom of the revision tonight. Managed to finally catch up with a Jack Snipe. Missed my chances to get some cracking views, so frustrating. They are an interesting little bird, when you flush them they generally fly a short distance and land again; making no noise at all during the process. I don't know why they are such super birds....they just are!

Also 2 Kestrel on way home.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Pallid Harrier - 1st for Durham

2011-10-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

So there I was on Thursday finishing off some University work I needed to do for that day when I got a text from Gary Crowder......I knew a Hen Harrier had just been reported at Dorman's Pool but I was a little taken back to hear there was actually a Pallid Harrier at Dorman's Pool! Don't panic! I love raptors and with the influx of Pallid Harriers I was hoping one would turn up somewhere near so I could go and see it, I didn't expect one to turn up in Durham. This record consists the 1st record for Durham.

I picked up "The Finch" at around about 4.15 and we were down Teesside for about 4.35ish. Chris Bell rang to say it had flown off.......then he rang back seconds later...its over the tip! I pulled up at the entrance to Cowpen Bewley Tip and after a few worrying seconds I picked the bird up and got The Finch onto it. Boot open....scopes out....couldn't find it again. Aghhhh! It was being mobbed by a Crow and appeared to fly off toward Greatham Creek. So we went along to Greatham Creek car park...no sign. Chris Bell rang again to say it was back at Dorman's Pool. About a minute later we were at Dorman's and were told it had gone down into the reeds, we stayed until pretty much last light and it didn't surface. First light tomorrow then!

I was up nice and early at 5.40ish on Friday morning. I picked up Derek at around about 6.30 and we were on our way to Dorman's Pool for first light. We arrived around about 06.50ish and it was still pitch black. Just me, Derek and another car next to us, then around 7.00 a small convoy of cars started to arrive and then a steady flow of cars. While waiting for suitable light to walk along to the vantage point I saw a Barn Owl flying over the reedbed. Only the second Durham Barn Owl I have seen this year! They have been hit bad up here. We got onto a good vantage point and about 30 minutes passed and there was still no sign of the bird. It was getting tense, had the bird gone during the night was the only view I was going to get the one I had the previous day. I then lifted my bins at something that had just appeared; "Its up!" is what I seem to recall I shouted out. Thankfully everyone got onto it quickly and we enjoyed superb views as the bird fly past us at close quarters then back over the water and landed on a fence post, shortly after this is dropped down into the reedbed. Smiles all round! Another short while passed and the bird came out of the reedbed and again performed well it then flew towards us again and landed on the ground right in front of us! Wow, full on unobstructed view! It sat for about 4 mins or so before taking flight and heading toward to road so that the assembled crowd on the entrance track toward Dorman's Pool could enjoy this superb bird. The bird came back toward us and then landed again in the reedbed. Brilliant! Satisfied with the views I obtained I decided it was time to leave. I wasn't going to get better views than what I had received, I feel truly privileged to have enjoyed such a rare bird in my own home county. Whilst on site an adult Whooper Swan flew over and another bird was present on Dorman's Pool itself. I love this species and a reminded winter is just around the corner.

(Pallid Harrier - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Please view the following video in HD, if unsure how to do this then please CLICK HERE.

(Pallid Harrier - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Pallid Harrier - © Ian Forrest)

A great find Ian and many thanks for allowing me to continue using your images on my blog, that goes for everyone who allows me to use their photos. Thank you very much, it is greatly appreciated.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Very mixed weekend

2011-10-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry for lack of updates folks, been busy at University and had other things on. From Thursday onwards the birding has been both frustrating and also brilliant, have seen some truly fantastic birds in Durham and dipped some equally as fantastic birds away from home. Lets start with Thursday;

Thursday
So here I was in a University waiting to go into a lecture when Mark Newsome texts me (cheers again Mark) that a Red-flanked Bluetail had been caught at Whitburn Costal Park....a mere 10 minute drive from my University. Drat!!!! Any other time I would be fine, infact I had a free 30 minutes just before I went into the lecture and on a Tuesday and Friday I have a couple of hours spare. Very frustrating, I have a feeling the bird had a copy of my timetable. I went after University and dipped the bird, it hadn't been seen for 30 minutes before I arrived and there was no sign at all of the bird by 5.00.

Friday
Nearly at University and a text comes through again from Mark Newsome and Adrian George (thanks guys) to inform me that the Red-flanked Bluetail had been caught again!!!! Good news it was still there and I managed to get to Whitburn Costal Park but it had been released (understandably) and I went back to University to avoid being late! I headed back an hour later and the haul produced no Red-flanked Bluetail but a new Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed, awesome! Was my second this year:

(Yellow-browed Warbler - © Andrew Kinghorn)

I headed back to University for another hour before heading back again, I returned to find out the bird had been caught and swiftly released again. Another missed chance, but the birds welfare is more important and once any bird is ringed and details are taken there is no point hanging onto the bird so its just released which is only to right, the fact I kept missing the bird is well; hard lines. Though when I had arrived they had just caught a Woodcock, awesome!

(Woodcock - © Andrew Kinghorn)

However this time when I arrived the bird was in a smaller less dense section of the Costal Park, we stood at a location where we were told the bird had flown into for about an hour and half and not a sign of anything bar a Blue Tit. I decided it definitely wasn't where people said they saw it fly to so I checked the area where it was originally seen. Low and behold it flew into the small stand of trees for a few seconds showing its red flanks and bluetail before diving straight back into thick cover. Super! Now just to get a good view!!!! 20 mins or so passed and Cumbrian birder Craig Shaw had arrived. We got fleeing glimpses in poor light in dense cover of the bird and I needed to go back to University as my time was up, I wandered off from the now growing crowd and looking into a sycamore and saw a small bird moving about. A few seconds later there was the bird; first it showed its white eyering before moving a little and showing its bluetail. I called the others over and it went missing again. I had a good 5 or so second view at close quarters through my bins and I really needed to get back. Red-flanked Bluetail get on the Durham life list!

(Red-flanked Bluetail - © Chris Bell)

I had another 3 hour stint at University and returned for the last few hours of light just to see what was happening. Needless to say I was informed on arrival the Red-flanked Bluetail had been showing so I headed down for another look, these are awesome birds! It was nearly dark and then local birder Steve Howat picked the bird up and it we soon got on it and were enjoying prolonged views of this stunning bird, better than what I had before if not a little bit more distant.

Lets not neglect the vis mig that was going on! I had 3 Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, 2 Short-eared Owls, Brambling, Blackbirds, and other species come in off the sea. 1 of the SEO's came in off the sea and started hunting the rough grassland only a few hundred meters away from us. Keen or what!

I left the Costal Park at about 6.15 for the Durham Bird Club Committee meeting, however I had learnt while standing looking for the Red-flanked Bluetail that a Rufous-tailed Robin had been found in Norfolk! AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH PANIC! By the end of the day I failed to find a car share until a mate Tom Middleton said we should go. Brilliant! It was 10 at night and I rang around and found someone else from Durham (Simeon Grundy) and we set off for Sheffield at 12.30 ish. We arrived about 2.30 -3.00 and then jumped cars into Tom's and headed to Norfolk for first light.

Saturday
We arrived in Norfolk for about 6.30 ish and it was still pitch black and with the sky so clear we all knew deep down the bird had gone...it had. We didn't see much else and departed Norfolk, but we are glad we gave it a go. After all sitting in the house and not bothering would mean I certainly wouldn't have seen the bird! To be honest we were all knackered and with nothing much having turned up in Norfolk at about 12.15 we headed back. Myself and Simeon did end the day on a high though, we got back to Saltholme RSPB just in time to see the Glossy Ibis and 4 Snow Geese. Both were county ticks for me, I would have preferred some not Category C Snow Geese but there's time for me yet...I hope. The Glossy Ibis is the first in Durham since 1992, that last bird was a 1 day wonder and when it was present I was only 1 year old!

(Glossy Ibis - © Ian Forrest)

Please view video in HD, if your unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

(Glossy Ibis - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Snow Geese - © Ian Forrest)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

New blog!

2011-10-11T14:01:00.001-07:00

A brand new blog has just been set up by a mate of mine; the young and enthusiastic birder Kieran Lawrence.

Blog found here: http://sunderlandbirder.blogspot.com/

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Not such a Great Scaup

2011-10-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

This morning and early afternoon was spent going part of my University assignment, a call from The Finch interrupted me from work and informed me that the Lesser Scaup had been seen again and had relocated. I checked BirdGuides and sure enough there was the news, so I picked The Finch up about 30 mins later and we were north bound. We arrived around about 04.15 and paid for a parking ticket, oh how I loathe to pay for parking! However 5 minutes later we were watching the Lesser Scaup, it was one of those species I thought would eventually come to me and sure enough it did......score! Hard to believe the first for the UK was just back in 1987 when a mate (Beadnell Stringer) had it on his then patch; Chasewater in Staffordshire. Since that record there have been many more and the bird has gone from being an absolute MEGA to a rare but fairly annual vagrant.

The bird didn't really put on much of a show and spent most of its time asleep, but it did wake up on about 6 occasions briefly showing that nice white blaze on the face. Lately birds seem to just fall asleep when I arrive and don't do much! lol

Oh and some music to go with the pictures and videos... well it's no Blackburnian Warbler!

Please view video in HD, if unsure how to do this; CLICK HERE.

It was showing well even though it was asleep!

(Lesser Scaup & The Fog - © Derek Charlton)

(Lesser Scaup - © Derek Charlton)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Dowbill Longwitcher

2011-10-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

So there I was on Friday having a rest from learning how to build a Oracle database using SQL language (it is as exciting as it sounds!) when I heard news that a Long-billed Dowitcher turned up in Caerlaverock WWT it took me the whole of about 30 seconds to decide I was going to make the trip to Dumfries and Galloway to see this stunning wader.

When I arrived I paid a small fortune to get into the reserve and made my way to the tower hide, the lack of birders on site wasn't promising and I thought a dip was sure to follow. I picked up a Snipe which got me excited for the whole 0.23 seconds.A short while later I picked the Long-billed Dowitcher in with some Eurasian Teal (and relax). Spent a few hours in the Folly Pond hide and had some cracking views of the bird even though it did spend about 1 and half hours asleep! I did at one point see the bird flex its bill when it had a yawn; brilliant! An ace bird and a good day, saw my first large flocks of Barnacle Geese of the winter and singles of Whooper Swan reminding me that winter is literally just around the corner.

(Long-billed Dowitcher - © Andrew Kinghorn)

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(Long-billed Dowitcher - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Bread-rested Goose- how plastic could it really be?

2011-10-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

In this post I am going to try and be as unbiased as possible toward the Red-breasted Goose that is currently as Scaling Dam in North Yorkshire. When the bird first turned up I must confess I discarded the bird immediately as a fence hopper, however typically I say and thought about it for a short while and thought I better pay a visit and see the bird for myself.

Picked up a mate and we headed down and were on site at about 11.00. When we entered the hide a birder was watching it and told us the general area where the bird was. We picked up the bird fairly quickly but it wasn't good news, as I was aware it was in with the local Greylag and Canada Geese. Not a good sign! I settled down to study the bird and with it being a reasonable distance I cracked up to full zoom to study the more intricate details. I made the following field notes:

Some wear seemed to be shown to the greater coverts and to some extend the median coverts aswell. Primaries also seem worn on this bird. The tail was pretty worn on this bird, which I find fairly odd? (comments welcome on this)
A very active feeder, not showing that much interest in roosting like other geese.
Not a social bird, although it is tagging along with the Greylags and Canadas it clearly knows its not meant to be with them. They return the favour by chasing the bird!

So the notes I made might not seem very extensive but they consist of information I think might be relevant for the bird. Ofcourse this bird has some pro's and some con's.

Pro's

Its a juvenile, and unringed!
The feathers seem worn, to put it a crude way it feels like its come a long way!
Brent Geese are on the move and are starting to return to the UK.
Its actively feeding, not something I would expect captive birds to do. They will be used to being fed whenever they like and getting looked after. This bird seems very independent.
Red-breasted Geese have been accepted in late September/Early October in the past.

Con's

Its at Scaling Dam! Whenever a bird lands there it is given the kiss of death from the rarities committee. Or so it would seem.
Some Red-breasted Geese do breed in very low numbers in Southern England.
It isn't with Brent Geese.
It turned up on its own (or so it would seem).
It is now tagging along with the local Greylags and Canadas.

So the Con's list seems pretty large but below in order I am going to try and address some of the cons from my point of view and from evidence I know:

Genuine wild geese do indeed turn up at Scaling Dam. Earlier in the year a Tundra Bean Goose turned up and got in with the Greylags, it was there for about a week before departing. It became semi-tame (from what I understand). Also wild neck ringed Greylag Geese have been seen at Scaling Dam before. So although it seems to be escapee pond of Northern England genuine birds do turn up, just because something has one negative doesn't rule out any positives.
Although some Red-breasted Geese breed down south in England why exactly would a juvenile disperse from its parents and fly north? It makes no sense. Even captive birds retain that sense of instinct and the instinct would be unlikely to fly north to look for wintering sites. A possibility is that the bird could be an escape from the continent?
It isn't with Brent Geese but who's to say it wasn't? There is no evidence for or against this argument so I'll leave it there. But it is worth noting that a single Goose of a species is a fairly regular occurrence in the Teesmouth area for whatever reason! For example a single Brent Goose on Greatham Creek.
It would appear that it might have turned up on its own, however as I pointed out above the bird might have arrived with Brent Geese, left the flock and went its own way. Or it might have arrived on its own, horribly lost.
Because it is know that the bird joined Canadas and Greylags and didn't come in with them this would point toward this not being a problem. Naturally if you are lost and you start wandering you are going to group up with birds that are from your "type" (geese). They are not a good carrier species but it didn't come in with them so not really an issue (in my eyes).

I might edit this sometime soon so keep tuned and as I might change the post, if I do I will put at the top of the post I have made edits and the date I made the edits.

But for now here is the glorious creature:

(Red-breasted Goose - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Please view video in HD, if unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

With me the verdict is still out on this bird.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Cabot's Tern

2011-10-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

With the news a short while ago that American Sandwitch Tern (Cabot's) has now been separated from 'our' Sandwitch Tern I thought I best brush up on my ID of how to separate the two. This article is brilliant and a must read if your interested in learning how to separate them: http://www.nabirding.com/2011/09/25/sandwich-or-cabots/

EDIT: Thanks to David and Tristan for informing me that I have made a mistake. There has already been an accepted record of Cabot's Tern. A bird found dead.

So here's hoping the first twitchable alive bird with a pulse will turn up since the split. Its the sort of species I really like; hard to ID.

(Cabot's Tern - © Mark Newsome)

Looking at the photos above perhaps the pattern on the head might be the initial give away of the next possible Cabot's Tern in the UK. Having read that article I am ready for any Sandwich Terns....that I can get a good view of!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Memories Part 3 - 26/09/2009 - Teesmouth Triumph

2011-10-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

I can remember this part of my birding life as lifers seemed to be still fairly easy as I was just spreading my wings further afield than my local area, new and exciting birds were becoming obtainable. On this particular day I had 4 lifers all on the North Tees Marshes in County Durham.

The day started off with a crowd of birders parking by the side of the A178 and viewing Back Saltholme and after a short while our target appeared; Buff-breasted Sandpiper. The bird was distant but with Ruff so the size comparison was fairly easy to see even at range. A nice surprise was an Osprey that flew over the reserve heading south while we were looking for the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, at the time it was only the second Osprey I had ever seen. Brilliant start!

(Buff-breasted Sandpiper - © Jamie Duffie)

Next stop was Dorman's Pool to look for the Red-backed Shrike that had been present for a couple of days. The bird was picked up fairly easy and it was brilliant to see my first ever Red-backed Shrike, it was a juvenile bird and my first ever species of Shrike.

(Red-backed Shrike - © Ian Forrest)

From here we headed into Saltholme RSPB itself, we walked to the Allotment Pool and after a wait of about an hour or so our third target appeared; Blue-winged Teal. The bird was mainly asleep and didn't do much but the white crescent on its face was easy to pick out and I was very pleased to see this rare duck from the United States.

(Spot the Blue-winged Teal - © Andrew Kinghorn)

The same bird has returned again every year since! See Ian Forrest's picture of the same bird taken this year:

(Blue-winged Teal - © Ian Forrest)

We then decided to do some general birding and went to Hartlepool Headland and it was the time of year just as the Purple Sandpipers were retuning to Durham's shores. As this was the first year I had transport the Purple Sandpipers I saw were my first ever!

What a day with 4 lifers and all in my home county of Durham. Memories!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Living up to its name....

2011-10-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

News broke this morning of a Solitary Sandpiper in Lancashire, knowing how hard these birds are to get away from the South coast I decided I was going today. I knew it was on a pool in a field and I wasn't sure if it would be there tomorrow so I decided to go. Picked up The Finch, and Kieran and we were Lancashire bound. We arrived at about 2.30 and paid a handsome £4 each to get in. A short walk to the field and we were soon watching the Solitary Sandpiper, it was distant but views were satisfactory and I was able to note the long primary projection and the dark rump with white barred outertail sides. I was surprised at how distinctive the bird actually was with the long primaries and the overall colouration being more like Common Sandpiper then Solitary Sandpiper. The bird went about is business feeding and walking about, having a bit of a stretch briefly as well. A brilliant bird and the first ever in Northern England (?) apparently! It was living up to its name well as it was literally the only bird on the pool!

(It was raining - pic © Derek Charlton)

(Solitary Sandpiper - © Craig Shaw)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Good views.....

2011-10-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

I started the day off in Marsden Quarry looking for Yellow-browed Warbler that had been found, I stood and searched for about an hour but no sign at all. However I heard a Nuthatch, which is incredibly rare for the South Tyneside area. Also a Brambling was a nice bird to see and my first of the Autumn, in addition to this a mixed flock of birds held Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, and Goldcrest. While standing 4 Redwing flew over, a sure sign that Autumn migration was now in full swing. A search inside the quarry was pretty fruitless but was good listing to the twitching story's of Ian Mills, he's been on some amazing twitches and seen some amazing birds over the years. After leaving Marsden I sat in the car and had my lunch.

After lunch I headed to Whitburn Costal Park to see how the ringers were getting on, they had quite a haul and I knew they had caught and rung a Yellow-browed Warbler fairly early doors. On arrival they were ringing a Song Thrush and I was told how to tell the difference between a British and continental Song Thrush. A Goldcrest was also processed before being released. I hung around a while in the hope that the ringers would re-trap the Yellow-browed Warbler. About 30 minutes or so passed and one of the ringers looked at one of the nets visible from the ringing hut. It had a bird in it, I lifted my bins to look at it. It was a warbler....he made his way over fairly quickly and took the bird out and came back. He lifted his hand with the bird in it and said something along the lines of "You thought I was joking, I told you I was going to go and get the Yellow brow from the net":

(Yellow-browed Warbler - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Another short time passed and just before the nets were being put down another 2 birds were caught; Willow Tit and Redwing. Willow Tit (like Nuthatch) is another mega rare bird in the South Tyneside area, only about the 3rd ever seen in South Tyneside. The Redwing was stunning and when you get up close you can really appreciate how fortunate we are to have this thrush wintering in the UK.

(Willow Tit - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Blue-winged Teal (pics) - Saltholme RSPB

2011-09-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen the Blue-winged Teal since my encounter nearly a month(?) ago. Ian Forrest managed the following cracking shots of the bird, it is looking a bit better than what it was when I saw it a month or so ago. For starters in the second image it can be seen (sort of) that the bird has got its primaries back. Also that all important blue-wing can be seen.

(Blue-winged Teal - © Ian Forrest)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Memories Part 2 - 05/11/2010 - Little America

2011-09-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

I can remember receiving a text from Stringer asking if I was interested in going to Cornwall to see the American Bittern that was present and also a nearby Green Heron. I loved Bitterns anyway and the thought of seeing an American Bittern and Green Heron was brilliant so pretty much straight away I said I wanted to go.

The night before the twitch had myself and Stringer worried a little, the bird had reported as having moved around a bit making us wonder if perhaps it was still there. However a quick check of either BirdGuides or Turd Boredom (can't remember which) revealed the bird was still present at dusk. Right, lets av' it! Stringer picked me up and the 3 of us; Kevin, Stringer, and myself made it down to Cornwall. I admired Stringer and Kevin for being able to do the mammoth journey from Northumberland to Durham and then to Cornwall....then all the way back!

We arrived at Walmsley Sanctuary in Cornwall for dawn and had to queue to get into the tower hide, however we were informed the bird had been seen and was still present. So although we hadn't seen it yet we could relax...a little bit. After a wait we eventually got into the hide and saw the American Bittern. Superb! We enjoyed some cracking views before leaving, on the way back to the car Stringer suggested we check the smaller hide that no one had bothered with as it looked like the bird might be able to be seen from that hide. On entering someone was already in and had said he hadn't seen it from that hide. About 5 minutes past and the same guy picked it up. It took a short while but eventually all of the 5 people in the hide got onto the bird. It was remaining fairly hidden but then it walked out in the open for a short time and we enjoyed some truly brilliant views of this stunner of a bird! It was close, showing well, and the hide was nice and quiet with a relaxed atmosphere. Brilliant!

(American Bittern - © "Stringer")

After this we headed to the Lost Gardens of Heligan where the Green Heron was present, this bird was in a very bizarre location. A small jungle like pool in the middle of a botanical garden! This bird also showed really well and allowed us some truly excellent views. What a day; great birds, great company, great twitch!

(Green Heron - © "Stringer")

Until next time, Foghorn out!

A twitch to remember

2011-09-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

It was Friday evening and BirdGuides was still showing that the Sandhill Crane was still present up in Aberdeenshire at Loch of Strathbeg RSPB. I was unsuccessful in my search for a lift to see the bird on Friday but it mattered not as it was looking like the bird was going to be there on Saturday anyway. The message was put out from BirdGuides the bird had flown and and roosted on Friday evening at Strathbeg so it was looking good. Alan rang me and informed me that he thought it would be best to drive up during Friday evening and be there for first light on Saturday morning, I agreed this would be a good idea. I was picked up at 10.30 and myself, Alan, and a Yorkshire Tom were on our way to Aberdeenshire. We arrived at around 4.30 in the morning and we all settled down for some shut-eye. We woke about 6 and drove the 30mins or so to Loch of Strathbeg RSPB, the long winding drive down saw birders walking swiftly along the bank to the hide where the Sandhill Crane could be seen from. We got our of the car and wrapped up in our winter gear (it was cold!) and made our way along. The very friendly girls at the visitor centre informed us it could be seen from the window. We entered and looked through a kind gentleman's scope and.......RELAX. There it was my first view of the Sandhill Crane.

We then made our way along to the hide where the bird could be seen far better than from the visitor centre. The hide was packed but about 30 of us were tall enough to be able to stand on a small hill next to the hide and scope the bird. What a stunner!!!!!! It seemed pretty settled and was going about its business, the local Mute Swans clearly unhappy by its presence, but then when have you ever seen a Mute Swan not threaten an outsider species of around the same size? The local Grey Herons also fancied their chances but the Sandhill Crane soon put an end to that! The bird hung around for about 45 minutes but wasn't really on view for the last 15. It then took off when thousands of Pink-footed Geese lifted to start to move off to daytime feeding areas. We watched the impressively sized bird fly off into the distant toward St Combs, we presumed to its favoured field.

We went off to try and relocate the bird, rather than to go and sit in the Cafe and have breakfast like some Midlands birders standing next to us suggested. It's ok, we'll go and find the bird you sit down and chill out. It took about 45 minutes but we turned down a track to search the area when a car approached to say that the Sandhill Crane was sitting in the field. The bird showed well, but only its head and body as it was working it way down into a dip in the field. I found this interesting as I was reminded that Common Cranes do exactly the same thing when its windy, they sit in dips in fields etc to keep out the wind. After a short while it then flew and headed N/NW and appeared to land again in some distant fields. Cracking views of the bird were had this time both in flight and on the deck. We decided we best go off and try to refind the bird....again. It was good fun I must confess.

We stood at a good vantage point and waited.....a woman pulled up in her 4x4 and informed us she had seen it fly over the golf course out to sea, only for it to return back inland and she lost where it landed. Although we scanned the fields thoroughly we couldn't see the bird. Alan said we will give it until about 11 before we headed off for the long drive south. A nearby small crowd headed back to their cars and so did we, I looked over a distant farm when I was heading back and called something along the lines of; "There it is! Sandhill Crane." The crowd stooped walking, turned around and looked to where I had located the bird in flight. It was coming in to land a mere 2 fields away. As it descended I could see the RSPB staff member at the top of the field and the Sandhill Crane landed in the field right infront of where she was standing! We made our way up the field with the others, I will say that the farmer had took in the crop from the field and no damage was caused. It turns out the field where it landed was one of its favoured ones and it spent a prolonged period of time in the same field the previous day. When we got to the top of the hill there it was sitting at the other side of the field. WOW! What a view, the bird wasn't particularly bothered by our presence and spent about 20 minutes walking about feeding in the field.

Click on any images below to enlarge, they have changed Blogger so now it is easier than ever to view photos in a large format!

(Sandhill Crane - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Please view this video below in HD; if unsure how to do this. CLICK HERE.

(Sandhill Crane - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Could it get any better? It eventually decided to take off and it flew off left of where it was standing and then turned around and headed straight for us! Myself, Tom, and Jospeh (a mate from Aberdeen) were among the 10 or so fortunate people it flew over. As it approached I put my bins down as I didn't need them to enjoy views of this fabulous bird as it was so close! As it flew over it started calling. Another wow! Actually hearing the Sandhill Crane calling in the UK as it had just flown over our heads. That is a moment I won't be forgetting anytime soon! I lifted my bins up as soon as it had gone over and enjoyed close range views and watched it as it got more and more distant, it flew off way into the distance and I remarked it was probably heading toward Loch of Strathbeg RSPB. Turns out it was as it was seen there after we left for long journey south.

Brilliant bird and definitely one of the best birds I have ever seen in the UK.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Memories Part 1 - 10/11/2010 - Wacko Squacco and Grebe

2011-09-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

The previous day of the date above in the title I was sat in University and checked Rare Bird Alert website, I was a bit surprised to see a Pied-billed Grebe had been seen down near Manchester. A superb looking bird and the last grebe I needed to complete my list of grebes on the UK list. It was a juvenile and not as stunning as an adult but the next day saw me heading down. We arrived and a large crowd was massing, it didn't take long to get to the small enclosed area where the bird was feeding. It was a pleasure to watch this bird go about its business and I was treat to some stunning views. The bill was very striking and separates the species instantly from Little Grebe. As I was standing enjoying the bird I had received a text, a mate had just been to Northumberland and had enjoyed some excellent views of a Squacco Heron. I new it had been seen briefly in recent days but to know it was now on show and easy to see I was very keen to see the bird. I rounded up the other two lads and said something along the lines of this: "Right then lets go, a Squacco Heron is on show in Morpeth." One of them laughed, "No, i'm serious."

(Pied-billed Grebe - Derek Charlton)

Another 3 or so hours later and we were standing in Morpeth watching a stunning Squacco Heron, it was performing superbly well and to this day it is the only one I have seen. I went back for seconds days later and again got some brilliant views of these stunning herons.

(Squacco Heron - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Look around the Meadaz'

2011-09-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Spent today down Rainton Meadows, nothing much happening really but nice walk with Migrant Hawker, Common Darter, and Speckled Wood noted. On the bird side Dunlin was the highlight, other than that very quiet.

(Dunlin - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Common Darter - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Speckled Wood - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Kestrel - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Souther Hawkar'

2011-09-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

Got this picture of a Southern Hawker last week when I went on an unsuccessful search for a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, first time I've seen the species in Durham. Brown Hawkers appear to be a fairly recent coloniser at Rainton Meadows aswell, always good to see anything spreading in this day and age.

(Southern Hawker - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Also new post on my butterfly blog, this blog can be accessed by clicking the relevant hyperlink to the right hand side >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Fog on Tour

2011-09-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Sorry it has been a while since an update but couple of things have been going on in life recently so haven't written up my blog posts.

I will start off by showing some images of a local juvenile Black Guillemot, some of you may remember a week or so ago I wrote a blog post mentioning it as I saw the bird at Hartlepool. It has stuck around and has been going about its business and sometimes it seems to be coming within a fairly decent range to allow some photographs to me taken:

(Black Guillemot - © Ian Forrest)

Yesterday I was planning to go to Whitburn Obs on the morning as the winds looked favourable and I thought there might be a chance of Great Shearwater, however my plans were thrown out the window when an American Black Tern turned up and was ID'd in Lincolnshire. I had not a clue how to separate the form from the British form (niger) so a brush up was needed on the Saturday evening. It was a hard 3hour drive on my own but I eventually arrived on site about 12:15. I had received a message to say the bird had flown off West......thankfully it was still sitting in the ploughed field with the local Black-headed Gulls. The bird showed very well and I enjoyed watching it for about 20-30 mins before leaving for the long drive home. It was a very educating and interesting bird, it was expensive to get there and back however this sort of bird interests me a lot. The chances are the bird will not be split and I won't get my BOU 'tick', but I have put it down on my own personal list. The birds (surinamensis) in juvenile plumage is certainly identifiable from "our Black Terns" (niger).

Features I noted in the field to separate from niger:

Tones on crown and nape are greyish in tone on surinamensis and this contrasts with the black ear coverts. On niger the marking on the crown and nape are uniform with the ear coverts, often very little difference is shown.
The upperwing was fairly uniform grey, quite a dark grey opposed to the paler grey on niger, which tends to show a fairly contrasting light rump.
The underwing is very different, in niger the underwing is white whereas it is grey in surinamensis. Additionally the axillaries and flanks have a greyish wash to them in surinamensis, however in niger the axillaries and flanks are white not washed grey.

There are other features but I didn't necessarily notice these much in the field, a very educational and interesting bird. A one to look out for with the next Black Terns in Durham and further afield.

Some of the features I noted above can be seen in this photo kindly supplied to me by Dean Eades, Dean's website can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.

(American Black Tern - © Dean Eades)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Foghorn's Birding Adventures.....is no more...

2011-09-15T13:50:00.001-07:00

instead say hello to "The Fog Blog", basically I have just changed the name of my blog and added a new banner. The banner will ofcourse change through the course of the year.

My current banner will hopefully bring happy memories for most of my readers who managed to see this truly stunning and rare warbler.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Wader Fest & Rare county visitor

2011-09-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went down to Teesside pretty much as soon as news broke of a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, I had seen the species before at exactly the same place on exactly the same pool last year. The odds are that this is the same bird. What was different from last year is that the bird was not as advanced in its moult and therefore was still a very stunning looking bird. It was pretty much still in full summer plumage, brilliant! Wader galore with at least 10 Curlew Sandpiper present and a cracking Little Stint. Here is the total list of the 13 species of wader seen:
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Curlew Sandpiper
Little Stint
Snipe
Dunlin
Ruff
Redshank
Knot
Curlew
Ringed Plover
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Greenshank

Here are my poor attempts to do this bird justice:

(Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Please view the video in HD, if unsure how to do this; CLICK HERE.

(Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - © Andrew Kinghorn)

However Martyn Sidwell managed the following superb shots of the bird:

(Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - © Martyn Sidwell)

Today I had an hour or so out and decided to try for the Black Guillemot at Parton Rocks at Hartlepool Headland. Bird was very distant but still a rare bird in Durham by all means, only 1 or 2 records a year in Durham. Hard to twitch and you nearly always need to be on seawatch and just hope one flys past to see one.

Black Guillemot and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper take my Durham Year List (BOU) to 224.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Here come the yanks!

2011-09-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Or at least we hope so, check out wind charts for Sunday and Monday!!!

See here: http://magicseaweed.com/msw-surf-charts2.php?chart=2&res=750&type=wind&starttime=

I will risk it and say Willet somewhere in the UK, I think its going to be the next first for the UK anyway. I wouldn't mind a Long-billed Dowitcher at Teesside or something.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Note to self...

2011-09-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

would love to one day see a Fea's Petrel fly past Whitburn, must do more seawatching.

I really enjoy seawatching when birds are passing, however not living near the coast I find it hard to drag myself out of bed and do the 20 minute drive to the coast. Having said that once I am there I love seawatching, so here is a question to readers. What is your favourite sea bird and why?

Comments below welcome.

Fea's Petrel drawing by Andrew Kinghorn, if you would like something making for your blog then please get in touch and it could be discussed. Small fee would apply.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

American Golden Plover images - NEW

2011-09-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

Adam Williams kindly allowed me to use his images taken of the American Golden Plover yesterday for this blog post. What a cracking bird and I was amazed at how much it actually stood out from the crowd whilst I was there, I must confess I am fancying going back for seconds.

(American Golden Plover - © Adam Williams)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Day on the edge

2011-09-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

...of the dales that is! I went up to Derwent Reservoir to see if I could see Osprey and Pectoral Sandpiper, first stop was to look for the Pec Sand on the Northumberland side of the reservoir. Thanks to a helpful gentleman he pointed me in the right direction, it took a while but eventually the bird flew up breaking its cover and flew a short way toward the reservoir. Brilliant views were had in the scope but it was just that little bit to distant for me lens. Nothing might else of note apart from a few Greylags putting on a mini-spectacle. If you want to see the Pec Sand make sure you click on the image!

Next stop was a lay-by looking onto the reservoir where I hoped for Osprey, I had a nice time sitting in the car for a couple of hours scanning surrounding hills and the reservoir itself, however no joy. Did see a juvenile female Peregrine on at least 3 occasion! It kept harassing the locals and showed its inexperience a few times, at one point it must have thought it was a bat and hung upside down on a branch! Was brilliant to see it stopping low to the water to try and flush the local waterfowl. Most exciting moment was when it was about to grab an Oystercatcher it was chasing and the Oystercatcher fully submerged itself in the water to avoid predation. Bird of the day had to be the Peregrine, but Pectoral Sandpiper a very close second, I love waders.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Another day another yank wader

2011-09-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today an unexpected bird turned up in Durham in the form of an American Golden Plover. This bird was an adult moulting out of summer plumage into winter, the bird showed well although it didn't do much other than sleep! Still it was a brilliant bird to see and a species that hasn't been seen in Durham for about 15 years!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Kingdipper, no more

2011-09-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

This afternoon thought I would have a look down to Bishop Middleham, I would say its Durham's chief inland nature reserve with some spectacular waders recorded over the years. I had a good day with the following having been recorded while I was on the reserve:

Please view videos in HD, if unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

Bishop Middleham: 4 Mute Swan, 2 Green Sandpiper, 120c Black-headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Common Sandpiper, 15c Pied Wagtail, 8c Little Grebe, 22+ Teal, 3+ Mallard, 3 Lesser black-backed Gull, 4 Tufted Duck, 600+ Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk.
A1 Flashes: 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Grey Heron, and 2 Canada Geese.
Stoneybeck Lake: 1 juv Curlew Sandpiper and 4 Ruff only birds of note.

Highlights for me were the Curlew Sandpiper, and the Sparrowhawk that showed really well aswell as trying to catch a Green Sandpiper. Pleased to report it failed.

Next I headed to a stretch of river near me by a place called Floaters Mill, a walk nearly to the Houghton Gate end provided nothing until I got to the last stretch I was going to walk. I looked at some vegetation in the distance that was hanging over the river and would see something small that was a deep orange colour and bird shaped sitting, I raised my bins and my suspicions were proved correct as the bird was indeed a Kingfisher! I had a couple of seconds of viewing and then the bird flew off upriver showing that beautiful metallic blue back. First and only Kingfisher I have seen so far this year in Durham, hope I see another before the year is out. Takes my county year list to 221 BOU.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

A rather good seawatch

2011-09-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I woke up to new of a Fea's Petrel that had flown past Flamborough Head in Yorkshire. Hmmmmm I bet that will end up at Whitburn were my immediate thoughts, I was in Whitburn Obs for an afternoon stint from about 12:00 until about 5:15.

What a brilliant days seawatching was had first of all my first Sooty Shearwater of the year and I must have had at least 20 during the day, the next bird was special and a lifer although very distant a Long-tailed Skua. Special thanks Mark Newsome for picking this up, really showed experience as it was a long (and I mean long) way away but was able to note the smaller build of the bird after Mark pointed it out. Next on the agenda was Balearic Shearwater, the dilemma was we either had 3 different birds during the seawatch or the same bird going by within 30mins. Who knows? Whatever was a pleasure to see this species, one of my favourites to see on a seawatch. Next came a cracking sub adult Pomarine Skua heading North, followed by 2 more dark phase Poms with 5 Arctic Skuas! Finally seconds before I left the call went up of 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese heading north, a rather embarrassing county year tick. Lets not forget the numerous Arctic and Great Skuas I had during the seawatch as well as Common Scoter, Teal, Common Terns, Red-throated Divers, Sandwich Terns, and other expected species.

Puts my county year list at 220, if I got to 230 I would be amazed, here's hoping we have a good Autumn. That reminds me its the 1st of September, the first day of Autumn!

Until next time Foghorn out!

Little look out

2011-08-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Popped out locally for the day as I realised I hadn't been out the front door for about 48 hours so incase the neighbours thought I had died I ventured out. Went to Rainton Meadows DWT where pretty much nothing out of the ordinary was present apart from 2 Common Snipe and a male Gadwall. A brilliant spectacle was made as hundreds of Greylag and Canada Geese flew in from the surrounding countryside onto pool 2. After having my verbal beating from John Bridgelens I headed to Herrington Country Park to see the Little Gull that was found yesterday, never seen one locally so was keen to see the bird. I love Little Gulls and some brilliant close views were had of this stunning bird.

Click on any image below to enlarge

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Kingdipper

2011-08-30T02:47:00.000-07:00

I might go and look for Kingfisher today after lunch as I still haven't managed to see one in Durham this year despite many hours of dedicated searching. Tomorrow about 1 until 6ish looks good for seawatching so might get down to Whitburn Obs for an afternoon/early evening session seawatching

I've had a brilliant year so far this year and with Autumn getting more intense as time goes on I would love if I saw at least 2 new birds for UK before the year is out, Long-tailed Skua I hope will be one of them. I came close last year if it wasn't for my teeth (long story) but I couldn't go to Obs the morning I wanted to and a Long-tail passed. 3 flew North past Newbiggin last night and I was mightily gripped to hear they were adults!

What has been everyone's UK bird of the year so far? Could be anything a good patch tick, a mega rare bird, etc. Comments below if you feel like it.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Long-eared Owls from chicks to teens

2011-08-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

This year I watched a male and female Long-eared Owl go from a winter roost site to a breeding site a mere 200ft away, then I watched the birds successfully fledge 3 young Long-eared Owls. The first two images were taken while the birds were being rung by a fully qualified bird ringer (John Brown).

From this:

To this:

Above three photos show 2 of the 3 birds sitting close to each other (the missing bird close by).

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Sandew Curlpiper

2011-08-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Please view videos in HD, if your unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

Out today with a mate and we went down to Teesside and started the day off at Saltholme RSPB, to my amazement the rain had pretty much stopped and it was turning out to be a nice day. We checked the causeway but sadly didn't see our target species of Curlew Sandpiper, however a mighty impressive 8 or so Ruff might have been a record for seeing that many all in the same scope view. A wander down to the main hide at Saltholme produced 1 distant Curlew Sandpiper on the causeway, this bird just appeared as it wasn't present 30 minutes previous! From here we moved onto Greatham Creek to see what we could turn up we have another impressive 24 Ruff aswell as a single Black-tailed Godwit, single Common Sandpiper, and a further 2 Curlew Sandpiper. We moved onto Seal Sands and had Golden Plover, a single Knot, about 550 Redshank, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, and yes another Curlew Sandpiper! So the tally was at least 4 Curlew Sandpiper. By the time we left the tidal pools the Curlew Sandpiper we had at Seal Sands had moved to the RSPB date with nature watchpoint.

Our next port of call was Seaton Snook, we walked out toward the point when Derek picked up some waders in front of us and said "Guess what's in there?", I looked at him and thought for a few seconds and replied with "Curlew Sand?". Sure enough a further 2 Curlew Sandpiper with some Ringed Plover. Nothing else much on the Snook however 2 flyover Whimbrel added to the atmosphere and about 25 Shag added some interest. Day rounded off at Blackhall where the Common Scoter were present but still no further sign of the reported Surf Scoter. Dropped Derek off about 3 in the afternoon and I decided knowing the Spotted Redshank had been seen at Shibdon Pond to go up and have a look. On the way up in the car I said yo myself that I was determined to get this bird on my Durham year list having missed them now on at least 2 occasions. When I arrived a scan didn't look hopeful producing only Redshanks, then eventually I picked the Spotted Redshank up (and relax). I made my way to the hide where I had excellent views of a single Snipe, Spotted Redshank, 24 Redshank, and 1 Green Sandpiper. Brilliant way to end a brilliant day.

I tried to string this Herring Gull into juv Yellow-legged but failed:

This Lesser black-backed Gull was a nice I thought, but then being a weird gull fan I am easily pleased.

Although reading my post you may think "has he not just seen the same Curlew Sandpipers moving about during the day?". The answer I believe is; no. I studied each bird and I am fairly sure that I saw at least 7 different Curlew Sandpipers today.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Tell you what....

2011-08-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

lets's all go to the coast, look for our own birds and fail miserably. Then because we're doing a county list lets try for birds found literally 500-1000 meters and dip those! Another thing, I don't want to sound to harsh but I have noticed a lot of pager monkeys, people who are free but sit in the house waiting for others to find the birds and then just appear. Not sure I am a big fan of that. Rant over.

What a frustrating 2 days where I have failed to find anything even half decent and have dipped Greenish Warbler, Icterine Warbler, and Barred Warbler that I have called to look at when I have been in the area looking for other decent birds.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Autumn in the air

2011-08-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Spent this morning in the hide at Rainton Meadows DWT, but sadly as is usual these last few days nothing much of note. After about and hour or so and after a good bit banter I moved onto Trow Quarry, my target was Whinchats which had been reported here in the morning by Dave Johnson. Thankfully after about a 5 seconds of arriving I had 1 and then another. Showed well and managed a half decent shot of it.

Had a walk about and stumbled upon these 2 Wheatears below, another bird making it feel like the goodies are just about the pour in. Also saw one of the local Little Owls which I hadn't seen for about a year! A bonus was a Shag hauled out on the rocks with 2 Cormorants, couldn't quite believe it and had to check twice as I have hunted around for one of these for a while now and was a Durham year tick.

Moved onto Sandhaven Beach where a whole load of adult Kittiwakes were on the beach along with a scattering of the occasional Common Tern. Took a while but eventually a Roseate Tern landed on the beach for the whole of 5 seconds and managed to get it in the scope before it flew off. However later picked up what I presumed was the same bird and walked along the pier to get this distant video, sadly the only Roseate Tern in Durham I have seen this year. All the usual suspects were also around, in this weather it also included the locals. Problem with public places is the public ruining it for the birders ha-ha.

Video really needs to be viewed in HD, if unsure how to do this CLICK HERE

Brilliant day with 3 Durham year ticks taking the Durham year list to a respectable 213 BOU, missed Nightjar this year through holidays and laziness.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Sneaky Shrike

2011-08-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

News broke again on a Sunday morning of a Woodchat Shrike in Trow Quarry, the site is possibly one of the most famous place in the North of England now for birders. This was a cracking adult bird and it showed fairly well for me on at least 4 occasions, mostly obscured but did have a good view of the bird out in the open. All in all I am a happy chppy to see this stunning bird.

I had a longer video but some Yorkshire birders head sadly got in the way so decided I would upload this short video instead. Please view in HD, if unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Haven't we all done this....

2011-08-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

"Just a bird #2"

See here: http://lalarinho.webs.com/gyrcrakescartoonstrip.htm

I am guilty as the next person for that!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Call me, call me by my name

2011-08-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Or call me by my number

You put me through it

I'll still be doing it the way I do it

And yet, you try to make me forget

Who I really am, don't tell me I know best

I'm not the same as all the rest!

I AM THE ONE AND ONLY!

Nobody I'd rather be

I AM THE ONE AND ONLY!

You can't take that away from me!

Today I went down Teesside with Martin to try and see the stunning White-winged Black Tern, I wasn't disappointed and the bird showed very well. Not so stunning was a eclipse male Blue-winged Teal (hence the satire above), it wasn't really as bad as I am making it out to be, its an interesting bird as it was an ID challenge for me. Never seen this species in this plumage before and its always good to learn, we had good views especially of its "blue wing" as it preened and went about it's business. The bird is clearly in heavy moult as when it flapped it became very evidence most of its primaries were missing so it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Please view both videos in HD, if unsure how to do this CLICK HERE

From here we headed to Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park for some "here be dragons' "time. We were successful with at least 4 Brown Hawkers, 2 Common Hawkers, 1 Migrant Hawker (lifer), 1 Ruddy Darter, numerous Common Darter, Emerald and Common Blue damselflies. A brilliant day all in all.

Will leave you with the song I started the blog post off with:

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Day in the Dales

2011-08-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Went looking for Golden-ringed Dragonfly in Durham dales today but sadly dipped, reckon their season is over. But still it was an ok day and I managed these shots of various species:

Until next time, Foghorn out!

More of the Red-necked Grebe at Seaton Pond, Co.Durham

2011-08-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

All photos taken my Ian Forrest. Some cracking shots and these do the bird far more justice than my poor attempts.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Now this............is a stunner

2011-08-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

What a brilliant looking bird.

Bird at Seaton Pond in Durham and I think that although it is rare for me that's all I will say on the matter.

Glad I went along for a look, stunning.

Please view videos in HD.

(Red-necked Grebe - Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Brilliant video of Wilson's Phalarope

2011-08-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

The following video is the best footage of the Greenabella Marsh Wilson's Phalarope in existence (to my knowledge). It was taken my the finder Toby Collet, who is also chief (love that word so decided to use it) warden at Saltholme RSPB. Thanks to Toby for allowing me to use the video, as I give thanks to everyone who allows/has allowed me to use their photographs and videos on my blog.

Video can be viewed in HD

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Insects

2011-08-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

I am going to call upon the experience of my readers and fellow bloggers here. I am sure I have mis-ID'd some of the following and as such please could you let me know so I can correct them. Not really much of an idea when it comes to insects:

(Grasshopper sp?)

( Marmalade Fly?)

(Sun Fly?)

Finally one I do know LOL

Until next time, Foghorn out!

The verdict is in!

2011-08-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

Exactly a week ago today I set up a poll on my blog to see what people though, I asked people to vote seriously and as such I am guessing most people did. Some very interesting responses.

37 people voted
8 said they thought my blog was excellent
16 said they thought my blog was good
3 said they thought my blog was average
4 said they thought my blog was poor
6 said they though my blog was atrocious

What was interesting was that 1 person threw their toys out the pram because I made another ID post and ceased to be a follower of the blog, more interestingly was the fact 2 of the 6 who voted atrocious voted within about the first 2 hours of the poll being put up! As I asked to vote seriously I found this interesting as they think my blog is so bad the appear to be sitting waiting for me to make a post. Go figure? LOL. However for those (if all) who voted seriously and said my blog was atrocious then please comment as I would like to hear why.

As a result of the poll I have decided that more than enough people seem to like my blog and will therefore keep posting on my blog for the foreseeable future. Thanks to all who voted seriously.

Now time for some improvements, please comment below if you have any to suggest. They won't be posted up straight away as I have to moderate them before they are shown, so if you wish to remain anonymous and don't want your feedback posted up please just say.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Bonaparte's Gull hits the press....

2011-08-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

The Bonaparte's Gull has made the news in the Sunderland Echo newspaper. The online article can be seen here:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/watch_the_birdie_sunderland_twitchers_search_for_rare_gull_1_3675355

Until next time, Foghorn out!

A weekend to remember

2011-08-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent in the company of Tom and Brian (Killy Birder), we started off at Saltholme RSPB looking for a Little Stint that had been present in the area for a short while but had eluded me, sadly after a search for 15 minutes or so it was clear the bird wasn't on view. I decided to maybe return later on but in the mean time a visit to Greatham Creek was on the cards. The hoped for Spotted Redshank eluded us, but Ruff, Greenshank, and 3 Grey Plover kept us entertained. One of the Grey Plover was in full summer suit, what a stunner that was! Thankfully the tide was coming in and this brought some Dunlin onto the tidal pools, a quick check with the bins revealed a Little Stint, cracking views through the scope brilliant!

Please view all videos in HD. If unsure how to do this CLICK HERE.

A check of the Little Terns at Crimdon Dene revealed they had all but gone with only a few birds remaining, so from here we headed up to Whitburn Steel. We had about an hour long wait and then 2 birds flew past beneath us, I got on one and it became evident as it disappeared out of view around the corner of where we were standing it was the Bonaparte's Gull. This time was my seconds of this cracking bird, sadly it appears to be undergoing its moult pretty fast and has lots quite a lot of its black hood. Got home to news of a Wilson's Phalarope at Teesside, drat! Decided not to go as it was reported as flown off after I had my tea. Big mistake? Keep reading to find out.

This afternoon I headed down to Teesside with Martin and Adam to try and catch up with the Wilson's Phalarope, we were not disappointed! The bird performed superbly well, a Fox put in an appearance as did 3 Greenshank and 2 Short-eared Owl put on a brilliant display. A check of Back Saltholme and the Causeway produced nothing really of note. I had wanted to see a Wilson's Phalarope for a while now having missed the past 2 in Durham, I dipped one a couple of years ago in Lothian and had never had another chance again until now. On the downside looks like my tripod is on the blink again, oh-oh. Just in time for Autumn!

Until next time, Foghorn out!

White-throated Robin cartoon sketch.

2011-08-12T13:47:00.001-07:00

Just brilliant! It is by the now famous Gyrcrakes.

Check it out: HERE

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Drownallparte's Gull!

2011-08-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

I was sent this picture, some viewers who still haven't seen this bird may find it distressing. The bird appears to be trying to drown itself! Therefore it has been given the name Drownallparte's Gull, we are hoping for a split from Bonaparte's Gull based on unique diagnostic behaviour.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Additional Bonaparte's Gull shots

2011-08-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

Its a bit rainy and wet here today, same as on Saturday gone when Mark Newsome (the finder) took the following shots of the Bonaparte's Gull at Whitburn Steel. The bird remains today but keeps moving about between the beach and pier to Roker to Whitburn Steel, some days its in the ploughed fields to the North of the village of Whitburn. Its mobile for sure! Just glad I managed to catch up with it on Friday evening, I think they are stunning birds.

Below are some shots of what we believe to be the same bird as above last year, it would make sense as the occurrence dates are about the same time this year as last. What is different is that this year the bird still has most of its summer plumaged head opposed to last year when the bird was pretty much in winter plumage (see below).

Stunning bird, I love them.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Local Spotted Redshanks

2011-08-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday of this week (9th) 3 Spotted Redshanks called in at Rainton Meadows for about 3 minutes! Unsurprisingly John Bridges was in the hide and managed some brilliant shots before they eventually flew off and never returned. Nice find John, your persistence is paying off big style.

Some ID tips on comments under each photo for those who are interested, if your not then just enjoy the pictures. All photos © John Bridges:

Spotted Redshanks show no white in the secondaries at any age whereas Common Redshanks at all ages show this feature, in Common Redshanks the white secondaries also extend onto the inner primaries. Spotted Redshank more of a "cigar" shaped marking on the back in flight where as on Common Redshank it is more like a wedge shape being quite broad based where the tail begins.

Spotted Redshanks are strongly barred on the hind section of the underbody (toward vent) in adult summer plumage and juvenile birds, Common Redshanks lack this strong barring at all ages. These birds are juveniles and at this age they are strongly barred all over the underbody.

Spotted Redshanks show a strong supercilium in front of the eye in juvenile and adult winter plumages, it can extend slightly behind the eye aswell but this feature varies between individuals. If the two species are side by side the long bill on Spotted Redshank is really noticeable even at great distance. Finally Spotted Redshanks tend to look bigger and more robust in the field compared to the delicate look of Common Redshanks.

Common Redshank; delicate short bill, more compact and looks more delicate, supercilium varies between individuals but this bird seems to lack one.

Common Redshank showing the white on secondaries that extend onto inner primaries.

I love Spotted Redshanks; still not caught up with one in the County yet this year. But hopefully still plenty of time to see one yet.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

New garden visitor!

2011-08-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

I used to be really big on my garden birds but the interest lapsed a little bit for a few years but now I am into it again and last Thursday (4th) I had a new bird in my garden, it came in the form of a Nuthatch! It looked a bit worse for wear if I am totally honest but was brilliant to see it in the garden. For readers who know I have just painted the fence please note the wonderful deep red colour!

(Nuthatch - Andrew Kinghorn)

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Please Vote

2011-08-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hi all, very quick post to ask if you could please go to the very bottom of the page and vote on the poll. Please be 100% honest and thank you very much in advance.

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Blue Fulmar - Amble, Northumberland

2011-08-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

On a pelagic on Thursday the 4th we had a Blue Fulmar, I was sure it was a Blue Fulmar at the paler end of the scale but wanted to be sure. So after a quick enquiry to Martin Garner who I knew had seen them high up in Arctic Norway it was confirmed by Martin it was indeed a Blue Fulmar.

I had never seen this "form" of Fulmar before. After some research I discovered that they are very variable and you get birds at both ends of the scale; some look very much like "normal" Fulmars and others are far more darker as you go along the scale, like the bird below taken by Mark Newsome in County Durham:

Until next time, Foghorn out!

NEW POSTS on Butterfly Blog

2011-08-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Just a quick blog post to say that I have recently added some more photos to my butterfly blog that I have just recently set up. Below are links to each blog post I have made so far which all have photos of the butterflies on them:

Brimstone Butterfly

Comma Butterfly

Common Blue

Dark Green Fritillary

Silver-studded Blue - How to ID from Common Blue

Dingy Skipper

Castle Eden (Northern Brown) Argus

Until next time, Foghorn out!

Gotta dash!

2011-08-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening after tea I received a text to say a Bonaparte's Gull was sitting in a ploughed field near Whitburn, I rang a mate on site and he said that it had just flown off. In my ignorance I thought that it wouldn't reappear, fast forward 30 minutes and I was on my way when the bird was re-found, I arrived at Whitburn Steel at around 08.45 and I had all but lost the light (as photos below will show). But thankfully excellent views were had through both the bins and scope and I managed a few record shots. Need to do some more work on my photo editing techniques I think but for now here are my shots:

Cracking bird and I noticed something I hadn't noticed before; mantle shade is slightly darker on Bonaparte's Gull than it is on Black-headed Gull. When I first clapped eyes on the bird I was also delighted to see that it was still in 75% summer plumage.

Until next time, Foghorn out!