Grand day out

You know when you run out of blog titles from time to time; its one of those times. It was good to get out and do some birding in Durham. That's the place where the Garden of Eden used to be if you are unsure where I mean.

The first port of call was Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park down at Teesside. Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Large White, Ringlet and Common Blue were all noted. Small Skipper and Ringlet were new butterflies for me and I had excellent views and managed some photos. Oh to be new to butterflies!

 (Common Blue - Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Ringlet - Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Ringlet - Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Small Skipper - Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Small Tortoiseshell- Andrew Kinghorn)

After Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park a move was made onto Dorman's Pool where Spoonbill was showing well but distantly. I have become a little bit complacent about these brilliant birds recently, not good! Super birds. It proved that the site was to windy for the hoped for Grayling butterfly. However it is still fairly early and therefore it is highly likely the species isn't out yet. 

We then went to Wingate Quarry where we had Marbled White (which showed exceptionally well!!), Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet, and Meadow Brown.

(Small Heath - Andrew Kinghorn)

(Marbled White - Andrew Kinghorn)

The last port of call was Bishop Middleham where we had brilliant views of a 1st summer Hobby which flew in after about an hour and a half wait. Also we had 2 summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe and on leaving a Green Sandpiper. Butterflies of note included Small White and Small Tortoiseshell. 

What a truly superb day!

Until next time, Foghorn out!