[Kinghorn the bird brain.]

Originally Posted by DEREK.C.

Gordon-The Snow Goose was in fields just north of Budle Bay with Barnacle Geese. Viewed from the first layby on the road to Elwick.

Fantastic bird that one was. It was a bit distant though. Still worth going to see for sure!

[mILLYg]

Gents - thanks for the extra information. I was a little frustrated not to have conected with it, BUT if I had spent more time looking for it I may have missed the Tit - and that bird was a Lifer amongst Lifers for me!

[Vipers]

Originally Posted by mILLYg

Gents - thanks for the extra information. I was a little frustrated not to have conected with it, BUT if I had spent more time looking for it I may have missed the Tit - and that bird was a Lifer amongst Lifers for me!

Two lifers in one day. Nice one!!

[Barred Wobbler]

For those who enjoyed seeing the glossy ibis at Cresswell & Druridge last month, here are a couple of shots of part of a flock of its mates back in Doñana last week.

[woodhornbirder]

funny warbler feeding in grassy area south of lough hide on Holy island. about 3.30pm

Probably just chiff chaff, but awaiting upload of pic. Had pronounced eye strip but also dark legs. Bad light didnt help with sorting its id. After 20mins of watching and trying for pic, we decided it was proably chiff chaff, never seen one feeding in clump of dead grass before, but maybe this isnt unusual for migrants?

(will admit am not strong on warblers)

[Stewart J.]

Nice to see the wintering group of Greenland White-fronts are back again counted 9 at 15.30hrs favouring usual fields at west end of Lough where the topography can make them difficult to find.

Unusually high numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwing present numbering 700+ and @200 respectively.

50-55 Lesser Redpolls feeding in tops of small roadside wood south and toward west end of Lough were a pleasant diversion.

Stewart

[Vipers]

Originally Posted by Barred Wobbler

For those who enjoyed seeing the glossy ibis at Cresswell & Druridge last month, here are a couple of shots of part of a flock of its mates back in Doñana last week.

Now you're just showing off!!

[Barred Wobbler]

You're right.

[Vipers]

And of course I'm not jealous in the slightest.

[Barred Wobbler]

It wasn't that good, actually (but I knew I was taking a chance at this time of year and I was only at the Coto for a day out of the week). The rice fields around Isla Mayor were wet and held lots of ibis and other stuff, but there hadn't been enough rain to fill the marshes yet and they were almost bone dry. Horses were still grazing in front of the church at El Rocio. This was a sheet of water and ducks the last time I was there.

1st pic: Last week.

2nd pic: February last year, same view.

[tom tams]

Finally caught up with the Bearded Tit or Reedling today in the fine company of Colin Pears
http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/sho...p?photo=278894

Tom

[Vipers]

Originally Posted by Barred Wobbler

It wasn't that good, actually (but I knew I was taking a chance at this time of year and I was only at the Coto for a day out of the week). The rice fields around Isla Mayor were wet and held lots of ibis and other stuff, but there hadn't been enough rain to fill the marshes yet and they were almost bone dry. Horses were still grazing in front of the church at El Rocio. This was a sheet of water and ducks the last time I was there.

1st pic: Last week.

2nd pic: February last year, same view.

I'm thinking about having a trip down that way in the near future. We'll have to have a chat, next time I see you out and about.


Nice shot Tom!! It's not often that we see you on here.

[Barred Wobbler]

Cracking shot Tom. Colin must be on first name terms with that bird by now.

I'll let you know what I can Gary.

[mILLYg]

0635 today, flying low over Horton Drive, Crammers at the junction with Glenfield Avenue (SW), a Barn Owl. Which was nice...........

[seggs]

Originally Posted by mILLYg

0635 today, flying low over Horton Drive, Crammers at the junction with Glenfield Avenue (SW), a Barn Owl. Which was nice...........

How did you keep control of the car!

[mILLYg]

Fortunately, I was walking the dog, otherwise it could have got a bit scary!

For non-Birdguiders, Red-rumped Swallow at Holy Island today.

Looks like another trip north tomorrow - via Bamburgh on the way back.

Anyone seen any GN Divers or BT Divers there this week or the Snow Goose at Budle?

[woodhornbirder]

have been told there is a bearded tit at holywell pond, anyone know if this is accurate?

[tom tams]

Anyone know of a reported Hooded Crow at Tynemouth Boating Lake on the 12th Nov ?

[Davy Tee]

Originally Posted by woodhornbirder

have been told there is a bearded tit at holywell pond, anyone know if this is accurate?

Was there today also Bob Dac and Brian ( Northumbrian Birder) and no mention of Bearded Tit, nor was there any mention in Log book or on Notice board

So no i dont think there is unless anyone knows different ?

[david r]

E Chevington ( 1600 ) 2 Short eared owls and a spectacular flock of many 000s of Starlings doing their stuff before going to roost in the reedbeds of the S pool
Rgds Dave

[woodhornbirder]

winds were odd yesterday. I suppose they were mostly from sw ?

wasnt really much of a storm for our area, was sunny most of the day. HOpe to chk out newbiggin mound today, but bit late for much hope of a migrant....but will see)

[Gill Osborne]

Little Egret at Budle Bay today but no sign of the Snow Goose....or perhaps it was just out of range as I only had binoculars with me?

Stag Rocks very busy with Red-throated Diver just offshore, loads of cormorant, shag, cuddy ducks and two Slavonian Grebes

[mILLYg]

Cuddy Ducks? Typo - Cuddly Ducks? Typo - Ruddy Ducks? Alternative name for Eiders?

[Davy Tee]

Had a quick drop into Arcot Pond. Had a good view of a Kingfisher for a good 20 mins then something big x2 caught my eye sitting on a Telegraph pole and in a tree next to it, two very large Raptors, not Common Buzzards me thought to myself what the hell ? Checked Book in me bag, Two Harris Hawks fantastic to watch them hunting over the fields within 20 feet of me. My God MillyG never mentioned these on his patch. Unfortunately the owner turned up to claim them so not wild im afraid. Still good to see though and as Gordon would say, Which was nice.

Can i stick them on my life list ?

[Gill Osborne]

Sorry Gordon.....I keep forgetting there IS life south of the Tyne - Cuddy Duck is just another local name for Eiders Named after St Cuthbert

I was only just this morning saying to Neil I should stop calling them Cuddies cos if I ever go anywhere else nobody will know what the heck I'm on about