Durham Birding (1 Viewer)

[duncan fraser]

Hi Duncan

We met last weekend dipping on the dipper. The best photos yet - nice one. I have to say if this is the 'dark' bird I don't think it's Dark-bellied. The photos you took previously seemed to look much more convincing but this was presumably down to the dull light.

Mike

Originally there were 3 other posts that showed that the bird is clearly a UK bird with much reddish-brown, but they have now been removed. The above post is now completely misleading and incorrect. I will post some more photos which show its clearly reddish-brown nature when I am allowed - probably tomorrow.

 

[duncan fraser]

There were originally 3 other posts above explaining what I thought about the Dipper but some genius removed them, leaving a very misleading idea about what I thought.
The problem with seeing this bird is that the light is always poor in the Dene so the bird always looks dark, especially when seen from distance or after it has been in the water.
Fortunately it sat on a branch for about 10 minutes singing - so a male holding territory (they start around this time of year) - and I was able to get some closer and more prolonged views. The bird has far too much reddish-brown to be a Black-bellied Dipper and I think the accompanying photos confirm this.

 

[sidwemn]

Castle Eden Dene Dipper

Was down there on Saturday morning. Even on a bright sunny morning the light in the Dene was very poor. I soon found the bird, a singing territorial male and I agree, that although a fairly dark bellied bird, the amount of brown/chestnut on the belly suggested a bird of British origin. As far as photographs are concerned, its about getting the exposure correct. Some photos I've seem make it look very dark, others less so.

My efforts attached below

Cheers
Martyn

 

[Ray.Scott]

Hartlepool/Teesside

A few shots from today.
Not much about, Single Fem, RB Merganser at the Marina, Med Gull at Newburn Bridge, the usual teal, wigeon, curlew etc at Seaton Common.
Also a Dead Fox seen from North Gare road.

 

[Ray.Scott]

Couple of local shots from today.

 

[dannyboy]

Durham sightings

Took these pictures in Durham on Saturday assuming they were Buzzard however one of our local notaries has stated they are a Red Tailed Hawk . I've checked local falconry's who have not reported any escaped birds. Any thoughts anyone?

 

[Boro Birder]

Personally I do not think that's a buzzard, but I think you need someone with a lot more expereince than myself to give you a certain I'd.

Damian

 

[martin kitching]

It's a Red-tailed Hawk. Best feature to separate from Common Buzzard is probably pale reddish tail with very limited barring.

cheers
martin

 

[dannyboy]

Red Tailed Hawk

I had accepted this was a red tailed hawk by the person who told me but could it be wild or just an escaped one. No locals have lost one.

 

[Mark Newsome]

I had accepted this was a red tailed hawk by the person who told me but could it be wild or just an escaped one. No locals have lost one.

Red-tailed Hawk is an North American raptor, and there are no accepted records of wild birds for this side of the Atlantic. It is an escapee, but may well have travelled some way from its 'owner'. I wish they'd be a bit more careful...

Mark

 

[dannyboy]

red tailed hawk

Cheers Mark :t:

 

[IanF]

Greenabella Marsh - am - Velvet Scoter, RB Merganser x10, Bar-tailed Godwit x23, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Grey Plover x2.

Velvet Scoter video - http://t.co/w5vdKYqp9J

 

[Ray.Scott]

Couple of shots of the med gull at South Shields today, and a couple of dipper shots from this afternoon.

 

[Ray.Scott]

Few shots from the Phil Stead hide today.

 

[Michael A]

Home Garden

Lots of birds at feeders today. Siskins, L.Redpolls, Goldfinch, Tits, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and a Brambling (M).Their are a few Bramblings in nearby gardens but a Male bird comes to feed several times during the day.
http://www.trampsandhawkers.co.uk/gallery/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trampsandhawkers/

 

[dannyboy]

Home garden

Michael I love seeing pictures of local stuff keep them coming :t:

 

[AndyEmery]

Where (roughly) are you in NW Durham Michael? In Durham itself or outside of? Not seen any brambling around Durham so I'm intrigued.

 

[Michael A]

Where (roughly) are you in NW Durham Michael? In Durham itself or outside of? Not seen any brambling around Durham so I'm intrigued.

Hi Andy I live near Shotley Bridge hospital. We used to get a lot more wildlife in and around local gardens but house building around and in hospital grounds has cut the amount of wildlife I used to see. Although birds like Siskin Redpoll and Tawny Owl can be seen or heard anytime of year. The A68 from Allensford to Kilnpit Hill has always been an area where in good years you may be able to see good numbers of Brambling although farming practices have had an adverse effect.

 

[Ron Hindhaugh]

High Shincliff

A trip to High Shincliff produced this record shot of the Yellow-rumped Warbler which was my target bird and also this very poor record shot of a Redpoll. This particular Redpoll seems to have a yellow crown, is this common in Redpoll’s?

 

[degsy_safc]

A trip to High Shincliff produced this record shot of the Yellow-rumped Warbler

:-O You're turning into a fully fledged twitcher Ron :-O