tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59160784154827482422024-03-18T02:48:04.475-07:00Austin's Birding BlogAll the wonderful birds and wildlife of Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales and furtherAustin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comBlogger822125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-19309264334609146282024-02-26T04:40:00.000-08:002024-02-26T05:06:37.585-08:0024/02/2024 My Garden, Golborne, Cheshire <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GcOZlQYV5ipG-QF_7RHJDWwWj9LFGsBvBJIPGUYjRVVs7r_2eM7YExg6mtNxGclXjOB2b6vvpYFF2fjF-1Y46zL03WCSzLb0qKVWEmlv32a4SnKYP7bXcOaC2go999n_RFEZeh-JESMWMhGipZUrutcX2688AK_sbTvrSCpvXGTl0Ez2yeTlp1sOuRo/s1919/2J2A3987.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="1919" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GcOZlQYV5ipG-QF_7RHJDWwWj9LFGsBvBJIPGUYjRVVs7r_2eM7YExg6mtNxGclXjOB2b6vvpYFF2fjF-1Y46zL03WCSzLb0qKVWEmlv32a4SnKYP7bXcOaC2go999n_RFEZeh-JESMWMhGipZUrutcX2688AK_sbTvrSCpvXGTl0Ez2yeTlp1sOuRo/s320/2J2A3987.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #38761d;">Siskin:</span> Birders are most likely to encounter these agile little birds in coniferous forests and plantations but, particularly in winter they can be attracted to garden feeders. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcFtVSmGjF1oQ4H-95KoJYq3DQ4vfTRivRWCvbLjlkzQmfIecUXE_xAaNB0A9wnlLLZ3LTlo_5TiPC1UxNNBGA6IBQBvxyu5V-3EUWPKHkEEWD_khHwHZtx1860LJXrRRwTgu9P8WY0KfrNpaVlz1ezg5urupePqkKIg2l0SHP62lb_8wiKHs44A-bwA/s2328/2J2A4170.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="2328" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcFtVSmGjF1oQ4H-95KoJYq3DQ4vfTRivRWCvbLjlkzQmfIecUXE_xAaNB0A9wnlLLZ3LTlo_5TiPC1UxNNBGA6IBQBvxyu5V-3EUWPKHkEEWD_khHwHZtx1860LJXrRRwTgu9P8WY0KfrNpaVlz1ezg5urupePqkKIg2l0SHP62lb_8wiKHs44A-bwA/s320/2J2A4170.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>These common resident finches have lemon-yellow plumage, long, narrow curved bills (quite typical among Fringillidae) and forked tails. Their striped appearance is what distinguishes them from similar-looking garden birds.<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw7qNzXEt3vDZTnZSZ3QadXhCMInywzNB5kOWYQD7GmKi_tC6c4Xg6l8o8itEWhBcte9NHljMLOHehyDPnotsb40GWJKPSsd73ZCwADWqw2n9FQgp8hWeycKh7xpAXuTRRhsZNKViPDOqVsPB0YKxWDzE5WpuJjnBQLJU9DTyyNBP8ZSUB7FWB6ZnUZI/s2011/2J2A4187.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="2011" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw7qNzXEt3vDZTnZSZ3QadXhCMInywzNB5kOWYQD7GmKi_tC6c4Xg6l8o8itEWhBcte9NHljMLOHehyDPnotsb40GWJKPSsd73ZCwADWqw2n9FQgp8hWeycKh7xpAXuTRRhsZNKViPDOqVsPB0YKxWDzE5WpuJjnBQLJU9DTyyNBP8ZSUB7FWB6ZnUZI/s320/2J2A4187.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Dawn and I purchased a new house over the Christmas period and although this brings untold stress with packing, moving driving the morals van and then settling in. A new home brings the excitement of a new garden bird list and new visitors to my garden feeders. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MIVtERkP2MJ2oN4TCnmZw6HhvfI-tSY71Bl1eicpRQtdMMVXiuRzOqIWd5icBo4xg_uMvLvOHOYTUXpdwXG9QNwWqTzFB6JeM8ZjZcAxtaoFNZeDNDZkINFCQXMjdwQTjAvTPQ-vxwNrwF84xbM74X71wP7oy8O6OHfDAmbUuxCrCPtn_DuaCc2_rQ4/s2346/2J2A4114.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="2346" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MIVtERkP2MJ2oN4TCnmZw6HhvfI-tSY71Bl1eicpRQtdMMVXiuRzOqIWd5icBo4xg_uMvLvOHOYTUXpdwXG9QNwWqTzFB6JeM8ZjZcAxtaoFNZeDNDZkINFCQXMjdwQTjAvTPQ-vxwNrwF84xbM74X71wP7oy8O6OHfDAmbUuxCrCPtn_DuaCc2_rQ4/s320/2J2A4114.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We lived in our old house in Abram for over seven years and I only recorded siskin twice on the feeders. When we moved into our new house we had an awful problem with the resident squirrels, they were relentless in sniffing out the feeders, damaging them and emptying the seed. <div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC5ezPQRc01XDjEHXo1iCUrIz_WN8EKDA7lU8KZgMrJnVKri2C2peVE6nkLwP2f3RtHwCNxPARbTikUP2ByEiezvpNOEVyeWYRWDhDP2YRH7Ygm7qqeLG7VLqXKFalBJX6SL4C_7IfsCl9_J3G0ynyRVQ_miQ0IVPuxW0j-CtTtfOj1KH60KDmAVJr4o/s1926/2J2A4041.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1926" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC5ezPQRc01XDjEHXo1iCUrIz_WN8EKDA7lU8KZgMrJnVKri2C2peVE6nkLwP2f3RtHwCNxPARbTikUP2ByEiezvpNOEVyeWYRWDhDP2YRH7Ygm7qqeLG7VLqXKFalBJX6SL4C_7IfsCl9_J3G0ynyRVQ_miQ0IVPuxW0j-CtTtfOj1KH60KDmAVJr4o/s320/2J2A4041.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>So, I decided to upgrade the feeders from to the fantastic Roamwild Pest Off Bird Feeder. These 100% squirrel proof feeders have a spring loaded perches that drop when anything heavier than a small bird lands on them, pulling down a door that closes the feeding holes along with large squirrel baffle on the top and above the feeding holes. </div><div><br /></div><div>They are great, I've had no more issues with squirrels and plenty of garden birds enjoying the free buffet.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>https://roamwildproducts.co.uk/products/roamwild-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders</div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-26017693744683760532024-02-19T01:40:00.000-08:002024-02-19T01:42:10.832-08:0018/02/2024 Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A4StbTCoLaADBW1_lPB-9IJMQfOWKupVXHOYfu5wnwemEpSKN7ecC1xjxR3cx8uewzLlDMOnb3EHKOUSFjuJ_QNuZ9QNyGaMQ6xJXkEL0g0Jg9-mNitUVai6RvKkaymhrAKG8pm6DDDjKx9EQMiUMrhJ1yGN8hIE48Rko_xhc0U_4QZ2GAPKFXwR7xA/s1210/2J2A3744.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1210" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A4StbTCoLaADBW1_lPB-9IJMQfOWKupVXHOYfu5wnwemEpSKN7ecC1xjxR3cx8uewzLlDMOnb3EHKOUSFjuJ_QNuZ9QNyGaMQ6xJXkEL0g0Jg9-mNitUVai6RvKkaymhrAKG8pm6DDDjKx9EQMiUMrhJ1yGN8hIE48Rko_xhc0U_4QZ2GAPKFXwR7xA/s320/2J2A3744.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Great Grey Shrike: </span>I started the day over in a fantastic woodland, the remnants of an ancient royal forest in Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Forest. <p></p><p>Meeting up with tom Marshall and Matt Woodward, two legends who I've not seen in far too long a time. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiYP_dznUFZoEJ0VmQlEbNE-K-15SvxR5yVM0mWvFXvafYY6RXTkbKiLeCw3CVhz2C2IfQCqNv77lVvPTWDcShHLwmsMyGvCCoMuu_H2D-EUXBWbaz5x452A18S06PKak63N-z146iQkEPEfgPyd55dGbI4WaFERi5x5OlYw5Sfkem8CoeZIQGRhC-yU/s2057/2J2A3726.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="2057" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiYP_dznUFZoEJ0VmQlEbNE-K-15SvxR5yVM0mWvFXvafYY6RXTkbKiLeCw3CVhz2C2IfQCqNv77lVvPTWDcShHLwmsMyGvCCoMuu_H2D-EUXBWbaz5x452A18S06PKak63N-z146iQkEPEfgPyd55dGbI4WaFERi5x5OlYw5Sfkem8CoeZIQGRhC-yU/s320/2J2A3726.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Made legendary as the home of the famous outlaw in the ballads of Robin Hood this 400 acre forest, surrounded by lowland heathland this is one of the premier places in the UK to see the famously scarce lesser-spotted woodpecker. Our main target for the day although we only had a brief male calling before flying overhead and out of sight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OPg8_ft8wGp_9PQlkwI_3s-03oqDY2gB9PQwM_9tVER6CuqcYT2Zyobjw46fZh8KgWTYggSRsdbm6R1-NhKC_aZE24-YBXsG4-dhjeNmoBDoF9g4dUF6v6HjWqxMwZVaTZwODc7i5ZW7w9GvA3rxPgchEen53xur_TTPp6V_obMaX0A5Z5SDfmkTf3w/s2479/2J2A3749.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="2479" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OPg8_ft8wGp_9PQlkwI_3s-03oqDY2gB9PQwM_9tVER6CuqcYT2Zyobjw46fZh8KgWTYggSRsdbm6R1-NhKC_aZE24-YBXsG4-dhjeNmoBDoF9g4dUF6v6HjWqxMwZVaTZwODc7i5ZW7w9GvA3rxPgchEen53xur_TTPp6V_obMaX0A5Z5SDfmkTf3w/s320/2J2A3749.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We moved on to Buddy Common where we got wood lark singing and this smart shrike. the bird was predictably mobile and ranging across areas without access so it was tricky to get anything decent on it, but good to see all the same. <br /><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcJ5PGr73aw2B2YLLg3N5g3gD5rRl0642yLblSDvtPUMpV5o_0oKuq0e5Eab6fzHHov2un16L6k8Ow-JtEt4zfi8SxElSwvAkAuEQyrqfeHXmz3DCdgET7xqtmuUx_c8vr2cZAtNpxNmiJEusomDQmy4OBpwXqS8ckp2Q1ylDRTvjqc_aeG8sxmOl0ag/s1808/423422338_415976574325053_942653671687142818_n.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1808" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcJ5PGr73aw2B2YLLg3N5g3gD5rRl0642yLblSDvtPUMpV5o_0oKuq0e5Eab6fzHHov2un16L6k8Ow-JtEt4zfi8SxElSwvAkAuEQyrqfeHXmz3DCdgET7xqtmuUx_c8vr2cZAtNpxNmiJEusomDQmy4OBpwXqS8ckp2Q1ylDRTvjqc_aeG8sxmOl0ag/s320/423422338_415976574325053_942653671687142818_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Lesser Scaup: </span>After a laugh and chinwag over a cup of coffee and some scran in the visitor centre coffee shop I moved on back home and headed to Woolston in Warrington to try my luck with the lesser scaup.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Dave Spencer refund the lesser scaup at Woolston Weir after it being found over the bund on Woolsten Eyes NR. The bird after relocating here was in a poor light and at some distance, let's hope it goes back to the Eyes and shows better. <div><div><br /></div></div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-54669347822751191722024-02-13T00:33:00.000-08:002024-02-13T00:38:18.632-08:0011/02/2024 Middleton, Heysham, Lancashire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM3U1w_zftMMfiPvlWlczdES6Ome6IGEAX54jk8r8N5hf6UKKOAZTxUF22jsaF7HpE7I8kSJu0EpDhDPljILmlhc7PFC5AmVk3h7iO-S7JFODOmArZPwLAVaLNDAEQ5pexEhhoo08i-cQskDuegxfT4D1SqJkKoi7khznGJY3L5NOF57mqvAJGXDXC9Q/s2210/2J2A3403.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="2210" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM3U1w_zftMMfiPvlWlczdES6Ome6IGEAX54jk8r8N5hf6UKKOAZTxUF22jsaF7HpE7I8kSJu0EpDhDPljILmlhc7PFC5AmVk3h7iO-S7JFODOmArZPwLAVaLNDAEQ5pexEhhoo08i-cQskDuegxfT4D1SqJkKoi7khznGJY3L5NOF57mqvAJGXDXC9Q/s320/2J2A3403.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Glossy Ibis: </span><span>After a busy few weekends without the chance of getting out for a spot of birding I eventually was let out and caught up with the long staying glossy ibis. </span>These birds look so odd like a cross between a heron and a curlew with green and purple-brown plumage. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaeS9rb6YMiMxoBOHJIwBzYjKqBs0gWxCZkfX-WjE4S1WXPQzB8n5rPX5hA7UWNYzIbW8OlUrMz1Djq9QAeDVIrWTsH_CGpzFrYgETKvFxTDO55ySj_DHdSiKbuezUWbKUealMywEUcMfa9_QmgY8aGoScgTChYXZSzFI_Fd8godvEnpJTxYZFP9QSO0/s2885/2J2A3304.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1929" data-original-width="2885" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaeS9rb6YMiMxoBOHJIwBzYjKqBs0gWxCZkfX-WjE4S1WXPQzB8n5rPX5hA7UWNYzIbW8OlUrMz1Djq9QAeDVIrWTsH_CGpzFrYgETKvFxTDO55ySj_DHdSiKbuezUWbKUealMywEUcMfa9_QmgY8aGoScgTChYXZSzFI_Fd8godvEnpJTxYZFP9QSO0/s320/2J2A3304.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Once a rare vagrant to the UK glossy ibis numbers have increased in recent years and it has become more common, with exceptional arrivals in 2007-11. They were even confirmed as a new British breeder in 2002 when a pair was discovered breeding in Cambridgeshire. </div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiyvjPZfeK6v2LFghS4Qbm_pTg5vX9Cy2lsXHKZzP6gipWiB_Lx1SsdDc2jmfaV-0Slk4JEmF4q1fqB-EofT4ztmYDjbLraMFpSs4EU2DApow1sVdgG0ucREmOsBuIYUSEVJTUT_m6W50CE81yDXn1ZXYQUDDtayJj2kMi7BvS9DBgWOuD_qPmbZxoW8/s2530/2J2A3402.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1655" data-original-width="2530" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiyvjPZfeK6v2LFghS4Qbm_pTg5vX9Cy2lsXHKZzP6gipWiB_Lx1SsdDc2jmfaV-0Slk4JEmF4q1fqB-EofT4ztmYDjbLraMFpSs4EU2DApow1sVdgG0ucREmOsBuIYUSEVJTUT_m6W50CE81yDXn1ZXYQUDDtayJj2kMi7BvS9DBgWOuD_qPmbZxoW8/s320/2J2A3402.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A perfect storm that have created a range of factors are in alignment that have helped the speed of this species. Southern Iberia has experienced extremely dry conditions and a relatively higher winter temperatures across the UK has encouraged large number of glossy ibis to spend the winter here.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0YJp4PAZ-ni2z_bjoFywsFCUuq0Kw9TmcFxj1M3yzXMEnbSZausAtv_QEJgNOxEOzBWBhM3a989HLjE3b4fWH8YThtElpe7MJPI5ItXCWFf_XA-mI5LzzgN4VbeKFviVL_1QubMcE4Ygm5ffdJOpOeF4iCWmdBBFxRlRyASV7zPYVO4gesUBjdIYOe8/s1983/2J2A3455.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1983" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0YJp4PAZ-ni2z_bjoFywsFCUuq0Kw9TmcFxj1M3yzXMEnbSZausAtv_QEJgNOxEOzBWBhM3a989HLjE3b4fWH8YThtElpe7MJPI5ItXCWFf_XA-mI5LzzgN4VbeKFviVL_1QubMcE4Ygm5ffdJOpOeF4iCWmdBBFxRlRyASV7zPYVO4gesUBjdIYOe8/s320/2J2A3455.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This bird has found its winter home on a small flooded pasture field behind a small village near Heysham. Stocked with horses and chickens the flood is pretty extensive and isolated as there's no general access to the fields. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0gVsoo121K0tnEHbwvCCLx14glppnzoSAfNGAk677C4U2fMS0uXYJzNplQC5qbrX9Kn7wgnTuyvD3pOfrm36JEty5XI9elZzXpEJkx61hXT-XY9Jfx_at6AeRFjNcYcijPmrxub6ERaHGQgFr_fNTYpKd7FiO4VklgVm-hkN1ILQfSCmi3PNWi2rt_A/s2155/2J2A3439.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2155" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0gVsoo121K0tnEHbwvCCLx14glppnzoSAfNGAk677C4U2fMS0uXYJzNplQC5qbrX9Kn7wgnTuyvD3pOfrm36JEty5XI9elZzXpEJkx61hXT-XY9Jfx_at6AeRFjNcYcijPmrxub6ERaHGQgFr_fNTYpKd7FiO4VklgVm-hkN1ILQfSCmi3PNWi2rt_A/s320/2J2A3439.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Upon arrival the bird was at the furthermost side of the pool foraging and probing its long curved big in to the muddy banks.<div><br /></div><div>Eventually, after a short while the bird was spooked by a little eager and flew into the flooded pool opposite the derelict Middleton Parish Hall car park. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7EWyS2GWwLdzpGkcjT20Io7RT68USkqg3ZUp9B8WB0UWH5U90S45P6OW0_uRn_XPVCRzJXl8SJpD5uGAgFTl4jT0R8NKMECWKoLpZdCOmpKBrn9RT-DMF26kmD55TGOrSspu-VLaE-PYMlEkbxTtzu9ck4EhtSZzNNMuysiwlzpL22-0FhyphenhyphenveuIjMiA/s3073/2J2A3497.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2072" data-original-width="3073" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7EWyS2GWwLdzpGkcjT20Io7RT68USkqg3ZUp9B8WB0UWH5U90S45P6OW0_uRn_XPVCRzJXl8SJpD5uGAgFTl4jT0R8NKMECWKoLpZdCOmpKBrn9RT-DMF26kmD55TGOrSspu-VLaE-PYMlEkbxTtzu9ck4EhtSZzNNMuysiwlzpL22-0FhyphenhyphenveuIjMiA/s320/2J2A3497.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This gave me a chance to get some nice flight shots before it landed and began probing the mud for worms again. <br /><div><br /></div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-57646235320789342462024-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:002024-02-05T13:55:49.431-08:0005/02/2024 Taylor Park, St Helens <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGYO1Eit-ptFqRDLYnpZ9XKYQxNystcu1GldDVsOB2f_xVB_o7R05icKoy099DPLrTwEdLaQ7KcsbnF-w45GEp9cEdn-EulreZu9hipRBMqvunAVpSxGZsiYKKW0PU1T_7U_ujXIIZ9Z-05UqIQ4hyphenhyphenveG35OGE9a5w_HyTLOgmUU4ilEDjAO67c9R_4w/s2593/2J2A3164.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1817" data-original-width="2593" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGYO1Eit-ptFqRDLYnpZ9XKYQxNystcu1GldDVsOB2f_xVB_o7R05icKoy099DPLrTwEdLaQ7KcsbnF-w45GEp9cEdn-EulreZu9hipRBMqvunAVpSxGZsiYKKW0PU1T_7U_ujXIIZ9Z-05UqIQ4hyphenhyphenveG35OGE9a5w_HyTLOgmUU4ilEDjAO67c9R_4w/s320/2J2A3164.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Ring-necked Duck:</span> Dave Owen found this smart looking drake RND during his regular wardening rounds of the parks and wild spaces across the area. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">News came out while I was working ut of the Liverpool office, but I managed to make it before the fading light became too much of an issue.</div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqBxr-KdOGsKdM7k2zZxd-om0gEA97ZLgM27U0myzptC5cxWmiXHJOqreF4yn26122z-cnAP9OXmrRGFlpF-QWRblmlnsZxOgMFpFuOgFhKSWHwh55JEsaSy0xYcmuvIwEZ5bGzT7nf7gatQfv0XG2H2L_bQ1U9_F16y2b2ZUEqcAfYMkAFsJ6UXOUJ4/s3408/2J2A3172.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqBxr-KdOGsKdM7k2zZxd-om0gEA97ZLgM27U0myzptC5cxWmiXHJOqreF4yn26122z-cnAP9OXmrRGFlpF-QWRblmlnsZxOgMFpFuOgFhKSWHwh55JEsaSy0xYcmuvIwEZ5bGzT7nf7gatQfv0XG2H2L_bQ1U9_F16y2b2ZUEqcAfYMkAFsJ6UXOUJ4/s320/2J2A3172.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Taylor Park is the largest Victorian park in St Helens named after Samuel Taylor who gave the land the park was built on to St Helens Corporation in 1892. <div><br /></div><div>Its a nice little park when you look past the obligatory poo bags hanging in trees, such a shame as its a beautiful park! Great children's play ground, boating lake and even a cafe.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7Tys9PUEC_luRgXbQCQxoWiIPaEhaeDyOuIMWiPPnVAfD4A1Bx5yBVfnazI9No4V8HjOqMWs6X_NmvfeLoWK4c9gG4AlY0CNu7vaXYrNFyZEXB1H3qiqtR_cOPtvzH2iClPJW3pvbJtZH6uPJHdXZU4KqPOCn5JTseQktq2p9DQB3b51RQ8antfXAZI/s3408/2J2A3157.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7Tys9PUEC_luRgXbQCQxoWiIPaEhaeDyOuIMWiPPnVAfD4A1Bx5yBVfnazI9No4V8HjOqMWs6X_NmvfeLoWK4c9gG4AlY0CNu7vaXYrNFyZEXB1H3qiqtR_cOPtvzH2iClPJW3pvbJtZH6uPJHdXZU4KqPOCn5JTseQktq2p9DQB3b51RQ8antfXAZI/s320/2J2A3157.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>RND gets their name from the dark purple neck band but this is not conspicuous in the field, it catches the light and reflects back, but it its overcast it can be difficult to see. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9nMBluiJnJP706lttKavXkb0G2bMZM3Jg3-3PQxncaUPZIOZdefPVM2fCx9Zf-wo7vPa3_ynK-e1p0uYUr8UCDzzRkfGn3HOZIe9R0c38EzLnIGtHFP5phnuP9fO-8ZlzqVh_lyubIv7FylonymIVVekhAJeG8BUV0x_DIBrMQfuXDCC3USlzQtz51U/s3222/2J2A3234.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2056" data-original-width="3222" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9nMBluiJnJP706lttKavXkb0G2bMZM3Jg3-3PQxncaUPZIOZdefPVM2fCx9Zf-wo7vPa3_ynK-e1p0uYUr8UCDzzRkfGn3HOZIe9R0c38EzLnIGtHFP5phnuP9fO-8ZlzqVh_lyubIv7FylonymIVVekhAJeG8BUV0x_DIBrMQfuXDCC3USlzQtz51U/s320/2J2A3234.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>They are similar to tufted duck, but lacks the tuft on the head and has a high crown at the back of the head. They have a grey bill with a white band, a shiny purple head, a white breast, yellow eyes and a dark grey back. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpgWAR8wOTNaFiThonaSYeDQcBto__zX1upzBNGe7afYA6vArimc8i2LFM6E2T0RHREF_Ne4RkWZh4vjmF3vMLZOmVZkeqUFOcKLvosyzqCLdZbDqzQqiZ39OqaeWs-1oZ1PMQW8fkZqTydjMUA-nS0wW8eAUaq7okFTfUDFpgjEIuf6lcIrRoU8Mhv0/s2933/2J2A3214.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="2933" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpgWAR8wOTNaFiThonaSYeDQcBto__zX1upzBNGe7afYA6vArimc8i2LFM6E2T0RHREF_Ne4RkWZh4vjmF3vMLZOmVZkeqUFOcKLvosyzqCLdZbDqzQqiZ39OqaeWs-1oZ1PMQW8fkZqTydjMUA-nS0wW8eAUaq7okFTfUDFpgjEIuf6lcIrRoU8Mhv0/s320/2J2A3214.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A scares American vagrant like this pulls in a good crowed of local birders, and it was good to bmp in to some familiar faces. </div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-2820053409306788502024-01-13T13:27:00.000-08:002024-01-13T13:27:31.888-08:0013/01/2024 Lunt Meadows, Sefton ecks <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQTqHyM39YVrujUDt6WHZKY4a2q-DmskJeRkPOVlkjQ4qRFzJsm-26MRwVeqxYbS4h587dMaryUtihzxcbXdoNbq7spkSi6873hmOr71caSOgNGXXLdX5hwlxdbY5rNgc2AHqpGiEeF_NDNvWvxuDhIpCiumXFKQT4h1AuqgqcWOFytmtEk2LCskC1bU/s750/411215188_692395222882160_6979052246923277398_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="750" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQTqHyM39YVrujUDt6WHZKY4a2q-DmskJeRkPOVlkjQ4qRFzJsm-26MRwVeqxYbS4h587dMaryUtihzxcbXdoNbq7spkSi6873hmOr71caSOgNGXXLdX5hwlxdbY5rNgc2AHqpGiEeF_NDNvWvxuDhIpCiumXFKQT4h1AuqgqcWOFytmtEk2LCskC1bU/s320/411215188_692395222882160_6979052246923277398_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Green-winged Teal:</span> Between the family duties around the festive break and now being back at work its took me a while to get myself over to Lunt. <p></p><p>This yank teal has made itself at home here for a few months now and I'm glad its stuck around so I could go and see it. The bird was associating with the Eurasian teal on the great-white egret pool at the far end of the site. </p><p>It eventually showed really well after drifting in from the submerged vegetaion and took a power nap on the nearside bank close to the sluice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXgrE1EHE4hgAOaULD968keoR17WfIvtHYfp3U_zD1urq46tOqbhynUYFVIvB_RGk4415NoGOz8DqvWhnefk9EN2H0eAFGFf9Ubs0VqrU0jkwksZt4xUChdLyCbdh5WjsTVOOQPshbqlKmeF06lkQirZ_HLxRyfjnChmgr01E4PG-FZ5jei4WzGLcnYA/s1288/2J2A2670.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1288" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXgrE1EHE4hgAOaULD968keoR17WfIvtHYfp3U_zD1urq46tOqbhynUYFVIvB_RGk4415NoGOz8DqvWhnefk9EN2H0eAFGFf9Ubs0VqrU0jkwksZt4xUChdLyCbdh5WjsTVOOQPshbqlKmeF06lkQirZ_HLxRyfjnChmgr01E4PG-FZ5jei4WzGLcnYA/s320/2J2A2670.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;">Richardson's Cackling Goose: </span>Another bird that has taken up residence at Lunt, albeit for a much short time so far is this diminutive cousin of the Canada goose, the cackling goose. With stubbier bills, steeper foreheads and a shorter neck they side by side they really do stand out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ82qiwvIaUPTBU1ZfGqWSmdLvuTAuRtb9mAFinHdcQvirFRWjGcacGfBQRj18uIx8PCC5ao2bxkE2rrrLcGOffQ1E0X4psArSkMxGBV7VfBSSIk1_z0-bpIKV-xMkVJSKTw1j3ZXTXXuwkSHfs44S9ObmQWSCClBDpb9HvwOV2ecvVRBo5NHacfBfJ5Y/s1939/2J2A2631.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1939" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ82qiwvIaUPTBU1ZfGqWSmdLvuTAuRtb9mAFinHdcQvirFRWjGcacGfBQRj18uIx8PCC5ao2bxkE2rrrLcGOffQ1E0X4psArSkMxGBV7VfBSSIk1_z0-bpIKV-xMkVJSKTw1j3ZXTXXuwkSHfs44S9ObmQWSCClBDpb9HvwOV2ecvVRBo5NHacfBfJ5Y/s320/2J2A2631.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Cackling geese that frequently in the wild in the UK, usually associate themselves with either barnacle or pink-footed geese. However there has also been a number of records of birds appearing on their own or with feral geese and these are often assumed to be escaped birds - this may be the case but it is entirely plausible that at least some are wild birds too.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IAjydf6gLCjpk1qm6_IsBQ22SFYxWCcvWKtgm02Q15S4hMFaZNeWAJ2pOFO3AEv4Rm-6FXuluGgs2C5F2XncjIYTJWeYwP9Uw6ebRiElNH_AhAfce2oMnkldPpgtXXzykVeLZIGfPW13v0QZKrsBK4T4tE8_cZAdMcZjlvjxSdW1pCEgSyDV_045TpQ/s1290/2J2A2720.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1290" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IAjydf6gLCjpk1qm6_IsBQ22SFYxWCcvWKtgm02Q15S4hMFaZNeWAJ2pOFO3AEv4Rm-6FXuluGgs2C5F2XncjIYTJWeYwP9Uw6ebRiElNH_AhAfce2oMnkldPpgtXXzykVeLZIGfPW13v0QZKrsBK4T4tE8_cZAdMcZjlvjxSdW1pCEgSyDV_045TpQ/s320/2J2A2720.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Smew: A good morning spent on the reserve topped off by a drake smew, this bird initially gave me the run around and I saw it fly off from the main lake land on one of the border pools. <div><div><br /></div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-73793561969577670952024-01-09T01:27:00.000-08:002024-01-09T01:27:26.262-08:0009/01/2024 Heybridge Maldon, Essex <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPubrWJLVSmpJRQ-HBfDfGqbnRrjNBFNbwBcQ_NbuAJP8f57_OoVvZUmj40L-eDDi-f-j6UnO0CNqRmmXnrnStVa1ZVsVTD9gbJaaWFRKf1ZaKHxLMxipLeLRwo7Hr9_1VJPzpV_9zLLq1PNtMiCAYf-Lai87ho12YyIiZkY8TGHt4xKgINyyq2nrQCQ/s1628/2J2A2411.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1628" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPubrWJLVSmpJRQ-HBfDfGqbnRrjNBFNbwBcQ_NbuAJP8f57_OoVvZUmj40L-eDDi-f-j6UnO0CNqRmmXnrnStVa1ZVsVTD9gbJaaWFRKf1ZaKHxLMxipLeLRwo7Hr9_1VJPzpV_9zLLq1PNtMiCAYf-Lai87ho12YyIiZkY8TGHt4xKgINyyq2nrQCQ/s320/2J2A2411.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Northern Waterthrush:</span> Local birder Eddie Aldridge first saw the bird when he captured it on a wildlife camera in his back garden and showed it to a man walking nearby, then the chaos broke loose. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL9eOS5dTJFqHf90WO2l1RTx36KWJm_XrW501VkhxGIb2bvEreaaRxAy3I-u84APbD8rRU9c2uqbRD_cU1A5Bi6YIUPIJh8iUpTBpzMgjGUlyvieVvaVHCsJwY2obebZT3R9kq3AfzyG6eLs643zr8ODOOM_QmAF6bpVazew0TPsZqs_BgpUOVwl32BI/s2039/2J2A1959.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="2039" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL9eOS5dTJFqHf90WO2l1RTx36KWJm_XrW501VkhxGIb2bvEreaaRxAy3I-u84APbD8rRU9c2uqbRD_cU1A5Bi6YIUPIJh8iUpTBpzMgjGUlyvieVvaVHCsJwY2obebZT3R9kq3AfzyG6eLs643zr8ODOOM_QmAF6bpVazew0TPsZqs_BgpUOVwl32BI/s320/2J2A1959.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The next day more than a hundred birders braved the damp and dreary weather hoping to get a glimpse, descending on the small village in search of a rare American warbler. They relocated the bird foraging within a ditch close to the house it was first seen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZFeNen_h1ctv_Qg_-7KIN1GrVVRrb2wkGx9PyRnBlsAJAKYe2ooTS6UnYoHU6_C0n29fJGMIwcNx721395Wok7HMW-XkGNfzTtcXVMhBh4AY5mSGf1Dyz4w6EsB6p0rWkLQyx4x3oyyKkF1XU8MnN5tIZsiFCFIW67Tndw7WTarq7g7jnUkvqLNj_og/s2930/2J2A1926.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1802" data-original-width="2930" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZFeNen_h1ctv_Qg_-7KIN1GrVVRrb2wkGx9PyRnBlsAJAKYe2ooTS6UnYoHU6_C0n29fJGMIwcNx721395Wok7HMW-XkGNfzTtcXVMhBh4AY5mSGf1Dyz4w6EsB6p0rWkLQyx4x3oyyKkF1XU8MnN5tIZsiFCFIW67Tndw7WTarq7g7jnUkvqLNj_og/s320/2J2A1926.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> This rare American passerine was one bird I wouldn't have dreamed of seeing this January, the first big big of 2024. So keen to go down I shook off what was my lingering cold and headed down. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_kO7jPG0BN7Y6H-lHBDktBs4KLcX6fpJeDc7xFPJTZIZgr0t2SLAOyphrdYkfZqonCJQ8pYsYaHv51rgz7YXoRZeWtXPHwb3e2OiEKt0mEKXPPevJv1XPxwVN9jCOAO0mCu4TaDbef2xXz5a60oaOmpcQRNpx54Qd63dK765ARO6fRqZrGCwwSyyfdE/s2021/2J2A2230.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="2021" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_kO7jPG0BN7Y6H-lHBDktBs4KLcX6fpJeDc7xFPJTZIZgr0t2SLAOyphrdYkfZqonCJQ8pYsYaHv51rgz7YXoRZeWtXPHwb3e2OiEKt0mEKXPPevJv1XPxwVN9jCOAO0mCu4TaDbef2xXz5a60oaOmpcQRNpx54Qd63dK765ARO6fRqZrGCwwSyyfdE/s320/2J2A2230.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This bird is well at home on this small ditch where it has been roosting at the base of the concrete culvert for over a week. The bird has been fairly reliable, returning to its roost site and leaving each morning before foraging along the damp banks of the ditch and the floating vegetation around the mouth of the culvert. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uVbVB5lfkaW9sG6f9xtWfykkv8PSLMOy3HkSDOw_O_aAxJzEhk2eJByvcbvpyaU_xmcpZOo-DUba9Znk1rCxofLMRq3yRnTuEmuSSbuIGuZLBwhJpszU7LKkRYwFUHR9bcsqISupPx5pXAJHpIYGmQI3-Kh-mwLo51IaHHjNvnCgwatDLBtDBRWV3_o/s2475/2J2A2033.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="2475" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uVbVB5lfkaW9sG6f9xtWfykkv8PSLMOy3HkSDOw_O_aAxJzEhk2eJByvcbvpyaU_xmcpZOo-DUba9Znk1rCxofLMRq3yRnTuEmuSSbuIGuZLBwhJpszU7LKkRYwFUHR9bcsqISupPx5pXAJHpIYGmQI3-Kh-mwLo51IaHHjNvnCgwatDLBtDBRWV3_o/s320/2J2A2033.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This bird is not actually a thrush species but a warbler, one that has a close relationship with its waterside habitats or which comprise of boggy thickets, especially willows and alders, and wooded swamps. At other times, it also frequents mangroves. In migration and winter, it uses a variety of wooded habitats, near water.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDGAg1JRVt2N7FIPbaJue3-g48uDQD2SZAEz8FfI8c8jbOlH1zDeMMEbvQg2xxzF_hyW_Uixtz8kXT9EQFFATmm5ti6jMeQRryCKJ41uPfifW8EEoTGgkFLkgwREmQgLEQW63eaOuPH3rXzFyFV72-VQZ6BaCGmdQmsHXYcYY25k2WSidtStcKZajGo0/s1856/2J2A2262.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1856" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDGAg1JRVt2N7FIPbaJue3-g48uDQD2SZAEz8FfI8c8jbOlH1zDeMMEbvQg2xxzF_hyW_Uixtz8kXT9EQFFATmm5ti6jMeQRryCKJ41uPfifW8EEoTGgkFLkgwREmQgLEQW63eaOuPH3rXzFyFV72-VQZ6BaCGmdQmsHXYcYY25k2WSidtStcKZajGo0/s320/2J2A2262.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The bird gets it name from its thrush like appearance, it is beilved that they resemble spot-breasted thrushes (e.g., wood thrush and hermit thrush) from which they take their name. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSOazLpUkYT2xy57JbOOSO9EpSj9JFIZld5rjSjCbZML6Yp9SXd8l26S6hIxF-9Jj2bOHwsXUTW2fiCwRy6nDib8irDrrwP5-u40DNLU9iqAfbYQubpGhl1wfZ5Uzedvu1i1u4qkX477KqODtQCNHEDwAiqmI7Qef7iu0J2exr9Zt_rm6G1v0PKbqHqs/s2490/2J2A2301.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="2490" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSOazLpUkYT2xy57JbOOSO9EpSj9JFIZld5rjSjCbZML6Yp9SXd8l26S6hIxF-9Jj2bOHwsXUTW2fiCwRy6nDib8irDrrwP5-u40DNLU9iqAfbYQubpGhl1wfZ5Uzedvu1i1u4qkX477KqODtQCNHEDwAiqmI7Qef7iu0J2exr9Zt_rm6G1v0PKbqHqs/s320/2J2A2301.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>No bigger then a water pipit the Northern waterthrush doesn't look or act much like other warblers, which typically are flitty, fast-moving birds. Perhaps as an adaptation to their ground-feeding habits, they are brown and white and streak-breasted and they walk about slowly on the ground, constantly bobbing their tails. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4UfjHru7L8gqJV1_CB2a9BCtdMyhIf2PEGyZMabsokKZkefNjljDwwWnPUVnKco0dhR7zC_nsxQdZejH0W-FfKP4nF91zOtok8d-JBdpyGb5N2YoVOaP7xqbGZSxuewL66WkoK8ivOsHoC5iGvaxU-oLPKbPMJvuPeW_9tSSRqP3QfIqRxcNHyDbnhQ/s1794/2J2A2188.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="1794" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4UfjHru7L8gqJV1_CB2a9BCtdMyhIf2PEGyZMabsokKZkefNjljDwwWnPUVnKco0dhR7zC_nsxQdZejH0W-FfKP4nF91zOtok8d-JBdpyGb5N2YoVOaP7xqbGZSxuewL66WkoK8ivOsHoC5iGvaxU-oLPKbPMJvuPeW_9tSSRqP3QfIqRxcNHyDbnhQ/s320/2J2A2188.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The fist recored Northern waterthrush was back in 1985 on St Agnes, Scilly's and the last one in the UK was recored in 2011 again on Scilly so it's been sometime since the last one. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQSIrmcrLWKzeD8pUJutp2Ds0sLe-avT3iLhsiOfSEp-_LjfylkZsHIQmVCjuDw7CilkoEaBMZhL2FGDT6ZVXUTa4xKibIlTAR1us97JaffwCphj_VzxoPh9S5XtQlij4GgBGa0Jvzh-ejQZJYSC28iIsejKtS-hD6EQdtQEzjUVm1kU5ofL7MBy1nIo/s1891/2J2A2105.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="1891" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQSIrmcrLWKzeD8pUJutp2Ds0sLe-avT3iLhsiOfSEp-_LjfylkZsHIQmVCjuDw7CilkoEaBMZhL2FGDT6ZVXUTa4xKibIlTAR1us97JaffwCphj_VzxoPh9S5XtQlij4GgBGa0Jvzh-ejQZJYSC28iIsejKtS-hD6EQdtQEzjUVm1kU5ofL7MBy1nIo/s320/2J2A2105.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The bird was relatively close and confiding, despite the large crowds of onlookers, the biggest issue was the weather, cold, freezing an dull, with grey clouds is was difficult to get a high resolution image. I'm not complaining, just always wanting better from my photos. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYN9LXV1C1_AnQNEjNK0GkGWhn38lDTGvng0woq37oa6Ij807uB9J8a-rIEISOLY_yOf_sYgUkYX_x56WGLKYGtwxR31fs7A-SRDHgNQDRSw9wTSo9NcCqSbs6PCwZYZCfwLpGVIszK9DjuegKiXK3gKv6WepQuY-EGWPxd72I69TOvCxLlyM7WMrGtM/s3408/2J2A2426.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYN9LXV1C1_AnQNEjNK0GkGWhn38lDTGvng0woq37oa6Ij807uB9J8a-rIEISOLY_yOf_sYgUkYX_x56WGLKYGtwxR31fs7A-SRDHgNQDRSw9wTSo9NcCqSbs6PCwZYZCfwLpGVIszK9DjuegKiXK3gKv6WepQuY-EGWPxd72I69TOvCxLlyM7WMrGtM/s320/2J2A2426.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Good to see that 2024 is off to a great start, let's hope this is a first of many new ticks for the list this year and a good sign of things to come. <p></p></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-17380027878511556782024-01-08T11:01:00.000-08:002024-01-08T12:12:42.677-08:0002/02/2024 Martin Mere WWT, Lancashire <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5Ya7a8whjl3A2e3_4_rQvTTobFheQ8jGz9UfDW4odMb7yaTotbVx-l34T1kGX5LZYAFi4qbtAA7mJ5lljW3Hv66Gtyt8p2EDTfPyfipBUSRc8m0PQemNZeGoKPUof_d1MlWAhAc0azgi5ZO6IKBiSN5BqFegl17lXl2yS_ax9mlDHYOXx-ZfdbZJBfU/s3156/2J2A0859.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2132" data-original-width="3156" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5Ya7a8whjl3A2e3_4_rQvTTobFheQ8jGz9UfDW4odMb7yaTotbVx-l34T1kGX5LZYAFi4qbtAA7mJ5lljW3Hv66Gtyt8p2EDTfPyfipBUSRc8m0PQemNZeGoKPUof_d1MlWAhAc0azgi5ZO6IKBiSN5BqFegl17lXl2yS_ax9mlDHYOXx-ZfdbZJBfU/s320/2J2A0859.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Red-breasted Goose:</span> Happy New Year. Here we are are in 2022 and I ended the year with 25 new lifers, putting me on 450. One of my most successful years with too many highlights to name.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-LZomAJawOhXyj1PDiql-PyIISczEmIkT3EOnTgvizbZRiqrAiGZOG1W_q3lGhF-1fhJswN9h0Q3hJEQbqTmH5ikyHwnrr9zfGyQ89NN71w8GNmoJKEs5ROiUa6e3_q627kgHpaRNJDuNVvhYwdbXT_hDfOKDKfaRZOIDnBbHBVKmOnXgyikocKb29w/s4299/2J2A0660.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2943" data-original-width="4299" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-LZomAJawOhXyj1PDiql-PyIISczEmIkT3EOnTgvizbZRiqrAiGZOG1W_q3lGhF-1fhJswN9h0Q3hJEQbqTmH5ikyHwnrr9zfGyQ89NN71w8GNmoJKEs5ROiUa6e3_q627kgHpaRNJDuNVvhYwdbXT_hDfOKDKfaRZOIDnBbHBVKmOnXgyikocKb29w/s320/2J2A0660.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>No New Years outing with any birding chums, so instead it was a New Years day trip to Martin Mere with the family. The hope was to see the long staying RBG which was taken up residence on the Mere and I wasn't disappointed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDHfBgd3BH5QMi12lxR9jx1YQS08XzvDs4javIR2LW_DbJLDF4at390w8gav8Bd4gTzw-Q_HwjiQ3gBv69VbhU33DaYzm0chzmM9zUBHogCxfAytQb93ZSXN0_kSofzOTnZtvS_zhhdDRAfYGpaSSDhREX8wu5Su-1EoU-nZU7OG_WHwXx66S3Bt5hM4/s2540/2J2A0753.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2217" data-original-width="2540" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDHfBgd3BH5QMi12lxR9jx1YQS08XzvDs4javIR2LW_DbJLDF4at390w8gav8Bd4gTzw-Q_HwjiQ3gBv69VbhU33DaYzm0chzmM9zUBHogCxfAytQb93ZSXN0_kSofzOTnZtvS_zhhdDRAfYGpaSSDhREX8wu5Su-1EoU-nZU7OG_WHwXx66S3Bt5hM4/s320/2J2A0753.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Plastic fantastic or the real deal.....?</div><div><br /></div><div>I saw this same bird back on the 3rd of December, on the edge of a vast salt marsh with tens of hounds of pink-footed geese. Seemingly acting like a truly wild bird, albeit it not with its peered carrier species such as Brent geese or white-fronted geese. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGtpuWdssBhc7Ew6tWmX66G_ecGfiZCSxNABjZtKIHgfIXotMTS98bSzDYdZfvfYKWXsMMovLi8yuvtkdNSTWOuEgJuq8vBHv8xoSYnk0kWtLv6lN8-suXeb2qSRQd6-SnptuUi5u7tAbNKf-Z_5cRHk3hsRiqEY6gBxHZFFK1T8Rr5XJ43qABRbQJ8A/s5472/2J2A0816.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="5472" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGtpuWdssBhc7Ew6tWmX66G_ecGfiZCSxNABjZtKIHgfIXotMTS98bSzDYdZfvfYKWXsMMovLi8yuvtkdNSTWOuEgJuq8vBHv8xoSYnk0kWtLv6lN8-suXeb2qSRQd6-SnptuUi5u7tAbNKf-Z_5cRHk3hsRiqEY6gBxHZFFK1T8Rr5XJ43qABRbQJ8A/s320/2J2A0816.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Now its settled at Martin Mere and is feeding right in the open and close to the viewing screens, foraging on the grassy bank. it still comes and goes with pink-footed geese but now its showing this well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0cSH3nMX9pBbzeEtPy3ujAKnH2sSeWR4dicYaoyrbLJVE0nwOsIHchyphenhyphen3CDf65Gs6LYD3Z1sfxt56_L3If_j4KoZSd_Myv8LBAkKrizc3-l5pQFz0ZGPwOCvuwwfNRDtFdL1F3P8fKLUQDFccU37wrXgK0r9gVOIDWdi7IuwMZ7A9RBzOHT4cZ8vDjI0/s5051/2J2A0842.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3305" data-original-width="5051" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0cSH3nMX9pBbzeEtPy3ujAKnH2sSeWR4dicYaoyrbLJVE0nwOsIHchyphenhyphen3CDf65Gs6LYD3Z1sfxt56_L3If_j4KoZSd_Myv8LBAkKrizc3-l5pQFz0ZGPwOCvuwwfNRDtFdL1F3P8fKLUQDFccU37wrXgK0r9gVOIDWdi7IuwMZ7A9RBzOHT4cZ8vDjI0/s320/2J2A0842.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A lovely looking bird but surely not doing itself any favours regarding its provenance! I know fly who have ticked it and I know some folk who still need it but won't entertain going to see it as its now acting more like one of Martin Meres captive birds. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrYRDuAbrqg4UCzSL-G54ppiLvcwH7PFz4l28hyuykHLL7VCU1MzE7WxjjKeyP9Cu7YSAx5-NfrJWcbSkPvRFgu2oiDuTMdI-n2SB5DNJv-ab_UCwO9GXao6ti78bqFHZBHqh04uCofeBqHXZ8UVHu2QXm8Nxxxo7GtBC3FG8WLVNsFDf0va7CfsFDSc/s4793/2J2A0894.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3195" data-original-width="4793" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrYRDuAbrqg4UCzSL-G54ppiLvcwH7PFz4l28hyuykHLL7VCU1MzE7WxjjKeyP9Cu7YSAx5-NfrJWcbSkPvRFgu2oiDuTMdI-n2SB5DNJv-ab_UCwO9GXao6ti78bqFHZBHqh04uCofeBqHXZ8UVHu2QXm8Nxxxo7GtBC3FG8WLVNsFDf0va7CfsFDSc/s320/2J2A0894.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>After watching the bird I headed back over to the park and collected dawn and Autumn before having a fun and enjoyable walk around the duck pens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7kvu7vimxxVOEe43FFQoGEpnp3pZJWxAxtHXZ2-6zTHSk1Yp6OmigUAEpcB82MAbD-w3PlWqec0PHSysQPZZJ9vFjZq6Eq-1Y0r1XQbilkDuxdgmjPIY5s5RpU-V6IM03mby14WM_OpQ2QUcxsPjVoSrQdikKj-l_izs3QdD_vV2ym-2MLMpAFi5WpM/s2227/2J2A0487.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="2227" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7kvu7vimxxVOEe43FFQoGEpnp3pZJWxAxtHXZ2-6zTHSk1Yp6OmigUAEpcB82MAbD-w3PlWqec0PHSysQPZZJ9vFjZq6Eq-1Y0r1XQbilkDuxdgmjPIY5s5RpU-V6IM03mby14WM_OpQ2QUcxsPjVoSrQdikKj-l_izs3QdD_vV2ym-2MLMpAFi5WpM/s320/2J2A0487.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Brambling:</span> We eventually checked out the other hides were we had two marsh harrier and a nice kingfisher from the Harrier Hide.</div><div><br /></div><div>Autumn was getting restless so we move don to the Janet Keir Hide.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi168-UBJNOvlZaRdgeQiSI1boBHCpNOb81GPGs6pBg_hqiNRtQizIYx3jfRJ1DAdNjGAtN-QdDgR9VVluB1SYVSj7bKcSyyxo1hfiqAmQzoP-PDrmyH1om-W2f4kNnwWcHTKLu3xqO-22lDGfhvTem2b84tvt-PMyFOLJgHV8UijuL-vVo5sEzBwFxkWY/s2767/2J2A0584.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1737" data-original-width="2767" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi168-UBJNOvlZaRdgeQiSI1boBHCpNOb81GPGs6pBg_hqiNRtQizIYx3jfRJ1DAdNjGAtN-QdDgR9VVluB1SYVSj7bKcSyyxo1hfiqAmQzoP-PDrmyH1om-W2f4kNnwWcHTKLu3xqO-22lDGfhvTem2b84tvt-PMyFOLJgHV8UijuL-vVo5sEzBwFxkWY/s320/2J2A0584.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>It was here we had two brambling that were visiting the bird feeders, another reason I chose a New Years walk at Martin Mere. These brambling have been around for a few weeks now and if you get lucky and time your visit right they can be pretty showy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dBxtkgajdBySX4gEwsumjTow_oId9RxyJlN5Syp-xD2_SwsiM3ohBJVZC5EbzB9FInN40I85_irju-cvUuSXNs1XRGFvF2X870ducmmljHI9wzOAnmkcNqVIGN8l8B63Qg2uuFHhU66nGcRGWPVmLjrQp2NJIe0PA507w5p_Zpg29nVSBTJP2a7dRaM/s3088/2J2A0601.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1967" data-original-width="3088" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dBxtkgajdBySX4gEwsumjTow_oId9RxyJlN5Syp-xD2_SwsiM3ohBJVZC5EbzB9FInN40I85_irju-cvUuSXNs1XRGFvF2X870ducmmljHI9wzOAnmkcNqVIGN8l8B63Qg2uuFHhU66nGcRGWPVmLjrQp2NJIe0PA507w5p_Zpg29nVSBTJP2a7dRaM/s320/2J2A0601.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>So another year over and on to the next, what will be the big bird of 2024?</div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-76848889841203640952023-12-23T10:18:00.000-08:002023-12-23T10:18:03.304-08:0023/12/2023 Crosby Marina, Sefton, Merseyside <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8WA9iARD3ONlz34_kOVgXwoi4sRiALqLQzLIRN4heosobM02vAKqAAwZrXSOo-9i09929VZbSWSquTWfWeqkyN3hhqwFEaWgZQH8JpnwLmRoLrL6wX8zPE9sCIbFbaO8UW4eAczyvbJ4qkG94K8evZ-EmZC2NCPEQyapG6Y1_U7Zjxct7GyDvbWT68o/s3408/2J2A0267.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8WA9iARD3ONlz34_kOVgXwoi4sRiALqLQzLIRN4heosobM02vAKqAAwZrXSOo-9i09929VZbSWSquTWfWeqkyN3hhqwFEaWgZQH8JpnwLmRoLrL6wX8zPE9sCIbFbaO8UW4eAczyvbJ4qkG94K8evZ-EmZC2NCPEQyapG6Y1_U7Zjxct7GyDvbWT68o/s320/2J2A0267.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Black-throated Diver: </span>With Christmas fast approaching I have been keen to get out and bird, it won't be long and I will be back in work so decided to meet Kristian and had out loacally starting with the long staying black-throated diver at Crosby Marina Lake.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEaiIBXq7ci3D5rZHY3ctisDI5eZsv_Uv_EiY5Wf8HTZey_SbJZZEp2jvLmmsVSNXHmuVRC4iZDbviBvhNyhF-rq2ri3OYgoHZL_iCu_eiJ7hlFEqHrPinboYMFevYtQzYp7rzKp_H_SAVwL9R-NHCQx3tkSj-wQzDtOM4QlztFbU9cplAGmUn3Pddfw/s2731/2J2A0333.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="2731" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEaiIBXq7ci3D5rZHY3ctisDI5eZsv_Uv_EiY5Wf8HTZey_SbJZZEp2jvLmmsVSNXHmuVRC4iZDbviBvhNyhF-rq2ri3OYgoHZL_iCu_eiJ7hlFEqHrPinboYMFevYtQzYp7rzKp_H_SAVwL9R-NHCQx3tkSj-wQzDtOM4QlztFbU9cplAGmUn3Pddfw/s320/2J2A0333.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Black-throated divers are large waterbirds, larger than a great crested grebe but smaller than a cormorant in size. They look smart in their summer plumage, with a black throat, silky grey head and neck, and a black and white-chequered back. In the winter, black-throated divers turn a very dark grey above and white below, with an obvious white patch on their rear flanks. <br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0QKxqU0L0dcLEvOcaAiDCKTK5O7K1Ll4IQs6Vrd-vzL2HRzdzqEkv7chgy9esFnKq2NVp8osGAtgaGIiDhuRwIr3RW6ZT06peDSNU1cOYgYFVYjqVPUrVP51-K0WGXNcR3BCpV-zjvuTnIKvO9V6XZH4w41e621TJCnot1aOq8E9nvNtF2GKgfAndAw/s2643/2J2A0247.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="2643" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0QKxqU0L0dcLEvOcaAiDCKTK5O7K1Ll4IQs6Vrd-vzL2HRzdzqEkv7chgy9esFnKq2NVp8osGAtgaGIiDhuRwIr3RW6ZT06peDSNU1cOYgYFVYjqVPUrVP51-K0WGXNcR3BCpV-zjvuTnIKvO9V6XZH4w41e621TJCnot1aOq8E9nvNtF2GKgfAndAw/s320/2J2A0247.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>In their summer plumage they have vertical white stripes at the side and a short collar of white spots, resembling a barcode. Out of breeding plumage black-throated divers have grey-brown backs with white spots and a white patch on their flanks. They have grey crowns and napes and white forenecks bordered with fine black lines.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5ZIuFOdwowhyllGwcKT9B38DLp6J7mu_J-nsTxWLYsy7GmBgkajNQzwQ6iu9KvRaiNOYb4f2krRE4f_V3u2-XN7dfsPk5uJhtILcmbP28NHuv2RDqvmUQxYgiroJGGFXOtPnMYJrMsWuNlqjAfN16rm5xJVCvM-vwnWfciNllmR0k_tNf8AyeK1hBd8/s2783/2J2A0199.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1806" data-original-width="2783" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5ZIuFOdwowhyllGwcKT9B38DLp6J7mu_J-nsTxWLYsy7GmBgkajNQzwQ6iu9KvRaiNOYb4f2krRE4f_V3u2-XN7dfsPk5uJhtILcmbP28NHuv2RDqvmUQxYgiroJGGFXOtPnMYJrMsWuNlqjAfN16rm5xJVCvM-vwnWfciNllmR0k_tNf8AyeK1hBd8/s320/2J2A0199.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>It took a short while to relocate the bird, walking in the opposite direction din't help. one we found it the bird was far out from the Activity Centre. <p></p><p>Eventually the bird kept diving and swimming closer and closer and showed really well. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFSvk_mL7PkncafWCndxUbEMz_idCSANKOmMGQxBgDQIunGEq7jxriUrYvMYSx6xq5AsYgnX5Gtvyd1Kh9F02gf3FyppHjMPBHNf9ispExTgnXSSAIjB6kQNgCKNsy6t7gHVT-yRD4Mf0JNedKMXw0LXrVsA9-6flxLdDt_mG3Wsi3LNAQA3NwO8Y16s/s2850/2J2A0330.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="2850" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFSvk_mL7PkncafWCndxUbEMz_idCSANKOmMGQxBgDQIunGEq7jxriUrYvMYSx6xq5AsYgnX5Gtvyd1Kh9F02gf3FyppHjMPBHNf9ispExTgnXSSAIjB6kQNgCKNsy6t7gHVT-yRD4Mf0JNedKMXw0LXrVsA9-6flxLdDt_mG3Wsi3LNAQA3NwO8Y16s/s320/2J2A0330.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>If I don't manage to post before the big day let say Happy Christmas to all my blog readers, hope you all have a great day and again, thank you so much for liking on my blog links and reading through my posts. <p></p>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-56789648326375082562023-12-04T02:29:00.000-08:002023-12-04T02:30:02.891-08:0003/12/2023 Southport, Merseyside <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5Vd13jzKZXyQXncUQiOaewe8uXL2dkc-H64Nj3nBzUekWnCE6CeRY6WBbjHxD0EXR8ElxLEOPLII-RBF_Qz0Hn6T9w8nRGAxClQYNSQGZqFqvo8iTOyEKZ3LsLOeh8TGFXQpq7uNTp3A10nqARV_oEjbO-twDvNJbFqn3E9J3UBWr3z530bToNl-05U/s750/399901271_1010331580036868_5873671181352506783_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="750" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5Vd13jzKZXyQXncUQiOaewe8uXL2dkc-H64Nj3nBzUekWnCE6CeRY6WBbjHxD0EXR8ElxLEOPLII-RBF_Qz0Hn6T9w8nRGAxClQYNSQGZqFqvo8iTOyEKZ3LsLOeh8TGFXQpq7uNTp3A10nqARV_oEjbO-twDvNJbFqn3E9J3UBWr3z530bToNl-05U/s320/399901271_1010331580036868_5873671181352506783_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Red-breasted Goose:</span> Every year migratory wintering geese make the 500-mile journey from Iceland to spend the next couple of months feeding on the arable fields around Southport and east Lancashire. Most of the pink-footed goose population will spend the majority of the winter down south. However, they’ll take a break in their long journey here in Lancashire so that they can refuel for a few weeks before they continue.<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbbTPveWWsZgnlUJhbV0zAFhLdlBhkpQlyvIufMHj-bDunHqu_6upzs-gdWeUJ63MXa0s2x9Gn64ejrZGBSPmHKcyOG8i5bg_ZdwUHhLBvvQPZUPEmJaPUQWo0QIIspwmEwj2v0f4UQ99iNmTk9cb_MzCxWWxtkgDAZSUR8GpKSWeIjPeNwIlKtfbQ5s/s1614/403412499_1364036344506178_4757402148278439006_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1614" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbbTPveWWsZgnlUJhbV0zAFhLdlBhkpQlyvIufMHj-bDunHqu_6upzs-gdWeUJ63MXa0s2x9Gn64ejrZGBSPmHKcyOG8i5bg_ZdwUHhLBvvQPZUPEmJaPUQWo0QIIspwmEwj2v0f4UQ99iNmTk9cb_MzCxWWxtkgDAZSUR8GpKSWeIjPeNwIlKtfbQ5s/s320/403412499_1364036344506178_4757402148278439006_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On occasion these large flocks of migratory pink-footed geese can pick up and pull in other rare geese species.<p></p><p>There are fewer than 40,000 red-breasted geese in the world and the species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPs8gnap6AuYxHzQhm-EX6aIhBQj2dipGPi6E2vVgl8jKJhQL3cEAhNnYTqYJ9ZgcpHvTyVd7qws8ckqj7ehBkGJqPH4MNPMWecFstF-mgnv__XYOrCc_NrNCM36W9J1sM54W7MwWjztKCLjHN2nqyS3v8OpWNoBzp2TLcER-D2tIWb40tXPN48hZsQ0/s2521/2J2A9653.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1681" data-original-width="2521" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPs8gnap6AuYxHzQhm-EX6aIhBQj2dipGPi6E2vVgl8jKJhQL3cEAhNnYTqYJ9ZgcpHvTyVd7qws8ckqj7ehBkGJqPH4MNPMWecFstF-mgnv__XYOrCc_NrNCM36W9J1sM54W7MwWjztKCLjHN2nqyS3v8OpWNoBzp2TLcER-D2tIWb40tXPN48hZsQ0/s320/2J2A9653.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Red-breasted Geese are highly sought after in wildfowl collections and are now becoming more prolific in captivity. They have a beautiful and bold pattern of black, white and chestnut plumage and are the smallest of the northern geese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9x23I7SmJZwdpeaHF2X5cFwciCvTEov2sOJx0Hw6KS49KeFnBgAc0T-oq4rNyJNvgfKVX9a6SANnOdWagIghZ3RiLnk7aKQTSvMWJ2acF1dwDtmCI1UEC0mk57vc3RocwPtlxZ35uOpFHx2vqfu_8MMloOtxd9js8azq4HLLKXVmLBU-6-bxgmS_tg8/s2738/2J2A9665.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1783" data-original-width="2738" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9x23I7SmJZwdpeaHF2X5cFwciCvTEov2sOJx0Hw6KS49KeFnBgAc0T-oq4rNyJNvgfKVX9a6SANnOdWagIghZ3RiLnk7aKQTSvMWJ2acF1dwDtmCI1UEC0mk57vc3RocwPtlxZ35uOpFHx2vqfu_8MMloOtxd9js8azq4HLLKXVmLBU-6-bxgmS_tg8/s320/2J2A9665.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>There is ways discussions of a bird wild validity but this bird is being pulled in with a decent carrier species and associations well with pink-footed geese it looks good so far. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2MI333zWy78xN4zBrx4g8PJmIWOYjAjiexL-WLLenfRiL8se-_riMKKn4P62ykNzIoBNDTPuoqRxP1rv1mkKrwFSbMMp3hyphenhyphenirXIBiiL5D-qAxMAsjYqFcH1fMIutgxW80_PxJ868axqi8imCnrrEPnrXVzNHgjk768gTtlgxv_y62dGUwFVxhxTxzk0/s3408/2J2A0103%201.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2MI333zWy78xN4zBrx4g8PJmIWOYjAjiexL-WLLenfRiL8se-_riMKKn4P62ykNzIoBNDTPuoqRxP1rv1mkKrwFSbMMp3hyphenhyphenirXIBiiL5D-qAxMAsjYqFcH1fMIutgxW80_PxJ868axqi8imCnrrEPnrXVzNHgjk768gTtlgxv_y62dGUwFVxhxTxzk0/s320/2J2A0103%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;">Snow Bunting: </span>I like Bank Marsh and envy the likes of Stuart Derbyshire (who found the RBG) and who has Banks Marsh as their local patch, not only do they have the chance to find rare geese like this RBG, but they get to see such great spectacle of tens of thousands of geese flocking over the marsh and forming large grazing carpets of geese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-s8znoaHDon6kGlo3lGNxlsAtQ6t1ddNjRbkBOovRQ0OudAPP988i035A9dKmqFjSPKcK3aV6pyor-iWa8CYXoCTIVdxKKjeyCRyIiqsIu1eYMFtt3gqTzrCs4bmVFJlyVH6glsk-_xBX-D1byTRp7osXBM-M1amFF8_Exg5kpdyBfZsShyYuAmnqAc/s2904/2J2A9831.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2173" data-original-width="2904" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-s8znoaHDon6kGlo3lGNxlsAtQ6t1ddNjRbkBOovRQ0OudAPP988i035A9dKmqFjSPKcK3aV6pyor-iWa8CYXoCTIVdxKKjeyCRyIiqsIu1eYMFtt3gqTzrCs4bmVFJlyVH6glsk-_xBX-D1byTRp7osXBM-M1amFF8_Exg5kpdyBfZsShyYuAmnqAc/s320/2J2A9831.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The long walk down from the car park was pretty productive as we had some large flocks of twine moving between the marsh and the arable fields before connecting with Beth RBG and watching it as it flew around with around five thousands pinkies. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCTMnJPkmer26WmVAv2KlynTH9Go5FKjerT_gSWUa31CzIo6J36kbhQTQppCpqq6Q598FbFH54oqxuU7-I8HrI50iWVmw0Jnc7lzkQ5GWDG5DCqtPaSkPXFGqno_US2n6WeX1vbtwTehMKr9Ken3zpMH1IVuKMpNyiuZP4BL71KkdgXolWXmJEIFxz7c/s3408/2J2A0103%201.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCTMnJPkmer26WmVAv2KlynTH9Go5FKjerT_gSWUa31CzIo6J36kbhQTQppCpqq6Q598FbFH54oqxuU7-I8HrI50iWVmw0Jnc7lzkQ5GWDG5DCqtPaSkPXFGqno_US2n6WeX1vbtwTehMKr9Ken3zpMH1IVuKMpNyiuZP4BL71KkdgXolWXmJEIFxz7c/s320/2J2A0103%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>From here we walked back to the car and drove down to Southport Pier where a single female snow bunting had taken up residence. The Birx has been around for about a. week or so favouring the area of the beach infant of the KFC north of the Pier. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmpjfpk3PSGRreRRQFafrxx7nw0JbRSYceI5pQH2RXdS2aR8j8NygXoln3AfFnTT5Rndh3tVID051kwpyoYPv1L94UIAvW0Cy7QX59Sv-HThR0gihXnSCY6mHkVzLPFxptnMaPzVwm7BtwO0a95Pn7FsjGkm3B6UrRtZP39y2noEB3LnX6M7gD_-HNU0/s2694/2J2A0110%201.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1925" data-original-width="2694" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmpjfpk3PSGRreRRQFafrxx7nw0JbRSYceI5pQH2RXdS2aR8j8NygXoln3AfFnTT5Rndh3tVID051kwpyoYPv1L94UIAvW0Cy7QX59Sv-HThR0gihXnSCY6mHkVzLPFxptnMaPzVwm7BtwO0a95Pn7FsjGkm3B6UrRtZP39y2noEB3LnX6M7gD_-HNU0/s320/2J2A0110%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Carl found the bird foraging within the strand line vegetation and in typical snow bunting fashion it wasn't particually shy of the camera, or dog walks and passersby. <div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbXGZpdW3cIYFCZn7xyndzRw1hmOTKD2b2WeIyMcQ_LjCyAdQO5dYLABvjGFpqcewMaxFrWKBcuRChyphenhyphenqFC5O2w2OiS6fQ_hNRRNlbcgiaTdBMdTpYwyeJx5b2Pj_mm3Jcs9TJalYr2VSW-qJOJuEjlHe8XsNbPQcsqy4GbxmN0AyFUNsUkQ5sOnFsqzg/s2990/2J2A9888.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2990" data-original-width="2272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbXGZpdW3cIYFCZn7xyndzRw1hmOTKD2b2WeIyMcQ_LjCyAdQO5dYLABvjGFpqcewMaxFrWKBcuRChyphenhyphenqFC5O2w2OiS6fQ_hNRRNlbcgiaTdBMdTpYwyeJx5b2Pj_mm3Jcs9TJalYr2VSW-qJOJuEjlHe8XsNbPQcsqy4GbxmN0AyFUNsUkQ5sOnFsqzg/s320/2J2A9888.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div>Although the mountains regions where they breed and migrate from have a resident population augmented by high altitude winter visitors, the snow bunting is better known to birdwatchers as a winter visitor to the chilly coasts. </div><div><br /></div><div>And with the low lying snow and frost dusted over the strand line and sandy-shingle beech the bird looked perfect in it setting, opposite KFC in the middle of Southport. </div><div><br /></div><div>A great winters morning birding with Kris and Carl and we were back home intimate for lunch, in the warm, here's to next time lads. </div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-87967286602857390932023-11-13T02:15:00.000-08:002023-11-13T02:15:00.580-08:0012/11/2023 Abberton Reservoir, Essex<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n5FVPa2UDhgR0fiSVkfVm76DP02ZdKw71xwhLS_IjS7gOFUlQ6zZyIf9K7vsFgpEZi7AhQTzLjbm0uTZNHv3CdGFf_5Madizrs-BtWd5aLGvKLbBbiJUfHEvybkUMKmMf-cVaViwh1c4w-KVzW2ME-BOXvh0wtUuWa0h0gDGNNs7WgOeIJd-MEPWUM8/s750/368513385_1389787734985404_5151191004185898964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="750" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n5FVPa2UDhgR0fiSVkfVm76DP02ZdKw71xwhLS_IjS7gOFUlQ6zZyIf9K7vsFgpEZi7AhQTzLjbm0uTZNHv3CdGFf_5Madizrs-BtWd5aLGvKLbBbiJUfHEvybkUMKmMf-cVaViwh1c4w-KVzW2ME-BOXvh0wtUuWa0h0gDGNNs7WgOeIJd-MEPWUM8/s320/368513385_1389787734985404_5151191004185898964_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Canvasback: </span>There's no other way to spend a Sunday then twitching a rare bird with good friends. This time it was a trip to Essex for a bird that hasn't been seen on our shores for over twenty years. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeLwdbks4LDIjMafR_m9JV6k1UfF9tbXEGebUa9qCvNzhBQFVd7uSkuCiLH9GhRtkZhACU4t6gmLCPlTtBCL6xZwy6JCXh1RNDdXV7nOt-VuX_0GV4NimpZvPuWg58QTOueqwVfbIdS5Lz7sqG0VVXdEl4umheC2cTKoyHpsPty8-5U8HULbvkSnx4uA/s735/368441677_1029393631612250_6847797152729303255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="735" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeLwdbks4LDIjMafR_m9JV6k1UfF9tbXEGebUa9qCvNzhBQFVd7uSkuCiLH9GhRtkZhACU4t6gmLCPlTtBCL6xZwy6JCXh1RNDdXV7nOt-VuX_0GV4NimpZvPuWg58QTOueqwVfbIdS5Lz7sqG0VVXdEl4umheC2cTKoyHpsPty8-5U8HULbvkSnx4uA/s320/368441677_1029393631612250_6847797152729303255_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Native to North America these birds have a well-established breeding population through central Canada, north through the middle of the continent into central and northern Alaska.<p></p><p>Here is a nice comparrison between our own common pochard and the yanky canvasback which shows that male canvasback have a wedge shaped chestnut red head and neck, a long black bill and black breast.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHCQVOi3agz0vKW4ycQ9Mypcz0IQ_iIrqqrbHclKcjD6P16q4EwPYTqLI1uydBmThTml-qlcHP8Tb7yGCtrAfDzFfo30DsGCuvzdke8RzG5FeAjLWvG4t7kTGFWEY3FabJ75ohSe1qmtmaGsHS06q2XVVTyOdlZ-4apMf94aKS2zHRMoKPFAqrcuNjLY/s425/358814112_889789139418806_5546268886204492082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="425" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHCQVOi3agz0vKW4ycQ9Mypcz0IQ_iIrqqrbHclKcjD6P16q4EwPYTqLI1uydBmThTml-qlcHP8Tb7yGCtrAfDzFfo30DsGCuvzdke8RzG5FeAjLWvG4t7kTGFWEY3FabJ75ohSe1qmtmaGsHS06q2XVVTyOdlZ-4apMf94aKS2zHRMoKPFAqrcuNjLY/s320/358814112_889789139418806_5546268886204492082_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The bird gave us a bit of a run around as during the morning it was flocking with over 200 common pochard and it wasn't until they dispersed across the water and landed on the smaller reservoir and began feeding. <p></p><p>Apologies for the poor record shots, all taken at some distance and through my scope, far from ideal. </p><p> </p>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-87057078939003223462023-11-08T01:18:00.005-08:002023-11-08T01:19:33.109-08:0008/11/2023 Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, Buckinghamshire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWS8HDs3xi7pGnvJpwcXTLF8CYPxRsFn_h1PSTwfAESUc0wWoIHqNt6H974yZEwybZPEBs468MSUlbWgF8V0Lqo4voJBjs3NDjzYmRyOIr-XcsrNx3NIbhJU7a1ZR9e1NQDuqRb-7jRT9N1xha9dlZbwRr8DfqL-tdXj4FRfRIZ_Izve9fns0eCKZ14eU/s894/2J2A9161.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="894" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWS8HDs3xi7pGnvJpwcXTLF8CYPxRsFn_h1PSTwfAESUc0wWoIHqNt6H974yZEwybZPEBs468MSUlbWgF8V0Lqo4voJBjs3NDjzYmRyOIr-XcsrNx3NIbhJU7a1ZR9e1NQDuqRb-7jRT9N1xha9dlZbwRr8DfqL-tdXj4FRfRIZ_Izve9fns0eCKZ14eU/s320/2J2A9161.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Little Crake:</span> News broke the night before of a with some images following the first reports of a little crake showing incredibly well right infant of the hide at Linford Lakes. Luckily I was already pencilled in for a survey near Kettering so wasn't too far from the bird.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazPX0Yhrn4te_ba-og4yk-HIpVcvGejjv8hHNM5F_nX5uCu5X2VtljcN9l9jGzfZHgW4xv15C9DXCNTzZ0RFDnBhQTpd0ik1kFB3wzeMnuMDrf7951DBQLo79WtQ5J4DmBV5W5L5A6ryTBJpXBOj4PnsB0EPUh5kFoese0Ma9bVOYIaQJqq723KmnLrc/s1765/2J2A9290.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1765" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazPX0Yhrn4te_ba-og4yk-HIpVcvGejjv8hHNM5F_nX5uCu5X2VtljcN9l9jGzfZHgW4xv15C9DXCNTzZ0RFDnBhQTpd0ik1kFB3wzeMnuMDrf7951DBQLo79WtQ5J4DmBV5W5L5A6ryTBJpXBOj4PnsB0EPUh5kFoese0Ma9bVOYIaQJqq723KmnLrc/s320/2J2A9290.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>After making preparations to start early I headed down when I was finished. Linford Lakes is a permit only nature reserve and thankfully Simon Nichols and the other volunteers arranged access and worked hard to get folk to man the gates and take donations. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPRLIA-qqIJwGsHitXjJqJJfSFNcAPYeXxC9lB_aooFgY3DCZVONDJkbyaFCx_iQuvoUeqbF4vaOuImFQRocj337xBkkK1DAdDe1gBEw5Kuv0PFCbLNfZWGmGSVPlnlV-ThR_WU3iXrI4qU61XLbFICvEQH_mi23UX8urtQ9yupjkA8tT6Ybu9qi8NuE/s750/2J2A9253.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="750" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPRLIA-qqIJwGsHitXjJqJJfSFNcAPYeXxC9lB_aooFgY3DCZVONDJkbyaFCx_iQuvoUeqbF4vaOuImFQRocj337xBkkK1DAdDe1gBEw5Kuv0PFCbLNfZWGmGSVPlnlV-ThR_WU3iXrI4qU61XLbFICvEQH_mi23UX8urtQ9yupjkA8tT6Ybu9qi8NuE/s320/2J2A9253.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The reserve is ideal for bird and wildlife watchers, photographers and for those who enjoy nature and the unique environment that is found at the reserve. When I arrived the bird was on full show, albeit further over into the reedbeds and not right in front of the hide like it has been.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbVGfreuL1KdQmtysofRVslbxBnoWVww8dC9YFyBk8rt2xoDXfwufTQv0KY-MRqlF_qhVhr4Nhm6vriQedMiHzAfIwoiAMYTE4h9zAQEtBnAZk9VuAoXQUt6NK-X77qTSh2rUiRg_2vP5DJzMK3MrRJnvF7xPq4zOsXcRBc-yq7TiYHf1XRBDFjBsVpY/s995/2J2A9240.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="995" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbVGfreuL1KdQmtysofRVslbxBnoWVww8dC9YFyBk8rt2xoDXfwufTQv0KY-MRqlF_qhVhr4Nhm6vriQedMiHzAfIwoiAMYTE4h9zAQEtBnAZk9VuAoXQUt6NK-X77qTSh2rUiRg_2vP5DJzMK3MrRJnvF7xPq4zOsXcRBc-yq7TiYHf1XRBDFjBsVpY/s320/2J2A9240.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Can't complain though as crakes are typically known to be shy, skulking birds. <div><br /></div><div>These smart little birds breeding habitat is reed beds in Europe, mainly in the East, and just into western Asia. This species is migratory, wintering in Africa.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-30813165959734968732023-11-08T01:05:00.006-08:002023-11-08T01:05:52.623-08:0008/11/2023 Flamborough, East Riding of Yorkshire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVflyFWTAHzyV5VMXwfHDz4rfzG5ECDjInVCjUEJJSnG2lW3usdgm8Dwr1ZjSRD_bsd1Osxqn6T9TjpaOLkFGvMFitjDY-bbKxGLf_DiUreIw8YsOhyphenhyphen-RfKT0fb2sUm40F2TspF_4L3iL2S_5-126fJZSFSvAhFlDV5o4jA-XMsEzFExu8pb5gy9PzY8/s1090/395677356_1504692250097593_8655195523686515940_n.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1090" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVflyFWTAHzyV5VMXwfHDz4rfzG5ECDjInVCjUEJJSnG2lW3usdgm8Dwr1ZjSRD_bsd1Osxqn6T9TjpaOLkFGvMFitjDY-bbKxGLf_DiUreIw8YsOhyphenhyphen-RfKT0fb2sUm40F2TspF_4L3iL2S_5-126fJZSFSvAhFlDV5o4jA-XMsEzFExu8pb5gy9PzY8/s320/395677356_1504692250097593_8655195523686515940_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Red-headed Bunting:</span> These birds breed way over in Central Asia where it is common throughout most of its range and migrates south to India for the winter. Although this individul has found itself on the Yorkshire coast. <div><br /></div><div>A particularly tricky bird to pin down on ID as in their winter plumage they can appear similar to their cousins the black-handed bunting.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEENr56yXuC2dFSAguxBlAW9FNxEjuw831V5_dSOCUZ6pk6gCkYMuMxLjcyEfpmgqp5JJS90vW7n4YqKzN71ara1Gqm8RfxS74gxCjI01dH48LVbO-nEkg3iS6iYdvsSNlenuiRhbIkfxaXBQ5Z7Ng0jt8jfP-c_ou49gLWIY0EPeFm8GAk75RrULLIc/s1657/370986743_1986234068436733_6718985604019477803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1657" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEENr56yXuC2dFSAguxBlAW9FNxEjuw831V5_dSOCUZ6pk6gCkYMuMxLjcyEfpmgqp5JJS90vW7n4YqKzN71ara1Gqm8RfxS74gxCjI01dH48LVbO-nEkg3iS6iYdvsSNlenuiRhbIkfxaXBQ5Z7Ng0jt8jfP-c_ou49gLWIY0EPeFm8GAk75RrULLIc/s320/370986743_1986234068436733_6718985604019477803_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fortunately DNA was collected by the way of a feather and sent over to Dr Martin Collinson, a renowened scientist who carries out analysis on bird DNA and has a big part to play in the identification, and sexing of rare and scares birds that find their way on to our shores. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPz_tnhh8DvO86z_id29fxdWEZ2RwpTnaF_rIOwJJ8zxIwcFBD_t9XchnrGclPJwRj35C0rrYpAyblC4vhnYr4yJQfZzTNXFBQK6A1KNkJBMJzJ_YBGXKroUdDz-Zuk21nG5yAvt8L8liYlSemNwmwPTww-_mA946fxpZYhWCxS9dgeu3vppgVf621OE/s2544/372338650_878866823336759_1599707169157623294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2544" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPz_tnhh8DvO86z_id29fxdWEZ2RwpTnaF_rIOwJJ8zxIwcFBD_t9XchnrGclPJwRj35C0rrYpAyblC4vhnYr4yJQfZzTNXFBQK6A1KNkJBMJzJ_YBGXKroUdDz-Zuk21nG5yAvt8L8liYlSemNwmwPTww-_mA946fxpZYhWCxS9dgeu3vppgVf621OE/s320/372338650_878866823336759_1599707169157623294_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The DNA results confirmed that the bird was indeed a red-handed bunting, and pending a review from the British Ornithologists Record Committie (BOURC) this could well be a first for Britain. <br /><div><div><br /></div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-40087045821910955102023-11-04T03:20:00.003-07:002023-11-08T01:06:07.417-08:0005/11/2023 Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, Kent <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-tu0HEKbzPaKaVWiovPzs62oi_Ac-rwyGnUodYKKMnwH02tnHbtLRpUx8zo988a_6rdpqh7vl7Z6YfWYElKs-8MGPNTTjhw8ODSXJZXbsAJNWM0bjj9qnRMtrsdup5CUaxjplpqW3xJ-G46xB976varJjNDhRiAf0FeUKww7WVDNWqVug_pd7hs97tU/s1487/2J2A9047.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1487" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-tu0HEKbzPaKaVWiovPzs62oi_Ac-rwyGnUodYKKMnwH02tnHbtLRpUx8zo988a_6rdpqh7vl7Z6YfWYElKs-8MGPNTTjhw8ODSXJZXbsAJNWM0bjj9qnRMtrsdup5CUaxjplpqW3xJ-G46xB976varJjNDhRiAf0FeUKww7WVDNWqVug_pd7hs97tU/s320/2J2A9047.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Solitary Sandpiper:</span> This small inconspicuous wader should be halfway on its annual migration between Canada and Central America.<p></p><p>Instated its annual migration has been disrupted by strong westerly winds and storms which has brought it all the way to Kent.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMnasax8FyGgPMCiIz5Y9Gci-NxsbQ7NljhIerF-XAQKfxMUw9SZOLMv7gsmVNFJha2gqpcuV39HM5gtO-4FGdumeGnFfa_Uxv5xRNi65gzl9NnNFKPR9lWxeu5LerDeyt8tac-XN4McKiIPZrwg5hvBZjHnMvY0e5QzVRoBNDeyPjd49272WH7Fxz24/s1520/2J2A8952.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1520" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMnasax8FyGgPMCiIz5Y9Gci-NxsbQ7NljhIerF-XAQKfxMUw9SZOLMv7gsmVNFJha2gqpcuV39HM5gtO-4FGdumeGnFfa_Uxv5xRNi65gzl9NnNFKPR9lWxeu5LerDeyt8tac-XN4McKiIPZrwg5hvBZjHnMvY0e5QzVRoBNDeyPjd49272WH7Fxz24/s320/2J2A8952.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The bird has remained pretty settled and has been here for over a week now, but with work commitments and the baby not being too well with a virus I have been unable to go down until this weekend. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZBysSw4l_GbvoGTpnu9LDSb8XZ5HwslGGDvgvwxTeKVKcEHTZfVyPwxw6jl5PjLdw7vckwrcLzDCarnXw8HMHMMEYIbnpe8mBy_06_AcCnVNN9KKOHQJk1VTdQSYUNNjYplxiHcc-eW_XU78LGe4QH3QAVSVoM1UTrKHNqCrL59nVXB_rETc2f1PSc8/s2395/2J2A8815.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="2395" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZBysSw4l_GbvoGTpnu9LDSb8XZ5HwslGGDvgvwxTeKVKcEHTZfVyPwxw6jl5PjLdw7vckwrcLzDCarnXw8HMHMMEYIbnpe8mBy_06_AcCnVNN9KKOHQJk1VTdQSYUNNjYplxiHcc-eW_XU78LGe4QH3QAVSVoM1UTrKHNqCrL59nVXB_rETc2f1PSc8/s320/2J2A8815.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve (NNR), is located just outside Canterbury between Stodmarsh Village and Grove Ferry Picnic Site and is one of the largest seedbed habitats in the South East. The reserve consists of reedbed, open water, and grazing marsh with some wet woodland.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvIW0uGmUS7YNFKH8sutdYBqzcC7kZblcF9rvDLRKM3HB0rF_OzRADEMwFP9QuixLJjm1gLynRjQ_ohdXrQBOrR2UcDQ_QrB3gNMo45S2qXLhEpuNfCFoq0BnCKUVUg2TdNQR8Twn9awUUIZNgoGHX1r3OZw3AxmNPQPROzPMKcOR9QrceHvjeefArow/s1985/2J2A9025.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1985" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvIW0uGmUS7YNFKH8sutdYBqzcC7kZblcF9rvDLRKM3HB0rF_OzRADEMwFP9QuixLJjm1gLynRjQ_ohdXrQBOrR2UcDQ_QrB3gNMo45S2qXLhEpuNfCFoq0BnCKUVUg2TdNQR8Twn9awUUIZNgoGHX1r3OZw3AxmNPQPROzPMKcOR9QrceHvjeefArow/s320/2J2A9025.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Upon my arrival I headed over to the Reedbed Hide and parked myself on the standard hard wooden benches that you find in bird hides, you know the ones that soon turn into a medieval torture device after a few hours of sitting on!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Bhcq3b8FY8kPrgTGEzMlEsXhavcfQAX0OUPJ9loKSmXhqO0ArepGAgcY6CHeJF-eMcBJybBzyI_NpyFkykvcUYwuHVwlejSt0RKxXYBjyjEZvezxLGoTuBx_gzJuBvf5PKIor02l8Lz5khN6hwb-n9qTqQwop6jEtvS6B6Yo6k8ROLIREVxw9VJTmrg/s1948/2J2A9052.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1948" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Bhcq3b8FY8kPrgTGEzMlEsXhavcfQAX0OUPJ9loKSmXhqO0ArepGAgcY6CHeJF-eMcBJybBzyI_NpyFkykvcUYwuHVwlejSt0RKxXYBjyjEZvezxLGoTuBx_gzJuBvf5PKIor02l8Lz5khN6hwb-n9qTqQwop6jEtvS6B6Yo6k8ROLIREVxw9VJTmrg/s320/2J2A9052.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Eventually a small sandpiper comes flying in low over the hide landing on the area of cut reed in front of the hide. To everyones disappointment this turned out to be a green sand. But with a bit of paitcence and a numb back site the solitary dipped in and started to feed on this cut reed infant of the hide. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5a9b_JZVCKy1QGfqlxe1huNDfLXvDYFf8jLBu3v9R6oKv2DGOPAunHQ88cB_gtaQMhklvQ-f37gk9Qe-ozyr3Gf3A_myUr_Tjk5uI2HiYnfL07SillneSeIuAaG95Hw8CAPEdGKz0kZrT7WgZ6clvGuI2V4fTOTR-iIwdELkXRoxPyInCppbNfgzR5c/s1985/2J2A9025.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1985" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5a9b_JZVCKy1QGfqlxe1huNDfLXvDYFf8jLBu3v9R6oKv2DGOPAunHQ88cB_gtaQMhklvQ-f37gk9Qe-ozyr3Gf3A_myUr_Tjk5uI2HiYnfL07SillneSeIuAaG95Hw8CAPEdGKz0kZrT7WgZ6clvGuI2V4fTOTR-iIwdELkXRoxPyInCppbNfgzR5c/s320/2J2A9025.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>It was good to compare both the green and solitary sand side by side in the same area. The solitary was smaller, greyer then the green sandpiper which has a distinct contacts been the upper and lower parts. <div>the solidarity sands legs are typical a dull olive but this bird had almost yellowish legs with spotted striped upper parts of its tail. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Upa8vffZkM8Vvv0AtOOz8nctzATj7pPAfj1Bxm-pNMv5YWjGKZAyTTG-l4gPNMbGQfUW1MRFVi-XEJaSwwMKSe5Fr384AKAYnfAXSyAAMjIgdRJGGc0pyUqOgeMKHDTsQVAtz7akmNsiQSyQoFgKMID2eT8pVUZCb3OXMCxMgn8u-30_OvBQvDrQAAA/s1745/2J2A8984.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1745" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Upa8vffZkM8Vvv0AtOOz8nctzATj7pPAfj1Bxm-pNMv5YWjGKZAyTTG-l4gPNMbGQfUW1MRFVi-XEJaSwwMKSe5Fr384AKAYnfAXSyAAMjIgdRJGGc0pyUqOgeMKHDTsQVAtz7akmNsiQSyQoFgKMID2eT8pVUZCb3OXMCxMgn8u-30_OvBQvDrQAAA/s320/2J2A8984.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I was blown away by how well this bird was showing for us, all the other previous sightings had been mixed with dissent views. <div><br /></div><div>After seeing this bird I will be double checking any green sands I stumbled across out in the field, you never know. <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g0eaS_-yLanEGVytMx9dbB4YTj5cDDy4Agbl5vo24hgQ8GTjx0MJtdB1AetUCQufH5-AeQcuj7nhe1t4YrQ-tuSaecp-735TosXUlnAPQuszudunodDWcjLOewy13-0bIZcSm7qM48xcKnKmVbb2SGVuwt0yzgXXvNYzkFxokWZT1dda_MTRHxWgbts/s1745/2J2A8984.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a></div></div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-31197688384528717712023-10-13T02:11:00.009-07:002023-10-13T02:15:00.694-07:00Shetland 2023 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wDJ43vpP8FxmC8zlT7Eivs5jpKLcAO-x0vjgCSpnQY6Om08uroCW06gbtb7YatMIeQ1rSURMN0DoIw6F8XGkj6VBUr_5_DfKtmAIoT0FqZkvoGA5SPGhoXFHhvsLdRYG7541U2VRL46ZWYpoNNDKKqXBEhmMUUWvq3btXg-PZ7rpORoyKZG-ZZkakas/s4294/2J2A2323.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2941" data-original-width="4294" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wDJ43vpP8FxmC8zlT7Eivs5jpKLcAO-x0vjgCSpnQY6Om08uroCW06gbtb7YatMIeQ1rSURMN0DoIw6F8XGkj6VBUr_5_DfKtmAIoT0FqZkvoGA5SPGhoXFHhvsLdRYG7541U2VRL46ZWYpoNNDKKqXBEhmMUUWvq3btXg-PZ7rpORoyKZG-ZZkakas/s320/2J2A2323.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Veery: </span>Autumn migration in Shetland is one of the ornithological highlights of the birding calendar! And part of the year I have really been looking forward to for some time. This would be my 4th year on the run top here and I had big hopes for finding rare birds and ticking a few new ones. <p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOeT_QbAJYtE-Sr4uDx1A-AS3HyrxVp2km8XXrAYI_AyRCUURKuPMtxmFJCEyb1NgnZoVjaw5xcgQEH5NaJ_ykesyqAlDTnZoBotJFW2wMaONwI9RdcPvcUsGbuDkvEdR5oyxhKCDekLsJlteI7PICdpMYEoOPDdzWRi1WXgaom1ZcsF5ITercvU-kGs/s2750/2J2A2288.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="2750" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOeT_QbAJYtE-Sr4uDx1A-AS3HyrxVp2km8XXrAYI_AyRCUURKuPMtxmFJCEyb1NgnZoVjaw5xcgQEH5NaJ_ykesyqAlDTnZoBotJFW2wMaONwI9RdcPvcUsGbuDkvEdR5oyxhKCDekLsJlteI7PICdpMYEoOPDdzWRi1WXgaom1ZcsF5ITercvU-kGs/s320/2J2A2288.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This year, six top birders and friends booked the trip with me. A group which included Patrick Earth, Gary Edwards, Damian Young, Kristian Wade and Rob Black. A top bunch of lads and top birders, great to spend a week away birding them all. </p><br /> <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghsosFtIelN7PyioF16snuRmxEKgZlmNJ53CEf68KPw6Pft-gpkML9JfdNzC7b1aRYtgvi7c63gyd2J7eKN9N9sq0_9swpyCAD374QTzqHvJOsfaAf6tdrATQZbLQ_877QnO1C5U5N-ahN6S35TVff6Hrn-qzN7ycTzYDlyFxHUUkmq2-6vIUz2kIG7M/s3022/2J2A2243.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="3022" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghsosFtIelN7PyioF16snuRmxEKgZlmNJ53CEf68KPw6Pft-gpkML9JfdNzC7b1aRYtgvi7c63gyd2J7eKN9N9sq0_9swpyCAD374QTzqHvJOsfaAf6tdrATQZbLQ_877QnO1C5U5N-ahN6S35TVff6Hrn-qzN7ycTzYDlyFxHUUkmq2-6vIUz2kIG7M/s320/2J2A2243.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Rob and Patrick headed up a day earlier then the rest of us opting to fly, so they connected with this American mega while we were travelling up via car and ferry! Bring a day behind and knowing we may miss out on what could be the b best bird of the trip was giving me some serve anxiety!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JQIEyMAVoPa_1b19O6Kkztre8JUOkTgQ9Ol9lpP28X4YkCGZYQICqVRRLfACSyIg1Q68UqJLBwPaLT56DQljeT1Y0Sk88eqeQUogId8I5vg-cBwHml0AvPvPla_t28vlsamqQRBj8JN_W1pNX6E9cOz1LKpvtA20Ggu9GSSxEjonhWcqcGR4HyMjesk/s3408/2J2A2211.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JQIEyMAVoPa_1b19O6Kkztre8JUOkTgQ9Ol9lpP28X4YkCGZYQICqVRRLfACSyIg1Q68UqJLBwPaLT56DQljeT1Y0Sk88eqeQUogId8I5vg-cBwHml0AvPvPla_t28vlsamqQRBj8JN_W1pNX6E9cOz1LKpvtA20Ggu9GSSxEjonhWcqcGR4HyMjesk/s320/2J2A2211.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Patrick and rob were sending us some crippling pictures too which wasn't help, Guess I would have done the same if the situations were revered, nothing like a bit of banter. Luckily the veery did the decent thing and stayed, it was favouring the same line of sycamore trees we had a barred warbler in the years previous. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyJ8VSkrQUb4jVwOF31XPwuB8LKLCEcA0zFAK9BcRdUObehL7OSVNoWb9fKBnAhZSkr4i6077c-p3gLTzx1osy2VyvDvT0gM_jap-ddKe_Rm0FtRaAO0kQCPaCqHMIBxfOlHPzXvC2atzpfSdHiBZN7N7t4_84kpgOoM_EsbGeG6K59RmE67JXKk-XLw/s2746/2J2A1845.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1714" data-original-width="2746" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyJ8VSkrQUb4jVwOF31XPwuB8LKLCEcA0zFAK9BcRdUObehL7OSVNoWb9fKBnAhZSkr4i6077c-p3gLTzx1osy2VyvDvT0gM_jap-ddKe_Rm0FtRaAO0kQCPaCqHMIBxfOlHPzXvC2atzpfSdHiBZN7N7t4_84kpgOoM_EsbGeG6K59RmE67JXKk-XLw/s320/2J2A1845.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The veery is a medium-sized member of the thrush family with a plump body, long wings and legs, a small head, and a straight, narrow bill.<br /><div><br /></div><div>It has cinnamon brown upperparts and pale underparts, grey flanks, and indistinct spots on the cream-coloured breast. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup_TOzdTRY99hoYuLbAk0ERNpsLg_eGcCPcrRnYRUrKBNoJJcYca7BditkToHTu6aZf7nSDLqeUidnV0XDjPxric03QX2Y2kjFcaKE3i2QViRjT7SG330Y_NS4k-2OfEomqHDE_Z8EMyHzbziLrvqE4M4goUFDQtkvIAbY-Jfl4FIT-3A7MbIQgFMsYI/s4802/2J2A2332.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3048" data-original-width="4802" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup_TOzdTRY99hoYuLbAk0ERNpsLg_eGcCPcrRnYRUrKBNoJJcYca7BditkToHTu6aZf7nSDLqeUidnV0XDjPxric03QX2Y2kjFcaKE3i2QViRjT7SG330Y_NS4k-2OfEomqHDE_Z8EMyHzbziLrvqE4M4goUFDQtkvIAbY-Jfl4FIT-3A7MbIQgFMsYI/s320/2J2A2332.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>They get their name “Veery” from the song that males use to defend territory. A series of variations on veer, the song descends slightly in pitch, and resonates as if whirling around inside a metal pipe.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDziEdJBtikH0-205HQcS5ui-XVjB9CFW22FMYTbihmLtpLIZoJ9-NVHXv9E0Wsb-KkXZ4ALR41IuKD7FfsPN6FE_cTG3CGBXECE0X0Ug9Ea57fp6h7m9Fv4qHh2tqLp2Qeu8bV_4_4mFG1SJwKPa0eyuW-WJ-NIGzx-tVvxZMjz8Zym41f7iVAm7PuEc/s2221/2J2A0485.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="2221" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDziEdJBtikH0-205HQcS5ui-XVjB9CFW22FMYTbihmLtpLIZoJ9-NVHXv9E0Wsb-KkXZ4ALR41IuKD7FfsPN6FE_cTG3CGBXECE0X0Ug9Ea57fp6h7m9Fv4qHh2tqLp2Qeu8bV_4_4mFG1SJwKPa0eyuW-WJ-NIGzx-tVvxZMjz8Zym41f7iVAm7PuEc/s320/2J2A0485.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Yellow-browed Warbler:</span> The veery showed astonishingly well and hopped out on the damp muddy field in-front of the sycamores right infant of me. The bird actually reminded in the area right upon I rill the end of the week before disappearing at the weekend. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCl9VSFXaHdf-44xg3vbMqChP29W7zrvhjAj9EfQHHsmQUe_528ODlzCITk9SHALytBqgmcfPCEkG-B8T0A0wbwChNJZBnFa7jT54RT4i7frkmJiJpYNx2JGKYjrmU4hOfchxVhUrDfEE8JMY0Sq-di-S4tnIoeBfpjCCLLw_teyHBqv0pcEZkm5tMvE/s2402/2J2A0470.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="2402" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCl9VSFXaHdf-44xg3vbMqChP29W7zrvhjAj9EfQHHsmQUe_528ODlzCITk9SHALytBqgmcfPCEkG-B8T0A0wbwChNJZBnFa7jT54RT4i7frkmJiJpYNx2JGKYjrmU4hOfchxVhUrDfEE8JMY0Sq-di-S4tnIoeBfpjCCLLw_teyHBqv0pcEZkm5tMvE/s320/2J2A0470.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>This year we stayed in Scalloway at Easterhoull chalets's self-catering accommodation which was split into three people per chalets. They got a mixed reception from the guys but I liked then, they were warm, clean and really central to Lerwick and some good birding locations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_FBcvdLLS9VytM1RPMjTDtKNNm9jXuGw1DzjDdN3qT-zqcS_FcAjBRGSp48AnQrNyudqDekKfETYbc8tfBQZeYL3mPwgy2KlctGrMmVx6DVAfLhckH960Ct8ho-r4la2fGqKgxyOiC3KX8lwyVKPWB739QIS88ofUdaevyBOGsWFvfpD9064NTBOH60/s2613/2J2A9545.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1742" data-original-width="2613" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_FBcvdLLS9VytM1RPMjTDtKNNm9jXuGw1DzjDdN3qT-zqcS_FcAjBRGSp48AnQrNyudqDekKfETYbc8tfBQZeYL3mPwgy2KlctGrMmVx6DVAfLhckH960Ct8ho-r4la2fGqKgxyOiC3KX8lwyVKPWB739QIS88ofUdaevyBOGsWFvfpD9064NTBOH60/s320/2J2A9545.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Olive-backed Pipit: </span>This was one of the highlights of the trip, I don't think I will ever see an OPB, a bird which is famous for being skulky and elusive as well as this bird.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinasQ2UKFpp_VvsF8-7lx0gw7zaXAfGcHX-c42s1QKLguYG1u3lSq2e3gW0nRZEIWDyzKgWucOSDN86EVCsD5OQitmQk6Xg4OyqAn1-kGYm9eQxC8cjLWXGuncgV8dzHEONZCZFOXzSLCoUcjW4FplKZTUkTIVzr4nKjChcHYxqYSzEcTSIe0FaBgMJxc/s1489/2J2A9555.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1489" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinasQ2UKFpp_VvsF8-7lx0gw7zaXAfGcHX-c42s1QKLguYG1u3lSq2e3gW0nRZEIWDyzKgWucOSDN86EVCsD5OQitmQk6Xg4OyqAn1-kGYm9eQxC8cjLWXGuncgV8dzHEONZCZFOXzSLCoUcjW4FplKZTUkTIVzr4nKjChcHYxqYSzEcTSIe0FaBgMJxc/s320/2J2A9555.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This bird was right out in the open, walking and foraging on the ground among the grass and close to the cover. It wasn't shy in coming right out in the open, a brilliant experience and like I said, a high light of the trip.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1AIyiyNGF_Kg1Jb0vW1P60402Z37ivipe6K39cJDOlcw90S1kebk5lTi2t6Hw57H_b1zkCzFAAIMCxP4wzpFpuU7Kq12hqSkpzcwE0XircLMDE2vyRBv7bdPTB93AqddvdyfRGljTFgxlDP6ze9ZnA_-VFIj_KPZJAlqW8F2lNeg16wlcfLHHzcqyE4/s1671/2J2A9718.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1671" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1AIyiyNGF_Kg1Jb0vW1P60402Z37ivipe6K39cJDOlcw90S1kebk5lTi2t6Hw57H_b1zkCzFAAIMCxP4wzpFpuU7Kq12hqSkpzcwE0XircLMDE2vyRBv7bdPTB93AqddvdyfRGljTFgxlDP6ze9ZnA_-VFIj_KPZJAlqW8F2lNeg16wlcfLHHzcqyE4/s320/2J2A9718.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A fairly characteristic pipit due to the fresh plumage tones, defined facial pattern and marked breast streaking. Back olive-coloured with only faint streaking. Rump lacks streaking. Usually shows a pale and a black spot on rear cheeks. Legs pinkish, with short hind-claw, similar to Tree Pipit. Similar behaviour as Tree Pipit. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUhqkPhEiGQ3U_ipPWzM_9ip5UI4PcwjHZWXU5UHGC5a6dz4odlr8VwI1G3gD7hsAJpkS1A0AJSGTW5tT8il0p6GxQuDohod_xG_jNJ5NmeosDHSySnOFTJW_73_7qJQxA8jAnDpTKLVa1espiKNEkHkkAMsedUjgmgJXuem2x73MUW34PcE3Wa7yx2M/s2325/2J2A9449.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="2325" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUhqkPhEiGQ3U_ipPWzM_9ip5UI4PcwjHZWXU5UHGC5a6dz4odlr8VwI1G3gD7hsAJpkS1A0AJSGTW5tT8il0p6GxQuDohod_xG_jNJ5NmeosDHSySnOFTJW_73_7qJQxA8jAnDpTKLVa1espiKNEkHkkAMsedUjgmgJXuem2x73MUW34PcE3Wa7yx2M/s320/2J2A9449.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Just like tree pipits they readily enter trees, and will also walk along branches. This bird was regal;y seen hopping and fluttering up on to perched in trees.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp4QGtnwJTsGF6SaMiDHD1LK6S9796wAei8S0HVgFCYhjtChqmqTS-svocUAbdkFkx_NMp6YD8Mw2gVXY4jh2sZvk4MjHxKTWhZlBMbzL1_zFKn0NLECaV9AVGvxHUJuUi0Fgh_AbVekmX6uO8wJg3bCwY5I_T500UK5NYv4vE-ssO9noM9-EDVqIMBI/s2840/2J2A9453.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="2840" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp4QGtnwJTsGF6SaMiDHD1LK6S9796wAei8S0HVgFCYhjtChqmqTS-svocUAbdkFkx_NMp6YD8Mw2gVXY4jh2sZvk4MjHxKTWhZlBMbzL1_zFKn0NLECaV9AVGvxHUJuUi0Fgh_AbVekmX6uO8wJg3bCwY5I_T500UK5NYv4vE-ssO9noM9-EDVqIMBI/s320/2J2A9453.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The bird took up residence at Voxter House & Walled Garden close to Brae, a grade A listed building and random rubble wall enclosing rectangular garden to south west of the main building. <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5tKBaQBTsW89RnhQfY6TbS7dba1LrhnLsi13Was2Bokvt8WrXbrPcpXLv4iCjqdneE62Su7stFxDs_WwuqzXuJLRxT8qYUVmOiTLelAd5WETGo_XDI_S4dDwxB2ZMs0q3MRGa6hnArHNEiv84MI4EOUHfXNJkH8h27nGbMrAXyhjdN6rF9e3frO8C6o/s1366/2J2A9759.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1366" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5tKBaQBTsW89RnhQfY6TbS7dba1LrhnLsi13Was2Bokvt8WrXbrPcpXLv4iCjqdneE62Su7stFxDs_WwuqzXuJLRxT8qYUVmOiTLelAd5WETGo_XDI_S4dDwxB2ZMs0q3MRGa6hnArHNEiv84MI4EOUHfXNJkH8h27nGbMrAXyhjdN6rF9e3frO8C6o/s320/2J2A9759.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Coming back to our accommodation one evening from here Birdguides tweeted a rare bird, a local rare bird and one of my top most wanted birds, a snowy owl!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrIU5n_UkuS5TdjjR8FUiPfKwKlcDjgxYtM-7NK3-_ODVrdEboXaZNyqxmt5s_WWSb6lanLsSCSBur-i-HHegimErch6ZTYXZ3xwGIZEgWJHpvvW1fX1M8tXpXHJCOvgWtoJKoT8UEMuRpHdsdz7gSKZ_cMJpwBVafkjWMh_-vVkx4pKBmt9un4wVJOw/s1148/387333778_312310041436749_5049135386815189898_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1148" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrIU5n_UkuS5TdjjR8FUiPfKwKlcDjgxYtM-7NK3-_ODVrdEboXaZNyqxmt5s_WWSb6lanLsSCSBur-i-HHegimErch6ZTYXZ3xwGIZEgWJHpvvW1fX1M8tXpXHJCOvgWtoJKoT8UEMuRpHdsdz7gSKZ_cMJpwBVafkjWMh_-vVkx4pKBmt9un4wVJOw/s320/387333778_312310041436749_5049135386815189898_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Snowy Owl: </span>After getting some gen and figuring out what we need to do we arrived at the top of Ronas Hill and began the long, steep and tiresome hike upwards, towards the bird. </div><div><br /></div><div>it would be tough going as the terrain consist of bare, stony tundra; slightly boggy initially. No paths and few landmarks so good navigation.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFOepCZrv7r3u5DQzqkHV9ulf_0aJeB2UdwVpRbUdR4wsJBM1dHLATFDDETyTcLYqBD0r7OM4ynWHVHXamAeQ5HRmZbyEH2hnIBQ6DiAqt01Fw2zIYBV35OO6ImK12rMlB4PoaewFw1Xa7Ae7cWeHAZrrIGKSGiqp7lmbAyw4M9pkuqJ5b5VI74aPy0U/s1049/2J2A8158.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1049" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFOepCZrv7r3u5DQzqkHV9ulf_0aJeB2UdwVpRbUdR4wsJBM1dHLATFDDETyTcLYqBD0r7OM4ynWHVHXamAeQ5HRmZbyEH2hnIBQ6DiAqt01Fw2zIYBV35OO6ImK12rMlB4PoaewFw1Xa7Ae7cWeHAZrrIGKSGiqp7lmbAyw4M9pkuqJ5b5VI74aPy0U/s320/2J2A8158.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Ronas Hill is the highest summit in Shetland, rising as a broad dome of stony, granite tundra above the great plateau of North Roe. This is a wild and windswept place but the views are superb, and the track up to the masts on Collafirth Hill makes for a high level start.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKPaWR_ahPFldcy0Uovo5Sn2TYyHc2YxHaXO2kMG1o39ovd8O87TMhLPzNDjQNnxEY8iNzrbKOTnTrpyR_v2Z6IUv1y_8t78X1rfuIy9ui_Gh-5Vq9OvH7DBmqaKFFjGraq-CHzb8GsZTs1GF4nT6rt59nxabHvUlep6Hve895F_uz4Cm7UzPzg9huEo/s1159/2J2A8203.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1159" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKPaWR_ahPFldcy0Uovo5Sn2TYyHc2YxHaXO2kMG1o39ovd8O87TMhLPzNDjQNnxEY8iNzrbKOTnTrpyR_v2Z6IUv1y_8t78X1rfuIy9ui_Gh-5Vq9OvH7DBmqaKFFjGraq-CHzb8GsZTs1GF4nT6rt59nxabHvUlep6Hve895F_uz4Cm7UzPzg9huEo/s320/2J2A8203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I was the first to arrive at the summit followed swiftly by Kristian and Patrick while the others were huffing and puffing their way through the bogs and over the stony slopes to the plateau.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqC1iuiUXHj20_XhgudnYrCOletcCyD_B27MfepSKmUeiSGjS4sn2xSwcaCsICUNcSejFuV5yseaTW8QgmmMhsBAKwBvBFW59_oXCEExse6Zv57JIhVK5rw2mpPuMTUYVaPnedfmU23lxWomdU9UbIlr4ZRWaj35nSmvwWYG9DIq903T8qCE6qR5pNZg/s2051/2J2A8217.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="2051" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqC1iuiUXHj20_XhgudnYrCOletcCyD_B27MfepSKmUeiSGjS4sn2xSwcaCsICUNcSejFuV5yseaTW8QgmmMhsBAKwBvBFW59_oXCEExse6Zv57JIhVK5rw2mpPuMTUYVaPnedfmU23lxWomdU9UbIlr4ZRWaj35nSmvwWYG9DIq903T8qCE6qR5pNZg/s320/2J2A8217.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We then found the group of birders who made an earlier start then us and were watching the bird from a very safe and respectful distance to the bird. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was hunkered sown out of the wind and rain, sandwiched between two late boulders before flying father uo to and more shuttled area of the slopes. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdl6zAjbiXQxOE7pjMEtkgDQqcPKIH-ooMNrbP3vh6tK231Q3xD0BpKuZqNh1Dg9cm6_Zi7yfUQt8W_2Y3H4QQz1o6U4PulwgMNXDTJmnT07om7oS4fvlT-XQoTdhMglmNuT556_IVHyMb6oEPh41kN9pRypFQBFKiW2_Zp6Jl6Am2DMbhn3HM3ze580/s1113/2J2A8232.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1113" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdl6zAjbiXQxOE7pjMEtkgDQqcPKIH-ooMNrbP3vh6tK231Q3xD0BpKuZqNh1Dg9cm6_Zi7yfUQt8W_2Y3H4QQz1o6U4PulwgMNXDTJmnT07om7oS4fvlT-XQoTdhMglmNuT556_IVHyMb6oEPh41kN9pRypFQBFKiW2_Zp6Jl6Am2DMbhn3HM3ze580/s320/2J2A8232.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>They live primarily in the Arctic polar region, but can be seen as a migratory visitor to northern Britain. But I have here'd that this is a resident bird to Shetland. The Snowy Owl hunts by quartering over open land, searching for small mammals, insects and birds.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c2qhxiJpXK0P4HWENfzjR732JAE0d_glwSB6jHdCQYhZnLunBEw3PQS6nmDb6zR4vmDF9-mRHNSfc96BRqpr5kcGIKTY1V62yen9fFcLSBhwbEseEz6HzcLKwaag6weAyJiDanpbr7Eg1lOCWbAvrRzMqtwktNi3ih3mMUAUgXu3emtY1UJPJHj8gqs/s3408/2J2A0325.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c2qhxiJpXK0P4HWENfzjR732JAE0d_glwSB6jHdCQYhZnLunBEw3PQS6nmDb6zR4vmDF9-mRHNSfc96BRqpr5kcGIKTY1V62yen9fFcLSBhwbEseEz6HzcLKwaag6weAyJiDanpbr7Eg1lOCWbAvrRzMqtwktNi3ih3mMUAUgXu3emtY1UJPJHj8gqs/s320/2J2A0325.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Snow Bunting: </span>Another snowy bird that's more at home in the arctic from Scandinavia to Alaska, Canada and Greenland and migrate south in winter.</div><div>But an annual visitor to the UK during winter they were found all over Shetland, from Ronas Hill to the costal areas towards the south of the island. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRp0q2gb6B5FHrR5pcdle7wHhY-ppDL5ggiLso3-zu5DpBH0W1NCpAH5HVg5vilFEY-UZdYcrfRd05ZxABoJMfMNXY1UHy0b9d2H7QVQNKJZVE5sWrw6BFoFQzj9SjHCi5N-5ogQH5SHxL3FZ_mAIVbBTpVpWrKeq2aQaZqbvE_5OIdGAIMeQYT43Jsw/s2679/2J2A0300.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1685" data-original-width="2679" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRp0q2gb6B5FHrR5pcdle7wHhY-ppDL5ggiLso3-zu5DpBH0W1NCpAH5HVg5vilFEY-UZdYcrfRd05ZxABoJMfMNXY1UHy0b9d2H7QVQNKJZVE5sWrw6BFoFQzj9SjHCi5N-5ogQH5SHxL3FZ_mAIVbBTpVpWrKeq2aQaZqbvE_5OIdGAIMeQYT43Jsw/s320/2J2A0300.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Snow bunting are always great to catch up with, pretty little bird that don't mind being photographed while Pershing on shoreline stones and rocks, it was good to add them to the trip list. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIaA-9JwgylBFVPAE7eX8emd0aC7xMfBJ1giLwhZ4qtl4p-RGbkuRECBvQECxFtbGwhB6innXWoh8YdAOkG7uLa0chxba8gyDVvW0971Wqah0RrRLDocYCw7eurlKfMZbdDF6-qnURuf7XrC8vte4vWx_OUiABzHDkWs7WGAHcmge0N02tLSLN2v9orU/s3408/2J2A0334.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIaA-9JwgylBFVPAE7eX8emd0aC7xMfBJ1giLwhZ4qtl4p-RGbkuRECBvQECxFtbGwhB6innXWoh8YdAOkG7uLa0chxba8gyDVvW0971Wqah0RrRLDocYCw7eurlKfMZbdDF6-qnURuf7XrC8vte4vWx_OUiABzHDkWs7WGAHcmge0N02tLSLN2v9orU/s320/2J2A0334.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>We did have a few rainy, windy days were out birding was either inturupted or cancelled all together. Like in Shetland I guess, where the weather if fine somedays throughout the year, but the weather can change quickly in a day and you can experiance all season in a day. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-QeZyjNQyTajxy8w3tcz3AYBrPiOPOfQz1PMJi1YSaj2cHvYLlQ6d74ar_7U2EZteKHh1V6d4UXJ8K1AJRIGCCLqv7NvHefieOrD9ClAXVdrURjShVpRSE88IwnD1VFa9KL9trA3fsNKHYJ8CYXigtQ76vMG-9e6mLqXlnw20JenMul1GJblk6w2aLk/s2402/2J2A0470.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="2402" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-QeZyjNQyTajxy8w3tcz3AYBrPiOPOfQz1PMJi1YSaj2cHvYLlQ6d74ar_7U2EZteKHh1V6d4UXJ8K1AJRIGCCLqv7NvHefieOrD9ClAXVdrURjShVpRSE88IwnD1VFa9KL9trA3fsNKHYJ8CYXigtQ76vMG-9e6mLqXlnw20JenMul1GJblk6w2aLk/s320/2J2A0470.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Yellow-browed Warbler:</span> As the week progressed we connected with more YBW's, hearing their distinctive call from sycamores and willows across the island. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJOC6oZj6D7wLunq7WKgwVU-OjiPhbJSTmxuvrCiSCzSI0TcVJmlDE1TIJM6dTePb5Gs97PHOiyS-HYhGvDa9Sp3TQZfqVFghhnIhcFNrcQ8jGMB2GzGS9TciQSswD9cqrlVY_KQzU1n4x7_aS-cZzvagvyD6drvJgQM5e8bAG7fQe4rPW0SN9X1htB4/s2221/2J2A0485.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="2221" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJOC6oZj6D7wLunq7WKgwVU-OjiPhbJSTmxuvrCiSCzSI0TcVJmlDE1TIJM6dTePb5Gs97PHOiyS-HYhGvDa9Sp3TQZfqVFghhnIhcFNrcQ8jGMB2GzGS9TciQSswD9cqrlVY_KQzU1n4x7_aS-cZzvagvyD6drvJgQM5e8bAG7fQe4rPW0SN9X1htB4/s320/2J2A0485.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Yellow-browed is the icing on the migratory cake. Where these little noisy warblers are, other great birds will be nearby. YBW's are a fixture in many a happy memory; of bushes humming with hungry birds, berries red and leaves reddening, the camaraderie of fellow delighted birders, the last autumn sunshine and the first storms.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPi0bu7g9clTBxTCHGM7CylFMiLpPhImAZ37iBMmE2xbSTsOh92DTANqU8fe4wBr65plFzCK_UC_kRQ_nuHMcqSPFFX9oj8G3ujQ0ModoL-Nb1TpsOGkkjQq_QN1BOkXYvLl9N_nyiocx-LAw_Hmii6Q8JidJRHK9Vd5ve5_tmITylxizR7GH_8CoxAU/s2235/2J2A0921.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="2235" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPi0bu7g9clTBxTCHGM7CylFMiLpPhImAZ37iBMmE2xbSTsOh92DTANqU8fe4wBr65plFzCK_UC_kRQ_nuHMcqSPFFX9oj8G3ujQ0ModoL-Nb1TpsOGkkjQq_QN1BOkXYvLl9N_nyiocx-LAw_Hmii6Q8JidJRHK9Vd5ve5_tmITylxizR7GH_8CoxAU/s320/2J2A0921.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">White's Thrush: </span>Another bird that broke during the late afternoon was this White's thrush, a rare Shetland Autumn speciality, considered one of the the "Shetland Big Five".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6CrnxUQ6nIAOqP0ugiilEpxMi_D2BEBiyKXlN6Y8nzOAWU9860SROX5RUW_sK4cRECsgm0pzjzt3LW5lzxeufrBkRiogvOh_T3QMooniOtuds8Gg8b9L8p2sKWmOzvqC57tOJx8rkJbtFwG_zNxaX3zmcUYdQacNbG6Ak8Kj7rrjc5OJkffTlsxShXc/s3408/2J2A0877.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6CrnxUQ6nIAOqP0ugiilEpxMi_D2BEBiyKXlN6Y8nzOAWU9860SROX5RUW_sK4cRECsgm0pzjzt3LW5lzxeufrBkRiogvOh_T3QMooniOtuds8Gg8b9L8p2sKWmOzvqC57tOJx8rkJbtFwG_zNxaX3zmcUYdQacNbG6Ak8Kj7rrjc5OJkffTlsxShXc/s320/2J2A0877.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We got the first ferry across and were joined by most of the riders on Shetland and after a short tense wait the bird was seen well in flight. Kristian and I went back on one of the slower days and got some better views of it on the deck. Well worth the muddy knees and elbows as he hunched down to see the bird under the woodland canopy. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDNScwnFeUeN5h6BPwZFZ0Dj9AwgGb9j_A6okuW7J0n0R32QK5eCjLew_QRMFzWRKW02t10Tq472bDCWUYbtGKascf_T-o7MNe6wu3kBkPSGP4KkcKh2w4Y46YOPVn5IO0nasg9L4WnTt5LV4atLsUamdSrX0wPuLt-gTrViokwHXOmxDs-jUl_WHn5Q/s1378/2J2A0615.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1378" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDNScwnFeUeN5h6BPwZFZ0Dj9AwgGb9j_A6okuW7J0n0R32QK5eCjLew_QRMFzWRKW02t10Tq472bDCWUYbtGKascf_T-o7MNe6wu3kBkPSGP4KkcKh2w4Y46YOPVn5IO0nasg9L4WnTt5LV4atLsUamdSrX0wPuLt-gTrViokwHXOmxDs-jUl_WHn5Q/s320/2J2A0615.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The largest thrush of west Palearctic, as big or at least as long as mistle thrush but heavier about bill, head, and body and proportionately shorter-tailed. Structure unusual: bill long and heavy, head large, and wings relatively long (though bluntly pointed) in comparison with tail; combined with undulating flight, gives woodpecker-like appearance. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsF2GNzhbp91oRju0_Luz8e4zT2oYYUrRIYc_KNqScns1OeZCwEI6hWZ2vRqLfkdIUk7Jw1QMpCjHoxRcnWZ878CzzyQbsg-ZS5FAWrVq7vSEcm-rPf7r8OmNmhn0-kuwh_Y2MyNRhVR-mmzn802pgJhtE3N0Pz_uGAfzs__dYi_nleIpioUNbKXiRfM/s1429/2J2A0152.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1429" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsF2GNzhbp91oRju0_Luz8e4zT2oYYUrRIYc_KNqScns1OeZCwEI6hWZ2vRqLfkdIUk7Jw1QMpCjHoxRcnWZ878CzzyQbsg-ZS5FAWrVq7vSEcm-rPf7r8OmNmhn0-kuwh_Y2MyNRhVR-mmzn802pgJhtE3N0Pz_uGAfzs__dYi_nleIpioUNbKXiRfM/s320/2J2A0152.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>White's thrush are simply stunning birds, with golden- olive-buff above and yellow-white below, copiously scaled with black crescents on head and body and softly banded dark across primaries and primary coverts and along ends of all flight feathers. Underwing striped white, black, white, and grey from front to rear.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3hetjCTVfp_E10GIv2SoXz-Cn_HCPNaH2Tf2rKSY9uwJMsYdKe-Yj2au9yqzTRBaTvWoUWhPpfo5S0-zQ2j9Y5LGAPlrk9AR5iq6HCQO-NxqHBbGK2A0ANTCtsMnBMIHFuI2R5yNTPdVmSsLiCIUbm0jcte6P2OfseTKelYQ-daq6VP8e23PdmuVPAU/s2370/2J2A0150.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="2370" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3hetjCTVfp_E10GIv2SoXz-Cn_HCPNaH2Tf2rKSY9uwJMsYdKe-Yj2au9yqzTRBaTvWoUWhPpfo5S0-zQ2j9Y5LGAPlrk9AR5iq6HCQO-NxqHBbGK2A0ANTCtsMnBMIHFuI2R5yNTPdVmSsLiCIUbm0jcte6P2OfseTKelYQ-daq6VP8e23PdmuVPAU/s320/2J2A0150.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>In recent years the track record of Shetland is unrivalled, compared to Scilly, or the Western Isles the Northern Isles have run away with the show. Rare Siberian have always been our big thing in the past and perhaps maybe now more than ever, but this year has been all about the New World megas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNh1q7SRhg8pcdGP_xYI2u3oDkxb93baxLp9wEyJgsZVPaY3BayiHfGdKFH9Z4vYAmPJ4OzhigdaF2SAevMCA7RVItlVWM4uo4m4l-iIn4NqYL8xETOUtvisxf5D6c_hWuWzModPtTojV9jL3zukRyr3-ZAalJIDK1xx-36juKZcYGBZc6VvCpbYtuSk/s1387/2J2A0073.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1387" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNh1q7SRhg8pcdGP_xYI2u3oDkxb93baxLp9wEyJgsZVPaY3BayiHfGdKFH9Z4vYAmPJ4OzhigdaF2SAevMCA7RVItlVWM4uo4m4l-iIn4NqYL8xETOUtvisxf5D6c_hWuWzModPtTojV9jL3zukRyr3-ZAalJIDK1xx-36juKZcYGBZc6VvCpbYtuSk/s320/2J2A0073.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Blyth's Reed Warbler: </span>Another example of the Eastern birds we had was this Blyth's reed, a tricky bird to ID but with a call that can seperate it. the bird was agin, typically shy it took a while before it showed well. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbyRLV_Ql3o6jbQ77moS0wuBBGGPLSsfyYtQXbWh7Ei_5zg-GGx9q18gqx4I0i_ezh1rtOj5ysMOYgVJ8GDajiIdb9zCskHh93jNBk9PxxF85GsB07LLgqUSNx5rzUlZKd5y7fu1ibzcRoiqcvsx3WRq_FOCLkPq1uvt-mSRkMqGBJutyQTVatk0cIew/s2188/2J2A0041.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="2188" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbyRLV_Ql3o6jbQ77moS0wuBBGGPLSsfyYtQXbWh7Ei_5zg-GGx9q18gqx4I0i_ezh1rtOj5ysMOYgVJ8GDajiIdb9zCskHh93jNBk9PxxF85GsB07LLgqUSNx5rzUlZKd5y7fu1ibzcRoiqcvsx3WRq_FOCLkPq1uvt-mSRkMqGBJutyQTVatk0cIew/s320/2J2A0041.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Yellow-browed Warbler: </span>A river warbler was found on our second day but it took us several days to actually connect with it, typically elusive and in an area which was closed down in the afternoon due to its location to a school. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3XT4ayRS1vH5VkUXU8GOQFJhTEa3jVy82EbD_h9Mn9_jGZoTdJbCCMktd9xxWCnGh8agoedeDZJkrf2K57WoPSipBpgamgMsub9hdWXCWDvn8BDJOa4ZefRtIXx21IW4zOTfSyjD6GjaIS3Dhm_35VDew_0qAj79uvJKHtCPyDl5gFjPu6qs8F4yscI/s3408/2J2A0061.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3XT4ayRS1vH5VkUXU8GOQFJhTEa3jVy82EbD_h9Mn9_jGZoTdJbCCMktd9xxWCnGh8agoedeDZJkrf2K57WoPSipBpgamgMsub9hdWXCWDvn8BDJOa4ZefRtIXx21IW4zOTfSyjD6GjaIS3Dhm_35VDew_0qAj79uvJKHtCPyDl5gFjPu6qs8F4yscI/s320/2J2A0061.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>When we did catch up with the river warbler the heavens opened, it was by far the west day we had for rain, we were all drenched, Garys wellies never recovered and some mositure got into my camera, thankfully only temporally.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiqVZx3GDI6pTs7JwURiLPKQHIO9uP5dMP4tLk5OYlUWPYn9zIdID4jK9OXbZrO1BItnFBEejx34mHieks9GKZqbkcmsQKA-VaHcwOt-faf_lkcTkHPk7Y9lXAU8PVIxlzEW3f5zBPgfDjib5VNcIg6hgO206QOp-M05dJLJoc4PYTGfDZqk___NIcII/s1857/2J2A0056.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1857" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiqVZx3GDI6pTs7JwURiLPKQHIO9uP5dMP4tLk5OYlUWPYn9zIdID4jK9OXbZrO1BItnFBEejx34mHieks9GKZqbkcmsQKA-VaHcwOt-faf_lkcTkHPk7Y9lXAU8PVIxlzEW3f5zBPgfDjib5VNcIg6hgO206QOp-M05dJLJoc4PYTGfDZqk___NIcII/s320/2J2A0056.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>My views were pretty poor, especailly compared to the Ham Wall bird I saw. Some folk in the same crowed didn't connect with it at all, disappointed for them the bird remained for a few days so hopefully they had another chance at it. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FCi5MN5Dp8zFcju6pHtGH26GmNXYqu4dXwIILvkPsyyoNuP5c_015fb5KbF_0UNAXBsH2k5Wj1MRmSbsxVc_mvSWq8_Ax1eaHcwW3yp3ZrOS5kNv2vyx6SxD8TZXQ9B-Iy17xLJH9pduNQ3u1tkfcxFJjfw4HTwLOksiFSOXta2fx6WBv7s-8-s-JFM/s1265/2J2A9809.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1265" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FCi5MN5Dp8zFcju6pHtGH26GmNXYqu4dXwIILvkPsyyoNuP5c_015fb5KbF_0UNAXBsH2k5Wj1MRmSbsxVc_mvSWq8_Ax1eaHcwW3yp3ZrOS5kNv2vyx6SxD8TZXQ9B-Iy17xLJH9pduNQ3u1tkfcxFJjfw4HTwLOksiFSOXta2fx6WBv7s-8-s-JFM/s320/2J2A9809.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Barred Warbler: One of the areas we favoured was Hoswick, a settlement in Sandwick in the south mainland of Shetland, Scotland, on the eastern part of the Dunrossness civil parish. It is separated from the rest of Sandwick by the Hoswick Burn and from Channerwick in the south by the hill on which the settlement is situated.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z2t_3KqA5eB-SSI9t_0fRRyy8NxPKryvmH8EFaXNlMbL6Y-s_MGyv9Lqij9FhJN5u-R6KHlkSHbGXcf_XngPikiLlZod5-2kVN8Y5Sswc91js9pKMT4ehc0lrZ7mP9LsWPabz3JCufRRULJW5Q5aDyW3iDRc2Je3uIa2WCp20BVGLGWzalSvQ5lNeyY/s1706/2J2A0383.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1706" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z2t_3KqA5eB-SSI9t_0fRRyy8NxPKryvmH8EFaXNlMbL6Y-s_MGyv9Lqij9FhJN5u-R6KHlkSHbGXcf_XngPikiLlZod5-2kVN8Y5Sswc91js9pKMT4ehc0lrZ7mP9LsWPabz3JCufRRULJW5Q5aDyW3iDRc2Je3uIa2WCp20BVGLGWzalSvQ5lNeyY/s320/2J2A0383.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>It was here we had good views of YBW's, barred warbler and RBF's, we spent ages here repeated walking down the streets and pi king birds up in the bushes, garden and roadside vegetation. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGdF9Ximgoa_RlbYYnx8K-Wcb4KEPblrz1_iUSQrFmvpndqSKKq4i9IIZlZcROte3GKOWVbeSw_h12V9aLXSzQM9qN-iQdJ_O4kcvlbePYsI1FXy3FD0VU1cEF4HuzVhzR6NSKpfgoJNbRFubitJRGyPpKLCpAk95yq8VksQ4CS5bEUvz-_LCn46Zuss/s1396/2J2A9939.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1396" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGdF9Ximgoa_RlbYYnx8K-Wcb4KEPblrz1_iUSQrFmvpndqSKKq4i9IIZlZcROte3GKOWVbeSw_h12V9aLXSzQM9qN-iQdJ_O4kcvlbePYsI1FXy3FD0VU1cEF4HuzVhzR6NSKpfgoJNbRFubitJRGyPpKLCpAk95yq8VksQ4CS5bEUvz-_LCn46Zuss/s320/2J2A9939.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>As I write this blog post, sitting at home there has been an American yellow warble found here in Hoswick. Typically. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next year I will be looking for one, keeping my eyes open and hoping to struck, gold....no....strike yellow!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNRc2VO7sM6R9z2WhulMv9NtPrsk9olPByhVqDwSkdGtckykGnGkoklWaAxH1fp_uVH4khCOjI2s2SZH6wBs_PAD4GmBOVbUtABeHVybBivpx7jxxXu8JdJCPmt3ljn7XQw1CqfA9k7wIm3qRsfS4khbZ0NQ7IjTVSbkKyhTAnRS4yVqrg2FWrwd3WvA/s1364/2J2A9906.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1364" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNRc2VO7sM6R9z2WhulMv9NtPrsk9olPByhVqDwSkdGtckykGnGkoklWaAxH1fp_uVH4khCOjI2s2SZH6wBs_PAD4GmBOVbUtABeHVybBivpx7jxxXu8JdJCPmt3ljn7XQw1CqfA9k7wIm3qRsfS4khbZ0NQ7IjTVSbkKyhTAnRS4yVqrg2FWrwd3WvA/s320/2J2A9906.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Red-breasted Flycatcher: </span>I was lucky enough to find a RBF on a day when none where picked up, a bird hiding from the wind, taking shelter in a small garden. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's always a branch in the way! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI30Dq9Uj8tszOH5IiFvvT5MsAaTqYdBJB8v9ucvbumAOVHut-Pyen-5hQRRaxKaRksgRe3NOAPb9dBhKdmTBuVRXu-YiusDXjKatInVjjGUXFWoYkB-rH7T_jimIZKbLy3Y1rNj9DL5ogylGIm7pUQpr9OJshYAOZDhaBapV8TEmB-RLczeu7woaysbQ/s1547/2J2A9916.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1547" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI30Dq9Uj8tszOH5IiFvvT5MsAaTqYdBJB8v9ucvbumAOVHut-Pyen-5hQRRaxKaRksgRe3NOAPb9dBhKdmTBuVRXu-YiusDXjKatInVjjGUXFWoYkB-rH7T_jimIZKbLy3Y1rNj9DL5ogylGIm7pUQpr9OJshYAOZDhaBapV8TEmB-RLczeu7woaysbQ/s320/2J2A9916.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I managed to get the gang on t and eventually more birders saw it before it was cashed off by a robin and relocated in a sycamore tree a few streets over. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK29hRFfac0BASUi11K5_AfYTgqstTxi06-RBUNpaOHwS6NqhXADRX2WuX1rI4VNHL_Di0gpsZ1OW-aZxWgybUMSMdKhD4XvG0ecF8xdUMneMMMl1ON4UO0PTuhLNjuxKG35_NDIfoM7LDgCzeLYqc5WlO-53K8lq5AsjB87leoAMYc2sbUd9hZLFV9fA/s2500/2J2A0969.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1628" data-original-width="2500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK29hRFfac0BASUi11K5_AfYTgqstTxi06-RBUNpaOHwS6NqhXADRX2WuX1rI4VNHL_Di0gpsZ1OW-aZxWgybUMSMdKhD4XvG0ecF8xdUMneMMMl1ON4UO0PTuhLNjuxKG35_NDIfoM7LDgCzeLYqc5WlO-53K8lq5AsjB87leoAMYc2sbUd9hZLFV9fA/s320/2J2A0969.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Stejneger's Stonechat:</span> This recent split of the former Common Stonechat S<i>axicola torquata</i> into several species (including European Stonechat <i>Saxicola rubicola</i>, Siberian Stonechat and now Stejneger’s Stonechat) are becoming more common. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhfDG2pjtEjHrW3e6t-USroy5l3pcCllAwRSHyANd_ZuSwM2_DPGntIXBndgNJcJ037pOPnq2DZsY1X0-hYOyFMg_EFuAo1GcQjBXIurMJqfCAsG0dmnhrLnsId8OEHguNk0fdo0R6kjP1uJACg4fr2yBsibqYcO8LQY_l52xXSj36VgHixCcZKN40n0/s2257/2J2A1063.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="2257" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhfDG2pjtEjHrW3e6t-USroy5l3pcCllAwRSHyANd_ZuSwM2_DPGntIXBndgNJcJ037pOPnq2DZsY1X0-hYOyFMg_EFuAo1GcQjBXIurMJqfCAsG0dmnhrLnsId8OEHguNk0fdo0R6kjP1uJACg4fr2yBsibqYcO8LQY_l52xXSj36VgHixCcZKN40n0/s320/2J2A1063.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Breeding in in central and eastern Siberia, Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and eastern Mongolia, and migrates south to southern China and Indochina in winter they are a typical eastern bird that can turn up on Shetland during Autumn. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL1XB_tjzelqgngar1-BULx1fawmxc3hj71BULEHUbk8LztdPX6FgLq6GokfxrPtM2azF7xA8P_rqLSlKGMA9z8uJjRmYAAHVQBH8YPmAbUkkJuy6vin_FtfNBmIXejDBfubMiBEhoTJ5h_3mn2xQ4z8SbMpnzz7VPpgRztWlAegOb-niN_IBS55o-uY/s2503/2J2A0103.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1911" data-original-width="2503" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTL1XB_tjzelqgngar1-BULx1fawmxc3hj71BULEHUbk8LztdPX6FgLq6GokfxrPtM2azF7xA8P_rqLSlKGMA9z8uJjRmYAAHVQBH8YPmAbUkkJuy6vin_FtfNBmIXejDBfubMiBEhoTJ5h_3mn2xQ4z8SbMpnzz7VPpgRztWlAegOb-niN_IBS55o-uY/s320/2J2A0103.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Magpie:</span> Shetland famed for its for its large falls of Autumn migrants and perhaps not for magpies, this one we saw on Bressay the same day as the White's thrush was the first record for Bessay. These birds in a way are more rare on Shetland than the mega Whites's thrush!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhnI7Y7t3lYG0_5qaMuCrenDimUg3leiwF9P8bp19nPRZYGnPHDqOuRiUmS2zgO7IvLgwyd31Rj4mYKtMurkPqKyxCVYuI0qvIeXBwpnQITj50tvjilyzaMQ7NzuEB8JK6M6h2Q_Z5cqjxT7Q7zYjP635eJ7wR_S6CPU-MbtQuP_as2IuLhyPv5zhS0s/s896/2J2A7277.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="896" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhnI7Y7t3lYG0_5qaMuCrenDimUg3leiwF9P8bp19nPRZYGnPHDqOuRiUmS2zgO7IvLgwyd31Rj4mYKtMurkPqKyxCVYuI0qvIeXBwpnQITj50tvjilyzaMQ7NzuEB8JK6M6h2Q_Z5cqjxT7Q7zYjP635eJ7wR_S6CPU-MbtQuP_as2IuLhyPv5zhS0s/s320/2J2A7277.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Bluethroat: </span>This long staying bluethroat was happily at home on a large dung pile, feeding and hiding in the tall vegetation in the middle of a sheep pen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eSIS4gRV22wUUxZCNn0o-vu101ikGKNOgvZPbBUjet2eU9H3nG-AqWfSncpDdzxB1Hgp4M-uBBBFgc0gwinVPd3493WI_M6kC9vm0hIKGGk77Pmx0BwATAvcZgwF-SnEqFJ8BGq9kvhMjlaVQcaAv5KpTH3aD7oKC1cE5eetXM3jFdRm1KCudypxcwo/s991/2J2A7226.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="991" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eSIS4gRV22wUUxZCNn0o-vu101ikGKNOgvZPbBUjet2eU9H3nG-AqWfSncpDdzxB1Hgp4M-uBBBFgc0gwinVPd3493WI_M6kC9vm0hIKGGk77Pmx0BwATAvcZgwF-SnEqFJ8BGq9kvhMjlaVQcaAv5KpTH3aD7oKC1cE5eetXM3jFdRm1KCudypxcwo/s320/2J2A7226.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The bluethroat is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family <i>Turdidae</i>, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, <i>Muscicapidae</i>. It, and similar small European species, are often called chats.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY2cpYrfsCl8QpqJZEGXW4jAWxxXq6B_sncEQqgnjvhTStWupUUIMTMPBdVbbKr61I71FfwMs4ft5FvKlFdVeK3W12xuAHEvcMTrHyEMkkrXsbK5XbY3yN91-yikM6yr_W6XVt_XUonlyO9JTN_hDuqDzuWDAfTQ6FE7NDvdnYV5atr18WX8W28QA-4E/s1244/2J2A7270.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1244" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY2cpYrfsCl8QpqJZEGXW4jAWxxXq6B_sncEQqgnjvhTStWupUUIMTMPBdVbbKr61I71FfwMs4ft5FvKlFdVeK3W12xuAHEvcMTrHyEMkkrXsbK5XbY3yN91-yikM6yr_W6XVt_XUonlyO9JTN_hDuqDzuWDAfTQ6FE7NDvdnYV5atr18WX8W28QA-4E/s320/2J2A7270.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>It is a migratory insectivorous species breeding in wet birch wood or bushy swamp in Europe and across the Palearctic with a foothold in western Alaska. It nests in tussocks or low in dense bushes. It winters in the Iberian Peninsular, the northern half of Africa, and in southern Asia (among others including the Indian subcontinent).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa7pZ8HSdgwfRn6xWdV6iAaqG1wbGfkTtYV7RVHMEaP6OGzhlqQaqwFc64YcARxE76jiASSR48ogLpW0dTm3JqrMLahXevoy9EOvyAnGvzsxBBprxWBCxiSWSrOn1DGkFT1ZOlvrB-Ae_JbLgF2Sy3OaSqPd9yFZL7ZPiDaKKa6Lo0JcmPZJZYp9jGng/s851/2J2A7350.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="851" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa7pZ8HSdgwfRn6xWdV6iAaqG1wbGfkTtYV7RVHMEaP6OGzhlqQaqwFc64YcARxE76jiASSR48ogLpW0dTm3JqrMLahXevoy9EOvyAnGvzsxBBprxWBCxiSWSrOn1DGkFT1ZOlvrB-Ae_JbLgF2Sy3OaSqPd9yFZL7ZPiDaKKa6Lo0JcmPZJZYp9jGng/s320/2J2A7350.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Eastern Sub-alpine Warbler: </span>Another new bird for me was this eastern race of sub-alp warbler, took a while to see in poor conditions but it eventually gave up hiding and showed well along a fence line near the garden we were watching. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcJYVmeQguPMzEB0s6FuxkGhrFXjhsxQDk2fmGIIHAAYUCbitBdR3Z6IQ9A3jWnDcTgNT77e7ztuPJk1CfIwBjBK4feBlwI_gEeeGoFNa4SrYvWI0lm2ItoSriGvjZPlnuFrnZru22-vMEdN4cQ2uHGegh4YutJKTKB15hBVeXAUaAj1P-ceOPDr1oek/s746/2J2A7653.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="746" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcJYVmeQguPMzEB0s6FuxkGhrFXjhsxQDk2fmGIIHAAYUCbitBdR3Z6IQ9A3jWnDcTgNT77e7ztuPJk1CfIwBjBK4feBlwI_gEeeGoFNa4SrYvWI0lm2ItoSriGvjZPlnuFrnZru22-vMEdN4cQ2uHGegh4YutJKTKB15hBVeXAUaAj1P-ceOPDr1oek/s320/2J2A7653.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Short-toed Lark: Sometimes known as the greater short-toed lark is a small passerine bird. It breeds in southern Europe, north-west Africa, and across temperate Asia from Turkey and southern Russia to Mongolia. This is a small pale lark, smaller than the skylark. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz8kReTdSMnvBu9NraUFbvhkBjly3Z4UatPdIvrs3DaU-s4KGbTQJu_V6E6kyjl_hr19iSNMrIde_AtvV4WpHRSYumqF7d1uLQdYsLtWhBCOkx1qAm7_aDjtQuFuNiqSCF8CS-XfdT38NV-yofYhym59Knzkj0JB2_wgWQ30dXziN8NDYHwlOKJ0um6g/s982/2J2A7718.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="982" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnz8kReTdSMnvBu9NraUFbvhkBjly3Z4UatPdIvrs3DaU-s4KGbTQJu_V6E6kyjl_hr19iSNMrIde_AtvV4WpHRSYumqF7d1uLQdYsLtWhBCOkx1qAm7_aDjtQuFuNiqSCF8CS-XfdT38NV-yofYhym59Knzkj0JB2_wgWQ30dXziN8NDYHwlOKJ0um6g/s320/2J2A7718.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>We had such a good time, finding our own birds and chasing others, I had 4 new lifers including, the veery, White's thrush, Eastern Sub-alpine warbler and the snow owl. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0UpTmu7TR5w8tN1X9e_ZxPBQ3HHKn7Vq12-lLUsS1OUBNnvlROViBLJYaZjuTpiwqsKC2R1yFSnSequjhPSFd1luclj-o0i-esW4mc5ADkx1IlR8wnJEto87iqro-RSAsFMZL9terEFiTUBOwFT8hUqwE2RC9YkS0HYw5lYtuZU1P3ChCu0WNALRHGA/s1156/2J2A7804.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1156" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0UpTmu7TR5w8tN1X9e_ZxPBQ3HHKn7Vq12-lLUsS1OUBNnvlROViBLJYaZjuTpiwqsKC2R1yFSnSequjhPSFd1luclj-o0i-esW4mc5ADkx1IlR8wnJEto87iqro-RSAsFMZL9terEFiTUBOwFT8hUqwE2RC9YkS0HYw5lYtuZU1P3ChCu0WNALRHGA/s320/2J2A7804.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Marsh Warbler: </span>And as a group we ticked 104 birds for the trip. We drank and ate our way through Lerwick and covered a ton of miles. <div><br /></div><div>Loved every minute of it, cheers lads. Here's to next year. </div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-44910111944271140472023-09-27T12:47:00.007-07:002023-09-27T23:17:44.836-07:0027/09/2023 Long Nab, Burniston, North Yorkshire <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7B09iAmRTSBswz2tMM3n675Jy-QZjFKETGjhSWkj--uEpwxTW53LuJve46lJGL4FbxbXjmtOKGdUkUZr7SP-bsxUdrNPIkmkpntSr4xd4ILvpiIqFZmccqlLY4OndEKOcUw4_dfShT8iaLSpmXAAP8oW-2F41VpaSGCprFhd_4gemzuHAFq7SWOOpfAQ/s1271/2J2A1387.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1271" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7B09iAmRTSBswz2tMM3n675Jy-QZjFKETGjhSWkj--uEpwxTW53LuJve46lJGL4FbxbXjmtOKGdUkUZr7SP-bsxUdrNPIkmkpntSr4xd4ILvpiIqFZmccqlLY4OndEKOcUw4_dfShT8iaLSpmXAAP8oW-2F41VpaSGCprFhd_4gemzuHAFq7SWOOpfAQ/s320/2J2A1387.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #38761d;">Eastern Olivaceous Warbler: </span>This Autumn just gets better and better, this time an Eastern bird and one I have yet to catch up with. Travelling down from York where I was staying the night before, the bird was tucked away in a deep gully along a coastal path and stayed pretty distant foraging and playing hide and seek in the dense vegetation.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNa4nnCkYb_ZLOzI4FtrxLk8NliFl4KT7P-k6AsGT6e9CA84l0GuhE5sYZnMgiJ-nexQybwEXgPERe8QZgvGGgwCfMlYR83Qsj1u7-mqpxgI7fEYq22hQIsbBWmHH-OpftD0i6l2gXRfNj2gj_agYtz6bmJ93QIg9bVLOEJGByPNca_FVnBOt3gARne4/s1550/2J2A1255.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1550" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNa4nnCkYb_ZLOzI4FtrxLk8NliFl4KT7P-k6AsGT6e9CA84l0GuhE5sYZnMgiJ-nexQybwEXgPERe8QZgvGGgwCfMlYR83Qsj1u7-mqpxgI7fEYq22hQIsbBWmHH-OpftD0i6l2gXRfNj2gj_agYtz6bmJ93QIg9bVLOEJGByPNca_FVnBOt3gARne4/s320/2J2A1255.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>When it did come out it was a subtle, yet striking bird. A double negative I know, but its pale, pallid olive green plumage along with its long tail continuously pumping as it flits around in bushes and trees after small insects made it stand out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7R8kGzXTb5nhtMGUl4myN_QA4KGWCL0wIO8RZlHpvIMRCkW7yBeAM0s5Rzm4xZ_oD561NY19KhdvXfXKPFqOlN4CIyl2g36NsFcO_gIPbfLF6wP4nfcrpTCcWEfRaXZmZpNsS2ab_1yr9ldEtF2SMhDD4yMirgh-TYr4KQCp-OuT1lxszbzToidkQIc/s1643/2J2A1378.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1643" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7R8kGzXTb5nhtMGUl4myN_QA4KGWCL0wIO8RZlHpvIMRCkW7yBeAM0s5Rzm4xZ_oD561NY19KhdvXfXKPFqOlN4CIyl2g36NsFcO_gIPbfLF6wP4nfcrpTCcWEfRaXZmZpNsS2ab_1yr9ldEtF2SMhDD4yMirgh-TYr4KQCp-OuT1lxszbzToidkQIc/s320/2J2A1378.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Half of the twenty or so individuals that have been found in the UK have occurred in England, mostly south coast, but one each in Suffolk and Yorkshire. The other individuals have occurred in Shetland or Fair Isle, one each in Fife, Isle of May, North-east Scotland.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uay9QIxoXV9M6oXzNuYr0tqMTubGWO1QpxJXuKRsXt2M8vC4vCKkv5MpImFkEdys_RjY09bR5QvBD2Cv1iE3PBN2v0RSG-WH-IubTdVQFgiiTtrO_EVrfMvb7979oXNzVEyRT6R82iYYX8juksw7u4_zV2xQos9TbFW_dDeMJSe-RU9dBfIp1A_nqic/s1728/2J2A1259.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1728" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uay9QIxoXV9M6oXzNuYr0tqMTubGWO1QpxJXuKRsXt2M8vC4vCKkv5MpImFkEdys_RjY09bR5QvBD2Cv1iE3PBN2v0RSG-WH-IubTdVQFgiiTtrO_EVrfMvb7979oXNzVEyRT6R82iYYX8juksw7u4_zV2xQos9TbFW_dDeMJSe-RU9dBfIp1A_nqic/s320/2J2A1259.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>It is a medium-sized warbler, more like a very pale reed warbler than its relative the melodious warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs grey. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are more buff on the belly. It has a characteristic downward tail flick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgZ5AirtWm17t9sZO-fK0YfIdTOtgAdW3_RK0fkAU7oFja1aOzbDWhEev36pCwl9hKl4IQr2lGFi2DPfyuYtWumIXkqsBRpn1mMqiPsE3LRBy9_fCdXwjUqPP4H0j7x9JooKoRLkBHUWFG5mahi-ZTwvC2JjkK2UJH396fb5B-9rL7R0F_DwgxCcCfGA/s2517/2J2A1175%201.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1717" data-original-width="2517" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgZ5AirtWm17t9sZO-fK0YfIdTOtgAdW3_RK0fkAU7oFja1aOzbDWhEev36pCwl9hKl4IQr2lGFi2DPfyuYtWumIXkqsBRpn1mMqiPsE3LRBy9_fCdXwjUqPP4H0j7x9JooKoRLkBHUWFG5mahi-ZTwvC2JjkK2UJH396fb5B-9rL7R0F_DwgxCcCfGA/s320/2J2A1175%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Eastern olivaceous warbler breeds from southeastern Europe and the Middle East, and the subspecies (<i>reiseri)</i> is thought to be locally common as a breeding species in southeast Morocco.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-7947045495643473942023-09-24T09:52:00.007-07:002023-09-24T10:48:24.823-07:0023/09/2023 Pembrokeshire, Wales <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFsO2aU7qj62FKigNE3nE7_nMHMa3C57yQNLBngcuDz0ZEeWaC_WnhPQMnWBAA-3IA0_MbmJq2gyEmvDpXrkAFVnAbX4Z32kdYwOUaLI5ik9PRjIYSjYYpsfMh2wD58Z-MD7IR-ge6pn-0H-H1L795EKD3TWszNKpVRhLJLjKul72ZZmTMYA0uGef6SM/s1843/2J2A0845.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1843" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFsO2aU7qj62FKigNE3nE7_nMHMa3C57yQNLBngcuDz0ZEeWaC_WnhPQMnWBAA-3IA0_MbmJq2gyEmvDpXrkAFVnAbX4Z32kdYwOUaLI5ik9PRjIYSjYYpsfMh2wD58Z-MD7IR-ge6pn-0H-H1L795EKD3TWszNKpVRhLJLjKul72ZZmTMYA0uGef6SM/s320/2J2A0845.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Magnolia Warbler:</span> The planets had aligned and the birding gods were sliming down on us as the UK was showered with an unprecedented fall of American land-birds. A strong westerly warm front combined with intense winds and associated with movements of low pressure centres produced huge flights of migratory movemnets of birds.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtv0makyfa0KKRWu4bg1v5vY_9iwzrvzAQmcwZuPM4PvwJwywpBlBw38_Eecp_oEvl9I9PeeAGhkhmjOpDPppz5Dsde8XPlbNW7yQyoA4DhbRJFAxk7euD3ZlafGpRDylZXJeOGf964Rnn1DzzfMu2BAHCkRreNLRQXVpiJng4ZKJDfjxUm92QqHhZJ8/s1724/2J2A0851.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1724" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtv0makyfa0KKRWu4bg1v5vY_9iwzrvzAQmcwZuPM4PvwJwywpBlBw38_Eecp_oEvl9I9PeeAGhkhmjOpDPppz5Dsde8XPlbNW7yQyoA4DhbRJFAxk7euD3ZlafGpRDylZXJeOGf964Rnn1DzzfMu2BAHCkRreNLRQXVpiJng4ZKJDfjxUm92QqHhZJ8/s320/2J2A0851.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This started with American cliff swallows in Kent, Ireland and Scilly followed by an Empidonax sp. possibly Acadian Flycatcher found on Skokholm which was confirmed as an alder fly, then a report of a magnolia warbler in Pembrokeshire, a bobolink again on Skokholm. A black and white on Bardsey Island topped off with a bay-breasted warbler on Ramsey Island.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsteGt-wl7ozesp8zGNyfP7z7C7xSCm3Zu0_TIB_sGWoW4FfqoF2303rpD-1U_c-PVM5CUWmo4c9lR-mA9pljW3dB6-VUCg5hnZ1nvQoThkpTgwcHfEMuTvt5UFHtPNB2ovfg3D82ekwoJu8CYGbSQbpEEsbpAf98QUBUZIKEroKh-RPLm6xoA_aG-zdE/s1080/2J2A0610.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsteGt-wl7ozesp8zGNyfP7z7C7xSCm3Zu0_TIB_sGWoW4FfqoF2303rpD-1U_c-PVM5CUWmo4c9lR-mA9pljW3dB6-VUCg5hnZ1nvQoThkpTgwcHfEMuTvt5UFHtPNB2ovfg3D82ekwoJu8CYGbSQbpEEsbpAf98QUBUZIKEroKh-RPLm6xoA_aG-zdE/s320/2J2A0610.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This was insane, across two days while I was woking on site in Cambridge my BirdGuid Mega alters kept pinging, I couldn't keep up with the rolling updates on the WhatsApp groups, but started making plans to head down at the weekend. <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4-3HWodwbmZ0WQ-u3cEoheKnDbsYJnYF6Z9bXL6WCiykTtoCL3eUD20pV22kVHHWppChPJ9P2WBgQ6NGgdUyY89jrCZrS7Ufo2GdRUwnZGGIlhG1jW2JvxTou8YMWTyeOzOLUmmErSkA-xu7SnAU8IeBQEYNs8UsubOspMiCh314fjuGjMwxuNgipAM/s1905/2J2A0853.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1905" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4-3HWodwbmZ0WQ-u3cEoheKnDbsYJnYF6Z9bXL6WCiykTtoCL3eUD20pV22kVHHWppChPJ9P2WBgQ6NGgdUyY89jrCZrS7Ufo2GdRUwnZGGIlhG1jW2JvxTou8YMWTyeOzOLUmmErSkA-xu7SnAU8IeBQEYNs8UsubOspMiCh314fjuGjMwxuNgipAM/s320/2J2A0853.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Its been over 42 years since the last twitchable mag warbler in the UK this mythical bird was showing incredible well in a small dell at St.Govan's Head where the police had the day before kicked all the twitchers off the MoD land who then moved in and set up a cordoned off area to prevent any excitable birders string too far away from the location of the bird.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPv5sHTYgFmHha8Yibql1gm2TD6oL8skJol02QCOPPlCy0B6TQiFnWotY0HtKfHKMDMj0vqgd_MHYaj_nHUjzzlJOcgNCNYykaO8zYZh8yegrd6VoMQBAks2bdvg96BqvYkG1yeZpaXIBa_ZNuTNx0ua7Akbb_4xIjoF7HUIKmDQ0Tl0OwafIm8_kgoA/s1046/2J2A0603.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1046" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPv5sHTYgFmHha8Yibql1gm2TD6oL8skJol02QCOPPlCy0B6TQiFnWotY0HtKfHKMDMj0vqgd_MHYaj_nHUjzzlJOcgNCNYykaO8zYZh8yegrd6VoMQBAks2bdvg96BqvYkG1yeZpaXIBa_ZNuTNx0ua7Akbb_4xIjoF7HUIKmDQ0Tl0OwafIm8_kgoA/s320/2J2A0603.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We were unfortunately unable to book a seat onto the boat crossing over to Ramsey Island so opted to book on to the boat over to Skokholm. The crossing was beautiful, passing past Skomer Island on calm seas and arriving on a stunning little island where the ranges organised a perfect twitch. <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM90_4ojG6iVD-8KM1Bu1XY8V3ZMHOAeLTEY8vV31W0mjeRmfGC43klHu05wjMltvyzWnTkxsygCgHiPq9n7AKXWbqj0pDUc3Iqwmk5dresb7Om7pgyd4vykv26Y1dP53CdxyH4PQPZcMbSrhqOX-Pv6s2XDM6xBGiuVlIWPSi-lmlF7DYl8TxuyWu-9E/s798/2J2A0736.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="798" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM90_4ojG6iVD-8KM1Bu1XY8V3ZMHOAeLTEY8vV31W0mjeRmfGC43klHu05wjMltvyzWnTkxsygCgHiPq9n7AKXWbqj0pDUc3Iqwmk5dresb7Om7pgyd4vykv26Y1dP53CdxyH4PQPZcMbSrhqOX-Pv6s2XDM6xBGiuVlIWPSi-lmlF7DYl8TxuyWu-9E/s320/2J2A0736.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Alder Flycatcher:</span> The wardens confirmed that the bird was still present before we arrived and guided us from to boat to the bird with and back then back to the boat. I can't thank the warden, staff and volunteers for their time and efforts getting us on to the bird.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Oq5JMkFk4jAF-kPgO24aa1w4vAIlMttmW8Sfwfc9UAluTSph-iRXiMcmTrqcFD7noFKeV4c3P-tDNAp5CWYzgvUlgiybRbi9fa_ilfIYMUL54T6pKp7pOJvi5PM8s6qbEyITt4bwfgn2xleVQ9p0EQLsZlOc5h8WVxhWkTuLWKuc9xJ8ZNpzYuMTHT0/s1044/2J2A0756.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1044" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Oq5JMkFk4jAF-kPgO24aa1w4vAIlMttmW8Sfwfc9UAluTSph-iRXiMcmTrqcFD7noFKeV4c3P-tDNAp5CWYzgvUlgiybRbi9fa_ilfIYMUL54T6pKp7pOJvi5PM8s6qbEyITt4bwfgn2xleVQ9p0EQLsZlOc5h8WVxhWkTuLWKuc9xJ8ZNpzYuMTHT0/s320/2J2A0756.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The bird put on a good show as it fed close to a willow tree, there was also a good shot for a red-dumped swallow passing through with a ton of hirundines, but I was too busy enjoying the alder fly to have seen it. This was the third alder fly for the UK since one was discovered 2010 at Blakeney Point in Norfolk.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Nl0743Bqcr-BBgBx-80PhV-lmrhBY-bElct_z7GENbnASic_vigmkVtQ5Gv5tlMdahc4RShFjYmZ-XSb6nHLPtFzm4r64DLpvIj2AVWHJTiPaAwBhjFllJPuLfsIWgGXil7S5pvhZv6Vatg7FCg24b3y0Kwfaw9sueMoshGzrkvFP4yt66LBEcPgG6w/s856/383113264_981129089667842_403505110564857527_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="856" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Nl0743Bqcr-BBgBx-80PhV-lmrhBY-bElct_z7GENbnASic_vigmkVtQ5Gv5tlMdahc4RShFjYmZ-XSb6nHLPtFzm4r64DLpvIj2AVWHJTiPaAwBhjFllJPuLfsIWgGXil7S5pvhZv6Vatg7FCg24b3y0Kwfaw9sueMoshGzrkvFP4yt66LBEcPgG6w/s320/383113264_981129089667842_403505110564857527_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Canada Warbler:</span> While we were on Skokholm news book of a Canada warbler, a first for the UK. A sense of excitement, thrill, and dread came over us, when can we get off the island and how much carnage will it be when we arrive at the bird?<div><br /></div><div>Well, we arrived in good time but the bird was playing hard to get with only breif obscured views within the 3 hours after arriving. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Waiting patiently and quietly the crowed swelled and grew larger than the patience of some birders cracked and they started playing calls, phishing and pressing deeper into the area of thick dense negation where the bird was last seen. We eventually got some half decent views of the bird moving through the thicket, but on the whole I think many of the people there didn't even see the bird. This week will go down in birding history a day where I picked up three American mega passerines and a weather system with dropped birds all over the west western side of the UK. </div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-76309224124305133252023-09-20T23:25:00.005-07:002023-09-20T23:29:32.647-07:0020/09/2023 North Foreland, Kent <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuCadJUaPU_jiwcVbEzMkCCSSN5biK4qcHNUgLXfjMwk_dzv9pDXxRIjqh7KyPZAWRkrYZ1vH8W1Qmobl0li405TR5FMPXop-_N6LhvrfVePVCuf-40VBxspX7dBDhQtLQikzxhe3kXKp83-H45AO5__OJdV9ywKJxD28vbPq4gnrPpNojiou6IcgFmA/s972/2J2A0395.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="972" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuCadJUaPU_jiwcVbEzMkCCSSN5biK4qcHNUgLXfjMwk_dzv9pDXxRIjqh7KyPZAWRkrYZ1vH8W1Qmobl0li405TR5FMPXop-_N6LhvrfVePVCuf-40VBxspX7dBDhQtLQikzxhe3kXKp83-H45AO5__OJdV9ywKJxD28vbPq4gnrPpNojiou6IcgFmA/s320/2J2A0395.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #38761d;">American Cliff Swallow:</span> Following the recent influx of AMS arriving in Iceland with about 15 birds up there I was hoping some might make their way here. Today three here picked up, one in Ireland one on the Scilly's and this one in Kent which was the forerunner turning up the day before.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dpEuX_AHmqt5jdbl4BEqIaSHd1zTkRh-1qT0_BvU3hmMHemZaKCglvCLVkHzu9hjGBZboRTuwyXtp4AaKfdK6Kjgp13FyXQCkDAD9EoSzhbhsiXQkquANAWmsxlALrdZHCVOKNl6LLnW0EC84-rZgTvEblth2w5CFArUQTX8RgxE_jn7rsaHVCtkI2E/s945/2J2A0416.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="945" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dpEuX_AHmqt5jdbl4BEqIaSHd1zTkRh-1qT0_BvU3hmMHemZaKCglvCLVkHzu9hjGBZboRTuwyXtp4AaKfdK6Kjgp13FyXQCkDAD9EoSzhbhsiXQkquANAWmsxlALrdZHCVOKNl6LLnW0EC84-rZgTvEblth2w5CFArUQTX8RgxE_jn7rsaHVCtkI2E/s320/2J2A0416.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Yank cliff swallows are typically found in North America and Central America based on whether it is breeding season or the migration season. The breeding range begins as far northwest as Alaska, and extends south down the western coast of the United States through California into central Mexico.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKb-mi85OFp9nzIXXtquh6YANbsGqW_gOiz92WKU-QyonZJohTxeLHEiQaIqM8J3xX2K7C5-7RfzEQYj7-lqaIRWP_BmZJU-xwBqOJos9ltrmgxRS3LRi9aCdEBhBPsW7uotSRpeeQKOrCN-MJ5TJ2Vq10Mrblz-Wl2YXItqlqvVbPOYMj7GMGvTatsg/s2213/2J2A0394.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="2213" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKb-mi85OFp9nzIXXtquh6YANbsGqW_gOiz92WKU-QyonZJohTxeLHEiQaIqM8J3xX2K7C5-7RfzEQYj7-lqaIRWP_BmZJU-xwBqOJos9ltrmgxRS3LRi9aCdEBhBPsW7uotSRpeeQKOrCN-MJ5TJ2Vq10Mrblz-Wl2YXItqlqvVbPOYMj7GMGvTatsg/s320/2J2A0394.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Side by side with the local house and sand martins the cliff swallow looked a little heavier, but slightley bigger. Cliff swallows have square tails with an orange rump, and their throats have a chestnut hue. Their breasts are whiteish cream and their rumps can be pink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZG7bGHI82na6q4nGzNKK9NLuLRQYKPALzmsDs3MG7b0ZC3C9nwUdJtBvddlJVmhgSPAj3QZhAckDdrCImStHZxYc9jAzTBOEGN0P1y2ms0NnMh-s2XDEI4ut_3LATSSZA3I5-Ka9a7Z-ReJPvxnfZ97XYRZGIR90xTFOlNOpCVRIVZHJ8Jbkgf9uFVs/s1207/2J2A0411.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1207" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZG7bGHI82na6q4nGzNKK9NLuLRQYKPALzmsDs3MG7b0ZC3C9nwUdJtBvddlJVmhgSPAj3QZhAckDdrCImStHZxYc9jAzTBOEGN0P1y2ms0NnMh-s2XDEI4ut_3LATSSZA3I5-Ka9a7Z-ReJPvxnfZ97XYRZGIR90xTFOlNOpCVRIVZHJ8Jbkgf9uFVs/s320/2J2A0411.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Toady has gone down in history as one of the best days for yank birds landing on with Ireland recording its first blackburnian warbler a magnolia warbler in South Wales Baird's sandpiper on the Wirral and an alder flycatcher on Skokholm. <div><br /></div><div>Hopefully I will get a ch bace too connect with some of these. </div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-9092297712894885982023-09-12T11:37:00.003-07:002023-09-12T11:38:00.639-07:0012/09/2023 Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5tSxmvrrP07Bsjbi9RSW-HtECZkD-DLFxvb60-_Lff9s28eL0Qlg1-B5ihksU6_EOPnmOfWazoTVZbgWT3xnhprw9iVDcUKuA2tJ9Rmx3YmTPapKUWAXbwI1lGjktQsIk68wm6TcCvQAevPdN45xFNDhcPHtxE974dj757ESwjVGB0oM-rSNXJFM0Zs/s1713/2J2A0358.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1713" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5tSxmvrrP07Bsjbi9RSW-HtECZkD-DLFxvb60-_Lff9s28eL0Qlg1-B5ihksU6_EOPnmOfWazoTVZbgWT3xnhprw9iVDcUKuA2tJ9Rmx3YmTPapKUWAXbwI1lGjktQsIk68wm6TcCvQAevPdN45xFNDhcPHtxE974dj757ESwjVGB0oM-rSNXJFM0Zs/s320/2J2A0358.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Aquatic Warbler:</span> In global terms, the aquatic warbler is probably one of the rarest bird you stand a chance of realistically seeing in the wild in the British Isles. So with this individual staying longer than a day, unusually for this species that is known typically as a one day bird, now in its third day I thought I would take the gamble and go twitch it.<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcllcY8eiKacB14v4X-zJN8Gmgk7GJeHlh_rk2b_t_iRAqT-3z79RbnqnS5BfcJYsnNpvoyuqaiJHybB9avVKVdkuX33KIsWPAhzDQPmeP5aP2zXS49_V02wVQN-1DoC9qSsqksx6Z0iIR6fj2-34Ymm3xBJyjsVpePhWZoOvAMArpos6HUwjYtJ_f6yY/s1738/2J2A0257.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1738" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcllcY8eiKacB14v4X-zJN8Gmgk7GJeHlh_rk2b_t_iRAqT-3z79RbnqnS5BfcJYsnNpvoyuqaiJHybB9avVKVdkuX33KIsWPAhzDQPmeP5aP2zXS49_V02wVQN-1DoC9qSsqksx6Z0iIR6fj2-34Ymm3xBJyjsVpePhWZoOvAMArpos6HUwjYtJ_f6yY/s320/2J2A0257.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Aquatic warbler are fast becoming the most declining passerine in Europe they are confined to Eastern Europe and Russia and breed in very specific habitats within mainly in marshy areas. When theses little gems migrate and arrive in the UK they are restricted to the south with Cornwall, Devon and Sussex getting the lions share of the records. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB51LRmh40IgwWAhUqciAC7ZIjFuPHJASdfRgp6R2Zyh7HRVmPbJa_qPRIkKABYlL1X5BChAHMt2C3-RLNOx1ip5G1hQhJm3utMo4XQt4XouN6P-iY5_yO54QAg6HlcJ66hor4YzLB2aPjQqlGJFjXVV-7nIFEwoQ1VLNGGbeDHBx2nKdjl2X-YZfRQmc/s1691/2J2A0218.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1691" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB51LRmh40IgwWAhUqciAC7ZIjFuPHJASdfRgp6R2Zyh7HRVmPbJa_qPRIkKABYlL1X5BChAHMt2C3-RLNOx1ip5G1hQhJm3utMo4XQt4XouN6P-iY5_yO54QAg6HlcJ66hor4YzLB2aPjQqlGJFjXVV-7nIFEwoQ1VLNGGbeDHBx2nKdjl2X-YZfRQmc/s320/2J2A0218.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On arrival I was greeted by a small crowd of around a dozen birders crammed in along a small tow path that runs alongside the River Adur. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't have to wait too long before the bird sat up and started rot preen. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0yE6VOjSnf5uUpiAigi4vZb-vcyyAxZV8FFT4c3hMv8E_hAAnNQhuwrIHLXdcmJh5olbTnM31Ma39Pdt5cfsNJYj3EsdQHe9Ervlr0DxhjciTla8qiRlovu8lp6rWYPl8Q7TmgvqOUEKLGmjmqavHdDzB_LR29nNoYvYQAgnfi9e3kdREgRagYX5pDQ/s1602/2J2A0308.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1602" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0yE6VOjSnf5uUpiAigi4vZb-vcyyAxZV8FFT4c3hMv8E_hAAnNQhuwrIHLXdcmJh5olbTnM31Ma39Pdt5cfsNJYj3EsdQHe9Ervlr0DxhjciTla8qiRlovu8lp6rWYPl8Q7TmgvqOUEKLGmjmqavHdDzB_LR29nNoYvYQAgnfi9e3kdREgRagYX5pDQ/s320/2J2A0308.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The crowed swelled as the afternoon drew closer and news of the bird hit the news services. This inevertably brought more people onto the small restricted area of tow path we were viewing the bird. This moved the bird further up the tow path and into deeper vegetation, but it wasn't flushed or pressured in anyway as it kept coming out with a bit of time and fieldcraft. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYLX1pJVAv8DItyuA3m4Oi3IbmuWQHQeX-XFBjVpnwx6wtj59o6fo5kqCp1Mtp-8fErNHoBJViyyyKh5bWCLC4_dkKvGpampheJndl7ldDZLXvYK_ntBeyWU-bDe_qC3_mYgGPZZwVIHHFtW0EWuEuUtji82l8NmaDVfUbFeyVweApBj0YeuCZ5o51wc/s1648/2J2A0359.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1648" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYLX1pJVAv8DItyuA3m4Oi3IbmuWQHQeX-XFBjVpnwx6wtj59o6fo5kqCp1Mtp-8fErNHoBJViyyyKh5bWCLC4_dkKvGpampheJndl7ldDZLXvYK_ntBeyWU-bDe_qC3_mYgGPZZwVIHHFtW0EWuEuUtji82l8NmaDVfUbFeyVweApBj0YeuCZ5o51wc/s320/2J2A0359.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Despite its name the aquatic warbler can't swim, it doesn't have webbed feet, but they do like wet boggy, sedge filled marsh and wet grassland. So this linear area of rank grassland and dominated with sedges, grass, nettles and hogweed that runs alongside the river and the tow path is ideal habitat or the bird to feel safe in, find food and hide away.</div><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn8YaZHon8zZ7kI6hzk2qYC8zoTkA6LC1bzFDmW8bS1e4xo7UeVRMtTSR1xCKiZZGYx4MdK28kngZ8wAfy4DhI-if2XcQTHFYGXbwNXNreLgfHU6Q8mj1q2iBp5Hev4gLkocSF1g3sj7f0peYkrO69B1H6X2wfiKIuKb2QJrJPA33talY8OVB0gMkPEE/s1874/2J2A0086.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1874" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn8YaZHon8zZ7kI6hzk2qYC8zoTkA6LC1bzFDmW8bS1e4xo7UeVRMtTSR1xCKiZZGYx4MdK28kngZ8wAfy4DhI-if2XcQTHFYGXbwNXNreLgfHU6Q8mj1q2iBp5Hev4gLkocSF1g3sj7f0peYkrO69B1H6X2wfiKIuKb2QJrJPA33talY8OVB0gMkPEE/s320/2J2A0086.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Similar to sedge warblers but with a promiant striped crown with a pale line through the centre and dark markings on either side, their underparts are pale, with fine streaky yellow-brown markings, particularly on the flanks and breast they can blend in and hide well within the yellowy grasses and vegetation. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIv8tBZjkO1fQwoB_oOeWR06mkwQZ1YH6bWHxodFEEcvqaIv6w8ClXBR0_sw5t3KxjDH8aV4rYzJG5GYHcpqqANolmA53CQH1qihvwxHpB8FewHJ-CQ-r1rLl6OQ6sqD_463gYdOny22MG1ilXSk_cMhsB5Ngk0tuqLJk_6wSUoplQNtbpW_-xMKwJqg/s2606/2J2A0066.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="2606" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIv8tBZjkO1fQwoB_oOeWR06mkwQZ1YH6bWHxodFEEcvqaIv6w8ClXBR0_sw5t3KxjDH8aV4rYzJG5GYHcpqqANolmA53CQH1qihvwxHpB8FewHJ-CQ-r1rLl6OQ6sqD_463gYdOny22MG1ilXSk_cMhsB5Ngk0tuqLJk_6wSUoplQNtbpW_-xMKwJqg/s320/2J2A0066.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>But with some patience the bird showed well, if briefly at times, for such a sulky bird it showed very well indeed. No typical at all.</div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-15888538696192107922023-09-10T13:04:00.003-07:002023-09-10T13:04:33.482-07:0010/09/2023 South Gare, Redcar and Cleveland<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XZLLD0M3uTPUIazoIYuR3d8FCHbirp31PkUgPHZIhWt8-XCwu1SULOzXKeIROauZPybfqRandRHPj_-8vkc9liLu8k3wiK0OcYrbCn5Jpsqdx1dvnY3s3jXIL6goS_HmCCrsgHIsNy6EliY0JZG3wYQB9qGaFPYTVZLFS8NdEPSeRdNm7u7uKACPN6o/s2711/2J2A9403.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="2711" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XZLLD0M3uTPUIazoIYuR3d8FCHbirp31PkUgPHZIhWt8-XCwu1SULOzXKeIROauZPybfqRandRHPj_-8vkc9liLu8k3wiK0OcYrbCn5Jpsqdx1dvnY3s3jXIL6goS_HmCCrsgHIsNy6EliY0JZG3wYQB9qGaFPYTVZLFS8NdEPSeRdNm7u7uKACPN6o/s320/2J2A9403.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Brown Booby:</span> Today was simply outstanding, one of those unforgettable twitching experiences. After seeing this bird last week at an extreme distance at Hunmanby, it was a real privilege and dream to see it again so close and personal.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMuvMhs312ZVo44FTn0TfeoU5uY9mhJo594HD8NIi5rFwZYRpY1MUD5nLeB2HQn3kVj5aBK6Zc5UCGiesKpXWUtc-TTZXYhuOtaPiwaYmtWesDNlSDPxjG32UloENbxztLcJ3b92BxtoaazqV341ni61mP2raZITD4TUPWheEHQxpjX9GufcEvHCWQ6Q/s2662/2J2A9508.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1738" data-original-width="2662" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMuvMhs312ZVo44FTn0TfeoU5uY9mhJo594HD8NIi5rFwZYRpY1MUD5nLeB2HQn3kVj5aBK6Zc5UCGiesKpXWUtc-TTZXYhuOtaPiwaYmtWesDNlSDPxjG32UloENbxztLcJ3b92BxtoaazqV341ni61mP2raZITD4TUPWheEHQxpjX9GufcEvHCWQ6Q/s320/2J2A9508.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On Wednesday the bird moved north, staying close to the shore, it was seen passing Long-Nab, Cowbar and Hartlepool before settling on the mouth of the River Tess at South Gare. <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6WbPFEZc0zTm2M4Fy_S2zKLJK0sxXvowYFNUe6J1CN233uW9u8Du4-RaP1pT-uyp9tUblljwFhUBC60j3Zps5rtiD5iCCFl-2y_HE50RpYrBYRQTBA6I0onSijsyR5LOQYvGTz2jikdMwN6WVN-_1OeqAU2ksrtQkPnIeN8qi2bAQcbmFl7sP8hlYv4/s2223/2J2A9636.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2223" data-original-width="1926" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6WbPFEZc0zTm2M4Fy_S2zKLJK0sxXvowYFNUe6J1CN233uW9u8Du4-RaP1pT-uyp9tUblljwFhUBC60j3Zps5rtiD5iCCFl-2y_HE50RpYrBYRQTBA6I0onSijsyR5LOQYvGTz2jikdMwN6WVN-_1OeqAU2ksrtQkPnIeN8qi2bAQcbmFl7sP8hlYv4/s320/2J2A9636.jpeg" width="277" /></a></div>South Gare is a two-mile long manmade finger of land that stretches arthritically out into the North Sea and forms an area of reclaimed land and breakwater on the southern side of the mouth of the River Tees.<div><br /></div><div>The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, birds, and rare plants. The pier and surrounding waters are also popular among anglers, and there are various hiking and cycling trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOUKpdsJDtrXs0RuxUwpPqzk93e3P2kQ0mg7KqHcCJ7tsAi_v3vkloTmmrtWI9zmYFoi-70Sq9OxR-hp0anGtbkxHtjZc8BtVRFAxgj1dnCV9v9IQYgQFIuV77kDw_a_8UltOrkHVO_I1UzkxGVW-pwnkz8rEGQo4MD_Jc0deElQsEX-oi9BUbfx-oRw/s2263/2J2A9432.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="2263" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOUKpdsJDtrXs0RuxUwpPqzk93e3P2kQ0mg7KqHcCJ7tsAi_v3vkloTmmrtWI9zmYFoi-70Sq9OxR-hp0anGtbkxHtjZc8BtVRFAxgj1dnCV9v9IQYgQFIuV77kDw_a_8UltOrkHVO_I1UzkxGVW-pwnkz8rEGQo4MD_Jc0deElQsEX-oi9BUbfx-oRw/s320/2J2A9432.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>So let's discuss the controversy, with some prominent twitchers and birders, many of which haven't even twitched the bird or witnessed first hand any of the issues called out on site, taking to Twitter X to call out anyone who has taken a boat out to see the bird. </div><div><br /></div><div>Is paying a local fisherman to charter a small boat out to see the booby at close quarters misrepresented or blown out of proportion?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj861aYeB1K8TvHqEtvozq1YNPYjvDMh2aWGy_ynHmsmAm8-wT7oN5NwvXUE3HQN0RbC4YPddH5zCvQq-1v7on4d_j51AbWRYygrRVq1Kq3nJwy2zFD51H0seY-ZBe2yicw-jSioBARsZWoPnn-OJ1K3M1ZRyXSB7LKeArY00zunX-5DTaJUHQeCpfl5DI/s2287/2J2A9575.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1644" data-original-width="2287" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj861aYeB1K8TvHqEtvozq1YNPYjvDMh2aWGy_ynHmsmAm8-wT7oN5NwvXUE3HQN0RbC4YPddH5zCvQq-1v7on4d_j51AbWRYygrRVq1Kq3nJwy2zFD51H0seY-ZBe2yicw-jSioBARsZWoPnn-OJ1K3M1ZRyXSB7LKeArY00zunX-5DTaJUHQeCpfl5DI/s320/2J2A9575.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Let me first lay out my own behaviour and what I witnessed while I was there today. Yes, I payed £10 to a local fisherman who took me and a dozen or so other keen birders out to see the bird. The bird never even flinched, upon arriving it sat up top buoy number 5. It never flew off, never got spooked and didn't show any signs of stress. It remained on buoy number 5 long after we docked back in the small port and I got back to my car. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijC4cR_Fs7YmMbb4cSAtGH-QV9ylqILUvb0IfGBJr7W_cFV4aDH8X6QKVjq1MsADzNAcgZUhsINvnLOzQ1iVkD1rxzz8TK4Qlv_n_9pagwbPY0mz9IAKxoWuILpEBhlULHYZU20yZ5xh3EG5fYIeTJDN8_1OMlMXbdH2tqzW5CgKjFRxniU055NWj35-U/s3408/2J2A9447.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijC4cR_Fs7YmMbb4cSAtGH-QV9ylqILUvb0IfGBJr7W_cFV4aDH8X6QKVjq1MsADzNAcgZUhsINvnLOzQ1iVkD1rxzz8TK4Qlv_n_9pagwbPY0mz9IAKxoWuILpEBhlULHYZU20yZ5xh3EG5fYIeTJDN8_1OMlMXbdH2tqzW5CgKjFRxniU055NWj35-U/s320/2J2A9447.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Before getting on the small boat I witnessed huge tankers motoring right past the buoy with the roofing bird on top and it stayed put. These super tankers were that big they were causing waves that significantly rocked the buoy. There are videos on Twitter X showing this to be the case. Other small boats manned by fishermen passed the bird and again it remained unphased. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPu7fWy-pNqYD7Bw8xU4iJzQ-GI3wzeMW8LOQ8mELySJFA8Gdqa8ENfwyt596hG_sQc78yh0TD7aETrexG5vmCoufI5haUhx-4FuJZTvyTNvxKP5mDI3-m-Qn8oYlEheBiCSUpPjhgX_fu9jVNuHSOBei-xcjq-hfr5LB6pNQbQoEdG1kbgTquoFVhn0/s2794/2J2A9594.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="2794" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPu7fWy-pNqYD7Bw8xU4iJzQ-GI3wzeMW8LOQ8mELySJFA8Gdqa8ENfwyt596hG_sQc78yh0TD7aETrexG5vmCoufI5haUhx-4FuJZTvyTNvxKP5mDI3-m-Qn8oYlEheBiCSUpPjhgX_fu9jVNuHSOBei-xcjq-hfr5LB6pNQbQoEdG1kbgTquoFVhn0/s320/2J2A9594.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the past three days or so the bird has remained, it's still there now as I type this blog post. It wasn't flushed to a point where it disappeared out to sea to find a safer or quieter location. The bird is clearly feeding well, flying around on its own will and roosting where it wants to roost. Everything a healthy, unstressed bird would do.</div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrcranNJz-lGiniUdjCBU1iN8858QO1jwCIJKOu_-9DIzDs4HAnwWWtHN2ziHYqu0n6psHymiS8hJzG9WLQGMIi1L0iUOsDXqE5scgQ7SrAqqqcNWAY0U11bPZfsNRPJ_PbkN0R5PXkmorpJm7CyoDh_wgTWo-dc5XkVT3t4o_F9CnWAvRNdjBHTACCU/s3954/2J2A9833.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3954" data-original-width="3451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrcranNJz-lGiniUdjCBU1iN8858QO1jwCIJKOu_-9DIzDs4HAnwWWtHN2ziHYqu0n6psHymiS8hJzG9WLQGMIi1L0iUOsDXqE5scgQ7SrAqqqcNWAY0U11bPZfsNRPJ_PbkN0R5PXkmorpJm7CyoDh_wgTWo-dc5XkVT3t4o_F9CnWAvRNdjBHTACCU/s320/2J2A9833.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div><div>Now, I wasn't here the day before when there were reports of small boats chasing the bird or flushing. But that's the main argument some folk have with this issue. However, if this was the case I would join the voices of discontent, and agree with the criticism, as it would be inherently wrong. Full stop. </div><div><br /></div><div>The bird's welfare comes first over photos or better views, that I am sure we can all agree on. And this is the majority of what the folk who have issues with the small boats have at the centre of their arguments, good, honest birders. Others who remained unnamed are simply twitcher-trolls and exist to provoke negative discussions and create division as they value their false sense of entitiment their pseudo-celebrity status over the truth. </div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP9YkRcEh0gTSl63uupxwnFs9rKIZ0bqrdqNi_zBVC0OU5pKVmmTDhRalH8-JyqXAiEjXggZzvBys5pK3944NyeuesUjqTH2qzYsSn3NMpjgeZCxINlDZgZAWZvWGdoT8Jy0DWQqZFOoHRFdaZ2BTErAyL0edeGqQRuKcVNu2hYFQYCA-oGjQD1L2uZM/s3361/2J2A9781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2194" data-original-width="3361" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP9YkRcEh0gTSl63uupxwnFs9rKIZ0bqrdqNi_zBVC0OU5pKVmmTDhRalH8-JyqXAiEjXggZzvBys5pK3944NyeuesUjqTH2qzYsSn3NMpjgeZCxINlDZgZAWZvWGdoT8Jy0DWQqZFOoHRFdaZ2BTErAyL0edeGqQRuKcVNu2hYFQYCA-oGjQD1L2uZM/s320/2J2A9781.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I don't recall any of these folk throwing out wild accusations and name calling when birders or photographers took a charter boat out to see the black-browed albatross and when they got point blank views of it on the water and flying around the boat. Furthermore, the same folk remained complety silent when it came to the daily boat trips out to see the red-footed booby on The Scilly's. And there are reports of it getting deliberately 'beeped' off its perch on the lighthouse to give the onlookers views of the bird in flight.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I would urge anyone who goes to see the bird to take a boat trip out to see the bird, this is a rare opportunity to experience something really special. Don't let the nay-sayers the Twitter twitcher-trolls and the folk that may mistakenly misreprersent the actual situation on site put you off. You aren't doing anything wrong, the bird is fine and will leave on its own accord and not because of any small boats.</div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-80151406865070127962023-09-06T02:02:00.008-07:002023-09-06T02:03:12.361-07:0004/09/2023 Hunmanby, North Yorkshire <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg7DrfNh8C4pS4B1eE99GFYHTOlyOFgPNhWQ69MJQCDhgCCTZuPVZZYQwVtcdwKsUykGCrMTWTeg-zn65KKBEueF4-sPcYdgGM6IWQa7wJdUt8v6S7GlqN_lnlDITXbYk-Q4OGYD1WGN5_hpH3ZaKiggal2BptJlK0Q6eij5t9e6R6OhGKWbGBNe9lUE/s824/373070617_642915777934117_8050315551771202969_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="824" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg7DrfNh8C4pS4B1eE99GFYHTOlyOFgPNhWQ69MJQCDhgCCTZuPVZZYQwVtcdwKsUykGCrMTWTeg-zn65KKBEueF4-sPcYdgGM6IWQa7wJdUt8v6S7GlqN_lnlDITXbYk-Q4OGYD1WGN5_hpH3ZaKiggal2BptJlK0Q6eij5t9e6R6OhGKWbGBNe9lUE/s320/373070617_642915777934117_8050315551771202969_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Brown Booby: </span>After narrowly missing out on the Scilly brown booby I was thrilled to grip it back only a few days later and much closer too!<p></p><p>The bird was picked up during a sea watch over the weekend and in the morning it was seen roosting on Filey Brigg itself before foraging in the bay between Filey and Bempton.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM2YY5BghS7QeViIQOzMP5ueRcehHmOCrulGbjbTmsumwQm4YTNm3swThJJIBQPOfmOUJyTNodpFWUY9TD9lNdRM14T2dcxnmg3LDPMW6J54tHR1h2qiReB1hVLDWp7qz8VptEx4kj5C_i_xwYH7hr8XHqataxKbQiLpSqhY8g640zB7TDdNju-s6BIU/s936/373074919_1015606226255927_262463641424636964_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="936" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM2YY5BghS7QeViIQOzMP5ueRcehHmOCrulGbjbTmsumwQm4YTNm3swThJJIBQPOfmOUJyTNodpFWUY9TD9lNdRM14T2dcxnmg3LDPMW6J54tHR1h2qiReB1hVLDWp7qz8VptEx4kj5C_i_xwYH7hr8XHqataxKbQiLpSqhY8g640zB7TDdNju-s6BIU/s320/373074919_1015606226255927_262463641424636964_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I was working in Middlesbrough and drove down after the bird survey. I joined the swelling crowd's in the early evening on the cliffs at Hunmanby and watch it for a few hours following the gannets and joining feeding frenzies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5uECVHj_v353ts_KDIVSJUmDuvnXObIftTuXjse0yLXN95hvJbEGzqG9zN3vaTiZoLpOora4ySW-1rpAlstFCns5vkGyvN7BXhYOv91KoXHq2q6zZ1m8Rds_o4bITG-jMGRdu415zVNm8g-qZFc0r3-XzJVKW23hxRjBkWMtPRIex2N-GB_JWlmfyZc/s438/373064116_319217720661255_5168818917111113802_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="438" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5uECVHj_v353ts_KDIVSJUmDuvnXObIftTuXjse0yLXN95hvJbEGzqG9zN3vaTiZoLpOora4ySW-1rpAlstFCns5vkGyvN7BXhYOv91KoXHq2q6zZ1m8Rds_o4bITG-jMGRdu415zVNm8g-qZFc0r3-XzJVKW23hxRjBkWMtPRIex2N-GB_JWlmfyZc/s320/373064116_319217720661255_5168818917111113802_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These wide ranging birds are pretty new to the British list and are now becoming an annual they breeds on islands of the Caribbean, Cape Verde and and as far away as Ascension, St. Helena, and both offshore and coastal Brazil. <div><br /></div><div>This bird now puts me on #430 for my UK life list. </div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-58412084431229772142023-08-30T07:37:00.006-07:002023-09-03T12:17:47.724-07:00Isles of Scilly - Pelagic Weekend <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdj6z53fycBpAV8vLqgdUXxq94zAD8IpZ2L8C1fVO3D0Ud644AWJjDHRkpc47jPts9pcC7-4xSEAyCcme2-jpjhWKR-fODXQS3Sovq3nwaUc8b-wj-714S0dgWieFrILt1CWEhLYhX8zARw3OJItnNGr_5uP1u7cdOqtOWpcPlvG2xRnvVABlTin06kM/s2609/2J2A5098.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="2609" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdj6z53fycBpAV8vLqgdUXxq94zAD8IpZ2L8C1fVO3D0Ud644AWJjDHRkpc47jPts9pcC7-4xSEAyCcme2-jpjhWKR-fODXQS3Sovq3nwaUc8b-wj-714S0dgWieFrILt1CWEhLYhX8zARw3OJItnNGr_5uP1u7cdOqtOWpcPlvG2xRnvVABlTin06kM/s320/2J2A5098.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Cory's Shearwater:</span> Every couple of years I embark upon a birdwatching pilgrimage to the stunning Isle of Scilly. Autumn is probably high on most people’s wish-lists when they think about spending time here. Anything can, and does, turn up here throughout the year, which makes the islands worth a visit in any season, but Autumn brings the added excitement of Scilly pelagic trips.This time I was accompanied by Kristian Wade and Carl, top bunch of lads.<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuLbkdul0JSaOni3Oy0KSjNb7FP7po6Geuq5lC7qAYTae_C3VTgsb3iMVeLRhyEvEH5BasEFro7xywR34Gr-mNkjaHzlct5GaPj0Dam1lhqNFihQAccxNkMuL4RcZwJlMk3s1cWd7i4vSTCFr9EQYsdM60drXkfJ6FmhseBPS5pwD-lhmhUy3FX2VxhI/s2953/2J2A4155.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="2953" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuLbkdul0JSaOni3Oy0KSjNb7FP7po6Geuq5lC7qAYTae_C3VTgsb3iMVeLRhyEvEH5BasEFro7xywR34Gr-mNkjaHzlct5GaPj0Dam1lhqNFihQAccxNkMuL4RcZwJlMk3s1cWd7i4vSTCFr9EQYsdM60drXkfJ6FmhseBPS5pwD-lhmhUy3FX2VxhI/s320/2J2A4155.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Let's first start with the word, what does it mean? he the word ‘Pelagic’ is derived from Greek, meaning 'open seas.'Some of the most exciting pelagic birding trips can be experienced on Scilly pelagic trips where they are usually conducted out of areas where nutrient-rich waters are found close to shore. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZYdG3N5sZHU3uAxdr6aQMmpWTWzEyp19S2SxRgmAtNHi5jE6zejGNDMr4X_o1ewJ_uMQBb8_iTv_qKKAuP_qUIk9YxZQghi2ucHRtQHEkgTYJ16xO0BV69GtiuSYX3FQX5GXgbZxmIMbo9E295T9Jv2-AmsvWMyEz5ufz2B4CrHUblK8Znu_tHmy0M0/s3931/2J2A4629.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2294" data-original-width="3931" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZYdG3N5sZHU3uAxdr6aQMmpWTWzEyp19S2SxRgmAtNHi5jE6zejGNDMr4X_o1ewJ_uMQBb8_iTv_qKKAuP_qUIk9YxZQghi2ucHRtQHEkgTYJ16xO0BV69GtiuSYX3FQX5GXgbZxmIMbo9E295T9Jv2-AmsvWMyEz5ufz2B4CrHUblK8Znu_tHmy0M0/s320/2J2A4629.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We go out on the infamous passenger boat called the Sapphire skippered by Joe Pender who also runs these birding trips alongside a shark-tagging programme.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9li_jp8OR3RKVIWDok72r4pohWGcA6FUmox-T7uCW0WB3zTTuhz8YMZHkbmutQXO8OlSiUbds5Oucag8DCE5oXgwJFLOa5dUOlKhVTgOD5l7UXqEcEvLQQ0xZJhG5Zey2QA7qnTYaCOzW0fxtISc30tA-TrOfnAOjmHomR7I9hzjh-0m-ykgkzlFTJSQ/s5472/2J2A8082.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9li_jp8OR3RKVIWDok72r4pohWGcA6FUmox-T7uCW0WB3zTTuhz8YMZHkbmutQXO8OlSiUbds5Oucag8DCE5oXgwJFLOa5dUOlKhVTgOD5l7UXqEcEvLQQ0xZJhG5Zey2QA7qnTYaCOzW0fxtISc30tA-TrOfnAOjmHomR7I9hzjh-0m-ykgkzlFTJSQ/s320/2J2A8082.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>We booked these palagic trips about two months ago, after there had been regular reports of Scopoli’s shearwater I was keen to at least try for them. This species is closely related to Cory’s Shearwater (<i>Calonectris borealis</i>), and is pretty difficult to separate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRmZUu85NaRpMQS886H1j3GT-le4J4HHDGzYfKthVPygJuVz1H1bnPYoPuQuEUgtnkjPbnCtKnwK35DPAzz5BzXO4rQHnCNcsDxC4TD9mOGPYugfjIcal_WsU_l5kM-2KL6CTcpQZVqFCXODI-MViUiLPX45gpNis4NI0eLOmxsQtXDvFQsjBSsa6T5U/s2011/2J2A4664.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2011" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRmZUu85NaRpMQS886H1j3GT-le4J4HHDGzYfKthVPygJuVz1H1bnPYoPuQuEUgtnkjPbnCtKnwK35DPAzz5BzXO4rQHnCNcsDxC4TD9mOGPYugfjIcal_WsU_l5kM-2KL6CTcpQZVqFCXODI-MViUiLPX45gpNis4NI0eLOmxsQtXDvFQsjBSsa6T5U/s320/2J2A4664.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the main ways and most reliable ways of separating Scopoli’s from Cory’s, is by observing the underwing feathers and pattern. Looking at it simply, Cory’s has a broader dark tip to the underwing, while Scopoli’s has a smaller dark tip, with more white on the primaries. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwawgj2GKHqeRCUbpMBEgHDSUQTS1djehZGWmuUlF_cZ3MLFVO81n792pMscSxa4v8-O4pBNAIpzZns1K8DR7LaY208Z9AMvPbr4kfKSQkjROzWDH05kSMvsaZGNDl25BVMt1RvXQ9Hxqe8Vh5eEmLlyUqUlAP_RlaW9-aZZq9wjdembgIADucUePMxy0/s3500/2J2A5855.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2859" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwawgj2GKHqeRCUbpMBEgHDSUQTS1djehZGWmuUlF_cZ3MLFVO81n792pMscSxa4v8-O4pBNAIpzZns1K8DR7LaY208Z9AMvPbr4kfKSQkjROzWDH05kSMvsaZGNDl25BVMt1RvXQ9Hxqe8Vh5eEmLlyUqUlAP_RlaW9-aZZq9wjdembgIADucUePMxy0/s320/2J2A5855.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><div>There is more to it than this as there usually is in birding, the lighting conditions can vary plumage, and then there is individual variation in the species as well so I knew it was going to be a challenge but with a bit of luck I was hoping to tick one while down here.</div><div><br /></div><div>The seas around the Scilly's are currently teaming with Cory's, to put in into context when I came down and did the palagics back in August 2020 we only saw a handful of Cory's, this time I had literally hundreds. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVynqIsy1ENjRcJ-36eBDx0oOn2KIiC-gp5jn93-iOTGpurMG96vIVEsVW-tgCWEkMmzwMjGMkXyiO36MKoR-A0RiaL739ZevyZH3BBO_AOIknS_RtQib05tAsOxSYpJE49nPhAQOFK6y88dfY3_vmpsS9W_-pDU7gvLSfHKVVsRCSwwQHEK3JLKHAAk/s5472/2J2A5213.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVynqIsy1ENjRcJ-36eBDx0oOn2KIiC-gp5jn93-iOTGpurMG96vIVEsVW-tgCWEkMmzwMjGMkXyiO36MKoR-A0RiaL739ZevyZH3BBO_AOIknS_RtQib05tAsOxSYpJE49nPhAQOFK6y88dfY3_vmpsS9W_-pDU7gvLSfHKVVsRCSwwQHEK3JLKHAAk/s320/2J2A5213.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;">Red-footed Booby: </span>It is thought that the recent extreme heat across the contenant has had a real impact on these birds and they have extended their typical range. Cory's Shearwaters breed across the Atlantic archipelagos; the Azores, Canaries, Salvagems and Berlengas all have breeding colonies. Birds start to leave these colonies during August, with many heading for the Bay of Biscay.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsD6cZdfFK93QYT9c0AD7-iD-4efe5ocldwvPzUzZAxVkdbnLJRjlZhuD4UshZXG7UJiVueoai7N4l7q9Es7NDVZyYMqOpYcKoXVB-sdRrmTTzaCoQtl6IagqW9j8eFoUHpFCRllN68mYUAfR7InCg8XoZbKGCCJ8PvwoF-VnqqBORQSJvehImxXk8o4/s1443/2J2A6793.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1443" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsD6cZdfFK93QYT9c0AD7-iD-4efe5ocldwvPzUzZAxVkdbnLJRjlZhuD4UshZXG7UJiVueoai7N4l7q9Es7NDVZyYMqOpYcKoXVB-sdRrmTTzaCoQtl6IagqW9j8eFoUHpFCRllN68mYUAfR7InCg8XoZbKGCCJ8PvwoF-VnqqBORQSJvehImxXk8o4/s320/2J2A6793.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Another bird that is likely been impacted by the unusually hot weather and rising sea tempuratres is this remarkable rare red-footed booby. Red-footed boobies are found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and they are one of three species of booby found in Galapagos!</div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE7DBu1BbEq80xOm_PjUL-a-s-A8LJe-QgZCRcPskQGjeb2VO-pqR-l2EC_nlNq1dRs9M2rG2ZPeBkpFGYyZbPeQOTOvjkA3MW7BVzKQX2bigfG71jQUVgP3E0WYZz32uQsJFDtT9pMi4v62NdC82_yZaOJNT5sPgm0OR1chEqDG4kYBR0q8fAOGlF-Y/s1169/2J2A6699.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1169" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE7DBu1BbEq80xOm_PjUL-a-s-A8LJe-QgZCRcPskQGjeb2VO-pqR-l2EC_nlNq1dRs9M2rG2ZPeBkpFGYyZbPeQOTOvjkA3MW7BVzKQX2bigfG71jQUVgP3E0WYZz32uQsJFDtT9pMi4v62NdC82_yZaOJNT5sPgm0OR1chEqDG4kYBR0q8fAOGlF-Y/s320/2J2A6699.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This bird was spotted three weeks before I arrived on a pelagic but only for a short time and wasn't seen agin for another week or so, when the skipper Joe took the Sapphire out to a The Bishop lighthouse on the off chance that they might find it there. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodsYdiXrW3xh3jGOcodGjJYvOgHhKDa0twAZyCV2lldsSeu5HREFDdFan28sCs--qZ7N831EWW-HO8Sq31I2U6DAy7HlsVLGVjLYmohs1m2cwXcV4e4P3QWpSzB60xNs8hMiP7y4d_3tkdW58MlT0K3OEUAGr0T7bNa8g5_PJ3PkAjGI1MoomD4bMlF0/s1340/2J2A6044.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1340" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodsYdiXrW3xh3jGOcodGjJYvOgHhKDa0twAZyCV2lldsSeu5HREFDdFan28sCs--qZ7N831EWW-HO8Sq31I2U6DAy7HlsVLGVjLYmohs1m2cwXcV4e4P3QWpSzB60xNs8hMiP7y4d_3tkdW58MlT0K3OEUAGr0T7bNa8g5_PJ3PkAjGI1MoomD4bMlF0/s320/2J2A6044.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, they did! the bird was roosting on the netting at the top of the lighthouse and thankfully remained there until we arrived. I thought out twitching it as many other did in the first few days after it was refund. But I thought I would take a gamble and wait, this time that gamble paid off. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEO0klajgUK0mXM9YCZZy_C_-nA_7ELtVQiFTmjqnK1MDSC31hUW_Z-r0pqIrC7vi3FGpQlm9L92HbJ6VyxG2Ad1xXyD_KhrUTEov0IjExCIoYq4eAueTnfjQ9QTwp3K_CC6ZwTddbmuCesaWXl3gD-9wxI_5f1YNwFyFaEWoi8Q3p8logK0xTEgfcAI/s2997/2J2A8140.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="2997" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEO0klajgUK0mXM9YCZZy_C_-nA_7ELtVQiFTmjqnK1MDSC31hUW_Z-r0pqIrC7vi3FGpQlm9L92HbJ6VyxG2Ad1xXyD_KhrUTEov0IjExCIoYq4eAueTnfjQ9QTwp3K_CC6ZwTddbmuCesaWXl3gD-9wxI_5f1YNwFyFaEWoi8Q3p8logK0xTEgfcAI/s320/2J2A8140.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Great Shearwater:</span> This red-faced booby is the 2nd record for the UK after one rescued after being found in an exhausted state on the beach at St Leonards, Sussex back in 2016.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvw_7wrWKHd8sCjlnTa-QnvyzL01BqV49ztnL8Oo5zJgjicM60bxkjYJLkYFe1bwMBJYi5Am5hCMqzBHogPS8aWw838LfGbG27RxEjp7EZINougSx1swVJViAaUaKqGpbQel4DZrnfwExyfAHpn7pAOLRnNnlk-0lhSzAOOWfKrCTDt0fCLkcVV4Yn-o/s1946/2J2A7391.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1946" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvw_7wrWKHd8sCjlnTa-QnvyzL01BqV49ztnL8Oo5zJgjicM60bxkjYJLkYFe1bwMBJYi5Am5hCMqzBHogPS8aWw838LfGbG27RxEjp7EZINougSx1swVJViAaUaKqGpbQel4DZrnfwExyfAHpn7pAOLRnNnlk-0lhSzAOOWfKrCTDt0fCLkcVV4Yn-o/s320/2J2A7391.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We were lucky enough to book on to four pelagic trips which maximised our efforts and likeliness that we could get something else, something extra special maybe?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8Ja_gmEDz3vC0V2QWEKgV2PUxGWQFHh6IVsFmu3NJjh-JSqPjHmlkHM6pmwPN0E1XkF0Zv6neY4eH33LsC1RPoxp0cyElQ-NdTqSQbZHpXOXkrpblobXhw3T2x-F3Oz70UF5xkGoryiziEK2HrNUW8AnUL5zjtU95wTZwJewKOdt-bYSCoqTsE5zqqo/s2727/2J2A7997.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1762" data-original-width="2727" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8Ja_gmEDz3vC0V2QWEKgV2PUxGWQFHh6IVsFmu3NJjh-JSqPjHmlkHM6pmwPN0E1XkF0Zv6neY4eH33LsC1RPoxp0cyElQ-NdTqSQbZHpXOXkrpblobXhw3T2x-F3Oz70UF5xkGoryiziEK2HrNUW8AnUL5zjtU95wTZwJewKOdt-bYSCoqTsE5zqqo/s320/2J2A7997.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Amongst the hundreds of Cory's where dozens of greats, this is another marvellous bird and one of the few species of birds to migrate from its breeding grounds in the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere for winter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhD6u3zpdUF-0w2d6qTbKM5dkIYHQN-85ugCWS1py6D7c9rJeTgjh1eevuuYRkSnBeHBOEA4XLxUH7Qpq38-UFW7lWBbOpOeOfNLCYV8ZJ9bitSYi0DmkzEUbU4bqJaLZiwZK-V0JuqwAN4cMIybSSrtIW1Q4H2R-a8YZhY6kDYXs66mQkINz_VaLHGs/s2216/2J2A7382.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="2216" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhD6u3zpdUF-0w2d6qTbKM5dkIYHQN-85ugCWS1py6D7c9rJeTgjh1eevuuYRkSnBeHBOEA4XLxUH7Qpq38-UFW7lWBbOpOeOfNLCYV8ZJ9bitSYi0DmkzEUbU4bqJaLZiwZK-V0JuqwAN4cMIybSSrtIW1Q4H2R-a8YZhY6kDYXs66mQkINz_VaLHGs/s320/2J2A7382.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Across our trips we saw increasing numbers and large rafts out at sea and had several indidules following the wake of the Sapphire putting on a superb show.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMLRzYiUBJK3aNfwsGVsT5RdR3QExlYPXzjlOGmCSwD4hBIzDrqNkcmK1IUNJVPdy2a-lgYt_x4SPSGvPz9QiygkklijmFvxH0BRtOi8dNaycQ8dHzu3QyVowV9aNa13-jzg4GKfZXyAoFkJqH28d5r1FvoNa-qxBOa5n9hONgO7Z85R5cqivw0pwlok/s3145/2J2A8142.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2153" data-original-width="3145" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMLRzYiUBJK3aNfwsGVsT5RdR3QExlYPXzjlOGmCSwD4hBIzDrqNkcmK1IUNJVPdy2a-lgYt_x4SPSGvPz9QiygkklijmFvxH0BRtOi8dNaycQ8dHzu3QyVowV9aNa13-jzg4GKfZXyAoFkJqH28d5r1FvoNa-qxBOa5n9hONgO7Z85R5cqivw0pwlok/s320/2J2A8142.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Personally, I really like these shears much more than Cory's, I think they have a more pleasing plumage pattern and look more interning than their larger relatives. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2tLRaLagGdKoQuVT9ujXjpzRCGBVpZQpkx5HOl96jMSWUqZQtfmc_1hhtpXB68Pi5EWBQUvRk0b7M0N_WJcyTDH4bkCjyzxFdNNLaTY4jgdheOHHprlz6UdqQNeZme9SCFZ245MmTrYYv0Sv8KDntAxMKsAV2ks6j-JEyJXhF7DRqRudnTHPCs8rRzA/s807/370495278_1019037039112844_2117227108810593313_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="807" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2tLRaLagGdKoQuVT9ujXjpzRCGBVpZQpkx5HOl96jMSWUqZQtfmc_1hhtpXB68Pi5EWBQUvRk0b7M0N_WJcyTDH4bkCjyzxFdNNLaTY4jgdheOHHprlz6UdqQNeZme9SCFZ245MmTrYYv0Sv8KDntAxMKsAV2ks6j-JEyJXhF7DRqRudnTHPCs8rRzA/s320/370495278_1019037039112844_2117227108810593313_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #38761d;">South Polar Skua:</span> During our Saturday pelagic, I was chatting to Scott Reid, an old friend of mine who lives on the island and volunteers on the pelagics. We were catching up, chit-chatting about bird when a small dark suck came in from the stern. Scott immediately saw it and started to get animated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-x6Z1y0W1yw1ixscG2NbUHes7jOhnqyKntUiPundhmlbJ3GVEcJnaIrx87B9WX7NytHO9JABvjgmKl2IcfOH47mWvC2G07_S5iLgl4TW_XLePGK26390FMHzafmd60WFZpCL6WYrrzQKo1ISR_3byLacmziOcDrv7732axEAcfjcvtye3Xp-kOHUQOE/s965/2J2A6129.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="965" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-x6Z1y0W1yw1ixscG2NbUHes7jOhnqyKntUiPundhmlbJ3GVEcJnaIrx87B9WX7NytHO9JABvjgmKl2IcfOH47mWvC2G07_S5iLgl4TW_XLePGK26390FMHzafmd60WFZpCL6WYrrzQKo1ISR_3byLacmziOcDrv7732axEAcfjcvtye3Xp-kOHUQOE/s320/2J2A6129.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>He shouted out to the entire boat that we need to get a picture of this bird and just like that everyone raised their lenses and fires away. Bob Flood (the doyen of pallid sea birds confirmed South Polar skua a few hours after we departed. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1ofNM_cbLCLqOmXU8ywMM9r_DuR6JX_-TJuDLvgmccxPNm9wn1y0E0sQAilie9HwcjvUzTGkxU6JSXLrOYgrKfKlLJ7VroyPgAhp_tQ6Qqvnen635cKdjOmwYHBXP6XjE2Sa1Hmkpxjld8AXDOSt_sId_Uo6wGvULveRl6ZNkyVqJWYAuRgCW_vEfyg/s2611/2J2A7780.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="2611" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1ofNM_cbLCLqOmXU8ywMM9r_DuR6JX_-TJuDLvgmccxPNm9wn1y0E0sQAilie9HwcjvUzTGkxU6JSXLrOYgrKfKlLJ7VroyPgAhp_tQ6Qqvnen635cKdjOmwYHBXP6XjE2Sa1Hmkpxjld8AXDOSt_sId_Uo6wGvULveRl6ZNkyVqJWYAuRgCW_vEfyg/s320/2J2A7780.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">European Storm Petrel: </span>We were straight in the Mermaid pub that night celebrating with a few pints joined by Jack Bucknall, Joe and Scott reliving the dream of an absolute mega flying over the boat. This skua will live long in the memory and will easily become the rates bird of the weekend and top-trumped the red-footed booby.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcm2qfRjX9QNnLkSUi_niRlKYwpKTRxmZy4oU8eF7rjROol_e8lMrxSGiBIMkv3sPo5uOG5S6x7CHMD7dG-4OGx4E3Sefil55Yfn58bF4sVdYy-jSaJRWyavDbzAjH5yotlW8zX8T3Vada_--sk0jwRElLj4x6AC7e8H0uTGMz-r7riftaPZnYRz-lZs/s370/370546264_629840709321715_8218009146897722921_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="370" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcm2qfRjX9QNnLkSUi_niRlKYwpKTRxmZy4oU8eF7rjROol_e8lMrxSGiBIMkv3sPo5uOG5S6x7CHMD7dG-4OGx4E3Sefil55Yfn58bF4sVdYy-jSaJRWyavDbzAjH5yotlW8zX8T3Vada_--sk0jwRElLj4x6AC7e8H0uTGMz-r7riftaPZnYRz-lZs/s320/370546264_629840709321715_8218009146897722921_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Wilsons Storm Petrel: </span>Saturday also brought our biggest number of stormy's that came in to feed on the slick left behind by the chum, a fishy, oily bait that enrages shearwater and petrel closer to the boat but Friday during the shark trip we bagged a single Wilson's stormy. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNqBhNR8FfAWG6vZnQREZyC1mNh_-l6Swv98ZPEJOydyEF4z6lCiUphoPkvdyoHtBZ-sEdp_GwN5GTlw8SjltIWi1N4F4UV3EPSBxkXfG9y0RUmgzc31YaSbcjDgh5a7Ie_b2lUyERyFchras2ikEdR2ReGU3cq2U_9IZdEqX3jvg112VX7NPkqj87JE/s564/371145441_768032295097940_7316978232817531784_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="564" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNqBhNR8FfAWG6vZnQREZyC1mNh_-l6Swv98ZPEJOydyEF4z6lCiUphoPkvdyoHtBZ-sEdp_GwN5GTlw8SjltIWi1N4F4UV3EPSBxkXfG9y0RUmgzc31YaSbcjDgh5a7Ie_b2lUyERyFchras2ikEdR2ReGU3cq2U_9IZdEqX3jvg112VX7NPkqj87JE/s320/371145441_768032295097940_7316978232817531784_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We struck lucky here as this was the only Wilson's of the weekend and showed well at times from the back f the boat as it swept in up and down the slick. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX77Ov_7QeX4Dr_zRkEV3zOThHd2uixmqca50H5nYdSnE-72GTz8RIWnvELDp-gRbRabOY2Rfak1wnE45RtW49pmMeTqQRwAOOxKW2rpqvD02eWXk_slk-7RuWCikxjTsjNeHxSr8aNrNbIMOwNZpVr-a742PvobjwCnjk8K9fJAB4yLb2xam11-fD24/s1835/2J2A7663.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1835" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX77Ov_7QeX4Dr_zRkEV3zOThHd2uixmqca50H5nYdSnE-72GTz8RIWnvELDp-gRbRabOY2Rfak1wnE45RtW49pmMeTqQRwAOOxKW2rpqvD02eWXk_slk-7RuWCikxjTsjNeHxSr8aNrNbIMOwNZpVr-a742PvobjwCnjk8K9fJAB4yLb2xam11-fD24/s320/2J2A7663.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(56, 118, 29); color: #38761d;">European Storm Petrel:</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(56, 118, 29);"> All the stormy's were incredibly difficult to photograph, these small black birds seemed to appear out of nowhere and disapeear over a wave. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vguQtkDJuZf7u1QMLSM4mwputroYZuU1xdSL-1-hwtLAHu8zP_BMv7Ik6XSeVoFlgiY1hLOIvMz2uTR6_94-gk_DVbhQAomLqM095sb4vekL4diaWPtdHCIRW4ofhQ08EiptO_1gNjv84BUaWn2xlNTD2W6uxponsxVUAOhlH66qHgcMPKiySrpYqPs/s2138/2J2A4075.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="2138" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vguQtkDJuZf7u1QMLSM4mwputroYZuU1xdSL-1-hwtLAHu8zP_BMv7Ik6XSeVoFlgiY1hLOIvMz2uTR6_94-gk_DVbhQAomLqM095sb4vekL4diaWPtdHCIRW4ofhQ08EiptO_1gNjv84BUaWn2xlNTD2W6uxponsxVUAOhlH66qHgcMPKiySrpYqPs/s320/2J2A4075.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Cory's Shearwater: </span>I didn't know where to look at times. There were dozens of shearwater surrounding the boat, and stormies feeding on the slick as we drifted and bobbed on the sea. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tlgV3o_HPVQFdA1M90sAiLJ50z8RSQDLKgGk8Tx98pQjOlK_ZO9ZnTcSmDR14I8sLHHXpVdSvf4PwZW1tUjkldLFxxFs-HUk1hOoQtWvZhFRq_AWdLxRxc-xf6OYfgiwHoMcjdLbl3Aam73-yOEHDc80W4LkI5qa6UHNe7Y2uSk2XQKQzyZS8eT81K8/s1251/2J2A6856.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1251" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tlgV3o_HPVQFdA1M90sAiLJ50z8RSQDLKgGk8Tx98pQjOlK_ZO9ZnTcSmDR14I8sLHHXpVdSvf4PwZW1tUjkldLFxxFs-HUk1hOoQtWvZhFRq_AWdLxRxc-xf6OYfgiwHoMcjdLbl3Aam73-yOEHDc80W4LkI5qa6UHNe7Y2uSk2XQKQzyZS8eT81K8/s320/2J2A6856.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Manx Shearwater:</span> Maxies were more numbers on the ferry crossing then the pelagics but we did have a few bird rafting with the larger shares that gave us an opportunity to get Perry close before they flew off. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92kUTHixwbxH5GNVia1WRvzBo-lLPqglam20QL5x9GqD50EF4UySvn7hzN1VpvRjyz6_gAJnaVnPeN1nsOi5Pf9cizv95W3OC35FjUwBa8ZmHMPa1KiFx2hEzir_25PrIkMGBp6DswaeL3N0RBWKiEZI0QugiaEcCgAQ7WcAhqt_qJDTRzVat2RBOtFk/s1352/2J2A6868.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1352" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92kUTHixwbxH5GNVia1WRvzBo-lLPqglam20QL5x9GqD50EF4UySvn7hzN1VpvRjyz6_gAJnaVnPeN1nsOi5Pf9cizv95W3OC35FjUwBa8ZmHMPa1KiFx2hEzir_25PrIkMGBp6DswaeL3N0RBWKiEZI0QugiaEcCgAQ7WcAhqt_qJDTRzVat2RBOtFk/s320/2J2A6868.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>There were time when the sea was pretty rough and were were getting rolled around on the large swells. I'm not particularly good on boats and have been known to get pretty severe sea sickness. <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ghZTn9XK0sIK9-TccNngKJpLnWMXG5t6tg289GMVKIV6kharlrBAB1cle4CuWNeov1PMRttM_tn73CcdBAktmL96949A-4IzD2dlRCW1JfKZHmT-IdBsAgHjQqK6_lvWQfCC_M8cYRE9fuXR0-ity6D5ZvKLM668FbCxzKAX2R_M2KBNXVhSdxSbHLg/s3845/2J2A8116.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="3845" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ghZTn9XK0sIK9-TccNngKJpLnWMXG5t6tg289GMVKIV6kharlrBAB1cle4CuWNeov1PMRttM_tn73CcdBAktmL96949A-4IzD2dlRCW1JfKZHmT-IdBsAgHjQqK6_lvWQfCC_M8cYRE9fuXR0-ity6D5ZvKLM668FbCxzKAX2R_M2KBNXVhSdxSbHLg/s320/2J2A8116.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Cory's Shearwater: </span>This time however I was fine, I always took some sea sickness tablets, Kwells are for prevention of travel sickness and made sure I ate a good breakfast before boarding the boat. this might sound country her productive but it's definitely a good idea. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bdw-rDs6m38idi7yRQvqlTDD48PtRGZNvLI4l2DUk48Bx03rhul8jx62jGgo9Un94rOFi9ybfh44OC-9nYx7bCe808-D1zZCpeRqVzk7RPGwHnC5dtjxsNVTH-IyZLIusYZM0znHc1Gm5N4-SnhJm6BwpI12JUqBL9gI_VzeGg0VCYSCv7ndBK_lSSE/s2140/2J2A8258.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="2140" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bdw-rDs6m38idi7yRQvqlTDD48PtRGZNvLI4l2DUk48Bx03rhul8jx62jGgo9Un94rOFi9ybfh44OC-9nYx7bCe808-D1zZCpeRqVzk7RPGwHnC5dtjxsNVTH-IyZLIusYZM0znHc1Gm5N4-SnhJm6BwpI12JUqBL9gI_VzeGg0VCYSCv7ndBK_lSSE/s320/2J2A8258.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Great Shearwater:</span> Unfortunately we didn't connect with any Scopoli’s, others did while we were on the same boat, but I'm not claiming a bird that was togged and I may or may not have seen it, that's called cheating. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-105y3Vy06ZnHk9S94gBivimBwt5SmyzNWcJZb7ZaiSlq6b8jBwDGRsEM6gF4K5bd7cQIZnGhrNy2AEsP8iMq6RfaH7XEUxRo2B90jgn1ntBsJmLBSthIX8lqLaKH4z2iE5tl4ct4CkAab0QQcTBZHsQ3eVPujhwvzSgzF50cJ5qsyKqLy904IqG1DY/s2143/2J2A6899.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="2143" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-105y3Vy06ZnHk9S94gBivimBwt5SmyzNWcJZb7ZaiSlq6b8jBwDGRsEM6gF4K5bd7cQIZnGhrNy2AEsP8iMq6RfaH7XEUxRo2B90jgn1ntBsJmLBSthIX8lqLaKH4z2iE5tl4ct4CkAab0QQcTBZHsQ3eVPujhwvzSgzF50cJ5qsyKqLy904IqG1DY/s320/2J2A6899.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Arctic Skua: </span>Apart from the massively mega South Polar skua we also had two Arctic Skua including this dark phased bird which was frantically cashing the gulls and shears that were following the boat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqOf9S8LY04TlosnOBwQJgMzpptU9vm1ohwN3uef7Lzx9GGyuEXIfTv0Re6LMQRsV-LZXDHX60e1AFfEWaBktHM4-A_NHa8qqEFRczSxz6HsRbBxV6YNtFELKWugBSqHKAxxTrWmwwCyHz8g7ElMnv-jgCcjjjrWfiq0V0SEwfc5neg4B_9-ECrkosYQ/s972/2J2A7021.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="972" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqOf9S8LY04TlosnOBwQJgMzpptU9vm1ohwN3uef7Lzx9GGyuEXIfTv0Re6LMQRsV-LZXDHX60e1AFfEWaBktHM4-A_NHa8qqEFRczSxz6HsRbBxV6YNtFELKWugBSqHKAxxTrWmwwCyHz8g7ElMnv-jgCcjjjrWfiq0V0SEwfc5neg4B_9-ECrkosYQ/s320/2J2A7021.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We also had a pale phased bird that shot passed the boat, these birds have a well-earned reputation as avian pirates, stealing much of their food from other birds, chasing them down until they drop their food. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCnUYvFBiDfwcC8WZ64lr4oZm7S9dIN9_Xp34dt7gQLKKTzT3r22J8LAnaFf1OkcDELe2ZedQ98SXOx4emb_wfdh1JfraoiD-IcF-nCcwFzLDHJ2aqS228nOA0OFIerbpDQjlPBUqKejWmlt-4JXDpXr0-4vSbgp7eHL4nyt1k7c9ZkFQUZG228oQVgo/s2377/2J2A7119.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2377" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCnUYvFBiDfwcC8WZ64lr4oZm7S9dIN9_Xp34dt7gQLKKTzT3r22J8LAnaFf1OkcDELe2ZedQ98SXOx4emb_wfdh1JfraoiD-IcF-nCcwFzLDHJ2aqS228nOA0OFIerbpDQjlPBUqKejWmlt-4JXDpXr0-4vSbgp7eHL4nyt1k7c9ZkFQUZG228oQVgo/s320/2J2A7119.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Cory's Shearwater: </span>Shearwaters have an incredible capability to follow smells. It means that they can navigate in complete darkness without relying on their sight, making it easy for them to find their way to the colony at night. During daytime, seabirds are wandering the sea looking out for fish, squids or crustaceans. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiattULPrIu_qWnTgTsitnKICIicaPTQ8BMld4fvQ2IcvTr7wkwv18Jewp_kwkMX7X6zzKrCsylaN3wlPHM2ENzoyJmjrTw2KgvKnWiuClk4mFx2zogapL6a2qU6vr-VCh2-K5JUWLhEvc4JVJizB9O0o2bbo7_JT4eobzcGzCfrB6p0t_XDjtThn5zYts/s2334/2J2A3688.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="2334" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiattULPrIu_qWnTgTsitnKICIicaPTQ8BMld4fvQ2IcvTr7wkwv18Jewp_kwkMX7X6zzKrCsylaN3wlPHM2ENzoyJmjrTw2KgvKnWiuClk4mFx2zogapL6a2qU6vr-VCh2-K5JUWLhEvc4JVJizB9O0o2bbo7_JT4eobzcGzCfrB6p0t_XDjtThn5zYts/s320/2J2A3688.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Common Dolphin: </span>Along with sea birds we had dozens of common dolphin and a handful of Risso's on the Sillonian Ferry crossing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvX_W6YgJm96LgoyedTiDB-ppirE8iN48OZXaI4AMvHcyuKpzR-tP9CUDfw5FDfA6jmBnUpTUrjH5j06TTX8lXSQZMlqXsusWkmxX4kMkYZmWiFjm5bWCGFsJyvAtVMOFdiYTSDL5d5i4bOZws2GHUZ5Blhktzn7q3bxZc_rE2ndSmNeVMe5La1TVlE0/s1591/2J2A5438.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1591" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvX_W6YgJm96LgoyedTiDB-ppirE8iN48OZXaI4AMvHcyuKpzR-tP9CUDfw5FDfA6jmBnUpTUrjH5j06TTX8lXSQZMlqXsusWkmxX4kMkYZmWiFjm5bWCGFsJyvAtVMOFdiYTSDL5d5i4bOZws2GHUZ5Blhktzn7q3bxZc_rE2ndSmNeVMe5La1TVlE0/s320/2J2A5438.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Red-baked Shrike:</span> We stayed at the Garrison camp site on St Marys in a rede-tent, a pre-erected clamping tent with air beds and a stove. Pretty decent if you can't get any accommodation on the island. </div><div><br /></div><div>This gave us the opportunity to spend some time birding on the Island. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQer1uMxw45mloPbqHCZmIiwa3E9LXxs3my7LyMI-hbleZ0DRyK5AJXWQPda4PiRaE4AT5TjxGaNKqnn-8x0EYTjQkCX4AZO_7LdLNKlc6cWVYkB9tvEns_I-NIkIcMN2xtmuyFzJtUECTn07e1xbm5CTIDsVufT-d8NUIxepuDrtOimKuTkok56MMv5A/s1373/2J2A8424.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1373" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQer1uMxw45mloPbqHCZmIiwa3E9LXxs3my7LyMI-hbleZ0DRyK5AJXWQPda4PiRaE4AT5TjxGaNKqnn-8x0EYTjQkCX4AZO_7LdLNKlc6cWVYkB9tvEns_I-NIkIcMN2xtmuyFzJtUECTn07e1xbm5CTIDsVufT-d8NUIxepuDrtOimKuTkok56MMv5A/s320/2J2A8424.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Wryneck: </span>we managed to catch up with a male red-backed shrike and a juvinile woodcut shrike, but the highlight was this striking wryneck that Ian Ellis relocated and we went back for on our last day. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a mega trip and a really enjoyable adventure with some great people and great birds, I'm defiantly looking forward to my next Scilly pelagic. <br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-80740168563630427882023-08-11T06:27:00.005-07:002023-08-11T06:32:49.775-07:0011/08/2021 Withins Lane, near Elton Reserviour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnQcXdXdeb623oq0dGNE8oi9F4AfvihkB1X9HWI2YaMLMhE7vZEqxoreYSNMduoZ1XMHFvUiz2ofjDXQPjhth7l_IP6n_dObEf1vSKlxNPU4gqw79ZuaS4Qeq6ltQwqSAtAojPSG0S-n8-RF_NGY9vd_zvcXWsoYL4XW9R83Y4KPWa-YV4jky05E_6bo/s4644/2J2A2937.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3112" data-original-width="4644" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnQcXdXdeb623oq0dGNE8oi9F4AfvihkB1X9HWI2YaMLMhE7vZEqxoreYSNMduoZ1XMHFvUiz2ofjDXQPjhth7l_IP6n_dObEf1vSKlxNPU4gqw79ZuaS4Qeq6ltQwqSAtAojPSG0S-n8-RF_NGY9vd_zvcXWsoYL4XW9R83Y4KPWa-YV4jky05E_6bo/s320/2J2A2937.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Cuckoo:</span> This juvenile bird has taken up residence on a small seemingly disused allotment of Withins Lane just past the tow path close to Bridge 18. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzdKWGpXUExYmGqkirbbk6fONxJ49MjcQLDhLWS6qL50221y8HNeexu4ZO-a_QGoeu6pKcq7uEgpIulyrdw1Dgv6NPgxMw4nAJPcV-dJ4WUpSkDevXPb6qGtLpQFrDkqv__zoggQx2ZDFdpBwxcXpWPNi5eCaQja4iyh1bvI70_5AudJ5ZgSvX_ArFZs/s4778/2J2A3043.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3302" data-original-width="4778" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzdKWGpXUExYmGqkirbbk6fONxJ49MjcQLDhLWS6qL50221y8HNeexu4ZO-a_QGoeu6pKcq7uEgpIulyrdw1Dgv6NPgxMw4nAJPcV-dJ4WUpSkDevXPb6qGtLpQFrDkqv__zoggQx2ZDFdpBwxcXpWPNi5eCaQja4iyh1bvI70_5AudJ5ZgSvX_ArFZs/s320/2J2A3043.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The bird was showing as soon as I arrived spying its prey from on top of a wooden post, it regularly swopped down catching caterpillars. It also felt o the nearby field where it was hunting on the ground, hopping about and walking through the tall vegetation looking for food. </div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2w4nwZwBphoqJ7Zk7phYwqH5iWrIreb_GXW3YIadkHusi3ucxelhuPKM7zrNT1dMbCU_k-YWH5D4MseImAQLEVU2oHYa20ymK6tHA0SeyQiWoeLoBcmGLd28vUk3WvOzXc6jY3N2U8038EJiXXvZOeuOIwU1eyerALZBEezJxsu9rZL8dnn6Az9rUhc/s2566/2J2A2570.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2566" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2w4nwZwBphoqJ7Zk7phYwqH5iWrIreb_GXW3YIadkHusi3ucxelhuPKM7zrNT1dMbCU_k-YWH5D4MseImAQLEVU2oHYa20ymK6tHA0SeyQiWoeLoBcmGLd28vUk3WvOzXc6jY3N2U8038EJiXXvZOeuOIwU1eyerALZBEezJxsu9rZL8dnn6Az9rUhc/s320/2J2A2570.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Young cuckoos are about the size of a pigeon and are even more strikingly patterned than their parents. Their entire plumage is criss-crossed of strong, dark stripes. The young’s back and wing feathers are also dotted with brown spots and there is a prominent white patch on the young bird’s neck. Its yellow-rimmed eyes and feet are also eye-catching splashes of colour.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi200CQ6OdhrG7qCPUxlE7dLEwPYTOdRfFINpiyoyuvhTBfLa9Sb_RnUKWYC66SvSCwu2V7_bafdkQ71P1osjcIU0xdUGlHd81uPgMfPPej1VP4cFkxcMOcbot_VY0DdNG_5EanXddTALrhcx2RyiAOrq63OKzv2YM_VuFOmWYX3fyDodWIMDPIqOJf2Ck/s3760/2J2A2888.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="3760" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi200CQ6OdhrG7qCPUxlE7dLEwPYTOdRfFINpiyoyuvhTBfLa9Sb_RnUKWYC66SvSCwu2V7_bafdkQ71P1osjcIU0xdUGlHd81uPgMfPPej1VP4cFkxcMOcbot_VY0DdNG_5EanXddTALrhcx2RyiAOrq63OKzv2YM_VuFOmWYX3fyDodWIMDPIqOJf2Ck/s320/2J2A2888.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Cuckoos feed exclusively on animal food. They hunt insects, spiders, worms and other small animals. Sometimes they even eat small frogs and other amphibians. Plant food, on the other hand, is not on the cuckoo’s menu.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAs_Yco2WLXbs1Rc7hd644cy24VPP7WmBahzdI8nnmAJH4mN7l8zJZeButsLYn2_27PKXcNTppY9HlgggsmADI-KXaIRKzEy4PW--R6uYgJOlk47DPAR0iOclERA0fwDRXWnIEi4UBPjQ4wBf3bRVIARUwZ5UiK44l-TKvH2fR0DPV8dkdKow1s6w6s0/s3215/2J2A3105.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2422" data-original-width="3215" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAs_Yco2WLXbs1Rc7hd644cy24VPP7WmBahzdI8nnmAJH4mN7l8zJZeButsLYn2_27PKXcNTppY9HlgggsmADI-KXaIRKzEy4PW--R6uYgJOlk47DPAR0iOclERA0fwDRXWnIEi4UBPjQ4wBf3bRVIARUwZ5UiK44l-TKvH2fR0DPV8dkdKow1s6w6s0/s320/2J2A3105.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>There was plenty of food in this small area and its disappointing to hear that there has been folk putting meals worms out for it to get better images. There's no need, the bird was landing a few feet away from my lens and was finding plenty of large caterpillars and bugs to feed on. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7GAJZvH6Fiztv2MckHQVCt8DtNJHR0e4CNRSO0NWMQSm9sGdwBFPaCExW3GzVpy5o1ak1_iPgsfSFmg8vgpOnGbsSoDsvtFEUV8ILgXb8gCYxO8YDnrZWXgkfMk5E8MdbMwB0SH4JDbwHvJcIHVXjbXb0INTRMFg9Vd5xMdiWgYYjdTg6Efh-8-v87Y/s4017/2J2A3124.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3273" data-original-width="4017" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7GAJZvH6Fiztv2MckHQVCt8DtNJHR0e4CNRSO0NWMQSm9sGdwBFPaCExW3GzVpy5o1ak1_iPgsfSFmg8vgpOnGbsSoDsvtFEUV8ILgXb8gCYxO8YDnrZWXgkfMk5E8MdbMwB0SH4JDbwHvJcIHVXjbXb0INTRMFg9Vd5xMdiWgYYjdTg6Efh-8-v87Y/s320/2J2A3124.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The cuckoo is a migratory bird that spends its winters in the tropical savannahs of Africa. It is a long-distance migrant, with the adults leaving in July or August and their young a month or so later. They return to the UK the following spring in late March or April.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wttuUlxCK9FTlIUpCJM9a-4nTvndO_5hkxMnf-9ntPnkcEk2l5TVSNYJzL7ugKbFmB52qhxcv6YhbLyI-kmPYSMMhctms5iW4Ub2KNgzC52gOkmCIOsqC3nR7q3WTPrff85RfnD66cYr9X-_jxtJp-yGQMtdelt-04abh_OTfwlW2Rta4tH3AAVFzpQ/s3623/2J2A3187.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2807" data-original-width="3623" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wttuUlxCK9FTlIUpCJM9a-4nTvndO_5hkxMnf-9ntPnkcEk2l5TVSNYJzL7ugKbFmB52qhxcv6YhbLyI-kmPYSMMhctms5iW4Ub2KNgzC52gOkmCIOsqC3nR7q3WTPrff85RfnD66cYr9X-_jxtJp-yGQMtdelt-04abh_OTfwlW2Rta4tH3AAVFzpQ/s320/2J2A3187.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I've spotted plenty of young cuckoo in my time while out surveying and birding but I have never had a bird show as well as this, crazy!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-1102174549268269032023-08-11T06:15:00.003-07:002023-08-11T06:15:38.871-07:0010/08/2023 Seaton Snook, Cleveland<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zWjNMickDZ5xnhwnrQx0EoAkee3rivs39vS0WsED1YvOKUQaJucRjbBXED4AxNwyNiyZ-lcoz_NZJQN7uLGZ771gcfA1vXIQz_Z81U3UoW4dTodzHXKSaU5nUfJxqv6o_EPGyZSJbQIX5Gd9Y55koTUG-O0Y9lVLevQRBEJSPoTN6FJVVmQpSsDSeVU/s1994/2J2A3241.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1994" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zWjNMickDZ5xnhwnrQx0EoAkee3rivs39vS0WsED1YvOKUQaJucRjbBXED4AxNwyNiyZ-lcoz_NZJQN7uLGZ771gcfA1vXIQz_Z81U3UoW4dTodzHXKSaU5nUfJxqv6o_EPGyZSJbQIX5Gd9Y55koTUG-O0Y9lVLevQRBEJSPoTN6FJVVmQpSsDSeVU/s320/2J2A3241.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Arctic Skua: </span>These sharp, sleek fast birds are simply amazing to watch as they dart quickly over the top of the water like slim winged spitfires in an arial dog fight.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtRjaGR4oWXHxHvX2pJ_-zpUexDlIvYYv7tG-MNIXahGr0Yx8rRR7MRmG8z6SVVAGzxVzvt1Zf80VdHw2IcXErmE4iOZk2DpguISSEt2Qr5OGqDbzfr_56IH_dIgWYOSpvl8eq11qIwr-iDGF220_ZBxzvh-xmXBXrTdgpDjubLqJIvCxZSPsnj0Z4vU/s2137/2J2A3228.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="2137" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtRjaGR4oWXHxHvX2pJ_-zpUexDlIvYYv7tG-MNIXahGr0Yx8rRR7MRmG8z6SVVAGzxVzvt1Zf80VdHw2IcXErmE4iOZk2DpguISSEt2Qr5OGqDbzfr_56IH_dIgWYOSpvl8eq11qIwr-iDGF220_ZBxzvh-xmXBXrTdgpDjubLqJIvCxZSPsnj0Z4vU/s320/2J2A3228.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Seaton Snook covers the north side of Tees Estuary forming part of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. This is a vast area of salt marsh and sandy beaches with a line of sand dunes separating the two areas. North Gare pier extends a short distance into the Estuary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO226D7nObvzPf6oVzLZ8bCTaMAmxe_ROE-UMv779DbpeG5IKbuMZsnhZZ5E5vrcaVnPn0vUzfYqjmmMKSlckUlVrMKR4Ofuiv_yk22Xbn_QmxqQqYlxgm3JcmYa6qCnqaUQ4TZlq4janasYtmd0zAPd6la4UXidzolbU5GzeB65D2V8iFQlNqoLTwFX0/s2208/2J2A3236.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2208" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO226D7nObvzPf6oVzLZ8bCTaMAmxe_ROE-UMv779DbpeG5IKbuMZsnhZZ5E5vrcaVnPn0vUzfYqjmmMKSlckUlVrMKR4Ofuiv_yk22Xbn_QmxqQqYlxgm3JcmYa6qCnqaUQ4TZlq4janasYtmd0zAPd6la4UXidzolbU5GzeB65D2V8iFQlNqoLTwFX0/s320/2J2A3236.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>At this time of year these aggressive oppitunistic birds take up residence here, at least for a short while as the tent numbers are at their largest. Here they harass and chase the terns who have successfully caught fish ignorer to try and steal they quarry. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUdaBkITXhwCe-SsNjeZIJ-lPqEyKM7sSykskrBTKlvfBP9SLGJhIk9iavAmOLcPsSf_E1CFSOoYnLIAuYFGdFqkC2L9RJkbEvFaJKtfcS9GCqe_nAvS0LxXK2DlQvKuRXpU_Kf9gGtoJP0jZ7cmk3sU3SB1Cr2zf17KquAIoe9-vqUE2bvxO1NfXCiE/s3408/2J2A3231.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3408" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUdaBkITXhwCe-SsNjeZIJ-lPqEyKM7sSykskrBTKlvfBP9SLGJhIk9iavAmOLcPsSf_E1CFSOoYnLIAuYFGdFqkC2L9RJkbEvFaJKtfcS9GCqe_nAvS0LxXK2DlQvKuRXpU_Kf9gGtoJP0jZ7cmk3sU3SB1Cr2zf17KquAIoe9-vqUE2bvxO1NfXCiE/s320/2J2A3231.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>They are even known to actively hunt and take the tern themselves. Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-54522603320708875892023-08-11T06:15:00.000-07:002023-08-11T06:15:08.398-07:0002/08/2023 Kintyre, Argyll and Bute<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihp9ul5m9o4mveE1i9CHuWZ9igVVtp0pdMlgAAorp3kh8FIMyXOVEbk1Y7Y9k_c0Ni232tdfkGSJ5HTA2CZ1-Tw-8jP-KA8gBm0iecsmsbjL0PXZgCgZnZ-u-xJ1RlzDzCKQsrIuN2dRqtZrr57Of2Ptax8wX9zpUCA61gPKP2mUsacO-ScEJ0OxeSqE/s2349/2J2A1358.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="2349" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihp9ul5m9o4mveE1i9CHuWZ9igVVtp0pdMlgAAorp3kh8FIMyXOVEbk1Y7Y9k_c0Ni232tdfkGSJ5HTA2CZ1-Tw-8jP-KA8gBm0iecsmsbjL0PXZgCgZnZ-u-xJ1RlzDzCKQsrIuN2dRqtZrr57Of2Ptax8wX9zpUCA61gPKP2mUsacO-ScEJ0OxeSqE/s320/2J2A1358.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Spotted Flycatcher: </span>Working away on the beautiful peninsula in western Scotland, Kintyre can be found in the southwest of Argyll and Bute. The peninsula stretches about 30 miles, from the Mull of Kintyre in the south to East and West Loch Tarbert in the north.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LOpetD3cC1zohcKOka_8j07EeThOlmD-d_KhfBbQRNqkebgNfcE0v4s9ApxDKtX6jevE2e6BayKmXN8CAi_LQAz_t8tdzd30sxBY4NugbHbOggGdHCfWbDk0BwK4YXDsWJebJEBlZK6beeNL9qdhRJjF3NmlLh0sx8ARxDFfI2OGrpG11HEzYHW-wNI/s2353/2J2A1548.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="2353" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LOpetD3cC1zohcKOka_8j07EeThOlmD-d_KhfBbQRNqkebgNfcE0v4s9ApxDKtX6jevE2e6BayKmXN8CAi_LQAz_t8tdzd30sxBY4NugbHbOggGdHCfWbDk0BwK4YXDsWJebJEBlZK6beeNL9qdhRJjF3NmlLh0sx8ARxDFfI2OGrpG11HEzYHW-wNI/s320/2J2A1548.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>After a tough days surveying out on the boggy, wet and hilly moor and plantation woodlands I stumbled across a single fudge bird biting attended by a single adult bird. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPgpzQfWGnALu9fkjkFxOEMKUInO35i0O-ZAHc211ro3mcODsnhjJAYo6W4lDa1oU6z87r_jRa44L4Fufzt-Sic6JP6ypto5a_zJym7ehbcJiJEQLSJMeMfRE6em-FB4UZsWgZH50i3fUTLAKX7eknPNznbWuk3NOsmYtCCHoOFHCu8TY3w9xs-zySwY/s2854/2J2A1317.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2854" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPgpzQfWGnALu9fkjkFxOEMKUInO35i0O-ZAHc211ro3mcODsnhjJAYo6W4lDa1oU6z87r_jRa44L4Fufzt-Sic6JP6ypto5a_zJym7ehbcJiJEQLSJMeMfRE6em-FB4UZsWgZH50i3fUTLAKX7eknPNznbWuk3NOsmYtCCHoOFHCu8TY3w9xs-zySwY/s320/2J2A1317.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Spotted flycatcher's are somewhat an ordinary-looking bird, mostly grey-brown in colour with paler streaks, particularly on the head and wings. It has a creamy white breast which is streaked with pale brown. <div><br /></div><div>But looks can be deceiving as they are one of Britains only two breeding flycatcher and soon to be a very scarce breeding bird here. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqcVqt8yJOEHHWld9e5l-PljM_4JIJvqI23IjEveiJUDK8PsTohLoKnw6N8AAuE5MoIaIIQUsuOPYo3rS-Bv5zFyytKcxbq0oJdusjoz1WvDOv49prZwFi4AfSC-8IJzQmA_iQ9drvHydo9ppU1R534TgOjHzs3ULt8JzzHUcpXcmWo23i12hpwRr294/s2783/2J2A1496.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1879" data-original-width="2783" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqcVqt8yJOEHHWld9e5l-PljM_4JIJvqI23IjEveiJUDK8PsTohLoKnw6N8AAuE5MoIaIIQUsuOPYo3rS-Bv5zFyytKcxbq0oJdusjoz1WvDOv49prZwFi4AfSC-8IJzQmA_iQ9drvHydo9ppU1R534TgOjHzs3ULt8JzzHUcpXcmWo23i12hpwRr294/s320/2J2A1496.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>They favour woodland edges and clearings, as well as parks and gardens. They are found across the UK, however they are less abundant in the far north and west so to see one up here is pretty special. </p><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi769IRQvFTd_QKEdX2EAOA1vTVYJmcqVhywZL5vrNzvNrUeFymddQiZXGcqnIta7Ktw7N9xRczPljqP8RgEmIboAknrDHlxqK7rwkapz_-stinQhb7i8pmLR1m3jK0vsfK8_9CtElq4hvvSQJP7ljILbkvbZ_NJc4SB730SHw2QX_IqGK9ZtAHOKg__aE/s2751/2J2A1244.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="2751" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi769IRQvFTd_QKEdX2EAOA1vTVYJmcqVhywZL5vrNzvNrUeFymddQiZXGcqnIta7Ktw7N9xRczPljqP8RgEmIboAknrDHlxqK7rwkapz_-stinQhb7i8pmLR1m3jK0vsfK8_9CtElq4hvvSQJP7ljILbkvbZ_NJc4SB730SHw2QX_IqGK9ZtAHOKg__aE/s320/2J2A1244.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Since the 1960s, the Spotted Flycatchers in the UK have suffered a massive decline in their numbers, with BTO figures showing an 89% reduction between 1967 and 2010. The reasons for the decline are thought to be numerous and may include less flying insects as a result of deterioration in woodland quality.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpYpDHx6eFzi0NcUO_w2o1_ygVhtepX5waf2uEHHG16SDXLlw-SXgYIc4G-yXRSeSl2C1IYDHhtn3m5jVBTj0xolBqElu31905YRjHbkXVKLR-GYiib6pBh-YlVCTJqrSbXAMV93K_LasMXNL59_u9xyBsDlwm5NMubRBVZTNU2Qh1KbtwbylSqoomXY/s2691/2J2A1257.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="2691" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpYpDHx6eFzi0NcUO_w2o1_ygVhtepX5waf2uEHHG16SDXLlw-SXgYIc4G-yXRSeSl2C1IYDHhtn3m5jVBTj0xolBqElu31905YRjHbkXVKLR-GYiib6pBh-YlVCTJqrSbXAMV93K_LasMXNL59_u9xyBsDlwm5NMubRBVZTNU2Qh1KbtwbylSqoomXY/s320/2J2A1257.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The fledging looked to be recently fledged and wasn't bothered my presence and was taking shelter from the prevailing Scottish rain and westerly winds. </div>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5916078415482748242.post-87828829118033954812023-07-29T00:47:00.001-07:002023-07-29T00:47:03.656-07:0029/07/2023 Undisclosed Location<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FLPljtZ5I_xyCKW4GVqy4IHoyKloWC8axZAzRi8WHBRGQYisOrtmlI-TbEeOW4nF_8ig09njais7c8IwUA8b6hxifwcIc2YtH2J9jmj65tMXwLZXd00T_RE3uoC9Kkyk_Nzri0zEZJySMx_eH-Sj14X4ITO1i2M8RTezWswNwUemU-SNUMi0oxZjxAo/s2878/2J2A1161.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2878" data-original-width="2137" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FLPljtZ5I_xyCKW4GVqy4IHoyKloWC8axZAzRi8WHBRGQYisOrtmlI-TbEeOW4nF_8ig09njais7c8IwUA8b6hxifwcIc2YtH2J9jmj65tMXwLZXd00T_RE3uoC9Kkyk_Nzri0zEZJySMx_eH-Sj14X4ITO1i2M8RTezWswNwUemU-SNUMi0oxZjxAo/s320/2J2A1161.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Long-eared Owl: </span>Back again for another session with these marvellous long-eared owls, after a few failed attempted in the continuing poor weather and heavy rain I was pleases to get a chance in hand out in a clear spell.<p></p><p>However instead of rain we had to contend with rolling fog, thick fog when we arrived dampened our spirits as we thought the poor visibility would affect our ability to view the birds. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyAkiE69xaUwMZx2wqzRGrKrdokrwtUbXXAkzJjX9DHmEV7OsNVqzZGspMuTLs-1qAKIDitkOBcIk8Pab7qUUy9w5zbfBE4nM0V1LfB8BX90CUTnufSBpfcAvpgA6m0kP_EIa-Rb1n2zrvgd81cIMWmHXEqSBPv9sM7brcy5CNMvkdsQ5DL_bdZ1Nc70/s4331/2J2A0424.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4331" data-original-width="3648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyAkiE69xaUwMZx2wqzRGrKrdokrwtUbXXAkzJjX9DHmEV7OsNVqzZGspMuTLs-1qAKIDitkOBcIk8Pab7qUUy9w5zbfBE4nM0V1LfB8BX90CUTnufSBpfcAvpgA6m0kP_EIa-Rb1n2zrvgd81cIMWmHXEqSBPv9sM7brcy5CNMvkdsQ5DL_bdZ1Nc70/s320/2J2A0424.jpeg" width="270" /></a></div>Not before long the fog rolled over us and cleared up enough to find two young owls rooting in the open and an adult bird roosting lower down in a pine tree. <p></p><p>They weren't phased by our presences and showed no disturbance behaviour and were calm enough to continue to sleep and continue their begging calls. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqu2lvZ57eSpt2ZBnfZAKKBrESsy36yfaaRJNDZC0a8ugPzzev1YReL05u4BrL0gjw3FojPPm3R54xbm3z1grC2x7r8DXKfhiMXyu0nEaisdfl3r6fnvp2KFV4SWWzH391reEpA0jP2aCyj5c-YN4JGB5qO-LkUlEGryfAuMvXngLi8ZoTkRJWnhj52Q/s3111/2J2A0633.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3111" data-original-width="2272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqu2lvZ57eSpt2ZBnfZAKKBrESsy36yfaaRJNDZC0a8ugPzzev1YReL05u4BrL0gjw3FojPPm3R54xbm3z1grC2x7r8DXKfhiMXyu0nEaisdfl3r6fnvp2KFV4SWWzH391reEpA0jP2aCyj5c-YN4JGB5qO-LkUlEGryfAuMvXngLi8ZoTkRJWnhj52Q/s320/2J2A0633.jpeg" width="234" /></a></div>It was only when the adults came back with food did they increase their activity. keeping a respectful distance it was pretty incredible how the bird just sat there, preying, sleeping and calling. <p></p><p>Although we never witnessed any actually feeding the adults came in and out several times. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5q7foWe88gGyyJ_xtgUponXGBz1uviOtzkyvl27c6TOwRrmaHfjYnNuIyaiIT4rB65eR1nCS_QR9XvIbLdH1_mM7J9mCEjcFtPBKv2apLmtEGf9EJG7Msw_87DYhQjxds-5EZ4M4D6R89-ztGFLOl0t3kv8ETxPHKOoYUl8TzaT_CqgSjS5qvLTEtgc/s1648/2J2A0983.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1648" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5q7foWe88gGyyJ_xtgUponXGBz1uviOtzkyvl27c6TOwRrmaHfjYnNuIyaiIT4rB65eR1nCS_QR9XvIbLdH1_mM7J9mCEjcFtPBKv2apLmtEGf9EJG7Msw_87DYhQjxds-5EZ4M4D6R89-ztGFLOl0t3kv8ETxPHKOoYUl8TzaT_CqgSjS5qvLTEtgc/s320/2J2A0983.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The fog coninually rolled in and out and the sun tried its best to burn through the low clouds, we were lucky as between the brighter spells the birds showed well. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XuuIPf6NyUy-03X0sbY3VhaI0_mCoY4h8q4_6_Oxt7qEodRRo7oYS4Isx94pT-UHkEs4UfDvBTdTYXJpPNfQX28RiAOs_wWi-xuJEZ--IAamN4B4Pv2Ua1BDjSHpXJYokRsrof8Ssa0n5dyY2vdWUntWEH-s5tBK9pCnsqJaC77LlO6cVcww2hgl0bs/s3003/2J2A0257.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3003" data-original-width="2078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XuuIPf6NyUy-03X0sbY3VhaI0_mCoY4h8q4_6_Oxt7qEodRRo7oYS4Isx94pT-UHkEs4UfDvBTdTYXJpPNfQX28RiAOs_wWi-xuJEZ--IAamN4B4Pv2Ua1BDjSHpXJYokRsrof8Ssa0n5dyY2vdWUntWEH-s5tBK9pCnsqJaC77LlO6cVcww2hgl0bs/s320/2J2A0257.jpeg" width="221" /></a></div>Long-eared owls are pale brownish, with vertical streaks along the breast which are horizontal. Long-eared owls have pale patches on the face that give the appearance of white eyebrows, and a white patch below the bill. They have a black bill, orange eyes, and their legs and toes are completely feathered.<p></p><p>Females are generally darker and more richly colored than males. Juveniles look similar to adults, but have softer, looser feathers.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJmr9UjYYvKIHoC5FrrGBlky9uDf_XOAzVEaINM5DoUYTSwagEhZqHAwYbSaKEivueV_ql6ZiMX0F2-Jm9xzDwCU0y2p5iD1PsbgF1NsRvEntmEOV07-EBLiywjSmiPnksjY_2KoAFR0YiFgUgXo2YjnQYyfrZ-D_yL1IuWetpf8hjYB0GoJugXLCM-8/s3123/2J2A1025.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="3123" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJmr9UjYYvKIHoC5FrrGBlky9uDf_XOAzVEaINM5DoUYTSwagEhZqHAwYbSaKEivueV_ql6ZiMX0F2-Jm9xzDwCU0y2p5iD1PsbgF1NsRvEntmEOV07-EBLiywjSmiPnksjY_2KoAFR0YiFgUgXo2YjnQYyfrZ-D_yL1IuWetpf8hjYB0GoJugXLCM-8/s320/2J2A1025.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We had at least eight birds within this small area many of which were juvenile birds some looked more developed than others leading us to believe that these are mixed families.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5CVEgKrTCrP0Hl2jXPv2bPemi7AiMICFI0JyVYyTMMD9QyMVF-bH0u9I03kx6EillrEWSGXjYPz7bg_mpRH4JIgnamLglFoHf9KtvXidFd8-V0FUa0xztPyFwJ4OMIIA4XHe3jnh31CIdbh9VHPLOYFdp42RWkEnsoSH4OslYvmuRIA99q2rBJ_Vu5E/s2016/2J2A1165.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="2016" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5CVEgKrTCrP0Hl2jXPv2bPemi7AiMICFI0JyVYyTMMD9QyMVF-bH0u9I03kx6EillrEWSGXjYPz7bg_mpRH4JIgnamLglFoHf9KtvXidFd8-V0FUa0xztPyFwJ4OMIIA4XHe3jnh31CIdbh9VHPLOYFdp42RWkEnsoSH4OslYvmuRIA99q2rBJ_Vu5E/s320/2J2A1165.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The female bird remains with young almost continuously for first two weeks, while male brings food for female and young. In latter part of nestling period the female also hunts. Young climb out of nest onto nearby branches after about three weeks and are able to make short flights at about five weeks. Adult male feeds young until they are 10-11 weeks old, when they disperse from area.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoOihtnWzBGMXMWhiQfzJ4yisHFcnWiat0qqcJ831DNAWqn9k_Ut2IZYD658pK1dR-eU3sb_exT9bENCcEY7-AfvIhe9FoaD5-actuKZ4eCrbMrlhwS8NEouB4yFu-DV3oVi_4VZqCQp_qJDlsNW29y4QMA9IdFuaXZW0d1shgOZOpgDzv9EKwXnUyJs/s3156/2J2A0905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3156" data-original-width="2272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoOihtnWzBGMXMWhiQfzJ4yisHFcnWiat0qqcJ831DNAWqn9k_Ut2IZYD658pK1dR-eU3sb_exT9bENCcEY7-AfvIhe9FoaD5-actuKZ4eCrbMrlhwS8NEouB4yFu-DV3oVi_4VZqCQp_qJDlsNW29y4QMA9IdFuaXZW0d1shgOZOpgDzv9EKwXnUyJs/s320/2J2A0905.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div>As the afternoon drew closer and the early morning light brighten into the day light of the afternoon we witnessed some of juvenile birds were observed actively foraging over the moors and grassland. This could possibly be one of the reasons we saw few feeding visits made by the adults. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihki3L_AVFDUgVK3AcRpFYJ7eV3x8x9W-gn-7K9OvBZXNSsTNtnawAohrr0sIEQr6yOIm9xbLGHjtO7MWLwCZsYLjkRwAB7FrizWtohJ3XGG8KfN9a_2CsExCsOpv5-UmuKL37JJJn2xmf1AbzwuBOLX_l9ga6IP2KeFPzhQFFngNaOu2cqjBHqPYK1QE/s5472/2J2A0778.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihki3L_AVFDUgVK3AcRpFYJ7eV3x8x9W-gn-7K9OvBZXNSsTNtnawAohrr0sIEQr6yOIm9xbLGHjtO7MWLwCZsYLjkRwAB7FrizWtohJ3XGG8KfN9a_2CsExCsOpv5-UmuKL37JJJn2xmf1AbzwuBOLX_l9ga6IP2KeFPzhQFFngNaOu2cqjBHqPYK1QE/s320/2J2A0778.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>They hunt mostly at night, sometimes before dusk, and early mornings, especially when feeding young. They forrage over fields or in open woods, flying back and forth a few feet above the ground locating their prey by sound or by sight, before swooping down to capture it with talons.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW6CE5ISF51tuG6cD5ZU2Tj79NKVQDyPnPpq2Y4pKkOV3g8KRJL4jw6nt7AIeuWQQLEpiFeZlfYusKY6qZw--r4mPKhSH1qPfVMxoKqrjoFbU6wiu0Sl8qO-QbLt1BXMbwbY2W-9mnXp9uyUOzUKS9AW7sxZMiJYmlKAsJHVd7wmFkPoaHNGYb5_InWg/s5472/2J2A0658.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW6CE5ISF51tuG6cD5ZU2Tj79NKVQDyPnPpq2Y4pKkOV3g8KRJL4jw6nt7AIeuWQQLEpiFeZlfYusKY6qZw--r4mPKhSH1qPfVMxoKqrjoFbU6wiu0Sl8qO-QbLt1BXMbwbY2W-9mnXp9uyUOzUKS9AW7sxZMiJYmlKAsJHVd7wmFkPoaHNGYb5_InWg/s320/2J2A0658.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The majority of the time we observed the owls they were doing what owls are best known for, sleeping and totally unphased by our presence. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_-WI1OcOMeK8c-g4THxU3ub80xhCPoKSY5jqC1Z_bihou42nNWFUbf1NpxIav4jN8oqcALf7KsDKFOBIXu-_jVCUsJsIBjj4GbvKzkzej_v-v1G_R39wE8Jmqs7acGanpZWoy-Ah-eI6hsrF9ApjVDnEaJ0z1agq33kTMd_aqHx2ECx6QZYB3oW396M/s2917/2J2A0960.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="2272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_-WI1OcOMeK8c-g4THxU3ub80xhCPoKSY5jqC1Z_bihou42nNWFUbf1NpxIav4jN8oqcALf7KsDKFOBIXu-_jVCUsJsIBjj4GbvKzkzej_v-v1G_R39wE8Jmqs7acGanpZWoy-Ah-eI6hsrF9ApjVDnEaJ0z1agq33kTMd_aqHx2ECx6QZYB3oW396M/s320/2J2A0960.jpeg" width="249" /></a></div>The site is popular with dog walkers, ramblers and cycalists and the path ways and trails cut right between the owls feeding and breeding territories so perhaps they are now habituated to the presence of humans and human activity. <p></p><p>At times the locals were also treated to some fabulous views of the birds flying past them and perched out in the open.</p><p>We were lucky that the weather cleared up for us and even luckier to witness long-eared owl behaviour at such close quarters, lets hope that the owls and the site remains safe and these owls hunt, how and disperse successfully. </p>Austin Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10403032284406609141noreply@blogger.com