Up on the moors

I had a drive up onto the Durham Moors the other day looking for Crossbill. I found them as soon as I pulled in to a carpark. The were around the tops of the trees all the time I was there but not once did they come down for a drink which is what I wanted them to do. However, some of the other birds did. 

Crossbill.

This Crossbill is being photobombed by a Siskin.

Male Siskin having a drink.

Female Siskin drinking.

Two females.

Male and female.

Goldfinch.

Coal Tit.

Mistle Thrush.

The resident Little Owl.

Back in the Garden

 A couple of days ago the Sparrowhawk was back in the garden unfortunately however I did not get any shots of it. I heard a bang on the conservatory windows and when I went to see what had happened I saw the Sparrowhawk taking off with what looked like a Blackbird in its talons. The Sparrowhawk must have swooped down to catch the Blackbird and it had tried to fly off to avoid getting caught but they both had hit the window and that was the noise I heard. Yesterday the Sparrowhawk was back in the garden it didn’t catch anything this time but I did get some shots of it while it sat on our rotary clothes dryer. Unfortunately, they are shot through two lots of double glazing as I couldn’t get into the conservatory for fear of spooking it.

Through the living room and conservatory windows.

Through the kitchen and conservatory windows.

Right place right time

 I was trying to get some pictures of the Long-tailed Tits at Far Pastures (shown in the previous Blog) when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. I turned only to see the black tip of a tail scurrying into the undergrowth. I moved slowly to the spot where I had seen it and stood watching. I hadn’t been standing long when I saw movement up on the bank side and my initial thought was proved right, a Stoat out hunting, get in!! It moved quickly along the bank and I slowly, so I didn’t spook it, followed it taking pictures when I could and hoping I would get something that was reasonably sharp (they are so quick). I did manage to get some that I am reasonably happy with and here they are.

Shibdon Ponds & Far Pastures

I haven’t been to Shibdon Ponds for ages and with reports of a pair of Mandarin Duck there I thought I would have a look. Unfortunately, the Mandarins weren’t around while I was there but there was a canny female Goldeneye. Once again nothing much on the ponds at Far Pastures but the Gadwall that has been there for a while put on a show as did the Little Grebe. The lane was once again the most productive place. 

Female Goldeneye.

Goldeneye having a stretch with a sleeping Canada Goose behind it.

Male Tufted Duck.

I wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of him.

Shelduck.

Gadwall having a bath.

Little Grebe. It looks as though it’s after something.

Willow Tit doing a bit of ballet.

Nuthatch.

Long-tailed Tit.