Four Hides

 08.04.24 and a visit to four hides in the Gateshead area namely Clara Vale, Shibdon Ponds, Thornley Woods and Far Pastures. Not much at Clara Vale in fact the only bird I photographed was a Yellowhammer. A few more birds at Shibdon Ponds then on to Thornley where the Woodpeckers put on a nice show. The Teal and Little Grebe at Far Pastures kept me entertained with their antics so it was a canny day out oh and it’s a long Blog.

Male Yellowhammer at Clara Vale.

Gadwall Shibdon Ponds.

Tufted Duck.

Canada Goose.

Lesser Black-backed Gull.

They are noisy when they are together.

Herring Gull.

Pairing up.

I saw something at Thornley Woods that I have never seen before, a Great Tit attacking a Blue Tit (or it could have been the other way round). They were going at it hammer and tongs but they both flew off apparently none the worse.

Male Great-spotted Woodpecker.

Female Great-spotted Woodpecker.

Jay.

Magpie.

Wren.

Blue Tit.

Displaying male Teal at Far Pastures.

My favourite image of the day.

One of the two Little Grebes I saw was being chased from pillar to post by the other. As soon as it settled it was off again.

Long-tailed Tit.

Chaffinch surrounded by blossom.

Nuthatch.