Stone-curlew

 It was the middle of last month when a Stone-curlew turned up on Seaton Common so being a first for me I had to go down to try and see it. It had disappeared about 10 mins before I arrive and I though just my luck. I waited around for a while and then drove up to the top of the Zinc Works road in case it had relocated. Just as I was about to leave, I saw a group of birders with their scopes and bins looking at something so I drove back down the road and pulled over. The Stone-curlew was showing but it was too far away to be able to get decent images but at least I had seen it. It was chased off by a couple of Crows and that was the last I saw of it.

R-b F & Kestrel

While I was at Seaton Common on Wednesday, I had a look for the Red-breasted Flycatcher at the end of the Zinc Works Road. It showed briefly but was always partially hidden by leaves and twigs. Just before I got these images of a Kestrel my camera and long lens had a bit of an accident. I was about to drive to the lay-by at the end of the Zinc Works Road and had put all my gear into the car when two Short-eared Owls decided to put on a display. I got the camera and tri-pod back out of the car I put the camera and long lens onto the tri-pod and started to carry them to where the owls were. Unfortunately, I had not tightened the lens onto the gimbal head and when I lifted it, the camera and lens fell around five feet to the ground. My heart sank; I thought this is going to cost me but to my delight when I got the camera back onto the tri-pod it was fine there is only one small scratch on the battery pack.

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Kestrel

 

Saltholme

As I said in my last blog, I paid a visit to Saltholme yesterday. However, while still at Seaton Common I had a walk around the golf course and found a pair of Stonechat and a Meadow Pipit feeding young. On the drive to Saltholme, I called in to see the seals even with the tide in there were a number of seals hauled up apparently enjoying the sun. Half a dozen Avocet were also in the creek by the walkway. 　

It was then on to Saltholme and the below are just some of the birds I saw while there.

Stonechat (F)

Stonechat (M)

 

Meadow Pipit

Having a good scratch

Seal Pup

Avocet

 

Common Tern

Canada Geese

 

Sedge Warbler

Garganey

Little Egret

Gadwall

Gadwall

Swift

How hard are they to catch in flight!!!

 

Red-throated Pipit

I drove down to Seaton Common this morning for the Red-throated Pipit. It showed very well although the weather could have been a bit kinder it was blowing a gale (it was difficult to keep the tripod steady) and overcast. Still, I managed to get some images of what is a cracking little bird.

I called into Saltholme on the way back home but have not had time to go through the images I got there.

Take Off