Barn Owl

Here are just a few of the images taken of one of the Barn Owls at their regular spot in Northumberland. While I was there on the 15th it was hunting for around three hours. Cracking morning.

 

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

Far Pastures & Burdon Moor

I started at Far Pastures yesterday morning. The bird ringers were in the carpark, one of them said there had been an Otter seen from the hide but that was, he said, an hour ago. I wish I had gone straight into the hide instead of walking up the lane because when I did go into the hide I saw an Otter out of the left hand window. I do not know how long it had been there but it was hidden some of the time by the tall reeds however, I managed a few shots. It then walked along the bank and into the pond right in front of the hide. It was under water and I could see the trail of silt as it swam along the bottom of the pond. I thought great its going to come out onto the island right in front of me but no it didn’t it did not come out at all, where it went I don’t know but it wasn’t the island. I waited for a further 30mins but did not see it again. There was also a pair of Little Grebe, Mallard, Canada Geese, Coot, Moorhen and a pair of Tufted Duck on the pond. The Mallard had a couple of chicks, which given the presence of the Otter I do not hold out much hope for them. Red Kites were also flying around up the lane.

Otter

Little Grebe

Moorhen

Mallard Chick ( I wonder how long it will last)

Red Kite

Early afternoon I had a walk around Burdon Moor. There wasn’t much about but I got a few shots of a couple of Skylark and a pair of Whitethroat.

Skylark

This one is looking a bit bedraggled

Whitethroat

Having a shake