Decent Seawatch

Howling Northerlies this morning and Hartlepool didn't disappoint....

Flocks of Arctic and Great Skuas screamed past south and two or three Long-tails tagged along. A trickle of Sooties added to the year ticks and a couple of Stormies were also seen.

14 Years later.....

One of my less sensible decisions was made 14 years ago when I decided to fulfil my 5-a-side match commitment before going to see the Sharp-tailed Sand on Long Drag.

Many years of friendly abuse followed, having missed such a Mega county tick by 20 seconds!!

It's been a long wait but I can now live it down :-)

September's been nice, without being spectacular. A chance of a sea watch tomorrow...

September!!

Don't you just love it.... well when easterlies and rain happen anyway :-)

Plenty of migrants, a few year ticks and a chance to play with my camera meant a great day at Hartlepool. Best shot was of this absolutely stunning Wood Warbler.

About time!

At last... got my new photo equipment and, having moved house, finally got the internet up and running.

First attempts with the new lens yesterday, in the rain unfortunately, but at least the Whiskered Tern hung around long enough for me to get a record shot. More to come as the autumn progresses...

Retirement frustrations

Having retired and got cash, the hard bit appears to be getting hold of a good lens for taking bird pics. This is by Ian Forest, ironically with the exact gear I'm awaiting delivery for. Still, nice shot of the Whiskered Tern (still present today) and, with an Osprey at Crookfoot, I would like to take some of my own shots... anyday soon!

Sandgrouse blues

So, yet another Western Palearctic Mega slips by.

Twenty years since the last opportunity (in Shetland) to see Pallas's Sangrouse in the WP, Finland comes up with the goods but, unless it's going to stay another week, I'll not get chance to see it.....

Oney day!

Meanwhile, I'll get online and book my Corvo flights to cheer me up... should be some ticks there :-)

Autumn has begun!!

Seems like such a long time since I've been on here but more a result of May and June's poor birding.
Anyway, 'autumn' began today with a juvenile Whiskered Tern on Saltholme Pools - a great grip back as I missed Cleveland's first last year while birding in Morocco.
A nice ID challenge too!

Back this evening and the MEGA has been joined by another rarity..... White-rumped Sand, stood side-by-side with the Whiskered Tern! Some day for Saltholme.

A Little Stint made it three year ticks in view at once

Hope this is the start of a productive season.