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Barred...

Barred on Saturday, Sprite on Sunday

A text from IF early morning saw me heading down to St Mary's rather than sit at the computer editing some of yesterdays barred warbler images. The target species this morning was only seen briefly twice during a two hour watch - pallas's warbler still alludes the camera! They're a beautiful species ~ I look forward to the day that I manage an image of a seven-striped-sprite worthy of presentation.

There was a good number of birders out, and the pallas's was enough to lure a certain stringer from northern territories.

Also of note were six tree sparrow over, plus redpoll sp in flight (mealy had been present on Saturday), siskin and a great spotted woodpecker.

Back home for coffee and lunch (I maintain the correct priorities in life), then a spot of photo editing. The barred warbler image above is a rework of an attempt from yesterday - I had not got the colour balance right after incorrectly exposing the shot in bright sunshine. Note the under-tail coverts...

Barred Warbler, Newbiggin

I spent a very pleasant sunny autumn morning watching and photographing this rather bold immature barred warbler. Having taken temporary residence in a small car park just south of Newbiggin-by-the-sea, this bird gave some incredible (by normally elusive barred warbler standards) views... Barred warblers are the "shrikes" of the warblers - big, clumpy old things, this bird even pushed some blackbirds off its favorite feeding bush!

Feeding in an elder bush the warbler was tricky - however it would break from feeds and occasionally sit out in the open, sunning itself.

I was joined by Stef, Jimmy, Roger and Alan, so some good chat was to be had. Stef and I probably have virtually the same set of images too!

A single redpoll sp. flew over and briefly joined the large greenfinch flock that was in the area, otherwise there was little evidence of any newly arrived passerines.

Barred Warbler

Mid-to-late afternoon was spent watching / glimpsing the immature barred warbler just north of St Mary's - feeding alongside blackcap, whitethroat, chiffchaff, robin and song thrush on the rifle butts.

Cracking bird but camera shy!

Finish nightshift Friday morning, so hoping for a decent weekend...