Wrong Direction?

Headed south this morning to Teesside for a meet up with John B and Mark. Heavy rain predominated the visit, but we did manage to collect little ringed plover, avocet (many at Greatham Creek, good to see), reed warbler, 2 wood sandpiper, drake garganey, little egret, yellow wagtail and little gull.

Undoubted highlight of the trip was arriving at Cowpen Bewley late morning (no rain!), and being treated to very decent views of the singing nightingale - I think it's only the third I've actually "seen".

Look at the tree and listen to the nightingale here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZCFvrds3K8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

DDDip. Drip.

Highly unsuccessful trip out on Saturday, south of the Tyne to Teesside (no sign of the semipalmated sandpiper nor temminks stint at Saltholme).

The real reason for a trip to Saltholme RSPB

Closer to home, we managed to avoid any contact with the bonaparte's gull at Whitburn. So that was a complete result.

Then it rained. Alot.

Avosetta

Avocet, Greatham Greek, May 2009.

4birders

Ventured south to Teesside this morning as a re-united quartet, birding alongside Mark, cousin Rob and John B. Both Rob and John B no longer live in the north-east, so it's rare that we can all meet up for a spot of birding. Given the recent GWG, Teesside seemed a good spot to be. Alas, no sign of the GWG, but we did manage a nice selection with peregrine, short-eared owl and little egret at Saltholme, an immature/first winter glaucous gull at Cowpen Bewley, second winter mediterranean gull, adult yellow-legged gull and 6 waxwing at the Tees Barrage.

Chips with curry sauce at Hartlepool were smashing too!