Last few days

Pottering locally has produced up to 8 little egrets (highest count to date), short-eared and barn owl, woodcock, jay  and grey wagtails. All very pleasant.

Off the bike and a car ride away to Widdrington Moor Lake - "twitched" the two Bewick's Swan and single GND today, in mildly inclement conditions...

Home Birds

Back in 1987 I rushed up to Cresswell Pond with my Dad to twitch our first Little Egret. Quite an uncommon bird then. 

Now? They winter in our housing estate...

3 this morning...

Prior to this I was watching unco-operative Bohemian Waxwing at Blyth - Nine birds this morning feeding at the back of a fenced off paddock of sorts.

Yesterday evening was spent at West Hartford, watching the day disappear into night. Two Cormorant and 50 Lapwing were about to be the highlight until a Barn Owl appeared, hunting the fields. Delightful.

The start of the end

Pleasant couple of hours at Tynemouth this morning, with a Black Redstart favouring the cliffs adjacent the pier, and an immature Glaucous Gull in the vicinity.

Should have taken the 500mm... all images with the 100-400mm

Out of the shadows...

Hanging on....

2015 continues to plod along - hoping to resume proper birding in '16.

Little egrets are back on the estate for seemingly winter residence - two today, and up to seven together over the last couple of weeks!

No kingfisher or waxwing yet...