Thursday, November 29, 2007

Peregrine Falcon





















The pair of Peregrines showing well today, just couldn't get a picture of the pair together or any decent flight shots but the above images say it all - magnificent bird of prey.

Water Rail


















Got a tip off that a Water Rail had been seen in the Manor Gardens in the muddy area of the lake opposite the newt pond, so I thought I would take a look and as I walked around the corner to the lake guess what I saw?

Goosander







A rather very shabby Goosander on Scarborough Mere at 4.00pm today, doesn't really look that healthy, lets see if it sticks around for a few days.

Harbour Porpoise













As I walked along the Marine Drive towards the harbour I was lucky enough to spot 5 Harbour Porpoise's swimming along about 100 metres from the sea wall. Also seen off the drive: Red Throated Diver, Guillemot, Puffin and 2 Little Auks.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Desert Wheatear - Part II






























The second attempt at getting some decent images of the Desert Wheatear at Cromer Point and finally some decent light levels. The bird was showing very well and started to use the fence posts as a lookout to the field below for grubs etc. A cracking bird, hope it sticks around for a few more days.

Firecrest










Firecrest

Long Tailed Tit

What a little beauty! Eventually caught up with the Firecrest in Crook Ness a small gully in between Long Nab and Cromer Point. This bird was seen yesterday so I thought it could still be skulking around and to my enjoyment it was. Occasionally it would follow a Long Tailed Tit flock for some company, but mainly it was a solitary bird.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Desert Wheatear - Part I



























I had to shoot back across from my break in the Lake District to catch this beauty. Very poor light conditions all shots taken at ISO 800 or higher, but could not miss the opportunity of getting some images. This is my second Desert Wheatear, my first being almost in the same place in fact 2 fields closer to Long Nab to be precise on the 26th November 1989.
Many thanks to Dave Mansell for dropping me a text about this bird. Possibly will try again tomorrow to see if i can improve on quality of images (if good light prevails).

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Siskin











Siskins
A drive up to Wykeham Forest to see what was about at this time of the year. Came across two large flocks of Siskins with a few Chaffinch's mixed in for good measure. Scanned the flocks very carefully looking to see if there were any Crossbills or Bramblings amongst them but had no joy. Also seen was Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Pheasant and Mistle Thrush.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

More Divers














Black-throated Diver











Red Throated Diver





Black Throated Diver


Both the above species of diver were feeding in Scarborough Harbour this morning. As i was taking the picture of the Black Throat which was feeding in the harbour mouth the Red Throat swam straight past in to the main harbour and started to dive down for food bringing up the occasional crab or two.