Monthly Archives: April 2011

A couple of hours out birding this morning to escape the Royal Wedding and catch up with a few more year ticks.

This smart Curlew Sandpiper was a nice find at Bowness-on-Solway today… 30+ Whimbrel were in the Port Carlisle area… And the 3 Ruff were still on the scrape at Campfield… The only downside of all this superb weather is that the much … Continue reading →

More glorious sunshine today and finally a full day off to enjoy it. Geltsdale seemed like a good idea, a relaxing family walk, beautiful scenery and some great birding too. After paddling in the Gelt for ages we began the walk, and a Garden … Continue reading →

This little fella has been audible from our house for a few days now, but only this morning have I had the opportunity to attempt to see him. First views were poor… But then after a while it crept out into … Continue reading →

The only benefit of working backshifts until gone midnight is that I can sometimes squeeze in a bit of birding in the mornings. Just ten minutes from home and I was listening to a gropper reeling distantly and then a … Continue reading →

Well the last day of my ‘long’ weekend today, and I managed to resist the temptation to go to Bamburgh for the Black Scoter. Much as I love that stretch of the northeast coast I couldn’t justify the expense of going to … Continue reading →

Up with the lark this morning, it’s definately best to get out early on Sundays before the usual disturbance by fishermen and walkers, and it was really worthwhile. On the marsh I soon became aware of lots of Wheatears, and I mean lots, … Continue reading →

Local birding can be hugely enjoyable, but so far this year it has reaped very few rewards for lots of time and effort put in, and it can get a bit frustrating. I’ll keep plugging away. I was amazed at how many Barnacle … Continue reading →

For several years now each spring I have visited a site that for other birders is a ‘guaranteed’ spot for Ring Ouzel, and everytime I go I’ve come away empty handed. And today was no exception! Oh well, decent views of Wheatears … Continue reading →