The splenders of Hartlepool

 Another one of those 'where do you fancy ?' moments this morning between me and Jan trying to pick a area to visit today for a few hours. Waxwing hunting around Washington? , Geese viewing in Northumberland ?or....a trip down to Hartlepool.?? these where the suggestions i put forward. Hartlepool got the nod because its a while since we visited and a certain Grebe has been showing well.

 The Slavonian grebe showed really well doing a circuit of the boats moored behind the Travel inn here on our arrival! After this it tended to hang about the centre of the marina area here. Stunning bird and by far our best views to date of this species in winter plumage.
 The Black-throated diver had done a one before we arrived due to the boys playing on thier sailing boats here today we were informed ,and I only seen 5 Red-breasted Mergansers flying in when we first left the car,these were never located again. Great banter here with the folk viewing the bird.. ;-)

Another reason for visiting this neck of the woods was hopefully to get Jan onto Ring-necked Parakeets in Ward Jackon park. A task ive tried twice before with our lass but have failed on each visit with her in tow. Third time lucky today!  About a dozen birds showing not far from the toilet block area and very vocal.
Job done! ..Now a ST bird has to be had.

Back again.

Its seems like ages since i was out and about and posted last on this blog. (it is and has been!). The new year week was a write off due to being struck down with the 'bathroom bug' for almost 7 days! Mind this sorted the Christmas excesses out big style,and the toilet roll stock pile our lass had amassed...enough said me thinks.!

The last time i had a serious look around the doors was the ST bird race day which seen 4 teams taking part this year, an excellent turn out for this event after recent years when only a handful of folk have turned up and showed a interest. Moans and groans are still being heard about this years race and will do for a while (as per- the normal) but it just goes to show how folk remember this day. The wooden spoon award went to our team..dipping the likes of Reed bunts, Yellowhammer, Snipe, Tree spug. and Little Owl to name a few. But a cracking and knackering day around the doors with good company to say the least!

So today i picked up the camera and bins and headed for the Leas area with a hour or so to spare.

 The numbers of waders using this area was apparent almost as soon as i left the car and headed towards the mound area. Canny selection in this shot above, especially of the Purple variety, first time ive managed a shot away from our beaches etc. of these birds!. . one knot also flew over.

 Birds and photographers etc. this series continues whilst watching .

 Common gulls... just a lovely looking bird in my eyes. Numbers probably peaking around these parts at the moment.

Marsden car park Med. gull looking great in the snow and as friendly as ever.

 Harton cem. produced great views of winter thrushes on a few drive around's..

On a final note sadly Max has been put to sleep a few weeks back.

This new kid is now dragging me around the local area when i can get out!