Highlights of the last few days.

 This was the view of a Tawny Owl that I had a few days in a public place (all fluffed up and resting), neck breaking to say the least but nice all the same. A congregation of decent local folks passed by whilst I was hurting me neck and after a while most of them could make out the grey-ish ball shape high up in the canopy, a first for a few of them here. 

 A visit to Colliery woods earlier the same day in the afternoon wasn't the best one Ive had to this area over the years but many thanks has to go again to the resident (s) of the Cotswold's est. who have feeders in their gardens on the western edge of this plantation. One section of this strip in particular has become the best known site in South Tyneside to see Willow Tit,

There was 5 Purple Sandpipers on the sides of the pier on Sunday and today, the most Ive seen here since the end of the breeding season.

Guillemots have continued to show well around the pier area and many more in the Sandhaven bay area and the Tynes mouth.

This Great crested grebe was in the bay area yesterday, but unfortunately it never ventured close enough to the pier for any better shots on this visit.

 Plenty Shags around this area at the moment also as expected this time of year. Also 2-3 Red-throated Divers the last few trips here.

 And the 3 charmers continue to give outstanding views to the delight of visitors to our pier.

Nice surprise today on a field in Moor lane, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits feeding on the roadside flood here.

Not 2 but 3 now!.

 After seeing 2 Snow Buntings a few days back around the Shields pier area I haven't seen any on the last couple of visits, until today.
 After wandering over the northern top section of Sandhaven (flat area above the rocks) today and seeing bugger all really except for a couple of Linnets I didn't hold out much hope of seeing much else on this visit.
That all changed when we approached the steps onto the pier near the gate, 2 Snow bunts flew onto the wall beside here...excellent we thought. Then once on the pier it became apparent we have a flock! (if 3 can be called a flock?).  

 Again these birds showed brilliantly, I sat on the edge of the pier and they edged closer and closer feeding on the sparse vegetation growing here and picking at the pier side.

 Then the only bird of prey Ive seen in this area for a while did a fly past, this female Kestrel. Shes been hanging around for nearly a week now and mainly seen hunting around the dunes, but today she flew along side the pier which obviously put the buntings up and they headed up the pier and out of sight.
Yesterday at least 7 Red-throated Divers in Sandhaven bay but today I only picked a couple up.
On Tuesday this week a flock of Twite passed over the dunes area heading south, estimated about 40-50 birds. I would have missed these if they hadn't been so vocal just as I was nearering the BMX/Skateboard park behind the fair, only the second time Ive seen these fly over here.

Nice to see my first white fluffly pillows of the Autumn on Boldon flats yesterday..

Mud glorious mud.

Not the average post from myself this one as its not bird related, but it is concerning wildlife in our local area.
Yesterday a site meeting was held with a few local lads and an official from the local council, this was to look into certain areas along the river Don which could possibly be ear marked for improvement in the near future. A excellent step forward in the right direction everyone who attended thought.
Whilst on this walk-about a section of this small tidal river was inspected for signs of another mammal that's highly illusive sightings wise.
Plenty prints were found and also spraint (shit) all very fresh! high tide had been at 6am this day, so these were maybe only a few hours old. (mobile pic.). I was just pleased to see this evidence after learning of a dead Otter found some months back in the area.


 A scheme was set up a few years back to try and help any Otter/s on this stretch of river with man-made holts being positioned at un-disclosed locations.
These mammals have been sighted around the mouth of this river, were it enters the Tyne and as far up this small river/stream as the Testoes pond area in Boldon.(to the best of my knowledge) Plus a couple of garden ponds have been raided for the fish these contain, the owners didn't mind one bit once they found what was pinching their fish! in fact they welcomed this unusual visitor.(who wouldn't? unless your carp are worth thousands.).






Hopefully one day a sight like this might occur along the Don. ( a mother with off spring on the Wear this year).

Sandhaven stunners!

 Its been a few days since I last had a wander around the pier area, so off I went this morning in the hope that the Snow bunting seen here a couple of days back would still be around. Its wasn't looking good as I made my way across the flat area above the rocks on Sandhaven with only a few Pied Waggies showing. When we reached the side of the pier there was movement just about 10 feet in front of us...yes its still here!.Backsides were parked sharpish on the rocks and we enjoyed stunning views of this splendid bunting going about its business. Then it made a call and another Snow bunting flew in to join it!

 The second bird

 Theres always grass in the way but never mind a cracking 15 minutes or so watching these adorable birds.

 One of 3 Mediterranean gulls seen today along the coastal stretch. This ones the Marsden car park bird. And ever increasing numbers of Common gulls along the grassed areas here now.

 A wander around Marsden quarry this afternoon produced very little, but always nice to see a Little Owl.

Yesterday the new bird food container was installed in the Whitburn point LNR which is in readiness for when the winter feeding station gets under way,which shouldn't be long now. Max was on hand just in case the mix of concrete was too dry.

Don't ya just love a fall...

 Its been a while since we've seen a canny fall along our coastal stretch so when the weather broke for a short time yesterday it was time to get out and see whats about.Straight down to Trow first off. The first bird I seen as I approached the holy turf was a Snipe flying over the bowl area, canny start!. Then the first of a good number of Redstarts was encountered by the old owl tree.Once in the bowl area it was a case of were to start first as there appeared to be birds flitting about all over the place!. The most obvious birds  were thrush's and Song thrush was the most numerous species of these here, with just about every tree and bush around the area holding these.(probably the most ive seen in total all year). Followed by smaller numbers of Blackbirds. Redstarts flew around the cliff lines here and smaller jobbies including Goldcrests, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and a male Blackcap darted about the bushes and trees. In the eastern section of the Quarry a first for me here (I think?) in the form of... a Blue tit..yes its a mega for here!

Once on the mound area of the Leas more Redstarts and over 30 Wheatears feeding in this area, plus another unusual sighting for this area of about 30 Greenfinchs flying around also a charm of about 80 Goldfinch's. Supporting cast passing thro- of Meadow pipits, a few Skylarks, Swallows and House martins. 
The it was along to the Whitburn coastal park to try for the Rosefinch which I was told about. Once out of the car here and wet stuff started to fall again, after about 10 minutes in the last area it had been seen in, the white flag went up. The rain at this time was horizontal and my wet cold legs couldn't take anymore.(soft shite I know).
So this morning it was back down to the Rosefinch site again in better weather conditions, but its looks like the bugger had moved off as no one to my knowledge have seen it today. But never mind I did get to see my first Spotted flycatcher of the year(had almost given up on this one) around the back of the ringing mound.
Back down Trow again later today and most of the migrants were still around except for far fewer Songies and Wheatears. So I tried for a few record shots today ...record being the word, as the fog had rolled in by this time and the light was crap!

Chiffchaff, (Goldcrest first shot)

Willow Warbler (below)

 All the above shots were taken in a favourite spot in Trow, inside the tree cover here.

Male Blackcap

 These one's just outside of here, a few Siskin with a small charm of Goldfinchs.

 A merry dance was had by the Redstarts on the Leas mound, but added bonus of a Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroat on todays visit.

A few from the ringing hut today-

Redwing (my first this Autumn)

Great spotted Woodpecker

 Redstart

Garden Warbler (below)

 Whilst on a walk along side Shearwater est. I picked up a Yellow-browed Warbler, nice! as its a couple of years since ive seen one. Then the phone went.....sharpish around to the ringing hut again.

Its only a Pallas's Grasshopper warbler !!!! a mega rare for the british mainland. Not a bad way to end the day and this short post. More pic's hopefully to follow when I get them...thats the problem being a short arse in a crowded place.

Almost a full house of goodies.

After learning of a few goodies around the doors on Sunday ,whilst in deepest Northumberland on a sight seeing venture more or less. I had a try for a few of these goodies late Monday morning /early afternoon.
First port of call was Whitburn steel area looking for a certain french sounding gull as the tide level seemed about right for viewing. Hardly any gulls here on this visit...typical!. About 100 Teal around the area on this short drop in and a single Barwit being the highlight wader wise.
Boldon flats next : My first scan with the scope (yes it left the house today!) revealed next to nowt, then everything went up!( don't you just love how nervous Lapwings are at times.). This action proved a stroke of luck and flushed just about every bird in the area out of cover. When they settled again the Pectoral sandpiper was had in good scope views along with a Ruff and about 15 Snipe for about 20 minutes whilst I was here.
Next port of call . The Academy : The western approach path (from Moor lane) was quiet really until I reached the preferred entrance area to the pools from here. A small flock of tits in this area and a few warblers mixing with them, but after walking maybe 10 yards to the south of this entrance to the pools a warbler flew out from the opposite side of the hedgerow to this mixed flock here. The warm brown colouration to its back and tail as it flew away from me held my attention, when it landed I only had seconds view wise with the bins before it done a one through the dense cover here.(sharp call heard a couple of times) my first Cetti's warbler in South Tyneside.
After about 40 minutes wandering back and forth along this section of public right of way, and picking the bones out of a mixed flock here I never had the good fortune to encounter this bird again. But at least 5 Chiffs and 2 C.Whitethroats  kept me entertained along with over 80+ Meadow pipits and 30+ Reed buntings on the other side of the hedgerow. The grassed area between here and the ponds was alive!
Back down the steel again after the Academy visit for another look for the illusive Bona gull....still nee luck,again hardly a gull in the area. But 2 Barwits present on this visit.
Shorts ploughed field on the return leg home which held gulls, but nee luck here either.Consolation here of seeing about 500 Golden plovers rested here. Single Med. gull near the finishing line for the GNR being the only one I seen this day along our coastal stretch.

They've just about gone now.

 Last Sunday morning I visited the Whitburn ringing hut briefly, as I was informed a couple of the lads would be present carrying out the excellent research work regards ringing birds here. A warm welcome as always here ..with Adrian and Andy manning this post today.

 In the time I was here this Lesser Whitethroat was processed.
 Now a bird in the hand doesn't appeal to every one photography wise, and I do share these sentiments at times also. We would all love to get great shots in natural habitat etc. but you cannot pass up a chance like this can you....?

Over the last week or so Wheatears have been sighted regularly mainly around the rocks on Sandhaven, 2-3 birds present on last nights visit.

Next to nowt flying about last night over the open water looking for food etc. But two white shapes on the south side of the pier confirmed that at least two terns were still present. Ones arse was positioned on the wall here when I reached a safe enough spot to view the small gathering of resting birds, and Max's lead was attached to the handrail here....he's a veteran to this now.

One adult and one juvenile Roseate tern as suspected, these being the only terns around on this visit plus a small number of common waders including 3 Purple sandpipers (again)
This evenings walk here only produced a couple of Common terns and Sandwich terns over.

Still a few Guillemots close into shore on the visits here but many more further out this evening as were large numbers of gulls etc.
Below is the scene from the pier on yesterday evenings wander looking towards Trow quarry. No idea what was going off but plenty blue lights flashing and a helicopter landed.