Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Graveyard Shift

Spotted Flycatcher - at a favourite spot!


We hope for a quick return to
in the Churchyard!


Time is at a premium at the moment so I made an early start at Napton Churchyard in the hope that the Spotted Flycatchers would oblige me. Building work in this normally tranquil churchyard is still continuing, but the Spotted Flycatchers do not appear worried, continuing at the nest, of what must now be a second brood. The light was challenging during my early morning vigil, but I think I managed some decent images. My wait was made even more pleasant by sight and sounds of Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Goldcrest and Nuthatch.


Spotted Flycatcher













Nuthatch




Saturday, 16 June 2012

All Aboard the "Skylark" (Boston Belle)

15th June 2012


Boston Stump


Heather and I had planned to travel out to Boston for a cruise on the Boston Belle in April but it was cancelled and today was the rescheduled date. Unfortunately, Heather had to cancel at the last minute, so I decided to go it alone! The weather was worrying with a forecast of heavy rain, thunderstorms and very strong winds. However, as luck would have it, the sun shone for most of the trip, bt the wind was rather strong! The only rain was light and came ten minutes before the end of the five hour cruise. Excellent crew and guides.

The trip was envigorating and the first time I had tried to get images from a moving "platform"! We navigated the River Witham from Boston, out onto the Wash and into the River Welland before returning to Boston. Bird wise, very little to excite, so I concentrated on the more common species that came close enough. A splendid summer plumaged Grey Plover was a year tick for me, but of course, failed to come close for an image!  A full list of species can be seen at the end of this post.


Shelduck



Lesser Black Backed Gull


Turnstone



Redshank



Oystercatcher


Bar Tailed Godwits



Marsh Harrier




Common Seal




Great Crested Grebe








Common Tern











Todays Sightings:

Great Drested Grebe; Cormorant; Little Egret; Grey Heron; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Shelduck; Mallard; Marsh Harrier; Buzzard; Pheasant; Avocet; Oystercatcher; Turnstone; Knot; Redshank; Bar Tailed Godwit; Grey Plover; Lapwing; Curlew; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; Herring Gull; GBB Gull; LBB Gull; Common Tern; Stock Dove; Wood Pigeon; Feral Pigeon; Collared Dove; Swift; Skylark; Sand Martin; Swallow; House Martin; Pied Wagtail; Robin; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Starling; Magpie; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Rook; House Sparrow; Chaffinch; Goldfinch; Linnet; Yellowhammer; Reed Bunting.

Red Kite near Oundle.

Grey Seal; Common Seal.

Thursday, 14 June 2012

In the Garden

Symphony

Symphony is the latest addition to our family! She is c3/4 Cocker Spaniel and c1/4 Retriever.

A few moments spent in the garden this morning - between entertaining Symphony!


Poppy

Early Morning

An hour later



Dunnock (Juvenile) The only survivor














House Sparrow




Blue Tit