American Herring Gull...

9 pm on Friday I was finally on my way to Campbeltown  for the 1st winter American Herring Gull. We started of in the Harbour at first light, plenty of gulls, eiders and Black Guillemots but no smithsonianus. After that we checked nearby fields but 2 Iceland Gulls and 100's of Greenland White-fronted Geese where all we could find. It was around 10 o'clock when it was finally found in a distant and I mean DISTANT field with some Herring Gulls. Even at long range it stood out so well from the other Gulls. I also saw my first good candidate Snow Geese in a field with Greenland White Fronts.

(American Herring Gull - Eddie Maguire)

(Snow Geese - Harry Murphy)

(White-fronted Geese - Harry Murphy)

(White-fronted Geese - Harry Murphy)

Is it spring yet?

Is it Spring yet? that is the question. Only a few more weeks until the first Wheatear and Sand Martin is found in the estuary and then another 6 weeks until something good happens. Since my last post it has gone back to normal and everywhere is rather quiet. I got myself back up to High Shincliffe for one last look at the Yellow-rumped Warbler before it vanished on the 17th February. The 16th it showed at its very best in bright sunshine giving almost constant views on the afternoon. It was also chasing and displaying to the local Blue Tits by fanning its tail and drooping its wings and calling more than ever. Photos are still quite poor but they will have to do.

(Yellow-rumped Warbler - Harry Murphy)

(Yellow-rumped Warbler - Harry Murphy)

(Yellow-rumped Warbler - Harry Murphy)

(Yellow-rumped Warbler- Harry Murphy)

(Yellow-rumped Warbler - Harry Murphy)

(Yellow-rumped Warbler - Harry Murphy)

Since then Teesside has been quite productive with Black-throated Divers, Velvet Scoter, Long-eared Owl, Green-winged Teal, Yellow-legged Gull, Waxwing and 2 Cranes.

(Velvet Scoter - Harry Murphy)

(Waxwing - Harry Murphy)

(Long-eared Owl - Harry Murphy)

(Common Cranes - Harry Murphy)

(Little Egret - Harry Murphy)