2012

2012, its been some year, my time in education came to an end, and a new story is now in its beginnings. Here's some of my highlights from the year.

January had just kicked in when myself and Brian visited Gosforth Park, we were reward with some exceptional views of a Bittern, and one of my favourite images from the year.

Hard frost in January, and an early start at Holywell saw me photographing fence posts. Macro puts a whole new perspective on the often missed beauties.

The stars, and time-lapse photography began to take a foothold.

Heading South, with Ashley Howe and Ryan Deal, I made my first visit to Norfolk.

A large part of my Winter was spent filming my final media project, between Holywell and St Mary's.

A first look at the film.

  

2012 seemed to be filled with those wildlife moments, when your heart beat quickens, when you become immersed in your surroundings, when all your senses share the experience, when you feel that spark all over again. One which stays solid in my memory can be found HERE

The Great Crested Grebes at Killingworth Lake performed brilliantly.

I entered a small film competition with my film 'A Quiet Corner', and came third place!

April saw a good movement of Avocets in the county, with 5 present between the Beehive Flash and Holywell Pond.

June was spent at RSPB Troup Head, in the presence of the Gannet.

 

A boom of Bee Orchids.

I also had a return to the Isle of Mull, and a visit to Lunga.

The stars had me out a lot, capturing time lapses, a brief moment allowed me to capture this picture at Dunstanburgh Castle.

The Short-Eared Owls arriving at Holywell allowed me to Reconnect and experience what it was to be a Short-Tailed Vole.

October my website went live, www.cainscrimgeour.co.uk

And December saw myself and Gary Storey watching the Aurora in the county.

Thank you for following my blog, I wish you all a Happy New Year !

Waxwings !

On my way back from walking the dogs this evening I heard the familiar 'trilling' of the Waxwing, looking back I found two birds feeding on the berries amongst the Hawthorns. These individuals weren't my first Red House Farm Waxwings, but they were the first that showed well. The hedgerow they were in runs along Monkseaton Drive, behind Sainsbury's, I've long awaited these winter migrants to visit this area as it always seems to produce a good number of berries.

There was just enough time and light left for me to run the dogs home, and run back out with the camera. Unfortunately it was too dark for stills, but here's a bit of footage. (Best viewed in HD)

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Hopefully they'll stick around for tomorrow.

Holywell

Just back from a wander around Holywell, great to see 10 Common Terns using the island this afternoon. The Short-Eared Owl from Sunday was still about, sitting on one of the posts which surround the main meadow, no sign of the Green Sandpiper.


As I left the gate I caught sight of this Fox amongst the crop, on the tractors tracks, it stood and stared for a few seconds before it was off!

A Quiet Corner

I'm currently stuck inside, grafting on a 3000 word assignment, but here's my 2012 Wildeye Film Competition Entry for now. I've got a full wildlife week planned ahead, watch this space.

More GoPro magic...

Last night I went for an evening wander around patch, in the hope of Owls, unfortunately not a sign of any, yet, but I did witness the Geese coming to roost, with an audience of 35 Curlew on the public shore.


Back down the dene again this morning, it was beautiful, full of song, and I'm pleased to see the Dipper pair have been active over the past few days, hopefully a sign of good things to come, if their not disturb. The feeding station was again chocker block with birds, so the GoPro saw some more action.

Best viewed in HD.


There was plenty of confiding Robins singing close to the path, here's a short clip of one individual.

Haven't been far...

From the Velux this morning.