Urban Ponds and Killingworths SEO

Decided to stay local and visit some of the ponds I haven't been to in a while. First stop was the Village Pond, greeted by 13 Shoveler (9 Drakes and 4 Ducks), 1 Drake Gadwall, 9 Tufted, Pair of Teal, Pair of Canada, Pair of Mute Swan, Coots, Moorhen, Black-headed and Common Gulls, and a Pied Wagtail overhead. Quite productive.

Next was along to the Swallow Pond, mainly to see the Red Deer stag Simon told me about the other day. Parked up at back of Asda and walked along too the hide, met Simon halfway, he told me he'd seen the deer but not much else, quick chat and we went separate ways. On the water there was 9 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Canada, 5 Mute Swan (2 Adults, 3 Juvs), 4 Tufted, 1 Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and a mix of Gulls. The stag appeared in the reeds at the far side, its a huge animal and a funny sight at Swallow, I'm used to seeing these big stags up in Mull or Islay, not in Wallsend.

Next was Killingworth, but I thought I'd check on SEO's on the way. 50+ strong Linnet flock still on the pylons in the first field, as I walked down I glimpsed the two birds locking talons then drifting apart. They were providing exceptional views today, landing on tufts of grass, and the pylon, and both hunting for all of the time I was there. Whilst i was walking back up I clocked two pairs of Grey Partridge.

Off to Killingworth Lake, parked up and the Barnacle Goose was grazing on the grass with Mute Swans Canada, and a pair of Greylags, also on the water were 6 Goosesander, Tufted, 1 Great crested Grebe, Goldeney and the usual suspects.

Quick check of Marden Quarry was next few Greylags, Canada, 3 Little Grebe, Tufted, Pochard, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, and this fellow...

Last time I was down the Quarry there was a pair, but only seemed to be one today, you can't see on the phot very well be it also has a white/yellow forehead. I was thinking along the lines of hybrid, Barnacle X Canada, any ideas?

Last stop was Red House Farm Pond, Pair of Mallards, and a Moorhen were on the pond, with Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch round about.

Short-Eared Owl

After seeing Whitley Bay Birder's post about the Short-Eared Owl he saw opposite Simonside Way, Killingworth, I decided to have a bike down. I got there about 15:40 and began walking down the Wagonway towards Holystone. First birds of interest were a large flock 50+ strong of Linnets, Whitley Bay Birder said he seen the SEO at 17-17:30ish at the top field near the road, as I was early I walked further down the field. When a reached the bottom field with a bit of a flash a saw my first glimpse of the SEO, I repositioned to get out of sight, soon as I did this a noticed a dog walker coming up the track, straight past the SEO, which was to busy hunting to care.

The hunting style of the SEO is pleasant to watch, yet effective in providing dinner. The way the bird quaters back and forth, hovers and then suddenly folds its wings backward almost like a Gannet, and hits the deck. I watched the bird for 15 minutes, it had numerous dives but didn't make a kill. There's a track on the opposite side of the field, close to were the SEO was, looked well covered and perfect for a photo opportunity, as I crossed the field a 2nd SEO was put up.

I wonder if these birds have been here all winter...

not as good as Whitley bay Birders, but it will do for now;)