A text through the week from BD and a Facebook message from Jack notified me of an Egyptian Goose amongst the regulars at Holywell, at Uni until Thursday I couldn't get down for a look till Friday evening.
Walking down to the pond at about 16:00, a westerly breeze pushed some low cloud over towards the coast, the West Field held a reasonable amount of geese, although no Egyptian, 97 Greylag, 9 Pink-Footed, 1 European White-Fronted, 7 Canada and 1 CanadaXGreylag were present. Moving on to the pond, past the now common sound of Tree Sparrows, 6 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 3 pair Gadwall, Pochard (2 female, 3 male), Tufted Duck (3 male, 3 female), and 2 Mute Swan were on the water.
Leaving the hide at about 16:20 I had a quick scan of the geese again, straight away I picked out the Egyptian Goose, must of snook in behind me! Good views were had as it ventured closer to the hedge-line, before flying West into the next field with the majority of the Greylags. On towards the Dene I was pleased to find the Kestrels back at their nest site.
Today I've been down St Mary's with Jack, doing some filming for my Uni project. Reasonable numbers of waders were pushed into the North Bay as the tide came in, including 1 Purple Sandpiper. Once we'd finished for the day I headed out to Holywell, the 7 Canada, CanadaXGreylag, and 2 Pink-Footed Geese were present in the West Field, with much the same as yesterday on the pond, but also 6 Wigeon. Last stop was Red House Farm where at least 6 Tree Sparrows are still present, hopefully they may use the boxes I put up. Had great views of Long-Tailed Tits, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, and a Moorhen chasing a Brown Rat whilst I was there.
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Monday, 5 March 2012
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.
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.
There was plenty of confiding Robins singing close to the path, here's a short clip of one individual.
Friday, 2 March 2012
The pond...
I've been editing all day so took a short trip to Holywell at about 17:30. There's was a bit of what seemed to be a fret, but the sun was burning through it, creating a strange but calming light. 80+ Greylag Geese were feeding in the West Field, along with 5 Pink-Footed Geese and a single European White-Fronted Goose.
The top feeding station was quiet, but both Blackbird and Song Thrush sang from the tree tops. I caught up with the Tree Sparrows further down the track, in the Blackthorns, presumably going to roost.
The pond itself was busier than it has been, clearly bearing the signs of spring, 6 Coot showed the forming of territories, Little Grebes were calling with 5 in total on the pond (does the Little Grebe call have its own name?) and a couple of Moorhen battled it out on the far side. Joining them were 10 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 14 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, and 5 Teal.
A single Grey Heron, and 35 Curlew stood on the shore at the public hide.
The top feeding station was quiet, but both Blackbird and Song Thrush sang from the tree tops. I caught up with the Tree Sparrows further down the track, in the Blackthorns, presumably going to roost.
The pond itself was busier than it has been, clearly bearing the signs of spring, 6 Coot showed the forming of territories, Little Grebes were calling with 5 in total on the pond (does the Little Grebe call have its own name?) and a couple of Moorhen battled it out on the far side. Joining them were 10 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 14 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, and 5 Teal.
A single Grey Heron, and 35 Curlew stood on the shore at the public hide.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Bored yet?
Sorry if I'm boring anyone but this was my first chance to get down to St Mary's, wanted to try something different and capture a star trail as well as the lasers. Unfortunately it clouded over, but I'll be back on Saturday.
CW Tents
A selection of my work is currently on display at CW Tents, a local outdoor retailer. The images of both wildlife and landscape have been capture over the last year, at home and on my travels. They are available to purchase as A4 and A3 mounted prints.
CW Tents is a family owned independent outdoor shop, located just off the A19 in Backworth. Stocking a wide variety of tents, camping equipment, clothing and accessories. All staff are outdoor enthusiasts and youth leaders so have a wealth of knowledge. In Spring and Summer months there is a large outdoor display where the staff are on hand to give advice and pitching demonstrations.
CW Tents stock leading brands including Vango, Outwell, Paramo, Scarpa, Zamberian, Montane, plus many more. There is even an area dedicated to photography and wildlife clothing.
CW Tents, 9a Backworth Business Park, Station Road, Backworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE27 0BN, Tel: 0191 268 0110
Website: www.cwtents.co.uk Email: sales@cwtents.co.uk
Directions
Take the Whitley Bay/Earsdon Exit off the A19
At the roundabout take the Whitley Bay/Earsdon Exit
Go Straight over the next 2 roundabouts
At the 3rd roundabout take the 1st Exit. First Right then immediate left.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
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