Kingfisher and some rarities!

Me and Dave went to  East Yorkshire on Sunday. At Tophill Low we had a brief view of the Purple Heron that's been there for a few days. We also had great views of a pair of Kingfishers.

It was then onto Wykeham where we had brief views of a Honey Buzzard and a couple of Turtle Doves in flight. I also saw a Goshawk briefly. 

We finished off at Filey for good scope views of a Surf Scoter along with a group of Common Scoters. Other species seen included Puffin, Rock Pipit and Sand Martin

Melodious Warbler

Great to see this rare warbler just a few miles from Lincoln where I was visiting family. The bird was seen in Tiln near Retford in a local wood. It was incredibly elusive. In 2.5 hours I had one decent view of it sat in a bush and a few brief flight views including a display flight. It did sing and call intermittently and sounded fantastic

Nightjar and Woodcock

Good views of at least 2 Nightjar plus plenty of churring at a site near Stocksbridge last night. Also seen was a roding Woodcock

Garden and Wood Warbler

Lovely morning in the woods near Sheffield provided singing Garden Warbler and a pair of Wood Warblers

Greenish Warbler

Wow! Brilliant find today of Greenish Warbler north of Turton Golf Club Lancashire today. Singing its heart out like a short version of Cetti's Warbler. Flitting about a lot so pics just record shots but got some great views through bins. Bright supercilium and one wing bar

Tree Pipit

Went over to Wharncliffe Woods this lunchtime in search of Wood Warbler. No joy but saw a close Garden Warbler singing which cleared off when I got my camera out! Several Blackcaps seen, heard a Cuckoo and a  Tawny Owl hooting. Managed to get a record shot of a singing Tree Pipit

Flycatchers

Been playing around with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 to improve the look of a few photos reducing  noise and sharpening.
                                                                   

                                                                   

                                                                       

Woodland Treasures

Myself and Dave went to Errwood Reservoir early morning to try for woodland birds. We were not disappointed, quickly on several singing Redstart. We also saw several Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit and a Little Owl. A Common Sandpiper was walking down the road and we heard a Cuckoo

Nightingale Bluethroat and Montagu's Harrier

Quality not quantity today. The main objective was to see Nightingale at Whisby Gravel Pits near Lincoln so we set off from home at 5. We had great success immediately hearing at least 2 birds north of the railway line and quickly getting some excellent views and pictures. Job done!

It was then a tossup to somewhere on the East coast to connect with spring migrants. We opted for Norfolk and went in search of the Bluethroat at Cley. I had the briefest view of a flash of blue, quick display and then back into the reeds. Sorry Dave! Sadly there were no more sign of the bird for the next 2 hours although we did see a Hobby pass through and had a Little Owl sat on a wall.

All was not lost though as we went inland to a site that has seen Montagu's Harrier in the past and were rewarded with crippling views of a male hunting over the adjacent field. Just a shame I didn't concentrate on my camera's autofocus settings in the excitement.....