Black Grouse

Great day in North Wales birding. First off Black Grouse at Worlds End approx 15 seen lekking and moving around the moor later in the day. Then off to Pensarn for perfect conditions for sea watching. Two drake Surf Scoters seen amongst the thousands of Common Scoters one which was close by on the rocks. Also seen were several Red breasted Merganser and two Red throated Divers

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

Lesser Scaup

Myself and Dave Evans had a fantastic birding day in North Wales yesterday. First off was the drake Lesser Scaup at Shotton Pools. We then went walking over to some distant swans to have a better view and as we approached a male Hen Harrier appeared giving great views. The swans were a mix of Bewick and Whooper. We then went to Anglesey to Benllech in search of a Velvet scoter seen yesterday. No joy but plenty of other birds to see at sea including Red-throated diver, Common Scoter and Black Guillemot.
It was then over to South Stack where we got crippling views of Chough. We also saw several Ravens.
Last stop was Conwy RSPB where we saw Siskin and several Lesser redpoll. Best of all though was a stunning Firecrest which eventually appeared in bushes near the pond where it has been showing on and off all winter. What a result and the end to a truly excellent and very enjoyable birding day.

Skua and Shearwater boat trip

Yesterday myself and Dave Evans went to Bridlington and had a very decent morning out at sea. We saw Purple Sandpipers in the harbour before setting off and I photopgraphed a very tame Turnstone on the harbour wall. On the boat we had close encounters with Red-throated Diver, Common Scoter, Eider, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Common Guillemot, Puffin, Razorbill, Manx Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Kittiwake, Arctic Tern, Gannet and Fulmar. The pictures came out a lot better than I expected in difficult rocky conditions on the boat.

Common Scoters

12 Common Scoters present om Castleshaw lower reservoir yesterday. Condition cold, dull and windy.