Langford Lowfields

 

 

Whiskered Tern

Two Whiskered Terns were seen at Sandbach Flashes on Saturday morning. Also seen were Common Tern, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Little Ringed Plover. On way home at stop off at Marbury CP produced Garden Warbler

Bridled Tern

Yesterday it was off to Northumberland where we eventually connected with the mega Bridled Tern at Cresswell. Interestingly we were at the very same sight a couple of years ago to see a Greater Yellowlegs. Other decent birds included an adult Little Gull, close views of Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns. We also saw a Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier, a group of Black tailed Godwit and pair of Stonechat. Looking towards the sea were massive numbers of terns, Puffin, Eider and an adult pale phase Arctic Skua

Roseate Terns again!

I wasnt satisfied by our earlier trip to Coquet Island with one poor view of a distant Roseate Tern from a bobbing boat so I went back this morning to South Shields at Sandhaven Beach where there have been several adult and juvenile Roseates for a few days.
I was quickly rewarded with excellent views of a juvenil Roseate Tern on rocks to the the side of the South Pier. An adult was seen flying round but didn't land and I was unable to lock onto it with the camera. After about an hour I walked back and observed a growing number of Common Terns resting on the sand. After 20 minutes a pale bird appeared which was an adult Roseate Tern where I managed some record shots and good views in the scope. Job done!
Also seen were Turnstones, Sanderling, Fulmar, Linnet and Rock Pipit

Buff Breasted Sandpiper

Me and Dave went to Frodsham and eventually I picked out the Buff breasted sandpiper amongst Dunlin and Black tailed Godwit. It quickly flew off though I we didnt see it again. Also present were 2 Ruddy Shelduck and a Peregrine which sent the whole flock up in a panic.
We then went onto Elton flashes where we had good views of Green sandpiper, Common sandpiper, Common tern, juvenile Garganey and finally excellent views of a Wood sandpiper.  A nice short day's birding with one lifer and some excellent year ticks.


                                                           Wood Sandpiper

Roseate Tern

Me and Dave had a great day out in the sunshine on the east coast. We initially went to Wykeham to look for Honey Buzzards and failed. Again.
We then  went to Amble and got the boat over to Coquet Island. We had great views of sea birds including Puffin, Guillemots, Razorbill, Shag, Common tern, Arctic tern and Sandwich tern. There were Eider in the harbour and plenty of Cormorants. The star attraction was Roseate tern and we had a rather unsatisfactory view of one sat on the rocks. It was hard birding due to the movement of the boat, the distance fomr the island and my lack of experience at looking at terns. Still, we saw it so it goes on the list!.
After Northumbria we went looking for Quail in a field near at Kirklevington in Cleveland and were rewarded by at least 2 singing males. We also saw a pair of stunning Yellow wagtails.
  We finished back at Wykeham in the evening hoping for Nightjar and failed but were rewarded by some excellent roding Woodcock. All in it was a great day's birding.

                                                                Common tern

                                                                      Arctic tern