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.

Florida

jJust come back from a week in central Florida family holiday but saw some decent birds around the villa and on a trip to Crystal River to see the Manttees.
Best bird was a fabulous Bald Eagle a dream bird for me.

                                                               Bald Eagle      
                                                 

                                                                     Grey Catbird

                                                       Double crested Cormorant

                                                                    Palm Warbler

                                                               Great Blue Heron

                                                             Great White Egret

Red shouldered Hawk

   

                                                         Hooded Merganser

                                                                Lesser Scaup

                                                           Little Blue Heron

                                                    Northern Mocking Bird

                                                              Brown Pelican

                                                                      Osprey

anhinga, 

Anhinga

Sandhill Crane

                                                                      
                                                                      Turkey Vulture

                                                                     White Ibis

                                                                 Pied billed Grebe

                                                                  Ring billed Gull

Yellow throated Warbler

In total I saw 38 species without much effort. The incredible manatees were great to see and we got the opportunity to swim with them too

Vagrant Day East Coast

Brilliant day working up the East coast of England today in poor weather and light conditions. Started at Bempton cliffs for the Desert Wheatear. Took some finding tucked into the rocks. Next was the drake Ring Necked Duck  near Billington at Cowpen Bewley Park. Then onto the Lesser Scaup at Marden near Tynemouth. Finally we got very lucky and bagged the Greater Yellowlegs at Cresswell. It had not been seen for some time when we arrived at 3pm but we kept scanning the flooded field and after 30 mins it appeared. We got good views but it was too dark to get any pics. A great day despite all the rain and the crap light hampering my photographic skills!

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