Iceland

Fantastic long weekend in Iceland with my family. Birds were not our priority but saw plenty of Raven in Reykjavik. Lots of Eider, Whooper swan, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls, singing  Redwing and Snow Bunting. As well as all the amazing geology, the Aurora Borealis seen on our last night were breathtaking.

Dovestone Autumn Sunshine

Quick walk round Dove Stone . Stunning sunshine and blue sky but few birds about. Plenty of Black headed Gulls and Mallard. Nice to hear two cronking Ravens

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.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Myself and Dave went birding today and for a change stayed fairly local. went for the long staying Lesser Yellowlegs at Aldcliffe. We were straight onto it and had good views of it alongside a Wood Sandpiper. We then went to Sizergh Castle in hope of Hawfinch but no luck, it must still be too early. We then went to Leighton Moss where it was pretty quiet. Best birds were a Marsh Tit on the feeders, a few close Snipe, a Raven , a very tame Robin and a Spotted Redshank. We finished off this short day at Woodwell again hoping for a Hawfinch but again they proved to be elusive. We did see another Marsh Tit and I heard its distinctive call.

Stanage Edge

Myself and Dave had a quick walk up to Stanage Edge yesterday. The weather was awful so we started the morning with a fry up at the cafe above Outside in Hathersage!. The morning's walk was rewarded with a male Ring Ouzel and several superb Ravens.