Birding and other distractions

After yesterday's wind and rain the weather today was much improved, sunny, calmer, though still cold. My destination was a favourite spot at Cliffe, the Alpha Pool/Timber Lake area. The Black-throated Diver found earlier in the week by Ray O'Reilly was still present on the Alpha Pool. The bird was seen at the far end near the Fort, though was initially elusive.  After diving it often remained submerged for lengthy periods, though fortunately it reappeared at close range for several minutes on one occasion. One-two redhead Mergansers were also seen on the Alpha Pool, while Little Grebe were typically present in high numbers at this traditional site. Walking back an attractive Grey Wagtail was feeding just behind the seawall. Raptors comprised two Buzzard and singles of Marsh Harrier and Kestrel. A couple of Avocet on the Timber Lake though the only other wader was Lapwing. Pochard was probably the most numerous duck, followed by Teal. Black-throated Diver Black-throated Diver R...

I headed to Capstone Park this morning following a request for pictures of Cormorants there. The light was not great for photography though fortunately Cormorants on the island were not far away. T here were six birds in total, mostly preening in the trees. One bird flew down onto the lake then presumably began fishing, being submerged for several minutes at a time. This particular Cormorant then re-emerged onto the island to dry off its feathers on outstretched wings. Impressive numbers of Moorhen were present, especially near the cafe and visitor centre. They are clearly very accustomed to people at this popular site, hence allow close views. Cormorants Moorhen Black-headed Gulls

I arrived at 10 a.m. for the WeBS meeting at Elmley this morning, and just had a few minutes beforehand to look for Long-eared Owl in the car park. Fortunately others had already found one, and although partially obscured by small branches a reasonable view of the bird was possible. It has been suggested there are three birds present, though finding them is another matter. After the meeting we walked down to the hides, which was fairly uneventful apart from a couple of Marsh Harriers. Driving back along the main track there was a close group of 7 Cattle Egret which seemed unperturbed by cars stopping near them. Long-eared Owl Long-eared Owl Cattle Egret Cattle Egret

Starting the day at Leysdown Keith and I found the reported Shorelark just east of the cafe along the seafront. The bird was settled and feeding in grassland just behind the seawall. Moving on to the raptor watch point at Capel a distant Peregrine was feeding on the ground, with Buzzard and Marsh Harrier also seen in the area. Just south of Elliots Farm ten White-fronted Geese were viewed on the marsh to the east. I then carried out a WeBS count at Rushenden, which was generally quiet apart from Ringed Plover and Dunlin near the old boats, with 190 and 450 birds respectively. Shorelark Wader roost viewed from Rushenden

I stayed in Bridlington on Sunday night in order to be at Flamborough Head early the following morning.  The weather on Monday was much improved, being calm following windy conditions of the previous two days, and generally sunny. Unfortunately the Taiga Flycatcher present since Friday had seemingly moved off with the improvement in the weather with no sign of the bird today.  However, the Red-flanked Bluetail was still present and generally showed well in woodland at South Landing. There were good numbers of Siskin in the area, their calls being regularly heard, in addition to that from the odd Brambling. Red-flanked Bluetail Flamborough Head