Looking up

The last few days fine weather has seen both the wildlife and myself looking up. Last night met a 'flash' of photographers (what is the collective noun for photographers?) looking for two Short eared owls that were seen hunting Wednesday afternoon and I have seen Barn Owl hunting two nights out of three. As we stood there Starlings streamed overhead to their roost sites. I checked the Brunswick roost over the weekend and they were gathered atop one pylon waiting to display briefly before plummeting into the conifers behind the Methodist Church. Those on the sloping arms kept sliding down pushing the bottom one off to re-perch elsewhere.

Also at the weekend managed to catch the Iceland Gull from afar at Blyth South Harbour.

The early part of the week saw the start of the return of coastal birds such as Curlew and Oystercatcher (No 69 for 2010) to the Carr to join the Lapwings and Golden Plover already present. Also passing overhead was possibly Hilary Clinton as most jets don't get a military escort.

Last night was also the first night I have stood out late and listened to extended bird song from Blackbird, Song Thrush, Great Tit and Dunnock. The rookery at Dinnington is also beginning to swing into action. Maybe we'll get some light and I'll get some better pics!!