A hard days work

There I was, awake since 5.30 and out since 7.00 joined by ADMc shortly afterwards waiting for GGS to show. Two hours later nothing and my time had run out. Back to work as Andy headed up the coast. Sorted the paperwork and checked the web. GREAT GREY SHRIKE PRESTWICK CARR 10.00 d,d,b,h! Did two hours work (waiting for camera battery to re-charge) and back down to see said Shrike. Was seen distantly but not by me. Back to work........ three meetings in Ponteland and light was fading. Back to the Carr. Yes everybody had seen the bird today but not me. SPP had put in an excellent five hour stint and been rewarded by some good views very well deserved. Captain Morgan Hook had the owls in his sights but I needed a better view of the Shrike. Last moment there it was. Ahh relief.......a days lack of work rewarded
Even GMi had trumped my photographic attempts but I was happy. The evening ended with a pleasant chat with Harry and Ken as the sun set in a burning rage.

Oh, and the SEO's were up and about too

a GREAT end to a GREY day with a SHRIKE

There we were standing by a gate bemoaning the lack of birds. I had just been joined by MH and AA who had hunted the county for Harriers and Owls but drawn a blank. Their final shot for the day was the normally reliable, for Owls that is, Prestwick Carr. As BF also joined the party eagle eye MH(arrier) spotted something in the distance and as he got his scope on it exclaimed Great Grey Shrike. He generously let us all have a view and there it was. My first PC GG Shrike and 109 on this years list. I headed off down the road to get a bit closer and got this spectacular image. Good enough for pit work I reckon.
As I returned the Owls came out to play chasing and calling at each other. A large flock of around 250-300 Fieldfare came overhead and I managed one further distant view of the Shrike before it disappeared as a Kestrel flew past. City Birding joined the throng with his two daughters, Howdon Blogger and his good lady and we enjoyed the great grey owl display in the murk.

OTC

Owl traffic control had its work cut out Sunday evening. Six to eight Short-eared Owls up hunting / playing just after 3.00pm.
One caught prey and was pursued by another trying to usurp the feast although there seems to be a fair bit of 'salad' picked up in the meantime (that's grass streaming from the rear)

There's always the evil eye to ward off photographers but you wouldn't believe the shots I missed. I mean...........two Owls with talons engaged one upturned and no focus! Bugger!

Fly by's are easier although exposure is still a challenge.

Loads of geese but non to count

It's been out first and last over the weekend to try and catch any roosting Geese. Loads overhead. 22 Pink foot Saturday morning and 300+ in three skeins Saturday evening but the photos were less than interesting compared to the sky.
One dog walker who had seen me morning and evening suggested I was living rough en patch. May as well but it would be a trifle cold! Mmmmmmmmmm cold trifle sounds nice.

Sunday much the same as Saturday apart from two Greylag out of roost and a trip up the coast. Lots of Owls on my return which is becoming usual and a nice big bird on Saturday.

Bookend owls to finish which I promised Alan I wouldn't post. Also the first shot of Owl in sunset......but I did screw up most of my shots of owls squabbling earlier in the evening!

Short show

After two weeks of mainly nocturnal activity the last two nights has seen some early action. Tonight two SEO's were up at 15.10 and three at 15.45 but of course the sun disappeared behind a cloud and they stayed at the far side of the field. These shots were taken last night in almost total gloom but I live in hope. Still six to eight in darkness at 16.45 is still a pleasure as it was last night as well and also to meet an old workmate and his partner.

This weekend is Goose count and I was optimistic of actually counting something when 90 or so flew in from Big Waters. They made loads of noise and promptly made an about turn and headed off toward Blagdon. Oh well. Up early for some more owl stalking.

End start

Just can't resist another couple of Black Redstart shots. Such a sexy bird

but all that noise! Title........... Black Redstart in a snow storm

Push start

A beautiful Novembers day and I couldn't resist giving up work for the Black Redstart at Tynemouth
Unfortunately the bird was well shaded behind the cliff face but performed with aplomb

Lots of crap shots at 6400 ISO and 1000 sec

What could have been

Oh well. Never mind. Six shorties on the Carr this evening