More of the same

Well that proves Short eared owls will avoid hunting in high winds if they aren't starving. After last weeks show Sunday through Tuesday was a disappointment as the winds howled around the Carr. Then today as the wind dropped and it warmed up there they were again from 4.10.

Quite active and in various poses and habitats

With careful observation and the help of a Carr regular visitor the conclusion was five birds present.

Aren't you supposed to be a night owl?

Out twice between 2.00 and 3.30 at Cresswell yesterday and according to the board the pair had been seen earlier in the day.

Can't be feeding young and the gates at the farm were closed indicating movement of beast so I deduce Watson that they have been disturbed from their roost by workings in their barn.

This one shows very white on the wing whilst at rest (see the last pic of Jonny's latest excellent shots which is likely the same bird)

Crappy flight shot of the same bird so it must be the trailing edge of each feather combining to give the white panel.

and then there were three

well more likely four after some time observing dick and I eventually concluded two to south and two hunting to north of the bumpy road.

After two months of sighting one and occasionally two in the dark Wednesday saw the owls appear mid afternoon giving splendid views as they hunted in bright sunlight. It was out on Thursday then and the same again although why their habit has suddenly reverted to type is beyond me. Confidence in numbers perhaps.

Also reports of Great Grey Shrike (not found), Marsh Tit (are you sure) and Otter (reported by a nice couple who sadly missed out on the owls after a heavy rain storm). Things are looking good for the weekend and here's me up to my neck in work.........typical.

3,2,1

There is some pretty intense use of feeding stations currently and the ad hoc one next to the platform on the Carr is no exception with a regular triumvirate of Tits in attendance. Anybody who wants Willow Tit off their year list it's virtually guaranteed although take some seed in case supplies have been exhausted.

Numbers of birds of course means competition and threat displays like this are not uncommon however over the last week I've managed to photograph two or three of each species on the feeder at the same time with the exception of Blue Tit who always seem to prefer the position to themselves with one flying off the moment another arrives.

The boss is of course the Great Tit who on occasion will give the casual human a glare.

High tide

At Hauxley yesterday the sand had disappeared below the waves which were crashing against a pile of seaweed built up against the head of the beach and a large flock of around 200+ Black headed gulls fed on the shoreline lifting as each breaker hit the wall of vegetation.

Whilst on the pile a mixed flock of Redshank, Turnstone and Sanderling 20 to 40 of each, fed on the many flies and ants among the weed and disgraceful quantity of rubbish.

Then, as the inevitable weekend walker passed by the two groups combined in the air to fly along the waters edge before circling back to land on the outfall and await the passing of the intruder before returning to feed at the same location.

Songster with a wink and a dip

A Dipper happily singing away under the bridge over the Whittle Burn at Ovingham on Monday but barely audible due to the babbling water.

Then a wink as perhaps he spotted something and got the protective lids in place.....

before the dip into the icy torrent.

Polling station

Not any of these on my patch so took the advantage of one visiting feeders at East Chevington on Saturday.