Guillemots on the Farnes

I don't get to see Guillemots very often. Mainly because I don't live near the coastal areas where they can be found. It usually requires a special trip out. As I knew that I'd be going to the Farne Islands I put off any earlier trips. 

They're a very smart looking sea bird and they are in very good numbers on the Farnes. They make quite a noise too. They have a lovely chocolate brown top half and white below. The occasional Bridled Guillemot can be found. These have a white eye ring and a white line extending behind the eye. They look like they are wearing spectacles.

Bridled Guillemot (right)

Bring on the Winter Weather

A look back to some colder winter mornings, well more of a look forward to what is to come. Some of the better birding mornings are spent when there is a cold frost on the ground. The birds are forced out to feed and take more risks, which allows more opportunities to get shots of them. So as much as I am not looking forward to the cold wet windy weather, I am looking forward to some cold blue sky days, when I can sit in five layers of clothes in a hide and take myself away.

Blue Tit

Chaffinch

Willow Tit

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egrets have become a regular summer visitor to the Wirral in the last two or three years, and last year they were confirmed as breeding at an RSPB reserve there. I have made several visits to see them, as they are not at all common and I always assume it may be my last chance to see them.
They are a smaller than the more common Little Egret, and do spend a lot of their time around livestock and cattle.
These pictures were taken last year, and although not great, are a good record of it in it's nesting environment. (Taken at some distance so as not to disturb the birds.)

Kittiwake - Farne Islands

Along with the Common Gull, the Kittiwake is my favourite gull. There's something quite alluring about it. It might be the black eyes or the black legs or the sharp yellow bill, I'm not sure. Put them all together though and you have a pretty good looking gull. It probably helps that I don't get to see them every day too. There were plenty on the Farnes and it was great to watch them for some time

Goyt Valley

This is a look back to the Spring when there was a lot of activity in the Goyt Valley. One of my favourite places to visit at this time. So much going on and so much to see. It is quite the opposite in the autumn and winter when it can be very bleak and devoid of anything. It's still a lovely place to walk though.
This particular evening there were a few bits and bobs around. The usual Canada Geese were calling from the bank side of Errwood Reservoir and the odd Red Grouse could be heard every so often.

Song Thrush on the dry stone wall.

A Tree Pipit in its usual lofty position.

A Willow Warbler in amongst the fresh new leaves