Out of the Fog came the Scandinavians....

Hundreds of migrating Redwings dropped onto the North East coast today. Quite a spectacular sight as I checked the coast from Seaton Sluice to Tynemouth. And a stunning Brambling too.

Flocks of Redwings dropping from the sky

Redwing

Goldfinches joined by a Brambling

Bet there are a few interesting migrants grounded along the coast tonight. Let's see what can be found tomorrow!

The 'Mother' of Record Shots!

Two new records for the patch at East Holywell yesterday and today.

Yesterday I heard a song I wasn't familiar with - sounded just like this. I was heading out on a bike ride towards Holywell Dene, and just past the cattery the mystery song had me slam on the breaks. I reached for my binoculars and there it was, a Marsh Tit!

And today, a walk down to Holywell Dene was rewarded with two Brambling landing high in the beech trees before flying North. Managed to get the 'mother' of all record shots :)

Prestwick Carr

Went to Prestwick Carr at about 1pm and parked up by the house and walked up to the sentry point on the public bridleway. There were good flocks of Fieldfare with a few Redwing and Mistle Thrushes mixed in. There was a single Brambling amongst a small flock of Chaffinches - click here for video.

There were a couple of kestels and 3 buzzards (2 juveniles and 1 adult bird). I managed to videoscope a couple of them - click here for video.

Also caught a Willow Tit on video - click here for video.