It's getting 'otter

 It sure was at Cresswell on a wild and windy first day of restriction easing on Monday. Despite the "fresh" (as described on BBC weather, more SEVERE GUSTS in my book) wind the birds on the Budge showed reasonably well. Notables being pairs of Pintail, Lesser black-backed Gull, Black-tailed Godwit and a single Avocet. 50 plus pairs of Shoeveler, the highest number i recall seeing here, were spread around all of the site. I absolutely HATE windy days and didn't fancy the walk up to Chev so returned to Cresswell where i had seen 18 Avocets north of the causeway on the way up at first light, Apart from the Avocets, which were hunkered down on the sand bar, only a male Red-breasted Merganser caught the eye as everything else was tucked away on the western shore. Thinking "I'm not going to be here long and i'll head down to the beach and shelter from the wind" i was expecting to be on the move however two Otters appeared and proceeded to play fight and feed for the next 90 minutes with the exception of twice when they disappeared into the reedbeds for around 10 minutes each time. Obviously wonderful to observe as they moved to most parts of the pool BUT never came reasonably close to the hide. No complaints here. They were still around when i left as a couple of folk had arrived in the hide and that was the signal for me to exit. Despite the fact that an unbelievable number of people seem to think things have improve re this pandemic i am still social distancing and disinfecting an surfaces i come into contact with. No ease up as far as i'm concerned !!!!

Here's a quite heavily cropped image of the otters who might be last years young 'uns judging by their similar size and antics. There might be a few more to follow. Also i quite like this image of some of the Avocets that must have move to the north end of the pool and decided to relocate back.

 

Killingworth visit

 My first visit since last year. A bit of rain in the air so it wasn't too busy. Lovely seeing 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebes back and displaying along with a dozen or so Goldeneye. A male and 2 female Goosander made up the other interesting birds on the lakes. A togger with a huge lens was encamped on the wall in front of the smaller lake with gaze transfixed on the GCGs (what else ?) so he missed this nice photo opportunity as one of the female Goosanders decided to relocate. I hope that he was happy with at least one of his probable two thousand GCG images taken. LOL

No birds just boats.

North Shields Fish Quay.... Thursday.

YOU FAT BASTARD !

 Not you...... me.

Weeks of loafing about drinking tea AND EATING BICCIES trying to avoid catching this virus is taking its toll

Keeping my distance

 I've never really needed much of an excuse to keep my distance from folk. I've always been happy with my own company and although i do enjoy listening to people who actually have something to say i find most folk tend to be more wrapped up in themselves. Heading up to Abbey Mills near Morpeth the forecast wasn't as good as it had predicted ( surprise, surprise) It was raining which meant that the light would be awful and it never stopped all morning. A double edged sword as it meant photography would be tricky but it might mean it was quieter than expected and that's how it turned out. Picked up a single HAWFINCH on arrival close to the path but way up in the top of the Hornbeams. It was active and feeding, great to observe but no chance of a decent pic. I had the bird all to myself for the hour or so i was there and only one single dog walker came anywhere near close. The plan was to enjoy walks along the river and woods, especially along towards Mitford but as mentioned the lack of any decent light put paid to any landscape captures, my camera with the shorter lens stayed in the car due to the wet conditions. I didn't mind carrying one camera and trying to keep it dry but didn't want to mess about with two. It was nice to find another colony of Tree Sparrows in a small plot with a couple of feeders in it on the outskirts of Mitford. This species has been doing really well here in the north east it would seem. I remember not that long ago the only place i was guaranteed to see any was at Big Waters but now i can think of 8-10 sites. My time along the Wansbeck brought me great views of a DIPPER. Heading up Druridge way regularly these days means its been some time. Thoroughly enjoyed spending time in its company as it did what Dippers do as leaves fell from the trees continually.

 

Roebuck close up

This male Roe Deer was on the north bank along the Oddie path as i arrived at Dru. It scarpered along the bank when it saw me but stopped and turned as it reached what is left of the bushes. I stood, it stood, we both stood staring  then it seemed comfortable and had a few picks of grass. I cautiously took a few pics so as not to disturb it. It jumped down to the path then onto the south bank but instead of dropping down immediately to the Budge Field it took its time, picking more grass. Eventually it did drop down out of sight but reappeared close by as it moved along the field. Being 6 foot 4 inches has its advantages and this was one of them as i managed some lovely close views as it trotted past.
Close encounters are always wonderful and getting a nice image a bonus !!!