The hare's running.

Any one who has been greyhound racing knows that expression. This hare isn't on show at either Wimbledon or Shawfield stadium but was motoring across a field at the back of Druridge Bay.

100% strike rate.

Late Tuesday afternoon/early evening this Barn Owl went out hunting for food 12 times while i observed and every time the bird returned with prey.

 

Barn Owl breakfast

I have a feeling this morsel might have been destined for another hungry mouth judging by Iains post ( owl chicks)

"It is self service, yea ??"

Snake in the grass ?

Nope.

Just pounced on breakfast.

Tune in again soon to see what was on the menu.

Great Crested pose.

I have seen a Coot approaching the Great Crested Grebes nest on a few visits. On Tuesday one climbed on and inspected the nest while both of the birds where off feeding having covered egg or eggs. This ties in with the fact that Sam Hood who's patch it is, along with Brian, was telling me last Saturday that the nest was originally a Coots, probably the same bird that shows so much interest. I captured a nice pose as the Grebe threatened the Coot, AGAIN. It is getting a regular occurance.

Great Crested Grebe defending nest.

Saturday morning early at Killingworth Lakes had THE Howdon Blogger and i watching the G.C.Gs in wonderful light. It was good to see that the Grebes on the larger lake had produced an egg and we had views of it being turned. Prior to that one of the Coots headed over to the nest................

Temper, temper.

Great Crested will feature here over the next few weeks.

I followed a pair of Great Crested Grebes at Killingworth Lake around five years ago all through the spring and summer and fell in love with the species. That year they nested close to the main road in front of, what was, a very nice floating reed bed not 3 metres away. It looks like the pair on the larger lake might do the same again but sadly the reed bed looks more like a huge floating shopping trolley but the encounters with this fabulous species only metres away more than compensates. Get along there at 6 a.m. in nice light and i can tell you now it makes hauling yourself out of bed in what in essence is the middle of the night  (4 a.m. for me) very rewarding.

GO ON, GET OUT OF YOUR PIT.

This fence aint big enough for the both of us.

OH OH, here comes trouble. I'm outta here.

First time i've got an image of a birds arse and been happy with it. And my word, i've taken a few !