Mike McGrory

Good news Martyn but tough time for you! All the best, we are all rooting for you.

My first lifer of the year today at Blyth Harbour, an impressive White-billed Diver. Rounded off with Long-tailed Duck and ca 20 Med Gulls at Newbiggin, Red-necked Grebe and Otter at East Chevington and Spotted Redshank at Bothal Pond @teesbirds.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social

I stood for over half an hour and was about to walk off when it flew in to the tree with the feeder. Didn't go to the feeder nor feed on the ground and was looking around nervously while other birds were feeding well.

Lockwood Beck 12.25 single Brambling near lone feeder at outflow @nybirdnews.bsky.social

Yes, really pleased with the day out. We also dipped the Wigeon! The Whoopers were in the field with several Mutes across the road from the end of the track from the hide when you leave by the Ellerton end, 100 yards or so along to the right.

Enjoyable days birding today with Iceland Gull and a bonus RN Parakeet at Roundhay Park, Leeds then Cattle Egret x 5 and a flyby Bittern at Fairburn Ings and Whooper Swan x 2 in a field at Bolton on Swale @teesbirds.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social

Nosterfield this afternoon, Shag x 2 on Kiln, possibly a dispersal of some of the 5 reported earlier by @duncbye.bsky.social on Castle Howard Lake. @teesbirds.bsky.social

Good day birding today despite the poor visibility. Willow Tit x 2 on feeders at Hurworth Burn. Then at Cowpen Bewley Rd through the mist Tundra Bean Goose x 4 and at least 5 White Fronts. Late afternoon from further down same road Short Eared Owl hunting.

Now 4 Tundra

Tundra Goose x 3 10.40 with Greylags directly opp north end of Macklin Ave

Nice shots, lovely bird. Hope the test went well.

Visit to Lyndes Shore reserve, Ontario today. Relieved to find the sudden onset tinnitus was in fact 000s of Bullfrogs! Highlight was a Yeĺlow-billed Cuckoo on migration but also enjoyed a visit from a Chipmunk to within a foot. Lovely reserve.

While visiting family near Musselburgh a walk by the scrapes produced the unexpected surprise of the Marsh Sandpiper, still there after several days. A lifer for me.

Lovely visit to East Chevington yesterday to get close views of the White-rumped Sandpiper which eventually showed at the North end. On the walk up we were treated to the scolding call of a Willow Tit which then emerged from cover to allow us to have a good look at each other.

As Trump’s health declines, he seems completely preoccupied with his likelihood of reaching Heaven.

Guess what, Donny? It’s too late for you. On the bright side, you’ll spend eternity with your best friend, Jeffrey Epstein.

Went on a wee goose chase yesterday to Bowesfield Marsh for the Lesser White-fronted Goose amongst its very many Greylag friends and it certainly was wee in comparison. Thanks to @carolynfarry.bsky.social for locating the sleeping bird within the masses @teesbirds.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social

Spoonbill x 8 just landed on Calor Gas Pool 12.30 @teesbirds.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social

Beacon Point, Newbiggin yesterday afternoon. No Roseates on view but several Sandwich Terns. Also at least 3 adult and 3 juvenile Med Gulls, several Golden Plover in a mix of plumages plus usual Gulls, Eiders etc.

Visited the Long Nanny at Beadnell Bay yesterday. Despite no sign of the American Black Tern it was a joy to sit with a coffee and sandwich to the cacophony of squabbling Arctic Terns feeding the many chicks on show. Well worth the short sandy yomp.

Unexpected pleasure this morning to get good views of my first ever Pacific Golden Plover from the Greatham Creek car park screen.

St Aidan's more breezy today than forecast but still managed BN Grebe x 5, Bittern x 2, Marsh Harrier pair, Med Gull and the resident Little Owl. Also one Cetti's seen vs ca 20 heard, so about normal ratio! No sign of Gropper reported earlier.

The Marsh Warbler at Bowesfield mid morning was eventually located well into a reed bed but its amazing mimicry was a delight to listen to during the search. Cracking bird.

After seeing the Glossy Ibis at Bowesfield horse field this morning, visited Saltholme for the Med Gull from Paddys Pool hide. After a few minutes it appeared and revealed its gender when on the receiving end of copulation with its BH Gull partner. @nybirdnews.bsky.social @teesbirds.bsky.social

Great views of the juvenile WTEagle from the chevrons looking towards Sleddale around 2.00 this afternoon as it carried a rabbit prey, dropped it twice then abandoned it then fended off several local Common Buzzards with its impressive 360° flips.

Sad sight of a Roe Deer carcass on verge by Navigator gate opp Back Saltholme. Looks like road kill with some broken limbs 19.30hrs @teesbirds.bsky.social

Wykeham Raptor Viewing Point this morning. Great views of Honey Buzzard x 3 including a close up of male HB harried by a Raven near the Viewing Point. Several Crossbills and a few Tree Pipits.

Dusk last night ont' North York Moors. Nightjar x 3 at least gave short displays but maturing tree made viewing difficult. Very vocal Cuckoo and Tawny Owl, umpteen singing Willow Warblers but no sight nor sound of Woodcock.

Langdon Beck yesterday. Black Grouse x 17 viewed ftom main road parking area close to the hotel. Spotted Flycatcher in trees across from the front of the hotel at the start of the road to Cow Green Reservoir.

River Leven, Hutton Rudby 14.00hrs. Dipper flew strongly downstream from river bend at Sexhow Rd. Unable to relocate on river as far as the church. @teesbirds.bsky.social @northyorksbirds.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social

A long wait for my first Greenfinch of the year, in the garden this morning, resplendent in the bright sunshine. What a beautiful bird.