A week in Northumberland

Had a fantastic week in Northumberland with fellow artists staying at Seahouses. Rather windy, but some glorious sunny days, and what dramatic scenery. Eiders everywhere as expected, but also Long-tailed Ducks, Purple Sandpipers, and as the week progressed more Arctic and Sandwich terns. I was particularlky drawn to the dynamtic shapes and patterns of the drake Eiders, especially in the sharp, bright light. Here are a selection of my sketches, more to follow.

Drake Eider snoozing amongst the colourful seaweed.

Group of drake Eiders feeding and preening in the splash zone

Inner Farne from Stag Rocks, we only made it out once to the islands due to the rough seas, and even then we found that most seabirds had not returned yet.

A few migrants were arriving, and this pile of rotting seaweed attracted upto 12 WhiteWagtails and a couple of Wheatears.

A classic NE scene, the Farnes with Arctic Terns.

Bamburgh Castle from Stag Rocks

 

 

 

 

Had a trip down to Exmoor before all the snow arrived, lovely countryside. We did a beautiful walk up the Doone valley from Malmsmead, not many birds apart from tits, nuthatches and treecreepers, but the Dippers put on a good show. We had good views of one perched over the water singing it's rich, thrush-like song as it curtsied and twisted it's head to and fro. Another appeared under the bank, obviously the object of the performance, and then the pair flew off up stream calling excitedly.

 

Next week and the snow has arrived in Essex, bringing good numbers of Fieldfares and pushing some duck onto the unfrozen Colne estuary. These displaying male Goldeneye were a fine sight on a cold grey morning. The females however were less than impressed, continuing to dive for food, oblivious to all the attention.

 

Just had a wonderful long weekend in Extramadura, Spain, staying at the excellent Casa Rural el Recuerdo. A very good location and Martin's local knowledge was invaluable. Highlights included the vultures at Monfrague,( we saw 13 species of raptors including Spanish Imperial Eagle, Black-winged Kite and several stunning male Hen Harriers), flocks of Great and Little Bustards on the steppe near Campo Lugar, huge flocks of Cranes, and just the general abundance of larks, finches and sparrows. I would certainly reccommend it as a winter birding destination, we even had some lovely warm sunshine, it was quite s shock to come back to wet and windy Britain.

Managed to get to see the Desert Wheatear at Abberton yesterday, and what alittle stunner. It was incredibly tame as it flitted around the visitor car park in the late afternoon sunshine. The pale pinky-buff rump and all dark tail could be clearly see, and it had a large in inquisitive eye.

I've been working on some damselfly illustrations this week, they are such beautiful, jewel-like creatures.

A breezy, but sunny afternoon last week at Abberton reservoir. I always enjoy sketching Pintail and I was attracted to these up-ending drakes seen through the sun bathed thistles and docks.

Peregrine, Colne Point, 25/09/12
There is often an adult Peregrine sat in this particular field and I wasn't disappointed today. It was fluffed up and preening, enjoying the autumn sun, but keeping an eye on the passing Wood Pigeons. I settled down to sketch, but after a few minute I looked up and it had gone.

Juv Hobby, The Naze, 27/09/12
A good day of visible migration with swallows streaming through and small groups os Siskins passing over. This Hobby gave good views as it perched on a post inbetween catching some of the numerous Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers that swarmed along the sheltered, sunny side of the hedge.

Greenshank, Alresford Creek, 5/10/12
Low tide is the best time to see Greenshank in the creek, they race along in the shallows with bills open snapping up any small prey. The adults are already in their pale winter plumage, whereas the young birds are still in the neat, spot edged , darker juvenile plumage.