Category Archives: birdwatching

Ring Ouzel!

Posted on 16 April, 2012 by

I saw my first ring ouzel last year on a visit to Weardale, and was determined to find this remarkable mountain blackbird again this year – this time with photographic evidence. The ring ouzel is a blackbird that likes it … Continue reading →

Posted in birdwatching, Out and about | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Making the most of what you’ve got

Posted on 30 March, 2012 by

As regular readers will know, I’m not currently living in my perfect house. The views are of other people’s windows, and the landscape is sterile – a new build desert. I was recently surprised to discover that a kestrel has … Continue reading →

Posted in birdwatching, Cloudspotting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Roof garden

Posted on 1 March, 2012 by

It feels like a long time since we moved house, but it’s only been three months. I’ve gone from wildlife-rich to wildlife-poor, but the streets – and roofs – are not as empty as I thought. While Crook is brimming … Continue reading →

Posted in birdwatching, In the garden | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

summertime

Posted on 12 July, 2011 by

I’m acutely aware that I haven’t blogged for a while. I’d say I’ve been busy but the truth is I just haven’t got around to it. So what’s been happening? All’s very quiet in the garden. The tree sparrows still … Continue reading →

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Sand and surprises: adventures on the Northumberland coast

Posted on 14 June, 2011 by

I’m recently back from a camping trip to the coast near Berwick upon Tweed, England’s most northerly town. Having been to Berwick before, I thought I knew what to expect, but boy was I wrong. Even before we left home, … Continue reading →

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Independence day

Posted on 13 June, 2011 by

Today was independence day for this greater spotted woodpecker. For the last couple of weeks the garden has been visited by the adults, checking out the area for easy food sources. This morning an adult and juvenile were repeatedly visiting … Continue reading →

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Secret dramas

Posted on 13 May, 2011 by

For the garden birds, the breeding season is well under way. But the drama is also well hidden. I’ve been expecting my tree sparrows to disappear for some weeks now – that’s what they did last year, anyway. But no, … Continue reading →

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My bonkers tree sparrows

Posted on 9 April, 2011 by

I’ve talked about my tree sparrows loads of times here (just click in the tag cloud to read the posts). I get lots in the winter, and very few in the summer, but so far this year numbers are still … Continue reading →

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Lapwing Wars

Posted on 12 March, 2011 by

Walking this afternoon in East Durham I came across some ploughed fields and my first sight this year of displaying lapwings. Making the familiar pee-wit call for most of the year, the lapwing display call is very different: unforgettable, but … Continue reading →

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Do blackbirds worship a God of Worms?

Posted on 12 March, 2011 by

Despite the threat of snow and near arctic winds of the last few days, there can be no doubt that spring has reached the north of England. The wheat is standing tall, lambs are calling in the fields, and there’s … Continue reading →

Posted in birdwatching, In the garden | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment