Kingfisher at Far Pasture

Had a great morning out along the Derwent Walk today with my 18 month old nephew Jake and my 76 year old mother, both of whom got to see there first red kite and kingfisher. Both (the birds) looking resplendent in the midday sun. My mother also had to do her first ever outside pee after managing to avoid it for all her 76 years. So a great day of firsts for her! 

Spent half an hour at Far Pastures hide and had unbelievable views of a kingfisher. These are the best 2 shots I got on using my Canon SX50. I must say that I've been blown away with this little camera. 

I had another trip down to the coastal path between Blyth and Seaton Sluice tonight. Every small bush or shrub seemed to have either a meadow pipit, linnet or stonechat perched on top. They looked great in the warm glow of the late (9pm) sun. A quick look over the dunes to sea produced gannet and sandwich tern.

sneaky hour with stonechats

I had a spare hour last night before heading into town to see Maximo Park, so headed back to the coast to see if the light was any better for photos. heavy grey clouds gave way to sunny intervals and the male stonechat allowed me to get within 3 meters.

Blyth to Seaton Sluice

I had a peddle up to Blyth fron North Shields yesterday with the intention of finding and photographing stonechat. The ride started out in bright sunshine but clouded over as I headed north along the wagon way via Holywell Pond. First bird of note was a marsh harrier just north of the pond. It's fantastic to be able to regularly see these beautiful raptors locally these days.
I headed up the coastal road past The Astley Arms, up to the first roundabout then headed south along the coastal path. I didn't take long to find a family party of stonechats about halfway down the path. The female flew closer towards me while the male shepherded the youngsters away to cover. I managed a couple of shots of the famale and a distant record shot of the male before it started raining.
Other birds seen were meadow pipit, skylark, linnet, yellowhammer and lapwing.
Canny marning and 18 miles covered.