Durham Birding (9 Viewers)

[duncan fraser]

The photos of the Dipper are a bit blurry - low light, rain and distance - but I think the reddish-brown is evident (when enlarged)

 

[duncan fraser]

more photos

 

[Ray.Scott]

Am I correct in thinking that this is a Redpoll?

.

Yes, Redpoll, June.

 

[Ron Hindhaugh]

Some shots from Clara Vale & Far Pastures today.

 

[IanF]

Castle Eden Dene - west end by A19 - Dipper x2 present around lunchtime, both appeared to be UK birds with chestnut brown bellies though one appeared darker than other especially in poor light. Seemed to be a pair the way they were frequently together.

Also of note Trecreeper, Jay, LTT, Goldcrest c.12 in roving group, Willow Tit.

Hurworth Burn Reservoir old platform area - GSW x4, Willow Tit x4 with often 2 or 3 on feeders together, LTT x6, Treecreeper, Reed Bunting x4.

Dipper video clip - http://youtu.be/_YBgg4o6JEU

 

[duncan fraser]

Looking at Ian's photos and my own again, and comparing them with those of the Thetford bird(s) there appears to be very little difference - possibly the brown is slightly more extensive on the Castle Eden bird (especially on the sides). It would seem that nominate cinclus can show a narrow band of reddish/brown or blackish/brown (the exact colour seems to vary with the amount of sunlight) and the Castle Eden bird also shows this feature.
I suspect the Norfolk (and similar Shetland) birds had a fairly easy ride with the relevant committees as it's highly likely that any Dipper in these counties will be from the continent - as they don't have their own populations.
In Durham this is clearly not the case and the bar will probably be considerably higher. A small percentage of UK birds are very dark (only showing a narrow reddish/brown band on the margin of the belly) so the cinclus and gularis birds at the extreme end of the range will appear very similar (and extremely difficult to separate). It also seems to be the case that some birds in Durham head towards the lowlands in winter, so it's not a foregone conclusion that this is a Black-bellied Dipper.
An additional problem is the low light levels at the bottom of the dene and the recent poor weather, so it is difficult to get an extremely clear view of the bird.
I think its open to question exactly which sub-species this is. More viewers and opinions might help to resolve the problem.

 

[Michael A]

RSPB Garden Birdwatch

Spent an hour or so watching birds in garden.
L.Redpollx7, Siskinx9, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Wren, H.Sparrowx4, Robin, Blackbirds, Dunnock, Bl.Tit, Grt Tit, Coal Tit, Jackdaws, Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon and my first Brambling this year.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trampsandhawkers/
http://www.trampsandhawkers.co.uk/gallery/

 

[AndyEmery]

We had no birds at all in the garden this weekend thanks to weather, noisy-dogged neighbours and there being no trees around this new-build!

 

[IanF]

Despite the poor weather we had twelve species during the count though nothing spectacular. Pretty much what we see every day -

Blackbird x8, Starling x3, Great Tit, Blue Tit x3, Greenfinch x2, Goldfinch x4, Chaffinch x6, Wren, Robin, Dunnock x2, House Sparrow x4, Magpie.

Bird numbers in the garden this winter have been very low compared to previous years.

 

[Michael A]

When Consett Steel Works was operating you could see Tens of Thousands of Starlings locally. Now if I get one in the garden it's a very rare tick.

 

[2slo]

Clara Vale on Monday 27th January

When Consett Steel Works was operating you could see Tens of Thousands of Starlings locally. Now if I get one in the garden it's a very rare tick.

Unless it's pure coincidence I assume you were in Clara Vale bird hide on Monday as the person next to me made that very same comment! You're right, there are far fewer now (I'm along the road in Lanchester) and the same has happened to House Sparrows, although that's a national issue.
It was a good day on Monday at Clara Vale, the Kingfisher(s) were showing well along with a Wren and others close to the hide. Some shots from the day:

 

[Michael A]

Unless it's pure coincidence I assume you were in Clara Vale bird hide on Monday as the person next to me made that very same comment! You're right, there are far fewer now (I'm along the road in Lanchester) and the same has happened to House Sparrows, although that's a national issue.
It was a good day on Monday at Clara Vale, the Kingfisher(s) were showing well along with a Wren and others close to the hide. Some shots from the day:

View attachment 481803 View attachment 481804 View attachment 481805 View attachment 481806 View attachment 481807

I was there Monday see you got some nice shots.
http://www.trampsandhawkers.co.uk/gallery/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trampsandhawkers/

 

[smrtyr1]

Unless it's pure coincidence I assume you were in Clara Vale bird hide on Monday as the person next to me made that very same comment! You're right, there are far fewer now (I'm along the road in Lanchester) and the same has happened to House Sparrows, although that's a national issue.
It was a good day on Monday at Clara Vale, the Kingfisher(s) were showing well along with a Wren and others close to the hide. Some shots from the day:

View attachment 481803 View attachment 481804 View attachment 481805 View attachment 481806 View attachment 481807

I think he meant to say VERY nice shots, how close was the kingfisher and what camera and lens where you using.
cheers Brian

 

[2slo]

I was there Monday see you got some nice shots.
http://www.trampsandhawkers.co.uk/gallery/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trampsandhawkers/

I think he meant to say VERY nice shots, how close was the kingfisher and what camera and lens where you using.
cheers Brian

Thanks. I'd guess the Kingfisher was about 40' away in the above shots. These were taken with a Canon 1Dx using a 500mm f/4 lens and 2x TC = 1000mm.
Back again today and he was still showing well. Got some shots but not as good as Monday due to poor light. Distant views of a Goldcrest this morning on the fence to the right of the hide.

 

[dannyboy]

Kingfisher

Mark those shots of the kingfisher are superb especially the second one:t:

 

[IanF]

RSPB Saltholme - am - east pond - Goldeneye x5, Long-tailed Duck. Only one seen this morning though two present still yesterday.

Phil Stead Hide - Redpoll x2 coming to the feeders along with Tree Sparrow, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Chaffinch. Robin and Wren in scrub behind feeding area.

Glossy Ibis present the last few days at Haverton Viewpoint was seen to fly off towards Billingham this morning. It was relocated on the fields adjacent to Belasis Avenue where it remained the rest of the day either amongst the horses or feeding in amongst the Crows and Rooks which meant it was difficult to spot at times.

Video of Glossy Ibis - slowmo 120 fps - http://youtu.be/sAlR2t1j2eA?a

Video of Redpolls - slowmo 240 fps - http://youtu.be/EQ1RNA_p-sI?a

 

[2slo]

Mark those shots of the kingfisher are superb especially the second one:t:

Thanks Danny |=)|

 

[duncan fraser]

I caught up with the Castle Eden Dene Dipper again this afternoon (2pm). At first it was difficult to find, but I eventually found it. Initially it was quite skittish and only showed briefly. Initial views showed it to be very dark-bellied, especially when seen through binoculars at medium distance. some photos seemed to indicate it as dark bellied.

 

[Mike Hunter]

Dippers

Hi Duncan

We met last weekend dipping on the dipper. The best photos yet - nice one. I have to say if this is the 'dark' bird I don't think it's Dark-bellied. The photos you took previously seemed to look much more convincing but this was presumably down to the dull light.

Mike

 

[Ray.Scott]

A few shots from Barlow area today, good number of kites about, at various locations, also at least 4 buzzard seen.