Short-eared Owls Return

I found these Short-eared Owls at Staines Moor in Surrey almost a year to the day that I photographed a pair at the same location.

Thanks for looking.

Siberian Accentor and a Classic Autumn Day at Spurn

After leaving Shetland just before Britain's first Siberian Accentor was found, I wasn't going to miss a second chance when one turned up at Easington in East Yorkshire a few days later.

Staying in Yorkshire made it easy to get there pre-dawn and be at the front of the queue when the praying started to ensure it was still present.  In the gloom of dawn we could soon make out a shape with enough colour visible to confirm its presence. It was already feeding in its preferred location.

First view of Britain's second Siberian Accentor...

As the light got marginally better (it was grey and drizzling), it proved hard to photograph, but that didn't really matter.

After spending some time in Easington, it was down to the Spurn area where is turning into a classic autumn day with some superb birds present.

This Pallas's Warbler was trapped and released mid-morning.

Lesser Redpolls and one of hundreds of Goldcrest in the trapping area:

Near the beach, a couple of Shore Larks:

An unusually showy Dusky Warbler by the canal:

On the way out, another look for the Siberian Accentor found it feeding almost out of view in the gas terminal.  However, it soon flew back to its previous location and briefly perched up on a post for a superb final view of it.

Shetland Images, October 2016

Some images from a recent October visit to Shetland:

Dawn over Lerwick, a great way to arrive:

Exceptionally calm conditions in Scalloway:

Sheltie and Son:

This nice Bluethroat showed well on and off at Laxo, Mainland:

Just down the road, a nice Red-backed Shrike was found thanks to a very friendly resident whose garden it was frequenting.

Back in Lerwick Harbour, a few Black Guillies were close in and a Hooded Crow was loitering:

Day 2 brought the highlight of the week - 200 people with their heads in a bush. What's going on here then?

Far too close for my lens, but this great video from CVLBirders shows the star attraction - a superb Lanceolated Warbler.

Back in Scalloway, a Rose Coloured Starling was easier to locate, hanging around a garden feeder:

During a quiet morning at Sumburgh hundreds of Fulmars were present:

On to the beautiful St. Ninien's Island on the west coast, which has the UKs largest tombola (sand bar) between the Mainland and the island itself:

A vocal Sanderling and a Ringed Plover on the tombola:

St Ninian's Island:

On northerly Unst, the famous bus stop at Baltasound:

Near Skaw at the top of the UK:

Wood Warbler in the UKs most northerly wood at Halligarth, Baltasound

Twite and Little Bunting at Norwick.

Something I haven't come across for a while, a young Hedgehog on the roadside

Back on Mainland, Scalloway at night:

Lesser Redpolls and Yellow-browed Warbler found at Sumburgh Head:

 Maybe they're heading for Fair Isle, follow the arrow....26 miles to go.

Just to prove these road signs are there for a reason:

Thanks for looking!