Long tailed Tit was added to the Obs year list yesterday bringing the total to 159. This despite the lack of top quality sea birds this year, so far. And far exceeding my original expectations when i started this first ever Obs year list
Yes i just glanced at the sea and it didn't look promising so having lunch in the Obs didn't seem such a good idea but at last i saw some Long tailed Tits and a few Brambling were flying about the country park. I had seen two Yellow browed Warblers between getting out of my car and reaching the Obs so not a bad start. The sun was out and birds were singing so i decided to head south and have a second look at the Western Bonelli's Warbler and try for some video. As it turned out i was in the perfect position when John Dunnet called "Pallid Swift". Rita had pointed out the bird and John nailed its id and alerted the Bonelli's throng. As most observers were photographers and not birders I'm sure many great photos of the Swift are about.
The Swift kindly hung around till dusk and roosted on St Hilda's Church allowing all those who wanted to see the bird a chance, it was even viewable at roost check out my video posted on the Teesmouth Bird club Website
It was a welcome addition to my county year list which stands at over 240 so far this year
So in view from the Obs tradition this is what i saw in order of appearance :)
Yellow browed Warbler
Yellow browed Warbler
Long tailed Tit
Brambling
Western Bonelli's Warbler
Pallid Swift
not a bad few hours anyway back to the serious stuff of sea watching on Saturday unless..........
