Kirkstall Abbey squabble

Down by the riverbank at Kirkstall Abbey three Mistle Thrush were engaged in a lively tussle around a weather damaged Willow. Well... two birds got stuck in whilst the third assumed the role of onlooker throughout & I presume two males were fighting over the female. The squabble went on for a couple of minutes until they were disturbed by oncoming walkers oblivious to the noisy duel overhead.

I have to admit that I had to ask my Dad for help in making sure these were Mistle Thrush & not Song Thrush. Here you can see the white underwings of a Mistle Thrush as opposed to the Song Thrush that has orange buff underwings.

The commotion seemed to attract the attention of other birds in the neighbourhood & quickly on the scene was a nosy Magpie, Long Tailed Tits, Chafinch, Wren, Robin and a Treecreeper.

Gertcha!

On returning to the spot 20 minutes later one bird remained, I wonder which one of the three it was.

By the Abbey a couple of Mute Swan flew directly overhead, heading NW providing a great view of the underside of the bird in flight.

Teeside visit part1, Saltholme RSPB

We travelled up to Billingham at the weekend & made the most of the fine weather. There was a clear difference in wildlife compared to our previous visits in February & March where wintering waders & wildfowl gathered in large flocks.

At RSPB Saltholme, on the paved entrance in front of us appeared a Garden Tiger Moth caterpillar. The setae or bristles can cause a rash if handled, luckily we didn’t even try to pick it up & it was safely escorted across the path by a fascinated 3 year old & her mum. The caterpillars pupate from June to July, the moths hatching July to August.

We noticed a few Yellow wagtails bobbing around the place, apparently several pairs nest at the centre. They’re summer visitors that migrate to Africa in winter. I’ve compared a Grey Wagtail & Yellow Wagtail for my benefit to remind myself how different they look.

From the hide a Grey Heron fished on the edge of Saltholme Pools, it looked like the injured Heron reported on the website, despite its injury it showed no difficulty in feeding.

In front of the hide a Mute Swan settled on its nest in the shallows near the edge of the lake.

At the far side of Saltholme Pools a pair of Great Crested Grebe were present. After spotting one bird on the water, I noticed another in the reeds, realising it was sat on the nest I kept my distance on the opposite side of the road before making my retreat so not to cause alarm.


Find out more about local sightings at Teeside Bird Club

Bottoms up

Andrea revisited Fairburn Ings to test drive the new lens bought last weekend. The Long Eared Owls continue to attract visitors. Also spotted were two Grey Herons, Kestrel, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Mute Swan.

Bottoms up - male & female Shoveller feeding

Shoveller in distinctive side profile.

Shoveller...strike a pose

Teal
On the move, a Mute Swan and a pair of Grey Herons fly overhead.