Spotted Redshank 2cy summer

never even realised that Spotted Redshanks have a recognisable 2cy summer plumage until today

Ring Ouzel

just appeared in a tree top in front of me - no time to adjust angle or anything - Alkborough Flats this morning 

North American Mink

my best ever pictures by pure chance as it appeared where I was looking for a Cetti's but a sort of bitter sweet success with such an unwanted predator -- no pithing it was just looking to cross a track and making sure the coast was clear first

Richard's Pipit post moult

now looking pristine after it sure-breeding moult -- must be due to depart shortly

Grasshopper Warbler, Common Tern and Barn Swallow

Black Tern

first of the spring hopefully there will be more to come -- never very close and deliberately restricted viewing but a cracking bird all the same --

a fairly slow week

worst light I have known this week, just haze and shimmer and yuk -- male Marsh Harrier and a new female, my earliest ever Swift by one day beating the 2 on April 19th 2010, Willow Warbler in a willow, Tree Pipit in a tree and not, Common Crossbills in an oak 2 of 11 today, an unexpected forest Hen Harrier this morning that from iris colour looks to be a 2cy male, a paler Buzzard and a darker one

Spring firsts today

a fine local Yellow Wagtail and at least three Tree Pipits back on territory in the forest

Red-necked Grebe again

how often do you get a summer plumages Red-necked Grebe 5 minutes from home - a shame not to keep trying but getting the right light and lack of wind is the key