Teesmouth Bird Club

Distant record shot taken on Cowpen today.

Please note it is essential that all observers/ photographers do not leave the footpaths as there are many breeding birds in the area, and disturbance needs to be kept to an absolute minimum.

Many thanks.

CHRIS BELL

Crap record of all three birds in the elders around 8am.

Stunning birds!

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Better shot taken today.

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Clearly not up to Martyns standard but.....

The deluge of records continues.  Can't believe I twitched the 2011 bird from Norfolk!

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Hi this would also appear to be a 'Continental' Cormorant of the form 'sinensis'.  

An under-recorded form in Cleveland which doesn't make it into the report every year though doubtless occurs in numbers.  Formerly a Continental race of our familiar Cormorant it now breeds regularly in Britain (including Abberton Reservoir) where it forms mixed colonies with nominate 'carbo'.

See: http://www.britishbirds.co.uk/search?model=pdf&id=9474

Also see the attached image stolen off the net for the clinching ID feature.

One to look out for....

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

On the beach c400 yards north of North Gare around lunchtime/ early afternoon.

An elusive little s....

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Some things creeping around in the grass this afternoon.

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Record shot taken at c100 yards range with my SX50.

Funnily enough all the other camera toting clowns walking quickly directly towards the bird every time it landed in the grass resulted in it flying off to the opposite end of the cemetery EVERY single time.

The lack of even basic fieldcraft was astounding.

CHRIS BELL

PS: I have no beef whatsoever with photographers (of which I attempt to be myself at times), though perhaps some of our more experienced photographers could pass some of their knowledge on to others.  Most of it is clearly down to inexperience regarding the the subject matter and a little 'camera blindness' rather than being intentional, but running straight towards a bird is unlikely to get you a good shot.  Most of the best shots are taken by those with patience who sit and wait for the bird to come to them.... Some of whom wait for hours to get the perfect shot which deserves respect.

First for the Borough of Hartlepool I believe.

If anyone finds a pair of glasses at the site can they let me know please.  Lost mine in the grass. Oops..

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Giving stupendous views this afternoon!

Canon SX50

CHRIS BELL

Canon SX50

Taken shortly after it was found.

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Not quite up to Martyns standard....

Canon SX50

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

Had to get the book out but looks like a Marsh Fritillary to me.  Quite a variable species but the underwing looks spot on.

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

One more from me yesterday.  Canon SX50.

Cheers

CHRIS BELL

A good year for this species locally.  I didn't even see one last year.

Cheers

CHRIS BELL