Teesmouth Bird Club

Hello all, please can anyone enlighten me as to why when GSW visit my bird table, that on probably 20-25% of the visits the bird will sit almost motionless for 2 to 4 mins, his head will occasionally move slightly. It always sit on the upright that supports the table with it's back to the garden, I've never seen it with it' back to the house. I have never seen a bird of prey in the vicinity at the time, or maybe they can hear something that I can't? Could it possibly be digesting food from its last feed before it visits my garden? But saying that I've observed it feeding on nuts and then going motionless on the post? Look forward to any other suggestions!
Regards Malcolm

Gargany and LRP from Phil Stead Hide today plus two different looking Dippers taken yesterday near Masham. Could anyone tell me why there is such a marked difference in the colouration of the two Dippers. (As promised for the lads in the Phil Stead hide today) thanks for you input and company. Malcolm

Very sorry to hear about Ted, he was a true gent. Malcolm Corps Bedale.

Martin, just finished looking on Matt's European Butterflies website where on the intro write up before you open it it says " Mountain" Marsh Fritillary - debilis (glaciegenita). Opening it up I find varying butterflies all debilis and yes there is a match! just the one in my book just doesn't happen to be a perfect match on the size of the markings, but the main pattern fits. So well done to you and many thanks, I need a bigger better book obviously, more to this butterfly lark than meets the eye!! Cheers Malc

Thanks to Michael and Martyn and yes it was at altitude at the top of one of the passes. I don't have the glaciegenita sp in my book but it does show a fair resemblance to E. a. debilis but I still don't think its that either. Have to go out now, but will look up the glaciegenita when I get back. Thanks to both again Malc

Thanks Chris, must agree about the underwing, but Im struggling to get a good match for upperwing, it really does pay to look in different id books. Just had a look in yet another and the uppers do come near to it. Thanks very much for you interest and help, I may be posting more I feel in time to come once Ive sorted out the so called slightly easier ones. Malc

I took these pictures in the Dolomite mountains late July early August and I am still struggling with ID, any contributions would be gratefully accepted. Thakyou Malcolm. 

Thankyou to you both James and Paul, but a differing opinion I see, will have to do some more investigating I fear. Thanks once again for your input. Malcolm

Taken in Andalucia Spain first week in August, it was max 2ft long, I discovered it in the garden of the place we were staying. It was trying to catch young frogs in the Alberca a small water storage reservoir which all or most properties in the area have Any ideas anyone!

Can this bird be a Chiffchaff? Dont they have black legs? Or is that because its a young bird? Picture taken 27/05/12 Would be grateful for any answers. Malcolm

Thanks very much Keith, here are a couple more shots from the same batch, I haven't had time to sort them properly till now. Regards Malcolm

Thanks Renton, I was surprised that any shots came out really, it was dull and I was using hand focus at the time, and hadnt time to change it when the bird was disturbed by an Avocet. Regards Malcolm

Taken 17/06/12 at Greatham Creak on southern pools

I know nothing about ringing at all and was just curious as to what all the different ones on this Avocet actually mean, and wont this particular bird find five rings a bit of a nuisence?

Many thanks to Chris and Jamie both, I did quite a bit of searching on line myself and Im sure its not in my moth book? Anyway thanks again for your time and trouble, Regards Malcolm