tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38178111802590880732024-03-14T09:49:56.510-07:00The Occasional BirderAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-6828775622832545562015-10-28T14:14:00.000-07:002015-10-28T14:14:15.809-07:00Scotland 2015 Part 2 - Fort William and beyond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back on the mainland, and we headed to Fort William for the next stage of our trip where we had one destination in mind, Allt Mhuic. About 20 minutes outside FW on the Northern bank of Loch Arkaig sits this little gem of a reserve. We had missed the peak time to visit, in Spring and Summer when a mouthwatering array of Butterflies, Birds and Orchids can be seen, but we knew we had a good chance of seeing a species that neither of us had seen before, Scotch Argus. As we arrived on the shores of Loch Arkaig, the sun began to shine and we began to get our hopes up. A lovely grey wagtail was plucking insects from above the water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smart as ever Grey Wagtail</td></tr>
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The reserve itself was an amazing place, even though we were somewhat out of season. There was Scabious and Goldenrod everywhere and it wasn't long until we connected with a cracking Whinchat as a Buzzard called overhead. We were on our way back down the hill before we found what we had come for. A single Scotch Argus burst off the path from in front of us and dropped into some long grass. We weren't sure how many we would see, so we crept slowly up to it and got great, albeit grassy views of this lovely little butterfly. If we had known what was to come we may not have been so concerned, as by the end of our walk we had seen at least 7 individuals basking in the sunshine. We promised ourselves that we would be back here as soon as possible, it is truly a special place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotch Argus</td></tr>
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<br />Our next stop was visiting friends in Inverness, and on the way we planned to stop for a boot around Loch an Eilein to search for what was my top target for the trip! The Loch itself was lovely, although searching through Tit flocks was made slightly tricky by the ever-persistent midges. We thought that it wasn't to be our day, but then we heard it.... unmistakable even at the first time of ever hearing one! A quick scan of the nearby trees revealed two simply sublime Crested Tit. Yes yes yes! They spent a good few minutes calling and feeding in the trees above us before moving off into the woods. These little birds alone are worth driving hundreds of miles to spend time with. The always lovely Red Squirrels were also making their presence known around the loch; one can only hope that in the future this species will recover across Britain and become a regular site wherever you may be!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning.... Crested Tit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely Red Squirrel.</td></tr>
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We arrived in Inverness very very happy, and all set to explore even further North! All that is to come in the next post......<br /><br /><br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-70806658476249780992015-09-17T13:24:00.000-07:002015-09-17T14:18:35.548-07:00Scotland 2015 Part 1 - Mull<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been on our list for a long time, and we finally made the trip to start exploring the beauty of the North and West coasts of Scotland. Our starting point was Mull, with only one thing in mind... Eagles. After a very enjoyable trip from Oban on the ferry which produced plenty of Manx Shearwater, we headed to the south-western tip of the island to set up camp. There were plenty of Stonechat and Golden Plover around, but the weather soon turned and a drizzly haze descended, severely hampering our chances of seeing any eagles. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view was spectacular looking over to Iona, but we suffered from the lack of shelter....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This handsome fellow joined us for breakfast </td></tr>
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After a fairly sleepless night largely due to the wind, we decided to head to a more sheltered spot near Tobermory and explore on the way. We struck gold almost immediately, as we found a ringtail Hen Harrier hunting over some grassland near Pennyghael. Every time I am lucky enough to see one of these magnificent birds I can't help but think of their current plight in England and how we must continue the fight to protect them. We managed some great views of an Otter as it swam along just off the shore, and it wasn't long after that we connected with not one but two of our target birds. As we drove along the North coast of Loch Scridain two huge birds dropped over the tree line and cruised a little way before settling in some pines. We screeched to halt, then released we needed to get the car off the road first. There was some frantic reversing and soon we were looking through our scopes at a magnificent pair of White-tailed Eagles. Nothing that you hear or read can prepare you for just how spectacular these birds are, in size, structure and plumage. Wow! It was a joy to watch them from less than 200m away as they preened, every now and then stopping to observe their surroundings, check that we were staying put and then carrying on. From a bird on the brink to a conservation success story in 10 minutes.... Pause for thought.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbFw_fsHu1hgY2PXEuvU7NIrKHAeVD4-CPiwoUClYV-S90FCml96ENKqhfQ3Roco77UeV-ZeFufVpnDDkPFDR250JGEdg1P1701-QB8RHDQ3RIr76JHPm6FBc781MWt5Vjyfg5mWJY_2n/s1600/P1120289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbFw_fsHu1hgY2PXEuvU7NIrKHAeVD4-CPiwoUClYV-S90FCml96ENKqhfQ3Roco77UeV-ZeFufVpnDDkPFDR250JGEdg1P1701-QB8RHDQ3RIr76JHPm6FBc781MWt5Vjyfg5mWJY_2n/s320/P1120289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There will be no digiscoping awards for this, but you can make out what it is. And what a bird..... White-tailed Eagle</td></tr>
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Incredibly satisfied we continued North on the road towards Knock. The drive takes you through some beautiful scenery; steep hills rise on either side of the road, interspersed with grey scree contrasting with the vibrant flowering heather, while ahead sheer cliffs fall away into what on that day was a sea as smooth as glass. Scanning the hills we were rewarded with countless Buzzards and a pair of screeching Peregrine, but then something else appeared. It was being mobbed, and after a brief glimpse from a moving car the first thought was Buzzard and Crows. As one of the smaller birds banked, it had the unmistakable shape of a Raven, and then the excitement set in. There was more screeching of brakes and frantic parking, and this time we were watching a Golden Eagle being mobbed by Ravens. You can't write it. We watched as the party drifted along the top of the hill before dipping over the top and out of view. This is what all the hype was about. Soon after, the rain set in, and as it did a second Golden Eagle drifted over as we had stopped to look at a Black Guillemot on Loch Na Keal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYco1vvYu0PVt0co5iKsvKfnrLz9qrH6GPPThZ96lQE9YA3DSAmR9eDgE-iQ-09Kqo9Eb-RQX9PyigFug6wzlLk0Qu_8ygjcGdsJuB9jO8iKIpprhcezgAD0z_Yt7hcZOLiOx8qdAoVhgX/s1600/P1120359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYco1vvYu0PVt0co5iKsvKfnrLz9qrH6GPPThZ96lQE9YA3DSAmR9eDgE-iQ-09Kqo9Eb-RQX9PyigFug6wzlLk0Qu_8ygjcGdsJuB9jO8iKIpprhcezgAD0z_Yt7hcZOLiOx8qdAoVhgX/s320/P1120359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very imposing silhouette, a pair of Golden Eagle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful scenery of Mull</td></tr>
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The sun was shining in Tobermory and we got a much better nights sleep. We spent our next day exploring the North of the island. The whole island was littered with Buzzards and Ravens, and Stonechat and Wheatear were common too. We added another pair of Golden Eagle along the road from Salen to Dervaig. Mull had well and truly delivered, and very happy we took the ferry from Tobermory to Kilchoan and made for Fort William. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very welcome sight was a flock over 25 juvenile Mistle Thrush</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-85671267858469880162015-07-13T03:32:00.000-07:002015-07-13T03:36:31.249-07:00Sodden Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It feels like summer still hasn't arrived. A brief few days of sunshine where I managed to burn my legs (their first exposure to sun since Argentina in December) and then it was gone and the rains returned. This is just a minor inconvenience for us but for the seabirds around the islands it can mean life or death. We are in the middle of compiling and analysing breeding numbers for the year, and while the majority of species were on the islands in good numbers to breed, productivity has been a different story. It is still just too early to tell how bad it has been, but the signs on the ground aren't good. It's not all doom and gloom however, as we have been seeing chicks of certain species in good numbers, like this adorable Guillemot for example. And despite the flooding, Puffins are bringing Sandeels in in good numbers for those chicks that have survived.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffin with a good haul</td></tr>
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The chicks that have survived are all nearing their first milestone in their lives, leaving the nest. Whether that be Kittiwakes taking their first flight, Guillemots jumping from the cliffs or Pufflings sneaking off out to sea in the middle of the night. And before all this happens, we attempt to get round and ring as many of them as we can to carry on the research that the Farnes is so important for. Ringing recoveries can provide fascinating and important information into the migration, longevity and nest site fidelity of all our birds.<br />
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We started the day with Sandwich Terns. This particular species is well known for its infidelity to nesting sites, and to try and learn more about these movements we are darvic ringing chicks that hatch on the island to make it easier to track them, not only to their eventual nest sites but also on their migration.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UDA, ready to go (in a few weeks)</td></tr>
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Next onto the Puffins. They are easy to catch; it's simply a case of plunging your hand into a burrow to see what is in there. If you get a Puffling then all is well, if there is an adult as well then it can be a different story. Quite understandably they aren't pleased when you pull them from their burrows, and boy do they let you know. Not only are their beaks sharp, they also have incredibly sharp claws for digging their burrows which are equally adept at getting through skin. In the hand they are remarkably hardy birds, all muscle and dense feathers and of course adorable, particularly the Pufflings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZwMcnU-qQwMPlTAxTZW9GzHeYmbKK7coDUvwv9yUDUatZSRylYCEw3dbaQI11pf56GI8PtTGvyfsu_xMY0LyWIYmZcLdt_eKu9AtC8HmAgPOTcRVvCbCmTyuQ2O9SRryhJHgQ5uw2LSw/s1600/P1110772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZwMcnU-qQwMPlTAxTZW9GzHeYmbKK7coDUvwv9yUDUatZSRylYCEw3dbaQI11pf56GI8PtTGvyfsu_xMY0LyWIYmZcLdt_eKu9AtC8HmAgPOTcRVvCbCmTyuQ2O9SRryhJHgQ5uw2LSw/s320/P1110772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Puffling, beat that for cuteness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggPhwK9VHkPSAR-s7YeAu_MtxCYDFHiqDNIHtVjjaZuCq4bLRj_tmBw-Phdg6_laoqvA0DJKJnnxYAm8_5vhn9uHtfuVbunJ3bVvhMm7WI1-6ds1Kawh9Gd_OPGiN0wR8suWWSNvRplqN/s1600/P1110799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggPhwK9VHkPSAR-s7YeAu_MtxCYDFHiqDNIHtVjjaZuCq4bLRj_tmBw-Phdg6_laoqvA0DJKJnnxYAm8_5vhn9uHtfuVbunJ3bVvhMm7WI1-6ds1Kawh9Gd_OPGiN0wR8suWWSNvRplqN/s320/P1110799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out those claws</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxJKYedNOjYrUhlAhQKb-AE3QArj6Glc5iD5QgTd4nEiNlNWaolyiMl6R6E8f-Vo2azCuXWnA2T-b7AGrNYVAyanGfZpuddeBFvcovYJvOZAQQrZO5u2fq0_mi72IpKxmRk-9Vc39Xhv1/s1600/P1110798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxJKYedNOjYrUhlAhQKb-AE3QArj6Glc5iD5QgTd4nEiNlNWaolyiMl6R6E8f-Vo2azCuXWnA2T-b7AGrNYVAyanGfZpuddeBFvcovYJvOZAQQrZO5u2fq0_mi72IpKxmRk-9Vc39Xhv1/s320/P1110798.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Involuntary cuddle for an adult Puffin</td></tr>
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Also on our hit list were any juvenile Kittiwakes within reach and any Shags we could get close to as well. We Darvic ring our shags as well, and for similar reasons to the Sandwich Terns. Just as with the Puffins, the Shags possess a sharp beak and a nasty bite, and particular care has to be taken as they tend to go for your eyes if they can get close enough. Of course, this young one was far more placid. It really is a privilege to live on these islands and share them with these birds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1tioYxS1pBWiraABsZFkJfmdboZcCZ5eEEoiIaPUqLW7nB7UfAcrQP2_hLSzglZTfQTmQ0keUFNNHWDSrFh4zlp5Uv00aW88E26fc83CFNW_wALSXE1jZeZhH8XgnoD93wRDm8XS7YNM/s1600/P1110804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1tioYxS1pBWiraABsZFkJfmdboZcCZ5eEEoiIaPUqLW7nB7UfAcrQP2_hLSzglZTfQTmQ0keUFNNHWDSrFh4zlp5Uv00aW88E26fc83CFNW_wALSXE1jZeZhH8XgnoD93wRDm8XS7YNM/s320/P1110804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both looking a bit fluffy......</td></tr>
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The skies are still grey today but luckily it's mild. A lot of the chicks we have now are hopefully large enough to survive whatever the rest of July has to throw at them, but only time will tell.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-66272773721891369032015-06-02T12:16:00.000-07:002015-06-02T12:16:15.794-07:00Season in Full Swing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A lot happens in a month on the Farnes, especially at this time of year. The only thing that hasn't changed appears to be the weather, as the sun refuses to shine for long and westerly winds persist; enough to drive any rarity-hunter to distraction at this time of year. Luckily this week the Black-winged Pratincole at Bothal brought some very welcome relief from this spell without rares. I managed a few poor "record shots" but to be honest I was more interested in enjoying this majestic bird as it put on a real show for the gathered crowd, flying within 20 metres of us at times. My first Pratincole...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2GDD0WcKJqZaIbiK-lUUo3c_VwT5qoAm0B0p8camCyZi5fp43otFGPbxZ6pHyFcnLtg_u6oWlxIKA36l5-qnWlabfBdF5_uF-gBGiixIsYGQNZ-LzklXVYTOP7X9nWIo18dB4h_EekdD/s1600/P1100823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2GDD0WcKJqZaIbiK-lUUo3c_VwT5qoAm0B0p8camCyZi5fp43otFGPbxZ6pHyFcnLtg_u6oWlxIKA36l5-qnWlabfBdF5_uF-gBGiixIsYGQNZ-LzklXVYTOP7X9nWIo18dB4h_EekdD/s320/P1100823.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-winged Pratincole at Bothal; a fabulous fabulous bird.</td></tr>
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A BWP arriving on the Farnes at this time of year would have some competition for attention though, as all our resident species are present in maximum number and we have plenty of chicks around as well. Cute vs Rare. Our Shag chicks are by far and away the most developed, exactly as we would expect. Some are already looking too big for the nest, and it will be a busy period ahead for the parents of all these hungry mouths.<br />
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We now also have Kittiwake, Razorbill and Guillemot chicks emerging, and fresh batches of Eider ducklings appear every day. While eggs are still dominant, it won't be long before that trend reverses, and all our birds will be busy feeding up their chicks, readying them for their first trip out to sea. One sign we eagerly await at this time of year is Puffins bringing in Sand Eels, which can only mean one thing... PUFFLINGS a serious contender for the Farnes most adorable chick. Then again, the competition is very stiff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT_9o395soWZSkMjAL7V81S9RBiunGPlKI3uP8fo0cJwsSvAm0ui5bSk-o9RhjhbFTLxLeVJqUv0NFXxTiKr3n3JuHF_FKX2JNrKtcjKSKVUIFGh_jU1VuXYWZSaMqR_yVFmMNmnjgiVu/s1600/20140617_104014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT_9o395soWZSkMjAL7V81S9RBiunGPlKI3uP8fo0cJwsSvAm0ui5bSk-o9RhjhbFTLxLeVJqUv0NFXxTiKr3n3JuHF_FKX2JNrKtcjKSKVUIFGh_jU1VuXYWZSaMqR_yVFmMNmnjgiVu/s320/20140617_104014.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If that isn't cute, I don't know what is. Puffling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RFb74mbwPezrxCv0XacCSPQyTo642prSmSl6euM579hbm04jiBiX8GXWlUhCS6bElVKydQhC0zW8DC0WkR720pgdPeKa7VSDZEwc2WKWXKedwQE68daI31DpvWLmX7DaXSjwuu1w-Nw4/s1600/P1110021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RFb74mbwPezrxCv0XacCSPQyTo642prSmSl6euM579hbm04jiBiX8GXWlUhCS6bElVKydQhC0zW8DC0WkR720pgdPeKa7VSDZEwc2WKWXKedwQE68daI31DpvWLmX7DaXSjwuu1w-Nw4/s320/P1110021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying low for now, it won't be long before these little guys are off to sea! </td></tr>
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Without doubt the species with the most "presence" on the islands are the Arctic Terns. For the the next few months our home becomes theirs and life very much evolves to fit in around these magnificent birds. A majority of them are now down on eggs and in a few weeks we will begin to find the newest generation of this truly remarkable species. It never ceases to amaze me when I walk around the islands that by the end of this year, some of these birds (currently tiny eggs) will be somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere, most likely off the coast of Australia or the Antarctic pack ice. This species experiences more daylight hours than any other animal on the planet. It's not all about the Arctic Terns though. We have our colony of Common and Sandwich Terns all now on eggs as well, and we expect to see chicks from them soon too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH-F_pFje5RIzZmCzKpZhk1prIHd9c8ODuO7WGPS9dVy99Yj8mAy1gaUuzOqWwwWiPJAHUe8Pcku7bx6jx6o8CWwlKMPJMMNEtC-fA9fDvkYnEESWjv2oh5quYoOMrbC4dI6n6lcjBF0V/s1600/P1110075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH-F_pFje5RIzZmCzKpZhk1prIHd9c8ODuO7WGPS9dVy99Yj8mAy1gaUuzOqWwwWiPJAHUe8Pcku7bx6jx6o8CWwlKMPJMMNEtC-fA9fDvkYnEESWjv2oh5quYoOMrbC4dI6n6lcjBF0V/s320/P1110075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Arctic Tern nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofGy6-Xj9U_5pFKxQTDAxwksgXoYv_pDQAahyEgnZoa7-k7S6vXRoheu0mO182MBGYZ0iG3_oz70jHqWG7ZqtCHYhd2EIvbcBfagEqB_tXs2hIKXgyJgE5tr5kCGaLmZToifXKESIsWN8/s1600/P1110036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofGy6-Xj9U_5pFKxQTDAxwksgXoYv_pDQAahyEgnZoa7-k7S6vXRoheu0mO182MBGYZ0iG3_oz70jHqWG7ZqtCHYhd2EIvbcBfagEqB_tXs2hIKXgyJgE5tr5kCGaLmZToifXKESIsWN8/s320/P1110036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a typical view of an Arctic Tern on Inner Farne</td></tr>
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On Inner Farne recently have also been the usual pair of Roseate Tern that grace the islands at this time of year. They display, even copulate, threaten to breed and then disappear. Every year we keep our fingers crossed that they will stick around to breed again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRdaJzAmB1IelTe6IdteOVXcF8fnzaRBT2E0c7voEtqwJC0_-zfyCg9Jp14P-4PC3V-ZF68pzRTZp_vz75Kp1RiePfgU9igjEYHRAZr1NRItfwdnRuByxH6JxpaOeB0vZ1nrC10MTKcFO/s1600/P1100682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRdaJzAmB1IelTe6IdteOVXcF8fnzaRBT2E0c7voEtqwJC0_-zfyCg9Jp14P-4PC3V-ZF68pzRTZp_vz75Kp1RiePfgU9igjEYHRAZr1NRItfwdnRuByxH6JxpaOeB0vZ1nrC10MTKcFO/s320/P1100682.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Roseate with an Arctic Tern getting involved too.</td></tr>
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It's not all about the seabirds on the islands either. Hopefully it's third time lucky for a pair of Ringed Plover on Inner Farne, and this time they've chosen the beach near to the Arctic Terns. This time we've got in early and put a cage over the eggs to keep them safe from predators, but still allow access for the Ringed Plover. We have also ringed the first Pied Wagtail chicks of the year, and it won't be long until they'll be out and about and exploring the islands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWugde28NUZ0oX98MhWGqkcVbuAlkD8n-2iJONN8KBOF-9mcRKiKkV1ZGLyUqUgDouAds46R4YJgbZfkQrcvq8HvR9_lzYMBOey46VtX7vRuDyp4zx0PBXiJhwjlcEBVvVGCG17-U7voY1/s1600/P1100643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWugde28NUZ0oX98MhWGqkcVbuAlkD8n-2iJONN8KBOF-9mcRKiKkV1ZGLyUqUgDouAds46R4YJgbZfkQrcvq8HvR9_lzYMBOey46VtX7vRuDyp4zx0PBXiJhwjlcEBVvVGCG17-U7voY1/s320/P1100643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringed Plover amongst the beautiful lichen that covers the rocks around the islands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqq64ZmBnwCcrysHgDobZI7Nu5ycbmSjNU1I0KoYXqUgsoIJpJTZ0Spo3XDfsyunu9fWJLkOg5dyPjtyM1ugbzygyBabC7UwxidBHuuluDq2EOlPfyw8_-V5xBLYF6KcWTq1cqK5UpUku/s1600/P1110135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqq64ZmBnwCcrysHgDobZI7Nu5ycbmSjNU1I0KoYXqUgsoIJpJTZ0Spo3XDfsyunu9fWJLkOg5dyPjtyM1ugbzygyBabC7UwxidBHuuluDq2EOlPfyw8_-V5xBLYF6KcWTq1cqK5UpUku/s320/P1110135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderfully camouflaged Ringed Plover eggs (although sometimes not enough)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-nYeapTjBORg0X1WTkDr6DcwQqNNg4WgS4hMLHoukp42Je_p0vHyNdYt5vPGwhn3lWi3QZxIpYDqcLhhgcJpSLQfQIwUuMxP9wOA5MmTJ6nnh8WG3Irs8Aj-6qMxZrPdBHHBG6RwO8HV/s1600/P1110181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-nYeapTjBORg0X1WTkDr6DcwQqNNg4WgS4hMLHoukp42Je_p0vHyNdYt5vPGwhn3lWi3QZxIpYDqcLhhgcJpSLQfQIwUuMxP9wOA5MmTJ6nnh8WG3Irs8Aj-6qMxZrPdBHHBG6RwO8HV/s320/P1110181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks nice and cosy in there</td></tr>
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And finally, believe it or not it's no always about the birds. As we were getting a lift back out to the islands after our day off, a sharp-eyed visitor spotted a fin. It turned out to be around 15 split between two pods of Bottlenose Dolphins. They we simply wonderful to watch, jumping clean out of the water and swimming right along side the boat. As we edge into summer sightings will become more and more frequent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTnzAH4OhAEqVJrhb7v2KIaMZYVbepDPmoNcvkOtcLoKRsNuZD2NmiOz1kz6_y9dUFUjmFW5oz6sONeUShVSfe3ksWY5An0Cdwc22HOSGaqAzl6e6or5qymRYKCRmQ4BGtOVzHgq_byjQ/s1600/P1100934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTnzAH4OhAEqVJrhb7v2KIaMZYVbepDPmoNcvkOtcLoKRsNuZD2NmiOz1kz6_y9dUFUjmFW5oz6sONeUShVSfe3ksWY5An0Cdwc22HOSGaqAzl6e6or5qymRYKCRmQ4BGtOVzHgq_byjQ/s320/P1100934.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lana kindly pointing the Bottlenose Dolphin out!</td></tr>
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This week marks the start of what is perhaps the busiest two weeks of the year for us. Cliff counts were due to begin on 1st June, however yet more strong winds have meant that so far we have been unable to get out. The birds here seemed to have faired okay in the storm-like conditions of the last few days, but we won't truly know until we are out and counting. Somewhere in between the 10 counts we do, nest count day. This is as it sounds; we meticulously walk the islands that contain breeding birds and count every single nest. Once the counts are all in we will have a much better idea of how numbers are doing this year. I hope to be back writing on Sunday about the lovely fall of migrants that we may or may not receive on Friday with easterlies forecast. However every time I check the forecast they seem to decrease in strength and duration. This is surely our last chance to get a nice scattering of Spring scarcities, and if it doesn't happen then all attention will be focused on late June, when hopefully our special guest will return for the third year in a row.....</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-81664437525527686342015-04-25T10:24:00.001-07:002015-04-25T11:00:22.551-07:00It's That Time of Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The sun is still shining today, and spring has very much arrived on the islands. And with this, signs of breeding are popping up all over the place. Everything is at different stages at the moment, so here is a run-down of what's what on the islands at the moment! Starting at the top, the cliff nesting species.<br />
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Shags are often the first species we see laying eggs here, and this year has been no exception. The first eggs were discovered on the 2nd of April, and more and more are appearing every day. Shags are particularly nest-proud, and will pinch anything to make their nests more impressive. Last year we lost gloves, rope and a broom to a shags nests!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-YrPWNoF3OWc-uSyeiceakWs2UG_oann6Q8OXfSxHOnAb0FhjwV6GKfyYCA3zwT13b-TbGMXB0DlrF1asc8hWrYyAgayuqm6IuSbDMwW_7nxmEA1141_GBVPppGMeEuXI0g__mKN1d2j/s1600/P1090560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-YrPWNoF3OWc-uSyeiceakWs2UG_oann6Q8OXfSxHOnAb0FhjwV6GKfyYCA3zwT13b-TbGMXB0DlrF1asc8hWrYyAgayuqm6IuSbDMwW_7nxmEA1141_GBVPppGMeEuXI0g__mKN1d2j/s1600/P1090560.JPG" height="320" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag chicks imminent! </td></tr>
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Elsewhere on the cliffs, we have had our first Guillemot eggs of the year and it certainly won't be long until we find our first Kittiwake and Razorbill ones too. Guillemot's are the densest nesting species of bird on the planet, and as such they can often be seen having scraps with others as they pass through the colony to get to their own small patch. They are also wonderfully affectionate, not only to their partner but also their close neighbours, and allopreening can regularly be seen mainly serving to keep the number of ticks in the colony at bay. It won't be long now until the cliffs of the Farnes are permanently crammed with some 25,000 of them on eggs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Kxm3NlN8VbHTTS4SQUhAfYr0YBBlx7meVniHsbkP92IvGNGaQOEnaBqCd5h1l4k25wdfGtFExfuuUdhFQBjdEhZ29OOURx2EHzhmM4XwhrdhbUQkPAnPYlxacXLgAiIiPwQaeFN894En/s1600/P1090042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Kxm3NlN8VbHTTS4SQUhAfYr0YBBlx7meVniHsbkP92IvGNGaQOEnaBqCd5h1l4k25wdfGtFExfuuUdhFQBjdEhZ29OOURx2EHzhmM4XwhrdhbUQkPAnPYlxacXLgAiIiPwQaeFN894En/s1600/P1090042.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is one handsome bird! Razorbill</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NUFLl_DdDdGzgeurfZzgtxbz1ai99zTBjMGiaqqJE6fHKOJjUpUAb10BWT6fjbz0z22prpBWAyvzkRyPH8cPx48Mmm6xUQaK4d3hyphenhyphen9NabP7XNUwpvZHE6E7DmjxLR234uB6mhE8EGlre/s1600/P1090976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NUFLl_DdDdGzgeurfZzgtxbz1ai99zTBjMGiaqqJE6fHKOJjUpUAb10BWT6fjbz0z22prpBWAyvzkRyPH8cPx48Mmm6xUQaK4d3hyphenhyphen9NabP7XNUwpvZHE6E7DmjxLR234uB6mhE8EGlre/s1600/P1090976.JPG" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The closer you get, the better they look!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEh5EM1DKMXgIY9vPpDyIw-jwmDGP92QxQMf3Nnw0d6-tdDkJqv8Twu1l_BfPuYFKOO3X0pOzjFaxilqbq7gkTPgZv1Hgc1ggcMxnBCFujSm9Pt4KsiPVqTKD3VmybH3p5oWIXnxtElWI/s1600/P1090845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEh5EM1DKMXgIY9vPpDyIw-jwmDGP92QxQMf3Nnw0d6-tdDkJqv8Twu1l_BfPuYFKOO3X0pOzjFaxilqbq7gkTPgZv1Hgc1ggcMxnBCFujSm9Pt4KsiPVqTKD3VmybH3p5oWIXnxtElWI/s1600/P1090845.JPG" height="320" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equally as lovely; Guillemot.</td></tr>
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Elsewhere on the islands, Fulmars are now almost consistently on their nest sites, and Puffins are on the islands daily in their thousands, cleaning out their burrows ready for another season. Fulmars are the bird I most enjoy watching in the air, their effortless soaring along the cliffs never ceases to amaze me. On land they are far less graceful though. It's strange to think that the chicks we saw these birds rear last year won't return to land for at least another 5 years, if not longer! As for the Puffins, they certainly win the prize as the most popular bird for visitors to the islands and I can understand why; they are endearing. However, I can also tell you from first hand experience that they can be vicious when they want to be! Looks can be deceiving.... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgru2kPo_RJxFAc4Ugkr-IBFhGMrqXtjon-wQsZqcQmvvcg58E1olcbSI8dWFHY-pF8lfBty0Kg68b9kzbYUUdIu5PRcdE8MZ1E1fNj4xjNXClVNH3O4fuCBgoKcjv3-2vIDVM3l5cGeF/s1600/P1090647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgru2kPo_RJxFAc4Ugkr-IBFhGMrqXtjon-wQsZqcQmvvcg58E1olcbSI8dWFHY-pF8lfBty0Kg68b9kzbYUUdIu5PRcdE8MZ1E1fNj4xjNXClVNH3O4fuCBgoKcjv3-2vIDVM3l5cGeF/s1600/P1090647.JPG" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master of the air (not here though). Fulmar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqovfgMzxlXMjM6he3UyFj36yJzH5j1vjvxhjKcYsC1C5Zu7qp0V3R3HFqXCE0b64-F6nxanfHx59I1v7HGXtbG6GidZdA4GUInO-F8XDORrITP8nMAMJb96J1LWbDe7P-kEuwjPjJeR5S/s1600/P1090115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqovfgMzxlXMjM6he3UyFj36yJzH5j1vjvxhjKcYsC1C5Zu7qp0V3R3HFqXCE0b64-F6nxanfHx59I1v7HGXtbG6GidZdA4GUInO-F8XDORrITP8nMAMJb96J1LWbDe7P-kEuwjPjJeR5S/s1600/P1090115.JPG" height="284" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful, just blooming wonderful. Puffins</td></tr>
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In amongst the rapidly growing vegetation of the islands Eiders are now coming up and starting to settle. We have at least 12 nests on the Inner Farne at present, with this female sitting on a "jumbo clutch" of no less than 8 eggs! Eiders are a delight to monitor; in order to count their eggs we simply lift them gently up off the nest, have a quick count and pop them down again, and generally they don't seem to mind! As for the males, having fulfilled their duties, they are now starting to gather in groups just off the islands ready for a summer of bobbing around on the sea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38iocbCj-XiGgc-GaY1KLjt-YTgHM1RAsOLyTSKYjphze1yULtMMQ0ih9y1ZhFKP7j1P8YqJQLKymdng11flkVeu8fHxJD23Knfcrr4xvFrTYeCbUzSy9dXamiY3ndjAw6u0T-CbEe11L/s1600/P1090954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38iocbCj-XiGgc-GaY1KLjt-YTgHM1RAsOLyTSKYjphze1yULtMMQ0ih9y1ZhFKP7j1P8YqJQLKymdng11flkVeu8fHxJD23Knfcrr4xvFrTYeCbUzSy9dXamiY3ndjAw6u0T-CbEe11L/s1600/P1090954.JPG" height="320" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot her?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwLVmzfsZOhRWqdhTM1CfnEWXLdp_3PxkKeIYKZJXNLxOCI_NbZvx1AUMaKDNisP8p6pMwsb0NLd-riHz3ts7xMfvr6Ftki7wZiDmg3jzpEyuyp5JSdNXYHNwSdiGWQCdKpwn76JfjbYh/s1600/P1090953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwLVmzfsZOhRWqdhTM1CfnEWXLdp_3PxkKeIYKZJXNLxOCI_NbZvx1AUMaKDNisP8p6pMwsb0NLd-riHz3ts7xMfvr6Ftki7wZiDmg3jzpEyuyp5JSdNXYHNwSdiGWQCdKpwn76JfjbYh/s1600/P1090953.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the female Eider sitting on 8 eggs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYqThGawsUvZM5n_mdWLlB-nkgTzqdt-D9jPmxnqFBmaTco_Pg3ZCajzO4cVM9PFtRcowGQR7lt2a8R2YZ4IFcbaRqjWQ8lFFmXthKyhj4umld5z-zhgLgHKZrWA88E2_QwHtNhb0zkK2/s1600/P1090273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYqThGawsUvZM5n_mdWLlB-nkgTzqdt-D9jPmxnqFBmaTco_Pg3ZCajzO4cVM9PFtRcowGQR7lt2a8R2YZ4IFcbaRqjWQ8lFFmXthKyhj4umld5z-zhgLgHKZrWA88E2_QwHtNhb0zkK2/s1600/P1090273.JPG" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less camouflage, more outrageously attractive </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Elsewhere and making lots of noise, the Sandwich Terns are well and truly back in force, with a roost count last night of some 750 birds. In amongst them and always slightly later to return are a handful of Arctic Terns. The peace of the islands is soon to be shattered.... In the mean time, the Rock Pipits parachuting and Pied Wagtails singing can still be just about heard over the Terns, as they undertake their courtship rituals. And last but not least, our Mallards. We generally get plenty of nests but not many chicks survive unfortunately. This particularly savvy female has utilised our gas cage as the ultimate defence for her nest! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8ZosZT0dPC9bCj9Y36ZVWACj2W4wUhNdy1idXqjCxiCjZsk9udEVPRClB13qWT6KBtSM__iijbDrD2Voq0NYveRjcR6AfBO40pLGTNN6LgAA1rfmf55NRxXx8kN5silf7c-sLeP014gD/s1600/P1090949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8ZosZT0dPC9bCj9Y36ZVWACj2W4wUhNdy1idXqjCxiCjZsk9udEVPRClB13qWT6KBtSM__iijbDrD2Voq0NYveRjcR6AfBO40pLGTNN6LgAA1rfmf55NRxXx8kN5silf7c-sLeP014gD/s1600/P1090949.JPG" height="320" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Pied Wagtail. This individual has been busy collecting nest material over the last few days</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BqaaeWoJH6u2QHbnfirwxzwi9gjKasZuLwC38L2A6kw8PZYoE4OIKK9uAtajAgdEqeNEnLLux71MTa9KEWupO7BCJCDlsbRiam-cp0dLI-C_qT5nYOSgjiB9quli3eoguik46GBsjXxz/s1600/P1090956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BqaaeWoJH6u2QHbnfirwxzwi9gjKasZuLwC38L2A6kw8PZYoE4OIKK9uAtajAgdEqeNEnLLux71MTa9KEWupO7BCJCDlsbRiam-cp0dLI-C_qT5nYOSgjiB9quli3eoguik46GBsjXxz/s1600/P1090956.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing will get to this female Mallard in there.</td></tr>
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And that completes the round up for this entry. The coming week involves more upheaval as myself and 4 others move ourselves to Brownsman for the breading season, and before we know it there will be chicks everywhere. I for one can't wait!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-46542617891392622152015-04-19T10:34:00.000-07:002015-04-19T10:34:14.597-07:00It's Been a While<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A busy start to the new season on the Farnes has meant little time for blogging, but now we are settled in and well into the swing of things. It's been a funny old start, with a mixture of very late arrivals and very early ones. The season started with a bang, as our first day on the islands produced a Stonechat. After a severe winter in 2010, this species suffered a population crash; something they are known to be susceptible to. This resulted in a once annual bird becoming a scarcity, our record in March being the first since October 2013. All we can hope is that this is a sign of a population recovery for these lovely little birds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cItnIQ8XxGye7O9vtq613ls9zyxNCEcgGFLhE7v-CzvCwjqqOazK6kpQFnstVzwgEEqPAQdhR-TmZ2m8oGG-LTAqQVNMpV2o4NhjZMUNxUK6MfIFQDRH4eBXj1GTOpDx72iC0eZF70XW/s1600/Stonechat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cItnIQ8XxGye7O9vtq613ls9zyxNCEcgGFLhE7v-CzvCwjqqOazK6kpQFnstVzwgEEqPAQdhR-TmZ2m8oGG-LTAqQVNMpV2o4NhjZMUNxUK6MfIFQDRH4eBXj1GTOpDx72iC0eZF70XW/s1600/Stonechat.JPG" height="320" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonechat on Inner Farne</td></tr>
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The following day we were treated to great views of a Red-necked Grebe, another bird that is often tricky to come by on the Farnes. It spent a good 15 minutes in the Kettle around the jetty before drifting south. After this, things rather slowed down. We had to wait until the 10th April, a full 12 days later than last year, for our first Wheatear of the year. This was swiftly followed by our first Chiffchaff (21 days later than last year), Willow Warbler, Swallow, Blackcap and Brambling as the islands were graced with some wonderful weather. An unexpected arrival during this spell was a single Little Tern seen to go to roost on Knoxes Reef. This represents the earliest ever record for the Farnes, beating the previous one by a full 8 days!<br />
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During the quiet spell, our attention was held by this pair of Mediterranean Gulls which were displaying and settling on Central Meadow in the Black-headed Gull colony. This would represent a first breeding record for the islands should they decide to stick around. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsu89rBaGVSu2J8iIgtE9Uv1z0HyaD66o9N_f3S_i4sIrQr2G-cmocfnAdPni3xsAXOTnXPn7afr4Y2c188jeq8stH9aqn7mgIdAlCYOcvc_pKy7Wg1kYvyEL2RnV0XEFTmocOeAKCF8e/s1600/Med+Gulls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsu89rBaGVSu2J8iIgtE9Uv1z0HyaD66o9N_f3S_i4sIrQr2G-cmocfnAdPni3xsAXOTnXPn7afr4Y2c188jeq8stH9aqn7mgIdAlCYOcvc_pKy7Wg1kYvyEL2RnV0XEFTmocOeAKCF8e/s1600/Med+Gulls.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courting Mediterranean Gulls. Possibly a Farnes first.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF4baWlvg4BUQYCLhOIR_zXVDiOZ0TMKd-y0r2QK6OFw08rIjr1kh3X4GXJlb2EeCFBkPXXiJv_jlMQax2Qe0xT-i5jjVNPNCtyeruI2-tFA7MZdTBK-y4brVIhxcHMUEuTarXgf6h6fl/s1600/P1080523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF4baWlvg4BUQYCLhOIR_zXVDiOZ0TMKd-y0r2QK6OFw08rIjr1kh3X4GXJlb2EeCFBkPXXiJv_jlMQax2Qe0xT-i5jjVNPNCtyeruI2-tFA7MZdTBK-y4brVIhxcHMUEuTarXgf6h6fl/s1600/P1080523.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inner Farne lighthouse in glorious sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nMH4zWKN0wg4ud9l3dAVbbLqRXKDgiCNhS1xFj_NwmZWYftoRhRgWJ_BWnyKtM4CNJ_DtiZhNs-I8O3QprHjfvRe1USa9svweKIf22nhz6A8loK08m9DgU1D-81muKgzOoOjj6KuzTxv/s1600/P1090257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nMH4zWKN0wg4ud9l3dAVbbLqRXKDgiCNhS1xFj_NwmZWYftoRhRgWJ_BWnyKtM4CNJ_DtiZhNs-I8O3QprHjfvRe1USa9svweKIf22nhz6A8loK08m9DgU1D-81muKgzOoOjj6KuzTxv/s1600/P1090257.JPG" height="320" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheatear on the beach!</td></tr>
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This about covers the migrant side of goings on on the islands, apart from a bit of excitement on the gull front. A 1st winter Glaucous Gull was discovered off the North Rocks of Inner Farne on the 15th. This was a good record after a blank year last year, and things got even better when the following evening a 3cy bird was discovered in the roost on Knoxes Reef. Then to our amazement, the 2cy bird returned on the 17th and showed beautifully on Ladies Path from the living room window. Marvellous stuff!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX50NpIzpK2zXMUYJ0zo3scp7znOqiL1WD6H8BqDs42sRdMg2ZC43iGhVQ-1AcyTmDg44Yz9V_8-bV-L1frrezFGMoofEhR3J0IffGAn9smP6yS2lXLuLQ1pf8JXqDurK-FGGxW7lDInf/s1600/P1090384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX50NpIzpK2zXMUYJ0zo3scp7znOqiL1WD6H8BqDs42sRdMg2ZC43iGhVQ-1AcyTmDg44Yz9V_8-bV-L1frrezFGMoofEhR3J0IffGAn9smP6yS2lXLuLQ1pf8JXqDurK-FGGxW7lDInf/s1600/P1090384.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guillemot... "What a lovely Gull!" Glaucous Gull.... "What a lovely pair of Guillemot!"</td></tr>
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That wraps up the latest migrant news from the islands as I sit in the living room window with glorious sun beaming through. On a final note, we were treated to spectacular aurora display on Thursday night, and I snapped this photo of the Pele tower nicely backlit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXYV936r_1WhXruUv0Fxme9xppo9SyHId1B0r9BfGlFhTOrk4LyzqFdVns8P6hgzc9_GNImunbpcj3mLvlGGMGl5YACyh5X-iL_dlHXMQb7sfQwB5hWglf3Ogk0AYzltS2CaxDPMbnfdD/s1600/P1090564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXYV936r_1WhXruUv0Fxme9xppo9SyHId1B0r9BfGlFhTOrk4LyzqFdVns8P6hgzc9_GNImunbpcj3mLvlGGMGl5YACyh5X-iL_dlHXMQb7sfQwB5hWglf3Ogk0AYzltS2CaxDPMbnfdD/s1600/P1090564.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora on the Farnes</td></tr>
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Next up (in a few days hopefully), the breeders!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyDnUCP74MFTzUG9G0pIZdHHLBhN_Prx3YS4XTebnonVfh76pOMWH_b2-aLTa-8-VaasevKktKz3VPctWmqVBeSfW4ZCnaBiLiu1YW2YbdToQkTCKL1FC5rYuNoMxjDxMgovRalTVTdDs/s1600/P1090603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyDnUCP74MFTzUG9G0pIZdHHLBhN_Prx3YS4XTebnonVfh76pOMWH_b2-aLTa-8-VaasevKktKz3VPctWmqVBeSfW4ZCnaBiLiu1YW2YbdToQkTCKL1FC5rYuNoMxjDxMgovRalTVTdDs/s1600/P1090603.JPG" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuthbert's Gut is filling up.....</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-27913322729349814412015-03-22T15:36:00.000-07:002015-03-22T15:36:34.318-07:00La Palma - March 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
This is a little late, but earlier in the month we were lucky enough to spend a week exploring the stunning island of La Palma, the most North Westerly of the Canary Islands. It's a wonderful mixture of temperate cloud (laurel) forest, dry scrubby slopes and volcanic rock. It is a paradise for walkers and during our week exploring we encountered few people.<br />
We stayed near San Pedro, however wherever you choose to stay you will be sure to encounter Canary; we had 2 males singing in the garden and flocks of 20-30 birds were not uncommon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5nkQJfS1Ujmvh-3SwRU3a3mobj8yRzs6SwaIsNzmSVOrvilnS2xCAnALtcrUf9cMcVkMiZvU-ruzj2vtbGvZPB3-YSXylqsofTdSb9CMBzN4uk4oT1Mx2c_n7jXbr4aaZktpzwExz29C/s1600/P1080095a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5nkQJfS1Ujmvh-3SwRU3a3mobj8yRzs6SwaIsNzmSVOrvilnS2xCAnALtcrUf9cMcVkMiZvU-ruzj2vtbGvZPB3-YSXylqsofTdSb9CMBzN4uk4oT1Mx2c_n7jXbr4aaZktpzwExz29C/s1600/P1080095a.JPG" height="225" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing Canary</td></tr>
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Also on the garden list were Blackcap, Blackbird, African Blue Tit subspecies <i>palmensis;</i> and overhead Kestrel, the <i>insularum</i> subspecies of Common Buzzard and Chough were seen. All these species were also common around the island.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FZ1XAl5g96HyZv-oqixAoJp0ZtOoTAJIENSjA-K8576II_M5njyZ-bDOv4HJH_eWghjbOTT1FYvqKS3cl5_MZs4kJY1M9OiFX0gfOIdiMjxpEmNQ4Iqoe7TJrGBEBgK20KI42Z-242Og/s1600/P1070464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FZ1XAl5g96HyZv-oqixAoJp0ZtOoTAJIENSjA-K8576II_M5njyZ-bDOv4HJH_eWghjbOTT1FYvqKS3cl5_MZs4kJY1M9OiFX0gfOIdiMjxpEmNQ4Iqoe7TJrGBEBgK20KI42Z-242Og/s1600/P1070464.JPG" height="293" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Blue Tit, <i>Cyanistes teneriffae palmensis</i></td></tr>
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We spent two days walking in the Laurel forest looking for the two target Pigeon species, Bolle's and Laurel Pigeon. We spent our first day at Cuba de la Galga, a thoroughly beautiful valley and well worth a visit. On our way up the valley we heard both species but the dense canopy makes catching a decent view rather tricky. We had some half decent views of Bolle's Pigeon but had to wait for flight views of a single Laurel Pigeon until we reached Somada Alta. The view from there is also particularly impressive. Our second day was spent at Los Tilos, where we heard and saw Bolle's but not Laurel Pigeon. Here the walk was just as beautiful, and along the way we encountered some incredibly tame La Palma Chaffinch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmQvOGW_OX63moVSP-CfBe4QEZ8yk4bxa8kmaHifX6Vqqb9bwSIFxHFoteyCQ2ILMzJXb4qyXo2MmrFe_DQoqwi4T0GLa50mQryxMpz1_foUj2lcOnIPaOkcVeoyYocAi7AggX04f71sz/s1600/P1070501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmQvOGW_OX63moVSP-CfBe4QEZ8yk4bxa8kmaHifX6Vqqb9bwSIFxHFoteyCQ2ILMzJXb4qyXo2MmrFe_DQoqwi4T0GLa50mQryxMpz1_foUj2lcOnIPaOkcVeoyYocAi7AggX04f71sz/s1600/P1070501.JPG" height="267" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best we could manage.... but that tail is a give-away. Bolle's Pigeon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsdY2j7R4X3ILDV0uFT6V7csFnx9QN07R84gRiLSXLih7SSOnsLFIVGa-p0Q1OBMpU5hUsvT724T-vkaxVGBQFFdRJ9Pf_AM5ou-ujK59NDuttOThyphenhyphenPjETBBs7I7jR_8wkh_hgY6QxRzG/s1600/P1080045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsdY2j7R4X3ILDV0uFT6V7csFnx9QN07R84gRiLSXLih7SSOnsLFIVGa-p0Q1OBMpU5hUsvT724T-vkaxVGBQFFdRJ9Pf_AM5ou-ujK59NDuttOThyphenhyphenPjETBBs7I7jR_8wkh_hgY6QxRzG/s1600/P1080045.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracker. La Palma Chaffinch</td></tr>
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Our next day was spent exploring the south of the island, where the recent (1971) volcanic eruption has left the landscape looking rather different to the rest of the island. I'd read that this was a good area for Berthelot's Pipit, and we weren't disappointed. We encountered our first pair around the visitor centre for Las Salinas at Punta de Fuencaliente. There were also 3 Turnstone present on the saline lagoons and a few distant Cory's Shearwater passing offshore. We then moved up to Volcan de San Antonio where we had at least another 4 Berthelot's Pipit along with Chough and Canary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm7ojC0L7HlIZ67yGWo9b27adl22hfseNbqgHWqZMrWhQg9r8NwacWu6a2yQK6FPCnE3zww4bkduZyoTZFgf4ygjCuUAB3hgRjexuX8e7WF2y4uujuPTNNNB5YsFmKf0On11qulaH22wl/s1600/P1070692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm7ojC0L7HlIZ67yGWo9b27adl22hfseNbqgHWqZMrWhQg9r8NwacWu6a2yQK6FPCnE3zww4bkduZyoTZFgf4ygjCuUAB3hgRjexuX8e7WF2y4uujuPTNNNB5YsFmKf0On11qulaH22wl/s1600/P1070692.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berthelot's Pipit at Volcan de San Antonio</td></tr>
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Our last day exploring was spent with a trip up to the Observatorio Astrofisico, an impressive array of 14 telescopes across the highest points of the island, around 2400 metres above sea level. Here we again saw good numbers of Chough, but the highlight was finding a splendid male Spectacled Warbler in the scrub around the MAGIC telescope. On the road up, we were also treated to a magical experience with a pair of very tame Ravens at the parking place for the Pico de la Nieve. They had clearly learnt that stopping cars often meant food. It was a real privilege being so close to such an impressive bird.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAvbrwHB6XOjS8jurBpI21msJqofV-4FyxGWp-PkNpjwsYfYmJmolKDNk6d6QyuQmkwADCYSshkIcKCOu6hVaeDVAdztQBx45H-1HProOuDetcDsuP0Y-nYkVwqLDwi1tsJ6LoeQOeJA1/s1600/P1070762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAvbrwHB6XOjS8jurBpI21msJqofV-4FyxGWp-PkNpjwsYfYmJmolKDNk6d6QyuQmkwADCYSshkIcKCOu6hVaeDVAdztQBx45H-1HProOuDetcDsuP0Y-nYkVwqLDwi1tsJ6LoeQOeJA1/s1600/P1070762.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a bill! Raven</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtaGkVlDt1JT98YdVqGQ0ooSyiKmGZjwgyjLVeiQMuqJkD3SzeJ-ndS8neiSzXQqH-iFb6EpYzvvcrCXVlIVTHL4ZMvqfyHnW3iFcLNlIcTawE0yh31gcl0mc97g9yjTTub25dBDKTD0w/s1600/P1070874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtaGkVlDt1JT98YdVqGQ0ooSyiKmGZjwgyjLVeiQMuqJkD3SzeJ-ndS8neiSzXQqH-iFb6EpYzvvcrCXVlIVTHL4ZMvqfyHnW3iFcLNlIcTawE0yh31gcl0mc97g9yjTTub25dBDKTD0w/s1600/P1070874.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raven and I</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk99SUVuknhG6GxGLfvyjxR-K-dv8Dj9_pliDgDIJOxRyPL0OWg7aZCkV6ryrltXmJ80lu0Ie4nk0r-G7lLm6Q7RDlwKNRXXdvviPuimTGdPbxB_JkFMgZ2CQOT7xbZaP8Jfj2xcN9HvyF/s1600/P1070909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk99SUVuknhG6GxGLfvyjxR-K-dv8Dj9_pliDgDIJOxRyPL0OWg7aZCkV6ryrltXmJ80lu0Ie4nk0r-G7lLm6Q7RDlwKNRXXdvviPuimTGdPbxB_JkFMgZ2CQOT7xbZaP8Jfj2xcN9HvyF/s1600/P1070909.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smart male Spectacled Warbler</td></tr>
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Our final evening was spent around the El Pilar refuge. On the way we stopped for coffee on the seafront at Puerto Naos, where in 45 minutes we recorded well over 100 Cory's Shearwater passing and a pod of Short-fined Pilot Whale! We then walked from El Pilar and headed up onto the rim of the volcano where we were treated to more Chough, some brilliant views of Western Canary Island Goldcrest and a screaming flock of over 60 Plain Swift. On top of all this, we were able to witness a stunning sunset and make the most of a brief spell of dark sky before the full moon rose.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGSEJP5Yq72_ZeTddm9jVRrLP9cPGGll5Cv-Bl93mH0o56PHMA1q2XhW_CuYX1gEiETqArZJLP5iP0tklUlN4pqnl3Pe5Guly-f-h1ZM7tgDF3OQbC8WC4dkUAwLdoxDy_s34oRm0Brln/s1600/P1080222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGSEJP5Yq72_ZeTddm9jVRrLP9cPGGll5Cv-Bl93mH0o56PHMA1q2XhW_CuYX1gEiETqArZJLP5iP0tklUlN4pqnl3Pe5Guly-f-h1ZM7tgDF3OQbC8WC4dkUAwLdoxDy_s34oRm0Brln/s1600/P1080222.JPG" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Canary Island Goldcrest</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiathFLnZFYOU_K71cnjmmKiXYG8DP34PQhpK-VlalpXeIqDSJXJsGmwgw4cXIO6nGi1hN8jqGqkUZ6K4MDVYq1eegB5w4NPOVH2nbICxLlM45klwNHgdzB3Qkv7JBOTIyBSETdtfcQQCJz/s1600/P1080200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiathFLnZFYOU_K71cnjmmKiXYG8DP34PQhpK-VlalpXeIqDSJXJsGmwgw4cXIO6nGi1hN8jqGqkUZ6K4MDVYq1eegB5w4NPOVH2nbICxLlM45klwNHgdzB3Qkv7JBOTIyBSETdtfcQQCJz/s1600/P1080200.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chough</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yw4CQzXiw9lWUGKJsuDMYMuxTJD_7XsdfwbiplN6nOUpFJt4T1bCXCoFc70CV1UfT52kH6pH5Y5lnB6yz9g65tzSSXCWWq95VgQyyh7-zmcfCsOyYQBT8oVy5ZhD7TdHf2UFrnm-eWVy/s1600/P1080264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yw4CQzXiw9lWUGKJsuDMYMuxTJD_7XsdfwbiplN6nOUpFJt4T1bCXCoFc70CV1UfT52kH6pH5Y5lnB6yz9g65tzSSXCWWq95VgQyyh7-zmcfCsOyYQBT8oVy5ZhD7TdHf2UFrnm-eWVy/s1600/P1080264.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venus rising over the Atlantic</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-16505605386603440142015-02-20T05:33:00.000-08:002015-02-20T05:33:37.894-08:00Birding All Around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a strange few weeks, applying for jobs and not knowing quite what the future holds. It is all resolved now, and we are back to The Farnes for another season. Along the way, we have managed some top quality birds.<br />
A while back now, we took our annual pilgrimage to Dungeness to catch up with the winter wonders that inhabit the wilderness of the peninsula. All the usual suspects were present, with Great Egret, Smew, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier and Tree Sparrow showing off nicely. Undoubtedly the highlight was sitting in the Scott Hide and watching a Kingfisher and sublime Male Smew fishing within metres of us. It was great to be able to catch up with the two Cattle Egret that have been resident all winter and the local Tundra Bean Geese at Scotney and Lesser Yellowlegs at Rye Harbour.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3LxCDtDACONFG72eWm1tK3etwWkpXWBPG79BhBuX5GYAkRGbj9xBeUmGA_hZPqEzQNCGqH07GBZXkdyH0rmVYIOaEjA3EKzInYMIFo7kChXgzBYfVv094ctG9L378Kq1uUX7Cw5cp5qb/s1600/P1060327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3LxCDtDACONFG72eWm1tK3etwWkpXWBPG79BhBuX5GYAkRGbj9xBeUmGA_hZPqEzQNCGqH07GBZXkdyH0rmVYIOaEjA3EKzInYMIFo7kChXgzBYfVv094ctG9L378Kq1uUX7Cw5cp5qb/s1600/P1060327.JPG" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's always a treat to observe these birds properly! Splendid Kingfisher</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Osh-jqLXu6Ex9oYO2P_e71fdlRu0-SH3631TqkpdT1Y9TfcPRLLddTR0zH9N7fH5oz-kn4Vy8wOwQIXle5QKNoH7feNKTh1p5ZKP6kWZDN-HhU4-GfYSByWLFVkxIrNidwC6zkOD_Rdi/s1600/P1060410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Osh-jqLXu6Ex9oYO2P_e71fdlRu0-SH3631TqkpdT1Y9TfcPRLLddTR0zH9N7fH5oz-kn4Vy8wOwQIXle5QKNoH7feNKTh1p5ZKP6kWZDN-HhU4-GfYSByWLFVkxIrNidwC6zkOD_Rdi/s1600/P1060410.JPG" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most handsome duck of all? Smew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr7sOwgKIlxcnV_C-PvRGYX-rkDRimrivo2r87C8FgZ6Z4DMcQ1z69NnOBFaQUXY-4AuMtaUY08ly-AoJBtwX02ltiCA74HJVSWPfnvR3epUg4avqu0AGXAme9mOvIDI5ztWbDUOwYiL5/s1600/P1060480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr7sOwgKIlxcnV_C-PvRGYX-rkDRimrivo2r87C8FgZ6Z4DMcQ1z69NnOBFaQUXY-4AuMtaUY08ly-AoJBtwX02ltiCA74HJVSWPfnvR3epUg4avqu0AGXAme9mOvIDI5ztWbDUOwYiL5/s1600/P1060480.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle Egret, without cattle this time.</td></tr>
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Having been able to also catch the Greater Yellowlegs at Titchfield a few weeks before, I believe I am now in real contention for the two worst record shots of Yellowlegs in the country this year. A prestigious title that I have long wanted to add to my collection.... Luckily the scope views of these smart American waders were much much better than the photographs suggest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-O4hBJNZAApc6u0pxq9Zado1vALLQtTHz7HWSDsJvtuoStBjwREDd9ZsXPeXkBU0J-aivKM9r-as0NNpJT_-zF0PcPRJiWXl_TpDK4xcFfuHP2ygc4sILCBxAJxMhdnd9gow0LJnpLAm/s1600/P1060083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-O4hBJNZAApc6u0pxq9Zado1vALLQtTHz7HWSDsJvtuoStBjwREDd9ZsXPeXkBU0J-aivKM9r-as0NNpJT_-zF0PcPRJiWXl_TpDK4xcFfuHP2ygc4sILCBxAJxMhdnd9gow0LJnpLAm/s1600/P1060083.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Yellowlegs....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqcGo6jD_Iy9T7bKeTrQ265Ms92DEQBkm8gk00dr3ErLAN-2zdesdTzErzvMwIzB6Mw09_uuOU5G7hyphenhyphen3v8wUMwARGx5-RW59jBK0bVlofA2F83hbamIohotka3yYJcvgzY6Lby2oVP_S1/s1600/P1060612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqcGo6jD_Iy9T7bKeTrQ265Ms92DEQBkm8gk00dr3ErLAN-2zdesdTzErzvMwIzB6Mw09_uuOU5G7hyphenhyphen3v8wUMwARGx5-RW59jBK0bVlofA2F83hbamIohotka3yYJcvgzY6Lby2oVP_S1/s1600/P1060612.JPG" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Lesser Yellowlegs... Honest Guv</td></tr>
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<br />
And now to fast forward a tad, and a trip to Northumberland for the Farnes interview via Devon to visit friends. What a beautiful part of the world, and we had a wonderful guided tour of the coastline, adding some more top quality birds along the way. Our first stop was Darts Farm RSPB, where you could be forgiven for thinking that the three Penduline Tit there were escapees and not bothered by human presence. Certainly the most enjoyable life tick I have had in a long while. These smart little birds are becoming increasingly regular, and they are certainly a contender for the next species to establish themselves as British breeders.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU2tGDQgAfWUfZeNjTofCLfrUoz2jL_6jISelbLVMZmpuCdvxA0j3tVV_eR7Jch6svhgOwAAw9q1g4Z-sHIuR2ArLbOu6Y-ftDffd04iD1poHDwm5lhQVVQleseAhngCjF65j_xUcRy2q/s1600/P1060633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU2tGDQgAfWUfZeNjTofCLfrUoz2jL_6jISelbLVMZmpuCdvxA0j3tVV_eR7Jch6svhgOwAAw9q1g4Z-sHIuR2ArLbOu6Y-ftDffd04iD1poHDwm5lhQVVQleseAhngCjF65j_xUcRy2q/s1600/P1060633.JPG" height="320" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracking little Penduline Tit</td></tr>
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Another target species for us both was Cirl Bunting, a bird I had never seen before due in part to the fact I had never visited that part of the Devon coastline before. This is a species that represents both the tragedy of our relentless drive to destroy as much of our countryside as possible for profit (mainly animal products), and also what can happen if conservationists and local landowners take action. Watching two males happily singing away was a strange experience, appreciating the beauty of these now rare (in British terms) Buntings and also wondering which species will be next to suffer in this way. When will people listen.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj857r-lLWLo5YgiqiX3aA3lTW9nv-IrJg44sBgCF8KwY9JHnz1DvLj4KXDBE44Mseu4kUTDgKcxP4Z231INs8dleA-rfhovxnN_eX8zMDgAS6Sjq95j4CoL4IAxMoZ1NCTFJ-2tR2wOzNk/s1600/P1060986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj857r-lLWLo5YgiqiX3aA3lTW9nv-IrJg44sBgCF8KwY9JHnz1DvLj4KXDBE44Mseu4kUTDgKcxP4Z231INs8dleA-rfhovxnN_eX8zMDgAS6Sjq95j4CoL4IAxMoZ1NCTFJ-2tR2wOzNk/s1600/P1060986.JPG" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cirl Bunting, unaware of its own plight?</td></tr>
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Along the way, we were also treated to spectacular views of this rugged coastline. This photo was taken in very windy conditions from Prawle Point, the most southerly point of Devon. Despite the wind, a cracking male Stonechat was clinging on to a piece of Gorse. We also stopped by the very obliging Snow Bunting that has been present for some time now on the sea wall at Turf in the Exe Estuary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhXr4YQtkzgLn5em7XqJCMMYMQEHAryfT6Gh0e6P0VxmK5BXfChzcNnx4X0981PC8D9DBsO5sdG6fscB3GlsqnGSOUNgYQVlPOk1TVE8d2oy0wBS_hM-0IHSiiUIT1uc19c87fFsNut_3/s1600/P1060960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhXr4YQtkzgLn5em7XqJCMMYMQEHAryfT6Gh0e6P0VxmK5BXfChzcNnx4X0981PC8D9DBsO5sdG6fscB3GlsqnGSOUNgYQVlPOk1TVE8d2oy0wBS_hM-0IHSiiUIT1uc19c87fFsNut_3/s1600/P1060960.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delightful. Snow Bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFKaHNqKORcxUnJgWbfq70cfbL9tZ0ILmTgXHs4Wj4OvjKHfqb6QMVNW8QviUbMPvESsvNGZW_MbkMKkI_B4eMzH6ScAdvq-tW6HjdDBqc2oz5rISJV20SB-0mAV22I6w2a0QcIulrklM/s1600/P1070021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFKaHNqKORcxUnJgWbfq70cfbL9tZ0ILmTgXHs4Wj4OvjKHfqb6QMVNW8QviUbMPvESsvNGZW_MbkMKkI_B4eMzH6ScAdvq-tW6HjdDBqc2oz5rISJV20SB-0mAV22I6w2a0QcIulrklM/s1600/P1070021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad place to live!</td></tr>
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And last but not least, two winter stunners that are much easier to catch up with on the East Coast than down in Sussex where I reside at this time of year. As we were in Newcastle, it would have been very rude not to make the most of seeing both Waxwing and Shore Lark, two birds that attract me for their beauty more than anything else (as I'm sure is the case for most people). Both were showy, the Waxwing at The Lea's in South Shields and the Shore Lark on Hartlepool Headland. The Shore Lark was in a particularly grotty area; obviously the food was good and the constant stream of dog walkers and the view were not enough to put if off!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnB76KzT7LoJzX1sx4f6cMUR6g0hSmMXNCFuNvI3To66loM5rQuLEfHoc1QhzViYC0_0BuVSLdMbLW84cKqrri-WiGT6_H3Ky5Ygk3ARYbZDY2_C2KZMxJOW7F1VobKJ-fFhjPkFRtz_r/s1600/P1070030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnB76KzT7LoJzX1sx4f6cMUR6g0hSmMXNCFuNvI3To66loM5rQuLEfHoc1QhzViYC0_0BuVSLdMbLW84cKqrri-WiGT6_H3Ky5Ygk3ARYbZDY2_C2KZMxJOW7F1VobKJ-fFhjPkFRtz_r/s1600/P1070030.JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet another gorgeous bird! Waxwing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv3yFrlns_qViap510VGarAlRZhcJzhgGhvtJJa0_WaHsUCu30zEpjDedbgjJv0qD50b-yInOhIvoKbln7QeCLTMgoaA6RkGu2MByW9Dr5etc8xUAEMVAEKg6Om6FRCDyp8M0PbcqgIWH/s1600/P1070161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv3yFrlns_qViap510VGarAlRZhcJzhgGhvtJJa0_WaHsUCu30zEpjDedbgjJv0qD50b-yInOhIvoKbln7QeCLTMgoaA6RkGu2MByW9Dr5etc8xUAEMVAEKg6Om6FRCDyp8M0PbcqgIWH/s1600/P1070161.JPG" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another... Shore Lark</td></tr>
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So after a whirlwind few weeks its off to explore La Palma and its endemic subspecies for us next week! And then its back to the mayhem of the Farnes for another season. Could be worse.....</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-78543112049708962892015-01-23T13:58:00.000-08:002015-01-23T13:58:42.982-08:00Argentina: Part 6 - Iguazu National Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's the final instalment... Having survived our slightly nerve-racking journey North, we arrived in Iguazu National Park. It was beautiful (and almost certainly still is!), don't get me wrong, but we were a bit unlucky with the weather. It didn't rain, it wasn't windy, it was far far too hot, both for us and seemingly the birds. We did spend a very enjoyable 3 days exploring both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls, but it was hard work.<br />
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We crossed into the Brazilian side the first day, which when coming from Argentina was rather expensive. We took a trek into the rainforest accompanied by a guide, and we didn't see a single bird as we walked. What we did see though, were butterflies; heaps and heaps of stunning butterflies. Giant Blue Morpho, easily mistaken for small birds were loafing along the trails. We found Many-banded Daggerwing resting in sunny patches along with The Malachite and on almost every bush as we approached the Iguazu river there were resting Diaethria (88) species.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5zUyxkHMKV8RlBcOFfV7ze77AOPye2C1WIAoCCwCTROOVn6He_sUmmBKltNwhOXT2dBqkLsHvif4_GknwqX5WSpPgQjZXJMX2-hcJvxHSjaTE2RJrltpTdiriX7pJWe5M3uRMOJpWwB4/s1600/Pyrrhogyra+neaerea,+Ibera+(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5zUyxkHMKV8RlBcOFfV7ze77AOPye2C1WIAoCCwCTROOVn6He_sUmmBKltNwhOXT2dBqkLsHvif4_GknwqX5WSpPgQjZXJMX2-hcJvxHSjaTE2RJrltpTdiriX7pJWe5M3uRMOJpWwB4/s1600/Pyrrhogyra+neaerea,+Ibera+(B).JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pyrrhogyra neaerea</i>, common name possibly Banded Banner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT8n4xocAN4fsnq74sfSQeFzKPgHMazDPLjw42hs0WWkMlrB-9AZiYwgoMlzdIMBbU4Vj9S6aa_GW6phlnevniOsiPGeiib2vpHGE8dgv3YDm629zx1bILA0zmOdUR01hBVbdDTgg68TI/s1600/Diaethria+eluina,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT8n4xocAN4fsnq74sfSQeFzKPgHMazDPLjw42hs0WWkMlrB-9AZiYwgoMlzdIMBbU4Vj9S6aa_GW6phlnevniOsiPGeiib2vpHGE8dgv3YDm629zx1bILA0zmOdUR01hBVbdDTgg68TI/s1600/Diaethria+eluina,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"88" butterfly, <i>Diaethria eluina</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JS3nDn5MOXeujqfTbU0xwzB8aU7EpQmhb2oIxHLLBSnyol4OH2LEt54PN-tOB8-ba_ZyiviP3Y6mAEvnfyrRnKJTjwUJUPswa647zFF5akU2oFNLXO1TVtrfgavYJGsJw4meDqG2tqil/s1600/Many-Banded+Daggerwing,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JS3nDn5MOXeujqfTbU0xwzB8aU7EpQmhb2oIxHLLBSnyol4OH2LEt54PN-tOB8-ba_ZyiviP3Y6mAEvnfyrRnKJTjwUJUPswa647zFF5akU2oFNLXO1TVtrfgavYJGsJw4meDqG2tqil/s1600/Many-Banded+Daggerwing,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many-banded Daggerwing, <i>Marpesia chiron</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhNx0Z_oMY65-Iey678_SACQW1D9i03tghe1VtklPtinDMxfUhYhpg4K86npldQ6KPfOt4pJBMBLiD0DtGMwjC7NJPT44ulYmdd-ee9a1MYub0LEFQS0Bb58G9o4TdUdFw7cmXeti67SO/s1600/Broad-Banded+Swallowtail,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhNx0Z_oMY65-Iey678_SACQW1D9i03tghe1VtklPtinDMxfUhYhpg4K86npldQ6KPfOt4pJBMBLiD0DtGMwjC7NJPT44ulYmdd-ee9a1MYub0LEFQS0Bb58G9o4TdUdFw7cmXeti67SO/s1600/Broad-Banded+Swallowtail,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad-banded Swallowtail,<i> Papilio astyalus</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU73WgMxTqnwyu_prGjVTQdR74q2EVZBin-z9VRbExRReSD3lkH3qmHfjtthvHQgRlHuLJZ6CTDgGXgzauUExAUcHKiGPHfjWr2TBRvWtbuGIuD8PyaKTDDsqgKyVqN25EeWCIpgma_4T/s1600/P1050479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU73WgMxTqnwyu_prGjVTQdR74q2EVZBin-z9VRbExRReSD3lkH3qmHfjtthvHQgRlHuLJZ6CTDgGXgzauUExAUcHKiGPHfjWr2TBRvWtbuGIuD8PyaKTDDsqgKyVqN25EeWCIpgma_4T/s1600/P1050479.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along with Butterflies, we also found this impressive beast.... whatever it is.</td></tr>
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We were also lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a troop of Black Capuchin Monkeys as we made our way along the trails. Apparently they are named after an order of Catholic Friars from the 16th century. Upon reaching the Americas and discovering Capuchin Monkeys, the explorers are said to have thought they bore a remarkable resemblance to said Friars! Having never met a Capuchin Friar, I am in no position to comment! This particularly obliging individual sat in a tree right above us and enjoyed some foliage! There were numerous signs around warning that they have a nasty bite, and you can see from this photo how they get that reputation. However, what we couldn't understand was how you would ever get into a situation where one would need to bite you! But there you go.... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA5FkYz7Aa3hRKroPJ9gKRxZpQ9XDjSeSFRGRqxwA9_rR4bWVVP6JbmYY2SvHOOH2Oq9O67OlG6B6mbsHSNQFLVc3Qbou69FP5-ZLIcReT1BFzQoY776WuNNsppvQS5NZxweQuzFBmWgL/s1600/Black+Capuchin,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA5FkYz7Aa3hRKroPJ9gKRxZpQ9XDjSeSFRGRqxwA9_rR4bWVVP6JbmYY2SvHOOH2Oq9O67OlG6B6mbsHSNQFLVc3Qbou69FP5-ZLIcReT1BFzQoY776WuNNsppvQS5NZxweQuzFBmWgL/s1600/Black+Capuchin,+Iguazu+(Brazil)%2B(B).JPG" height="283" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Capuchin</td></tr>
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Aside from all the fantastic wildlife, the main attraction for most in this part of the world are the Iguazu Falls. I feel like I lack the eloquence to describe just how breathtaking these falls are; all I can say is that you must visit. I have been to Niagara, and I hate to say it but they just don't compare to these. There can be anything up to 300 separate waterfalls along the 2.7km edge depending on the water level, some up to 80 metres in height and all contributing to an overwhelming assault on the senses. Add to that hundreds of Black and Turkey Vulture soaring above the cascades and Great Dusky Swifts darting in and out from underneath them, and you have one hell of an experience. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThLvSXbZI48szYsQxGpU7XI_l6h0gWaqahThVNG1BoukC2Dp_9W9yKBN2iQ7qrGjh11VVlKUNSodZ4pXwZ450TkwD1a3dzMOA7CW6qYZEbZDcKoDd0xBoBB4cMbpmvho7_FU-sBfexy3n/s1600/P1050730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThLvSXbZI48szYsQxGpU7XI_l6h0gWaqahThVNG1BoukC2Dp_9W9yKBN2iQ7qrGjh11VVlKUNSodZ4pXwZ450TkwD1a3dzMOA7CW6qYZEbZDcKoDd0xBoBB4cMbpmvho7_FU-sBfexy3n/s1600/P1050730.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garganta del Diablo, complete with soaring vulture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZry-9GolKTNKQ_aBpQq_jnGlI46D0WUFSt2jHLIIOcZtgUgVA7z0pNjWBW4QloZ5A6opkzbu79KhI-Wz9S4acxE_FsevZ_fORDMqQi1Irs6xTUyQ2MuOq_O1UaG0guh_XP92iAm5U6cQ_/s1600/P1050698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZry-9GolKTNKQ_aBpQq_jnGlI46D0WUFSt2jHLIIOcZtgUgVA7z0pNjWBW4QloZ5A6opkzbu79KhI-Wz9S4acxE_FsevZ_fORDMqQi1Irs6xTUyQ2MuOq_O1UaG0guh_XP92iAm5U6cQ_/s1600/P1050698.JPG" height="75" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic from the Brazilian side of the falls<br /><br /></td></tr>
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The following day we stuck to the Argentinian side. Both sides are well worth a visit, and I would suggest the Brazilian side first to get a feel for the falls as a whole, then the Argentinian side for a slightly less busy and more involved experience. We arrived early both days to miss the rush and to try and beat the heat, although there really wasn't any beating it at all, as we easily managed to spend a full day on each side. We managed our best views of the Dusky Swift this side, and it was quite remarkable to see them clinging to the side of the rock as the water tumbled down beside them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhuvAK1kQJDDPyPWpsXfxn_7G00O6oBeRmZ5TtQzKuMr7W1VA9qx-azUdVn2FcRI8CzbtAMmXvRYqigdhg3tu0-W9029gmfCIFOR7qDyt8rS5Xy6s4Up9SfbNsNwVngAKpxy3QhNy1hhc/s1600/P1050757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhuvAK1kQJDDPyPWpsXfxn_7G00O6oBeRmZ5TtQzKuMr7W1VA9qx-azUdVn2FcRI8CzbtAMmXvRYqigdhg3tu0-W9029gmfCIFOR7qDyt8rS5Xy6s4Up9SfbNsNwVngAKpxy3QhNy1hhc/s1600/P1050757.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achingly picturesque. Can you spot the Swift?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeZpCOXXhbE8YLyBwVAdLl8ZKhZVogKGKuUM5nSxxTaOIFwpR1e41615YirdsR6KlKL8d8OOzbBZq2EsoilVkU_diwAjlTJONlSO3pjaUfdsryo3yWlj5-w3Z7N8FG0TlERcyYK1R8GaO/s1600/P1050764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeZpCOXXhbE8YLyBwVAdLl8ZKhZVogKGKuUM5nSxxTaOIFwpR1e41615YirdsR6KlKL8d8OOzbBZq2EsoilVkU_diwAjlTJONlSO3pjaUfdsryo3yWlj5-w3Z7N8FG0TlERcyYK1R8GaO/s1600/P1050764.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A true marvel of the natural world - Great Dusky Swift</td></tr>
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We also took a couple of trips on the river, marketed as ecological tours. They were very pleasant, but perhaps due to the heat there wasn't much wildlife around. We did, however, get cracking views of Greater Ani, with its honking bill and unusual reproductive behaviour (not that we observed that). Unable to recognise their own eggs or nestling's, chicks are raised communally. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVbZKylSm2IXDA34m0CPLNz1dZH55ng-6nMjMVzVKP98xx60ew57WsPD-f1jYXXJZLOCC3kK6rgMtR6CRaYM-CMMt7dHx0OWZHiJ-6yNekYYjjz_EL_UDXMj_Rx0_zw5-CNhtIUGqTkaL/s1600/P1050852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVbZKylSm2IXDA34m0CPLNz1dZH55ng-6nMjMVzVKP98xx60ew57WsPD-f1jYXXJZLOCC3kK6rgMtR6CRaYM-CMMt7dHx0OWZHiJ-6yNekYYjjz_EL_UDXMj_Rx0_zw5-CNhtIUGqTkaL/s1600/P1050852.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Ani</td></tr>
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Aside from the vast array of butterflies also on offer on the Argentinian side, the two wildlife highlights came in the form of Coatis and a very special dragonfly! The Coatis were common on both sides, and also very tame. Related to the Racoon, they spend a lot of their time in large groups, foraging in the undergrowth using their wonderfully designed snouts to locate food. As they do this, they make a wonderful array of squeaks and grunts, especially the young. According to the signs, they also have a nasty bite! And as for the Dragonfly, well before I saw this I would have probably laughed if you'd told me that there is a PINK Dragonfly out there. Needless to say we were both amazed by this beautiful little insect, and it posed wonderfully for us as well!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG86Fy0kfUhCwQZmz4YZNlVDZASUs4daoetajWzM0bZWfnNoF5zsuGTJYpJJE2K8MyIax3FU4_Sh8-ahdKW8FWmGRGitom2ak3gi2UFl0sR73ElHtLBBoNI4RpxBmT2C4mYXvc8zfgNQs/s1600/P1050793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG86Fy0kfUhCwQZmz4YZNlVDZASUs4daoetajWzM0bZWfnNoF5zsuGTJYpJJE2K8MyIax3FU4_Sh8-ahdKW8FWmGRGitom2ak3gi2UFl0sR73ElHtLBBoNI4RpxBmT2C4mYXvc8zfgNQs/s1600/P1050793.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splendid. Carmine Skimmer, <i>Orthemis discolor</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklwTj4j0ubseXvtZC9mYoAj4x3YaWO-6YG-8TWuB7VzLrPirWGzbDewDgC8Rf9pJDD2kIQvI6dxTWk3iH-RSsSEJMgFhtGgvMqDkn30gOpzpHfClAKExV6xOcSaPGlUElYgSIEXcvnhas/s1600/P1050877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklwTj4j0ubseXvtZC9mYoAj4x3YaWO-6YG-8TWuB7VzLrPirWGzbDewDgC8Rf9pJDD2kIQvI6dxTWk3iH-RSsSEJMgFhtGgvMqDkn30gOpzpHfClAKExV6xOcSaPGlUElYgSIEXcvnhas/s1600/P1050877.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coati mother and baby - look at those teeth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91uOXMG5P8lUOTmFWXOiAREj2Ao7Os4KoIP7uU90OrnO7sN3yB_w-8ntq9noQfnQDtgbKpITOWEJy76KAFMJi5FeRAg2uaDmiEHc4FG9bYOQF15j6NPRqnqwSasf5K-kpnA6RDJ-3AYUU/s1600/P1050860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91uOXMG5P8lUOTmFWXOiAREj2Ao7Os4KoIP7uU90OrnO7sN3yB_w-8ntq9noQfnQDtgbKpITOWEJy76KAFMJi5FeRAg2uaDmiEHc4FG9bYOQF15j6NPRqnqwSasf5K-kpnA6RDJ-3AYUU/s1600/P1050860.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you insist. One more of the stunning Iguazu Falls</td></tr>
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In order to ease our woes at having missed out on some splendid tropical bird species, we decided to visit the Jardin de los Picaflores (Hummingbird Garden) located in the middle of Puerto Iguazu. We'd read good things, but were not expecting what we found. Upon performing the customary clap to alert the home-owner, we were let into the little garden. It was like a mecca for Hummingbirds, we were blown away. We sat on a little bench and for half an hour (before it shut for lunch) sat and watched no less than six species of Hummingbird including Swallow-tailed and Planalto Hermit, Bananaquit, Sayaca Tanager, Epaulet Oriole, Blue Dacnis and many others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv0SRIoxDQhfXJG0e205LTn_vdBs2uIUw41Jw-3WKsUDmhqIHv1BW9O5NGS_6SYe7N_yujMaCqQPTXzPp61YfSqOpyna6R1HQP44YNNWMupElr357zAg9w9goAiqAoOMnZqZdcfC2t-xU/s1600/Violaceous+Euphonia+2,+Jardin+de+los+Picaflores+(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv0SRIoxDQhfXJG0e205LTn_vdBs2uIUw41Jw-3WKsUDmhqIHv1BW9O5NGS_6SYe7N_yujMaCqQPTXzPp61YfSqOpyna6R1HQP44YNNWMupElr357zAg9w9goAiqAoOMnZqZdcfC2t-xU/s1600/Violaceous+Euphonia+2,+Jardin+de+los+Picaflores+(B).JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violaceous Euphonia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPDmS_Ue9TU6AIt2MF1TrfhBRjJNCK1vQkV4jvR62V55jjin-XLonEhEbdV1Y77z2QJAZEQgZkJOawpdRf4kz2hFV7a2uC57Uq5Dj5TzgG9HUzlL8pe5LZfHUHGdaFNf8S8s8_nInQ8-h/s1600/Panalto+Hermit,+Jardin+de+los+Picaflores+(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPDmS_Ue9TU6AIt2MF1TrfhBRjJNCK1vQkV4jvR62V55jjin-XLonEhEbdV1Y77z2QJAZEQgZkJOawpdRf4kz2hFV7a2uC57Uq5Dj5TzgG9HUzlL8pe5LZfHUHGdaFNf8S8s8_nInQ8-h/s1600/Panalto+Hermit,+Jardin+de+los+Picaflores+(B).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planalto Hermit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhDgXR7LPAPMYBgY3EE03T-Crf-H2aeSmht3R7qhOHJvjLjEkUmcPYmo6kjkTyLD15GG81jPvEX3RunVQLd5rx4mui8etTlVs_9gag8HWrNktadei0dbBhDd0E4Ou8ek4caGmFz5L4NDM/s1600/P1050953+(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhDgXR7LPAPMYBgY3EE03T-Crf-H2aeSmht3R7qhOHJvjLjEkUmcPYmo6kjkTyLD15GG81jPvEX3RunVQLd5rx4mui8etTlVs_9gag8HWrNktadei0dbBhDd0E4Ou8ek4caGmFz5L4NDM/s1600/P1050953+(B).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Black-throated Mango</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtVSaRzBI1Btliagp-27bjOGJkvjYM5STrrs2q15cviZ1s3dqQmafHVfgvM_Pz56vEEMlTWp1wq9i9EOAENJENmeeyOYjo_GA3JN4gWQVWAdn9UvwOdhCCYW8xCJtAqzQUsuY8OgjI8m5/s1600/Glittering+bellied+Emerald,+Jardin+de+los+Picaflores+(B).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtVSaRzBI1Btliagp-27bjOGJkvjYM5STrrs2q15cviZ1s3dqQmafHVfgvM_Pz56vEEMlTWp1wq9i9EOAENJENmeeyOYjo_GA3JN4gWQVWAdn9UvwOdhCCYW8xCJtAqzQUsuY8OgjI8m5/s1600/Glittering+bellied+Emerald,+Jardin+de+los+Picaflores+(B).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glittering-bellied Emerald</td></tr>
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<br />It was one of the highlights of the entire trip for both of us, and a perfect way to end our first South American journey. Until next time.....<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-50888355036855240012015-01-12T04:25:00.000-08:002015-01-12T04:28:37.557-08:00Argentina: Part 5 - Esteros del Ibera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ibera, north of Buenos Aries near Mercedes, to put it simply, gave Peninsula Valdes a run for its money as the best wildlife spot we'd been to in Argentina. In the local Guarani language, the name translates simply as "Bright Water" and upon arrival we could understand why. This roughly 20,000 <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">km</span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1;">2</sup></span> wetland is the second largest in the world, and an untouched, undeveloped paradise for wildlife lovers. Lana and I spent 4 nights at Aguape lodge (which I can't recommend enough) and we comprised one third of all the tourists we encountered during our stay.....<br />
Unfortunately we lost a day to some torrential rain which made going out for dinner good fun; a job for wellies and wading through the sandy streets with lightning striking slightly too close for comfort. Even when the evenings were warm and sunny we were still the only people enjoying good food as Nacunda Nighthawks hunted around the street lamps outside the restaurant. The Giant Wood Rail below took full advantage of having the pool to itself during the storm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tuFe3SQSG0U_PYmw6v2r3VsCkv-iQTmxPervU982PleaXs6pTprhnxYWumNrJ-PmSTyElGfyfkUPAKIvdSKlgQhoNzgKM5RFPnaPO8fNaog7ATX01kgAzQf8v4VAWG5LyFczI3m9tust/s1600/P1040482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tuFe3SQSG0U_PYmw6v2r3VsCkv-iQTmxPervU982PleaXs6pTprhnxYWumNrJ-PmSTyElGfyfkUPAKIvdSKlgQhoNzgKM5RFPnaPO8fNaog7ATX01kgAzQf8v4VAWG5LyFczI3m9tust/s1600/P1040482.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical scene in this wetland paradise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYi1VLcLWJXCVI1bEncts1-R8jyh3B0nU0QlgtHm4ukIyPo-7ghJtdXSzczl41Xapbkgby-BZ2itvjzMblcvNisEbnlsVYLerZyFEuIRauo1j-0nkukAzz-SLEugbdIX3HtzPC_JRh8g0/s1600/P1050410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYi1VLcLWJXCVI1bEncts1-R8jyh3B0nU0QlgtHm4ukIyPo-7ghJtdXSzczl41Xapbkgby-BZ2itvjzMblcvNisEbnlsVYLerZyFEuIRauo1j-0nkukAzz-SLEugbdIX3HtzPC_JRh8g0/s1600/P1050410.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Wood Rail relaxing by the pool</td></tr>
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During our stay we took a couple of boat trips out onto the lagoon and got up close to some incredible wildlife. Capybara (in Latin, Water Pig), Marsh Deer and Black Caiman were commonplace. All three of these species were once heavily poached for their various lovely characteristics, but now luckily there is a team of dedicated rangers that in Ibera at least are working on stamping out the vile practice all together. Habitat destruction is also a major threat, especially to the Marsh Deer. Again Ibera provides some vital protection for this stunning species. Capybara are considered less vulnerable as they have the ability to reproduce fairly rapidly (being rodents and all) and a much larger range. Interestingly, they also only ever mate in water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6XiJD7uinWxC1DHUPMxPxFr6W2fu5exgOP_gitE5cMA3G0SVClinGrYMGisQX0lx19KOoA0KoOqiMDDlAM7w36cyGyBKVSUHO6t1KRJ7llNRXUHj_vLCKZx0LXaUbJm-EN24iqAz8RdU/s1600/P1050422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6XiJD7uinWxC1DHUPMxPxFr6W2fu5exgOP_gitE5cMA3G0SVClinGrYMGisQX0lx19KOoA0KoOqiMDDlAM7w36cyGyBKVSUHO6t1KRJ7llNRXUHj_vLCKZx0LXaUbJm-EN24iqAz8RdU/s1600/P1050422.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capybara family huddling during the storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4eUmdtmJHBN3kHQr0_hNL51QyVHVTXcurYO2Kyp6RJNEfJ3SL6DsXfn-GCZJz0I86tTIedxETD09p331GqEJZkr7GjkCglAfy4Jwe-G_XsZJ85Z-vueNS4iHPh-gPII4BBk64EX0xQCO/s1600/P1040613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4eUmdtmJHBN3kHQr0_hNL51QyVHVTXcurYO2Kyp6RJNEfJ3SL6DsXfn-GCZJz0I86tTIedxETD09p331GqEJZkr7GjkCglAfy4Jwe-G_XsZJ85Z-vueNS4iHPh-gPII4BBk64EX0xQCO/s1600/P1040613.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prehistoric and intricately beautiful, Black Caiman</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBIgJtpcsDUdEHQ-WzbertQXg1WzjuFgJfjjkSbu53PQKrmRSuQrtpSFy6sfzmTRehkyQgWsjcc96wvmEsH1Bad8J9HFc46_T1ty2q_isvkZkxeOcT1Xehm9_jNyHjZJy2GbbuzRUFvKK/s1600/P1040576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBIgJtpcsDUdEHQ-WzbertQXg1WzjuFgJfjjkSbu53PQKrmRSuQrtpSFy6sfzmTRehkyQgWsjcc96wvmEsH1Bad8J9HFc46_T1ty2q_isvkZkxeOcT1Xehm9_jNyHjZJy2GbbuzRUFvKK/s1600/P1040576.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Deer being marshy</td></tr>
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Alongside the aquatic wildlife was a cast of truly stunning birds. Out on the wetland Striated, White-necked and Rufescent Tiger Heron, Snowy and Great Egret, Wattled Jacana, Brazilian and White-faced Whistling Duck and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture were common. We were also lucky to see Large-billed and Yellow-billed Tern, Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfisher, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, and Black-capped Donacobious, with the later still proving a bit of a headache for ornithologists as to where it belongs taxonomically. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7WPbaTNCgrb_jc3PTRdw4L1ZRWMfQnqpau4Yy0MRByDO6l350oz4NdkJXFDYGqlIm8qIom8Nd1pSnjE3pH-w8xcMRzTXRfZTUhwvDdubCdVyKouzsYkPJQGcqJ7z8yubWd28mwJuylwc/s1600/P1040416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7WPbaTNCgrb_jc3PTRdw4L1ZRWMfQnqpau4Yy0MRByDO6l350oz4NdkJXFDYGqlIm8qIom8Nd1pSnjE3pH-w8xcMRzTXRfZTUhwvDdubCdVyKouzsYkPJQGcqJ7z8yubWd28mwJuylwc/s1600/P1040416.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful female Green Kingfisher</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr3ISS3uGJRGTonQGJoGP1oViZO_U2_3nJtH2ntB1gMwGzES_GZwH66R3SS2xHU2hJLq3MnlC36tEx9lVLqdq0lPg6-ERlnrLQ4y8sGyyU_Z8Jr4u3kgCLVlag23T7OTC-1jIQIDeNpbC/s1600/P1040818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr3ISS3uGJRGTonQGJoGP1oViZO_U2_3nJtH2ntB1gMwGzES_GZwH66R3SS2xHU2hJLq3MnlC36tEx9lVLqdq0lPg6-ERlnrLQ4y8sGyyU_Z8Jr4u3kgCLVlag23T7OTC-1jIQIDeNpbC/s1600/P1040818.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just as Redshanks in the UK are "sentinels of the marsh," Southern Screamers keep watch over the marshes of South America</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J0UmqwkrNIAKLvlI7Sxhff0QkUqgOiVwV1ygR0wcWQCIm6X044Mu9XLnKjSd7iswgnn7fbJX5Fd7s54Ey34jczeTzo2t-NnZJUKRxhaadZV1IU2eQC9GUraS8O94IMjBO7HUNtNnBkf9/s1600/P1050413a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J0UmqwkrNIAKLvlI7Sxhff0QkUqgOiVwV1ygR0wcWQCIm6X044Mu9XLnKjSd7iswgnn7fbJX5Fd7s54Ey34jczeTzo2t-NnZJUKRxhaadZV1IU2eQC9GUraS8O94IMjBO7HUNtNnBkf9/s1600/P1050413a.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-capped Donacobious</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGdSjzOSgwYL7bNV68SquZFvM0Jz3qDr4GfPo2NR2_Xi1e1ZaQxR_vUsWvtKQLen7phmNB6ikZV9BDnyaasFgVCXW-SlInZQmji2TPY8PzQLOzA4MCSYaBUKslby0Msj5Rlhh0pv5aNE4/s1600/P1040597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGdSjzOSgwYL7bNV68SquZFvM0Jz3qDr4GfPo2NR2_Xi1e1ZaQxR_vUsWvtKQLen7phmNB6ikZV9BDnyaasFgVCXW-SlInZQmji2TPY8PzQLOzA4MCSYaBUKslby0Msj5Rlhh0pv5aNE4/s1600/P1040597.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our excellent guide Horatio spotted this hiding in the floating vegetation....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2KVFv_-juE22ZEZC-Ym4E-2tobsfBaHpzYx97jDfT2poHu4rILK02AA2Uc4PvgL6YrTsxCdZ_oAl2EG6f4MnWbEo0KJTn3a_SP8EtzfngVkZewlHrrFjP456fMyQ6h28nOkkykb8WNsr/s1600/P1040581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2KVFv_-juE22ZEZC-Ym4E-2tobsfBaHpzYx97jDfT2poHu4rILK02AA2Uc4PvgL6YrTsxCdZ_oAl2EG6f4MnWbEo0KJTn3a_SP8EtzfngVkZewlHrrFjP456fMyQ6h28nOkkykb8WNsr/s1600/P1040581.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wattled Jacana chick</td></tr>
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On land the selection of bird life was also unbelievable. We had come very much hoping to be able to see Yellow Cardinal, and ended up seeing two, which I rather tragically worked out constitutes of roughly 0.1% of the entire world population of this endangered and simply stunning bird. This bird has suffered for its beauty, and its chronic exploitation for the caged bird trade has lead to a catastrophic decline, and habitat loss and fragmentation is ensuring this species faces an even more challenging recovery. We experienced first hand the vulnerability of this species while in Ibera. As it is highly territorial, it is easily lured to investigate the calls of other individuals, While we didn't use a tape at all, it was clear that someone had been, as this bird came and sat on the wing mirror of our truck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lMQ7RN5syL2kFIPpusRBjIh5K5lY9d7kE7EJNrQOYrsJYUzgMEbwFAlJJLUxFRAcC-oy0rzxSlzKt4u2XJQbIxp3FPgFqOAAOz0SdHZOScqRhzw-tUDOS2z4x-PZXx5GK2RJT9fiNEAW/s1600/P1040731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lMQ7RN5syL2kFIPpusRBjIh5K5lY9d7kE7EJNrQOYrsJYUzgMEbwFAlJJLUxFRAcC-oy0rzxSlzKt4u2XJQbIxp3FPgFqOAAOz0SdHZOScqRhzw-tUDOS2z4x-PZXx5GK2RJT9fiNEAW/s1600/P1040731.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of those special birding moments. Yellow Cardinal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X-wBcwvYlGxtK40vrMQ7qR7lgwU9blLOaaeA82Hu0xmRjLPyHBRf2I9m5cRdYGg2SooGrCtxtr05GKqgUZax9XP6LfVPtvgmWRYwqBEpN7IYA-HdxUKHCPUfI6D8cORJgT-K4NBI1YJm/s1600/P1040828ab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0X-wBcwvYlGxtK40vrMQ7qR7lgwU9blLOaaeA82Hu0xmRjLPyHBRf2I9m5cRdYGg2SooGrCtxtr05GKqgUZax9XP6LfVPtvgmWRYwqBEpN7IYA-HdxUKHCPUfI6D8cORJgT-K4NBI1YJm/s1600/P1040828ab.JPG" height="283" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And still present when the truck was empty.</td></tr>
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Common species around our lodge and the surrounding dirt roads included Red-crested and Yellow-billed Cardinal, Masked Gnatcatcher, Black-capped Warbling finch, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, White Monjita, Field Flicker, Great Kiskadee and Guira Cuckoo. There are far too many pictures to upload, so I thought I'd stick with my favourites. Firstly, a couple of spectacular Vermilion Flycatchers were present around the village and were always very showy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8Q0U6PtY7wbNpnz1lLIuwU0QvTXatncKFa7zVlndV67oEo9ZR4Qxl_sDPztiy6QIJLSDMU08npIVgi9TwEefxEKz7-W1dxvfcgUOG-b2Ed20FLTo1tc1Y1OPtMJeWUw5uzBDyDEX1df8/s1600/P1050301a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8Q0U6PtY7wbNpnz1lLIuwU0QvTXatncKFa7zVlndV67oEo9ZR4Qxl_sDPztiy6QIJLSDMU08npIVgi9TwEefxEKz7-W1dxvfcgUOG-b2Ed20FLTo1tc1Y1OPtMJeWUw5uzBDyDEX1df8/s1600/P1050301a.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outrageously red (or vermilion) Vermilion Flycatcher</td></tr>
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Another species which is classified as vulnerable and still declining is the Black and White Monjita, and it is an uncommon bird to see in Ibera, so to find this pair by the road was a real treat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH-Vr-2HQ75S1ylWI_nqIzGInHBQ6D4RAWNiI2RsGayUN2cks3Dz6LYD2DIH4_1m2Y1aPI93zzA5QkqYoEVTe6Qm_t_GQSFCXi9yrVBx3dfY7tkug6oPr9VWQk_yAB4Ze2m5VhwZiuSMk/s1600/P1040718a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH-Vr-2HQ75S1ylWI_nqIzGInHBQ6D4RAWNiI2RsGayUN2cks3Dz6LYD2DIH4_1m2Y1aPI93zzA5QkqYoEVTe6Qm_t_GQSFCXi9yrVBx3dfY7tkug6oPr9VWQk_yAB4Ze2m5VhwZiuSMk/s1600/P1040718a.JPG" height="320" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black and White Monjita</td></tr>
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Also around were the much more common but equally as beautiful White Monjita. It was very strange seeing virtually all-white passerines which do occur but are rare in Britain (breeding plumage male Snow Bunting is the only one I could think of that comes close).<br />
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As I said above, Masked Gnatcatcher were common, however they were lovely little birds. We thought they were the like the South American equivalent of Long-tailed Tit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDBImJFzidV2UHn80iQ4GmfCRW0_Ntk_p4lQXJ4R-PSMjFI2rqkT2Rmlqt0aCWKW96Beh2FdDjVXmQGyMbSB6nYSj7XtHyQTN4deZAIlhErHbFwrIolaQwuavNfxRJhA0Nw-_f9FYcB7p/s1600/P1040803a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDBImJFzidV2UHn80iQ4GmfCRW0_Ntk_p4lQXJ4R-PSMjFI2rqkT2Rmlqt0aCWKW96Beh2FdDjVXmQGyMbSB6nYSj7XtHyQTN4deZAIlhErHbFwrIolaQwuavNfxRJhA0Nw-_f9FYcB7p/s1600/P1040803a.JPG" height="320" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masked Gnatcatcher</td></tr>
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And finally, as we made our way North out of the wetlands towards Iguazu Falls, which was one of the most exciting and terrifying road journeys of my life, we were lucky enough to come across a Roseate Spoonbill feeding in a newly created pool. There had been so much rain that the dirt roads had been turned to sludge and there was plenty of flooding. Some "puddles" were so deep we had to remove our seat belts in case the car rolled and we had to make a quick escape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsKP9vFZfhGHKGvqxfTIPcpQxqBaGSPlrYmPvjkzNGQ_iFJgekPPEk_rfqyN25cItRHra1c9v0j4PP002WIZrIFX714PcHyfWRJEjKo1JkoAUF7f9mVdcFfNWYJ0amf5TPxdR1sAYDJGJ/s1600/P1050458a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsKP9vFZfhGHKGvqxfTIPcpQxqBaGSPlrYmPvjkzNGQ_iFJgekPPEk_rfqyN25cItRHra1c9v0j4PP002WIZrIFX714PcHyfWRJEjKo1JkoAUF7f9mVdcFfNWYJ0amf5TPxdR1sAYDJGJ/s1600/P1050458a.JPG" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roseate Spoonbill enjoying all the rain</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-47194836025759353762014-12-28T11:41:00.000-08:002014-12-28T11:44:46.333-08:00Argentina: Part 4 - Parc Nacional Los Glaciares<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am now writing from home having finished our trip: a computer became difficult to come by as we traveled north which was a wonderful thing. Our final stop on our route south was Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, most famous for Glaciar Perito Moreno, but so much more than that. Don't get me wrong, it was stunning, however El Calafate (the base town for it) was not, and El Chalten in the North of the park was infinitely better. However, the Laguna Nimez reserve on the Northern edge of Calafate was a hidden gem, and we spent 3 hours in this tiny reserve, which had much to offer. It consists of a few small lagoons filled with wildfowl and Flamingos, access to the shore of Lago Argentino (Argentina's largest lake) and plenty of scrub too. We were afforded fantastic views of South American Snipe, Plumbeous Rail, Chilean Flamingo, Grass Wren Red Shoveler, Crested Duck and many more. A group of Oxyura spp. ducks also caused much confusion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Bx7f5LgwWTurMjiBBjYe39pQ1qjbM7sT-zlHdQAO4tUUkjTkLeJCoZhmuL179drVx2RrLsHO93b1yvrkUbO-Nlb5vsT0vU-rocr0rXlma9JnQIA4cHzFwes7D1YAC7vgK6dL0q7NKbKO/s1600/P1030910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Bx7f5LgwWTurMjiBBjYe39pQ1qjbM7sT-zlHdQAO4tUUkjTkLeJCoZhmuL179drVx2RrLsHO93b1yvrkUbO-Nlb5vsT0vU-rocr0rXlma9JnQIA4cHzFwes7D1YAC7vgK6dL0q7NKbKO/s1600/P1030910.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South American Snipe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh0TnIK5fcfUJnHBH9-xIpPPx0vs5qio9BNRmZ_Qqx3ls8Uei-d48SHpwR9qmingX3Jg0nvhI9DWZ3-1PvBPjhvLG-HGDc1eY244UMLmheBgyJEqzMB3e2714N4ncTueRQOa67Auyqj00/s1600/P1040006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh0TnIK5fcfUJnHBH9-xIpPPx0vs5qio9BNRmZ_Qqx3ls8Uei-d48SHpwR9qmingX3Jg0nvhI9DWZ3-1PvBPjhvLG-HGDc1eY244UMLmheBgyJEqzMB3e2714N4ncTueRQOa67Auyqj00/s1600/P1040006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plumbeous Rail, incredibly showy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rnHZIu6-sP8MkRKVpZpGVQLvueGNqxMUcwTofb1Rxtoiybjll77Vucp2_Pl5CpyOk6MWhyPlzFESc80XjRw163mlo9pGipsppqRveqVxEjsKHDRAILgxK3Ggw5QK2LjEcWF7vZaPsaKt/s1600/P1040017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rnHZIu6-sP8MkRKVpZpGVQLvueGNqxMUcwTofb1Rxtoiybjll77Vucp2_Pl5CpyOk6MWhyPlzFESc80XjRw163mlo9pGipsppqRveqVxEjsKHDRAILgxK3Ggw5QK2LjEcWF7vZaPsaKt/s1600/P1040017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilean Flamingo, wonderful to see them in the wild</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKpZDVD5onDLXNljlNgZMscXxLxkYMUhd7P0qPJKOvoQDwudmacrfiTms9gW9w6rxh47DNXq4ugFSd-0N5dAbJFbMj4lvzBcxz8OeFljihiqlbEKwu3nad_76ZmTy26tMxFmWD9eYlgoa/s1600/P1040025a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKpZDVD5onDLXNljlNgZMscXxLxkYMUhd7P0qPJKOvoQDwudmacrfiTms9gW9w6rxh47DNXq4ugFSd-0N5dAbJFbMj4lvzBcxz8OeFljihiqlbEKwu3nad_76ZmTy26tMxFmWD9eYlgoa/s1600/P1040025a.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass Wren singing his heart out.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7hihVVZQdC9MeR5FtOwGg2fXQgb8yUWRJhe13Yc49cajYWu1hpF4AlyGHaH85x47wZ0qnqiaORMW4RUQrM-n4pXr6aYGQlgQ-qgrdmwfqofVM5HK7bGSTKQl87eNk7U4pcL_IgrSmOu5/s1600/P1040007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7hihVVZQdC9MeR5FtOwGg2fXQgb8yUWRJhe13Yc49cajYWu1hpF4AlyGHaH85x47wZ0qnqiaORMW4RUQrM-n4pXr6aYGQlgQ-qgrdmwfqofVM5HK7bGSTKQl87eNk7U4pcL_IgrSmOu5/s1600/P1040007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Lapwing</td></tr>
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Just a quick note about the Southern Lapwing above. This species really is absolutely everywhere. Nature reserves, parks, roadsides, town centres.... There wasn't a single place we visited where they weren't present. I imagine that this is what it was once like in Britain for our Northern Lapwing, now a distant dream, but not one that is out of reach....<br />
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Also, an obligatory photo of the glacier. It was rather spectacular. Stretching for 2.5km in either direction, this photo shows only the central leading face of it. It advances at a lightning quick 2 meters a day, and is over 14km long and 180 meters deep (of which around 55 metres are above the water).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-KJObARhNiakljJyIpYSDaGOdeOmu15FqhHBPkCSd6Mq7iNZJwONVYFtwvHnqDSa5PblYonbxnXyM54GENgT62b_RgxIEiezMtAKYKJfVhe4DC8cAGtL5ujvaCFv60Im7EigEt5ZF8hF/s1600/P1040036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-KJObARhNiakljJyIpYSDaGOdeOmu15FqhHBPkCSd6Mq7iNZJwONVYFtwvHnqDSa5PblYonbxnXyM54GENgT62b_RgxIEiezMtAKYKJfVhe4DC8cAGtL5ujvaCFv60Im7EigEt5ZF8hF/s1600/P1040036.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perito Moreno glacier<br />
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Also competing for attention was this young Rufous-collared Sparrow....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_mbPfsshgRgD3Pb2xw0cUyEP_82_WqGKkLS9AGBeJLNFLVxn_4irtKKiSKHWN1lrkb_tErgO_PesSubR43KvGoSB0PdlVhOY_lS74-ZCdsaBKzXlDDhFHkQnO4WZZ4NNQBHZrl8-3q3X/s1600/P1040048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_mbPfsshgRgD3Pb2xw0cUyEP_82_WqGKkLS9AGBeJLNFLVxn_4irtKKiSKHWN1lrkb_tErgO_PesSubR43KvGoSB0PdlVhOY_lS74-ZCdsaBKzXlDDhFHkQnO4WZZ4NNQBHZrl8-3q3X/s1600/P1040048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FEED ME!</td></tr>
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<br />
On to El Chalten, which had a much more relaxed and wild vibe to it, nestled in the mountains in the shadow of the simply breathtaking Cerro Fitz Roy. It is truly astonishing to think that some Human Beings have the skills and physical capability to ascend this peak. I spent a lot of time staring at it in admiration of them. Luckily this didn't distract form the birds for too long. Some wonderful hiking was accompanied by two much sought after species. The first came on a what could just about get away with being called a lake, but in truth was more like a large pond, surrounded by Pine trees on a short but steep trail up to a viewpoint over El Chalten. It was with a slightly sarcastic tone that we suggested a look just in case, and not long after "there was much rejoicing". Only a family of BRONZE-WINGED DUCK!!!! What absolute stunners. These scarce Andean breeders were tricky to come by, and to find a family of them in what seemed like the least likely of places was very satisfying indeed. While we watched them we were also joined by a family of 5 Chilean Flickers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDizWnpbtBq6tG18WgPCUjUOB9mUIyCL1qE4zp1Dw_CB2gIR2uGSnrvxMKngrjm7qyEVPSb6Oa9w_iro98KCjNEHP8eu6hHiSHYBYrSN4-Um_ycGS97yxWtSqJAeLr9e6ysw785R13fPYH/s1600/P1040158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDizWnpbtBq6tG18WgPCUjUOB9mUIyCL1qE4zp1Dw_CB2gIR2uGSnrvxMKngrjm7qyEVPSb6Oa9w_iro98KCjNEHP8eu6hHiSHYBYrSN4-Um_ycGS97yxWtSqJAeLr9e6ysw785R13fPYH/s1600/P1040158.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze-winged Duck, showing the iridescent speculum looking bronze here...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVh7lfImUsGorRq7-cSaaIBw53yQxppO8hgYpuvRDvdEpg90AnFQ174k6wMws_Gu4eqxLOOtZuHd6Wea45aY5TOAHwvos9ihNNYEJyRXTg6a7Y1-lZiTuMR6o5dRiPPZGQtKZ8JLFLB11/s1600/P1040153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVh7lfImUsGorRq7-cSaaIBw53yQxppO8hgYpuvRDvdEpg90AnFQ174k6wMws_Gu4eqxLOOtZuHd6Wea45aY5TOAHwvos9ihNNYEJyRXTg6a7Y1-lZiTuMR6o5dRiPPZGQtKZ8JLFLB11/s1600/P1040153.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And green here.</td></tr>
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The next day saw us hiking out into the national park, and we managed to time it so that we were virtually alone along most of the trails. Whenever the tree canopy thinned out we had amazing views of the Cerro Fitz Roy and its neighboring peaks flanking us, and in the forest we managed to find not one but two pairs of Magellanic Woodpeckers, showing down to a couple of feet at times. These are splendid, not just for the elaborate plumage of both sexes, but also the size; they are big birds! If fears are realised and the Ivory-billed and Imperial Woodpecker are indeed extinct, the larger individuals of the species can rank themselves in the top five largest woodpecker species in the world. We were lucky enough to observe them feeding for a good 10 minutes, and a male even decided to have a quick drum while we were there.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vIN4qOnBfExzagj17UalRkcIU7A5fXmNQz6RoUi55N-DI7Me6mdwbUsoMm9-EAyfY6i5XbG-pQGMLSZ0hjD72vbhUtF1Uuw08qeiOIf0s4xr2-hudwEEG8ivWMNI7xK1sf0q2pBabRCS/s1600/P1040196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vIN4qOnBfExzagj17UalRkcIU7A5fXmNQz6RoUi55N-DI7Me6mdwbUsoMm9-EAyfY6i5XbG-pQGMLSZ0hjD72vbhUtF1Uuw08qeiOIf0s4xr2-hudwEEG8ivWMNI7xK1sf0q2pBabRCS/s1600/P1040196.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Magellanic Woodpecker, one smart bird</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMo6roThwTHugzTp3T34UaTh05v9VDTdMYeGWgPsEhJyK9Jxq7WIJFONhZI2dkw95VgGzUCk1XScKP5j4R6Oas7i21RpfG7U-N7W0mqI03jVM7xHSLsaqtNe6BDq_MmBvL84UvtSOhXGH/s1600/P1030867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMo6roThwTHugzTp3T34UaTh05v9VDTdMYeGWgPsEhJyK9Jxq7WIJFONhZI2dkw95VgGzUCk1XScKP5j4R6Oas7i21RpfG7U-N7W0mqI03jVM7xHSLsaqtNe6BDq_MmBvL84UvtSOhXGH/s1600/P1030867.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Magellanic Woodpecker, less colour more crest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg326rJqC2ceMSgIhA6RYm98Kooh5Jm7F4YsaKY4ZAsdlHOwo4hfcCv7bQW-ApDmcfiMc9tJNiWcwujK9weZ9F0RyXDTNWNlKnUx4CXUIteTrLWbef1ersou_QTw7ZWNaRJ2lpBtfrGPE0/s1600/P1040217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg326rJqC2ceMSgIhA6RYm98Kooh5Jm7F4YsaKY4ZAsdlHOwo4hfcCv7bQW-ApDmcfiMc9tJNiWcwujK9weZ9F0RyXDTNWNlKnUx4CXUIteTrLWbef1ersou_QTw7ZWNaRJ2lpBtfrGPE0/s1600/P1040217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing at 3405m, the Cerro Fitz Roy</td></tr>
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To round this post off, a quick mention for a place we stayed before we arrived in Calafate, Estancia El Condor. 4 hours from Ruta 40, this was a complete haven from everything modern, and here we enjoyed our first and only encounter with Austral Parakeet, the southern most species of Parrot in the Americas. If visiting anywhere within 200 miles of El Condor, it is an absolute must. A taste of what life in the Andes and southern Argentina used to be like it was by far and away the best location we visited in Patagonia. It was also the location for my first (and probably last as I survived completely intact and don't want to push my luck) horse ride, for six hours into the mountains. What an incredible experience it was.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRi6CaK_Zw4JlEN4s9Wq6ZPDBW727DXDRx63e4KXBQZAnGmAXBuL9IYF8R_8h3_PVE9ntDuL8wmzEG2eC3v2jwZzeTTvmoKze7eDciZpk8EG82I4k3bZmOm7s1sftv0MFGOsGCLDWIrf2/s1600/P1030906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRi6CaK_Zw4JlEN4s9Wq6ZPDBW727DXDRx63e4KXBQZAnGmAXBuL9IYF8R_8h3_PVE9ntDuL8wmzEG2eC3v2jwZzeTTvmoKze7eDciZpk8EG82I4k3bZmOm7s1sftv0MFGOsGCLDWIrf2/s1600/P1030906.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Austral Parakeet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFZjMme96IymyLNytzr6mDMxxluXh9UA37whM4D7Uq-eyvPG3vJ9nKvDwNqNyoDLI0dOCMeuNJmMS0kzTV9uM7rRWN0H_cKxu2vU1pIKcOUtQAtzpMykQ-uwdMi-RSrrfCJreISgbAtID/s1600/P1030803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFZjMme96IymyLNytzr6mDMxxluXh9UA37whM4D7Uq-eyvPG3vJ9nKvDwNqNyoDLI0dOCMeuNJmMS0kzTV9uM7rRWN0H_cKxu2vU1pIKcOUtQAtzpMykQ-uwdMi-RSrrfCJreISgbAtID/s1600/P1030803.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof - that is me on that horse there! </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-78908869390083846432014-12-06T12:33:00.000-08:002014-12-06T12:33:03.543-08:00Argentina: Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Although it may seem strange to think, there are things here worth looking at other than birds..... We visited Los Arrayanes national park, a 12km long peninsula full of beautiful flowers and some very old (300-600 years old) Arrayan Trees. With lonely planet, a bird book and butterfly book, we ran out of space for a flower book, so for now some species remain unidentified by us, but it in no way detracts from how delicately beautiful they are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYYk4If-I3n2XIA194Bo-7cf-RStAXoQ4zLYeiAkccZVi99st5xcmCWglkSuR1VMXVZr7-QVVyyZKPVqSR-ud4HgafRgGmwHOAE8_P4SJzZopgFonOfNw4f3iyKV-MtWlhec3UMali9nk/s1600/P1020862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYYk4If-I3n2XIA194Bo-7cf-RStAXoQ4zLYeiAkccZVi99st5xcmCWglkSuR1VMXVZr7-QVVyyZKPVqSR-ud4HgafRgGmwHOAE8_P4SJzZopgFonOfNw4f3iyKV-MtWlhec3UMali9nk/s1600/P1020862.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady´s Slipper spp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xLAY5wVVv75feIa4MWIRtU3EmwIOoN9quYfL9aPr5TTHd8GLV6HLL0qAOqoNFiu1rizDFDbQ2CItumuq3EdbIKq4Jj-t936JaDLX9GBFtHQrh6bcNJcQhXgTjkRckqGudFY-7RNU78sb/s1600/P1020849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xLAY5wVVv75feIa4MWIRtU3EmwIOoN9quYfL9aPr5TTHd8GLV6HLL0qAOqoNFiu1rizDFDbQ2CItumuq3EdbIKq4Jj-t936JaDLX9GBFtHQrh6bcNJcQhXgTjkRckqGudFY-7RNU78sb/s1600/P1020849.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unsure as yet.... Wow though</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22mtKqlD5KkIhQ7cVwLSB8bd51Ke6m9bOBWFx3HSgPjW2Dn9H0N0i7vC88N6LryryP2SWxOreLT1OC12cVYcLIDDUq0vfCdKDwfiAtCt-1KSWovHq-UeelAJ6N-943Bc5eCQXEsMTj74U/s1600/P1030855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22mtKqlD5KkIhQ7cVwLSB8bd51Ke6m9bOBWFx3HSgPjW2Dn9H0N0i7vC88N6LryryP2SWxOreLT1OC12cVYcLIDDUq0vfCdKDwfiAtCt-1KSWovHq-UeelAJ6N-943Bc5eCQXEsMTj74U/s1600/P1030855.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog Orchid</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEmbD3ESZN1RGDFMGAk8bFihBdZcC7-zzljiwsfSJLw5lcTki6tbC3ZVfp53GVTFpcRSlethBThGUie0biVYFAKCBS6WcbS_x_774Z3RFBp1hYlCuVfyUPPQWkKCUXrVwqMcC-jMQiPL7/s1600/P1020809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEmbD3ESZN1RGDFMGAk8bFihBdZcC7-zzljiwsfSJLw5lcTki6tbC3ZVfp53GVTFpcRSlethBThGUie0biVYFAKCBS6WcbS_x_774Z3RFBp1hYlCuVfyUPPQWkKCUXrVwqMcC-jMQiPL7/s1600/P1020809.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrayan trees</td></tr>
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Heading further south we visited the beautiful Los Alerces national park, home to some incredibly beautiful and some very old Alerces trees and where we added our first of many Andean Condor to the trip list. On the drive south on Ruta 40 we had a mad raptor fest, within an hour being treated to more Condors, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Aplomado Falcon and Cinerous Harrier (the later escaped the camera, but not for long)!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkv0adhVXFQX-implVEQ_xVzMNtT4T2HZQFSAMki3To8av75cs056g4LcDP36lB7iFk3_NNK6gJFvuxgNIt_JkhkumY7KAQc4GUTr_KkjutjoBbs8FMndl49j21NpJ0bu8KxdwByOAAdl/s1600/P1030190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkv0adhVXFQX-implVEQ_xVzMNtT4T2HZQFSAMki3To8av75cs056g4LcDP36lB7iFk3_NNK6gJFvuxgNIt_JkhkumY7KAQc4GUTr_KkjutjoBbs8FMndl49j21NpJ0bu8KxdwByOAAdl/s1600/P1030190.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaring Barn Door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8nm2nJu6Wo4bQBrlV1xF7W5d7bDy-mo97CgkdcTf29CwzCqw8gG6jgXP8OR6SxctmdwWV_AuXb3RTQR0O25bnG6iZulNBRDot6z41lMOfrZk68kp5NF4Q6KV1NP4C193pAWBtJZ3OdtH/s1600/P1030212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8nm2nJu6Wo4bQBrlV1xF7W5d7bDy-mo97CgkdcTf29CwzCqw8gG6jgXP8OR6SxctmdwWV_AuXb3RTQR0O25bnG6iZulNBRDot6z41lMOfrZk68kp5NF4Q6KV1NP4C193pAWBtJZ3OdtH/s1600/P1030212.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a fresh kill. For size, that is a large Hare that bird is on.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOsioQpayz1B4BkznEa8Kk8Ve_hqf70EUFKM8PUzJw5n0U1LiRanKRnDJigkhPuIkQycAx95_pBJJOe0Fu2dpmZ3UhjqL7rbo6AGM9crUfqtLvsqQcAW0JniTxGHLLmFoTQYz09yAdN3B/s1600/P1030217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOsioQpayz1B4BkznEa8Kk8Ve_hqf70EUFKM8PUzJw5n0U1LiRanKRnDJigkhPuIkQycAx95_pBJJOe0Fu2dpmZ3UhjqL7rbo6AGM9crUfqtLvsqQcAW0JniTxGHLLmFoTQYz09yAdN3B/s1600/P1030217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a little stunner!</td></tr>
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As we left the lush forests on the Eastern slopes of the Andes and headed south again, the landscape changed and Patagonian Steppe became the dominant feature. We started easily spotting species like Tawny-throated Dotteral and Gray-headed Sierra Finch. Roaming Guanacos have also become and almost permanent fixture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyF3UmtgqUzXLJmWYzpYl3vuU9EsOoU4UYmdIb9va-KRiM5BLOpjhlcUQdXhtItaL069XwSuszd8gwGZYWY5F5onG9RPebCBpKujOO00JEVNbVKKFF-6fTqlwmef2AfT_32A-J4vDTXnir/s1600/P1030247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyF3UmtgqUzXLJmWYzpYl3vuU9EsOoU4UYmdIb9va-KRiM5BLOpjhlcUQdXhtItaL069XwSuszd8gwGZYWY5F5onG9RPebCBpKujOO00JEVNbVKKFF-6fTqlwmef2AfT_32A-J4vDTXnir/s1600/P1030247.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tawny-throated Dotteral, common by the road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nYHrw3FnH4K1jKA3gYz305OkSXtPzjzWGjFfvV83GVEiEQmShQDx9ydiYNTopItGdpVCOthda25sQsyVavscgt5e1EafR-WTv4jcWndr6TJ_adA4bVgsZhYuIZMD-SL7N1CDJVp0k7Uq/s1600/P1040054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nYHrw3FnH4K1jKA3gYz305OkSXtPzjzWGjFfvV83GVEiEQmShQDx9ydiYNTopItGdpVCOthda25sQsyVavscgt5e1EafR-WTv4jcWndr6TJ_adA4bVgsZhYuIZMD-SL7N1CDJVp0k7Uq/s1600/P1040054.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray-hooded Sierra Finch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKxggjA_FRdCAViCigP21Je8SW__3mKl8H6tIRzFwDvSANUiQKxR5vQtrLg_ow49uG4eVPWZroIY5rpxWTWb_-p_QQ2KqBlMKw07YSWFQG71_JiROeNoMg7oXQ88JTDtubW2DJF5V3SeA/s1600/P1030366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKxggjA_FRdCAViCigP21Je8SW__3mKl8H6tIRzFwDvSANUiQKxR5vQtrLg_ow49uG4eVPWZroIY5rpxWTWb_-p_QQ2KqBlMKw07YSWFQG71_JiROeNoMg7oXQ88JTDtubW2DJF5V3SeA/s1600/P1030366.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute!! Mother and baby Guanaco</td></tr>
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That´s another round up completed. It tells a small fraction of the story behind this beautiful country, and a small fraction of the now 152 bird species we´ve seen so far. We are now down in El Calafate, and hiking is taking a front seat. However, it won´t be long until we head north, where an entirely new set of spcies and landscapes await us. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-75314167154936797912014-11-26T07:57:00.000-08:002014-11-26T07:57:21.147-08:00Argentina: Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A complete change of scenery greeted us in Bariloche; beautiful blue lakes, vast mountain ranges and lots of greenery, making a nice change from the hauntingly beautiful but somewhat desolate Patagonian Steppe. We managed a few new birds in and around Bariloche, and my favourite and a bird that I was very keen to see before we came was a Burrowing Parrot. We found a small and very noisy flock on the edge of a dirt track and they were just as pretty as I´d imagined. We were able to watch these two below as they courted, which ended in success!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2beIrGqtoNv4BlOQzAmfLzXsH_nfXiU9MawQij2PCF7M85Ay4qWINygKVNSmjsj6MXHR5jaHQq48_ovQGvJfRUADzK87XIz4kg9_MTkxdeOtSnpCgl6hPKAwglDS9KooLtU6x7tDA3uJ/s1600/P1020697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2beIrGqtoNv4BlOQzAmfLzXsH_nfXiU9MawQij2PCF7M85Ay4qWINygKVNSmjsj6MXHR5jaHQq48_ovQGvJfRUADzK87XIz4kg9_MTkxdeOtSnpCgl6hPKAwglDS9KooLtU6x7tDA3uJ/s1600/P1020697.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrowing Parrots wooing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvAUaOR-ShRduPUnc2L8NNZlu_Y4nd4II80uN3k5wfB9Bg4xo5ABxJa9kYbhsWrkb4B4QaTWUhhLb2zHrYSjKxQt-cepuEOHMf7_n3gfox3GYWPBnbE5rpBwPOJEK6vp7MkggY9-5FK8P/s1600/P1020704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvAUaOR-ShRduPUnc2L8NNZlu_Y4nd4II80uN3k5wfB9Bg4xo5ABxJa9kYbhsWrkb4B4QaTWUhhLb2zHrYSjKxQt-cepuEOHMf7_n3gfox3GYWPBnbE5rpBwPOJEK6vp7MkggY9-5FK8P/s1600/P1020704.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimango Caracara nearby. In the running for most common bird of the trip</td></tr>
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We slowly started winding our way North through mile upon mile of breathtaking scenery as we explored Nahuel Huapi National Park. The almost empty dirt roads proved an excellent source of birds, and as we drove we spotted some cracking birds including Ashy-headed Goose, Chilean Flicker, and California Quail (introduced I know, but splendid none-the-less).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKihsaEhGNr2TR0A46BMns1dBnBy75BeLV_tELW4Lt1ixcijIBqsXXX-GwYfaEfw5zTDhGqyJhYaAU6zwM-rUWGVWaIi31M9n8fj9I-ZtSL0h-7seCmDJj5TAb14qoFeiwBJPZ-4GTMAC/s1600/P1020724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKihsaEhGNr2TR0A46BMns1dBnBy75BeLV_tELW4Lt1ixcijIBqsXXX-GwYfaEfw5zTDhGqyJhYaAU6zwM-rUWGVWaIi31M9n8fj9I-ZtSL0h-7seCmDJj5TAb14qoFeiwBJPZ-4GTMAC/s1600/P1020724.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do love geese!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilean Flicker digging for worms!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkoAzgqGyrCljjo_x7rsHSdayXkrjSTkMXFFZXcyL6DT2PuupH8TDfsKIRRKbWUPZHThUCQ84dcPEGPYl9FivnT0cvSCmU2JROCaxuJSZCdR3XFAP0soumV3rlz82Uyc7BxM55hcLnoes/s1600/P1020763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkoAzgqGyrCljjo_x7rsHSdayXkrjSTkMXFFZXcyL6DT2PuupH8TDfsKIRRKbWUPZHThUCQ84dcPEGPYl9FivnT0cvSCmU2JROCaxuJSZCdR3XFAP0soumV3rlz82Uyc7BxM55hcLnoes/s1600/P1020763.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very HandsomeCalifornia Quail</td></tr>
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We hit our 100th species just outside our hotel in Villa La Angostura, in the form of a pair of Franklin Gulls. Strange to think that a few weeks previous we were at Blashford Lakes hoping to catch a glimpse of the individual there. I love Blashford, but this location just about piped it.<span id="goog_315401269"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Franklins Gull - the big 100!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzCBC298xwM327g4NcYgTfJZSy7yGtalnmXlstot5liwzKNdliWqXA4vsLdM_8ON1NYa5Ja5iLsuUa2kL3r9FfvGyEAAZriYjZ4dQQEveum4wQZwosiPHiDIFov48d7tpAxlBKA99HM7-/s1600/P1020781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzCBC298xwM327g4NcYgTfJZSy7yGtalnmXlstot5liwzKNdliWqXA4vsLdM_8ON1NYa5Ja5iLsuUa2kL3r9FfvGyEAAZriYjZ4dQQEveum4wQZwosiPHiDIFov48d7tpAxlBKA99HM7-/s1600/P1020781.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our hotel!</td></tr>
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Thats all for now. I have many more stories but the internet cafe is about to shut for lunch and we have a trip to Cueva de los Manos awaiting us!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-78256547126779164602014-11-16T11:09:00.002-08:002014-11-16T11:09:45.373-08:00Argentina: Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A week has flown by, and what an incredible week it has been. We have seen so much wildlife and fallen in love with this country already. My accounts here will have to be brief; a sort of best-of if you like. So we started in Buenos Aries, a hot, bustling but very pleasant city (coming from somebody who normally avoids cities like the plague), and explored Costanera Sur nature reserve on the Eastern edge of the city which turned out to be a real oasis. We struggled to find any water so missed out potential ducks and migrating waders, but there were plenty of other birds around. Many of them were tricky to photograph, but we logged around 40 species in 3 hours, not bad for an urban location full of unkown birds!! The highlights here and around the city itself were the raptors, most notably the Southern Crested Caracara. If anybody thinks that raptors have a negative effect on songbirds, they need to visit Argentina, as there is an abundance of both laying waste to that flimsy argument. I was also extatic to finally catch up with a Hummingbird, and what incredible creatures they are!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAdd9eTnwDN-RGMAu43gP3BeeDVwumM9upjZR_1czkUyfYLAwbOxXL7ZqtojxQphfofs4y_EsXNpoHjYfHpK08hFWsaI1Rc1Y1u0CJ5I9gronD1EZYgs50QDCsQUwnBkpFbU2MzWeuVlL/s1600/P1020112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAdd9eTnwDN-RGMAu43gP3BeeDVwumM9upjZR_1czkUyfYLAwbOxXL7ZqtojxQphfofs4y_EsXNpoHjYfHpK08hFWsaI1Rc1Y1u0CJ5I9gronD1EZYgs50QDCsQUwnBkpFbU2MzWeuVlL/s1600/P1020112.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Crested Caracara</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2QJqWn-gedYDwmlwjmG3k1igChWY-BvmkbiFKGmkKVfOGLfPrGwcAtqCUwhUEFCdJFMCB7vkEQyti4ge4yKmQ1s2lMN2yOBQJeNo0vkT-iHEO_ebnFZIjXT1PlaK7sF0Ekb8Z2OHIPZc/s1600/P1020076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2QJqWn-gedYDwmlwjmG3k1igChWY-BvmkbiFKGmkKVfOGLfPrGwcAtqCUwhUEFCdJFMCB7vkEQyti4ge4yKmQ1s2lMN2yOBQJeNo0vkT-iHEO_ebnFZIjXT1PlaK7sF0Ekb8Z2OHIPZc/s1600/P1020076.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glittering-bellied Emerald (Phwaaar)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8XNBZ9nJFS8mqEONl8duxpw4hbZFNMFKVrMLRog87FpxgZZhMcBpxRG42HdeGy0mhVBe9gROTgmzIDZE3HezVWVV8txhhIl9mMjbb75dvoThjukDEAMlGJqJv6rCehjY3pWIhXTnmk5T/s1600/P1020089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8XNBZ9nJFS8mqEONl8duxpw4hbZFNMFKVrMLRog87FpxgZZhMcBpxRG42HdeGy0mhVBe9gROTgmzIDZE3HezVWVV8txhhIl9mMjbb75dvoThjukDEAMlGJqJv6rCehjY3pWIhXTnmk5T/s1600/P1020089.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green-barred Woodpecker</td></tr>
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<br />
After BA, we took a long coach jounrey to Peninsula Valdes on the Atlantic coast and rented a car for a few days to explore. I can honestly say this is the greatest place (from a naturalists point of view) that I have ever been. As soon as we arrived we went on a sunset whale tour, and spent 2 hours in the company of Southern Right Whales and their calves. We were then lucky enough to catch up with a pod of Orca just after a kill and watched them for half an hour as they drifted slowly past. These two experiences would have been enough, but we also walked amongst a Magellanic Penguin colony, got to visit both Sea Lion and Elephant Seal Colonies and saw some top quality birds. It was great sadness that we had to say goodbye to this beautiful place, and I must admit that I am already trying to work out how I can get back as soon as possible. The land is barron with low scrub and lots of wind to go with it, but we still encountered some wonderful birds. The endearing Elegant-crested Tinamou were everywhere, as were the splendid Long-tailed Meadowlark and Darwin's Rhea. Also on the list were Lesser Shrike Tyrant, Mourning Sierra-finch, Plain-mantled Tit-spinetail, Olrogs Gull, Snowy Sheathbill, Blue-eyed Cormorant and Giant Southern Petrel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEE-14t9ZNuhHQkQi6QaZpxNZdeR63qU8FNJr76jrRlJbSRpYWHnYtBsk1GgOLMR5Df_HFFWQwzZF1AZO3xuNd5bUOexliVXex7fppNL26gWRURlhDWgTB2pQopbVdiq4J0jDhy2yMiq0/s1600/P1020391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEE-14t9ZNuhHQkQi6QaZpxNZdeR63qU8FNJr76jrRlJbSRpYWHnYtBsk1GgOLMR5Df_HFFWQwzZF1AZO3xuNd5bUOexliVXex7fppNL26gWRURlhDWgTB2pQopbVdiq4J0jDhy2yMiq0/s1600/P1020391.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the sunset with a Southern Right Whale </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUga6b6zdCepce692WgveMMzUVkHCGgmVu0whriuSDc_GWr0Vl2xrzyo4_hF1wWy8NUeP0nkCo290DGx5q0ajAy6MQZTQrgYQrySSPm_m4J3Bnt3IXD589z_iO7QbCgaai2UFyfKZszvm/s1600/P1020460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUga6b6zdCepce692WgveMMzUVkHCGgmVu0whriuSDc_GWr0Vl2xrzyo4_hF1wWy8NUeP0nkCo290DGx5q0ajAy6MQZTQrgYQrySSPm_m4J3Bnt3IXD589z_iO7QbCgaai2UFyfKZszvm/s1600/P1020460.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orcas cruising past</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp4Zn3S6L76ZV0cS95hgAbHPSzC-Ep4km1HNT5g33ItMWQAfaze2mmGMYu3aa8qnJd-K0ozHRTU4EjJZ-KXL4A29T1hVP5jjA6DQxMIVwKTo2YV5eggHHGqCl6AVpXk41I5aYNo2oDJ4H/s1600/P1020595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp4Zn3S6L76ZV0cS95hgAbHPSzC-Ep4km1HNT5g33ItMWQAfaze2mmGMYu3aa8qnJd-K0ozHRTU4EjJZ-KXL4A29T1hVP5jjA6DQxMIVwKTo2YV5eggHHGqCl6AVpXk41I5aYNo2oDJ4H/s1600/P1020595.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splendid male Sea Lion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrjeIdAXRiRWrfY51jOMCGqGhEE5rLpIQSYmWUQF-yqXE_q6k9RwTnGmZENlZwK2uC61TdYth2Pyyta8NVOoYtUavuU9ln5UKG6eaKb5zSuhyphenhyphen9WLqGAm3fZBQEtpnZhsivH6DFzsaeSCn/s1600/P1020487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrjeIdAXRiRWrfY51jOMCGqGhEE5rLpIQSYmWUQF-yqXE_q6k9RwTnGmZENlZwK2uC61TdYth2Pyyta8NVOoYtUavuU9ln5UKG6eaKb5zSuhyphenhyphen9WLqGAm3fZBQEtpnZhsivH6DFzsaeSCn/s1600/P1020487.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-tailed Meadowlark in all its glory!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoACuxyCgmZzKoliGLMXTxj9XXuztNQkpPCtkmHw5qypU09fSenidcNaVY1AhvvpF70TqCXbkroZyFPnfWGiR6zJZPEFsUUIpHh9ZOjoSU4mJcF3durct9WN0R9iO-JxMiRWW6_KQrk1l/s1600/P1020445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoACuxyCgmZzKoliGLMXTxj9XXuztNQkpPCtkmHw5qypU09fSenidcNaVY1AhvvpF70TqCXbkroZyFPnfWGiR6zJZPEFsUUIpHh9ZOjoSU4mJcF3durct9WN0R9iO-JxMiRWW6_KQrk1l/s1600/P1020445.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darwin's Rhea; she had no less than 13 young with her</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PY0g3VF8mG5W3Qpvml_ItRyJgOPVSMKQQGCuicyXz0GVuhANxolcDbfo51psThHZIFPRMx-w5D_jhUHoCuPo1G4Mb0CgZ2DCo8REcdDetT3WkdYCrxzB6D-9RWAVXNNnhzmRxfWLQHWE/s1600/P1020647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PY0g3VF8mG5W3Qpvml_ItRyJgOPVSMKQQGCuicyXz0GVuhANxolcDbfo51psThHZIFPRMx-w5D_jhUHoCuPo1G4Mb0CgZ2DCo8REcdDetT3WkdYCrxzB6D-9RWAVXNNnhzmRxfWLQHWE/s1600/P1020647.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like the Farnes!! Rock Shags and chicks</td></tr>
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<br />We are now on the other side of Argentina in Bariloche, amongst lakes, mountains and lots of greenery again, and it is stunning! The next leg of our jounrey sees us drive south along the spine of the Andes. It promises to be long but incredibly rewarding, and I can't wait! And hopefully there will be lots more amazing wildlife along the way!<br /><br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-16515296099577513612014-10-15T10:40:00.001-07:002014-10-15T14:18:34.586-07:00Big things a'come!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well today it finally happened. After a long day yesterday watching the news services going mad, it was with relief and excitement that a Grey Phalarope was found just off the South end of Inner Farne, where it showed very well as it fed in the swell not far offshore. These delightful little birds are always a thrill to see, and the Hove bird last year is and always will be one of my most memorable birds. As I was without my camera today, I'll include a picture of said Hove bird. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA9n_tmCRWluq_lcaa5o2a_u1ap4XrxVfwzFWRddaXY8TnDg6H1adod88vNagck_V1B7DnT5V8QZoYIMOJirfYr9FHRcZaAC_unw6R-NqTF-eu8f7PZjts53_K4eB5pn8DHx8qn1uPLXf/s1600/IMG_7161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA9n_tmCRWluq_lcaa5o2a_u1ap4XrxVfwzFWRddaXY8TnDg6H1adod88vNagck_V1B7DnT5V8QZoYIMOJirfYr9FHRcZaAC_unw6R-NqTF-eu8f7PZjts53_K4eB5pn8DHx8qn1uPLXf/s1600/IMG_7161.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely lovely lovely</td></tr>
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After that things went pretty quiet, until mid afternoon when a call from Brownsman alerted us to the presence of an Olive-back Pipit. The boat was quickly in the water and we crossed. It didn't take long to find and it showed wonderfully in the afternoon sun. It's always nice to get a lifer, and this was a cracker. This medium sized Pipit breeds in Asia and North-eastern Europe and winters in South-east Asia, and the arrival of this bird marks the the 5th consecutive year one has arrived on the Farnes; quite a record.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KUQFnq9K8EZYxiPztKAPXyfX2lVJsbDwuBim1SgrDb8JTq_OdTLPrdlt-Eh6S50Q2GK1RrUjonYw8oKH4gIUWXj2Soo3q9V8kg3ygvvN3_5WJuXh1APN40XBATrsxuq8dlUme4JiLWwi/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KUQFnq9K8EZYxiPztKAPXyfX2lVJsbDwuBim1SgrDb8JTq_OdTLPrdlt-Eh6S50Q2GK1RrUjonYw8oKH4gIUWXj2Soo3q9V8kg3ygvvN3_5WJuXh1APN40XBATrsxuq8dlUme4JiLWwi/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" height="298" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very smart Olive-backed Pipit</td></tr>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-25309639991170082532014-10-13T11:31:00.002-07:002014-10-13T11:43:51.006-07:00Big things a'coming!<br />
It's blowing a gale outside as I write this entry, an EASTERLY GALE!! Excitement is rife on the islands this evening as the next few days look rather special in birding terms. With Norfolk already reaping some rewards (RF Bluetail), hopefully we will be recalling some magical birds come the weekend. There have been a few goings on the past week though, perhaps the most notable of which is the arrival of our first Grey Seal pup. Excuse me for getting a bit mushy, but these little guys really are adorable; cute and extremely fluffy. With one of the largest Grey Seal colonies in the UK, we can expect to see around 1500 pups before the season is out, although by that time Lana and I will be chasing birds somewhere in Argentina! The pup below is only a few days old, and it will take around 3 weeks before he is weaned and ready to fend for himself. During this time it will put on a whopping 2 kg a day. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd38GaHIsCQUxzP31D82lArSLqPTU9g6NaldhSjt0HKXxycySXgVvKcRUpUM_TMhnwglk_qRMghb3PeJYIxAFI8CUHIXDmqbnHW4OmAugzj4uPl5fBhJwQNDMyiq_IpF91jTypiyXmuLRt/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd38GaHIsCQUxzP31D82lArSLqPTU9g6NaldhSjt0HKXxycySXgVvKcRUpUM_TMhnwglk_qRMghb3PeJYIxAFI8CUHIXDmqbnHW4OmAugzj4uPl5fBhJwQNDMyiq_IpF91jTypiyXmuLRt/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Seal pup.</td></tr>
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While we have been welcoming new life every day, we have also been saving lives as well. A Gannet was reported on a small outcrop off Staple Island, appearing to have fishing line wrapped around it. Rangers were instantly dispatched, and before long the Gannet was caught and the net removed. It was an off-cut of what would have been a much larger net, and for such a tiny amount of rubbish to bin, a Gannet (this one at least 5 years old) would have been lost. Putting rubbish in a bin really is a simple process, and it baffles me why human beings continue to struggle with the concept. Needless to say that if I were in charge, the penalty for such a heinous crime would be very severe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnd4FASAIZ7X6w-Ie_8jZijlCVJqOw6xL_HZYB6Bo48mP6GkAKQQVlYN4Q-ut7lrW7mA2EjsNaoXW4Ou5ODEg39C2i9NEgrC6Ax0-lTokQ58iN7RsCXEHznE4cAJSGeOVdoHaEW4w2Jr9/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnd4FASAIZ7X6w-Ie_8jZijlCVJqOw6xL_HZYB6Bo48mP6GkAKQQVlYN4Q-ut7lrW7mA2EjsNaoXW4Ou5ODEg39C2i9NEgrC6Ax0-lTokQ58iN7RsCXEHznE4cAJSGeOVdoHaEW4w2Jr9/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply stunning adult Gannet with net</td></tr>
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On a lighter note, Lana and I were out early on Sunday ringing. Birds were numerous and there were a few highlights, including 5 Tree Sparrows, and even better I was lucky enough to ring one. They are gorgeous birds, and in the hand even more so. I would be so bold as to say they easily make it into my top 5 favourite British Passerines. I was extremely happy afterwards, and the lovely coffee and home-made cake afterwards rounded things off nicely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3qWKZpTmeRQt9tZgvv72y9biiW4fJT8BnCTasBbjQ9hKtfHLyBoeYlzlARyyYC4ruQmqgqG2NBlEr4JNFpLjzh8StYqqak_1fxpmwe6Zkp5dGMQHJzCIpAVtsuEFsKAAKa0ySoL7VcJa/s1600/20141012_120539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3qWKZpTmeRQt9tZgvv72y9biiW4fJT8BnCTasBbjQ9hKtfHLyBoeYlzlARyyYC4ruQmqgqG2NBlEr4JNFpLjzh8StYqqak_1fxpmwe6Zkp5dGMQHJzCIpAVtsuEFsKAAKa0ySoL7VcJa/s1600/20141012_120539.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolute cracker of a Tree Sparrow</td></tr>
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And finally, today we were treated to an amazing wildlife spectacle on the islands, the sort that makes you appreciate how lucky one is to be working and living in this special place (especially when we have the islands to ourselves). A pre-lunch bird round burst into action when a Merlin shot in front of us, and immediately started chasing a Rock Pipit. For 15 seconds the two birds put on a most impressive acrobatic display. Shearing, diving, banking and all manor of other flight related manoeuvres occurred, before the Merlin finally caught its prey. It then proceeded to find a spot on the boardwalk, no more than 25 metres away from us and devour its quarry. We watched for half an hour as the Rock Pipit was meticulously plucked and eaten, before the Merlin walked off into the Orache to digest its meal. It was quite something to be able to witness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q4vJoMIo550pY6kGaK53A7nj3wPo5Zeo6dM57NDXfwMilNHDKIIcoOF0kSQFtVeH4czGdtVh2WDc2EAVhDGpubg0EOlNh4Uc26oKtw7QsXBg54HNKSIYXNwX6u9kKq65kjUr2N84pLqX/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q4vJoMIo550pY6kGaK53A7nj3wPo5Zeo6dM57NDXfwMilNHDKIIcoOF0kSQFtVeH4czGdtVh2WDc2EAVhDGpubg0EOlNh4Uc26oKtw7QsXBg54HNKSIYXNwX6u9kKq65kjUr2N84pLqX/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" height="299" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Merlin keeping a look out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And firstly plucking its prey....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before devouring it!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-48941159977526017742014-09-21T11:52:00.000-07:002014-09-21T11:52:51.558-07:00Fea-tastic return!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So the eternal optimism was partially rewarded when we returned to the Farnes yesterday. There was a big clear out overnight, but still lingering were some nice migrants including a long-overdue addition to my life list; Red-breasted Flycatcher. It was supported by a single Yellow-browed Warbler, numerous Goldcrests, and 2 Lesser and Common Whitethroat. Not quite the mega haul present on the islands the day before, but a lovely selection of birds none-the-less.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFygYte96BKswIKZfuFAI9wHPAFCzSDQdWD6Dqq8AWdd-ajXylWN1UM9eP2K45DyGhWJju_dy3Skhh6g0Etxd11ZgGNNkGkNmICK8BnQQieJG-tuE-OZeGCuRhMdNvkw61qOGKJofFbpx/s1600/IMG_9864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFygYte96BKswIKZfuFAI9wHPAFCzSDQdWD6Dqq8AWdd-ajXylWN1UM9eP2K45DyGhWJju_dy3Skhh6g0Etxd11ZgGNNkGkNmICK8BnQQieJG-tuE-OZeGCuRhMdNvkw61qOGKJofFbpx/s1600/IMG_9864.JPG" height="320" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-Breasted Flycatcher from the living room window!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHjstFJvgECq18qeV6eV904iqaOz1OmAF_kkhPAzSl43mFtMV4qGLfF4jeYwNUyyKKtKbkGr5HczyNIK4OhxxFmi1_bdH1WMOeVhEVVqVgFxLdbZrpodmrvRCtqoyGzj9KmavMtTTIZEM/s1600/IMG_9891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHjstFJvgECq18qeV6eV904iqaOz1OmAF_kkhPAzSl43mFtMV4qGLfF4jeYwNUyyKKtKbkGr5HczyNIK4OhxxFmi1_bdH1WMOeVhEVVqVgFxLdbZrpodmrvRCtqoyGzj9KmavMtTTIZEM/s1600/IMG_9891.JPG" height="320" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-browed Warbler showing well</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP5Z4ovRtvs6WAM_0vnr5JHkjMtNdHNpTLMzwdVBgCR47NDN95G9I9Ix-kH2sBws2cl5MuHgeuJWV9XwbejqTPtzMOXmYIKbp8d0XDGyiy3HEwb5LOdlaZ8F-XoCJWkPZWvEwReMbAdSx/s1600/IMG_9892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP5Z4ovRtvs6WAM_0vnr5JHkjMtNdHNpTLMzwdVBgCR47NDN95G9I9Ix-kH2sBws2cl5MuHgeuJWV9XwbejqTPtzMOXmYIKbp8d0XDGyiy3HEwb5LOdlaZ8F-XoCJWkPZWvEwReMbAdSx/s1600/IMG_9892.JPG" height="320" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And again showing faint crown stripe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbj64f8EWh_L0aaWdlUokjaclz_-4ixjRLIkPI9eBiTqHru01ugY3EzgeNTgXesMDRhQA-oN0Gb3JxV5AP5egHepd1H5UnlbEYyTBgMMXtWuwAnVdDh95f9cgZApWwT57dG4z6-5G3Ll7o/s1600/IMG_9906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbj64f8EWh_L0aaWdlUokjaclz_-4ixjRLIkPI9eBiTqHru01ugY3EzgeNTgXesMDRhQA-oN0Gb3JxV5AP5egHepd1H5UnlbEYyTBgMMXtWuwAnVdDh95f9cgZApWwT57dG4z6-5G3Ll7o/s1600/IMG_9906.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair of Goldcrest trapped and ringed in the afternoon</td></tr>
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This morning it was even quieter, but there was much excitement when news broke of a Fea's Type Petrel heading north from Flamborough at 8.25. We knew it would be a while before it hit the Farnes, but we kept an eye all day and saw 33 Manx Shearwater, 49 Sooty Shearwater and 9 Arctic Skua. As news broke of the Fea's passing Newbiggin we all took our seats and waited. And boy was it worth it!!<br />
Almost exactly two hours later, it was picked up going through Staple Sound, and we were able to watch it for a good minute as it passed, banking heavily and showing its dark underwing contrasting with light belly in near perfect light. What a bird, and what a view! Needless to say we were very very happy afterwards. That was the bird that we really wanted! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-41384858371425226392014-09-17T10:17:00.001-07:002014-09-17T10:28:00.607-07:00The Troubles of Being a Birder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I find myself cursing about being on the Farnes (a very very rare occasion), it quickly turns into a sense of being totally unreasonable and I tell myself that I should be ashamed for it is the highest privilege to work and live in such an incredible place. However, on this occasion I found it somewhat more justifiable. The story begins with a broken zodiac engine, happening at a risky time of year. It rendered us boatless for a few days, and clearly the "weather gods" got wind of this (no pun intended) and the winds promptly swung easterly. With no rain, it means that the Outer group is perfectly placed to attract rares, and the Inner group perfectly placed to allow jealous observation. And this is what happened, and within a two day period on Brownsman the team had been joined by two Red Breasted Flys, a Red Backed Shrike, Little and Rustic Bunting and a host of other lovely migrants, while we were blessed with some Scandinavian Robins.... A Corncrake on the West Wides offered some light relief, but it was with some anxiety that we waited for a visitor boat to get out and catch a glimpse of what was a lovely Rustic Bunting on Tuesday. These lovely buntings breed in Northern Europe and Asia and winter down in South East Asia, and this represents the second Farnes record in two years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDki9FQGli8bGdpaJ-6TFSd_jSIWfBy9ps3HwKFv5QbviD-4klTY0NtV51DE2oonneqoFgo8ICukDaW9u4JXbfZO4023m14RHnwXLLHn5yzyhrPWa_GnbMsaaygENMNTIJ5DY9qY6ZLMb/s1600/Rustic+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDki9FQGli8bGdpaJ-6TFSd_jSIWfBy9ps3HwKFv5QbviD-4klTY0NtV51DE2oonneqoFgo8ICukDaW9u4JXbfZO4023m14RHnwXLLHn5yzyhrPWa_GnbMsaaygENMNTIJ5DY9qY6ZLMb/s1600/Rustic+1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustic Bunting (Thanks to David Kinchen-Smith for the photo)</td></tr>
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I should also mention that on Inner Farne we did have some nice highlights, including a Pied Flycatcher that needed some hair-dryer treatment and a young Redstart trapped and ringed during the day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYLE22pbB-_w_jnqGRrdnfYAzVS2SzByxYrpNacrSMFw_K4biPmjHaHyyXWLQXW5Nigih4PQ0z4w0rKiceNp_fZzGvyJGN1fqeALegt2HSUugPFd6vnwRX4gd1e6-m9cPTiY2pE63U35a/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYLE22pbB-_w_jnqGRrdnfYAzVS2SzByxYrpNacrSMFw_K4biPmjHaHyyXWLQXW5Nigih4PQ0z4w0rKiceNp_fZzGvyJGN1fqeALegt2HSUugPFd6vnwRX4gd1e6-m9cPTiY2pE63U35a/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soggy Pied Fly. Really perked up after a warming blow dry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlpOqTmj4Zo_gr9RjvTO4RNlO0bv0K7nyDsJaZFJ_-3uS7foc3GGBMZrKrT1A3lH47rEYLdE6oGUfFAJtRq8i5mpuIELV-qgnbeM9Q6AujoubZQ1FX1Q52P_8csM_KJ1OSLjLMj115fxW/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlpOqTmj4Zo_gr9RjvTO4RNlO0bv0K7nyDsJaZFJ_-3uS7foc3GGBMZrKrT1A3lH47rEYLdE6oGUfFAJtRq8i5mpuIELV-qgnbeM9Q6AujoubZQ1FX1Q52P_8csM_KJ1OSLjLMj115fxW/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that tail!! Juvenile Redstart</td></tr>
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So feeling very satisfied Lana and I headed for the West coast of Scotland for some lovely family time. Knowing that easterlies were still a-blowing but with things looking like they would be calming down, we thought the risk was minimal... We were wrong. News broke this afternoon of two new arrivals, one a Common Rosefinch, but the other... a Golden Oriole. Now I have seen a few in the UK but to see one on the Farnes would be an amazing experience. And to share a tiny island with a RB Shrike, Little Bunting, Rustic Bunting, Common Rosefinch and Golden Oriole... Need I say more. </div>
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However, this is the way of birding, and something that we all need to learn to deal with at some point. So as I sit here having soaked up some lovely Scottish Sun. with my newly acquired Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for Argentina sitting next to me, looking forward to two more days of luxury running water, I feel very happy, for myself and also for the team enjoying some wonderful birds. I must also add that my eternal optimism (be it good or bad) allows me to believe that when we return on Saturday, all those lovely birds will be there waiting with open arms (or wings)!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-7085039065796760882014-09-07T09:54:00.000-07:002014-09-07T10:02:00.923-07:00A Barred Surprise!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After rain overnight on Friday, there was an air of expectation yesterday morning that something tasty might have arrived. It didn't take much to find it either, as Lana and I walked up the boardwalk there it was, sat in the sticks in full view, a BARRED WARBLER! It didn't stay there for long unfortunately and went crashing off into the dock where it spent most of the day, occasionally visiting the Elders in the veg patch where I managed to grab a distant picture! These large <i>Sylvia </i>warblers breed right across Central Europe and Central Asia and turn up in fairly good numbers in the East Coast around this time of year. Records are almost always first winter birds migrating south to Eastern Africa for the winter; spring records and adults are extremely rare. The bird gets its name from the heavy barring that adult males have across the breast, somewhat similar to a Sparrowhawk or Peregrine. There was some very faint barring visible on this bird (perhaps not in this poor photo though).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVkNf-gLmsCqv_1p40gBevG3yhpLr3lIbgxL-GDGpy1zWQ8ogQiSFkmmYPRyngpqRDjLI3NKdbZhsMhWsapCTn7F6DcE9GVrPb-CuMNyR6MUzOh1a_OGB0KI7MS6DG2GqG2o_s6WULBuW/s1600/IMG_9737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVkNf-gLmsCqv_1p40gBevG3yhpLr3lIbgxL-GDGpy1zWQ8ogQiSFkmmYPRyngpqRDjLI3NKdbZhsMhWsapCTn7F6DcE9GVrPb-CuMNyR6MUzOh1a_OGB0KI7MS6DG2GqG2o_s6WULBuW/s1600/IMG_9737.JPG" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skulking, always skulking! Typical Barred Warbler behaviour</td></tr>
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Later that evening there was some sad news, a Barred Warbler had been found dead by the sticks where we had first seen our bird this morning. However, 30 minutes later another one was found, alive and well. It seems then that two came in overnight and unfortunately, one didn't make it.<br />
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Also around was this lovely Whinchat, although it was the only one remaining. The Pied Flycatcher was still around, as were the other common migrants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J5Cs4YrdYtP3ftkb1ykGOth8yGfxunI-qTKq4_k5Zo0ab6kK-dYoIAmhsI_hy1ylsIMk_m2K4sEqgfIGsS-YuHM6F6NqMygGfBgVL9vbPvKSbFCbnPF_m_MBnqXvr5OhkFrFG1Jjiz1K/s1600/IMG_9732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J5Cs4YrdYtP3ftkb1ykGOth8yGfxunI-qTKq4_k5Zo0ab6kK-dYoIAmhsI_hy1ylsIMk_m2K4sEqgfIGsS-YuHM6F6NqMygGfBgVL9vbPvKSbFCbnPF_m_MBnqXvr5OhkFrFG1Jjiz1K/s1600/IMG_9732.JPG" height="320" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous bird! Whinchat.</td></tr>
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On the Farnes our information centre is somewhat akin to a giant insect trap, and this handy extra feature means that other species are enticed in as well, and this morning I was kept company by this little chap as he flicked around gorging himself on flies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOgy0XTv0pmyhV0C9FM1ukp0JaEtPCHqr22RzOcmXmcnPdiKmlrBqQbRZh2V4uBYr-rN2HxIxO3deuzSuG3_iy4AxJ7b5gIXVLcOit8AT2IFvx7NT0bEVbJFFoE5-WYv7fKW_W-ZfLDZu/s1600/IMG_9558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOgy0XTv0pmyhV0C9FM1ukp0JaEtPCHqr22RzOcmXmcnPdiKmlrBqQbRZh2V4uBYr-rN2HxIxO3deuzSuG3_iy4AxJ7b5gIXVLcOit8AT2IFvx7NT0bEVbJFFoE5-WYv7fKW_W-ZfLDZu/s1600/IMG_9558.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing my workplace with a Goldcrest.... Could be worse?</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-59586914694814873002014-09-05T13:30:00.001-07:002014-09-05T13:30:32.205-07:00Lightly does it easterlies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It felt like summer had returned for a few days this week. We had a lovely few days on the Farnes, but looking outside now at rain and fog it feels like a long time ago. However, the islands have some nice birds at the moment, and this rain brings with it some hope of a few more treats dropping in overnight.<br />
On our day off this week Lana and I had a whistle-stop tour down our local section of Northumberland coast. Firstly Holy Island causeway, where 5 Greenshank, a Bar-wit and many Curlew and Redshanks were on show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIH6Hz1sUyUCG7nJO_M5n4I67s1rbsMazU46OJJxnNqzLljFCjGBCA2bTUiIVf6nArbwYp_TMiuS7GKRQqA49VtmSqenCbSmJEBiuUqWOFdfZAKkhMTSJ1-bLT5YefV_NTSZyv_DPIskg/s1600/IMG_9596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIH6Hz1sUyUCG7nJO_M5n4I67s1rbsMazU46OJJxnNqzLljFCjGBCA2bTUiIVf6nArbwYp_TMiuS7GKRQqA49VtmSqenCbSmJEBiuUqWOFdfZAKkhMTSJ1-bLT5YefV_NTSZyv_DPIskg/s1600/IMG_9596.JPG" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenshank showing wonderfully from the car!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdNEZEc5emaVCZjxPvyubIW0PuwDPW09OsN7AxtD7usEbaxOta_HYpDQn_twjho3A9sTP4u3UjVFwXvS_XR15uYiO3mkbwRgLsSazHZe0UbQmr0yLDS7Z2LraoQbHAqcaF4gQhw_oSsF7/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdNEZEc5emaVCZjxPvyubIW0PuwDPW09OsN7AxtD7usEbaxOta_HYpDQn_twjho3A9sTP4u3UjVFwXvS_XR15uYiO3mkbwRgLsSazHZe0UbQmr0yLDS7Z2LraoQbHAqcaF4gQhw_oSsF7/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" height="320" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curlew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDINe-TyInx180Mbm_MM1fw-zODZLXMIHuV-8QE_0ZVqIB9FL27O1MdUrQhULji4PUKOqa1tAQzrXdtqVZ3WJs3qZqZK3B7jqMaT6iYFOKjvOqDpaY_4OpbJBrJOEmZ7dV8T-JvlRcLKf/s1600/IMG_9603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDINe-TyInx180Mbm_MM1fw-zODZLXMIHuV-8QE_0ZVqIB9FL27O1MdUrQhULji4PUKOqa1tAQzrXdtqVZ3WJs3qZqZK3B7jqMaT6iYFOKjvOqDpaY_4OpbJBrJOEmZ7dV8T-JvlRcLKf/s1600/IMG_9603.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redshank in lovely light</td></tr>
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Then it was onto Budle Bay where a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper showed nicely, and onto Low-Newton scrape which was heaving with birds, in particular a lovely Little Stint. We then decided to try for the long-staying Caspian Gull in Amble, which unfortunately wasn't there. However there was a showy Mediterranean Gull with a ring on (possibly a breeder from Coquet).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA8RU-Lv0XZUEJLWc3D4yzT4emn15OM9IARIcIZvURI1qPMZ4DMfFNJI4RmQYrwR5r3TOr3rGCnFJSlwcezHHShWSgcNdwU3FqtUfZJzLISAHkUcnsIM5NLv0plbWlnR8qyHZgUTbSqMm/s1600/IMG_9611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA8RU-Lv0XZUEJLWc3D4yzT4emn15OM9IARIcIZvURI1qPMZ4DMfFNJI4RmQYrwR5r3TOr3rGCnFJSlwcezHHShWSgcNdwU3FqtUfZJzLISAHkUcnsIM5NLv0plbWlnR8qyHZgUTbSqMm/s1600/IMG_9611.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Med or Caspian? What's the difference eh?</td></tr>
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Back on the islands, and as mentioned some nice migrants grace us with their presence at the moment. Between the islands we have 8 Whinchat, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a Little Stint and a sprinkling of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and a Whitethroat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEfWaTEH9bQYUPZTcy2gXMV_OZCfIL_r-KqXbypcziuYds-FwIM1BiAUJnJQKsQqHM0SwvLTPX0K-Skh3SGcNCYjdVQrwq6oiLac8JDtOrAl28vZrvMRFpVKnttu8cZTl9cnyBOGrh1Z6/s1600/IMG_9622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEfWaTEH9bQYUPZTcy2gXMV_OZCfIL_r-KqXbypcziuYds-FwIM1BiAUJnJQKsQqHM0SwvLTPX0K-Skh3SGcNCYjdVQrwq6oiLac8JDtOrAl28vZrvMRFpVKnttu8cZTl9cnyBOGrh1Z6/s1600/IMG_9622.JPG" height="320" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Flycatcher, clearly been messing around in the Dock.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m_NMXEOEZNMtODQrTACFLY7DgolwVN5ZbW_j2FtTefq-YLTfBhwOkeLsDgh4b0lDeouoUGwdBQ0hXbVcjY2bwFWpHGtzqtVHTlNhN_xfemB6S-IZxmAEGJUbLv6KSaUzo3ZPWdLRDCnm/s1600/IMG_9695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m_NMXEOEZNMtODQrTACFLY7DgolwVN5ZbW_j2FtTefq-YLTfBhwOkeLsDgh4b0lDeouoUGwdBQ0hXbVcjY2bwFWpHGtzqtVHTlNhN_xfemB6S-IZxmAEGJUbLv6KSaUzo3ZPWdLRDCnm/s1600/IMG_9695.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow Warbler in the sun</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhZgQLDqH9zkQd77jUGJ16XjaDQ_QhBQLCIYCD7OVf8ZEfR13YTHkyfkG1h8p_o6PHaZpk6csv4uIHZYG65zznHocYQIc_u6H15DWqLXtmp8EoDJC6fo2U_73WF2wNkPWQ7cVDZ1rROK6/s1600/IMG_9699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhZgQLDqH9zkQd77jUGJ16XjaDQ_QhBQLCIYCD7OVf8ZEfR13YTHkyfkG1h8p_o6PHaZpk6csv4uIHZYG65zznHocYQIc_u6H15DWqLXtmp8EoDJC6fo2U_73WF2wNkPWQ7cVDZ1rROK6/s1600/IMG_9699.JPG" height="320" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is watching who here?</td></tr>
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<br />We have also seen the first Song Thrush of the autumn. It won't be long now before thrushes are heading our way in big numbers. This bird, like all the Song Thrushes I have encountered on the islands was very flighty and tricky to photograph. I just managed this shot looking straight into the sun as it paused for a second on a fence.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M_fuof05mNmlzgeDY7NbeQRXVcOX-aJxM-QzYuqxI-hIambSTbz0aLymHueBXUobeu0EYQ63H1k8rA_veZt5l-kQ7eDLjqN9Av3DXyOjm9c6uTm5YmV5IhD057UbAAi-KAcTCBH8xIpl/s1600/IMG_9683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M_fuof05mNmlzgeDY7NbeQRXVcOX-aJxM-QzYuqxI-hIambSTbz0aLymHueBXUobeu0EYQ63H1k8rA_veZt5l-kQ7eDLjqN9Av3DXyOjm9c6uTm5YmV5IhD057UbAAi-KAcTCBH8xIpl/s1600/IMG_9683.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flighty Song Thrush</td></tr>
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<br />As for our breeding birds, it isn't quite over yet. Possibly the last brood of the year belongs to the Swallows in the chapel on Inner Farne. This is the second brood for these parents, and it won't be long at all before they are flying and winging their way to Africa for the winter!<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n58A7ELENuy5CcJC_tSeJ-qqrDRyrgMSgWCBxVLy610rayey5cxKa5Hg1FGYeeDAC_h9CbY8hb6QeNPS_tKSyAHw9DaFLYa4kTJtXjzDBFjZPrZzF2MIM2M2mG5Fr92xT-3TEZbXjhys/s1600/IMG_9575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n58A7ELENuy5CcJC_tSeJ-qqrDRyrgMSgWCBxVLy610rayey5cxKa5Hg1FGYeeDAC_h9CbY8hb6QeNPS_tKSyAHw9DaFLYa4kTJtXjzDBFjZPrZzF2MIM2M2mG5Fr92xT-3TEZbXjhys/s1600/IMG_9575.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Begging away.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-34664119028646729932014-08-29T11:14:00.000-07:002014-08-29T11:14:05.876-07:00The Last Session<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The final seabird ringing session of the year took place this week involving all the Fulmar chicks on Inner Farne. It won't be long until these guys leave the islands and get their first taste of the ocean, potentially their home for the next 60 years!!!! Fulmar chicks are feared by predators thanks to a special defence mechanism; vomit. If another bird is caught in the firing line of this oily mixture, it destroys the waterproofing of its feathers and can render it unable to fly. For us, it just means a revolting smell that is incredibly difficult to get off your clothes, so pouncing on them quickly is a must.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5NBAeWrssSgWKSQZ09r6fK9w0jMA9Kb-7sHqAA7Zx9ujaNoEVJd3_53CQwy0VP84vtO5RHVrcv97cOifkJ_42StK4uqkrITDudo7Nd4iuC4IP0LVZPEF-O36zCQbRIRvLpW17DGWqqWk/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5NBAeWrssSgWKSQZ09r6fK9w0jMA9Kb-7sHqAA7Zx9ujaNoEVJd3_53CQwy0VP84vtO5RHVrcv97cOifkJ_42StK4uqkrITDudo7Nd4iuC4IP0LVZPEF-O36zCQbRIRvLpW17DGWqqWk/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fulmar and I</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUAycLNownCV8kbg9W4tssSBuUe5DZuz7g2fvZrxOV87y4WMfGVG-V0fIbta3zZxYvyc2i5p-85hYA3uBOoUxG_rvTbdfbQ71SyYb5AmYMsJw_7J7hHSuHDcrxT-axLGXrZjg2aoxOQPK/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUAycLNownCV8kbg9W4tssSBuUe5DZuz7g2fvZrxOV87y4WMfGVG-V0fIbta3zZxYvyc2i5p-85hYA3uBOoUxG_rvTbdfbQ71SyYb5AmYMsJw_7J7hHSuHDcrxT-axLGXrZjg2aoxOQPK/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lana, ringing with a view</td></tr>
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As for migrant birds... well. A poorly timed day off saw us miss the first excitement of the Autumn, a Citrine Wagtail. With easterlies hitting we knew there was a risk, but didn't expect it to be that bad!! Having seen two before it wasn't the end of the world, but it is now a gaping hole in my Farnes list. Despite a nice sprinkling of Wrynecks, Pied Flys, Greenish and Icterine Warblers along the east coast, the Citrine Wag had only had a supporting cast of Willow Warblers, Wheatears and a single Whinchat (all lovely in their own right may I add).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5Q1ob6cNqgNGAXQvvHqHQzQkGZzsZxS7jGeMbToNkfGL9L31lFNh8Df5lQXOs69OId7-R7pwD3s5ZQxM2H6DOjChcJ7DNC_9QwMctL_YnBtW5XxLS6U7GfVVqZ8aTNZd1BnOR2CN7Uh_/s1600/IMG_9540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5Q1ob6cNqgNGAXQvvHqHQzQkGZzsZxS7jGeMbToNkfGL9L31lFNh8Df5lQXOs69OId7-R7pwD3s5ZQxM2H6DOjChcJ7DNC_9QwMctL_YnBtW5XxLS6U7GfVVqZ8aTNZd1BnOR2CN7Uh_/s1600/IMG_9540.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheatear poses nicely.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBhZcJBjAAmV2hCmyTtMn6AMPMmtY4DTLgzqzLj-SyMKy5ab3i7u6mEKGxpRHQDuDOPcOd5Ve_BrnHP_GQWzvZ7htcWI6QS2djVjc-QTa_-tqH4CXBm-CfPLiIZkWqaGjRNLQeCqlqBTT/s1600/IMG_9547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBhZcJBjAAmV2hCmyTtMn6AMPMmtY4DTLgzqzLj-SyMKy5ab3i7u6mEKGxpRHQDuDOPcOd5Ve_BrnHP_GQWzvZ7htcWI6QS2djVjc-QTa_-tqH4CXBm-CfPLiIZkWqaGjRNLQeCqlqBTT/s1600/IMG_9547.JPG" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Pipit catching the light nicely.</td></tr>
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The main highlight for us came from the sea (or over the sea) in the form of a Great Shearwater, a good bird for the east coast and only the 13th record for the Farnes. It showed well but fairly distantly as it made its way through the Inner Sound and continued its way northward. Unfortunately it was way too far away for a photo, but to give you an idea, I've borrowed one from Wikipedia to help set the scene.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDTfW_Iyzck_egi7fXpNyKR5h8ZQopbcXfbwZBJDQWoI_hl4ZvvDRc0ObFUBJXgV4djVfK3s2knrC0TSIlorxFmuBhPu8r9LGm2LCcuBi5reaDdG7TWNQ2wAprm5XDWcS5-eedfgSB9ud/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDTfW_Iyzck_egi7fXpNyKR5h8ZQopbcXfbwZBJDQWoI_hl4ZvvDRc0ObFUBJXgV4djVfK3s2knrC0TSIlorxFmuBhPu8r9LGm2LCcuBi5reaDdG7TWNQ2wAprm5XDWcS5-eedfgSB9ud/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So here I am seawatching and sheltering from the NW wind......</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmRVcISk8DF_Fb82RC0HPr_Zu9hbmAn647fNKOWLTkSirHaijHAX3wqVDVM5m6e6h_59qO3Uo843gcr5E7TGwoCtCpElYKR08u9REWB8FYKXr8n3hcCCBBA0fO2_q_H6Xdro0GEN4GLG4/s1600/Puffinus_gravis_-_SE_Tasmania.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmRVcISk8DF_Fb82RC0HPr_Zu9hbmAn647fNKOWLTkSirHaijHAX3wqVDVM5m6e6h_59qO3Uo843gcr5E7TGwoCtCpElYKR08u9REWB8FYKXr8n3hcCCBBA0fO2_q_H6Xdro0GEN4GLG4/s1600/Puffinus_gravis_-_SE_Tasmania.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is almost exactly the image I was seeing through my scope a few minutes later......</td></tr>
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Now I must confess that it was a little further away than this, but only a little.. OK quite a bit. Anyway, to keep spirits high in the face of more less-than-useless Westerly winds, an unusual arrival was found today in the form of a male Southern Hawker dragonfly. This beauty is a bit of a rarity on the islands and is still reasonably local this far north. It was also very posy, unusual for a dragonfly...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG3q1f37j8gAu0JSDaY59t6nn6KTngoR3uSUGdyi5dEzTboZpBqEgjGFmcXbVC3bTXQ-c1jylyk7uMb2mXDccMgIq9Z3A_U892bOb507Eiv-lN_XY_Bc-nYVbUQgWbzpIDaumwpbkKT1d/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG3q1f37j8gAu0JSDaY59t6nn6KTngoR3uSUGdyi5dEzTboZpBqEgjGFmcXbVC3bTXQ-c1jylyk7uMb2mXDccMgIq9Z3A_U892bOb507Eiv-lN_XY_Bc-nYVbUQgWbzpIDaumwpbkKT1d/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Hawker, looking confused as to his whereabouts</td></tr>
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And that's all for now. Looking to next weekend, we are due more easterlies and with that hopefully more lovely birds. Until next time, here is a little puzzle. Spot the Willow Warbler.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-28717938195010377462014-08-17T13:42:00.000-07:002014-08-17T13:42:14.864-07:00Bertha batters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As I sit here writing this post, my view from the window is of a big North Sea, swell battering the rocks and juvenile Shags struggling to stand up. Luckily its fairly warm inside, although the window isn't completely wind-proof, from a gusting force 7 anyway. It certainly does not feel like August. These constant westerlies mean quiet days for us, both in bird and human terms, as the islands have been closed today. A single Sand Martin and a Kestrel provided the excitement. However, Roseate Tern numbers are building nicely, up to about 60 now, and they are incredibly showy. These very rare UK breeders nest just down the coast on Coquet Island where they had an excellent year, and we are reaping the rewards. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU0bixGoxLuVGzSUwOQqCc8UB8TPctwPMKqZJmF7HBcFNQkquhvIeEDJf7byKHmW90J3tau69bBhlt1ftPu4nw6SK3w8LYuSc7NppHL-j2e4yuOA4ivrniYWdJgaZnHGP0YSRSumo2pA6/s1600/IMG_9287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU0bixGoxLuVGzSUwOQqCc8UB8TPctwPMKqZJmF7HBcFNQkquhvIeEDJf7byKHmW90J3tau69bBhlt1ftPu4nw6SK3w8LYuSc7NppHL-j2e4yuOA4ivrniYWdJgaZnHGP0YSRSumo2pA6/s1600/IMG_9287.JPG" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Roseate Tern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0foIYPNdMN2wMb1VLuY5YlB3tlztngt0Mtw5xys8cqtRNz146JtRgwAhszmaEiFxb0mSEHBDCObHsab2luzsdZ8Z_6fEtiXXonYXNbvvpTwGjO9akC_6QXgRTNbvdMfiTQQOXyM25zI4z/s1600/IMG_9342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0foIYPNdMN2wMb1VLuY5YlB3tlztngt0Mtw5xys8cqtRNz146JtRgwAhszmaEiFxb0mSEHBDCObHsab2luzsdZ8Z_6fEtiXXonYXNbvvpTwGjO9akC_6QXgRTNbvdMfiTQQOXyM25zI4z/s1600/IMG_9342.JPG" height="286" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult Roseate Tern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74By1LD8op19_Sy8eHx8B2xIdChE_bsHzpeVORCUo5BVDPfUghqKl2x6UIxREddyS4GdAdSsaGVllGltK_-sZRS5Xff-Pfl7dflxKzCtPutHsyL23cg7pBvrODbXtpLVjq13NNb1xd1-o/s1600/IMG_9325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74By1LD8op19_Sy8eHx8B2xIdChE_bsHzpeVORCUo5BVDPfUghqKl2x6UIxREddyS4GdAdSsaGVllGltK_-sZRS5Xff-Pfl7dflxKzCtPutHsyL23cg7pBvrODbXtpLVjq13NNb1xd1-o/s1600/IMG_9325.JPG" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile still wanting food</td></tr>
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Our other Terns are almost all gone now, and just a few Arctic and Sandwich Terns linger, showing very nicely with the Roseates down by the jetty, sometimes upside down.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUUdEvMvtS02tkavMiOxrWPTGrQlUN8goiZc3GScdC4IStFVLH4mBxno8itJhY9Y1dWXdru8YGUz5PvwTSvDc27Ql-1RIxyhYuyTv5-1Pm9mlAlQsUY3x0iHoWI9Si1zRRImUqHDS9kKk/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUUdEvMvtS02tkavMiOxrWPTGrQlUN8goiZc3GScdC4IStFVLH4mBxno8itJhY9Y1dWXdru8YGUz5PvwTSvDc27Ql-1RIxyhYuyTv5-1Pm9mlAlQsUY3x0iHoWI9Si1zRRImUqHDS9kKk/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich Tern shaking off after a wash</td></tr>
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<br />The recent high tides mean that the waders lingering on the islands get pushed up nice and close and make them a lot easier to count. Average numbers from Inner Farne this week have included 200 Turnstone, 20 Dunlin, 10 Purple Sandpipers, a few Redshank and a few Knot, including some lovely adult birds. Nothing as rare as the lovely Stilt Sandpiper that has been at Cresswell Pond recently however, and my photo below really doesn't do it any justice.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXYlsubpjzz0teuzLKcG2Prl_Ga6CM7hpoPzvQ_qpMOmVGyoPF1hiEkWyQSh7Yg5Yb2WzClAiNRaTMgxBt2kOmwaW_YlDn080u00CsqXRV4kyUI6FveV3evvZSxHfVKwKVhZiA_OYps7c/s1600/IMG_9481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXYlsubpjzz0teuzLKcG2Prl_Ga6CM7hpoPzvQ_qpMOmVGyoPF1hiEkWyQSh7Yg5Yb2WzClAiNRaTMgxBt2kOmwaW_YlDn080u00CsqXRV4kyUI6FveV3evvZSxHfVKwKVhZiA_OYps7c/s1600/IMG_9481.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redshank, Turnstone, Dunlin (not playing ball) and a lovely adult Knot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBayxPWxWhGiRjiEh38Ap6dWJLLst9u2mDyrVh3SG80Tk96bcLhaGU1uXoLTpa9cPmHC6tnxVE_4nr8CcLsE2Gp7PEQgoSAG6h5tZjwJ7FCJHWmzu-rrxdpsD4yhpdejzQRXtycRoNTJa/s1600/IMG_9382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBayxPWxWhGiRjiEh38Ap6dWJLLst9u2mDyrVh3SG80Tk96bcLhaGU1uXoLTpa9cPmHC6tnxVE_4nr8CcLsE2Gp7PEQgoSAG6h5tZjwJ7FCJHWmzu-rrxdpsD4yhpdejzQRXtycRoNTJa/s1600/IMG_9382.JPG" height="184" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stilt Sandpiper with Lapwing</td></tr>
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There have been a few nice moths and butterflies around as well. A few vagrant Wall Browns have been on the island, as well as a Painted Lady. Moth highlights have included Willow Beauty and this lovely Angle Shades that was sheltering in the Pele Tower this morning.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsxrL29uOga0rn4bt5knMGLCelgrcC0KapKof4CXIsElKPkhhiOHaQxfujdObNDAFqHflIKrj0YGnfZhX_xRJNKVjx9KXwBCxhASbKykNIHkbfGvEzQM8ytH3lh9er-gkS0yxVpIVgJgk/s1600/20140817_111153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsxrL29uOga0rn4bt5knMGLCelgrcC0KapKof4CXIsElKPkhhiOHaQxfujdObNDAFqHflIKrj0YGnfZhX_xRJNKVjx9KXwBCxhASbKykNIHkbfGvEzQM8ytH3lh9er-gkS0yxVpIVgJgk/s1600/20140817_111153.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angle Shades</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA5ayyzCbyHDrfE1SdRG9WI1QVExr5mdji7R16Ha-VH-c2c5GEdQuPbaWh_0rd6vNWiXaz5vXSX-QOxKLA37rxtibQtZzHxW_ToiwfmB4ljDx002ZHhtnhnTUL4a9MicmPchr9KsWEwHB/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA5ayyzCbyHDrfE1SdRG9WI1QVExr5mdji7R16Ha-VH-c2c5GEdQuPbaWh_0rd6vNWiXaz5vXSX-QOxKLA37rxtibQtZzHxW_ToiwfmB4ljDx002ZHhtnhnTUL4a9MicmPchr9KsWEwHB/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall Brown (complete with wall)</td></tr>
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<div>
Now we just long for these winds to change, to bring us exciting bird, butterflies and moths, before our attention soon turns to these guys.....</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-59396084419229343892014-08-09T10:26:00.001-07:002014-08-09T10:26:04.269-07:00Natural break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been a busy few months, but things are finally winding down on the Farnes as our seabirds slowly depart for a long winter at sea. Our attention now begins to turn to migrant birds, butterflies and moths. The Guillemots are long departed now, but I got this snap of an adult male leaving with his chick a few weeks ago. These two will spend 6 weeks together, flightless on the sea before going their separate ways.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR_f3wJ-TvwV8q9XoPeGZilTPVFXtDkDILXPMcAqNTMfisUiuxsjDgHtsmHnbdSN_gvPKUROHNOYqe0CRxq5t1WNrLRxxfheU0juQfTYc0c2UkCDGvWXSavbmf5e8MK-Kj5L28LVFzL2V/s1600/IMG_9110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR_f3wJ-TvwV8q9XoPeGZilTPVFXtDkDILXPMcAqNTMfisUiuxsjDgHtsmHnbdSN_gvPKUROHNOYqe0CRxq5t1WNrLRxxfheU0juQfTYc0c2UkCDGvWXSavbmf5e8MK-Kj5L28LVFzL2V/s1600/IMG_9110.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guillemot and Jumpling</td></tr>
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Lana and I were also lucky enough to get a visit in to Bass Rock recently, and what a remarkable place. Seeing 150 thousand odd Gannets on a tiny island is truly magical and I can't recommend it enough. There were plenty of young around alongside their parents still looking very fluffy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfIBk2pylouT_5HorWUCT5axdEEdxk1ARXGmYkAdW2DBuk9qQt-V7gg9aEsWEDRiH3f2gnpw5F9Xd8GFo66Sd4Pjk_jNAhYgfotIDrm64zKRz4eqkQklz__R5OFbvwS1XGS3ca-wtsiPL/s1600/IMG_9212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfIBk2pylouT_5HorWUCT5axdEEdxk1ARXGmYkAdW2DBuk9qQt-V7gg9aEsWEDRiH3f2gnpw5F9Xd8GFo66Sd4Pjk_jNAhYgfotIDrm64zKRz4eqkQklz__R5OFbvwS1XGS3ca-wtsiPL/s1600/IMG_9212.JPG" height="320" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feed me!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC97TdrY5zWTHP59xEf8o_WzQ_opT2qn9mj5N96fnmJNJIk4Z5NrhyYrmfbaKC4FmxfnO8KTP4-t4hfoUMlLP7uOqwY0BLWO9i-rD4dhT8J2nuemQAM29MRNtzNjU31c21BmdM5jOYLUKK/s1600/IMG_9217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC97TdrY5zWTHP59xEf8o_WzQ_opT2qn9mj5N96fnmJNJIk4Z5NrhyYrmfbaKC4FmxfnO8KTP4-t4hfoUMlLP7uOqwY0BLWO9i-rD4dhT8J2nuemQAM29MRNtzNjU31c21BmdM5jOYLUKK/s1600/IMG_9217.JPG" height="320" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adults courting</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY6iMgkd1e3eGW0FC5hybcdNnPszDivIjLRu3vNGP76cBVv2bdG1bIceOBke3oHgayD-ECgjUUPor1oPD_Y7tOPtjBn62NkFcHBSPtFM7gbxD3H3wHBya1jm28ob-0mkNUZk4ckB7Okjx/s1600/IMG_9236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY6iMgkd1e3eGW0FC5hybcdNnPszDivIjLRu3vNGP76cBVv2bdG1bIceOBke3oHgayD-ECgjUUPor1oPD_Y7tOPtjBn62NkFcHBSPtFM7gbxD3H3wHBya1jm28ob-0mkNUZk4ckB7Okjx/s1600/IMG_9236.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannets-a-plenty!</td></tr>
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So back on the Farnes, and our sleep is being hampered somewhat by Storm Petrels. These tiny seabirds are on the move as the young seek out breeding colonies along the coast for future years. This means we can trap them, however they only come inshore at night to avoid predation, and this means setting up nets and staying up until the small hours. We have had a very successful time recently, with good numbers of European Storm Petrels and 3 Leach's Petrels (slightly larger and rarer) caught. These remarkable little birds breed on isolated islands in rocky crevices and sometimes burrows, and have a lifespan of around 30 years, amazing for a bird the size of a Chaffinch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx3wByur6QhVH15t-qZkJkViTljpDa0Pv2t3VCrhaOEsas8nqOic1v4qZ92fPjxJOLO4agsKhjMRTwnuy1l7GPd3PXErndDwDARURxPZq3G_ZKocLn8ah4sOBLMXVzm1F5FZAN-AqSLzB/s1600/20140724_235402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx3wByur6QhVH15t-qZkJkViTljpDa0Pv2t3VCrhaOEsas8nqOic1v4qZ92fPjxJOLO4agsKhjMRTwnuy1l7GPd3PXErndDwDARURxPZq3G_ZKocLn8ah4sOBLMXVzm1F5FZAN-AqSLzB/s1600/20140724_235402.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Storm Petrel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Aside from the Stormies, we have had a few Willow Warblers on the islands, as well as some Common and Green Sandpipers. Now we are waiting for the easterlies to come. We have also been busy trapping moths and recording butterflies, and top of the table at the moment are Red Admirals and Garden Tigers, both equally stunning. I also include a picture of a Burnished Brass moth below, as they are lovely and add weight to my opinion that moths are just as, if not nicer, than butterflies.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh014FqQpi31hQ5OUli5pitzY3Mpl-T9QLRN_hA4yVK0YuAxtBWT6IGSEkTHKgl6UQf-u26VKZKw7WjNCmjia5ExiN4rw4J9VchLPTYz6waQ_DLnhypWJ19rusz3Oig0gsdvrIKf1wlYJ2V/s1600/20140803_153543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh014FqQpi31hQ5OUli5pitzY3Mpl-T9QLRN_hA4yVK0YuAxtBWT6IGSEkTHKgl6UQf-u26VKZKw7WjNCmjia5ExiN4rw4J9VchLPTYz6waQ_DLnhypWJ19rusz3Oig0gsdvrIKf1wlYJ2V/s1600/20140803_153543.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Tiger Moth</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iIAZOqyLtSxjUV_TFgr_XzO7w4gB_4l3dRqpFCm6y8RiuK4x1yW0J9MN8ms0mfUd7USbQf9dg4gXtrL397yCj5VBb7B5vnuNuxnZuSrM33ZLux261IUMc-zD0RmTsv7C9tw5qUlgkVxn/s1600/20140714_190508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iIAZOqyLtSxjUV_TFgr_XzO7w4gB_4l3dRqpFCm6y8RiuK4x1yW0J9MN8ms0mfUd7USbQf9dg4gXtrL397yCj5VBb7B5vnuNuxnZuSrM33ZLux261IUMc-zD0RmTsv7C9tw5qUlgkVxn/s1600/20140714_190508.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnished Brass Moth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqp8j0ZLlzdKst8uFPcCYGvfBRV-XhXlz6VucZ5n9DmFhQ6tpG8khj1o_crrutG_lF7niW0mq7y6hjoMM73PsYtvZOwu_NUKiyDHdJuvD7urO5KrKVNA2U_m_vGm1K-nGYh-DlcesTDl8x/s1600/20140803_150934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqp8j0ZLlzdKst8uFPcCYGvfBRV-XhXlz6VucZ5n9DmFhQ6tpG8khj1o_crrutG_lF7niW0mq7y6hjoMM73PsYtvZOwu_NUKiyDHdJuvD7urO5KrKVNA2U_m_vGm1K-nGYh-DlcesTDl8x/s1600/20140803_150934.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Admiral rescued from the VC</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-90411572875584918572014-06-12T13:04:00.001-07:002014-06-12T13:05:37.521-07:00Rub of the Green<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another lovely week of sun, another lovely week of wildlife in which the colour green featured heavily. Firstly on the Farnes; not a rare bird but a rare moth! Possibly a first for the islands and definitely a scarcity in Northumberland (less than 200 individuals) a Green Silver-lines was a lovely surprise in the moth trap on Tuesday morning!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-NpuoGS42oYh9OSlZz2aHvn8Rcdhhqs0BQazBk7Hd-MpDVWbaTp-bUMq4uxPbT4IajpNX0BiW3m1cNQiTcMbteIzVRAv3C8on1K_QqfS-44SE0EhdqkH2G79G0xOqdUyXJgL2-ZMu64O/s1600/20140610_085806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-NpuoGS42oYh9OSlZz2aHvn8Rcdhhqs0BQazBk7Hd-MpDVWbaTp-bUMq4uxPbT4IajpNX0BiW3m1cNQiTcMbteIzVRAv3C8on1K_QqfS-44SE0EhdqkH2G79G0xOqdUyXJgL2-ZMu64O/s1600/20140610_085806.JPG" height="320" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a stunner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX3msqQJ65SHSW9unkznSjptXCCtGrylVJPtD_knP5TWzvz7CpUmxU6hDGB91QU0BYUS4e_Sx-WldaRdGaQyWyu1SrYwIzlgX7Z-1lY3o0YSRHHBxyyOhVlF4EVrTFBp8UnRokzKM8ss2/s1600/20140610_085823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX3msqQJ65SHSW9unkznSjptXCCtGrylVJPtD_knP5TWzvz7CpUmxU6hDGB91QU0BYUS4e_Sx-WldaRdGaQyWyu1SrYwIzlgX7Z-1lY3o0YSRHHBxyyOhVlF4EVrTFBp8UnRokzKM8ss2/s1600/20140610_085823.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Silver-lines</td></tr>
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Then on our day off, Lana and I headed north to John Muir country park with the intention of a nice walk/the possibility of connecting with the Greenish Warbler. After a lovely walk in the wrong direction, we eventually found the site and saw the bird instantly as it samg its heart out twenty metres above us in a pine tree. Unfortunately the light and the birds location made photographing it rather tricky.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbACWxi5He9_0YUDzxljW9ZLS9EH8qTC44C2m8Pg2mSkIcMHf_mI5lOYnhKnYFjpQk745Dg9nTniv2e9jdf5KsH6mEk5A5K1G3K6Dz_kwO7pzrRW4UKNZ3zXf6xCE7UhxfbndkwPfz0r55/s1600/IMG_9019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbACWxi5He9_0YUDzxljW9ZLS9EH8qTC44C2m8Pg2mSkIcMHf_mI5lOYnhKnYFjpQk745Dg9nTniv2e9jdf5KsH6mEk5A5K1G3K6Dz_kwO7pzrRW4UKNZ3zXf6xCE7UhxfbndkwPfz0r55/s1600/IMG_9019.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing away!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmTmQcvL627ARDDLw9mqXt6zxoNFbOfyGMmZ93WKkrc9N6MCAtM4B91ven4Rmcby9tUahqymM6TuEd0OJXqzPWrNzqDDjWpLEzrogwc-8W-36dSzo6JVMPtkD-fQr-y9HACFfAUpyG92K/s1600/IMG_9024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmTmQcvL627ARDDLw9mqXt6zxoNFbOfyGMmZ93WKkrc9N6MCAtM4B91ven4Rmcby9tUahqymM6TuEd0OJXqzPWrNzqDDjWpLEzrogwc-8W-36dSzo6JVMPtkD-fQr-y9HACFfAUpyG92K/s1600/IMG_9024.JPG" height="295" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenish Warbler with striking supercilium!</td></tr>
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The country park was also a beautiful place for a walk, with pine woodland, dunes and Bass Rock in the background, it made for a lovely afternoon stroll where we also spotted singing yellowhammer, Small Heath, Small Copper and Northern Marsh Orchid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCIE3HxFc6PpJrRVxhDPUc-OFTp775XBCdXkwPK0hHFcl7ahmsWYg7jdMx7nZbnlTuNCaJvgGH9CYL427wmFb8lzmbgt3OAMNNdKKlePIkIEbtKKd6mTzZ0ZVtlZ6C5c2Wo2lBigKLBN8/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCIE3HxFc6PpJrRVxhDPUc-OFTp775XBCdXkwPK0hHFcl7ahmsWYg7jdMx7nZbnlTuNCaJvgGH9CYL427wmFb8lzmbgt3OAMNNdKKlePIkIEbtKKd6mTzZ0ZVtlZ6C5c2Wo2lBigKLBN8/s1600/IMG_9029.JPG" height="320" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Copper enjoying the sun</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpyKx7BJYDPj4J9nT-FI4wqOGADLXKaphDHjcfevgSBCm0NF0HHkoQUAXaz_b6CHSUOtZwRG9UyQKuRNiE51syez4ZiErrZGwnqselv_tdchO7QVcd0x683aon6cD8-BV0bwBqysRsvrE/s1600/IMG_9032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpyKx7BJYDPj4J9nT-FI4wqOGADLXKaphDHjcfevgSBCm0NF0HHkoQUAXaz_b6CHSUOtZwRG9UyQKuRNiE51syez4ZiErrZGwnqselv_tdchO7QVcd0x683aon6cD8-BV0bwBqysRsvrE/s1600/IMG_9032.JPG" height="311" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Heath in abundance along the dunes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3S3ocXWqfodiledtEVdQ4FGWaiSLcXHRXRHIMVYQ7fZJSHUujDkjWS-gQ9y7A_Nw-HhoTERC1Mbo3HxASO9l0rsajmfH6axTl9nJpmEkRzLcE3CJwJ9lqfDlEP0D-wOxWwIcScA61x2N/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3S3ocXWqfodiledtEVdQ4FGWaiSLcXHRXRHIMVYQ7fZJSHUujDkjWS-gQ9y7A_Nw-HhoTERC1Mbo3HxASO9l0rsajmfH6axTl9nJpmEkRzLcE3CJwJ9lqfDlEP0D-wOxWwIcScA61x2N/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Marsh Orchid</td></tr>
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And to end with once again, which is in danger of becoming a running theme; something cute. In fact, it's another Arctic Tern chick. After a few days of hatching, they are mobile and very good at hiding, so in order to help us identify which nest they are from, and track them in the future, we ring them. This little fellow from nest 97 is only a few days old, and by the end of the year will be loitering around the pack ice of Antarctica! Truly truly remarkable.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHyt8YYX54lS_OfH3NYYCzLJ0zPjzWGwMNM2uhVVYtRUW5umEiv6WYqHpPGmDRZKGI4wBDHDHXvr6AnrIj8EjW_eC5v4O4OhnCCgsYCpIPmSwxthIKrlMJao1dSApf8tOhzcQHAudWWRD/s1600/20140612_172940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHyt8YYX54lS_OfH3NYYCzLJ0zPjzWGwMNM2uhVVYtRUW5umEiv6WYqHpPGmDRZKGI4wBDHDHXvr6AnrIj8EjW_eC5v4O4OhnCCgsYCpIPmSwxthIKrlMJao1dSApf8tOhzcQHAudWWRD/s1600/20140612_172940.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny life!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3817811180259088073.post-14240147066479469892014-06-09T12:49:00.001-07:002014-06-09T12:49:14.593-07:00Moths and Chicks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This post does exactly what it says on the tin. Having been in Cyprus and returning to a mountain of monitoring, cliff counts and visitor work has meant that I haven't had much time for photography recently. However I have made the leap into the world of smart phones so I have been able to record some of the daily goings on around the Farnes. The weather has been pretty wonderful since my return, and this has meant plenty of opportunity for moth trapping. Using a 15W Heath Trap in possibly the best location one of these has ever been used (see photo) we have some very pretty if not particularly rare species, and below I include my three personal highlights; Angle Shades, Buff Ermine and The Spectacle moth (showing exactly where it gets its name).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlxu4UdE5TQF6_J3s3-5fCdbFHUpxXme2wdB5ACQwI-lOov55sG-oa4FmmbcOPqC0pbflVlu0mCdtL6pkWTTuDrM2Mw6P9FhajO2lFnjMa0L4ebdzwq5UfFmRllo4KK3a8m8FCsQCB7zl/s1600/20140513_102824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlxu4UdE5TQF6_J3s3-5fCdbFHUpxXme2wdB5ACQwI-lOov55sG-oa4FmmbcOPqC0pbflVlu0mCdtL6pkWTTuDrM2Mw6P9FhajO2lFnjMa0L4ebdzwq5UfFmRllo4KK3a8m8FCsQCB7zl/s1600/20140513_102824.jpg" height="83" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home sweet home. The mighty Brownsman Island</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimByvHsphm8p5yHCFomL5SaQFcsAcVUFuMVGm5rRruot1527IDWvd8xXmg7sy8V_U0-3vmbR0pbQ_ijsgpkMuPoVbrCtQqN2ynHgV0i3sKNPiJM0lhhuHglGnDOOdbkkfLWVYU5-Qqswtv/s1600/20140530_082644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimByvHsphm8p5yHCFomL5SaQFcsAcVUFuMVGm5rRruot1527IDWvd8xXmg7sy8V_U0-3vmbR0pbQ_ijsgpkMuPoVbrCtQqN2ynHgV0i3sKNPiJM0lhhuHglGnDOOdbkkfLWVYU5-Qqswtv/s1600/20140530_082644.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angle Shades, <i>Phlogophora meticulosa</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCNPOlHoEod7Ovjro1OKmrp5IN4I6HnxNWQwitGyWCWb0glDIWcAkFp0HzcSM-8suMl47WecSd5Gwj1nx7AI0tIY3XhorXdFNEvst-sqPfKDvjbimhyphenhyphenbIlyLakS2rvJNTNcKtgpbsQG-U/s1600/20140602_083711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCNPOlHoEod7Ovjro1OKmrp5IN4I6HnxNWQwitGyWCWb0glDIWcAkFp0HzcSM-8suMl47WecSd5Gwj1nx7AI0tIY3XhorXdFNEvst-sqPfKDvjbimhyphenhyphenbIlyLakS2rvJNTNcKtgpbsQG-U/s1600/20140602_083711.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buff Ermine, <i>Spilarctia luteum</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mJdrUCZ5mYQr31gCJJfhorIcf6ujJ0q2qf8hVx69_OyF099RTFIZd1Ckpr9YwVsBRMSVHBYRXuZooGzXIqP38ipHwmoGyT6jM2kY2LxHS5j_xdsRDTC3ahdeu-kGEN_GgwrLGZdH70Ks/s1600/20140609_083531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mJdrUCZ5mYQr31gCJJfhorIcf6ujJ0q2qf8hVx69_OyF099RTFIZd1Ckpr9YwVsBRMSVHBYRXuZooGzXIqP38ipHwmoGyT6jM2kY2LxHS5j_xdsRDTC3ahdeu-kGEN_GgwrLGZdH70Ks/s1600/20140609_083531.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spectacle, <i>Abrostola tripartita </i></td></tr>
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And now for the cute part. Today saw the hatching of the first Arctic Tern chick in my monitoring patch, and I was lucky enough to catch the second hatching in action. It won't be long before these little balls of fluff are running around causing chaos for us as we leave the cottage every morning.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BEJnV5pC_hjbpc_9Cn3GcLRrPYuUbxgplMvRPNE1JEPZYa58iAKWKCsubVqt1UoVYsl7Xob7phDYwMJyO_SZjcKxF9VuK8UkZ1A7R3Pu_DhCTVepx42JkZHkf567EuGumcfgxTZUfxme/s1600/20140609_165610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BEJnV5pC_hjbpc_9Cn3GcLRrPYuUbxgplMvRPNE1JEPZYa58iAKWKCsubVqt1UoVYsl7Xob7phDYwMJyO_SZjcKxF9VuK8UkZ1A7R3Pu_DhCTVepx42JkZHkf567EuGumcfgxTZUfxme/s1600/20140609_165610.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One down, one to go!</td></tr>
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And last but not least, a Black Tern; a splendid adult that arrived on Brownsman for the afternoon of the 5th and posed nicely amongst the Arctics.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphdtHWXCe7Obdmr0JF4paTBh8h9ZYjaTsFtZ-w5z0Zqn9kLbpdY9oB1MTRAsGCu8fMQrTuURZhKRKxY1YsLEaz1bFM42QFQ2fHoN54DaPSSwvjWK_eqDspf392N96fPlrYGPUtFTx-d42/s1600/IMG_9011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphdtHWXCe7Obdmr0JF4paTBh8h9ZYjaTsFtZ-w5z0Zqn9kLbpdY9oB1MTRAsGCu8fMQrTuURZhKRKxY1YsLEaz1bFM42QFQ2fHoN54DaPSSwvjWK_eqDspf392N96fPlrYGPUtFTx-d42/s1600/IMG_9011.JPG" height="284" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very smart Black Tern</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11420235175332760654noreply@blogger.com0