Common Tern

Another species I ignored last time, due to how many I get around here. However, the photo opportunities on the Farnes are ace.

Tern fights

Although Arctic Terns were the most aggressive towards Humanoids, Common Terns were the most aggressive toward other Tern species. Unfortunately I never completely got the shots I was after but there is always next time.

Awww...

Several Puffin chicks emerged from their burrows while we were there. This one got lost and had to released on the sea by a warden on Staple Island.

Norfolk Dragonfly action

Spent the day around the Norfolk broads with Kev Du Rose. Being the first hot, sunny day in a while, everywhere was hooching with Dragonflies. Our first site secured us excellent views of Downy Emeralds though they just never landed for photos.

In the afternoon we moved on to find Norfolk Hawkers and Swallowtail Butterfly- just one of the latter made an appearance but the Hawkers put on a fine display (bottom two photos). Also seen were several Four-spotted Chasers (top photo) and Scarce Chasers (second photo).

Night Heron

An excellent find for Bob Titman at Bainton GP this morning, Mike Weedon and I were quick on the scene and enjoyed a couple of hours trying to get prelonged views of this bird as it fed along the Maxey Cut. These shots are just grab shots taken in the pouring rain.

My 227th species in the PBC area (I think!) and my 205th in the Deepings area.

White-throated Robin

When a bird hits the national news in such a big way, you know you should probably go for it before your non birding friends and family start asking you embarrassing questions like "Have you been for that Robin in Hartlepool?"

To avoid such questions Kev Du Rose and I made our way to the White-throated Robin this morning and joined the elbowing crowds on a small balcony over looking a garden. The views were okay but hardly enjoyable.

Sitting it out for the early part of the afternoon by the bowling green proofed hugely rewarding though with views of the bird down to four metres and at times crowds down to four as well (which for a third for Britain on the mainland on it's third day, is pretty exceptional!).

Considering the effort I made when in Turkey, back in the day, to see this species it was amazing to see it wandering about under cars on Olive Street!

Gannet

Will have to give Bempton a couple of visits in the next month, maybe even return to the Farnes...

Whinchat

Found this on Deeping Highbank, Lincs on the 8th May. Remarkably this appears to be the only Whinchat recorded in the Peterborough area this spring. If only I had got out of bed an hour earlier I might even have seen the White-tailed Eagle which apparently flew over an hour previous to me finding this bird.

BBC2

This emerging Broad-bodied Chaser is the offspring from last years single visit from a female. At least four have emerged so far, with one not surviving the whole process.

Godzilla!

Underwater photography isn't easy from over water. This female Great-crested Newt was laying eggs on water solider in my pond. However, I am yet to see the male...

Rock Star

American Green Heron in Kernow

Taken on the back of the twitch for the American Bittern also in Cornwall, with Josh Jones and Oliver Metcalf. This was my third in Britain and as ever a great bird.

Alder Flycatcher

Well where else could be better for a stroll, than Blakeney Point on a Sunday afternoon in gale force winds, rain that bounces two feet into the air when it hits the shingle which are constantly struggling to walk in....???