Waders at Dusk

Went down to Pat haven a couple of times this week after work. First night it was blowing a gale and raining but cleared in the last half hour to give some fantastic light and very close views of dunlin, ringed plover and curlew sandpiper. Went again last night, again very close views of dunlin but didn't see any sign of cs.

Lots of dunlin and ringed plover on the lagoon, a couple of knot and odd redshank and greenshank. probably the last visit of the year for waders but quite pleased with the shots.

Bridlington Skua cruise

I went on another Brid skua trip this morning. Quite a contrast from last week as southerly winds put a bit of a chop on the sea.

There were a couple of skuas on view from the harbour wall to start as well as a couple of red throated divers. Almost straight away the skuas were on view mainly bonxie but also the odd arctic. A confiding manx shearwater was nice as was good views of a sooty at the rear of the boat. There was a big flock of plunge diving gannets that was quite spectacular.

there was another flyby sabines gull which i didn't see, then on the way back there was some close views of a bonxie.

All in all another very enjoyable trip but far more difficult trying to photograph birds when the boat is pitching and tossing in the sea!

Pat Haven Re-Visited

Went down to Pat haven tonight, small tides gave a different set of challenges but after selecting a spot and waiting a while I was rewarded with close views of a group of 4 curlew sandpipers.

Also present was a little stint and marsh harrier.

felt a bit sorry for my mate Dave-he went especially for the CS's and packed up no more than 5 minutes after these flew in.