Latest UK Bird Photos

All photos copyright of the author unless stated otherwise

'Eastern' Stonechat Saxicola sp.
Trimley Marshes, Suffolk, November 2024.

Probable Amur Stonechat stejnegeri along the entrance track.



















Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima
Ingbirchworth Reservoir, South Yorkshire, November 2024.

A scarce inland sighting showed very well.

















Isabelline/Red-tailed Shrike Lanius sp.
Gillingham, Dorset, October 2024.

Showed really well hunting along the edges of a weedy field.


















Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, Sep. 2024.

Two flew in mid afternoon on 21 September 2024.
















Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Langsett, South Yorkshire, Sep. 2024.

Winter is coming, ca. 100 north on 18 September 2024.















Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
South Yorkshire, Sep. 2024.

As in previous years passage birds showed well on 2 occasions this August and September.


















Great White Egret Ardea alba
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, Sep. 2024.

Showed well near to the RSPB centre.
















England- August/September 2024

Peregrine Falco peregrinus
Surveying the area.

Red Kite Milvus milvus
Increasing, but always good to see.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A cream crown migrating through.

















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Yorkshire, Aug. 2024.

One on migration heading south.




















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Wellbeck RWP, Notts., Aug. 2024.

One taking an interest in the lake.




















Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, Aug. 2024.

Insurance Tick from The Netherlands?
















Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Erith, London, Aug. 2024.

One of several present at a high tide roost.
















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Thamesmead, London, Aug. 2024.

An advanced juv/1st winter in the gull flock.


























Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Erith and Thamesmead, London, July - Sep. 2024.

Examples of juvs. along the Thames shore.




























Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
Finningley, South Yorkshire, July 2024.

Nice views of this rare visitor.






















Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, June 2024.

Wasn't expecting to find this rarity, it became elusive during a one day stay. Same image, bottom one cropped.

















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, June 2024.

Quickly headed off north after being mobbed by a gull.

















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
nr Upper Midhope, South Yorkshire, May 2024.

A migrant Osprey circled a nearby reservoir and headed East in a power glide.

















Hobby Falco subbuteo
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, May 2024.

Fantastic flying displays from these summer visitors.



















Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, April 2024.

Showing well near Aveley Bay.





Garganey Spatula querquedula
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, April 2024.

Present on Wath Ings.






Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Peak District, April 2024.

One of the first returning summer migrant birds to these shores, back in the uplands.
















Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Peak District, April 2024.

Two staging before heading north west.

















Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Thamesmead, London, February/March 2024.

Several continuing in the area.

















Shorelark Eremophila alpestris
Peat Pits, South Yorkshire, February 2024.

Elusive rare inland visitor.
















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Thamesmead, London, February 2024.

A couple of 1st winter Caspian Gulls in the area one Sunday lunchtime in February.



















Long-tailed Duck, Mediterranean Gull, White-billed Diver and Great Northern Diver Clangula hyemalis, Ichthyaetus melanocephalus, Gavia adamsii and Gavia immer
Southend-on-Sea, Essex, February 2024.

A record of the rare to these shores White-billed Diver (only 2nd Essex record) plus a good supporting cast of Long-tailed Duck on the walk down the pier, Mediterranean Gulls resting at the end of the pier, and Great Northern Divers allowing for comparison with the rare visitor.































Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Wanstead, London, January 2024.

A cracking 1st winter Caspian Gull that took a while to fly in to Alexandra Lake, it then showed very well allowing for comparison with Herring Gulls.























Mediterranean Gull Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Wanstead, London, January 2024.

Present in the area for a while, and found on the football pitches on this visit.















Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Thamesmead, London, January 2024.

Examples of 1st winter, 2nd winter and an adult on the Thames early in the year. The 2nd winter had a green colour-ring and from other sightings assumed to be the one ringed in southern France in 2022.






















Mediterranean Gull Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, January 2024.

Resting with Black-headed Gulls at Coldharbour Point.















Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
Eagle Pond, Snaresbrook, London, January 2024.

A brief visit by this immaculate duck, though the regularly wintering Caspian Gull has not reappeared here this winter.

















Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, January 2024.

The elusive wintering birds showed on a couple of visits in the New Year.



















Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus
Herts., January 2024.

Finally caught up with a small flock that stayed in the area for a couple of days only.















Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis
nr Maldon, Essex, January 2024.

An amazing record (8th for GB) and typically elusive, nice to note the features and hear it call.















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, December 2023.

A 1st winter showed on a couple of visits towards the year end.
















Peregrine Falco peregrinus
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, December 2023.

Two adults patrolled the reserve in late December 2023, annoying the Greylag Geese on occasion.

















Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis
Tophill Low NR, nr Beverley, East Yorkshire, December 2023.

A rare and unpredictable visitor to the UK, nice to see in such plumage.















Black-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver Gavia arctica and Gavia immer
Staines Reservoir, London, December 2023.

Fantastic to see not one but two species of inland diver, and unexpectedly close, could even hear them diving! Good comparison of the plumage and structure of the two species.


















































Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, November 2023.

A nice surprise, a presumed family party assumed to be displaced down the east coast.




















Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, November 2023.

Scarce on the reserve this year, up to 3 birds present in November.
















Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
South Yorkshire, 2023.

Two passage birds showed well.

















Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
South Gare, Redcar, Yorkshire, September 2023.

Wow, this rare Gannet was brilliant to see, will they become regular in the coming years?




















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Lee Valley CP, Herts., September 2023.

Thought to be Blue 256 a juvenile bird born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.























Barn Owl Tyto alba
England, September 2023.

Brilliant views of this Barn Owl actively hunting in the middle of the day.




















Great White Egret Ardea alba
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, April 2023.

Now regular in the area.
















Osprey and Hobby Pandion haliaetus and Falco subbuteo
South Yorkshire, August 2023.

Osprey quickly shifting across the moorland edge with Hobby hawking insects in the area.


















White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Erith, London, August 2023.

Didn't expect to see a flock of 19 White Storks flying south over Erith on Saturday 19 August 2023 (or indeed on any other day). A magnificent sight whatever their origin.


















Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Rainham Marshes RSPB and Erith, London, June and July 2023.

The 1st summer (first four), adult/subadult Yellow-legged Gulls and juveniles (next two) seen at Rainham Marshes RSPB in June (1st summer and adult/subadult) and July 2023 (juveniles). The bottom six (juvenile) taken across the river at Erith Pier in July 2023.




























Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
RSPB Adwick Washland, South Yorkshire, July 2023.

Two of a group of six actively feeding late evening, included a colour-ringed bird from SW Netherlands (June 2018 ringed as pullus) that had two green rings separated by a black flag on its right leg.

















Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
RSPB Adwick Washland, South Yorkshire, July 2023.

The immature Night Heron showed well one Saturday evening as it patiently looked for food.















Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Edderthorpe Flash RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, July 2023.

Record photo of one of the adults of the first breeding record for the Barnsley area!
















Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
England, 2023.

Nice views of this stunning species retaining its summer finery.

















White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
Peak District, 2023.

Presumed returning G318 from the Isle of Wight Scheme.































Stock Dove Columba oenas
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, June 2023.

The seemingly iridescent neck side showed even better than reproduced in the photograph.
















Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, May 2023.

A pair of wandering Stilts made a brief visit to Old Moor, the first since 1991, which I was also very lucky to see.


















Red Kite Milvus milvus
South Yorkshire, May 2023.

Nice views over the uplands.















Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Welbeck Watchpoint, Nottinghamshire, May 2023.

Distant then very close views after a long wait (6 hours).




















Little Owl Athene noctua
Hertfordshire, May 2023.

One on the edge of the countryside.
















Hobby Falco subbuteo
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, May 2023.

At least half a dozen hawking insects over the reserve and nearby.

















Hobby Falco subbuteo
South Yorkshire, May 2023.

One moving over the uplands.















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, April 2023.

This sought after summer visitor flew over the marshes in late April on its way north, with a Red Kite that took an interest in seeing it move on.



















Common Crane Grus grus
Summer Leys LNR, Northants., April 2023.

Two showing well in very windy conditions.

















Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Summer Leys LNR, Northants., April 2023.

A record shot on a very windy day of this fantastic inland sighting of what is now a scarce visitor to these shores.


















Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Ossett, West Yorkshire, April 2023.

One of an influx into GB this Spring.
















Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
South Yorkshire, April 2023.

Back on moorland territory.
















Raven Corvus corax
South Yorkshire, April 2023.

Nice views over the uplands.

















Red Kite Milvus milvus
South Yorkshire, April 2023.

Showing well in early Spring.
















Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, April 2023.

Possibly a first for the Wath Area, it showed ok but distant on Wath Ings.

















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, February 2023.

A 1st winter from SE Poland - yellow colour-ringed P:YA9.






















Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, February 2023.

An adult resting with Black-headed Gulls on the shore at low tide.
















Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, February 2023.

A yellow colour-ringed Black-headed ringed at Pitsea, Essex (2TLB) and a white-ringed bird from the Netherlands (EA2A).
















Ruff Calidris pugnax
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, February 2023.

Nice views of a wintering Ruff at the western end of Aveley Bay.















Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Erith, London, January 2023.

Yellow colour-ringed Black-headed Gulls are associated with a local ringing scheme and usually originate from ringing at Pitsea/Rainham landfills. Most birds return to the same wintering sites.















Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Erith, London, January 2023.

An adult with nearly a full hood resting with Black-headed Gulls at the end of the month.















Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Staines Reservoir, London, January 2023.

Up to 6 (a group of 4) present on both basins.


















Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
Staines Reservoir, London, January 2023.

This rare visitor to the UK showed at distance in the Pochard flock.


















Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, January 2023.

The colour-ringed individual seen in October 2022 present again on the shore on the incoming tide. It was ringed on The Swale in Kent in 2020 wintering about the Thames estuary and also seen at The Wash and in Iceland.
















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Marshes RSPB, London, January 2023.

A 1st winter resting with gulls on the Thames shore below the landfill.

















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Eagle Pond, Snaresbrook, London, January 2023.

The cracking returning adult showed well on one visit mid month.



















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, December 2022.

A diminutive 1st winter present late in the month with roosting gulls before sunset.


















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, December 2022.

A 1st winter present along the River Don at Effingham Street at the end of the month.


























Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, December 2022.

An adult that was ringed in 2017 (as a full adult) near York (Harewood Whin, Rufforth) Yellow - Y:H54 joined other large gulls along the River Don at Effingham Street at the end of the month.



























Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, October 2022.

Now a regular sight on the marshes by the Thames.
















Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, October 2022.

Back in for the winter, this winter-plumaged Water Pipit allowed for a good study.


















Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, October 2022.

A colour-ringed individual present on the incoming tide.

















Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire - September/October 2022.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Only my second for The Wath Area, was it one of the lingering Ecclesfield birds?

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Arrived after a front from the Atlantic crossed GB, showing well on Wath Ings.





















Kilnsea, Spurn, East Yorkshire - September 2022.

Barred Warbler Curruca nisoria
Elusive as ever for this species but patience was rewarded.

Wryneck Jynx torquilla
Showing very well near the Humber shore.

















Nighthawk Chordeiles
Wantage, Oxforshire, September 2022.

Amazing to twitch a Nighthawk roosting on a garden fence!
















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Ecclesfield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, September 2022.

Brilliant views of a juvenile that has been moving around local ponds for a week or so.

























Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Welbeck Watchpoint, Nottinghamshire, September 2022.

One fishing the lake for quite a while late afternoon.




















Red Kite Milvus Milvus
Welbeck Watchpoint, Nottinghamshire, August 2022.

A regular sighting from this roadside watchpoint.
















Kilnsea, Spurn, East Yorkshire - August/September 2022.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
One of quite a few resting on the scrape at Kilnsea Wetlands.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
A juv/1stw giving nice comparison with other Wagtails on the Riverside Hotel lawn.

Great White Egret Ardea alba
Moving between Kilnsea Wetlands and Beacon Ponds.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Long-staying juveniles spinning on Beacon Ponds.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Very smart individual at Beacon Ponds.





























Peak District - August/September 2022

Barn Owl Tyto alba
Showing nicely mid evening.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A cream crown migrating through.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus
A juvenile and adult male wandering the moorlands.

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
Presumed returning G318 from the Isle of Wight Scheme.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Moving around for the upcoming winter.








































Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
Redcar, North Yorkshire, August 2022.

Nice looks at this rarity to these shores, gave a good comparison alongside Ringed Plovers.


















Stock Dove Columba oenas
nr Borehamwood, Herts., August 2022.

An often over looked Dove, still several around local parkland and farmland. Calling and showing very nicely.
















Gulls Larus
Erith, London, August 2022.

First up a leucistic Herring Gull, it would have caused a bit of a panic if it was seen in Winter!
















What about the next one? A juvenile Caspian, "Caspish" or simply no way near. The inner greater coverts look out of range for Caspian Gull, or do they fall within variation? In the last photo it was joined in flight by a juvenile Yellow-legegd Gull.








Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Erith, London, August 2022.

Slightly unseasonal at this age, this adult showed briefly on one Sunday afternoon visit.


















Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Erith, London, August 2022.

Up to two juveniles present on several visits and an immature (2nd calendar year?) present on one of the visits.




















































Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Hastings, East Sussex, August 2022.

One of at least two juveniles amongst resting Herring Gulls on the beach. Comparison with Herring Gull (right) in the second photo.

















Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and Great White Egret Ardea alba
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, July 2022.

Despite being more regular, these fantastic birds still attract attention.





Hobby Falco subbuteo
Trimmingham, Norfolk, July 2022.

One over the quarry.
















Bee-eater Merops apiaster
Trimmingham, Norfolk, July 2022.

Record photos of stunning birds, nesting in Norfolk.

















"Bempton" Shrike Lanius sp.
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire, July 2022.

Surely Red-tailed (Turkestan) Shrike? Top 3 from July 2022 and the next set from August 2022.

































Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Scaling Dam Reservoir, North Yorkshire, June 2022.

Record photo of this scarce visitor to these shores, showing fairly well in the biting NE wind.



















Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Wykeham Forest, North Yorkshire, June 2022.

Three birds present, two dark phase and one pale phase. One of the dark phase birds showed regularly on this cool grey morning and wing clapped on one occasion.

























Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Welbeck Watchpoint, Nottinghamshire, June 2022.

A female glided over flying behind the lake at the watchpoint.



















Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Worth Marshes, Kent, June 2022.

This scarce visitor to Great Britain was hunting the same area as the Eleonora's.





















Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
Worth Marshes, Kent, June 2022.

Bird of the year, this enigmatic falcon showed well hunting insects in east Kent. The first twitchable one in Great Britain.

























Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, April 2022.

A passage bird present in the woodland area.


















Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus
Regent's Park, London, May 2022.

It was silent and not showing on arrival but then sang non stop for the next hour and showed fairly well as it did a circuit.























Red Kite Milvus milvus
South Yorkshire, May 2022.

One of at least two Red Kites seen on a cloudy day.


















Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire, May 2022.

'Albie' is back, showed well for about 45 mins mid afternoon on Sunday 01 May 2022.


























King Eider Somateria spectabilis
Marske-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, May 2022.

A Yorkshire tick, good views but a little distant for phone scoping from the cliff top.





















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Ewden Valley, South Yorkshire, May 2022.

A passage bird picked up flying low over the valley, circled and exited south west towards the Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs.






















Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, April 2022.

A breeding plumage individual present with two others on the Thames shore.



















Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
South Yorkshire, April 2022.

Mountain Blackbirds back on territory and starting to sing.




Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
South Yorkshire, April 2022.

Springtime roding from Woodcock above a moorland reservoir.



















Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca
Southwark Bridge, London, January 2022.

Walking up and down the river wall allowed a photo of the BTO ring - await details.



















Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Bexley, London, January 2022.

Nice views of this rare visitor, a very confiding Little Bunting that looks like it is overwintering in South East London.






















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, January 2022.

A 3rd winter bird showed reasonably well from the platform overlooking the Target Pools one mid month Saturday afternoon.

























Dartford Warbler Curruca undata
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, January 2022.

Still present and gave nice views mid month.



















Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, January 2022.

I don't usually post photos of birds that have come from a collection but this Black Swan looked stunning, although the local Mute Swans disagreed.




















Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, January 2022.

A small group of Barnacle Geese arrived in December when several parties were on the move, a chance of them being Category A birds.



Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor
Wistow, North Yorkshire, January 2022.

Now becoming a scarce visitor to these shores, this Shrike showed well on a dull day.



















Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, December 2021.

Regular through the winter, this male was one of at least 8 present in and around the RSPB reserve.




















Dartford Warbler Curruca undata
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, December 2021.

Present since October this male continues to show reasonably well in the bushes along the river wall, sometimes in the company of Stonechats.























Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Eagle Pond, Snaresbrook, London, November 2021.

It's back and performing well, though it likes to swim a lot rather than fly!
























Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
Hartlepool Headland, County Durham, October 2021.

A nice distraction from the rare Phyllosc.



















Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis
Hartlepool Headland, County Durham, October 2021.

Difficult to see at times in the Headland square due to the strong winds, but showed well on occasion. Could it be something other than an Arctic Warbler?























Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Attenborough NR, Nottinghamshire, October 2021.

Two adults at Clifton Pits dominating the other gulls apart from an adult Great Black-backed Gull. Looked to be a pair, bonding and gave its characteristic albatross like call.






























Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, October 2021.

Nice views of this adult in Aveley Bay.





















Great White Egret Ardea alba
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, October 2021.

One flew onto the reserve making it a 3 Egret species day.



















Great White Egret Ardea alba
Idle Washlands, Nottinghamshire, September 2021.

Great White Egrets were everywhere! 6 together on one pool.




















Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus
Upper Midhope, South Yorkshire, September 2021.

Migrating "Pink-feet" featured for 3 days running towards the end of the month as they decided on which wintering ground to visit, Lancashire or Norfolk.





















Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Cheshire, September 2021.

Showing well at the "Phalarope" Pool.





















Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor
RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Cheshire, September 2021.

This scarce Nearctic visitor performed well as it entertained many visiting this picturesque RSPB reserve.





















Great White Egret Ardea alba
Blacktoft Sands RSPB, Yorkshire, September 2021.

Nice views of the Great White Egret from Singleton Hide.



















White-tailed Plover Vanellus leucurus
Blacktoft Sands RSPB, Yorkshire, September 2021.

This long staying rarity showed well.
























Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Sammy's Point, Spurn, East Yorkshire, September 2021.

The air was full of up to 7 competing Short-eared Owls.
























Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota
Kilnsea, Spurn, East Yorkshire, September 2021.

A party of 7 pale-bellied took up temporary residence at Kilnsea.





















Hobby Falco subbuteo
England, September 2021.

Nice views of a Hobby looking for hirundine lunch.



















Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire, September 2021.

Still in residence, but playing second fiddle to the Green Warbler in the nearby (almost cliff top) dell.

























Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, September 2021.

A colour-ringed bird (A9 and Orange/Red over Yellow), await details of its travels.



















Great Skua Stercorarius skua
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, September 2021.

Scarce visitor up the Thames, drifted in on the tide and back out towards the Dartford Crossing.




















Great Skuas Stercorarius skua and Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, August 2021.

Nice to get some record photos of these late summer passage visitors.




















White-tailed Plover Vanellus leucurus
Blacktoft Sands RSPB, Yorkshire, August 2021.

A first for Yorkshire, this elegant wader attracted many to the site the first morning and since.




















Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
England, August 2021.
A juvenile feeding up on a moorland Rowan tree.



















Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Kilnsea Wetlands, Spurn, East Yorkshire, August 2021.

As with Cromer several Caspian Gulls recorded at Kilnsea Wetlands, the typical July/August passage of juveniles, one shown here had a yellow ring, probably X23M.
























Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Cromer, Norfolk, August 2021.

Many different Caspian Gulls have been recorded on the beach by Cromer Pier this July/August. Three are shown here from 21 August 2021. A pale juv (1st 6 photos), a dark juv. (next 6 photos) and a 1st summer (final 9 photos).




































































Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire, July 2021.

Despite the spread of this species into and across GB, at least 26 present at GBs wader headquarters, they will always deserve more than a quick glance.



















Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire, July 2021.

Always nice to see especially at close quarters allowing the uppperpart pattern, extent of the white lining down the sides and wing to tail ratios characteristic of this species to be noted.























Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Adwich Washland RSPB, South Yorkshire, July 2021.

Showing well in very hot conditions on Harlington Flash.



















Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey, North Wales, July 2021.

At the southern end of its breeding range. Several local breeders were gathering on the shingle beach.



















Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans
Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey, North Wales, July 2021.

Brilliant views of this very rare visitor from the Pacific coast of the Americas. Change in posture = change in crest shape.



























Puffin Fratercula arctica, Guillemot Uria aalge, Razorbill Alca torda, Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla and Gannet Morus bassanus

Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire, July 2021.

Overshadowed by the visitor from the southern oceans.





































Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire, July 2021.

Simply amazing, an albatross perhaps from the Falkand Islands taking up residence on a cliff in Yorkshire, that's daft!

























Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Wykeham Forest, North Yorkshire, July 2021.

The striking pale bird showed briefly from the watchpoint.





Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, June 2021.

Three birds present, 1 feeding in Aveley Bay and 2 asleep on the middle of the reserve.




















Spurn, East Yorkshire - May 2021.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
One of several showing well at the Point.

Eastern Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
Nice views of this rarity just past the Narrows.

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
Tricky to see this late Spring migrant showed briefly by the Point nature trail.










Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Welbeck Watchpoint, Nottinghamshire, May 2021.

Two elusive birds showed well after quite a while.






















Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan
Swillington Ings RSPB, West Yorkshire, May 2021.

This rare visitor showed well shouting at Black-headed Gulls.




























Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Elstree, Hertfordshire, April 2021.

Present for one day in a horse paddock by the village.




















Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Ewden Valley, South Yorkshire, April 2021.

A passage bird flying low over the valley heading north.




















Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
England, April 2021.

Several seen arriving back on the moorlands.




















Brown? Shrike Lanius sp
Johnny Brown's Common, South Kirkby, West Yorkshire, October 2020.

Adult male Brown Shrike? I'll leave it down to the experts over its id.


















Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus
Holme, Norfolk, October 2020.

Simply stunning, how many Bluetails around the village car park area? At one stage it was 'photobombed' by another flying to the pines.


















Spurn, East Yorkshire - October 2020.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Showing very nicely around Middle Camp.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla
Nice views at the bottom of Kilnsea Triangle.





















Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
South Shields, County Durham, Oct. 2020.

The 4th for GB showing fairly well in a cold north-easterly wind. Nice to study the plumage.




















Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
England, October 2020.

Probably a passage bird on the moorland edge.
















Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis
Kilnsea Wetlands, Spurn, East Yorkshire, Sep. 2020.

A small party of the many that were pushed down the North Sea Coast in gale force northerly winds and squally rain showers associated with an east cost low pressure system.
















Great White Egret Ardea alba and Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia
Old Moor RSPB, South Yorkshire, Sep. 2020.

Now not unusual to see these 2 species visiting the Dearne Valley. They shared the grassy bank separating Wath Ings with the Willow Pool.
















Raven Corvus corax
England, Autumn 2020.

Enjoying the turbulent air over a moorland ridge.





























Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire, Sep. 2020.

Nice to study in the hand, seen earlier around the bird garden but very elusive.
















Common Crane Grus grus
Edderthorpe Flash, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Sep. 2020.

This brief and still rare visitor showed well in the evening sunlight.
















Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Warham Greens, Norfolk, Sep. 2020.

Norfolk's 2nd sheltered from the wind as it hunted along the coast path hedgerow.


















Spurn, East Yorkshire - August 2020.

Wryneck Jynx torquilla
The fearless Wryneck allowed close studies.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Very active for this species.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Advanced juvenile, one of many Med. Gulls at the wetlands, the youngsters in different stages of the change from juv to 1st winter plumage.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Cracking views by the seawatching hide.

Little Stint Calidris minuta
Brief views of a bright juvenile.
























Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
England, August 2020.

The Sparrowhawk had a real go at the big one. If the big one got angry would not have fancied the Sparrowhawk's chances.





















Peregrine Falco peregrinus
England, Autumn 2020.

Several close flybys from the wanderers.



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Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, August 2020.

A juvenile in Aveley Bay.

















Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, August 2020.

Several at low tide west of the reserve.
















Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Wykeham Forest, North Yorkshire, August 2020.

Amazing views of this patrolling forest specialist.





Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Nostefield, North Yorkshire, August 2020.

One stopping off in the Nostefield area on its way south.






Peak District - August 2020.

Red Kite Milvus milvus
Still, always nice to see.

Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus
Sighting of the year or the decade? A brilliant raptor, over to the BOURC, time for Category A?

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
A passage juvenile.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Being fed in a moorland gully by host parents, Meadow Pipits.

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
Several pairs along one valley edge is encouraging.


















Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Nostefield, North Yorkshire, August 2020.

This long stayer was a nice addition to my Yorkshire List (339), and gave decent views in the company of a Redshank.



Hertfordshire - Lockdown - Spring 2020.

Red Kite Milvus milvus
Always nice to see, almost daily sightings.

Buzzard Buteo buteo
One of several local birds.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Resting before hunting.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Flying over suburbia.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus
A couple of wandering immatures.

Hobby Falco subbuteo
One chasing Swallows and Swifts in late June.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis
One of the commonest warblers present in local scrubland.


































Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
nr Morden, London, March 2020.

An elusive individual that showed on occasion usually picked up on call.
















(Siberian) Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita tristis
nr Morden, London, March 2020.

Nice views of 2 overwintering tristis Chiffchaffs present near to a Yellow-browed Warbler, with Firecrest a few hundred yards away.













Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Erith, London, March 2020.

A cracking 1st winter that glowed in dull light, present on the rising tide just by Erith Pier.