Breamish and Harthope

Thursday, Carole and I headed up to Breamish and Harthope Valleys.  First thing we came across was this very young bullock standing in the middle of the road, Caroles first words were "nice earrings" in a non commital voice (now she is not known for her humour and her idea of top comedy was watching Mr Pastry in slapstick mode) I didn't reply as when a man dosen't know what to say to a lady silence is best way.

We saw 39 species during our visit including 4 Red-Legged Partridge, what looked like a family group of 7 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dippers, a couple of Spotted Flycatcher, Raven (some great views through the scope and a lifer for both of us), Stonechat and Grey Wagtail.  Myself and another chap standing next to me both thought we saw a Pied Flycatcher but I wasnt sure and when he said he had only been birding for 5-6years so couldnt be positive either (just cos someone looks like an old knacker (me) dosen't mean he knows a lot and has been at it a long time).  Anyway now the boring bit, a few pics of a great day.  First of all a couple of distant Red-Legged Partridge

Some better shots of the Common Sandpiper, they split up a lot but always came back together as a group but too far away for a group shot.

Inevitable there were plenty of opportunities to watch the Swallows, although I have chose some stationary shots for a change.

Whilst we were sitting in our mobile camoflagued shelter (the car) watching some Spotted Flycatchers a Chaffinch hopped onto the passenger side window and just sat there for at least 3mins just looking around then just flew off.

Havent had a Robin picture on here for a while so here is one of Carole's

Now for that well known competition "Spot The Ball Stonechat"