Teeside Trip

Saturday and John A, Alan F and myself headed down to Teeside for a wander round.  We started off at Dormans Pool hoping to spot the Green Winged Teal but whilst there was plenty of Teal showing the Green Winged was conspicuous by its absence.  We did see quite a lot of Pintail, a couple of Little Egrets, heard a Water Rail, lots of Canada Geese, a few Greylags and continual passage of Gulls.  After a drive round looking at a few spots we headed into Saltholme.  A Jack Snipe was not seen although we were told several times it was there.  It was Alan F's first visit so we wandered round most of the reserve but after a cup of coffee we headed into Seaton Carew for Fish and Chips then down to Newburn Bridge to try and tempt a Med Gull with a couple of chips.  Unfortunately not one was seen but we were highly entertained by lots of Sanderling, Knots, Oystercatchers, Turnstones, a handful of Dunlins and a few Ringed Plover going up and down the beach avoiding the people and dogs that were enjoying the midday sun.

Did a bit of videoing at 60fps but playing them back at 30fps which gives, to my mind, a bit more insight into the birds characteristics and traits.

Oystercatcher landing amongst other birds and 

hardly a movement from the others

You know how fast they walk now look

at them slowed down a bit

We then moved on to look for a Black Redstart which had been reported and when it was eventually found, by John A, we had practically walked back to Newburn Bridge.  We had to wait a fair while in order to get some decent views but even then the bright sun against pale concrete didn't show it off in its true colours.

Even the handheld video was a bit on the pale side

Off then to the Headland to have another look for the Kumliens Gull which was again unsuccessful although Alan did spot a Glaucous which we eventually got a few decent views of.

A great day with a couple of great guys.