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| Ivory Gull ( Juvenile) . Patrington Haven, Humber Estuary. The Ivory Gull is a small gull, the only species in the genus Pagophila. It breeds in the high Arctic and has a circumpolar distribution through Greenland, northernmost North America, and Eurasia |
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| Six hours travelling to see this very rare vagrant from Siberia. Was it worth it. Of-course it was. Another tick on the way to 500. The Baikal Teal (Anas formosa), also called the Bimaculate Duck or Squawk Duck, is a dabbling duck that breeds in eastern Russia and winters in East Asia. |
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| More images can be seen of a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar by clicking on http://tanzaniazanzibarbeesley.blogspot.co.uk/ or Clicking on the relevant entry in the GALLERY on the Right Hand Side |
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| Showing the characteristic V-shaped white rump patch |
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| Record Shots of Leach's Petrel at Rutland Water. Also Grey Phalarope, Great Skua and Pectoral Sandpiper ( near Burley Fish Ponds) |
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| Stonking views of a 'Cronking' Common Raven. After 5 visits to Milton Park, Peterborough managed to get a flyover shot of one of at least 3 Ravens which have taken a liking to the Eastern part of the Park. Taken from the Public Footpath as it flew from a Westerly direction towards the Kennels at 09.00h |
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| Great Snipe, Spurn. Unfortunately was found dead the day after our visit. ~ thought to have been taken by a predator, either by a cat or a weasel or stoat. There was no real suggestion that the bird was unwell, it appeared to be in immaculate condition, and it seems as though the bird’s tameness and trust was the cause of its untimely downfall.
This bird's breeding habitat is marshes and wet meadows with short vegetation in north-eastern Europe including north-western Russia. Great Snipes are migratory, wintering in Africa. The European breeding population is in steep decline.
The birds are noted for their fast, non-stop flying capabilities over huge distances.[citation needed] They can fly up to 97 kilometres per hour, with researchers finding little evidence of wind assistance. Some have been recorded to fly non-stop for 48 hours over 6,760 kilometres (4,200 mi).[2] Their wings are not especially aerodynamic, lacking pointed tips, and they typically do not stop to feed despite having opportunities. The birds instead rely on stores of fat.[2]
The males display at a dusk lek during the breeding season, standing erect with chest puffed and tail fanned. They may jump into the air. They produce a variety of rattles, clicks, buzzes and whistles while displaying. 3-4 eggs are laid in a nest in a well-hidden location on the ground.
These birds forage in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. They mainly eat insects and earthworms, and occasional plant material. They are difficult to see, being well camouflaged in their habitat. When flushed from cover, they fly straight for a considerable distance before dropping back into vegetation.
At 26–30 cm in length and a 42–50 cm wingspan, adults are only slightly larger, but much bulkier, than Common Snipe and have a shorter bill. The body is mottled brown on top and barred underneath. They have a dark stripe through the eye. The wings are broad, and a pale wingbar is visible in flight.
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Italian Sparrow, Northrepps, Norfolk. |
