RSPB Saltholme

Spent the weekend in the Hartlepool area and whilst there visited the new RSPB site. I was suitably impressed even though it was very cold and windy. A nice visitor centre with friendly staff, some good walks around the site and an adventure playpark for the kids. Lots of birds to see, highlights for me were the Yellow Wagtail, Curlew Sandpiper & Little Stint, all new for the year taking the total to 105

One down

Eldest son got married, that's Joe in the middle. Any offers for the other 2?

More bird news

This is Harry sat in an Osprey's nest, took us ages to get him up there! Whilst on our travels I have also seen Barnacle Geese and Whinchat taking the yearly total to 102.

Bird list update

I know, I know, I'm really sorry, but anyway, the bird list, at the last count was 95. Since then I have visited Bempton Cliffs again and seen a Puffin, a Guillemot and a Kittiwake which takes me to 98. At the beginning of August we all went to Wales for a week where I saw a Jay (99) and I am pleased to announce that bird number 100 was an Osprey. The caterpillar in the picture was taken at Conway RSPB site, Harry particularly liked it as it is in Hull City colours.

Old pier

The old pier isn't used anymore, except by the Cormorants

Intriuging

If you walk along the banks of the Humber from the city centre towards the ferry terminals you will come across this wreck. It has been there as long as I remember (which is a very long time!) I am always intrigued as to the history of the boat, what it was used for, who owned it, how old is it etc.

Surprise!

I took this photo of what I thought was a Razorbill, and didn't realise until I downloaded it that there was a Puffin there as well (2 if you look very carefully)

Into the caves

We arrived at low tide giving us plenty of time to explore the caves.

Flamborough

Anybody want to go and explore those caves?

Lime Hawk-Moth

It's not every day you see one of these, so 2 is a treat. Apologies for the absence, many reasons, one of which was having my internet account suspended for being a naughty boy!

Head Gear

Nice headgear, but you couldn't wear a hat with it.

Hide & Seek

Katie & Harry found this tree at Forbidden Corner

Pond Life

I had a new visitor from blogland called moosh, who has recently posted a photo of a Tree Frog. Sadly we don't get Tree Frogs round these parts so you'll have to make do with this chap who was hanging around our garden pond.

Whilst away at the weekend I saw a Lesser Black Backed Gull, a Red Breasted Merganser, a Little Owl and a Wheatear, taking the years total to 95. The bird above is a Snipe conveniently posing on a dry stone wall near Muker.

Wierd Weddings

This is me outside the Tan Hill Pub, Britain's highest pub. Whilst in the pub, enjoying a pint, we witnessed a couple getting married, they had 2 lambs as bridesmaids, this was one of them. It takes all sorts.

91

I took a photo of a Shelduck, which I have already seen this year, but unbeknown to me at the time, a Housemartin sneaked into the picture (top right) and became bird number 91 for the year.

GLASVEGAS--LONESOME SWAN

It's been a while since I shared music with you, so here goes.

Lonesome Swan

Actually, not lonesome at all, but I couldn't resist the Glasvegas link. Spotted this fella at Filey Dams on Saturday.

Foxy Foxy

You might have to look closely to see it, but it's definitely a fox, spotted yesterday at Filey Dams. Click on the photo for a better view.

Mixed Feelings

We had a fox in the garden this morning, which was great to see, however it was trying to get into the tortoises house, which is not so good. The tortoise, in case you were wondering, was none the worse for his ordeal, I guess he just went into his house within his house. Apologies to those of you who would've rather seen a photo of a fox.