Had a great walk along the beach yesterday evening with S&J having had a wicked Hot Chocolate with cream and an apple danish. The sun was sinking and the tide was far out so wonderful light along the beach.
Today, Mum and I had lunch at our usual spot then went for a wander along the pathway at the top of the beach. There are some large rocks in this particular spot and I saw this bird. I immediate grabbed a couple of shots (didn't even have to time to set the settings up properly) and the results are below.
Now - I've been through my Collins Bird Guide and come up with
WATER PIPIT - but because it's rare for this country and I really really would like it to be one, I'm sure it's going to be something else.
Can anyone help me please? Taken some distance away against the sun and ultimately heavily cropped but I'm hoping it's enough for an ID.......
(oh golly - the suspense....)
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16 comments:
That, my little twitcher friend is a Wheatear! Well done. It's a migrant bird on it's way to Africa.
It's a Wheatear Trisha.
Warren - thank you - and that was an amazingly quick response. I thought it would be too good to be true but nonetheless, I'm delighted it's a Wheatear! Only the 2nd time I've seen one so really excited to have seen it. The do seem very alike in the book though (said she wistfully)
Thank you again :D
Steve - thank you also - just a minute behind Warren. You and I were posting and the same time it seems!
They're such beauties!! (The Wheatears that is!)
Hi Tricia,
Yeh well Warren has said it all, it is a northern wheatear! Well done, it is a nice shot. I've been trying to get one like that for the whole year but still did not succeed!
Pleased to see ID resolved for you.
Good pics in the circumstances. I saw 2 at Farlington but not close enough for pics. FAB
Yes, it's a wheatear - they turn up all over the place at this time of year.
Well I'm 'well chuffed' Tricia because I've heard so much about Wheatears in the last week or two so when I looked up Water Pipit, and decided it wasn't one, my first thought was a Wheatear, sadly I have never seen one myself. Well done! I know you are lucky enough to have seen one before but even so, doesn't it give you a thrill... adrenaline or what!! ;)
Lovely find and great shots Tricia, well done.
I think it is a female as well.
Well done on the Wheater Tricia, and good pictures too.
A bird that has eluded me so far.
Well ask and you shall recieve...there are so many wonderful people to help :) I've asked the same questions on my blog and Wow!!! someone is there to save the day. But in the mean time wonderful pictures...lovely indeed.
Lovely photos, Tricia, even for a distance. Pleased you got it identified. Sounds as though it was a good 'catch' and well spotted.
Hi Tricia,
Well done on the Northern Wheatear, they are gathering along the South and South West Coasts at this time of year ready for their long journey back to Africa for the Winter one of my favourite birds of the Spring and Autumn. Look out for other much rarer Wheatears that could turn up on the coasts that have been blown off course in the gales.
Brilliant photos Tricia well done.
John
My apologies for the delay in responding to your comments - I'm playing "catch up" again having been away for a few days!
Chris - thanks; fingers crossed you'll get your picture before too long.
Frank - resolved it was. Sorry you didn't get close enough to get your pics.
inguicula - thanks for dropping in.
Jan - I thought my ID was wrong even though there were a few points of coincidence. But still delight to get the Wheatear! And yes - a large frisson of excitement did run through me when I saw it!
Roy - Thanks. I shall have to do some more research to identify the sexes!
Keith thank you. Hope one comes your way soon :)
Nature As Is - you're right about asking; so many knowledge blogging friens out there so generous in their help.
(Midmarsh) John - thanks. It was a good "catch" and a great surprise as I wasn't really looking for anything in particular!
John - thank you for your kind comments - and yes, I shall keep my eyes even more peeled (can we say that!?)and hopefully.......
Blimey this is a tour d'force Tricia, top marks too for using B&W photography. Great post, sad though to see another piece of English coastline falling into the sea. Cest la vie eh?
Hi Andrew and thank you - it's a sobering thought that our land is gradually being eaten away.....
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