Israel Trip

Just got back from a week in Israel. We saw 172 species, with 15 lifers. The company was great, Sue being the only female in a group of 16. It was hard going at times, especially the climb up to see Sinai Rosefinch and it was a lot hotter than expected. It has to be said that the birds were quite often at a distance. Sue's theory is that as there is little cover in the desert, the birds see you coming before you see them. These are some of the birds we saw and over the weekend we will try to post other non-avian images.

This Brown Booby was obviously a long way out, but was a great lifer for us.

Hayle Estuary

We have been twice to try to see the American Bittern and today was our lucky day (no photos), probably due to the fact that Monty was there and he seems to be making a habit of seeing rarities on his birthday. Last year it was a Raddes. So thank you Monty and happy 90th!

Here are some pictures from Hayle Estuary over the weekend.

Think this is an Adult Med. Gull and this one probably a 2nd Winter Med Gull.

Thought this was interesting as one of the Greylags has a collar on.

Newlyn and Porthgwarra

We went to Newlyn at the weekend for the Snowbunting. Sue took the Snowbunting as it
was so obliging, I was too close for digiscoping. Thanks to John and Kate for their info.
The rest are odds and ends from Porthgwarra and Gothian Sands.

This Dung Fly appears to be killing the House Fly. The Diving Beetle is a first for us.

To Heligan and Back.

I finally got a day off and went to Heligan on my own as Sue has not been well.
Worried all the way there that it would be gone but it was showing quite well, at times.
Amazingly, I met the father of the little girl shown on last nights 'Autumn Watch', he had filmed her feeding Badgers. Watch out Kate Humble. Also met an old friend, Peter Basterfield (and son ). He is a superb wildlife photographer and I have learnt a lot from him. Great day.

Unknown

A friend sent me this distant shot to see if I knew what it was.
Any ideas, anyone? John

Peregrine on Truro Cathedral

Was in town with Sue today when I noticed the Peregrine on the Cathedral Spire. I took Sue home then rushed back with the scope (more car park fees) and was surprised that it was still there. Worst of all was the realisation that setting a scope up in the middle of town attracts a lot of attention.

Looking at the blood on his feet I guess Truro is short of a Pigeon.

Interesting to note that when the wind blew he shut his right eye (last picture).

Stithians

Had an enjoyable afternoon at Stithians on Sunday. Nice to see the water levels have improved, which should bode well for Waders at this time of year. Thanks to Simon and some anonymous donations the feeding stations are looking good. I also took some pictures of a couple of dog walkers going straight through the reserve which scattered all the birds.