randombirder

Another overdue visit with only one target in mind. Portsoy is a bit of a trek from North Herts but this journey was completed in a day with thanks to British Airways policy of carry-on items within the basic fare prices (£88 rtn). Taking advantage of loyalty points through Enterprise, the car-hire cost was a modest £22 for the day. The trip did require a 4.30am alarm call but with the scope set up by 11.20am, this was a steal of a trip. The Dolphin Statue overlooks the sea facing north from the lovely coastal village of Portsoy.  From the vantage point, small rafts of long-tailed duck in fine summer plumage were floating offshore with modest numbers of common eider , guillemot , kittiwake and Sandwich tern in the area. It was generally a fine day, a modest southerly breeze, that was more than bearable, kept the temperature at a comfortable level with the sun desperately trying to break through. Scanning the sea, two great northern diver flew past and single red-throated diver ...

This is Belfast.  A city absent from the conversations and experiences of intrepid travellers.  This is to say that I've not heard anybody speak of it.  I cannot imagine why. It is an eye-catching city.  A short trip to see Public Service Broadcasting perform at the Limelight - my new favourite band - was a spectacular show.  Check out one of their tracks 'Spitfire' below. The city itself is a pleasure to navigate.  Thankfully with pristine blue skies, the low winter sun illuminated the skyline and waterbodies that carry with it the poignant reflections of history.  The Old Town Hall stands regally in the centre of the city.  An impressive building. The Titanic Quarter, featuring the Titanic museum which is an absolute must visit.  Intelligently curated with a variety of interactive elements capturing the mind-blowing scale of the ships' construction as well as the tragic loss and its aftermath. ...

Yes, this was a morning dash down to Eastbourne.  There were two species here of interest. The first was the White-spotted Bluethroat seen relatively easily along a line of reeds at West Langney Lakes.  This site was far better than I had expected with a large waterbody providing suitable habitat for water birds, and an extensive reedbed where the distance pinging of Bearded Tit could be heard.  This would be a great local patch. As for the Bluethroat, this looked like a 1st winter bird, it was well marked but it's behaviour and form made it a real joy to observe as it scavenged for invertebrates on a cold frosty morning. With the knowledge that a decline in the weather was forecast around midday, I headed down to Sovereign Harbour to search for the Black Guillemot that had been present for a few weeks in the unfamiliar surroundings of the south. The wander round the harbour was most agreeable, overlooked by new residential developments made it look like qui...