With the Northerly blast we’re experiencing now it doesn’t bode well for new passage migrants turning up. All the same, a few birds are still managing to defy the weather. A couple of juvenile Willow Warblers, a Winchat and this Lesser Whitethroat today.
More of the same today. Another Lesser Whitethroat and a third (at least) Greenland Wheatear of the Autumn.
I’m in awe of both the variety of bird life you see and your photographic skills.
Tawney Owl?
Not as excited as I would be to see one here!
Never been recorded in Shetland.
I saw one on a fence as we were driving past the house next to the Tile Sheds Metro crossing about two months ago. It is the first time I have seen one around here. Early evening and Gwen was driving and by the time she turned round and went back it was gone so no pic possible.
They’re pretty common in Durham, if you know where to look.
The local facebook page is also reporting Avocets on the flooded field opposite the Academy of Light. I’ve not seen them yet but often run that way so will have to keep an eye out for them.
Their presence is being used as part of the opposition to a solar farm being erected on the land.
They breed there.
Funny you should say that - was just thinking I saw them all-over the place when I lived in Barney, but since moving to Oxon, then Lincs, I just don’t see them.
Habitat? Competition?
Habitat, I would guess, they tend to prefer to nest in cavities in large, old trees. Barnard Castle has a lot of those!
Availability of invertebrates could be another factor.
Eyesight test needed? 
4 hrs birding in glorious weather today.
Managed a few nice birds. First (2) Yellow-browed Warblers of the Autumn was the highlight.
Also 2 Willow Warblers, Reed Warbler, Pied Fly, Barred Warbler, Kestrel & Hawfinch.
A decent haul and with the wind from the east now I’m hoping for another productive day tomorrow.
That hovering Hawfinch is a great shot 
Another day of arrivals, 7 Yellow-browed Warblers, 2 Hawfinch and a (distant) Red-backed Shrike. No mega rarities yet but it’s still very early in the season.
Did the Hawfinches not want to be photographed?
Nope, not a chance.
Didn’t see either of the perched, even for a second. Heard them calling and saw them both a few times in flight but when they flew back into a tree they simply disappeared.
I did try to get a flight shot but by the time I realised they were airborne, they’d already gone some distance.
They might settle down if they stick around but I’m not holding my breath.
