H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

I’m proud to have my friend Craig Shaw from the UK on my Guest Spot. Mr. Shaw is a Land Management Constructor for profession. He’s an avid photographer with his main interest in Birding and Wildlife.

He describes his profile as: 

“I am a birder and part time Twitcher who follows my hobby around work and family”

Edinburgh Trip

“Well, it was supposedly Rachel’s birthday weekend, so the plan was to have a couple of days shopping in Edinburgh boo ;). So we both got Friday off but plans changed just a little.(Selfish ba*tard) 😉 We headed for Edinburgh right enough, via Holy Island though.

First stop was for some geese just off the A69, but no sign of any, but we did see an Otter in the river. So then we stopped at Dunstan just south of Holy Island where we finally found some geese. 100 plus European Whitefront and 2 Bean Geese with a load of pinks and few Barnacles, the two ross’ geese were missing though. A couple of distant record shots and it was time to get to  Holy Island, time was pushing on.

We arrived onto Holy Island and I was quickly heading up the beach along St.Cuthberts way. I managed to find the Eastern Black Redstart that had been present for a couple of days, what a stunner. Now it’s not a full species yet but I’m sure it will become one it’s so striking. Latin name P.o. phoenicuroides.

After my fill of this stunning bird it was getting dark or at least the light has gone so it was time to head for our room in Edinburgh. I was unable to do any more birding.

We made good time on the way home and was back for half eleven when I had a message from Keith telling me about a Green-winged Teal he and Phil had found, so I head straight for here.

When I arrived I walked down to the edge and immediately picked up the Teal and then a Bittern flew over. Keith and Phil joined me later and they had missed the Bittern but no matter aver the next couple of hours at least 3 were seen well in flight and on the edge of the pond. Two Wooper Swans, a few Water Rails and 2 Med Gulls were also present. I managed a couple of color ringed reading of Mute Swans White ATK and White AYH.”

I sincerely thank Craig for his gracious cooperation. All text and photographs are © Craig Shaw – Visit his Blog: Craigs UK Bird Photos

Barnacle Geese

Whooper Swans

Black Redstart

Bittern

Green Wing Teal

Tundra Bean Geese

European Whitefront Geese