I had a nice lie in this morning and sent Uncle Albert across to Seaburn in County Durham to go and find the Bee-eater for me. I'd a theory that all the Chav fireworks may have scared the bird off so thought it best to risk his petrol money rather than mine! As it happens he must have got the directions wrong as he parked at Whitburn and walked from there, arriving at the Bee-eater site at the same time as me (I left after news appeared on twitter that the bird was still present - possibly frozen to an aerial).
It was actually quite enjoyable birding in a suburban environment for a change, loved the chav boy-racers and their comments. Real intellect! Did the northeast proud. Was also great to catch up with Tristan (Inked Naturalist) and a few other birders I knew.
What about the bird? Well, it showed a treat, on TV aerials and in trees etc, amazingly given the near-freezing temperatures even at mid-day when I arrived on site it was busy catching bees and wasps! An ivy-covered fence/wall was a particularly popular hunting haunt for it. As it sallied out for insects it would sometimes come really low overhead almost in touching distance and it would occasionally give its distinctive call, especially when landing. I managed the following photos today, ok but not as good as some of the incredible images on birdguides!!
Satisfied within this brilliant bird I gave Uncle Albert a lift back to where he'd parked to save his legs the 5 mile walk! A true gentleman.
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
European Bee-eater © Andy Walker 2012
