A New Med

Shibdon Pond - An adult summer Mediterranean Gull on the pond this morning with a report of 7 Nordic Jackdaw, rising to 12 late afternoon. 

The Mediterranean Gull at Shibdon [Steven Fryer]

Winlaton - 7 Waxwing by  the car park yesterday.

Chiffchaff and Pink-feet

The Nordic Jackdaws, there now seems to be 3 of them are being seen off and on at Shibdon but otherwise its been quiet during the week.

A little more activity today with a Chiffchaff at Far Pasture again and 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling about 450 birds headed west over Swalwell early afternoon

Nordic Jackdaw ...perhaps

A potential 'Nordic' Jackdaw at Shibdon Pond - opinions seem divided on it's credentials - what do you think?

Potential 'Nordic' Jackdaw [Steven Fryer/ Paul Davidson]

Also at Shibdon today was a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull, perhaps the bird seen last month at Lamesley.

Meanwhile if you haven't already signed the e-Petition to save the Gateshead Countryside Team then do it now. 

The link to the reasoning of sacking and closing down is now [click link]

CBS-LSC3 CIA - Cease Countryside Warden Support January 2013

Note this has changed from earlier (We can't make things easy to complain can we?) 

and also I see that against

the e-petition link is

http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council%20and%20Democracy/consultation/current.aspx

'What impact will this proposal have on the Council’s statutory duty to address;

• Crime and disorder   - Neutral 
• ……. Mitigation … Countryside volunteers could provide valuable support in providing feedback to the council of adverse behaviour / activity. . 
• [What the xx are they serious?. They are asking away beyond what is surely expected from a volunteer, they are already having to do more as it is with the last cuts]
• 
  
• They acknowledge that 'Groups affected by Proposal = everyone in Gateshead'

Sign it now ..... please.