Graeme Smart
@graemesmart.bsky.social
Escapee from the place that must not be named. Hoping things stay nicer here. Into all things Nature, art, photography. Getting into birds (always happy to be corrected on ID 😁). Experimenting with digiscoping. Occasional trail camera stuff
A few Bramblings among the Chaffinches below the feeders at the entrance to Wallington Hall this afternoon.
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
November 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
A few Bramblings among the Chaffinches below the feeders at the entrance to Wallington Hall this afternoon.
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
Curlew, putting that long bill to good use on another blustery day at Newbiggin by the Sea. Not sure I would want to push my eyeballs into the sand and seawater like that! (Phonescoped)
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
November 14, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Curlew, putting that long bill to good use on another blustery day at Newbiggin by the Sea. Not sure I would want to push my eyeballs into the sand and seawater like that! (Phonescoped)
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
There have been good numbers of Snipe at Cresswell Pond, Druridge Bay recently. I counted 38 on one visit, including these 5. Phonescoped.
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
November 14, 2025 at 7:52 AM
There have been good numbers of Snipe at Cresswell Pond, Druridge Bay recently. I counted 38 on one visit, including these 5. Phonescoped.
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
#NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
Snow bunting trying to shelter from the blustery wind at Church Point, Newbiggin recently. #NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
November 14, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Snow bunting trying to shelter from the blustery wind at Church Point, Newbiggin recently. #NEBirding #UKbirds #phonescoping
A blustery day at RSPB Saltholme on Monday but this Fieldfare didn't seem too bothered. Looks like a good crop of Hawthorn berries this year. Phonescoped.
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
November 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A blustery day at RSPB Saltholme on Monday but this Fieldfare didn't seem too bothered. Looks like a good crop of Hawthorn berries this year. Phonescoped.
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
The Water pipit at RSPB Saltholme was showing well earlier this week (from Phil Stead hide). Found and identified by others. Phonescoped.
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
November 13, 2025 at 4:34 PM
The Water pipit at RSPB Saltholme was showing well earlier this week (from Phil Stead hide). Found and identified by others. Phonescoped.
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
Red deer calf and a young stag, with antlers in velvet, being bothered by flies. Scottish Highlands earlier this month. (Phonescoped)
#naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlifevideo #deer #phonescoping #ukwildlife
#naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlifevideo #deer #phonescoping #ukwildlife
August 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Red deer calf and a young stag, with antlers in velvet, being bothered by flies. Scottish Highlands earlier this month. (Phonescoped)
#naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlifevideo #deer #phonescoping #ukwildlife
#naturephotography #wildlifephotography #wildlifevideo #deer #phonescoping #ukwildlife
A Grey heron hunting on Loch Long, Kyle of Lochalsh.
Not sure what was on the menu (any fish experts out there able to ID the fish?)
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
Not sure what was on the menu (any fish experts out there able to ID the fish?)
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
August 21, 2025 at 10:49 AM
A Grey heron hunting on Loch Long, Kyle of Lochalsh.
Not sure what was on the menu (any fish experts out there able to ID the fish?)
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
Not sure what was on the menu (any fish experts out there able to ID the fish?)
#ukbirds #NEbirding #phonescoping
The Argument.
Hooded crows by Loch Long, Kyle of Lochalsh earlier this month.
("No, I’m not in a huff, you’re in a huff."
"Whatever. Bored now.")
#UKbirds #phonescoping #ornithology
Hooded crows by Loch Long, Kyle of Lochalsh earlier this month.
("No, I’m not in a huff, you’re in a huff."
"Whatever. Bored now.")
#UKbirds #phonescoping #ornithology
August 21, 2025 at 10:37 AM
The Argument.
Hooded crows by Loch Long, Kyle of Lochalsh earlier this month.
("No, I’m not in a huff, you’re in a huff."
"Whatever. Bored now.")
#UKbirds #phonescoping #ornithology
Hooded crows by Loch Long, Kyle of Lochalsh earlier this month.
("No, I’m not in a huff, you’re in a huff."
"Whatever. Bored now.")
#UKbirds #phonescoping #ornithology
These grumpy-looking Turnstones at Cresswell Pond this morning were definitely in "Team Lapwing" when it came to the weather.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping #SuperSeabirdSunday
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping #SuperSeabirdSunday
August 3, 2025 at 5:42 PM
These grumpy-looking Turnstones at Cresswell Pond this morning were definitely in "Team Lapwing" when it came to the weather.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping #SuperSeabirdSunday
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping #SuperSeabirdSunday
A rainy morning on the Northumberland Coast earlier today.
Lots of Gannets heading north past Church Point, Newbiggin.
This Lapwing at Cresswell seemed very unimpressed with the weather! The Knot, not so bothered by it.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
Lots of Gannets heading north past Church Point, Newbiggin.
This Lapwing at Cresswell seemed very unimpressed with the weather! The Knot, not so bothered by it.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
August 3, 2025 at 5:32 PM
A rainy morning on the Northumberland Coast earlier today.
Lots of Gannets heading north past Church Point, Newbiggin.
This Lapwing at Cresswell seemed very unimpressed with the weather! The Knot, not so bothered by it.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
Lots of Gannets heading north past Church Point, Newbiggin.
This Lapwing at Cresswell seemed very unimpressed with the weather! The Knot, not so bothered by it.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
Curlew Sandpiper among the Dunlin at St Mary's, Whitley Bay in fading light las Friday was a very busy little bird. Never still!, which made phonescoping it "challenging"
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
July 28, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Curlew Sandpiper among the Dunlin at St Mary's, Whitley Bay in fading light las Friday was a very busy little bird. Never still!, which made phonescoping it "challenging"
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Phonescoping #Digiscoping
This beautifully patterned Curlew was chilling on the Aln Estuary yesterday. Moult underway? (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
July 25, 2025 at 7:54 AM
This beautifully patterned Curlew was chilling on the Aln Estuary yesterday. Moult underway? (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
And this Ruff was at Cresswell Pond yesterday at roughly the same time as the one at East Chevington. Digiscoped about 20 minutes after the East Chevington bird.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
July 23, 2025 at 6:32 PM
And this Ruff was at Cresswell Pond yesterday at roughly the same time as the one at East Chevington. Digiscoped about 20 minutes after the East Chevington bird.
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
July 23, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Nice views (even though brief, and distant) of a Long-eared owl hunting at Druridge Pools this morning. Digiscoped. (Bird found by others)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
July 22, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Nice views (even though brief, and distant) of a Long-eared owl hunting at Druridge Pools this morning. Digiscoped. (Bird found by others)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
Could this be the most photographed bird in the North East at the moment?
The Black-crowned Night Heron at Marden Quarry showed well again yesterday afternoon.
I think those spiny fins tickled a bit on the way down. Digiscoped. #NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
The Black-crowned Night Heron at Marden Quarry showed well again yesterday afternoon.
I think those spiny fins tickled a bit on the way down. Digiscoped. #NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
July 19, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Could this be the most photographed bird in the North East at the moment?
The Black-crowned Night Heron at Marden Quarry showed well again yesterday afternoon.
I think those spiny fins tickled a bit on the way down. Digiscoped. #NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
The Black-crowned Night Heron at Marden Quarry showed well again yesterday afternoon.
I think those spiny fins tickled a bit on the way down. Digiscoped. #NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
The Spoonbills at Druridge Pools yesterday eventually obliged and came closer to Budge Hide, so less heat haze.
Nice birds! And lovely to watch them feeding. (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
Nice birds! And lovely to watch them feeding. (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
May 3, 2025 at 9:34 AM
The Spoonbills at Druridge Pools yesterday eventually obliged and came closer to Budge Hide, so less heat haze.
Nice birds! And lovely to watch them feeding. (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
Nice birds! And lovely to watch them feeding. (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #Digiscoping
The 2 Spoonbills at Druridge Pools eventually showed well (if a little distant and through heat haze) yesterday. Noticeable size difference between the two.
Digiscoped (No sound)
#NEBirding #UKBirds #Digiscoping
Digiscoped (No sound)
#NEBirding #UKBirds #Digiscoping
May 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM
The 2 Spoonbills at Druridge Pools eventually showed well (if a little distant and through heat haze) yesterday. Noticeable size difference between the two.
Digiscoped (No sound)
#NEBirding #UKBirds #Digiscoping
Digiscoped (No sound)
#NEBirding #UKBirds #Digiscoping
It may be distant, and it may be shaky. But its definitely a Garganey! (Tick)
Hedgeley Gravel Pits, Northumberland on Monday.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
Hedgeley Gravel Pits, Northumberland on Monday.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
April 10, 2025 at 9:04 AM
It may be distant, and it may be shaky. But its definitely a Garganey! (Tick)
Hedgeley Gravel Pits, Northumberland on Monday.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
Hedgeley Gravel Pits, Northumberland on Monday.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
The drake Ring-necked duck at Hedgeley Gravel Pits, Northumberland on Monday.
Looking particularly handsome in the bright sunshine.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
Looking particularly handsome in the bright sunshine.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
April 10, 2025 at 8:58 AM
The drake Ring-necked duck at Hedgeley Gravel Pits, Northumberland on Monday.
Looking particularly handsome in the bright sunshine.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
Looking particularly handsome in the bright sunshine.
(Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #ukbirds #digiscoping
Had a good few days up in the Cairngorms last month with some (distant) but great views of a Raven mobbing a Golden eagle.
These two photos are from the same sequence with the birds close together but look at the apparent size difference a small movement or change of angle can make.
#ukbirds
These two photos are from the same sequence with the birds close together but look at the apparent size difference a small movement or change of angle can make.
#ukbirds
April 10, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Had a good few days up in the Cairngorms last month with some (distant) but great views of a Raven mobbing a Golden eagle.
These two photos are from the same sequence with the birds close together but look at the apparent size difference a small movement or change of angle can make.
#ukbirds
These two photos are from the same sequence with the birds close together but look at the apparent size difference a small movement or change of angle can make.
#ukbirds
Spring had definitely sprung for these Dippers last month!
(Sound muted because its a very noisy river)
#NEbirding #ukbirds
(Sound muted because its a very noisy river)
#NEbirding #ukbirds
April 10, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Spring had definitely sprung for these Dippers last month!
(Sound muted because its a very noisy river)
#NEbirding #ukbirds
(Sound muted because its a very noisy river)
#NEbirding #ukbirds
Reposted by Graeme Smart
A pond without a #GreatCrestedGrebe is only half as attractive as when these beautiful #birds are there. Time flies watching these funny birds hunt, make court or fight each other. They're also quite photogenic.
#PodicepsCristatus #BirdsinLatin #Canon #Birding #Birdphotograpy #Wildlife
#PodicepsCristatus #BirdsinLatin #Canon #Birding #Birdphotograpy #Wildlife
March 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A pond without a #GreatCrestedGrebe is only half as attractive as when these beautiful #birds are there. Time flies watching these funny birds hunt, make court or fight each other. They're also quite photogenic.
#PodicepsCristatus #BirdsinLatin #Canon #Birding #Birdphotograpy #Wildlife
#PodicepsCristatus #BirdsinLatin #Canon #Birding #Birdphotograpy #Wildlife
Lovely to see the Avocets back on the Northumberland coast. These were two of eight at Cresswell Pond on a warm morning on 20th March. (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #digiscoping
March 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Lovely to see the Avocets back on the Northumberland coast. These were two of eight at Cresswell Pond on a warm morning on 20th March. (Digiscoped)
#NEbirding #UKbirds #digiscoping
#NEbirding #UKbirds #digiscoping