Some surprises at Killingworth and Big Waters 21/2/11

Went to Big Waters and Killingworth Lake yesterday. Stuck for places to go at the moment with terrible light for photos. Big Waters was full of siskin, there was 30+ siskin around the feeders very close to the hide. There was over 20 more that I saw in the trees as well, I have never seen so many. There wasn't much else apart from as we were just leaving, a lesser redpoll dropped in to the feeders which was a lovely addition to the day. Onto Killingworth next to see what was around. At the end where the road is, there was 2 great-crested grebes displaying just past the island, shaking their heads and diving together. However, the car park end produced a lot more, there was a juvenile whooper swan in amongst the mutes which was very tame and was feeding on bread. There was also a male goosander that was swimming about 6 feet away from where I was standing, then it got out the water and walked across the path towards the grass. I have never seen a goosander so tame. Unfortunately, no sign of the nordic jackdaw, but hopefully I will see it sometime this week.

Goosander

Siskin Lesser RedpollWhooper Swan

Glaucous Gull at North Shields

We have just come back from North Shields Fish Quay to see the glaucous gull. We saw it straight away, it was much lighter than the other gulls. After getting some photos, we went to speak to Mike Hodgson who said it was an Iceland Gull not a glaucous, but birdguides have reported it and said that my photos look like a glaucous gull. I think the beak suggests Glaucous Gull, but the colour suggests Iceland. I think it it a Glaucous Gull but I'm not sure. Help would be appreciated!