A tale of two Allens

Last week I had a trip to Allen Banks with my family and a walk along to Plankey Mill and back which produced most of the expected woodland species, Blackcap, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Dipper, Grey Wagtail and eventually a single Wood Warbler.  Unfortunately due to the poor light I didn't manage any photos worth publishing. 

On the way home we decided to take a detour to Allendale
to look for Black Grouse.  My usual spot only produced Red Grouse and Pheasant, so we headed for another site where I had seen them in the past.  A quick scan produced four Black Cock sitting on a wall and a rather beaten up looking bird sheltering behind the wall preening. 

And to finish a nice day, out came the sun.

With all the hype about the new Nikon P900 bridge camera, I was considering trading my SX50 in for one.  But then yesterday whilst up around Druridge my trusty SX50 produced these shots.

Now I'm back to thinking why do I need to change my camera and have to learn all new techniques again?  So I think I'll just plod on with my SX50, for now.