Starting today at St Marys, the Golden Plover flock were disturbed from their island roost, in the air there looked to be easily 600. A second year Med. Gull noted and now up to 200 Sanderling. A pair of Common Terns rested on the rocks with a few Sandwich Terns. The bushes were quiet ,with only a few Chiffchaffs seen . The nearby fields held 15-20 Skylarks and 25 Meadow Pipits.( Yesterday, a juv. Wheatear and Marsh Harrier passed through).
On up to Druridge ,where a juv. Cuckoo was seen near the Budge hide and a Marsh Harrier rested on the ground. Two juv Kestrels also here. Walls, Large Whites and a single Small Copper were the only butterfly species seen.
At East Chevington ,with water levels remaining very good for waders,the White rumped Sandpiper showed very well in front of the south hide for it’s 7th day. Here too were 3 Little Stints, 5 Black tailed Godwits and 4 Bar tails. 26 Ruff and decent flocks of Golden plover and Lapwing – 600-700 of the latter. An adult female Marsh Harrier flew through heading south,causing brief alarm. 2 Reed Warblers seen briefly.
A small falcon shot through off to the left ,chased by a Kestrel, in view for some observers for a mere 2 or 3 seconds , not enough for I.D. to be clinched sadly. One that got away! The dubious Bar headed Geese remained with Grey Lags on one of the islands. A few Pintail noted and Great crested Grebe with accompanying large young.
Woodhorn fields continue to attract feeding Med. Gulls, with 16 present today of varying ages.
A.S.J.