Out to Stag Rocks at Bamburgh today in search of the adult Bonaparte’s Gull found yesterday. No luck at first and moved on to Monk’s House where 13 Snow Buntings showed well on the beach plus 12 Whooper Swans moving South. Then a call from Ian & Keith Davison to advise us that the Bonaparte’s Gull was showing at Budle Pt. So a long walk from Stag Rocks north & met up with Ian & Keith and superb views of the Bonaparte’s at close range just offshore feeding with a few Black-headed Gulls. It later moved back to Stag Rocks where it was showing well off the lower car parking area. Well satisfied so on to Budle Bay where an adult Mediterranean Gull was picked out. Onwards to Fenham le Moor and caught the dropping tide well so plenty close in. The Pale-bellied Brents showed well and a Black-tailed Godwit past was a surprise. On leaving we had a flypast from a female Merlin. Thinking this was it for the day a final plus was a male Hen Harrier on the way home. Sadly its location will have to remain confidential as this magnificent bird of prey is still persecuted by a sad minority. TRD/JD
