Linden Hall,early morning and a chorus of spring bird song led by 6 Song Thrushes in full flow,accompanied by Robins, Blackbirds, Chaffinches ,Great ,Blue ,and Coal tits, Goldcrests ,Nuthatches (3) and Treecreepers (2) and 2 Skylarks all in great voice. A perched Tawny Owl was less happy,being mobbed by Blackbirds and a pair of Jays . A few Fieldfares noted ,then around 2,000 Starlings flew over ,having left their overnight roost.
At nearby Todburn ,my first singing Yellowhammer of the year perched high in a tree and several others called from bush-tops. Here too 4-5 Skylarks were in full song and a pair of Lapwings were displaying on territory. Also here were 2 Bullfinches and more Fieldfares ,with a few Redwings. On up to Simonside and yet more Skylarks ,quite a difference from last year’s extremely cold March where birds were weeks late returning to territories.At least 15 birds were in song . A pair of Jays here too ,then a cracking female Merlin flew west over the moor. Kestrel and Buzzard noted too. Great to see were 3 Stonechats ( 1 male) on their breeding grounds,still recovering from recent harsh winters. with 2 female Reed Buntings and 12 or so Meadow Pipits. Red Grouse were very active ,with good numbers calling . At least 20 noted here.
Over now to Harwood village,where the feeders were alive with birds. Perhaps 60 Chaffinches in the area,with Coal,Blue and Great Tits ,Siskins and Greenfinches. At the Gibbet a splendid sight, as on the fell to the south a flock of Ravens tumbled and called together . I counted 9 birds,then later 2 others joined in flying over the road ,but hard to tell exact numbers ,as they dipped below view. One person said he had seen 14! A couple of soaring Buzzards seen ,then a Peregrine headed over the moor.
On down to Wallington next, and 25 Brambling were among the great many birds at the feeding station. These included Siskins, Redpolls, 20+ Coal Tits, over 50 Chaffinches, Marsh Tit,Treecreeper and Nuthatch. A Red Squirrel too put in an appearance. More Brambling noted at Bolam Lake and several Song Thrushes singing here. At Killingworth Lake a returning Great crested Grebe and the female Scaup remained with 3 Gooseanders and 11 Goldeneye,males of which were all calling and displaying. Water Rail calling at St. Marys to end a good day.
A.S.Jack
