At Lynemouth this morning, good numbers of nesting Swifts in what has long been one of the best colonies in the county,with over 70 birds noted. The houses here have not largely been updated with plastic facias which prevent the birds from accessing nesting cavities elsewhere. House Martins too were much in evidence here. The nearby river mouth and flash pool both held Lapwings with large young, and good numbers of Sand Martins fed here, nesting in the nearby cliffs. Several pairs of Fulmars had young too on the cliffs at Snab Point . On up to Cresswell where 8 Little Gulls remained with 27 Black tailed Godwits and 9 Avocets , with at least 2 on nests. Reed and Sedge Warblers,Whitethroats , Reed Buntings and Stonechats all fed young here ,with the latter having fledged. A Yellow Wagtail called as it flew by. At one site 4 Barn Owls were seen hunting , including one pair feeding 2 young.
Druridge Pools held a single Spoonbill and several pairs of Lapwings with young. On to East Chevington and a female Marsh Harrier perched in bushes,while around 100 Terns-Common and Sandwich – bathed at the north pool.Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings were much in evidence here, with good numbers singing. 3 pairs of Great crested Grebes noted ,with 2 pairs having young. The younger brood sailing along on their mother’s back,while her mate fished for them. Hauxley next, and the usual odd selection of Geese,with Red breasted,Lesser White fronted and 7 Bar Headed among the many local species. On the islands, Common and Sandwich Terns and a single Roseate which did not linger. 2 Spoonbills dozed on one of the Islands. In the nearby dunes, a pair of Stonechats fed 2 fledged youngsters,one prey item seen to be a Large Skipper butterfly.
I decided to take the hour long cruise around Coquet Island and among the hundreds of nesting Terns ,I saw 7 or 8 Roseates,as usual using the nesting boxes provided for them. A few flying by the boat,looking very elegant. A great spectacle here were the many Puffins ,with good views of them attending their burrows and fishing in large rafts. Guillemots,Fulmars and Eiders with young were also enjoyed.
A. S. Jack
