A long day delivering May record cards to the bulletin authors plus memory sticks with descriptions for the next County Records Committee meeting in early August. Started at 6am at Hauxley. Annoyingly managed to lose the metal ring around the eyepiece on my scope. One would have thought Swarowski would have ensured this couldn’t happen. Scope still functional though. Hauxley quiet after the recent excitement with a Black-winged Pratincole. On to East Chevington which unsurprisingly was also quiet. Druridge was more eventful with two Spoonbill & a Little Egret. Gadwall brood here with 9 ducklings, always a scarce breeder. Cresswell Pond had no surprises and a short sea watch off Snab Pt saw only a few Gannets,Kittiwakes & auks passing. Fulmars were showing well for photos though. Another stop at Bothal Pond and a Gadwall brood of 8 ducklings. Down to St Mary’s and two new birds for the year with single Great & Arctic Skuas past N between 12:30 & 1pm. The odd Arctic is quite usual in mid June but Great was a surprise. Tried to hassle a Gannet without much success. On way back had a stop at Killingworth Lake. Not a site I normally get to but worth a visit nowadays just to see a double figure Pochard count ! 14 drakes and a single female here. Last stop was Capheaton Lake which sadly lacked anything of note. TRD
