A leisurely morning spent at various bay sites with more talking than birding taking place! Starting at Cresswell, the pond held a total of 13 Avocets and 3 young , noisily chasing off any bird coming near the young. 28 Dunlin fed along the western shore and a single Black tailed Godwit noted. 5 immature Little Gulls loafed in front of the hide ,before flying off south and 4 Snipe seen. In the reeds, 4 Reed Warblers still sang,as did a few Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers. A Kestrel and Buzzard hovered to the west.
Up to Druridge Pools and a single Spoonbill remained. 16 Lapwings counted and a Common Tern fished the main pool. Butterflies here were much in evidence with 3-4 Dark green Fritilliaries being the highlight. Plenty of Ringlets,Large and Small Skippers and Meadow Browns noted and a few Small Heaths,Common Blues,Large Whites and Speckled Woods and a single Red Admiral made for a good selection.
On to Widdrington Moor lake, where a splendid male Marsh Harrier hunted the roadside grasses very close to the car . Kestrel and 2 Buzzards here too. 3 Yellowhammers sang as did one Willow Warbler.2 Great crested Grebes here.
Arriving at East Chevington, another male Marsh Harrier could be seen over trees to the west and an adult and juvenile female were over reeds at the south pool. ( up to 5 juveniles have been reported). On the north pool, a few Common and Sandwich Terns bathed and 5 Great crested Grebes with 3 large young seen.
A.S.Jack
