County birding never ceases to produce incredible suprises, as late this afternoon, news broke of the second Pratincole species in Northumberland this month! A Collared this time,hot on the heels of the wonderful Hauxley/Holywell Black-Winged, found at Castle Island,Ashington. Despite traffic hold-ups at Moor Farm, I was on the spot in 30 mins, arriving as the bird took flight and flew high over the road bridge to the west. It had been resting on the mud of one island ,showing well. A kind local resident allowed access to the raised wooden verander in her garden,affording excellent views as the bird returned and was watched well, hawking for insects,occasionally landing , then feeding again in the air , a vision of grace and beauty. Later it was heard to call in flight,before settling for half an hour on the mud. It flew west once more a few minutes after 7pm. This represents the first county record of the species for 31 years(at Beadnell) and, I believe only the third ever record.(First at Holywell). A great addition to the county lists of perhaps all of the assembled crowd . (apologies if you saw the Holywell bird, as only T & M Cadwallender saw the Beadnell bird,I believe). Excellent photos of the bird can be found on J. Farooqi’s blog.
At St. Marys yesterday, the Sanderling flock had markedly increased to 74 birds feeding in the south bay. Around 200 Golden Plover on the rocks as were young of Sandwich and Common Terns.
A.S.Jack.