Several visits to St. Marys over the last two days produced a good variety of species. Wader numbers continue to grow, with around 320 Golden Plover giving close views on the rocks. Sanderling, in a variety of plumages numbered 100+ and with some careful stalking,allowed very close approach. A nice Bar tailed Godwit,still sporting much summer red, roosted on rocks,where 29 Turnstone fed with several Oystercatchers and Curlew. A single Whimbrel circled,calling before heading on south. A few Sandwich and Common Terns rested on the rocks of the island,while more fed offshore. A reported Med. Gull eluded me.
A juvenile Wheatear was feeding well, along a track and another lingered along a small stream outlet at Whitley Bay beach.(present 3 days). In the bushes, 3 juvenile Whitethroats remained,preening in the sunshine and 2 juvenile Sedge Warblers glimpsed. A Grasshopper Warbler noted too. Several calling Willow Warblers in the bushes,one even singing briefly. A few Swifts noted,with most having departed,feeding with a group of House Martins ( per. J. Bucknall). Young Swallows rested out of the wind on the cliff faces, calling when parents came in to feed them. Two Skylarks were over the fields to the west.
A Little Egret seen flying south today,Great Shearwater and Pomarine Skua north,yesterday 21st. ( per J. B.).
A.S.Jack
