Two weeks covering my son in his computer shop in Rothbury whilst he had an overdue break so keen to get out on Sunday. Down for the Blue-winged Teal at Castle Island & excellent views by the rowing club car park just west of the main railway bridge. There has been much discussion as to whether this is a hybrid but looks good to me and recently ok’d by a British expert as being a definite pure juvenile (see pics). Had a look along coast at Cresswell & Druridge & a hunting Merlin by Bell’s Farm. Cresswell still in excellent condition with plenty of variety on offer. Little Egrets look very much at home here. On leaving Druridge we were rung by Iain Robson who had just found a Red-breasted Flycatcher in the pine plantation by the bend of the road at Druridge entrance. Drove back but no sign hence came down next morning and brief views at bottom of sycamore. Also on 15th had a Little Stint & Curlew Sandpiper at Cresswell Pond and Janet managed a Sooty Shearwater off Snab Pt which I never picked up ! On the 16th we had a day on Holy Island which worked out very well with superb views of the Greenish Warbler at Chare Ends (still present today apparently). Pleased with resultant pic. Also had close views & photos of a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher in Vicar’s garden & a Pied Flycatcher at the Lough. First-winter Red-backed Shrike at the lough which Janet watched kill a Robin ! She also had brief close views of a Red-breasted Flycatcher at the end of the Crooked Lonnen. Yellow-browed Warbler in the Vicar’s garden. Today we covered Newton but quiet. Two Manx Shearwaters off the point and a selection of waders on the Flash north of Newton Pool. Always interests me that one person’s efforts (Gary Woodburn) has resulted in excellent habitat being created whereas main Pool (supposedly a nature reserve) regularly has nothing due to the high water level. 12 Black-tailed Godwit & 20 Ruff plus many other common species present on flash. Also one Pintail briefly. Back home and excellent views of a Green Woodpecker from kitchen window. Photo is taken through triple glazing ! P.S. best view pics by clicking once then again to blow them up full size. TRD/JD
