After a chilly start,a really nice day developed,with light winds,12 degrees and sunshine. Up to East Chevington, where the north pool was a hive of activity. On the islands were 3 Whooper Swans,one a juvenile, a single White fronted Goose with the Grey Lags and around 300 Lapwings. A flock of Golden Plover arrived from the south, perhaps 100 in number,then 6 Black tailed Godwits flew to the south pool,to be joined later by 3 more. A further group of 100 Lapwings arrived from the south.8 Little Grebes counted along with 19 Goldeneye and a Pintail. Teal, Mallard, Shoveler,Wigeon and Gadwall made up the duck species present. A Water Rail fed below the hide. A Kestrel and Sparrowhawk noted. A pair of Stonechats were flycatching and several Skylarks and Meadow Pipits seen. A pair of Bearded Tits had earlier been heard and seen by Trevor Blake. Lets hope they are here once more for the winter.
Down to the burn mouth, and 2 Snow Buntings fed along the tide-line,to be joined by 12 more. Nice to see at close range. A flush of insects here attracted around 20 Pied Wagtails, 12 Meadow Pipits and several Linnets. In the nearby dunes and fields, a large mixed flock of Linnets,Goldfinches and Greenfinches foraged for seeds. 200 Goldfinches and 150 Linnets made up the bulk of the flock. Grey Partridge called out of sight.
A check of West Chevington revealed only 2 hunting Kestrels. 9 Tree Sparrows noted at Widdrington Lake and on the water, numerous Wigeon and a pair of Great crested Grebes.
At Druridge, 2 pairs of Stonechats noted and 3 Twite in the “cattle field” near Bell’s Farm. Here too,were 9 Reed Buntings feeding on seed heads. Another pair of Stonechats at Cresswell , with 120 Pink Feet grazing the fields. Yet more Stonechats south of Snab Point,with another pair flycatching. A Chiffchaff called at Lynemouth Power Station. A.S.Jack
