Up to the Cheviots last saturday,with a first stop at Thrunton Woods where an area of the woods revealed a good selection of feeding birds. Crossbills fed above me in the pines,with 29 counted, a male in full song too. Below them were 50-60 Lesser Redpolls all busy feeding and 15 siskins with them. A mixed tit flock passed by, Long tails, Blue, Great and Coal Tits and several Goldcrests made up the flock. Many Blackbirds here too , a few Redwings and Fieldfares also noted,and a pair of Bullfinches . A pair of Jays moved noisily through the wood,then all the feeding birds scattered as a Sparrowhawk skimmed through the trees.
On up to Ingram,where a Dipper did his thing on the river, frequently submerging for food. A few Meadow Pipits remained in these uplands in the mild conditions. At the head of the valley,3 Common Buzzards could be seen hunting and 3 Kestrels too. Then to the north, a paler buzzard with much white on the tail hovered- a Rough legged! No doubt one of the few found in these hills recently.
On up to Harthope,where now on the other side of the hills from Ingram, a Rough Legged hunted the fellside – perhaps the same bird? Many Red Grouse could be seen and heard and 2 more Kestrels hovered.
The following day,closer to home and the Hume’s Warbler showed very well in the Briar Dene,Whitley Bay,calling frequently.A pair of Waxwings appeared feeding on berries near the dene,the male was pair bonding, feeding the female berries. Bullfinch,Redwing and a few Goldcrests here too and in the nearby cemetery, a Willow Tit.
A.S.Jack.
