Saturday 13th saw me up at Druridge Bay, starting at Cresswell where male Stonechats could be seen near the village and at the pond. The feeders on the way to the hide attracted a good number of Tree Sparrows, Green and Goldfinches,Blue and Great Tits,with Blackbirds foraging the ground below with 2 Robins, 2 Dunnocks and several Chaffinches. A Water Rail could be heard squealing from the reeds. In front of the hide, 9 Snipe sat motionless as many of the duck present moved away from the reeds,either swimming or taking flight as an unseen threat spooked them. No raptors appeared,so perhaps the threat came from an Otter? Wigeon made up the majority of the species present, with several hundred noted.110 Mallard were loafing on the small amount of exposed mud,with several Teal and Gadwall.3 Meadow Pipits were an uncommon sight in December. To the north the regular large flock of Pink footed Geese,took to the air and on approaching them,I picked out a pair of White fronted Geese feeding with them. Nearby, a few Twite in amongst a Linnet flock called in flight. On up to Widdrington Moor Lake next, and 2 Buzzards hovered over rough grass with a single Kestrel. A flock of 120 Goldfinches landed in nearby trees.
At West Chevington, 5 more Buzzards here,but little else of note. East Chevington pools held several Goldeneye, Shoveler,Gadwall,Teal,Wigeon and Mallard, and small groups of both Grey Lag Geese and Pink Feet . Another wintering Meadow Pipit here.
Today,Sunday 14th and a tour of more local sites. Killingworth Lake , and 5 Gooseanders , 9 Goldeneye and plenty of Mute Swans here on the unfrozen parts of water. Arcot Pond held several Teal but was generally quiet. Holywell next, where 2 Water Rails could be heard. Around 600 Pink Feet in the air,appeared to land near Old Hartley. Several Tree Sparrows at the feeders. Finally down to St Mary’s and 55 Sanderling on the beach,350 Golden Plover in the air before settling on the rocks, and a good count of 11 Rock pipits and a single Meadow Pipit on the beaches.
A Bittern was seen at Swallow Pond,Wallsend today several times in the afternoon. The second recent winter one has appeared here.
A.S.Jack