A drive up north saw me joining birders from as far as Norfolk and Derby at Cheswick Beach at the popular returning Black Scoter, which showed quite well with a group of 60-70 Common Scoter just offshore. The drakes in the flock were displaying . Here too were 2 Slavonian Grebes, a few Long tailed Duck, R.B. Mergansers and Red throated Divers. Birders reported seeing what they thought might have been a Marsh Harrier in the dunes but this remained unconfirmed and would be very rare indeed in the county in winter. The fields and dunes here held ten Skylarks,some of which were singing representing the first to be heard this year, apart from a few very brief bursts.
Heading down to Beal, a walk north along the shore produced a flock of feeding Twite numbering 100+, with 25 Skylarks. Around 3,000 Pink Feet on the flats took to the air as a splendid adult Peregrine flew in and alighted on a post. A great sight as the geese headed inland.The falcon sat preening in the sun unconcerned. A Little Egret stirred up the shallows near Holy Island causeway,then at Chare Ends, a scan of the mudflats produced a good wader selection. 17 Grey Plover,550 Knot,1,000 Golden Plover, 155 Bar tailed Godwits were the pick here. Around at the Harbour Pools 2 Black tailed Godwits could be seen. 500 Brent Geese flew in to land in fields at the Crooked Lonnen. Off St. Cuthbert’s Island several Red breasted Mergansers fed among the Eiders.
Next down to Budle, where around 1,800 Barnacle Geese in the air then landing in fields was a large winter count. Here too were a similar number of Pink Feet, joined by 200 Brent Geese.
Down to Stag Rocks next, where a cracking Black necked Grebe was seen close inshore and a few Slavonian here too. Ten long tailed Ducks, 9 Red throated Divers and 120 Common Scoter noted. Notable too were 60-70 Shags on the sea here, no doubt soon to assemble on the nearby Farnes. A Fulmar seen here too.
The drive south at Seahouses revealed the most remarkable sunset, with drivers stopping to admire it. A fine end to a good winter’s day.
A.S.Jack
