A chilly, bright morning saw me at St.Mary’s where 4 Skylarks were singing and several more could be seen. 4 Rock Pipits on the beach and a good number of waders including 24 Ringed Plover, 46 Dunlin, 120 Lapwings,some of which were tuning up with early Spring display calls and 300+ Golden Plover,a few attaining summer plumage. 44 Sanderling,41 Curlew and 37 Oystercatchers also counted. On the Wetland,122 Redshanks roosted. Up to Blyth where Eiders were displaying on the river and the flock of Snow Buntings remained in the area near the large wind turbine on the north side of the river. Killingworth Lake again held a few Gooseanders also displaying, with males chasing each other, as were the Goldeneye drakes, with much backward head throwing and calling going on. 18 Pochard here and a single on Tynemouth Boating Lake. At Wallsend Rising Sun Park,2 Mistle Thrushes, a single Redwing with a small Fieldfare flock. The wintering Bittern was again seen here last night, as was a Long Eared Owl.
A.S.Jack
