Not a vast number of species today in an afternoon out, but I enjoyed some excellent close encounters with fivegood winter birds. Firstly, another look at the North Blyth Snow Buntings which were quite mobile today,only one or two coming in to the seed provided on the ground but nice views once again. Then up to Morpeth, where the a pair of Waxwings fed on the rapidly depleting Rose Hips at Coopies Lane Ind. Estate. A little wary, as some people approached to closely, they spent most time high in the nearby trees, dropping to feed occasionally. The species has been scarce this winter, with only a few very small groups noted.
Another scarce bird this winter has been Short eared Owl, however a pair have been hunting the dunes at Warkworth lately. Arriving there, it didn’t take long before one of the owls appeared, quartering the dunes ahead of me. I settled in a good vantage point to watch and the owl flew towards me,stalling as it saw me below and uttering a screech as it looked at me and turned. A second owl seen later hunting too. At a pool below the car park, a flash of blue and a Kingfisher landed on a plant stem,before plunging into the pool and landing, empty-beaked on the grass bank. Finally, down at Killingworth Lake the Gooseanders again providing excellent views, fishing quite closely.
A.S.Jack
