St Mary’s
Down on the shore, a small group of Sanderlings were busy feeding with Turnstone and Redshanks. On the wetland I noted a female Shoveler, with some Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall.
Opposite the parking area, close to the wetland and screen hides, a juvenile Glaucous Gull, was relaxing and enjoying the sunshine on the rocks; on the Saturday afternoon. At times, it took to the air for short flights, but kept returning to the same area.
Cullercoats
The famous Black Redstart at Cullercoats, was still present on both days, and I managed some distant photographs. Other birds of note included an attractive Grey Wagtail and a couple of active Rock Pipits.
Seaton Sluice/Blyth
Only a short drive up the coast in some fields, to the North of Seaton Sluice and to the South of Blyth there was a large group of Geese, which has been in the area over the past couple of weeks. Amongst over two hundred Pink Feet, there was a single Barnacle Goose, at least three Tundra Bean Geese and one Russian White Fronted Goose. This was one of those rare times, where you could get really close views of a Bean Goose, through a telescope, as the Bean’s and White Front were at the front of the gathering. The birds were still present on the Sunday and in the same location. I was rewarded, with even better views. If anyone has not been to see them yet, it’s well worth the effort, as they can easily be identified amongst the Pink-Feet.
North Shields Fish Quay
I was not in luck finding any white-winged Gulls at the Fish Quay this weekend however an Iceland Gull was in the area and was photographed the following day. A small group of Eider were in the river close to the fishing boats together with some diving Cormorants. I also noted four Dunnock’s together which is not something I see very often.
Paul Buskin