Last friday found me once again, exploring the upland Northumberland valleys, taking advantage of a warm, sunny day I headed for Ingram, where the riverside shingle revealed a variety of nesting waders,many now with young. Common Sandpipers,eight pairs seen in total, had small young or were sitting on eggs. Three pairs of Oystercatchers had young in attendance of varying ages, closely following the adults and being fed. Redhanks too had nests,as did a pair of Ringed Plover. Overhead three displaying Snipe and a single Curlew were noted. The riverside bushes and trees held many common species, such as Linnet,Whitethroat,Greenfinch,Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff and Goldfinch. Five singing Yellowhammers and nine-ten Reed Buntings were seen. Several Redpolls calling in flight. A Dipper flew by,as did one of three Grey Wagtails. Pied Wagtails were common,many feeding young in wall nest holes. Song Thrushes do very well here,with 12 singing during the day and four pairs feeding fledged young. Higher up the valley, two pairs of  Spotted Flycatchers seen,then into Whinchat territory,where the birds were quietly going about nest-building, less seen therefore than on my previous visit. Eight males  noted this time,with less time spent singing. A Cuckoo called but remained unseen and Kestrel and Buzzard overhead. Meadow Pipits were very common here, but only three Skylarks singing. Two Small Heath butterflies were the first I had seen this year.

On now south to Simonside,where another Cuckoo called from the edge of a pine wood. Red Grouse were much in evidence here on the fells and Skylarks numbered 25+. Meadow Pipits were even more numerous, many feeding young in nests. A Wheatear nest I had found earlier had been abandoned,with no sign of the pair. Perhaps predation the likely cause. A pair of Whinchats scolded me as I walked too near their nesting area,then overhead three Buzzards soared past,calling. Kestrel seen here too. A nearby wood held two pairs of Spotted Flycatchers and a pair of Great spotted Woodpeckers feeding noisey,large young in their nest.Willow Warblers sang commonly in the area.

A.S.Jack

Out to Druridge Bay today with most interest at Cresswell Pond with single Spoonbill, Little Egret and Avocet. Looks like most of the Avocet have deserted after the suspected raid by a fox on the newly hatched young. On to Druridge Pools with 5 Black-tailed Godwits and the two male Mandarin still showing well from the south-facing hide. East Chevington was quiet with none of the Little Gulls remaining (19 yesterday). Water level still far too high for much activity.   Over the last week I have been leading the Naturetrek tour around Northumberland. Started on 2nd June picking up clients from Newcastle with stops on way to Belford at Cresswell Pond & Druridge Pools. The four Avocet young were out and just managing to stay upright in the wind with 3 Little Gulls close to hide. Druridge had the two Mandarins as well as a good selection of other species. 3rd June saw us on Holy Island which was incredibly quiet as strong westerlies. Afternoon stops also made at Budle Bay, Bamburgh & a pleasant walk at Spindlestone for woodland and riverine birds. 4th June was much better with an excellent morning at Newton with the tern colony at Long Nanny in full swing. Only a few Little Terns seen though. Also walked down to Newton scrape with a fine array of birds with Yellow Wagtail designated the highlight. Afternoon on boat trip around Coquet island with views of a few Roseate terns but most of colony fishing elsewhere. Late afternoon at East Chevington with a surprise Mediterranean Gull on the islands. 5th June was the highlight for many people with the all day trip to Farne Islands. Unable to land on Staple Island though due to swell so back to Seahouses and then more time spent on Inner Farne in afternoon. Everyone suitably impressed and entranced as always with the Puffins and Arctic Terns.Two Roseate Terns showing very well by jetty. 6th June was a rather windy day in the Harthope Valley. 45mph winds in early June seemed distinctly odd and prevented us seeing many of the speciality species. However one forgets how special this valley is and most people happy with the scenery. Final day on the 7th had us at East Chevington again with a real purple spell with the Marsh Harrier pair showing well plus two Spoonbill found on the North Pool and a close Cuckoo on the eastern edge. Highlight though was the Red Kite which came in from the north end and moved down western edge before lost to view over south Pool.  A fine end. TRD

After the excitement of yesterdays Black-winged Pratincole at Bothal Pond, which was amazing to see and the best addition to my lists this year, I was off out again today, as one of my top three favourite birds had been spotted at Whittle Dene.  After a quick breakfast, I dropped Adriana off at work, then drove over.  I was lucky, I found the bird straight away.  I tried my best to photograph the Black Tern, however this was much faster in flight than the larger Common Tern, and even though it came close at times, I couldn’t work the camera fast enough.  I did manage the photos below however.  I will have to practice more with faster speeds.  Shame Adriana was at work, she is really quick with camera.

It was also nice to see the Common Terns, and the weather was bright and sunny.  A visit to Whittle Dene is always relaxing.

They say things often come in threes, and two evenings in a row (Fri 29th May and Sat 30th May) there has been reports of a Gull-billed Tern at Bothal Pond.  Wow, that would be great to see.

Paul Buskin

   Superb find again from Dave Dack today early afternoon with a Black-winged Pratincole at Bothal Pond which was still showing well this evening with several sorties in flight when it really could be appreciated. Been very quiet lately so a definite ‘pick me up’ for local birders. P.S.   Dave has a nack of finding these as identified last year’s bird at Hauxley (presumed returning individual) plus he found  the Collared Pratincole at Castle Island ! Tim Dean

It was really nice to see a pair of Great Crested Grebes and eight Common Terns today which at times came fairly close to the bird hide.  I recorded  four species of Warbler which included Sedge, Reed, Willow and Chiffchaff. There were also reports of a Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. I miss the days when you could easily hear Grasshopper Warbler at Big Waters.

The feeding station was full of life with the usual assortment of Tree Sparrow, Robin, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Blue Tit. These were joined by a single Long-tailed Tit. It was great to see the Yellowhammers were still present and I counted four on this occasion. A Great Spotted Woodpecker also put in an appearance as did a Carrion Crow and a Collared Dove.

The highlight of my visit was a Jay, which is not usually recorded much in the summer at this site.

Paul Buskin

At Cresswell this morning, a Spoonbill was asleep in the top left hand corner.  The weather was dull and a little fresh but dry. Whilst I was chatting with a local birder in the hide, about how ‘Spoonbills’ are often asleep when I see them’ the Spoonbill woke up and then spent half an hour constantly feeding and exploring the pond. Maybe it could hear our discussions.

The only waders present included 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Ringed Plover and several Lapwing. In the reed beds Sedge and Reed Warblers could be seen, often coming very close. They seemed very interested in the visitors in the bird hide who were focusing most of their efforts on the Spoonbill.

Next stop was Druridge Pools, which was very quiet today, with very little to see other than some Tufted Ducks and a family of Mute Swan. The weather improved however with temperatures passing 20c and bright sunshine.

At East Chevington, four Little Gulls, were relaxing on the island, together with Sandwich and Common Terns. During a short walk around the lake, I recorded three Whitethroat, eight Sedge Warbler and two Reed Warblers. On the pond there was also two Grey Herons and a couple of Great Crested Grebes.

Paul Buskin

The weather forecast held true and a superb warm, sunny day prompted an eary start as I arrived at Beacon Hill at 7 a.m. en-route to the Cheviot valleys. It was well worth an hour or so as bird activity was full on,with many spring migrants and local residents in great voice,many singing in between nest building or feeding young. The usual chorus of Willow Warblers,Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, together with Redstarts,Garden Warblers and several Whitethroats filled the air,then a distant Cuckoo was attracted in with an imitation of it’s call. It landed in the tree above me,with a chuckling call,then flew again “Cuckooing” as it flew.A Willow Tit foraged for food nearby,occasionally calling. Other species here included,Redpoll,Siskin,Skylark(6),Yellowhammer (5),Tree Pipit in display flight on a heath,Lapwing and Curlew. In the woods,Nuthatch,Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper and Goldcrest seen.

On up to the Ingram Valley next,where a Tawny Owl was seen from the car, perched in a tree hole and on the first of six Song Thushes was seen. Five or six Mistle Thrushes here too. Along the river, several pairs of Common Sandpipers were nesting alongside Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover. A Sand Martin colony of around 30 birds occupied the river bank and Grey and Pied Wagtails, Dipper and a Heron noted. Five singing Yellowhammers and seven Whitethroats,Linnets(common here) and suprisingly two singing Sedge Warblers here too. At the car park, a Spotted Flycatcher was a nice find and  Willow Warblers sang in good numbers. Further up this upland valley, the first of 13 splendid male Whinchats sang from a fence post perch ( 3 females also seen). Always a great spot for this species, pairs allowed close approach as they fed,not as yet nesting with very little growth from their favoured bracken nesting sites.

To Harthope Valley now for more upland species,with a pair of Ring Ousels feeding together on an open heath and a third bird in song. A pair of Stonechats scolded me as they had two fledged young nearby and Red Grouse called all around . More Whinchats here with five males seen. A fledged young Dipper on the river with Common Sandpipers and Oystercatchers,Grey and Pied Wagtails. Then several more Spotted Flycatchers seen in riverside trees. A Cuckoo called ,then two flew out of a wood together, with a third calling in the distance.Overhead, three Buzzards circled together. Redpolls and Siskins noted too. Around 30 Willow Warblers seen/heard in the valley. Driving out of the valley later, two stops revealed pairs of Spotted Flycatchers at each.

A.S.Jack

A day out west started with an area well stocked with breeding waders near Blanchland. Lapwings nest here in healthy numbers,and among some 40-50 pairs were many young of varying ages, some a little to close to the main road. Many females were sitting on eggs too.Displaying males were still very much in evidence, as were song-flighting males of several other upland species such as Golden Plover, Curlew,Snipe and Redshank. 15 or so singing Skylarks joined in the chorus,as did a number of Meadow Pipits. A female Whinchat preening on a bush-top was a nice find,with Wheatears and Red Grouse nearby. Overhead,three Buzzards soared and on the edge of a pine wood a Tree Pipit and Redstart noted. A distant Cuckoo could be heard calling. Other birds of note were Goldcrest,Redpoll and Siskin. A scan of the nearby Derwent Reservoir revealed Little ringed Plover,Common Sandpiper and best of all, a perched Osprey!

Heading further west,I arrived at Dye House where a riverside walk revealed 2 male Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher and several Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler , Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. A Dipper sped past,calling.

On next to Allenbanks, where a single Wood Warbler sang as did 3-4 Pied Flycatchers and a similar number of Redstarts. On the river,a pair of Grey Wagtails fed 2 fledged young,hard working parents bringing very frequent beak-fulls of insects to their offspring. A Grey Heron stood motionless on a rock mid-stream and a pair of Gooseanders swam quickly by. Above Swallows,House Martins and Swifts hawked for insects,seeming to almost scoop the flies from the tops of trees,the wind forcing them low to feed.Finally,up to Allenheads, where once again, many breeding waders were apparent,the by now, very strong wind making for difficult conditions for them and me. A pair of Grey Partridges allowed very close approach as they hunkered down in the lee of a stone wall. Lapwings with young did the same , sheltering them from the worsening weather. My cue to head for home.

A.S. Jack

At last a national rarity found in the county !  A fine Lesser Yellowlegs at Newton scrape this morning just north of Newton Pool. Could well be the same bird as last spring at Beadnell. Several hours afterwards a Pectoral Sandpiper joined it !  These american waders like to chum up together.    TRD

       Yesterday after spending all day covering my son in his computer shop I spent the evening at Druridge. Worked out well with plenty of highlights as reserve is in excellent condition. Drake Garganey still present with one Wood Sandpiper (another apparently found later) also 14 Black-tailed Godwit and a handsome drake Scaup which came close to south facing hide. On traveling home after an excellent meal at the Widdrington Inn (Janet away in Kent again & cooking not my speciality!) I went back to the pools and came across a Barn Owl on a post. Photographing from inside the car always a good way to cause the least hassle to the bird and pleased with the result. We forget how much detail there is in a  Barn Owl’s plumage.   Today I spent in the Harthope Valley with most of the expected specialities seen. Good views of a pair of Ring Ouzels, four singing Whinchats but surprisingly only one Redstart plus two Cuckoos. Single Tree Pipit plus plenty of other upland species.    Definitely more peaceful than Holkham dunes in Norfolk which must have been bedlam as a male Citril Finch found today. Did consider the Red-throated Pipit at Seaton Common but did not expect it to stay (which of course it did !). Holy Island starting to warm up apparently with a Wryneck found today on Crooked Lonnen. P.S.   As an extra I couldn’t leave out a Goldeneye chick photo from the breeding site in Northumberland. Has to be the cutest of all ducklings and taken from a hide so no disturbance again. TRD

       A drive down to Newcastle to pick up some more Northumbria Bird Atlases (bargain at £25 !) was pleasantly interrupted with news that the American Wigeon had been refound at Holywell Pond after briefly being at St Mary’s. Hence a quick detour was needed. On entering the hide I was worried that the bird had flown off again as only one lone birder. However the drake was still showing well to left of public hide. At one stage it was having to cope with a noisy pair of Canada Geese which may have reminded it of home ! TRD

At Arcot this afternoon, Willow Warbler numbers were building with 11 -12 singing in the area. (10 at Backworth today too, per.Spp). Several singing Skylarks in the air and two displaying male Lapwings over an adjacent field. On the pond, ten Gadwall and a Little Grebe could be seen.  A pair of Oystercatchers and 3 more Lapwings fed on some exposed mud.

Heading up to Stannington, where 5 pairs of Swallows having returned to their farm nesting site, were enjoyed singing and acrobatically chasing each other in courtship.

On up to Beacon Hill where the slight increase in elevation meant there was barely an open bud on the trees and bushes compared to the Wansbeck Valley below. Always a site where Willow Warbler numbers are high, again with a typical arrival week the lanes were full of their song, with 15 birds noted in the area. 10+ Chiffchaffs too. 6 Yellowhammers (one female) were feeding on flies on a manure heap, with a Reed bunting and 2 cock Pheasants. 4-5 singing Skylarks could be heard,then 2 hovering Kestrels noted.  At one stop, a flash of red in the trees and a splendid male Redstart, newly arrived perched in a tree, then a second male flew in at speed to see off the rival. A burst of song followed as territories were disputed. A quick record picture was grabbed. A Blackcap sang from within an evergreen bush and a Swallow sang as it flew overhead. In the wood, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 5 Treecreepers seen, as were singing Coal ,Great and Blue Tits.  A constant chattering came from a flock of around 120 Fieldfares gathered in the trees, no doubt soon to head north. In nearby fields, Curlews and a few Lapwings displayed. A few Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Peacock butterflies could be seen.

A.S.Jack

I always make an effort to visit Druridge when I’m on holiday. Cresswell was alive with Spring visitors which included Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.  On the pond, a single Wigeon remained. I was lucky to find a handsome male Stonechat, standing on a post close to the dunes.

The morning started cold and dull and as I’d only brought some refreshing Kiora Juice with me, I stopped at the café in the Druridge Bay Country Park for a hot coffee and a pastry.

After only a short walk I was at East Chevington. Common and Sandwich Terns noisily announced their arrival. On the ever expanding set of bird feeders, Goldfinches were enjoying the millet seed, whilst nearby Chiffchaff’s and Willow Warbler’s could be heard.

On my drive back from Druridge, I stopped off at the Rising Sun Country Park as there had been reports of a visiting Mandarin. After half an hour of searching I found the Mandarin standing on a post on the fringes of the pond, preening. It looked like something straight out of a David Attenborough rainforest documentary. It certainly didn’t look like a captive individual.

Paul Buskin

Today was a warm bright sunny day. We decided to have a day trip up to Kielder Reservoir. Other than a couple of Chiffchaff’s and up to eight Tree Pipit’s there was not much sign of spring/summer visitors. It was great to find a pair of Crossbill’s however, which are amongst my favorite birds. Nearby there were over 30 Siskin and a feeding party of five Long-tailed Tits.

Soaring over the reservoir, five Buzzards enjoyed the sunny weather. Other birds recorded included a single Goosander and a Nuthatch.

The highlight of our trip however involved a Common Lizard which was resting close to the lake.

Paul & Adriana Buskin

Recent sightings in the past few days have included six Chiffchaffs at Holywell, Sand Martin at Swallow Pond and East Chevington. Two Wheatears,male and female on rocks/beach at St. Mary’s. Sandwich Terns passing Tynemouth and Cresswell. Short and Long Eared Owls at Holywell.

Two White Wagtails at Backworth,with 25 newly arrived Pieds. Northward passage of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks at Cullercoats and St Mary’s. 26 Purple Sandpipers at St Mary’s (a high count for the site). 4 Avocets at Blyth Estuary. Little Egret, Holywell Dene.

A.S.Jack

A bright,sunny but cool day,with a fresh wind whipping off the moors found me in one of my favourite Spring haunts, Allendale in the County’s south west. At this time of year,the moors and fells come alive with displaying upland waders. It is without doubt,the best area in Northumberland for these species and the display calls of the various species,recently arrived from their winter haunts,filled the air at every turn.

Lapwings predominate,with  flocks gathered, feeding in open fields and many more paired up on the fells,males performing their fabulous display flights. Well over 400 birds seen. Curlews too have a breeding stronghold here, and easily 40+ pairs were noted , again males filling the air with display song. Redshanks and Snipe also in good numbers, also song-flighting all around me. Like the Lapwings, Golden Plover were back in flocks numbering 350+ but none in pairs as yet. One or two males were song-flighting though,their far-carrying calls heard several times. At one spot each March, they gather and close views can be had with care. Two soaring Buzzards appeared overhead. A search for Wheatears and Ring Ousels drew a blank,then the sight of a poor Mink which must have had a long, slow  painful death in a trap on a fence above a stream. Vicious killers they may be, but a sorry way to die for any animal.

Red Grouse could be seen and heard all around,then at one site, six Black Grouse males fed almost in the front garden of one farmhouse, allowing great views.

A few Pied Wagtails back in the area, 7-8 and perhaps 40 Meadow Pipits,some displaying. Skylarks too back but as with the other two species, so far in small numbers.Many more will arrive soon. The same could be said for Oystercatchers,with only a few noted. Redpoll,Siskin,Dipper,Nuthatch and Song and Mistle Thrushes were among other species seen,then a pair of Grey Wagtails,the male singing ,were at the Sipton Burn.

Alan S. Jack.

A bike ride this morning on waggonways and farm tracks, starting at Monkseaton, where 2 Song Thrushes were in full voice. Garden feeders attracted 7-8 Tree Sparrows and a pair of Bullfinches nipped off emerging buds. Double figures of both Greenfinches and Goldfinches sang, each male establishing a territory. Robins  and Dunnocks did likewise, again into double figures. The first of 3 pairs of Long tailed Tits appeared too.  Farmland hedgerows held 8 Yellowhammer males, calling. I halted to listen to the first singing one of the year. Over the fields near Holywell Dene, 2 Lapwings displayed, calling. Both these species always a delight in Spring. A few Skylarks were in full songflight mode and others chased each other,calling.

A Kestrel hovered here, then at the Pond several Curlews and more Lapwings.  Pairs of Oystercatchers and Shelduck noted, as were a pair of Little Grebes,also calling. Teal, Mallard, Pochard,Tufted Duck and Gadwall seen on the Pond. Down into the Dene next, where 2 Nuthatches called,one inspecting a possible nest hole.

The Dene was alive with birdsong, despite the cool, dull conditions. Great,Blue and Coal Tits sang, along with Chaffinches,more Gold and Greenfinches,Wrens,Dunnocks and Robins. Then a Treecreeper heard, another 2 Song Thrushes and several Blackbirds. A Dipper flashed by,calling ,then a male Grey Wagtail perched on rock mid-stream. A Kingfisher was seen here earlier in the week. At the east end of the Dene, the rookery was busy,with 80 or so birds noisily repairing old nests.

On to Old Hartley next, but no hoped for Wheatears. Plenty of Fulmars on the cliffs and a small group of Eiders offshore. A Stonechat perched on a fence and 4-5 singing Skylarks here over the fields. St Mary’s held 5 or 6 Reed Buntings, males now with black headgear,singing from bushtops. On the rocks, good numbers of Redshank and Oystercatchers,Curlews and Turnstones. 2-3 Rock Pipits seen and a Meadow Pipit overhead.

West of Whitley Bay Golf Course, 10 more Reed Buntings were along a good sized hedgerow,one singing male.Then a flock of 40 or so Skylarks took flight from  stubble with much courtship activity,birds chasing each other and rising to sing ,with 5 singing in the area at one point. More Meadow Pipits here too. Back along a waggonway and 2 more pairs of Bullfinches completed a good morning.

A.S.Jack

A very early arrival: Sand Martin seen Sunday (15th) flying up the Whiteadder Water at Whiteadder Point.

Tom Brewis

A trip up to Druridge Bay, this Sunday proved very rewarding.

At Widdrington Moor Lake, a group of over twenty Whooper Swans, were joined by a Bewick’s Swan, which was receiving ‘celebrity status from the local birders.  Even the Ross’s Goose, which has been around over the past few weeks came to visit, with some Pink Feet.

Paul Buskin

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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

An afternoon visit to one of my favourite nature reserves today, proved very rewarding.  On the pond, I recorded 9 Goldeneye, 1 female Gadwall, 70+ Wigeon, 60+ Teal, 20+ Tufted Duck and some Mallard.  On the island, seven Cormorants relaxed like giant bats.  In the skies above, two Buzzards watched from overhead, whilst two kestrels hovered.  A Sparrowhawk and a Grey Heron also put in a brief appearance. The feeding station was alive with activity today.  I noted all five Species of Tit including Coal, Blue, Great, Long-tailed and Willow Tit.

Amongst the ever-present Tree Sparrow, there were three Yellowhammers, one of which was particularly bright, 2 Reed Buntings, a Robin, two Stock Doves and a female Bullfinch.

There were no Grebes or Woodpeckers present today. There had been Otters present earlier in the day, but they didn’t appear in the afternoon.  I was not disappointed as I was lucky to see a Roe Deer and a Weasel.

Finally I went for  a walk, through ‘Little Waters’ and in the field at the back of the reserve, I caught up with thirteen White-fronted Geese and a single Greylag Goose.  These were a welcome addition to my year list.

Paul Buskin

Warkworth Lane today was a hive of wildfowl activity, with 44 Whooper Swan incl. 8 juveniles, 1,500 Pink Feet and 93 Canada Geese all feeding in fields. 33 Teal on 2 small pools,with 3 Herons. A pair of Yellowhammers flew over and a Bullfinch seen in the bushes. Cresswell Pond held the usual large flocks of Wigeon and Lapwings and a drake and 2 duck Mergansers. (2 Water Rails seen by others). The feeders here attracted around 20 Tree Sparrows, 25 Goldfinches 9 Chaffinches several Great and Blue Tits. Druridge Pools held 9 Shoveler among the many Wigeon and Teal, with more Goldfinches at the feeders here.3 Stonechats noted in the dunes here. A single Yellowhammer at one of the nearby farms on Widdrinton Lane.

Up to Stobswood where the Ross’s Goose remained with the Pink Foot flock in fields at Middle Stobswood Farm. Several Skylarks sang here and a close Jay was seen. A good site for Little Owl,but not present today. The Widdrington Moor/West Chevington area held 6 Kestrels but no Buzzards seen. 135 Lapwings rested on the shore at Widdrington Moor Lake.More Skylarks singing here. Next down to West Hartford,but no sign of the Great Grey Shrike on my visit ( it had been seen in the morning). A pale Buzzard eyed the ground from it’s tree perch as 38 Meadow Pipits flew from the grass to bushes, a good winter number. 2 Jays were in trees to the East and a pair of Stonechats noted near the pond. A pair of Goldcrests were with a tit flock near the Fire Station.

A.S.Jack

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

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