Cresswell Pond this morning was fairly quiet,with wader passage diminishing now. 22 Redshank flew in to land,with 7 Snipe. 3 Ruff and a handful of Dunlin fed on the mud in front of the hide. The now “resident” Little Egret scurried after prey items in the shallows. In the bushes near the farm, a family party of Stonechats- a pair with 3 young- searched the ground for food before dropping down repeatedly,one juvenile even hopping on the ground near my feet. They made their way to the main roadside,where  they were joined by a passage Whinchat. 3 Yellow Wagtails noted,calling and one Grey Wagtail.

At Druridge Pools, a Ruff dropped in in front of the main hide,and a pair of Sand Martins flew south,a few more seen later at East Chevington. A single juvenile Black tailed Godwit fed near the Budge Hide,where a juvenile Whitethroat and several Willow/ Chiffs seen and heard. A group of Swallows hawked above and a Kestrel noted. A few Skylarks noted and one even began singing briefly.

At Widdrington, a Peregrine flew west and another Kestrel seen hovering. 35-40 Swallows gathered,calling and singing on wires here.

East Chevington, and another pair of confiding Stonechats seen . Around 50 Swallows migrated south,heading along the dunes as did several dozen Meadow Pipits. A flock of around 300  Lapwings rested in front of the south hide. A few Reed buntings and Whitethroats in the bushes.A flock of 11 Grey Herons,disturbed by tractors flew together to land at the south pool. A distant Buzzard over the woods to the north.

Up to Hauxley next,where a good count of 89  Gadwall was made with 31 Wigeon. 58 Lapwings and 22 Curlews  here too.

Back down at Cresswell village, the House Martin colony still has young birds in the nests (17 nests counted).25-30 birds in the air.

At St Mary’s yesterday – 12th- passage groups of Tree Sparrows numbering 14, 11 and 5 flew south,as did single Yellow and Grey Wagtails. 136 Sanderling were counted on the beach,including 19 juveniles. A female Stonechat and a juvenile Whinchat were on fence posts to the west and a Kestrel once again present in the area.The large Linnet flock remains,with c350 seen today. (A Kingfisher was reported on the Island ( T. Dalgleish.) ). The Golden Plover flock significantly increased this week, now as they all took to the air together, estimated at around 1,500 birds- a fine sight. This number may double by mid- winter.An adult and juvenile Sandwich Tern flew south together.

A.S. Jack

Sunday, 7 September 2014 In the Tyne river mouth this morning my records noted 280 herring gulls, including 110 juveniles. There were 53 great black-backed gulls (a single juvenile), a lone immature drake eider and almost two hundred black-headed gulls. Several oystercatchers walked the rocks. There must have been two or three swallows passing through, although only one was seen – others were heard. A skylark called overhead as did several passage pipits (most likely meadow pipits). No terns were seen again – where are they? Dan Turner

Several visits to St. Mary’s Island over the last 2 days produced a good selection of birds. On the 5th, a noticable passage of southbound Meadow Pipits was taking place with flocks of birds moving through and others stopping to feed in the fields. Perhaps 200 birds were involved. Also,25-30 Skylarks were doing the same. Several calling as they chased each other high above. Around 50 Swallows and 20 House Martins fed over the fields, and Lapwing numbers have built up to 120+,counted as they headed west . Also increasing were the Golden Plover numbers, with now 800-900 estimated . A count of Ringed Plover on the rocks revealed 52,many of them juvenile birds. Sanderling have reached 200, noted feeding at very close range on the beach,with 20+ Dunlin and 20 Turnstone.  A Sparrowhawk and a female Kestrel were seen and in the bushes 2 juvenile Whitethroats remain from the locally bred population. 6 Reed Buntings and around 50 Linnets seen too.

Two visits today, the 6th,totalling 7 hours, offered up many of the same birds , with Skylark numbers increasing. I added 3 Whinchats,a juv.Stonechat,10 Wheatears and 2 Great spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Goldcrests  and a Yellow Wagtail in the area. Also 22 feeding Pied Wagtails and a Grey,which flew over calling. On the beach,among the large numbers of feeding waders, were 2 juv. Little Stints and a red Knot. Two Great Northern Divers were reported to me,flying north offshore by a fellow birder. A Gadwall rested on the sea.

In the nearby cemetery, 2 Pied and a Spotted Flycatcher were noted and a male Bullfinch seen.

A.S.Jack.

A Woodchat Shrike was found at Prestwick Carr today, which could be seen very well from the viewing platform. I drove up after work, and I was also pleased to witness great views of Whinchat and Bullfinch. The area was alive with Chiffchaff’s, Willow Warblers and Blue and Great Tits. Nearby there was also two Kestrels and a single Buzzard. The Shrike was to the right of the platform, flying between shrubs and small trees. It was showing very well.

Elsewhere over the last few days……
Up at Cresswell there are some Little Stints and a Curlew Sandpiper and just to the south of the county at Shibdon Pond in Blaydon, there is a Pectoral Sandpiper and up to eight Spotted Redshanks.

Paul Buskin

An evening visit to Cresswell Pond revealed a good selection of waders. 2 Little Stints,a juvenile Little ringed Plover,7 Ruff, 4 Black tailed Godwits,3 Common Sandpipers,a Greenshank,Green Sandpiper,17 Dunlin and numerous Lapwings and Curlew all feeding on the mud. A juv. Med. Gull also present,with Yellow Wagtail,Sandwich and Common Terns with young, and a Little Egret .(A Spoonbill had been present in the morning). At Druridge,a second juv. Little ringed Plover seen . c 100 Swallows here feeding,then mobbing a Kestrel. A second Kestrel at Cresswell.

Down at Snab Point,in the fields, at least 400 Swallows and 50 House Martins feasted on a huge hatch of insects,and at Arcot Pond,on the way home, 100 Sand Martins were doing the same prior to their departure south.

Also at Snab was a high tide roost of Oystercatchers and Curlew and an unfortunate Cormorant with a fishing hook/line caught in it’s throat,attached to a large heavy weight which it dragged behind it as it fought to reach the shore,before drowning! I managed to grab it and freed the weight,avoiding being pecked,but it had swallowed the hook. At least,as it swam off it wouldn’t drown!

A.S Jack

A nice still,sunny morning at Holy Island with the glass-like water of the causeway and flats making for great views of the birds present. 16 Gooseanders, including a fishing party of 13,diving in unison, were a good, close sight. Eiders, in small numbers noted ,as were Teal and Mallard. 3 Little Egrets fed along the shore at Beal. Several Sandwich Terns fished the shallows,then around 300 were gathered on the beach at the Pinnacles. Here too were 500+ Oystercatchers-a cracking count. A walk out over the flats near the Pilgrims Way, enabled close views of 130 Bar tailed Godwits,some in summer red, 32 Knot and 25 Dunlin and 100 Golden Plover. Feeding over sheep in a nearby field on the island were 60 Swallows and 20 House Martins. A few Meadow Pipits and Skylarks noted .

In a weedy field in the village, over 100 House Sparrows fed with Goldfinches and Linnets,then 3 Redpolls flew in joining them. Not much of note in the village trees.

Heading on down to Fenham le Moor,a good flock of 130 Linnets gathered in the bushes and fields and at the forehore, a decent selection of birds could be seen. 90 Teal, 19 Shelduck, over 200 Mallard made up the duck species and waders involved good numbers of Curlew,Dunlin,Redshank and Ringed Plover. On to Budle where 3 Little Egrets were feeding in the south west corner,with 3 Greenshanks and 3 Common Sandpipers. 8 Gooseanders diving here too. A Buzzard noted overhead. A Yellow Wagtail seen at Elwick and another large flock of House Sparrows here. Druridge and Cresswell were quiet, with 7 Avocets at the latter and 11 Ruff  and a Yellow Wagtail at Druridge Pools. 3 Little Egrets were on the Wansbeck Estuary.

A.S.Jack.

Several visits to St. Marys over the last two days produced a good variety of species. Wader numbers continue to grow, with around 320 Golden Plover giving close views on the rocks. Sanderling, in a variety of plumages numbered 100+ and with some careful stalking,allowed very close approach. A nice Bar tailed Godwit,still sporting much summer red, roosted on rocks,where 29 Turnstone fed with several Oystercatchers and Curlew. A single Whimbrel circled,calling before heading on south. A few Sandwich and Common Terns rested on the rocks of the island,while more fed offshore. A reported Med. Gull eluded me.

A juvenile Wheatear was feeding well, along a track and another lingered along a small stream outlet at Whitley Bay beach.(present 3 days). In the bushes, 3 juvenile Whitethroats remained,preening in the sunshine and 2  juvenile Sedge Warblers glimpsed. A Grasshopper Warbler noted too. Several calling Willow Warblers in the bushes,one even singing briefly. A few Swifts noted,with most having departed,feeding with a group of House Martins ( per. J. Bucknall). Young Swallows rested out of the wind on the cliff faces, calling when parents came in to feed them. Two Skylarks were over the fields to the west.

A Little Egret seen flying south today,Great Shearwater and Pomarine Skua north,yesterday 21st. ( per J. B.).

A.S.Jack

A trip to Derwent Reservoir is always very relaxing. It was great to see good numbers of Great-crested Grebe, with over a dozen present today.  Amongst the Mallard and Teal there was also three Wigeon and a single Goosander.  I also caught up with five Tree Pipits, 15 mins from the visitor centre.

Around the reservoir there were 100+ Lapwings, 2 Greenshanks, 1 Common Sandpiper and 3 Little ringed Plovers.  On the feeders close the bird hide, there were the regular visiting Coal, Blue and Great Tits, together with Chaffinches. Two local Great spotted Woodpeckers, were coming very close, which are always great to see.  The only bird of prey I recorded during my visit, involved a single male Kestrel.

I am looking forward to my next visit as the walks close to the reservoir are great and the hide is very comfy and spacious.

Paul Buskin

Today I decided to drive up to Amble in the hope that a Caspian Gull, which was recorded yesterday, was still around. I was in luck; it was sitting on the sand, just to the left of the pier. It was so close; I didn’t need to use my telescope as I could see it very clearly with my binoculars. Apparently after I’d left, it came even closer, as folks started sharing their fish and chips with the gulls.

On the way back, I stopped off at Cresswell, where the Stilt Sandpiper still remains, together with 15-18 Dunlin, a couple of Ruff and Little-ringed Plover and a single Spotted Redshank. There were also 3 Mediterranean Gulls, which are always great to see.

Paul Buskin

Starting at St. Marys Island today, the Golden Plover flock has built up to around 300 birds showing well on the rocks. 4 Knot still largely in summer red, fed on the beach,as did 75 Sanderling, 23 Turnstone and 36  Oystercatchers. 29 Curlew were in a field. A few Chiffchaffs, Reed Buntings and a single juvenile Whitethroat seen in the  bushes. A Grasshopper Warbler still reeled on and off in the long grass of one field.100+ swifts and 50 House Martins fed over the fields here.

On up to Lynemouth,where the Swift colony was very active as the morning warmed,with 40 or so birds in screaming parties above the houses. Perhaps the last days for them , as their departure will be any day now.

At Cresswell, the Stilt Sandpiper performed well,giving good views to the packed hide and surrounds,many folk from out of County coming to see it. Also here were up to 15 Ruff,Greenshank,Common Sandpiper (3), several Avocets,2-3 Black tailed Godwits , around 450  Lapwings,and a Little Egret and aYellow Wagtail.120 Sand Martins fed low over the pond. Druridge next, where an adult and juvenile Wood Sandpiper showed well with Greenshank and Green Sandpiper. 25 Snipe flushed by a Sparrowhawk. A Great crested Grebe seemed to be incubating on it’s nest. A juvenile Marsh Harrier seen  by other birders. Now in hot sunshine, a great number of butterflies were evident. Painted Ladies, Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Comma,Red Admiral, Common Blue, Tortoiseshell and many Whites of the 3 common species were all feeding in good numbers. A few Common Darters also seen. A family party of Stonechats in the dunes,where a male seen with 3 young. Several groups of juvenile Whitethroats were in the area too.

East Chevington was quiet,so on to Hauxley where a Greenshank and 3 Common Sandpipers noted. 12 Little Grebes included several youngsters. 123 Curlew was a good count,roosting on an island.

A.S.JACK

Today I decided to drive up to Druridge to hopefully catch up with the Curlew Sandpiper, which has been around for the past week at Cresswell Pond. Unfortunately, this was not around, however I didn’t mind, as there was another sandpiper; a Stilt Sandpiper present.

The hide was packed with excited birdwatchers, however the bird itself spent almost all the time asleep, hardly moving when other birds took to flight, or when a Cormorant walked past.

Nearby there were two Little Egrets, which twenty years ago would have been the center of attention. Little Egrets are always beautiful to watch however.

Other waders included over 25 Dunlin, a single Ruff and a group of Lapwing.

Paul Buskin

Also last night at Castle Island were a good selection of waders etc. Among them, a family group of 5 Little Ringed Plover,2 Green Sands, 4 Common Sands, a Greenshank and 14 Dunlin. Also, 2 Little Egrets and several Common Terns.

Today, July 29th a Stilt Sandpiper at Cresswell Pond, only the 2nd for the county.

A.S.Jack

County birding never ceases to produce incredible suprises, as late this afternoon, news broke of the second Pratincole species in Northumberland this month! A Collared this time,hot on the heels of the wonderful Hauxley/Holywell Black-Winged, found at Castle Island,Ashington. Despite traffic hold-ups at Moor Farm, I was on the spot in 30 mins, arriving as the bird took flight and flew high over the road bridge to the west. It had been resting on the mud of one island ,showing well. A kind local resident allowed access to the raised wooden verander in her garden,affording excellent views as the bird returned and was watched well, hawking for insects,occasionally landing , then feeding again in the air , a vision of grace and beauty. Later it was heard to call in flight,before settling for half an hour on the mud. It flew west once more a few minutes after 7pm. This represents the first county record of the species for 31 years(at Beadnell) and, I believe only the third ever record.(First at Holywell). A great addition to the county lists of perhaps all of  the assembled crowd . (apologies if you saw the Holywell bird, as only T & M Cadwallender saw the Beadnell bird,I believe). Excellent photos of the bird can be found on J. Farooqi’s blog.

At St. Marys yesterday, the Sanderling flock had markedly increased to 74 birds feeding in the south bay. Around 200 Golden Plover on the rocks as were young of Sandwich and Common Terns.

A.S.Jack.

          Took Janet to Morpeth as she was going down to Kent to see her parents. Then stopped at Cresswell Pond where the Curlew Sandpiper was still present together with a Ruff. Druridge was quiet and headed off home. Once back home received text regarding a Collared Pratincole at Castle Island.  Hence off again and joined a small throng at the south side of the island. Told it had just flown which I took to be par for the course for me. However it returned and was seen really well in flight as it flew up and down the estuary.  Only 3rd record for county with singles in 1966 & 1983. Fitting I suppose that the last person to find one in 1983 (Tom Cadwallender) is currently in Ecuador. No need to rush back Tom ! TRD

              An evening spell at Cresswell Pond as being Saturday I was again being too kind in covering Michael in his computer shop in Rothbury. Still worked out well with fabulous views of the White-rumped Sandpiper found today by the one & only Andy Mclevy. An annus mirabilis for him surely. Anyway this american peep showed really well just inland from the causeway & right by the public footpath. Difficult to concentrate on anything else but also present was a part summer plumaged adult Curlew Sandpiper, four Little Egrets and a fine array of other waders all enjoying the low water conditions. TRD/JD

A leisurely morning spent at various bay sites with more talking than birding taking place! Starting at Cresswell, the pond held a total of 13 Avocets and 3 young , noisily chasing off any bird coming near the young. 28 Dunlin fed along the western shore and a single Black tailed Godwit noted. 5  immature Little Gulls loafed in front of the hide ,before flying off south and 4 Snipe seen. In the reeds, 4 Reed Warblers still sang,as did a few Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers. A Kestrel and Buzzard hovered to the west.

Up to Druridge Pools and a single Spoonbill remained. 16 Lapwings counted and a Common Tern fished the main pool. Butterflies here were much in evidence with 3-4 Dark green Fritilliaries being the highlight. Plenty of Ringlets,Large and Small Skippers and Meadow Browns noted and a few Small Heaths,Common Blues,Large Whites and Speckled Woods and a single Red Admiral made for a good selection.

On to Widdrington Moor lake, where a splendid male Marsh Harrier hunted the roadside grasses very close to the car . Kestrel and 2 Buzzards here too. 3 Yellowhammers sang as did one Willow Warbler.2 Great crested Grebes here.

Arriving at East Chevington, another male Marsh Harrier could be seen  over trees to the west and an adult and juvenile female were over reeds at the south pool. ( up to 5 juveniles have been reported). On the north pool, a few Common and Sandwich Terns bathed and 5 Great crested Grebes with 3 large young seen.

A.S.Jack

               A leisurely wander out to Druridge Bay proved more productive than expected.  Started at East Chevington with little on North Pool as water level has not dropped enough yet to provide any mud. Just a few Great Crested Grebes and a few Common & Sandwich Terns.  The sea however delivered a surprise in the form of a Great Northern Diver offshore which seemed content to lounge in company with a Red-throated. Strange date for one. Also at least 25  Puffins seen with several on the sea. The Common Scoter flock looked to be touching a thousand birds in one impressive flock. On to the Drift cafe at Cresswell for much needed refreshment then Cresswell Pond which again was surprisingly busy. Two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers. six Black-tailed Godwits, an early returning Whimbrel plus Little Egret & six Little Gulls. A moulting adult Mediterranean Gull was just picked out on the spit when it decided to wake up.  Druridge Pools then provided two Spoonbills but no sign of recently present Wood Sandpipers. Also five Black-tailed Godwits there and a few Dunlin. Water levels excellent for waders at both Cresswell & Druridge. TRD/JD

Seaton Sluice
An hours sea watch at Seaton Sluice, after work, proved fruitful with six of my favourite bird; a party of Manx Shearwaters heading south displaying their banking and shearing manoeuvres using their elegant long slim wings. No sign of any Skuas today, so something for me to watch out for next week. The light was great today, and Guillemots were out in good numbers. I only recorded a few Gannets, and Kittiwakes, and there was no sign of any Eider, however there was plenty of Sandwich Terns.

Holywell Pond
The pond was a lot livelier than my visit a couple of week’s ago, however the appearance of an Otter on that occasion was a great surprise and great to witness. There was no Otter today, however the pond was full of life with ducklings and goslings and lots of Magpies. At the public hide, there was a Common Sandpiper, and a Grey Heron. There was also a report in the logbook of a Hobby.

Paul Buskin

GosforthPark.  My second stint at the park,after last night’s failure of the elusive Little Bittern to show itself,despite much calling, paid off as the mega county rarity flew out from the reeds and across the lake , landing in view clinging on to a reed stem. It dropped down out of sight ,then after a few minutes flew again a short way to it’s left. This was a “prolonged view” for the assembled crowd,compared to some of the 2-3 second glimpses which had gone before. This represents the first twitchable bird of this species in the county to my knowledge. Almost immediately  after this sighting, a splendid Hobby flew over the park and landed in a tall tree where it preened in full view for 20 minutes. A nice bonus. Later walking through the park, a Spotted Flycatcher was seen and a family group of Bullfinches moved through the trees. A Kingfisher perched briefly in front of one of the hides , as one had done the previous evening. A good number of Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings noted and a few Sedge Warblers too.3 Little Grebes and the usual nesting Common Terns completed a successful day.

A.S.Jack

Killingworth Lake today and one of the pairs of Great crested Grebes have vacated their nest with the 3 surviving youngsters aboard their backs.Sadly, one of the brood was taken yesterday by a Black headed Gull.The second pair lost all of their young and abandoned the nest. A pair of Reed warblers remain at the small lake.A Mute Swan accompanied 6 cygnets. On up to Arcot Pond next,where yesterdays Ruddy Duck had departed but a 2 broods of Pochard were noted. Singing birds included Grasshopper Warbler, Whitethroats, Sedge and Willow Warblers,Chiffchaffs and Reed Buntings. A family party of Great spotted Woodpeckers and 2 pairs of Bullfinches were seen too. Good numbers of Swifts and both Martins hawked for insects. Kestrel and Buzzard  noted. Insects were very numerous on what was a hot day,with many dozens of Common Blue Damselflies skimming the surface of the pond.Butterflies were much in evidence,with my first sightings of the year of both Meadow Browns and Ringlets , easily 60+ of the former counted. A pair of Jays seen and heard to the north of the pond. A Cuckoo called twice only. Next at Bellasis bridge, 3 Banded Demoiselle dragonflys were spotted,but were quite difficult to see at times. A Buzzard overhead and Sand Martins, Yellowhammers,Whitethroats,Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings,Skylarks and Linnets were among other species noted here. Down to St. Marys to finish, where the Stonechat family remain,4 youngsters with the male  bird. The field of wild flowers having been cut yesterday, was being picked over by crows and gulls, but the nests of Pipits,Skylarks and a Grasshopper Warbler pair were destroyed. I hope their young had fledged. 5 pairs of Sedge Warbler were here and a singing Reed Warbler. 2 singing Grasshopper Warblers,7-8 Whitethroats and 14 male Reed Buntings counted.

A.S.Jack

   A long day delivering May record cards to the bulletin authors plus memory sticks with descriptions for the next County Records Committee meeting in early August. Started at 6am at Hauxley. Annoyingly managed to lose the metal ring around the eyepiece on my scope. One would have thought Swarowski would have ensured this couldn’t happen. Scope still functional though. Hauxley quiet after the recent excitement with a Black-winged Pratincole. On to East Chevington which unsurprisingly was also quiet. Druridge was more eventful with two Spoonbill & a Little Egret. Gadwall brood here with 9 ducklings, always a scarce breeder. Cresswell Pond had no surprises and a short sea watch off Snab Pt saw only a few Gannets,Kittiwakes & auks passing. Fulmars were showing well for photos though. Another stop at Bothal Pond and a Gadwall brood of 8 ducklings. Down to St Mary’s and two new birds for the year with single Great & Arctic Skuas past N between 12:30 & 1pm. The odd Arctic is quite usual in mid June but Great was a surprise. Tried to hassle a Gannet without much success. On way back had a stop at Killingworth Lake. Not a site I normally get to but worth a visit nowadays just to see a double figure Pochard count !  14 drakes and a single female here. Last stop was Capheaton Lake which sadly lacked anything of note. TRD

At Lynemouth this morning, good numbers of nesting Swifts in what has long been one of the best colonies in the county,with over 70 birds noted. The houses here have not largely been updated with plastic facias which prevent the birds from accessing nesting cavities elsewhere. House Martins too were much in evidence here. The nearby river mouth and flash pool  both held Lapwings with large young, and good numbers of Sand Martins fed here, nesting in the nearby cliffs. Several pairs of Fulmars had young too on the cliffs at Snab Point . On up to Cresswell where 8 Little Gulls remained with 27 Black tailed Godwits and 9 Avocets , with at least 2 on nests. Reed and Sedge Warblers,Whitethroats , Reed Buntings and Stonechats all fed young here ,with the latter having fledged. A Yellow Wagtail called as it flew by. At  one site 4 Barn Owls were seen hunting , including one pair feeding 2 young.

Druridge Pools held a single Spoonbill and several pairs of Lapwings with young. On to East Chevington and a female Marsh Harrier perched in bushes,while around 100 Terns-Common and Sandwich – bathed at the north pool.Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings were much in evidence here, with good numbers singing. 3 pairs of Great crested Grebes noted ,with 2 pairs having young. The younger brood sailing along on their mother’s back,while her mate fished for them.  Hauxley next, and the usual odd selection of Geese,with Red breasted,Lesser White fronted and 7 Bar Headed among the many local  species. On the islands, Common and Sandwich Terns and a single Roseate which did not linger. 2 Spoonbills dozed on one of the Islands. In the nearby dunes, a pair of Stonechats fed 2 fledged youngsters,one prey item seen to be a Large Skipper butterfly.

I decided to take the hour long cruise around Coquet Island and among the hundreds of nesting Terns ,I saw 7 or 8 Roseates,as usual using the nesting boxes provided for them. A few flying by the boat,looking very elegant. A great spectacle here were the many Puffins ,with good views of them attending their burrows and fishing in large rafts. Guillemots,Fulmars and Eiders with young were also enjoyed.

A. S. Jack

Seaton Sluice & St Mary’s

I always look forward to the spring and summer, as I get the opportunity to go birding after work. When the weather is really nice, I often enjoy spending a couple of hours at Seaton Sluice. First stop tonight was to pick up a cold drink at the new co-op supermarket, as the temperature was 27c.  As I approached the bird club hide, a Whitethroat was singing nearby, while Carrion Crows and Rooks, nosily, scavenged around the outdoor benches. During an hour sea watch I picked up half a dozen Gannet’s, 50-60 Kittiwake’s, 20+ Guillemot’s, 5 Arctic Tern’s, 15+ Sandwich Tern’s, 15 Eider’s and over a dozen Fulmar’s out at sea. There was no sign of any Manx’s today, however the wind was not ideal, and I usually record these, later in the year.

Next stop was St Mary’s, where there were reports of a visiting ‘Red-backed Shrike’. After ten minutes, I quickly located this, perched on top of some bushes in the farmer’s fields, to the left of the main path, close to the ‘Willows’ and ‘Wetland’. This bird did not come as close as last year’s Seaton Sluice female, however I was lucky to capture some excellent views using my scope.Reeling in the same field, was a Grasshopper Warbler, which is a bird I have recorded more often in the county this year. There were also Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler in the Willows, with reports of Stonechat.

Paul Buskin

At Killingworth Lake this morning, one of the nesting pairs of Great crested Grebes were still incubating their eggs and providing the best views anyone could hope for with this species. A Reed Warbler sang from the small line of reeds at the small lake over the road, and a few Common Terns fished the main lake.House Martins,Swallows and Swifts hawked for insects too.

Off up to my day’s destination , Kielder via Sweethope Lough and the fells of south-central Northumberland. As I have alluded to in the past, the erection of 18 massive wind turbines at Sweethope has for me, greatly detracted from the natural beauty and wildness of the fells here, nonetheless,to my relief they have not seemed to have adversly affected the many nesting Skylarks which remain in high numbers,although their songs are somewhat drowned out by the loud motors of the turbines and the wind noise they create, when , as now all 18 were in motion.No nesting Curlews or Lapwings remain though. I did not linger at what was always a great place to stop.

Perhaps 20 singing Skylarks were briefly noted ,then in more peaceful surroundings a little further west, a similar number could be enjoyed along with good numbers of Meadow Pipits, Curlew and a few displaying Snipe. 3  Common Buzzards in the air too. Dropping down towards Birtley, a family party of Redstarts were in panic as a Stoat attempted to catch a fledgeling,while Willow Warblers joined in the mobbing. Near Bellingham, a Cuckoo called and Sand Martins fed along the North Tyne. A Treecreeper seen and 2 more family groups of Redstarts.Many Pied Wagtails,a Grey  Wagtail female, then on the river a pair of Mandarin  Duck swam by, with 4 miles upstream,  another drake.  At Ridley Stokoe, where parking is no longer possible, a pair of Common Sandpipers and a pair of Spotted Flycatchers were  noted. On up to Tower Knowe,where a brood of Wrens, one of which had fledged, looked down from the House Martin nest they had been reared in. I gently dissuaded a girl who had picked it up from taking the bird home! 6 Crossbills flew over and another pair of Buzzards circled to the north. Moving down to Sidwood, 2 Wood Warblers were well watched as they sang, and Bullfinch,Willow Warblers,  Long tailed Tits and Blue Tits all had fledged young. Nuthatch and Treecreeper, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and Redstart, Tree Pipit and Skylark were all seen in the area.8 or 9 Song Thrushes also heard in this area. Back over the Wannies, and 2 more Cuckoos seen,bringing my running spring total of  sightings of this species  to 22 birds,very encouraging . More Curlews here,with a pair of Lapwings and many Meadow Pipits.

A.S.Jack

Starting the day at Arcot Pond,a Lesser Whitethroat sang in clear view. Other songsters included Whitethroats, Willow Warblers,a Sedge Warbler,a Grasshopper Warbler and Linnets. A pair of Bullfinches and a pair of Common Terns were noteworthy.

Heading up to Beacon Hill,I spotted a pair of Redstarts feeding young in a tree hole, allowing for some nice  photo opportunities . The pair bringing food in at frequent intervals,unconcerned at my presence. A Garden Warbler sang nearby and 2 pairs of Spotted Flycatchers noted. A Cuckoo called from the heath and Tree Pipit displayed. Redpolls were common here, with up to ten seen and 3 further male Redstarts noted. A few Yellowhammers and Skylarks sang nearby. Willow Warblers,busy nesting were quieter now but several males still sang. On to Wingates where the common birds were Tree Pipit,Willow Warbler,Whitethroat ,Chiffchaff  and  Chaffinch, with several of each being observed. Garden Warbler heard here too.

The rest of my day was spent in and around the Simonside hills and was to prove very productive indeed. A family group of  Crossbills were feeding in a conifer wood and 2 Pairs of Spotted Flycatchers did the same . I was photographing one pair , the male of which was constantly bring in insects to his perched mate,when a splendid Long eared Owl flew a short way through the trees above my head. It perched, but soon moved further through the wood as soon as it saw me below. A pair of Mistle Thrushes then mobbed it. As I returned to the car for some lunch and to enjoy the many singing Skylarks, a small raptor appeared over the wood,circling  . A fabulous Hobby! A real bonus. As it gained height and drifted away over the wood,I could see the white throat and black moustache and red “trousers” . It then headed across the adjacent fell and out of view. After lunch I walked a circuit of the moors, enjoying around 20 singing Skylarks . Here too is a good population of Meadow Pipits,with many displaying and some with young, not to happy at my presence. Single Whinchat and Wheatear,several Red Grouse and a Buzzard seen and 3 Cuckoos called ,one seen well. Tree Pipit,Redpolls,Siskin and Reed Bunting were among the other species here.Also here, a  total of 7 Hares seen in the area ,including 3 leverets on a road.

A.S.Jack