Sunday 30 March 2014

On the move...

We've finally some signs of spring over the past few weeks. Last week at Low Newton there was a couple of White Wagtails and a few Scandinavian Rock Pipits.

Another trip out yesterday produced a few more birds. A Wheatear at Newbiggin was the first proper migrant, and was followed by a smart Little Ringed Plover at Cresswell. Also at Cresswell was a Water Rail, Red-breasted Merganser and a funny goose which resembled a Lesser White-fronted Goose, but the white on the forehead didn't extend far enough back and it was perhaps a little too big.

There was further quality at Chevington with the long-staying Red-necked Grebe and Black-throated Diver still on the North Pool. The Grebe was already acquiring summer plumage, and if it stays another few weeks it will certainly look pretty smart. 3 Long-tailed Ducks were also still there, with another Red-breasted Mergansers and 2 Avocets flew over.

Finally 2 Sand Martins were at Bothal Pond on the way back.

White Wagtail


Scandinavian Rock Pipit (?)




Herring Gulls


Great Black-backed Gull




Eiders






Escaped Goose

Sunday 16 March 2014

Showy Mealies

2 Mealy Redpolls were easily the highlight of the birds on the feeders at East Chevington. I also had at least 4 Chiffchaffs throughout the day.







Mealy Redpolls




Lesser Redpolls


Chiffchaff

Sunday 9 March 2014

Back to Birds

I had a nice morning in Druridge today, especially Chevington. On the beach there were 9 Snow Buntings, which came really close if you lay on the sand.

On the South Pool no sign of the Bearded Tit (again), but a flyover Marsh Harrier was nice along with the usual Red-necked Grebe, 2 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Long-tailed Ducks and 3 Red-breasted Mergansers.

An further pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and a close Whooper Swan rounded the day off at Cresswell.















Snow Buntings

Distant Marsh Harrier


Whooper Swan