Shorely Not

Shorelark

Nice to re-find this Shorelark in the tilled field at Druridge. This field was used for a fodder crop through the winter and it was grazed in stages from the roadside back into the field. So it is probably where this lark has been wintering. Now the field has been ploughed and prepared for a new crop the birds are more easily located. Having said that the Shorelark proved tricky for some people to locate as the ground is uneven and it could disappear for hours.

Otter

A very sad sight. This Otter was killed crossing the road from East Chevington to Red Row. Looking at the size of it I would guess it is a young otter.

Chiffchaff

Chiffchaffs have been back in good numbers this week. Blackcap also heard singing at Druridge and DBCP this week.

Skylark

A little more obliging than the Shorelark but not the Short-toed Lark I had hoped for when I first scanned the field. (Getting too greedy I know!)

 

Shorely Not ...

A victim of the cold snap in Scandinavia?

Woodcock

There have been numerous reports of birds coming in off the sea. Obviously some don't make it. Predators and Scavengers make the most of the bounty.

The birding this morning was terrific. Over 1000 Fieldfare drifted South. The dunes and beach were alive with Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Chaffinches, Reed Buntings, Twite, Linnets and Goldfinches. Even greater numbers than yesterday's walk. The weather wasn't so kind but made the walk more special. Then to come across a distant Shorelark on the beach, wow, can't top that!

Fortunately between the squally snow showers it was really pleasant.

Warm enough for some to have a quick bath ... brrrr!

Aaah ... refreshed, now bring on those worms!

Twite

Kingfisher

A two second blast of colour. It was off before I could zoom in on it.

Wowser!

I said it couldn't get better ... wrong. About a mile from my first sighting I heard a Skylark call. When I looked around two birds flew towards me from the farm. The Skylark went straight past and out of sight in the dunes. This beauty landed in front of me for a short time (right place, right time).

Grey Heron

Even the ponies added to the birding experience as pipits and Redwings fed around them. No doubt hoping for some 'flat' worms.

 

Lockdown (again)

Souter Lighthouse

(from South Shields Pier)

Winter Heliotrope

(Marine Park)

Smew

(Showing Well?)

So it is back to lockdown. My two walks from home are Widdrington Moor and East Chevington (via Druridge Pools).

In March I also combined them with some litter picking and just to make me feel a right mug, I see the same old(young) culprits have continued their anti-social behaviour. The place is once again littered with cans, bottles and food wrappers.

I think my dismay with a large proportion of the population is the main reason for not using social media. I know I've become a real life 'Victor Meldrew' ... I really can't believe it.

Thank goodness for wildlife. Today I had an exceptional day and walked from home to Druridge, along to Chevington and back. The path to Druridge are wet and muddy, so a good day to test my neoprene socks. Excellent!

The birds were amazing. Highlights Water Rails, Meadow Pipit, Skylarks, Mediterranean Gulls, Buzzard, Twite, Siskins, Stonechats (12+), Fieldfares and Redwings.

Oh, and it was nice to see the Shorelark (Shore Lark?) was still hanging around.

Work at Chevington started this week and the newly widened ditch has already attracted the local Kingfisher. 

My bird of the day was this super,

 Reed Bunting.

 

More Pictures (Sunday/Monday) from the Patch

Teal

Ruff

Twite

Shore Lark

Pacific Diver

Bling ... and more (+ update)

White-winged Blackbird

White-throated Blackbird

Bully

Well, corking morning on the beach. Before I had finished putting down the seed two Sanderling flew in calling and started eating it! HG had previously seen them feeding on crushed 'fat balls' so maybe they have turned fully vegetarian now?

Then the two Carrion Crows which were waiting nearby joined in and ...

According to BWP vol III plant material is eaten by Sanderling specially when there is a shortage of invertebrates. Seeds have been found in a number of dissected Sanderling stomachs. (Puccinellia sp and Najas marina are examples.) So maybe be not surprising they are waiting for me to throw out seed on a morning.

... finally the Shorelarks

Thirsty work eating all that dry seed.

Despite a very close flyby in good light my togger skills weren't up to it.

Then this!

Four rings, one flag and a radio tag? 

Finally got news of this project and it is a local one. Thanks to TC for the information. I will post more information soon. This bird travelled less than 2 miles (I was hoping it would have a more interesting history!)