Not Yet

The news from the South indicates lots of early migrants and good numbers too. Northumberland however seems to be struggling. 20+ Sandwich Terns, Wheaears and Willow Warblers the best I could manage. The local wildlife however continues to provide plenty of interest.

This Peacock in the dunes was in good condition compared to the tattered, drab example that was in my garden.

The male Marsh harrier never came close enough for a good photo (this heavily cropped photo the best I could manage).

Yes I know ... another Wheatear.

Wheatears

This smart bird was at Widdrington Moor, sadly I missed the Red Kite seen in the area. A shame as raptors were much in evidence today (Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, 3 Marsh Harriers, Buzzard and Kestrel).

Wheatears were at many sites today; Newbiggin (2), Druridge (2) Hauxley and Cresswell.

The goose farm is getting a new fence, has anyone told NWT the birds can fly over it ;-) ?

This smart rat was enjoying the fallen seed from the feeding station.

Local Patches

Lots of brding over the last few days. Too many highlights to mention. A few of note though: Egyptian Goose at Druridge and Chevington, Swallows, Sandwich terns, Willow warblers and Ruff

Shoveler at Druridge

Willow warbler at East Chevington

Chevington feeders supplying a welcome splash of colour.

Walk like an Egyptian

Bananarama methinks?
No it was the Bangles!

1954 LRP

Extract from:

Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne. Ornithological Report for 1954.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

On May 1^st at a flooded brick-field near Shotton Colliery, Durham, a single bird was seen in company with Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper. It was under observation for three hours with x8 binoculars down to range of c. 10 yards and was seen at rest and in flight. By the following day it had gone and was not seen again. (D.W. Simpson)

From a detailed description and sketches made on the spot, there is no doubt about its correct identification. This is the first record of this species in Co. Durham and it has not yet occurred in Northumberland.  As it is now breeding no further away than Yorkshire, it is possible that it may yet spread further north. It is particularly partial to inland shingle-beds on river banks and to gravel pits.

The status has changed somewhat and it is now an annual passage bird and a rare breeder in the County.

This little beauty was at Cresswell this morning.

Warm Spring Day

Singing Willow

Swallow yesterday at Coopies Lane, Morpeth and so I expected a few new arrivals today, I wasn't disappointed.

Small Tortoisehell at Chev brightened the day. Plenty of Harrier action from three different birds. Wheatears and Sand Martins at several sites.

At Cresswell SH picked out a Little Ringed Plover, nice and close, and the Colour-ringed Avocet (Lime over Black Left Double Black Right). A pair of Pintail and and then SH picked out the Willow Warbler song from the bush in the car park.

A visit inland (well a couple of miles) and 11 PF Geese and a Fieldfare at Maiden's Hall followed by  8 Avocet and a Little Owl further South.