Out to Gosforth Park this morning hoping for the Ferruginous Duck found yesterday evening by Phil Jordan. Day permits at £3.50 are being issued to any non members of NHSN. After a short wait from the main hide it appeared out of the reeds and showed well though distantly. A cracking bird, though may well prove to be the drake from Washington WWT which does not seem to be present now. Also the open wing looks very similar with a white notch showing where a covert feather seems out of place or not fully grown.
Have also included here a recent Short-eared Owl pic from Widdrington Moor Lake on 10th March. Not sure if these birds are still present though up to five seen here recently.
P.S. Had confirmation by the observer Ian Dobson that the House Martin seen on Holy Island on 11th March was definitely genuine and becomes the earliest for the county by two days beating one at Ulgham in 1989. Also another House Martin seen today at East Chevington by Dave Elliott so an unusual early passage with several already in Scotland.
Tim Dean
