At Cresswell this morning, Reed Warbler, 7 Sedge Warblers and 12 Reed Buntings noted as well as 26 Tree Sparrows feeding at the farm. No sign of the unfortunate Avocets. What a shame the Trust could do nothing to help these birds as they attempt to colonise the Pond. A male Stonechat seen in the dunes.
Up to Druridge where 6 or 7 Little Gulls present ,feeding between the main pool and the flooded fields. A good count of 26 Gadwall and 9-10 pairs of Lapwings made. A Yellow Wagtail flew over and Swallows nesting in the hides. 5 Black tailed Godwits rested on the marsh. Snipe and Redshank displayed above. In the trees,which are still lacking in leaf, were Willow Warblers, and Whitethroats a Garden Warbler and Blackcaps.
Up to Chevington ,where a single Little gull noted with Common and Sandwich Terns on the North Pool. Here too were 2 Pairs of Great crested Grebes ,one pair mating and the other building a nest on an island. A walk around the reedbeds revealed at least 20 Reed Warblers, 12 Sedge and 26 Reed Buntings,with several pairs of Whitethroats feeding young in the bushes.
The Marsh Harrier pair were active ,with several food passes seen,as the male hunted ,bringing in prey to the calling female. Another male Stonechat seen here.
At Woodhorn, around 120 Swifts were feeding,with Sand and House Martins. Whitethroats fed young here and in the fields/pond edge were several groups of Grey Lag goslings, Coot, Moorhen and Lapwing all with young .
Alan S. Jack.
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Always a detailed report, Alan; a good read. And as for the Avocets, one time I recall they were as rare as rocking horse proverbial; you are right about the lack of thought in terms of helping them make a home in the NE. It’s a crying shame!!!!!