Having finally dug ourselves out we were glad to wander far afield again. Decided on a spell at Holy Island causeway first and walked up to Beal Sluice. Sometimes one feels a decision was the right one as we managed views of a Merlin flying along the saltmarsh heading up to Beal Pt & a Peregrine on a post to the south towards Fenham Mill. Then a flock of finches behaved admirably perching in small trees towards Beal Point with most turning out to be Twite ! We estimated 90-100 Twite with 20 Goldfinches and only the odd Linnet. Excellent close scope views obtained. Next were a few Skylark and 7 Grey Partridge (our first of the year) . At Beal Point Janet picked up the Merlin again and it landed on one of the posts in the saltmarsh. A fine female & a rare chance to scope one properly. On to Beal Sluice & Janet’s long distance vision again proved useful as another Peregrine was found looking towards Goswick. Four Pale-bellied Brent nonchalantly meandered down the channel at the sluice. On the way back another Peregrine sighting though this may have been the one seen earlier from the causeway.
On to Fenham le Moor where 30 Pintail were the main interest. Then Budle Bay & Janet again scored with the scope as she picked up the wintering Greenshank in the S/E corner of the bay. Finally Stag Rocks in gathering gloom & only one Slavonian Grebe , 3 Red-throated Diver & 40 Common Scoter noted. A Great Northern Diver was reported off here today. Excellent afternoon’s birding !
TR&J Dean