Druridge Bay today ,starting at Cresswell where 6 young Avocets fed while their parents dozed in the sun – 11 birds in total counted. 5 Greenshanks,3 Black tailed Godwits and a few Dunlin present too. The water levels are very high unfortunately after high tides and some heavy overnight rain lately. 40 Swifts fed above.
At Druridge Pools a female Stonechat noted and A pair of Sedge Warblers feeding young in the nest. A nice Comma butterfly basked on a nettle among the many Large Whites present. At the hide, Green , Wood and Common Sandpipers seen and a single 1st summer Little Gull. Also 3 juv. Yellow Wagtails and a family of Tufted Duck, 2 Common Terns and a juv Kestrel noted. Swallows in the hide were incubating a second brood, quite oblivious to my presence. A Whimbrel and Black tailed Godwit circled above calling.
Up to East Chevington where the Spotted Crake showed well,bathing and preening out in the open for 5 or 6 minutes. Waders present included 2 Ruff, Bar tailed Godwit,Whimbrel and Dunlin.
A S Jack
