A drive up to Bamburgh intent on finally connecting with Black Guillemot in the county as one reported yesterday off Stag Rocks. A thorough search of the sea revealed many birds but no Black Guillemot. Numbers were well up on recent visits with c300 Common Scoter in a distant flock, at least 35 Long-tailed Ducks spread out , 8 Slavonian Grebes close in plus many commoner species including 2 Kittiwake, 6 Razorbill, 8 Fulmar (now nesting on the castle),Shags, 6 Red-throated Divers and 40 Purple Sandpiper.
On to Budle Bay and a European White-front in with the Greylags plus the wintering Greenshank in the S/E corner and four adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls (first of year in county). Further stops at Fenham le Moor & Holy Island causeway were good for the soul but with no particular highlights. Finished as usual with a Roast Sunday lunch at Barn at Beal !
TR&J Dean