Holywell Dene this morning and 6 Chiffchaffs seen, 3 singing and 3 quietly foraging at ground level for food. The rookery was in full swing,with around 40 nests being repaired for the new season. A pair of Dippers were nestbuilding under a bridge and a Great Spot. was drumming above. 4-5 Skylarks singing in the surrounding fields and a noticable influx of Meadow Pipits. A L.B.B. Gull preened at the pond and a few Little Grebes noted here.Up to Newbiggin where 22 Common Scoter loafed in the bay and 5 Med. gulls counted.
On up to Druridge Bay and a search of the links and dunes for any incoming Wheatears. A male found near the north car park at Cresswell was nice to see,and a mini-twitch ensued as passing birders stopped to see what I was looking at! 5 Twite noted nearby , one of which was singing in flight. A White Wagtail with 2 Pieds was my year’s first,followed by 2 more near Bell’s Farm,then a 4th at Druridge Pools. Here, the Common Scoter remained. A Chiffchaff sang here too as did the male of a pair of Stonechats,while his mate gathered nest material. From the Budge screen many Lapwings displayed as did a few Snipe and Redshanks. Shoveler,Gadwall and Teal here in good numbers. A Sparrowhawk soared over the distant conifer belt. I was told a single Sand Martin had been seen at East Chevington and the Black throated Diver was still present.
Sunday 23rd and 70 Whooper Swans flying north , low over the sea at Whitley Bay.
A.S.Jack
