Yesterday we covered Druridge & Cresswell Pond and had luck with the Black Redstart as managed to scope it distantly N of the turning circle at Druridge. Ended up photographing it half way to East Chevington ! Plenty of interest from the Budge screen at Druridge as now 42 Shoveler which I make a record count for Northumberland since 50 at Swallow Pond in October 2007. Also eight Black-tailed Godwit there which flew off N. Druridge Pools is in excellent condition & looks very hopeful for the Spring. On to Cresswell Pond and pleased to see the sand bar has now been dug out so water level down. A pair of Pintail there and plenty of common waders. On the way back to Rothbury we had our first Little Owl of the year. Today we ventured out to Buston Links as a drake Garganey had been reported. Taking the very rough track (borderline accessible in a saloon!) down to the car park by the dunes S of Alnmouth we walked half a mile S to view the small pools and success. Not one but two drakes and reasonably close to the coastal track. Also in the fields here were 5 Whooper Swans and a Sand Martin moved N. TRD/JD
