A look at Newton today starting at the scrape N of Newton Pool. Gary Woodburn’s efforts to keep this in ideal condition have paid off with two Ruff at present. Always a difficult bird to see in Spring and only my second ever April sighting in the county. Plenty of scope for Spring waders here. An early House Martin was over the scrapes with Sand Martins. On to the Long Nanny and a Little Egret in the channel. Further North between the bridge and Beadnell the scrape is also in good condition with one Ruff there (probably moved up from Newton) and a fine male Yellow Wagtail plus three more Wheatears. Quiet otherwise with gale at times ! TRD
