Yesterday we covered Druridge Bay with stops at Cresswell & Druridge Pools. Cresswell Pond is now in excellent condition with a large area of sand bank near hide for birds to rest & feed. 11 first-summer Little Gulls were present. Apparently have been up to 16 lately. Also 14 Black-tailed Godwits , a small portion of the 42 seen the previous day and a fine summer-plumaged Grey Plover. The immature Spoonbill is still present spending most time at the northern end. On to Druridge Pools and little new to be seen. The water level has risen considerably with the recent rain so less mud available. Today was spent on Holy Island & two fine male Red-backed Shrikes seen. One was 100 metres East of the Straight Lonnen near the cottage on the Crooked Lonnen. The other was more confiding as it sat in bushes 200 metres S of Snook House. Thinking this might be the one time we get close to a male we were steadily getting nearer without spooking the bird when a Linnet dive-bombed the shrike & it took flight. I take little credit for the flight shot here as it was a complete fluke that I was pressing the shutter at the time ! We spent some time alongside the causeway before we were cut off with close views of a few Dunlin, Ringed Plover, two Grey Plover & a Turnstone. Most in full summer plumage and the Sanderling especially were quite a sight. Short stops at Fenham le Moor, Budle Bay and Hoppen Kiln flash were all fairly quite with only one Black-tailed Godwit at Hoppen Kiln though plenty of water still present. many cute Lapwing chicks here. TRD/JD
