This morning in thick mist and drizzle,I checked out Whitley Bay cemetery for any migrants and among an active tit flock. A splendid Yellow browed Warbler gleaning insects from the foliage was found,watched at close range,quite an early date for this species in the county. Also among the Blue, Long-tailed,Great and Coal Tits, was a nice Wood Warbler,actually rarer at the coast in autumn than Yellow browed! A Garden Warbler,then 2 calling Brambling were seen too.
Heading down to St Mary’s,a Yellow browed had been found here too and a Red breasted and Pied Flycatcher. (A. Curry). As I headed along the main track,a second Yellow browed appeared. 2 Wheatears were on the Island,with a male Brambling and several Robins. Another Brambling back in the main Wetland bushes and a few Goldcrests. Lastly a Garden Warbler seen and a Lesser Whitethroat. Waders included the large Golden Plover flock and 100+ Sanderling,a ringed bird having returned to this site for it’s 4th autumn/winter.
A.S.Jack