Druridge Pools, Northumberland.
As I was walking along the muddy path to the budge screen hide, I was rewarded with close views of a my first Siskin of the year, which was feeding with some Tree Sparrows, Reed Buntings and Blue and Great Tits on the plastic bottle bird feeders. I also admired a pair of Stonechats, which calmly sat nearby watching the rain. A pair of Pintail were on the pools, with no sign this morning of the second male I noted on the weekend. The pools were alive with 70 Wigeon, a dozen Shoveler and over 25 Teal. I closely checked through the Teal to see if there were any Green-winged Teals (as there is a few in the north at the moment and Druridge Bay has been good for them over the past few years) ;there was no sign of any today. The only waders I could find were over 100 Lapwing, but there may have been more hiding.
Next, I was startled by a Redpoll, which landed on the fence in front of budge screen. Nice Surprise and it was so close. I guess it came to say hello. As the sun came out, a flock of Goldfinches came into a view. Amongst them I discovered a lonesome single Twite. After almost an hour, I was finally rewarded with a visit from one of the Water Pipits. I spotted it to the right at first, however it soon landed in front of the hide. It didn’t stay for very long, but it was very welcome.
Paul Buskin
