May 4th; Good views of the Purple Heron found by Dave Elliot (his 2nd at this site) in flight and then preening/fishing along the reed edge of the south pool. Only the 4th county record in most local birder’s lifetimes. Also showing well,with a food pass, were three Marsh Harriers. The male calling as he flew. Over thirty Common Terns and one Arctic fished the north pool,with a few Sandwich Terns. Several Swifts noted and many Swallows and Sand Martins. In a field overlooking the south pool a Whinchat foraged with 2 Wheatears ,as several Skylarks sang above. A Cuckoo (my 3rd this week) looked for food from a fence – line. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard also noted.
Heading inland to leafless central Northumbs, 2 male Pied flycatchers sang at Nunnykirk,as did Treecreeper and Nuthatch. At Wingates, 2 Tree Pipits song-flighted and a Buzzard was mobbed by a pair of Kestrels. Lets hope they avoid the enormous wind turbines now here. The wind was cold and getting stronger at a very strangely quiet Holystone,with Nuthatch possibly the only noteworthy bird! The Coquet at Hepple held several Common Sands, and Redpoll and Siskin in the trees. 6 Mistle Thrushes seen and a solitary Lapwing on a fell,where thre are usually c12 pairs nesting, with 20+ Meadow Pipits and 11 Wheatears feeding. The latter clearly not yet paired up or on territory.
May 5th; An early bike ride to Holywell,at 6.45 I was beaten to it by plenty of dog-walkers Much warmer today. Whitethroats on the increase,with 10 seen ,also 6 Blackcaps, 2 Sedge Warblers and 6 Reed Buntings. A few Yellowhammers sang and some Large White butterflys seen. 2-3 pairs of Lapwings, Sand and House Martins with the local Swallows. A pair of Common Terns had returned today,inspecting the island ,and a single Swift seen. A.S. Jack.