With the sunny morning only set to last a short time, an early start saw me at Allenbanks in search of Wood Warblers among the migrants newly arrived. Within five minutes of leaving the car, two birds were singing against each other, from opposite sides of the river. They were totally unconcerned by my presence, allowing very close views, as they sang and fed .A third bird sang 100 metres upstream, with two more noted as I walked further. Numbers seem up on last year’s showing. Also seen and heard well, were four male Pied Flycatchers ,then my first Spotted Flycatcher of the year. Plenty of insects were on the wing, as , at last leaves were coming out in force. A male Redstart seen next, and a pair of Nuthatches indulged in some courtship feeding, as a Buzzard called above. Treecreeper and Redpoll, Bullfinch, Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Common Sandpiper were among other species noted. The Dipper singing from a mid-stream rock.
As the rain arrived from the west, I headed up to Roman Wall country, and Grindon Lough where a dozen Dunlin, in summer plumage now, fed along the muddy edge with 9 Ringed Plover. Curlew, displayed, as did Redshank, but sadly no Lapwings. At Whittle Dene, 50-60 Swifts had gathered . Yellow Wagtail, and a pair of Common Terns noted.
Yesterday,at Holywell 2 Marsh Harriers and a single Avocet present.Then perhaps one of the same harriers seen at St. Marys later. A.S.Jack.
