After the excitement of last weekend on Holy Island and a very busy week at work, I was prepared for either a relaxing day in or a Saturday morning trip to @WWTWashington with a tasty lunch in the café. On checking twitter however it was clear, I was going to be persuaded to be more active.
Firstly a Dusky Warbler had been found at Prior’s Park, and later a Barred Warbler at St Mary’s. These two were too much to side line, especially as Adriana was busy working today. After a short drive to Tynemouth, I quickly found the Dusky Warbler, which was a welcome surprise, as it’s been a bird I’ve missed in the past.
The bird was very vocal, announcing its arrival for about 10 mins before it came out to check on the locals. The bird had lots of character, and spent most of its time low down, with occasional trips to a nearby willow. The bushes/trees nearby were alive with Goldcrests, at least one Yellow Brow and a couple of Blackcaps.
Next stop was St Mary’s. No sign of a reported Pallas’s or Firecrest but I was very happy with close views of the Barred Warbler on the first mound and a friendly Blackcap.
Another great autumn birding Saturday!
Paul Buskin