Ibis

Battled through the traffic and arrived at Boldon Flats later than planned. The two Glossy Ibis had left their roost and it took over an hour to re-find them. Initially very distant, I later got them much closer and was able to get some photos. Will I ever get a sunny day off?

 

Glossy Ibis

 

Next was down to the coast and 21 Snow Bunting were feeding on the cliff tops at Marsden where there were already Fulmar back on the cliffs.

 



Snow Bunting

 

Despite plodging around the Leas I couldn't find any Lapland Bunting and had to make do with 8 Reed Bunting and 3 Meadow Pipit.

 

Reed Bunting

 

Now through the Tunnel to dip Lesser Whitethroat and Siberian Chiffchaff. Just a few roosting waders at St. Mary's and over 40 Eider at the Fish Quay.

 

Sanderling, Dunlin and Lapwing

 

Eider

 

Back to Gateshead and a lack of Jack Snipe at Lamesley. A Grey Partridge at Burdon Moor was a year tick. Further new birds for the year were Jay, Water Rail and Chiffchaff, all at Far Pasture.

 

Last stop was Shibdon where the Ruff and 6 Redshank were among several hundred Lapwing. A Sparrowhawk put everything up.