Ruff

Started the day at Watergate with a Tawny Owl roosting in deep cover being mobbed by tits and Chaffinch. On the pond were 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Little Grebe and zero Tufted Duck. 2 Water Rail were calling from the reeds.

A look down to Brasside Pond failed to turn up any Mandarin, but there were a few Goldeneye and a Willow Tit.

All quiet at Lamesley and Burdon Moor, but the return of the Ruff was a highlight at Shibdon.

Ruff with Redshank

Another look at the Tyne at Stella failed to turn up the Yellow-legged Gull, but there were 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull.