Dowitcher Return

More foul weather today. Slightly better today though, with the occasional fleck of blue sky, but plenty of rain. First stop was East Chevington, where there was no sign of yesterday's 2 Bewick's Swan, but the Slavonian Grebe was still showing.

 All quiet at Ladyburn Lake and there was no sign of the diver at Widdrington Moor, so it was off to Druridge. Nothing to speak of from the Budge screen, but the young Scaup was still on the north pool.

Success at Cresswell where the Long-billed Dowitcher made a reappearance after a two day absence. A squealing Water Rail here made a belated addition to the year list.



Long-billed Dowitcher

At the QEII the second winter Iceland Gull was showing superbly well in better light than the other day.



Iceland Gull

 

 

Called in at Big Waters on the way back, but just standard fare and nothing on the heavily flooded feeding area.

The Derwent at Winlaton Mill was very high and so no sign of the hoped for Dipper or Kingfisher. A Little Grebe was sitting on the bank, so it wouldn't be swept away. Fly-over Grey Wagtail and 4 Golden Plover were additions to the Gateshead list.