Close to home

Closer to home today. Had an early start on the off chance that yesterdays Red-rumped Swallow had hung around. No sign today with just a Swallow and 3 Sand Martin moving quickly north. 4 Little Ringed Plover put on a good display.

Little Ringed Plover

 

 

A walk around Burdon Moor before breakfast gave 20ish Wheatear in a stiff north westerly.

 

 

Another look around Derwent Reservoir failed to give a passing Osprey, but good views of the Long-tailed Duck and a displaying pair of Great Crested Grebe.

 

Long-tailed Duck

 

Great Crested Grebe

 

Up to Edmundbyers and plenty of Red Grouse and Wheatear. A Ring Ouzel kept typically distant and a Merlin made a brief appearance over the ridge. An untagged Red Kite was a constant presence.

 

 



Red Grouse

 

Ring Ouzel

 

Red Kite