Small Pearls

The first port of call this morning was Cresswell, which was disappointing with just 2 Little Gull and 6 Avocet.

At Druridge a Barn Owl put on a superb show patrolling the dunes while 4 Spoonbill were seen from the Budge screen.

Barn Owl

Spoonbill

A male Marsh Harrier was hunting over East Chevington north pool, but otherwise very quiet here.

A Common Lizard was in the dunes at Hauxley, but I was unable to convincingly year tick Roseate Tern through the heat haze to Coquet Island.

Common Lizard

I popped into the Hauxley reserve for a look at the Red-breasted Goose. If only it had turned up in the winter!



Red-breasted Goose- Wild? Absolutely livid.

Next was south via home to go butterfly hunting. A good start leaving Whickham with the first Painted Lady of the year powering along in the sun. The destination was the Bee Hive area to the southwest of the A68. A few minutes of looking got me a tick in the form of a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary feeding on a thistle. Initially very distant views, eventually about 30 were seen giving close views. A cracking male Broad-bodied Chaser was patrolling the area and the year's first Large Skipper was seen with a couple of Red Admiral and a Small Copper. A male Redstart was seen briefly.


Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Broad-bodied Chaser

Red Admiral