Skuas and Waxwing

A tremendous seawatch this morning from Whitburn in a strong north westerly giving excellent conditions. A massive northerly movement of Fulmar was interspersed with some excellent birds.

0800-1230

Fulmar  600+n
Guillemot 200+n
Blue Fulmar 2n 1s
Gannet  100+n
Pomarine Skua  2s
Red-throated Diver 3
Great Northern Diver 1n
Velvet Scoter  5n
Little Auk 2n 1s
Red-breasted Merganser  1s
Goosander  2n
Eider  1s  1 on sea
Puffin  1s
Long-tailed Duck  1n
Bonxie 2s  1n
Iceland Gull  1n (1st winter)
Wigeon   15n

From here it was up to the Leas where a dark-bellied Brent Goose was feeding on the short grass. The prize here was the Waxwing that gave excellent close views in the hedge just west of the big mound.

Waxwing

More Waxwing

A bit of a flap

A bit of a scratch

Dark-bellied Brent Goose

Back to Gateshead where all was quiet, but this Kestrel was looking smart at Far Pasture.

Kestrel