I normally return from Scilly to a host of rare birds (Western Bonelli's Warbler, Pallid Swift, Olive-backed Pipit etc.). This year nowt.
After a cold start Monday got out nice, which gave a chance for a look around Gateshead. A male Peregrine caused havoc at Burdon Moor, scattering Lapwing, Golden Plover and winter thrushes from the fields. At Far Pasture there was a complete lack of Yellow-browed Warbler (will keep trying), but there was a Chiffchaff to keep the interest going. Both sites also held late Common Darter.
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| Common Darter at Far Pasture |
With south easterlies and murkiness on Tuesday and Wednesday, the coast was the logical choice. A good thrash around Whitburn and Marsden unfortunately revealed little more than winter thrushes, Brambling and Goldcrest. Mark N saved the day on Wednesday with a call to say he had a Firecrest at the Lime Kilns. It took a while to show, but eventually popped up on a wire fence, giving great views. Sadly the light/fog was so bad I didn't bother getting the camera out.
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| Kestrel at Marsden |
Today, the morning was a washout, but this afternoon had me up to Burdon Moor. I picked up a Short-eared Owl almost immediately, but unfortunately so did the local Carrion Crows, who spent the next fifteen minutes chasing it around the moor.
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| Short-eared Owl |
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