A bit of a dusting of snow has meant a couple of days birding close to home, mostly on foot. The first sign of the hard weather was the marauding bands of hungry Redwing and Fieldfare around Whickham.
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| Redwing |
The confiding Water Rail was still in residence yesterday in the outlet channel at Watergate, but absent or hiding today.
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| Water Rail |
Shibdon Pond this morning held both Jack Snipe and Woodcock. Little else was seen in the heavy snow and stiff easterly wind.
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| Jack Snipe |
At Watergate my first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year was with a large flock of Common and Black-headed Gull. No sign of any rare ducks pushed west by the weather, but a pair of Gadwall were a site-tick for me.
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| Lesser Black-backed Gull |
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| Gadwall |
A pair of Dipper were around the top of the waterfall along with a Grey Wagtail. Several Snipe were feeding along the inlet stream, both in the open area and into Washingwell woods, where I spooked a Woodcock.
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| Dipper |
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| Common Snipe |
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