Spotted Crake

A steady seawatch at Whitburn this morning, then down to Saltholme. A Little Stint was distantly on show on the causeway rom the road. Into the reserve and straight to the wildlife watchpoint where the Spotted Crake was immediately on show at point-blank range. Feeding just outside the hide window it did disappear into the reeds, before being chased out again by a Water Rail.

Spotted Crake

No sign of the Spoonbill, but there were 2 smart, adult Little Gull over West Saltholme.

On to Castle Lake where 2 Wood Sandpiper were feeding along the western edge along with 4 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper.

Wood Sandpiper

A bit of a search from the hide eventually picked up the Temminck's Stint creeping around among rocks. 

Temminck's Stint

I failed to see or hear a Corn Bunting, but there were several fine Yellow Wagtail.

Yellow Wagtail

A late look at Lamesley added Yellow Wagtail to my Gateshead year list. A real scarcity now.

The new Shibdon Meadows got its first scarcity on Monday with a juvenile Glaucous Gull. The occasional Long-eared Owl has continued to show around the borough.

Glaucous Gull

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Long-eared Owl

Leos

A couple of local Long-eared Owl. Seem to be found in almost every suitable habitat locally, but not normally showing so well!

Long-eared Owl

March finished with a pre-work nip up to see the lone Bewick's Swan at Druridge and post-work Swallow at Lamesley and a Gateshead year tick Barn Owl.

Barn Owl

Bewick's Swan