kb57
Well-known member

Sep 24: Druridge Bay, Northumberland
Decided on a multi-site trip up Druridge Bay, starting at Cresswell Ponds. Birder reported a spotted redshank had been on the exposed mud near the hide - I persevered for a while and eventually picked it up on the far side of the pond, giving decent if slightly long-range views with the travel scope.
Next on the list was Druridge Pools - started at the north end, birding slightly spoiled by the loud music from the car park. Met a birder I know on the way back who pointed out migrant hawkers taking advantage of a sheltered glade, and giving great views - must improve my dragonfly ID, I'm sure I've misidentified this species as Southern before.
Next stop was Widdrington Moor Lake, with its large flock of pink feet on the north bank. Red-necked grebe had been reported from here, but the only grebe anyone I spoke to had seen (apart from a few great crested) was a Slavonian at the east end of the lake. After relocating to a more appropriate viewpoint I located it with the help of other birders, one of whom also spotted a marsh harrier on the far bank - looking dark and probably this year's bird.
I followed that up with a trip to East Chevington, where I later learned I managed to miss a pectoral sandpiper, and ended up at Hauxley. This wasn't well planned, arriving just after the cafe had shut at 4, staff emphasising the gates would close at 5.30 promptly...only time for one hide, and my first ever Egyptian goose in Northumberland loafing amongst the feral greylags.
143. Spotted Redshank*
144. Horned Grebe*
145. Western Marsh Harrier
Decided on a multi-site trip up Druridge Bay, starting at Cresswell Ponds. Birder reported a spotted redshank had been on the exposed mud near the hide - I persevered for a while and eventually picked it up on the far side of the pond, giving decent if slightly long-range views with the travel scope.
Next on the list was Druridge Pools - started at the north end, birding slightly spoiled by the loud music from the car park. Met a birder I know on the way back who pointed out migrant hawkers taking advantage of a sheltered glade, and giving great views - must improve my dragonfly ID, I'm sure I've misidentified this species as Southern before.
Next stop was Widdrington Moor Lake, with its large flock of pink feet on the north bank. Red-necked grebe had been reported from here, but the only grebe anyone I spoke to had seen (apart from a few great crested) was a Slavonian at the east end of the lake. After relocating to a more appropriate viewpoint I located it with the help of other birders, one of whom also spotted a marsh harrier on the far bank - looking dark and probably this year's bird.
I followed that up with a trip to East Chevington, where I later learned I managed to miss a pectoral sandpiper, and ended up at Hauxley. This wasn't well planned, arriving just after the cafe had shut at 4, staff emphasising the gates would close at 5.30 promptly...only time for one hide, and my first ever Egyptian goose in Northumberland loafing amongst the feral greylags.
143. Spotted Redshank*
144. Horned Grebe*
145. Western Marsh Harrier
Attachments
Last edited: