We had our annual trip to Druridge Bay area. We started off with a look at the sea south of Cresswell village, it didn't take long to notice the Gannets were streaming past northward and the roosting gulls held Mediterranean Gull amongst them. The highlight of this look out to sea came in the form of a northbound Curlew Sandpiper that flew over the beach with a small party of Ringed Plovers.
Our next stop of the day was Cresswell Pond, the water was alive with waterfowl to probe that Autumn truly was well underway. Despite the high water levels the margins of the pond itself held waders with the highlights being Common Sandpiper and a small flock of Ruff. A flock of Eurasian Curlew appeared over the distant horizon and more than welcoming was the sight of Bar-tailed Godwits amongst them. Strangely for the site the highlight of this visit was on the path back toward the farm, here we enjoyed Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, and the pick of the bunch a super smart Wood Warbler! After all this excitement we headed off the Drift Cafe for a spot of lunch.
After lunch we headed off to look for migrants at Druridge Links, we were successful with good views of Pied Flycatcher and an often unusual bird for this trip was seen in the form of a Coal Tit. The Budge Fields held at least two juvenile Curlew Sandpipers which showed well amongst the Dunlin for a good size comparison. Our final stop of the day was East Chevington, the north pool held no fewer than four Little Stints and another smart juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was on offer, it didn't take long to locate the juvenile Spotted Redshank which was also well received. As hoped for the Marsh Harrier performed over the reedbed and the highlight of a look out to sea were three juvenile Little Gulls. We finished off the day with a look at a location that regularly turns up Stonechat and sure enough a bird was present, alongside a very smart Whinchat!
(Stonechat, Whinchat, and Goldfich - © Andrew Kinghorn (Birdwatch North East).
Another excellent days birding in Northumberland with 82 species seen.