...gulling

Saturday's trip to the supermarket was pimped up with a 2nd cal Mediterranean Gull in Cramlington, a smart individual next to Church of the Nazerene.

Having spent the first part of Sunday out on the bike and then in a pub for lunch, what better way to round off the day with a trip to Amble. No sun shining up there but the visit was made much better by bumping into John B, on his holidays in Gods' County. Initially the scene was caspian-less ... Until the smart move of a drive to the marina provided distant views of the Caspian Gull as it stood with the other Gulls at the foot of Warkworth Gut.

Thoughts of seawatching diminished as the rain set in, so it was back home for tea...

Back in Black

A relaxed couple of weeks after being made redundant - a few drinks, a few days away in Barcelona and a few days catching up with things that should have been done earlier.

So today, a quick trip out with Armstrong to Arcot.

Very productive in terms of waders (by Arcot standards) - 21 Black-tailed Godwit (my highest ever Cramlington number), a Common Sandpiper, 30+ Lapwing and 3 Oystercatcher

The chicks - Common Tern and "Shelducklings" survive too.

Jolly good stuff.