The cycle continues

A mid to late afternoon cycle around northern Cramlington was reasonably productive, though the quieter minor roads were tricky as snow still covered.

Headed to Bassington via the industrial estate - a small flock of Siskin entertained on the journey there. The target bird at Bassington was green woodpecker - alas no sign, but highly compensatory was willow tit.

West Hartford was snowy and quiet, three roe deer being the highlight.

Horton Burn was reached as the light began to fade, and everything was quiet, except for one grey wagtail.

Was a cold trip out, but the snow is thawing fast. Maybe tomorrow will bring something new...

Back to Bass

Should have taken the 500mm ~ sat for a while but any attempt to get closer and it's off!

With all the excitement of Saturdays trip and a selection of fine ale in the evening, Sunday dawned dull and late ~ 11:15 to be precise! Several cups of coffee, a read through the 2010 issue of "Birds in Northumbria" and an investigative text to GM defined the reduced hours availability for birding - back to Bassington.

Twenty steps in, and with bullfinch, goldfinch, greenfinch, chaffinch, blue tit and great tit already in the bag, the purpose of the mission was complete - up flew the female green woodpecker from the track. Green wood is annual in Cramlington, probably overlooked, and most often heard at Arcot in the Spring. So an apparent wintering bird is to be savoured. Very flighty, doing a circuit round the "reserve"... It's a gem of a spot - small and full of birdlife, a site to watch...

The glorious sights of Bassington NR - the flooded area behind the fence in the SW corner could be interesting...

In addition to the species already mentioned, a great-spotted woodpecker was calling, while blackbird and song thrush were also noted.

Nearly..