Loon!

Back in 2008 I was fortunate enough to be able to twitch the UKs first Pacific Diver in Yorkshire on 12th January. Roll on nine years and with a handful of other UK records, Northumberland scores one! 

It was cold and frosty morning at East Chevington, and despite sometimes being the closest bird in the north east corner of the pool, the diver was always a tad too distant, as the eastern side was frozen. 

A couple of fly arounds granted opportunity for a  couple of images ...

And I was quite happy with that... so off to the beach for a catch up with the 7 Shorelark - feeding at the burn mouth alone with c45 Twite. Nice day.

Heading back to the car a message came through that the diver had moved to nearby Druridge Bay County Park - it would be rude not to look...

It was apparent that the diver was heading to the western corner, so with some initiative (as many had, it transpires) the camera was set up near the stepping stones. I was quietly optimistic - previous encounters with Black-throated Diver at Tynemouth had been really rewarding, as feeding tended to be close to the edge, fearless of man watching a few feet away.

Bingo - some great views...

patrolling the corner...

diving (as they do)...

Feeding...

Spring Ice

The Iceland Gull remains at QEII, and was perhaps more apt given the cold conditions today. Otherwise, new birds for the year included Blackcap, House Martin, Swift (including an aberrant bird at DBCP - white bellied and white streaked on upper parts). 

The now dapper Long-billed Dowitcher continues at Cresswell, albeit a tad too far for the camera this  morning.

Openings

Day 1 of 2016 was a humble affair, with a couple of mild pottering in the afternoon. Pottering 1 saw a quick visit to the delights of Killingworth and the smaller portion of the lake. Our quest was simple - the redhead Smew, which has remained teasingly close to Cramlington with residencies at both the private Shasun pool and over at Big Waters.

Ascot was not productive Asio-wise, but a number of common year list padders sufficed.

Pottering 2 was later in the afternoon, with a jaunt to West Hartford; fine views of hunting Barn Owl were obtained.


Day 2 has weather-wise been a torrid affair, the birding somewhat better though.

QEII Park at Washington provided great views of a 2nd Winter Iceland Gull. No camera other than the iPhone, so I tried my hand at "digi-binning" with moderate success...

Pity the BHG wasn't the main photographic objective, however a record shot of the Iceland I guess....

With the smell of success from the comfort of the car, destination two was to be a similar mission - Widdrington providing Great Northern Diver from the driving seat.

My arrival at East Chevington was made somewhat better with a Lesser Redpoll on the trackside. The North Pool still had the Slavonian Grebe along with some more usual suspects - including a nice party of Red-Breasted Merganser.

Heading up the road to Druridge Bay Country Park provided the biggest surprise of the trip - rolling down the bank to the water sport car park I noticed a bulky bird hunted on the grass next to the gravel path. Stopping, winding down the passenger window I raised my bins to be confronted by a stinking Pomarine Skua! Bizarre!

With the "success" of the Iceland Gull digi-binning I set my self up to grab a record shot - only to find the bird had lifted.... No sign anywhere despite a good look round the pool / car parks...

Druridge Pools did not provide any Water Pipit, but in compensation 1 drake Pintail and a scabby drake moulting Scaup were noted.

Cresswell appeared Dowitcher-less, but there was a chance it was handled up somewhere out of view. A few Snipe, 1 Water Rail and hods of Wigeon / Teal.

At Snab a half hearted sea watch in the wind, rain and depleting light did not provide much out of the ordinary - 1 Gannet, Kittiwake, Fulmar and a few Guillemot. Newbiggin didn't produce anything either - not even a Mediterranean Gull! Sea was spectacular though....

Final stop, River Blyth - few waders added to the day list and not much else.

Slav

Saturday evening had seen me out with some of the Crammy and "nearly" Crammy Birders for a few beers - so Sunday dawned a little later than anticipated.  Its been a nice day weather wise, so  I headed up to Druridge Bay Country Park for a mid afternoon stroll with the better half for bit of fresh air.

A Slavonian Grebe had been reported on Saturday, and sure enough it was still present today. Rather obliging, but into the light for the camera. Seems to be feeding well on the pool edges.