Butterfly sightings

A quick wander around Havannah this afternoon provided plenty of sightings of Orange Tip and Green-veined White butterfly

Small beginnings

Have been watching this micro forest developing in one of my small plant pots, and thought it worth recording. Don't have a clue what its about at the moment but will keep watch.

Whittle Dene

Stopped at Whittle Dene on the way elsewhere in the hope of seeing a Yellow Wagtail, but not there yesterday.
There were a few pairs of Linnets and of course Pied Wagtail, however I was pleased to spot these prints in the run off channel.
Five toes, with sharp claw marks on the end, leads me to believe an Otter passed this way.

Gosforth Park NR

A short walk through the woodland area paths of Gosforth Park NR provided some nice views of Blackcap, Wren, Treecreeper, and Roe Deer. Jay, Nuthatch and Woodpeckers were heard but not seen

Nice birds

Another fine morning yesterday so decided to revisit the banks of the Tyne at Prudhoe.
First sightings as I locked the car was a pair of Bullfinch.
I found myself a perch on the riverbank and it wasn't long before a pair of Grey Wagtail appeared and stayed nearby for about half an hour.

A Dipper lifted from a midstream perch and I was surprised at how high it climbed before making its way to the bank. I saw this repeated a number of times.

Walking downstream I was amazed at the number of butterfly and they included my first year
sighting of Orange Tip and Green veined White.

There were dozens of Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Comma.
A Common Sandpiper made its way upstream pausing for a short while on a sandy spit.
I wasn't the only one enjoying the sun

A Buzzard soared higher and higher until out of sight

Spetchells

Had a walk along the Spetchells hoping to see an early butterfly or two. So I was a little surprised at the large numbers seen which included Comma, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and a couple of small White(unidentified). Good start.

Sand Martin

Stumbled across around thirty Sand Martin by the river Tyne, earlier today, seemingly checking possible nest sites. It was nice to be able to watch them for about half an hour.

ISS

ISS passing over Gossy High Street at 9pm

This and That

Thought I'd have a wander to see what was about this morning with first stop Shibdon Pond, Blaydon. Was keen to watch for butterflies and there were loads of Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. A large area of Butterbur was on show.

Starting to feel ready for some grub I recalled a grand pit stop on the other side of the river at Newburn (Keats road) in the trading estate. Gammon steak(best I've had) two eggs, mushrooms, salad, mountain of chips, pot of tea - £4.00. I was not disappointed. John&John take note.

More walking was required after that so did the north perimeter of Newburn business park where this Bee-fly was spotted

 alongwith this warbler.

Still struggle to distinguish these.

Onto a brownfield site between Metrocentre and river where loads more Peacock were seen and four Speckled Wood were a welcome sight

Tawny Mining Bees

It must be early April because the Tawny Mining Bees have emerged in the front garden. Am pleased to see them since that part of the garden underwent some autumn replanting.

Full steam ahead

 Building material collection in the back garden is the order of the day
A handful of wool collected earlier proving popular