Fontburn

Today I had a wander up to the head of Fontburn reservoir. I specifically was hoping to spot a Sundew in one of a number of locations where I knew another flycatcher, Butterwort existed.
Quite a few Butterwort were seen

but no Sundews were spotted.
There were however good numbers of flowering Grass of Parnassus

a couple of Painted Lady

and a few Peacock.

Overlooking the head of the reservoir

I was fortunate to be able to watch a Kingfisher hovering over the water before striking. With the water levels really low there were no perches above the water to act as a perch.

Jay and Mistle Thrush were about further up the Fallowlees Burn valley

Druridge Bay

After yesterdays sports 'sitathon' in front of the tele I needed a walk this morning.
So I parked up at Druridge Pools after watching a dozen Little Egrets at Cresswell, and headed toward Hauxley. Nowt out of the ordinary, so it was nice to see three Wheatear at the Hauxley outflow.

This bird spread itself in the sun

A Common Sandpiper was at the edge of the Hauxley tidal pool.

By the time I got back to Druridge Pools I had enjoyed the walk.

Bits and Pieces

A walk up Prestwick Carr bridlepath after lunch today produced some nice colours

and then a visit to Gosforth Park NR for a Purple Hairstreak spotting event by Natural History Society of Northumbria brought at least 10 into view

Honest there is one in here

Its host oak tree was adjacent to this