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

Colours of PC

A walk along the bumpy road during last hour of daylight last night, still provided plenty of colour

The Curlew roosting flock numbers seem to be still increasing along with Lapwings

I'm taking this as a Willow Tit based upon the grey back, and all white cheeks, but no doubt I'll be corrected if wrong.

This Great Tit contributed to the colour palette as well

A very dark coloured gull flew over heading east. 

Edmondbyers & Blanchland

Had a bit of business at Consett this morning so it seemed right to visit the higher ground south of Edmondbyers and Blanchland.
Picked up some refreshment in Edmondbyers and headed south west. Within a mile the fields alongside Burnhope Burn held good numbers of Lapwing, and Greylag

A few hundred yards further on a Red Kite soared over Muggleswick Common. This is the third consecutive sighting of Red Kite in this specific area during my last three visits.

It did not take long to see Red Grouse and their numbers seem as large as I have seen in the past

Four Golden Plover broke cover and wheeled away as i drove past and near to Waskerley Reservoir, a pair of Oystercatcher were waiting for something to happen.

I thought I might see a Pipit but it may be just a little early with Snow still present on the north facing slopes

Onward down to Blanchland where on getting out of the car was greeted by a calling Tawny Owl, which was nice to hear. After tea and cake it would not be right to leave Blanchland without seeing the Dipper and sure enough it did not take long to find.

A nice way to complete an enjoyable jaunt.