Island Pips

Had nice views of Water Pipit in amongst Rock Pipits at St Mary's Island on Sunday 17th Feb. Bird was at the back of the beach to the left of the causeway.
At least this makes up for the West Allotment bird I missed earlier in the year.
If it stays longer it may start turning pink!

Jezzy Dene

More nipper time on Sat 9th Feb this time at Jesmond Dene but I took the bins and saw the following: Dipper (good bird for the Dene. The water looks a bit grotty but there are some good areas of water flowing over exposed rocks), Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch, Long tailed Tit, and Treecreeper. No sign of the kingfishers this time but I'm sure they were around somewhere.

Druridge Bay visit

Managed to get a morning out along the Druridge coast which started well with a Common Buzzard a mile or two from Gosforth flying low over the car as I made my way up.

Just outside Cresswell Village opp. Golden Sands caravan Park on the beach had 20+ Ringed Plover, 4 x Grey Plover plus good numbers of Sanderling and Dunlin. Cresswell Pond had Smew (f), Scaup (f) and 70 x Goldfinch. Barn Owl had been seen that morning and a Snow Bunting had been seen with the Twite the day before at Bell's Farm dunes but I couldn't get either.

Red Breasted Merganser (f) at Druridge Pool but no Otter this time.

Tried for the 2 Glaucous Gulls at Linton Pond and met Brian Bullough there but had no luck.