Kite flying

Another nipper trip to Tanfield Lea for a ride on the cracking little steam train. We were heading out of the car park when a wing-tagged Red Kite sailed over the car and gave excellent views.
A great bird no matter what the circumstances!

Spring Cranes

Had a family drive out in freezing weather to get the 2 Common Cranes near the QE11 Country Park. I've had Cranes twice before in the general area so there's been a good history of this species (once at Chevvy pools and an adult and a sub-adult at the Longhirst area). You've got to go for these things when they're on your patch and for me, this was a good sign of Spring although the weather was certainly Winter.

They were far away but I had fair views in the 'scope. Tried for the Buntings again at Bell's dunes but couldn't get onto anything other than Skylark, Twite and Linnet.

Lapland Bunting

Another belated post for Sunday just gone. Nailed the smart looking Lapland Bunting at Bell's dunes in the morning although it felt like Lapland it was so cold - probably why Cresswell hide was so full. Plenty of Twite and other bits and pieces in the flock too but couldn't spot the Snow Bunting. 2 Pink feet near Cresswell Pond and a Peregrine was sat for a short time in a large dead tree behind the pond.

Tried for the Glaucs (again) at Linton but the gull flock was out of view and none made it to the pond. 2 Roe Deer were in willows opposite the hide.

Birds - Quiet, Work - Hellish

Apologies for the lack of posts of late but a couple of large projects at work have left me with little time to go and watch wildlife, never mind post about it.

I managed a trip out to Druridge Bay a couple of weeks ago and nailed a few bits and pieces. Pintail (m) on Chevvy Pools + the usual Smew and Scaup + a Whooper on Cresswell pond. Highlight was great views of the otter eating an eel on the bank of Druridge Pool.

Cresswell farm buildings had a really good mixed flock of birds inc. Tree Sparrows.
The whole dunes area from Cresswell to Druridge looks great for birds that prefer grazed land with cattle and I see a Lap. Bunting is in amongst the Twite today with a Snowy already seen. I swear we'll get Chough here one day!

I'm already making plans for orchid hunting in Spring (sites for local Burnt, Bird's Nest identified) so I can't wait! A trip to Mallorca in May should get me all sorts of birds, butterflies and orchids. Happy days.