Spring?

Above male ( top) and female Snow Buntings at Boulmer. Camera nicely focussed about a yard in front of the birds...



Above - Turned out nice again...

Through the week JWR rang to see if I fancied looking at some woodland sites to see how spring was progressing. So, after being berated for giving him a 'public flogging' over the white stork last week we arranged a day in the field. With Chiffs, Sand Martins and Wheatears comfortably ensconced in breeding habitat, the first willow warblers and maybe a swallow or two would be back.

As you can see, mother nature had other plans. I can't see many hirundines in that white out.

So, we met up for a chat first thing and a wander around Alnmouth and Foxton before I headed up to Boulmer. Along the Aln estuary there were 8 Goldeneye, 1 male Red breasted Merganser and a scattering of Teal and Wigeon. A single Chiffchaff did its best to be heard above the icy NW wind.

At Boulmer I checked the Snow Buntings north of the village. They were with 5 Skylarks and 1 male and 1 female Wheatear. Shame the wind and stinging sleet made the Wheatears so flighty that pictures were a non starter.

I gave up and headed for home to find a newly crashed car upside down in the middle of the road near the RAF base. Luckily the driver was unhurt but I bet he was well shocked. I know I was.

84. Wheatear.