One of the first birds of the day was a nice Woodcock that lifted silently from the nettles next to our drive, and off into more suitable wooded cover. A male Sparrowhawk was up early too harassing our feeders, where the local Chaffinches had been joined by a couple of Bramblings.
In the Village wood, at least one Water Rail was squealing in the wet area under some dogwood. I waited for a while but couldn't see it (them, sounded like more than one bird calling). This is the same spot one turned up during hard weather in January.
After lunch we had a walk around by the coast path. The sea was rough without many birds other than 3 Dunlin and 5 Redshanks N, while further on a 1 male Brambling was on the manure heap, 9 Grey Partridges were in the field and a calling Lapland Bunting N over head but unseen.
Cullernose Point and Dunstanburgh Castle.
The path to the Bathing House was heavy going with drifted snow.
9 comments:
It's 29 degrees and sunny down here. Has there been snow north of Watford then?
Its on its way, then you'll be sorry :)
All that snow and cloud cover - must be quite balmy temps up there Stewart. Thought about getting the trap out?
Srewart,
I was up your way a couple of weeks ago and had a walk along the coastal path.I see they have "upgraded " the path itself around the Cullernose Point area but it looks as if the hedgerows and bushes along the cliff top on both sides of the path have been severely affected. Seems to me that the wildlife has to suffer so the humans can have an easier life while out and about. It doesn't look like too much care or attention was paid to the surrounding flora while these "improvements" were made.
John
Great shot of the point Stewart. I was out and about yesterday, and this weekend, if somewhat cold, certainly brought with it great atmosphere. Brian.
I've no Bramblings in the garden yet but look forward to their arrival. Lovely picture of Cullernose Point, Stewart.
Skev - Trap is now away upstairs this morning! I cant see it out again this year...we'll see.
Johnny - Yes the path has been given A road status. All of the Star of Bethlehem plants have been bulldozed. Hopefully they will have survived somewhere...
Brian - Roll on the Chiffchaffs....
Emma - I'm sure they'll turn up...
Some stunning photos here Stewart, and the previous posting. Love the one on the coast. Down here in Somerset we've just had a dusting really, about 2 inches which melted. A lot of waxwing reports though. Friends up the upper reaches of the coquet Valley have nearly 3 feet, even 4x4's are being abandoned. I blame global warming!
Thanks Andrew, you dont need to go up into the Cheviots for piles of snow, Alnwick is 2ft+ deep with drifts 3ft+...
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