Having a lark.

Above - Shorelark at Hemscott Hill, Druridge Bay.

Nice and sunny today with a cool W4.

Today is my Winter Atlas Control Tetrad count. This will my tenth year doing the East Chevington square in February. Over the years I have gathered a respectable 83 species in a 2x2 km area of lake, dunes and seashore. Although there were no earth shattering discoveries, today I managed 41 species with the highlight being a Barnacle Goose. In previous years I have had a few goodies such as Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, Smew, Mediterranean Gull, Jack Snipe, Great Northern Diver, Water Rail and Red crested Pochard.

Before starting the count I paid a visit to Hemscott Hill links to look for the Shorelark that has been here a few weeks now. It was found quite easily feeding with a few Skylarks but was always flighty and distant due to the farmer feeding his cattle in the field. As always, a dapper little bird with its black and yellow face pattern, this one was not as bright as some and may have been a female (?).

Also here were a large mixed flock of Linnet and Twite, but they too were constantly put to flight.