Stewchat...

Today was fine and sunny with some cloud early on but warm and clear later. Mod SW4.

I met up with ADMc at Cresswell at 7.30am. A good show of waders were gathered at the noth side of the causeway - 2 Little Stints, 35 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 15+ Knot, 2 Black tailed Godwit, 12+ Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper plus 600+ Lapwings.



Above - Little Stint.




Above - A selection of waders, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Lapwing and Redshank.


8 Wigeon were back on the pond and 10+ Gadwall were scattered amongst the Mallard. Around the edges were 3 Grey Partridge, 2ad and 2 juv Stock Doves, 1 Swift flew S, 1 Wheatear was on a fence post.

All of the birds gathered here had attracted the attention of several raptors - 1 juv Marsh Harrier, 1 juv and 2 ad Peregrines put on a great display harassing the flocks of waders and a Kestrel flew over.

Next stop was along at East Chevington. The water levels here are very high leaving no mud exposed for waders. The first thing of note seen was a large dog Otter swimming along the reeds on the south pool. At one stage he took an unhealthy interest in a Mallard and two young Moorhens before they flew off.



Above - Druridge Bay. Note the Bank Holiday crowds...


1 Sparrowhawk was hunting the Alders, 1 juv / female type Pintail flew over, 1 Little Egret was on the north pool, a Buzzard soared over distantly and a female Merlin dashed overhead. A Vapourer Moth caterpillar was new to me.



Above - Vapourer Moth caterpillar.



Above - Autumn Gentian.


Loads of Peacock butterflies were on the wing as well as 2 Walls and afew late Meadow Browns. 2 Common Darters were along the tracks.

In the dunes a few spikes of Autumn Gentian were in flower.

Back at home at lunchtime, 2 Buzzards were over our garden and a Sparrowhawk chased the Collared Doves.





Above - Red Admirals and Orange Hawkweed in our garden.

We took Bunty along to Brizlee Moor for a walk seeing 2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels and another Sparrowhawk, 15+ Red legged Partridges and a Red Grouse.





Above - Brizlee Crags and Moor.



The raptor total for today was good with -

Marsh Harrier 1
Merlin 1
Peregrine 3
Sparrowhawk 4
Buzzard 5
Kestrel 3