A flurry...

 ...of bird activity in recent days in the county.

First of all a Night Heron ( ok, Black crowned for goodness sake) was found at Marden Quarry Whitley Bay, while a Caspian Tern was briefly at East Chevington.

Ive only ever seen one Night Heron in the county and have never seen Caspian Tern here so I was on alert.

As I was at work, half the way to Whitley Bay yesterday I thought it was worth a lunchtime trip into the 'burbs' for the Heron. It was a doddle to get although it was mostly obscured as it roosted in a willow on an island in the pond. Still,it gave great scope views and did occasionally crawl about the bush a bit while yawning before nodding back off the sleep. I gave it an hour then left for work.

I had just got back to the office when news came of the Caspian Tern back at East Chev. Unfortunately I had a 4pm office appointment so couldnt get away til a bit later but intended to drop in on my way home. Its a very short detour.  Work finished at 5pm so I checked the WhatsApp messages. Bugger, the tern flew S at 4.30pm. Hey ho.

Back home, 14 miles N of East Chev and didnt the tern turn up at Cresswell then back at East Chevington again. After work and driving about a bit, I couldnt really be arsed with another 30 miles round trip only for it to fly off again while I was on route. I should have really as it remained at Chev until 8.14pm when it flew south.

Never mind, I might finish work a bit earlier today and go down to Chev on spec in case it comes back in at high tide...It has not been seen so far today...

Black crowned Night Heron, Marden Quarry, Whitley Bay.