Northumberland weekend trip

Ten members went on a long weekend to  Northumberland based on Seahouses from 23rd to 25th October. Unfortunately the recent easterly winds had changed into the west a few days before and most of the migrants had moved on. The bad rain forecast for Saturday did not occur and a total of 94 species were seen. On Friday most members went to Stag Rocks, Budle Bay and Bamburgh Woods. Saturday was a visit to Holy Island as well as Budle bay again and Fenham Flats. On Sunday Newton Pools was visited as well as East Chevington, Cresswell Pools,Druridge Bay, Cresswell Pond and Broad Sand Rocks, Cresswell.   Highlights were the numbers of flocks seen including feeding frenzy of Gannets and Cormorants, 38 Whooper Swans. At least 43 Red Throated Divers from one point in Druridge Bay. Waves of Pinkfoot Geese, Brent Geese, Barnacle Geese, vast numbers of Teal and Wigeon.  Other birds included long views of Merlin and Peregrine. Good numbers of Snipe, Kingfisher and Stonechat. Also Goldeneye, Blackcap, SE Owl and Velvet Scoter and waders.

Peter Watson