Less is more

Working through the warblers that 'fell' into the garden yesterday, I failed to find any rarities, but did manage to find a cracking Lesser Whitethroat. I say found, but it was more the case it presented itself!

Anyone who has tried of getting a decent view of a Lesser Whitethroat will undoubtedly have struggled as it's very elusive at the best of times. Not so this bird....

Bay Watch 23/04 - Spring Episode

15th April along the waggonway

What a difference a week makes. On the 15th of April I took a local walk round the patch and other than Chiffchaff and a single Sand Martin there were no summer visitors.

Today was a different story. Passing Monkseaton metro station I had Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat. Along the waggonway there were more warblers, mainly Willow warblers and Chiffchaffs.

At St Mary's I had my first Sedge Warbler. Swallows and Sand Martins are now around in numbers and Sandwich Terns are crying out.



All in all I feel it is now time to say it - Spring has sprung. Roll on the summer.

Today along the waggonway (warbler boulevard)

Chiffchaff

Willow Warbler (too quick for me)

Sandwich Tern

Peacock Butterfly (not a Painted Lady as shown on some North Tyneside Council signs)

Starlings on the beach

Purple Sandpiper

Reed Bunting

Sand Martins checking out the cliffs on Whitley Beach

Dessicated Frog

Dessicated Lumpsucker

Don't ask. This type of thing happens when the sun comes out in Whitley.