Monkey Business

The North East coast was taking a pounding from a big Northerly swell today. There were good movements of Storm Petrels and Skuas reported.

While a single Artic Skua sat on the sea just off Seaton Sluice, and Oystercatchers fed along the shore, a group of pink monkeys were learning about natural selection.

St Mary's Island, as viewed from Seaton Sluice.

Oystercatchers

Monkey business

Ducking Christmas

I managed to 'duck' the stress of Christmas and impending kitchen disasters with an early(ish) walk along Whitley beach. There was a lone Gadwall flying in from the south and landing in the surf at the north end of the beach. It swam along the shore, calling all the while, and then every 5 minutes or so it would take to the air for a lap of the beach only to return.



On the wetland was a beautiful pair of Wigeon along with a large number of teal.

The Water Pipit is still present at the north end of the beach.

Along the links were a sprinkling of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Redshank, Oystercatchers, Golden Plover, Pied Wagtail and a single Grey Wagtail. Also, a single Purple Sandpiper on the exposed rocks off the beach.

Seasons Greetings