July starts seeing large numbers of waders starting to move. This was the case yesterday on the WeBs count at Fenham le Moor. The first flocks of summer plumage Knot, Dunlin and Bar-tailed godwits were present on the mudflats. The Knot and Dunlin were particularly vociferous - calling Knot is not something you hear everyday. There were even some Dunlin display calling - obviously confused by the cool Northumbrian weather! There were also reasonable numbers of local breeders such as Lapwing, Curlew and Oystercatcher.
Supporting cast included 2 Whimbrel, 2 Pale-bellied and one Dark bellied Brent, 1 Little egret, 2 Goosander, 2 Great crested grebes and three Grey partridge. Good views could be had of Tree sparrows around the hide.
Two Yellow wagtails were on wires on the west side of Chatton.
Hi George, excellent resource you have here for the birding community in Alnwick!
ReplyDeleteAre you aware the EU’s looking at weakening key laws which protect birds, animals and plants in Europe? The Birds and Habitats Directives are currently undergoing a ‘fitness check’, but we want your help telling them to safeguard the laws, not undermine them! The directives have stopped the decline of a number of species and have created a huge network of conservation areas.
We’ve got until Friday night to make our views known on this – can you encourage your followers to put their name to the Nature Alert campaign please, every person helps! http://tiny.cc/naturealert