I was out with LMcD yesterday morning for the first time in a while. The day got off to a good start with a GS Woodpecker in my garden. On our way up to Druridge Bay we spotted some geese in the fields south of the Linton roundabout. 200+ Pink Footed Geese were accompanied by 100+ Canada Geese in the fields. Pink feet were flying over everywhere in skeins all morning but not many landed.
At Widdrington Moor Lake the Slavonian Grebe was showing well in the shallow west end near the bank but not much else was around. On the north pool at East Chevington there were two female Pintail and a few Mergansers and at least four Stonechat between the hide and the road.
Stopping at the metal gate at Hemscotthill Links we could hear then saw seven Snow Bunting flying together over the dunes. A mixed flock of 200+ birds contained mostly Goldfinch but did have a few Linnet and Twite amongst it. Also seven Grey Partridge were in the field next to the inlet.
Despite it being late October, Arcot Pond is at the lowest water level I have ever seen it. The legs of the gulls standing in the middle of the pond can be seen! Two Terrapins were on a fallen log in the SW corner and a drake Shoveler was amongst the Teal. Also in the SW corner was a single winter plumage Black-tailed Godwit.
