Another Spotty bird

As a BTO garden birdwatcher of some fifteen years I'm always amazed how you don't see some birds for ages and then on Sunday when a new count week starts the first thing you see is that missing species. So it was on Sunday when exposing my aching body to the world this smart chap flew onto the hedge. Nice chestnut crown on him and one of my favourites.

Here's some comparison shots from Ponteland Golf course last Thursday.

and Saturday

Fifteenth tee on Thursday sort of unplayable

and Saturday in full swing.

River Pont up and down like a fiddlers elbow but the main area of the Carr remains under water and the Trusts bridge leads to a nice pond.

I was gutted yesterday when Birdguides announced Spotted Redshank on the Carr just as the deluge recommenced but got out sharp this morning and although distant having been flushed by the farmer, was definately a nice black bird. Most inconsiderate of the agricultural community to use their fields when good birds are present. Also managed three Whimbrel, one Wheatear, two pair of Wigeon, 14 Black tailed Godwit, one Bar tailed Godwit, 30 Golden Plover and 10 Dunlin. That's 90 up and still the scrub warblers to appear. Splendid.