More flocking finches!!!!

Being lazy this past weekend, the Land of Nod scored over the prospect of trudging out in the rain at least until late Sunday, when we decided to tootle around East Cramlington in case fields were holding any flocks of birds.

They weren't!

It was the slowest birding day I can remember. In an hour and a half, we clocked up a massive 7 species!! If it wasn't for that crow on the overhead wire, I would have had more by gazing nonchalantly out of my window from the comfort of my sofa!

East Cramlington Pond was heavily frozen, although the surrounding areas were flooded, making a circular walk practically impossible. Blackbird, blue tit, robin and wren  showed themselves early on after which all went quiet. Not a dicky bird (literally) in the fields and moving into the surrounding plantation woodlands, only a few wood pigeons added to the mounting excitement. Herring Gulls flying overhead towards the coast boosted the total but that was it until the crow loomed into view at the last minute. Imagine my surprise and frustration to read about the Bewicks at Newsham, only a mile away! No doubt all the other birds had buggered off to take advantage of the grub being distributed as part of Bird Aid!

Unable to get out of the office much over last few days, I have installed some bins on my desk, just in case you understand! They are a pair of Bresser 10x50 from Aldi and are actually pretty decent! Not that there was much to see for a bit, with plenty of hard packed snow making access to the ground very difficult. Once again though, the abundant alder has served to pull in a few birds, mainly blue tits initially but during lunchtimes there have been good size parties of goldfinch (max 36) and greenfinch turning up, filling the air with their wonderful excited chatter as they roamed along the tree lined access road. These birds would brighten up the darkest of days and just now that is entirely suitable as its really miserable.

Travelling across to Weardale for a meeting at the AONB yesterday, I was amazed by just how much snow remains on the higher ground. The Pennines are clinging onto a thick blanket of the white stuff despite the thaw evidenced by the water streaming down the road. It was like white water rafting in a car!! The journey produced five separate sightings of kestrel as well as a glorious buzzard near to the A68. 


The fog this morning grew thicker towards Ponteland as we visited the High School to review their small wildlife area for a management plan. This is a nice little area of woodland and scrub which held another decent flock of finches and tits, foraging amongst the pines, alder and hawthorns. I saw a pair of bullfinch lats visit, so am keen to see it preserved and used by the school. 

During todays visit, we noted a wonderful hawthorn which is part of the old hedgeline. It is enormous!!!! Surely some grand age, perhaps part of an old boundary marker, maybe for a Parish, as it sits on a bank. This must be worth as a veteran. Next time I'll take a tape!
  

On returning to the office for some well earned tea, barely visible through the murk, I was greeted once again by those flocking finches, Magic!