Gloomy

Reed Bunting at Widdrington tip

Moisture clad male catkins of the Osier have burst into flower

First day off since last Tuesday. I was going to go back to Harwood to look for the Shrike again but the weather was poor this morning with heavy showers, dull and misty. Mid morning the rain eased so I decided to go to Druridge but by the time I got to Ulgham it became very foggy so I decided to call in at Widdrington tip. I'm pleased I did because it wasn't bad despite the fog, there were 4 Chiffchaffs in the hedgerow and at least 6 Reed Buntings singing in the Alder trees. 22 Common Snipe and 2 Jack Snipe...all of these too quick for the camera plus 4 Grey Partridges and 2 Red legged. On the way home I called at Eshott but not sure exactly where the Crane is feeding a quick scan of the area produced only 2 Shelduck, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew and a Hare but no Crane. Alan Jack was there but he had no success either. It was thick with fog then the rain started again so it was time to go home.