did the usual annual pilgrimage to pay homage to the black grouse, langdon beck and area. doesnt seem a year since our last trip, the years fly by, its frightening. anyway took a carful, myself david sneap from derbyshire, tony nuttall, john nelson and colin howard 3 grimbarians. record count this year in both numbers seen and greyhen numbers despite patchy low cloud which impaired distance viewing, so in better conditions the count would have been higher. then we went to the coast around hartlepool headland etc. a long round trip of 400 miles but well worth it.
blackcock 43
greyhen 34
red grouse were showing well further up the valley lots,
hartlepool we had of note glaucous, iceland, kumliens gull
lots purple sands
2 gannets adult were a surprise in the dock entrance
possible little auk.
very good and pleasant trip with good company was enjoyed by all.
terry whalin
