Am back from a few days at Alnmouth - supposed to be work related but the bins and scope came along for the ride.
Monday left very early to make a long detour to arrive in the north Pennines for 9am to locate the Black Grouse.Paused for a break at Bowness and saw Dipper then on to Langdon Beck. Saw 2 Black Grouse - thanks to Terry W. and Stepen R. for directions. Other birders had only seen 2 also so the rest were probably sheltering from the biting wind across the snowfield
Also several Red Grouse.Arrived on the coast with time to spare so went to Cullernose point to see the Kittiwakes and was treated to Eiders very close in. Always lovely to see these birds close up.
Tuesday - scanned Coquet Island fron south of Amble for two rafts of Puffins.
Wednesday - another early start (and missed breakfast) to hit the high tide at Stag rocks at Bamburgh. 100 + Purple Sandpipers on the rocks, Long Tailed Ducks and Razorbills offshore. Very close in 2 Slavonian Grebe - the male in glorious summer plumage.
Many other good birds to make an enjoyable trip. Thanks again to Terry and Stephen for their help.
Hugh