Mental

An hour's sea watch from Seaton Sluice today was testing at times, but more for the birds than me as they either flew faster than ever if south was their preferred direction, or slower if it was north, as the Northerlies were a trifle strong.

Loads of gulls and terns north, the odd Gannet, two Manxies and one each of Great and Arctic Skua (3:25pm).

Buston Vasey?

Went looking for the Red-backed Shrike last night north of Warkworth.  Birdguides gave directions and for once, they were good.  If you were that birder, my hat off to you.  I get a little irked when a cracker is reported with a commentary of 'one' or 'male'.  Whilst I realise birds fly, and move, a good 'starter for ten' is a bit more detail than one word.

Anyway, drove out of Warkworth and had to flag down four different people to get directions to Low Buston.  I wonder whether, in 'League of Gentlemen' style, the locals did not want to assist a non-local!

I now know where Low Buston is, High Buston, Buston Barns, Low Buston Farm, Buston Forapiss and Buston Agut!

And having eventually located the road with the hill between the farm and the barns, no surprise, no RBS!!!

Getting Better!

After my Quail-related rant, slightly better yesterday with an LRP (that's a Little Ringed Plover not a Red Legged Patridge who failed its spelling test!) on WH yesterday afternoon.  Not much else though.

Off to Kielder today for my annual trout fest.  Scores on the doors at 'dry lines' was 5-5-4, me joint top, with many lost over the 8 1/2 hours on the water.

Loads of bird action; Buzzard, Siskin, Common Sandpiper, Goosander, Oystercatcher, Swallow, Swift, House Martin, Carrion Crow and more, and No. 184 for the year, outstanding views of an Osprey.

Chick No. 3 hatched yesterday so it's gonna get busy!