Another Ring-necked Duck!

I am nothing if not consistent! 

Today's sortie to Clevelend failed to yield the R-n D at Dorman's Pool.  Three Tufties failed to fit the bill, despite my best attempts, and neither did the duo of Little Grebe, nine Coot, two Moorhen, Gadwall, Canada Geese, Magpies, Crow or Sprawk.

Having never been to Saltholme, I called in and it was closed until 10 bells.  On the frozen lake were a gaggle of ducks, made up of Mallard, Teal and Wigeon.  All the feeders were very busy too with the 'usual suspects'.

Next stop the Marina at Hartlepool for the R-n Grebe and GN Diver reported yesterday.  En route, near Greatham Creek, Rooks and Greylag Geese, both firsts for 2011.

Found the Marina and the Lifeboat Station, but neither of the targets.  C.10 G-c Grebe off the harbour mouth though and several Cormorants commuting in and out.

After a quick visit to Jackson's Landing - grebe and diver-less but c.10 R-B Mergansers, it was back north and a stop at Rainton Meadows for the redpolls.  And eventually, the quarry located from 'Redpoll Hill', in flocks of Goldfinch, Siskin and Lessers, several Mealies and at least one Arctic.

And on the way out, a nice Willow Tit near the feeding stations.  Bonus!