Saturday 14th June 2025: Birding the Northumberland coast

 With a dire forecast for the day there was no incentive to rush off this morning, so we spent some time relaxing over breakfast, and sheltering from the heavy rain. Then I noticed a Spotted Flycatcher resting on the metal railing in the back garden. Sue had seen one in exactly the same spot two years ago, so she was delighted to see it back. Moments later a Grey Wagtail appeared (the rail runs alongside a mill leat with lush vegetation and overhanging trees on the opposite bank), posing on the same fence. As we watched a noisy Wren, young Greenfinch and Song Thrush all came into view,  making a reasonable start to the day from our cottage bird hide!

Around ten o’clock the weather had eased a little and we set off for the day. Visibility remained dire, with leaden grey skies and mist creating appalling viewing conditions. We stopped briefly at Budle Bay, but the only things we could clearly discern were Great Black-backed Gull and Little Egret. Continuing along the road, the next roadside pool was a little better, and we noted a number of species Sue had not seen yesterday, including Lesser Black-backed Gull and Common Tern plus several of the common ducks. Many Sand Martins skimmed over the pond, and at the far end around half a dozen perched on the fence in a neat line.

At Seahouses we booked a boat trip to the Farnes for later in the week and also found Sue her first Eider Duck. Next we drove towards the harbour at Amble, pausing by the river overlooking a small weir, where we found a lovely group of Goosander resting on the rocks and splashing in the water. Several Oystercatchers were caring for young, and a number of Lapwings were here too. Continuing to the harbour, we were amazed to find a Red-throated Diver sat at the water’s edge, in beautiful summer plumage. Unfortunately it was not actively feeding or swimming and we can only assume it was suffering with bird flu. Around the harbour were more Eiders, gulls and both Common and Sandwich Tern. We hoped for a Roseate Tern, but if any were there we failed to identify them! A scan from Amble Point, overlooking Coquet Island, was also unfruitful in such poor light, although a single Guillemot was identifiable sat on the water, and a flock of four Gannet passed through.

Goosander

Red-throated Diver

 By now it was lunchtime, so we headed for Hauxley nature reserve. The car park feeders were very productive, with excellent views of a stunning, chunky male Bullfinch and some gorgeous Tree Sparrows the star birds here. Inside the reserve, we soon found a lovely Spotted Redshank with dark, summer plumage, which conveniently wandered close to a Common Redstart enabling close comparison of its special features. At the back of the pool, we managed to see an immature Little Gull, with fading ‘W’ markings and a black tail, plus a distinctive flight style and diminutive size next to the other gulls present. By the path we noted a singing Willow Warbler, perched at the very top of a tall tree.

Tree Sparrow

Our final stop of the day was at East Chevington, visiting the two hides we had not explored yesterday. Here we added a Ringed Plover, and on the track between the two, we had great views of a female Cuckoo  sat preening on a post. An unexpected bonus to conclude a fantastic day.

Cuckoo, f