Chester-le-Street Birding

Well, it is the next town down river from Durham, so we might as well give it a whirl.....

The River really was whirling today - chocolate brown & over the banks

Down at the Menagerie, the choppy water resembled the Sea ! - no sign of the Seal (present since 5th December) & not so many waterfowl, however the Goosanders put on a good show

Drake looking for his doughnuts !

 Duck looking for her bill..........- know you know why they're called Sawbills....

Close by was the Green Sandpiper - had them here the past 3 winters

the small dot above the treeline is the sandpiper... honest

A couple of Dabchick were more expected, but one in full summer breeding plumage was a nice bonus.

Others today close to Chester included:-
 Curlew, Shelduck, 200Pied Wagtail, several Buzzards up over Lambtons, singing Dipper, Tawny Owl roosting in Yew, Long-eared in a Briar/Blackthorn tangle (see other blog)

It was quite pleasant out of the wind with the first few signs that this winter has / is being kind !!!
Snowdrops out in places, a couple of Oystercatchers back on territory, as were a few Shelduck -the first since late summer, a few Elderberry buds breaking out & Magpie nest building - the days are getting a touch longer - the worst is over..... Roll on March.