January 1st 2018
The Early Worm catches the Bird!
Early start saw me in Cowpen Bewley country park by 7.55 as the light was still dim. Slowly the birds appeared. Next stop Ward Jackson Park - met a few local birders getting their fix on some reliable species. Parakeets showed well in the early sunshine. Went back to Tiggy for camera - the bird waited patiently!
Newburn Bridge area [via the marina] for the linnets and the lapland bunting. Soon dealt with! Normal stuff on the beach at low tide; pied wagtail on the rock armour.
Then on to North Gare. Skylarks x3 in the car park. Nearly overlooked them hunkered down in the grass. Second bird visible top left.
Snow buntings at Seaton Snook [very flighty] then on to Saltholme area.
Year list building nicely!
By one o'clock decided [as I had planned in my mind if the bird was still around] to bomb off to Whitby for my friend the wheatear. I knew where to park and where to go as this would be my third visit. Wanted it on the 2018 list! Previous visits it was always on the ground. January 1st is obviously Post Day!
