Druridge Bay on 20th March 2025

A glorious spring day around the area, we started off near Cresswell where a look out to sea provided us with good views of both drake and duck Common Eider. After this we headed to the famous Budge Fields at Druridge Pools, here we had good views of some of the first returning Avocets of the spring, and a Little Egret showed well alongside some foraging Common Snipe. There was further promise of spring in the bushes with calling Chaffinch and singing Chiffchaff. A look to Cresswell Pond produced a smashing drake Goldeneye and the thousand or so strong flock of Pink-footed Geese by the roadside where a spectacle to behold.

After lunch we turned our attention to birds of prey, with good views of no fewer than 5 Marsh Harriers around the East Chevington area, singing Cetti's was welcome even though a little distant. The pools themselves held some seriously impressive flocks of Eurasian Wigeon and Lesser Black-backed Gull was further evidence of spring to come. A final look out to sea was quiet, though we were entertained by Sanderling going about their business.

This was a private tour, purchased as a Christmas present. If anyone is interested in purchasing tours as gifts, please get in touch. The day finished on a very respectable 56 species, not counting the Cetti's, as they were rather distant and brief.