Atlas morning plus

The home tetrad was thoroughly searched this morning and resulted in a new species for the patch, a Goosander. Other highlights were Golden Plovers and Lapwings on territory (Lapwings going berserk so likely not just "on territory"), a stack of Willow Warblers, increased numbers of Swallows (at last) and a Common Buzzard that flew through the neighbouring square. Failed to connect with Snipe, Marsh Tit, Tree Sparrow or any other raptor though; they were lying doggo.



Nipped in to Scaling Dam whilst the offspring were engaging in the weekly horsey stuff (resisting the lure of the nearby Subalpine Warbler at Brotton, I've seen Subalp this year in any case and time would have been a bit tight). Great Crested Grebe, Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye and a drake Wigeon were of note.

Scaling has had a good spell recently. As well as the Rough-leg and Spoonbill mentioned in earlier posts there was an Osprey yesterday and 2 Little Gulls the day before.