Let it Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow Bunting

 After a relatively quiet day at Druridge, Sam and I spent some time watching a very confiding Snow Bunting at a regular winter haunt for this species at the mouth of Chevington Burn.  We were so focussed upon the bird that it wasn’t until we stood up to leave that we saw that the bright skies of earlier in the day were now heavy with leaden grey cloud which darkened to a metallic purple  towards the south.  A minute spray of rain was in the air by now as the burn ran quietly to the incoming rush of the tide. Later, as we travelled homewards the light dimmed and heavy rain fell.

Snow Bunting

The Snow Bunting was feeding amongst the seaweed before hunkering down for some time. A stance that we were sure it would be used too in biting Arctic winds.  Fully aware of our presence it seemed relaxed enough.  It eventually took off and flew north above the shore although I suspect it didn’t go far and it could well be joined by others of the species. 

Snow Bunting

We have watched Snow Buntings in breeding plumage on Tundra and in snow in the Arctic Circle in recent years, but always nice to see these birds locally, but sadly not in the numbers of years gone by.

Snow Bunting

We had earlier watched at close range a flock of 60-80 Twite as they fed on the ample seed on plants in the dunes between bouts of flight, with then a background of sunlit blue skies.  Such was their attention to the glut of seed, these Twite were content to let us within close range.  Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed bunting and Tree Sparrow also seemed to be taking advantage of the feeding opportunity.

Twite

Walking through the dunes I was surprised at how late some Bloody Cranesbill and Harebell were in flower as were less surprisingly White Campions.  We also came across a patch of snow-white Fungi, one of which was in pristine state and most attractive in the bright light.  I’ve yet to check on species.

Campion

One of a number of White Fungi

A theme of white continued when we found two Whooper Swans at Druridge Pool.  We latter watched them take off and we began to ponder upon where these wild swans would eventually end their journey.  Perhaps not the first wintering swans seen this autumn as we passed a flock of swans which we passed at a distance when crossing the causeway at Holy Island earlier in the month.  We were on the move and distance prevented confirmation, but thought them likely to be Whooper Swans.

Whooper Swans

But now they drift on the still water,

Mysterious, beautiful;

Among what rushes will they build,

By what lake's edge or pool

Delight men's eyes when I awake some day

To find they have flown away?

Wild Swans at Coole/William Butler Yeats