28th January 2017 (Northumberland, Cleveland and Derbyshire)

Met up with Cliff Smith and Chris Griffin in Frome this morning before heading north. Shortly after setting off, Chris noticed a Tawny Owl from the car window, so we turned the car around and got decent views of it next to the road. I didn't actually get any of these for the last couple year lists so good to catch up with one.

We arrived at Druridge Bay and instantly had the PACIFIC DIVER. We walked around the lake where we got point blank views, probably the closest I've ever got to any diver! Also had a few Tree Sparrows on the feeders near the visitor centre, another species I haven't had in a few years.

PACIFIC DIVER - Druridge Bay

These views were well worth the 6 hour journey! Good to be able to compare this first-winter with the adult in Mount's Bay, which showed darker more uniform upperparts and a more distinctive chin strap.

Tree Sparrows - Druridge Bay

Next stop was Skinningrove in Cleveland for the EASTERN BLACK REDSTART which showed brilliantly, and came ridiculously close to Chris.

EASTERN BLACK REDSTART - Skinningrove

Fulmars - Skinningrove

Had a Red Kite from the Car Window on the A1(M) in West Yorkshire.

Last stop of the day was Beeley to get the dusky thrush. We spent a while scanning through the Redwing flock with no luck. I thought we would have seen the bird by now if it was in the flock so I went for a wander. Shortly after, I located a few more Redwings and with them was the DUSKY THRUSH sat on top of a tree! I got out my phone and called Cliff, but when I looked back up it had disappeared. We scanned through the Redwings and eventually it got too dark to ID them.

Not the best end to the day, but still a great trip and well worth the journey times!