Last weekend.

 Not the usual type post from one's self regarding photo's etc. But last weekend's early mornings were spent along the Don's banks in the Jarrow area helping out the Durham wildlife trust otter survey, which is a fantastic project and I hope to help out with every year. Even if a machete is needed on a path or two. ;-)

 As expected after weeks of no fresh sign picked up by myself ...None picked up this weekend otter wise either.We live in hope! especially after hearing of reports submitted by other observers along the Don over the last few weeks just outside of the patch recorded.
Water vole sign picked up just about all the way along this stretch of the Don...

On the bird front-
Saturday morning was the more productive (before the rain).
Singing males- 9 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcaps, 1 Willow warbler, 5 Bullfinch (calling), 1 Reed bunting, numerous Wrens,Robins,Gold and Chaffinchs. Three Song thrush males along the stretch of waterway were slightly outdone by 3 Mistle thrush territories pretty close together just off the Don's path. And my first ducklings of the year 13/14 of them in the Calf close section of the Don.

Local waterways again.

 Just a few shots of some fantastic Water vole action taken on a couple of visits along the Don this week. Station burn seems the 'hot spot' at the moment but I've no doubt other sites especially more into the Boldons will be productive also.

 Four sighted on one visit in less than a quarter of a mile.

Two in the water together on one visit, a local dog walker put me/us onto these.

Checked on another couple of sites along the Don yesterday which seldom get reported upon. Fresh Vole sign in places but no way near the amount that the burn has.

No fresh Otter sign over the last week.

 Pair of Grey wagtails still around one section of the Don and a single male along another section.

 Plenty of Chiffchaffs calling now around these parts.

 Even more Wrens than usual it seems...?

Yesterday a pair of Willow tits were seen along one section of the Don, first I've seen around these parts for a couple of years.

 First and only Comma this year so far...seen twice in the same place. Plenty Peacocks and Small torts. on the wing yesterday.

And the Green invader from last week, it's only a matter of time. :-).