Only the second time I've had the pleasure of Shore lark.

 Set out yesterday with the better half and the dog in tow. First off we thought we'd have a look at Hawthorn dene woods since it's been about a year since we last visited this site.The parking area by the farm was packed when we arrived here,must have been some sort of ramble going on? When we eventually reached the small feeding area the signs didn't look good- no evidence of anyone keeping up feeding the birds here now. We put down seed and waited a canny while before deciding to wander a little further as no birds came down-returned later and sadly the same result...zilch. Hopefully it was just wor luck on this visit.

So it was head scratching time after this...where to try next? Saltholme did appeal for the obvious reason/s but alas no, not with the dog in tow. So the next best thing -some place in Hartlepool that I've only heard of in reports. Found the Spion kop cemetery (eventually) and about 6 cars were parked up with birders etc. all scanning the scraped off area just to the south of here. Five Snow bunts flitted around but it hardly surprising they kept disappearing due to the disturbance from the motor X types that use this area. Gave up after a short wander with the dog....Gave it another go a while later- this time it was quiet and after scanning the ground the reason for the visit was found feeding at the southern end of the barron area.

Cracking! only the second sighting we've had- the first being the Trow bird a few years back.

Not the best pics but went away happy just seeing them.