Calm before . . .

Seeing that the sun was likely to be in the North East today, we decided to go over there to a place we had never been to and can’t think now why not. It’s also a place some Blippers know very well indeed – Saltholme RSPB Reserve near Hartlepool.

What a great place and it did turn out sunny. We walked round the lake, amazed by this calm oasis full of birds in the midst of industrial Teeside. We will certainly be back here.

This was a Moorhen stepping out in style. But I also liked the Little Egret standing very still at the far side of the water (Extra 1) and we watched a Kestrel hovering, hovering and then diving down on some prey or other (Extra 2).

We went on to Seaton Carew for a walk by the sea along a sunny beach. And yes we did get fish and chips before we headed home.

I think we will stay in tomorrow and let the storm pass over.