Thrunton Woods

 

Thrunton Woods last week more a walk around than with the expectation of seeing anything special ,also a chance to brush up on my map & compass skills ,not exactly needed to get around here but a map at least is essential for Northumberland . It was very warm out of the wind as we parked near the caravan site and headed along the track , in a water filled ditch I noticed some orange funghi can't say I have seen them before they where a bright orange on translucent stalks . Willow Warblers and Chiffs singing Buzzards overhead ,I was hoping to come out onto the more open south end of Thrunton but now the planted pines are at some height and cover what used to be open ground where I have usually seen Merlin, non of this was shown on my map which is now very out of date ,so I have since purchased one online for £5.19 post paid where as my local Smiths wanted £9,99 but not in stock, I do like to support local shops if I can but have to admit the internet is a boon .

 

As it was so warm I did expect to see some Adders but also they may have warmed up early and went off looking for food ,so despite my searching of any likely spot I did not find any. We sat at the edge of the crag where years ago I spent the night in a shed watching over a Peregrine nest ,which despite lots of volunteer effort was still robbed , the tree height is  above the edge now and it's hard to see the extent of the crags , but while sitting here Crossbills& ,Buzzards over and a Siskin displayed and sang above us .Heading back down to the road I noticed a large area of the centre has been felled this would have perhaps been the better route up, the old brick works pool is now a fishing lake complete with log cabin , only a couple of Mistle Thrush seen on the way back also plenty of Peacock and Small Torts..  

  

 Everythingis busy gathering gathering nest material or looking for a site

Don't think I have seen this before and no idea of a name

Thanks to Nigel of Abbey Meadows Blog for the ID. Bog beacon (Mitrula paludosa).
seems rather an apt name !!!

 The sun had brought lots of people out this area now very popular with Mountain Bikers

 Jay drops in briefly

 Just over this rise it used to be clear and a good vantage point

 Lots of these Tiger Beetles flitting away ahead of us

 Frog near a very small pool

 View from the crag with the trees coming up over the edge

 Looking towards the sea

 Trees, Trees & more trees