We have had a wonderful morning we walked to Dunstanbergh Castle mainly a ruin. We were interested in the rocks and cliffs by the castle. I was enjoying spotting small birds on the rocks when we were entertained by a pod of dolphins hard to tell how many but well into double figures. There were young in the pod. The were breaching and looked like they were playing! I took the picture below on my phone. I also saw Ringed plovers, Linnets, Kittiwakes Fulmars, Razorbills, Gannets and a single Eider Duck.

We are currently in Northumberland camping at one of our regular sites near Craster. Weather has so far been kind and looks good for tomorrow. It is a beautiful part of the world. We cycled to Alnmouth today- challenging when we went off road!!! Yesterday visited Newton by the Sea and had a bird watch and a lovely lunch in the pub with its own micro brewery (a National Trust pub). A couple of pictures below taken on my phone more to follow when I get home including a lovely picture of a hare!

June is going to be an unbalanced month for me on the story telling front,. The later part of the month is very busy with a very diverse set of gigs. The first part is holiday and has been being Gramps (today and yesterday) I will publish details later.

On Sunday we were privileged to attend my fellow Two Severn Bores musical partner Dan’s new album launch. He was in top form. Four of the songs he had written for our shows.

I also played club cricket on Saturday and my team were certainly youthful!

Difficult day for me today! I started at the crack of dawn with the monthly bird survey out by the River Severn. I had to wade through long grasses and that triggered my hay fever. Watering eyes and persistent sneezing! A reasonable survey but not that enjoyable! Hopefully I will have a better day tomorrow-aiming to avoid walking through long grass!!!

More wildlife photos from Leighton Moss. Enjoy! I was watching Swifts one day- the first picture though not great I was pleased to get it-they move so fast! The last picture is the head of the Eider Duck on her nest.

What super weather and we are thoroughly enjoying it up here by Morecambe Bay. I went to the hides looking towards the sea this morning. Did manage to see an Eider Duck sitting on her nest and plenty of Avocets. (Phone pictures below)

Clare and I pedalled to Arnside for a late Sunday lunch. So we have done a few miles and plenty of climbing in the last two days. Clare is pleased with her efforts!

Back to sunny Gloucestershire tomorrow and supposedly cricket on Tuesday if it isn’t too hot!!

Clare and I cycled to Sizergh today from our campsite in Silverdale. Those of you who know me know that I am very partial to cheese scones! As Sizergh is a National Trust place I like their scones even use the recipe as a basis for my scones. I think I would only give it 7 out of 10.  We had a lovely cycle with a lot of climbing. Found some little lanes to pedal along. A picture of a Mallard and her two ducklings below.

I have taken some decent photos on my camera at Leighton Moss and will share next week. Pictures below are from my phone. Tawny Owl was very obliging!

It is an avian theme today! We are currently in one of our favourite places – near the wonderful Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve. It is the first place we ever camped in our camper van Cedric. We arrived early afternoon and have already enjoyed numerous Swifts whizzing everywhere, Marsh Harriers, Sedge Warblers and much more. The highlight was a Bittern flying past us!
Had a lovely time yesterday with young people from Holbeach Primary School birdwatching at Wick Court- we saw Ringed Plovers on the River.
Hopefully there might be some pictures tomorrow!

Had a delightful weekend with our two grandsons Owen and Robin. However we are now tired out! We carried on our indoctrination with a visit to WWT Slimbridge. They were pleased to see the Woodpecker in the garden- Owen saw two so possibly a young bird as well. Pictures from the weekend below.

On the bird front we may have two pairs of nesting Cranes in the village!

Finally I am seeing many hits on this blog from all over the world-would be good to hear from some of my international readers!