A week in Northumberland

Had a fantastic week in Northumberland with fellow artists staying at Seahouses. Rather windy, but some glorious sunny days, and what dramatic scenery. Eiders everywhere as expected, but also Long-tailed Ducks, Purple Sandpipers, and as the week progressed more Arctic and Sandwich terns. I was particularlky drawn to the dynamtic shapes and patterns of the drake Eiders, especially in the sharp, bright light. Here are a selection of my sketches, more to follow.

Drake Eider snoozing amongst the colourful seaweed.

Group of drake Eiders feeding and preening in the splash zone

Inner Farne from Stag Rocks, we only made it out once to the islands due to the rough seas, and even then we found that most seabirds had not returned yet.

A few migrants were arriving, and this pile of rotting seaweed attracted upto 12 WhiteWagtails and a couple of Wheatears.

A classic NE scene, the Farnes with Arctic Terns.

Bamburgh Castle from Stag Rocks