I started by walking anti clockwise around the ponds on the eastern side of the main track, through the fields and returning by following the River Breamish.
Plenty of birds to be had, Wood Sandpiper was seen well on the first Largest pond, feeding on one of the shingle spits.
Also of note,
Greenshank 1
a good count of Gadwall 42+,
Goldeneye 6+
Little Grebe 27
Redpolls were buzzing overhead, a small group of Crossbills too. A couple of Raven circled, cronking away, headed south then headed back North away from the ponds.
4 Grey Wagtails counted during the walk.
As I walked the main track that separates the new from the old ponds there were countless Common Darters on the wing, exactly what I'd hoped, I went back to the car to change my lens.
Never ever tire of watching these insects, so alert and so beautiful