in and around south tyneside

[seggs]

few more-

[Scribbly Jack]

Top night boys, thanks!

[yukonite]

little owl back behind gas station on follingsby lane boldon,hedge running north from
taylors farm.
100+ goldfinch feeding on standing rapeseed.
no sign of common buzard for weeks and se owls not back yet.







=

[seggs]

Top night boys, thanks!
It was indeed Mick:t: great crack and future trips out almost sorted..over a few sherbits;)

[seggs]

little owl back behind gas station on follingsby lane boldon,hedge running north from
taylors farm.
100+ goldfinch feeding on standing rapeseed.
no sign of common buzard for weeks and se owls not back yet.







=
Welcome to the Forum Yukonite and great to hear about that part of South tyneside:t:

[echo24]

Top night boys, thanks!

Yes, thanks chaps - great stuff:t:

So, on our day out we can discuss our next night out when we can arrange another day out - anyone see a pattern emerging!:-O:-O

Off to Trow now:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

Been going through my old photo,s and came across this one, happy memories from my early birding days..
Sorry about the quality, its a photo of the pic.

[seggs]

Nice hour down Whitburn around 5 pm, hundreds of B.H.Gulls feeding on the sea at high tide, waiting for each wave to wash sand flies towards them. Two adult Med gulls with them(sorry about the pic,s record ones) possible pair as they hung around together?. Also 19 Teal very restless here on the sea, all the usual waders resting up or feeding at the north end of the beach/Steel.

[echo24]

Nice hour down Whitburn around 5 pm, hundreds of B.H.Gulls feeding on the sea at high tide, waiting for each wave to wash sand flies towards them. Two adult Med gulls with them(sorry about the pic,s record ones) possible pair as they hung around together?. Also 19 Teal very restless here on the sea, all the usual waders resting up or feeding at the north end of the beach/Steel.

Must've just missed you Steve, I left about 4.30. Spent about 45 minutes halfway down the grassy bank - usual waders very busy amongst the weed along the high water mark. I only spotted one Med Gull in the water so well done on getting the second one mate:t: Bar tailed Godwit also present.

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

Must've just missed you Steve, I left about 4.30. Spent about 45 minutes halfway down the grassy bank - usual waders very busy amongst the weed along the high water mark. I only spotted one Med Gull in the water so well done on getting the second one mate:t: Bar tailed Godwit also present.

Cheers, Dougie.
Pity i missed you mate , no waders in that small sandy bay whilst i was here(down the grassy bank) they were flitting mainly around the north end of the sand at Whitburn. But that little bay is a good spot at the right tide time. Missed the Barwit, still not seen any Purple sands returning yet here or on our local patches....any time now i would think:t:

[seggs]

All this talk of going out of the area got me thinking today, its great to experience different sites and birds etc...but would anyone fancy meeting up for a half day or so and cover the local area?? Especially places that are not so well known and watched or some people don,t know.. it would be a good way of sharing local knowledge amounst ourselfs.

[echo24]

All this talk of going out of the area got me thinking today, its great to experience different sites and birds etc...but would anyone fancy meeting up for a half day or so and cover the local area?? Especially places that are not so well known and watched or some people don,t know.. it would be a good way of sharing local knowledge amounst ourselfs.

Good idea Steve, I'm up for that mate - lemme know when you fancy:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[The gaffer]

All this talk of going out of the area got me thinking today, its great to experience different sites and birds etc...but would anyone fancy meeting up for a half day or so and cover the local area?? Especially places that are not so well known and watched or some people don,t know.. it would be a good way of sharing local knowledge amounst ourselfs.

Yes, count me in. Quite often people mention places where I am not sure about so it is an excellent way of sharing local knowledge.

You never know someone could even point me in the direction of a local little owl;):-O:-O

Excellent nite oot on Friday as usual with good beer, good crack and good company.

Doug I like your thinking about the pattern emerging sounds very logical to me and well worth following.

Brian

[Scribbly Jack]

All this talk of going out of the area got me thinking today, its great to experience different sites and birds etc...but would anyone fancy meeting up for a half day or so and cover the local area?? Especially places that are not so well known and watched or some people don,t know.. it would be a good way of sharing local knowledge amounst ourselfs.

Great idea Steve,

Count me in, for any weekend.

Mick

[The gaffer]

Two speckled wood butterflies in the elder trees opposite the White Horse pub. These were there yesterday also.

Brian

[echo24]

Hi Folks,

Spent 45 minutes in Marsden Quarry this lunchtime after a Greenish Warbler had been reported as being there this morning, plenty birders looking for it and one or two had fleeting glimpses – but as usual ‘Dougie Dipped’;)….. Other birds present were Willow Warbler, Redstart, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher, Wren, Coal and Great Tits.

Caught up with Martin and Jason:t: and following on from Friday night, the day out cropped up. We had a bit natter about Spurn as a possible location for the 27th – I’m sure Martin’s mentioned Spurn in previous posts as he’s had some great days out down there over the years but as always the weather played a big part as far as good birds were concerned. However if conditions aren’t good for migrants then I’m sure an alternative location could be found, Martin/anyone??

Heading back home, Little Owl sitting out midway along the quarry – sure I heard it calling “Brian, Brian” – could be wrong tho’:-O;)!!!

Cheers, Dougie.

PS, hope you had a good trip Steve?

[seggs]

Cracking sea trip! got all the birds i had hoped for with excellent views..highlights being - 8-10 Sooty Shearwaters (4 resting on the sea together at one point), between 50-70 Manxies,6 Bonxies at least, 4-6 Artic skuas and loads of Auks...Puffins,Razorbill and Guillemot, along with 2 Little gulls and great close views of other gulls.
Only my second Pelagic but what a delight it was! the sight of Sooties so close blew me away!
Many thanks to Ross for taking the time and trouble to sort this out:t:

Pics let me down:-C...but from a small boat bobbing about 12 miles off our coastline its hit and hope!:-O
First ones-
1- Marsden bay
2- Lime Kilns
3- Don,t know?
4- Boat we pulled up against was fishing and pulled a nice Ling in.

[seggs]

Skuas and Shearwaters-

[seggs]

Last ones for now..:-O

[gogsy]

Two speckled wood butterflies in the elder trees opposite the White Horse pub. These were there yesterday also.

Brian

I've seen them loads of times there Brian and took photo's of one not long ago.They are also seen on the shaded path coming down from the hills onto the White Horse path,They seem to be quite common now!.........Laurence :)

[DEREK.C.]

Nice Sooty pics, Steve:clap:

[seggs]

Marsden Quarry this pm, 2 Visits.- Got decent views of the Greenish warbler although brief as it called and flittered around the bushs and flew between them on the first visit but no sign of it on the second visit, also 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 C.Whitethroats. One Swift with about 30 Swallows overhead...and a Little Owl in one of its favourite spots.

Talking about Speckled Wood butterflies around these parts(as Laurence and Brian have in the above posts), i mentioned about them to Martin today when i met him here, as i saw 7 on the top of the quarry today by the Hall, don,t think ive seen so many around our area as i have this year.

It was like a Palegic reunion here today..me, Mick and Paul H. present.

[seggs]

Nice Sooty pics, Steve:clap:

Thanks Derek, i had forgottten how hard it was to photograph from a moving boat..:-O out of over 400 shots i maybe have 30 keepers and loads of nice water shots with blurred images in them...but i know a certain Yorkshireman got a few good ones;)

Forgot to mention we did have another unpaying visitor for a short while on the boat! a couple of mile off a Painted Lady flutterbye paid us a visit and took a likeing to Mick(Waxyplumer)it landed on this hand and stayed there for about 20 seconds..too close for my camera to focus.:-C

[seggs]

Lastest update on the Greenish Warbler- seen in a apple tree in the NW corner beside Quarry lane at 6.05pm.....bugger i just left Mr Cook the finder 30 minutes earlier or so as we decided to try different areas looking for it, looks like he found it again, thought i had seen a warbler fly that way earlier...should have followed my instinct instead of going off to see what the Little owls were shouting about!

[mcepjg]

wow sounds like you had a great day out, it must've been something special to see the auks and shearwaters. Shame we missed the night out was busy preparing letters for a job application :-(. looking forward to the next one. Seeing the spotted flycatcher pic reminded me of up in Scotland this summer. they were everywhere I never realised they flocked but there were about twenty all around. I never even knew you got them in coniferous woodland it was weird.

[seggs]

Sandhaven at Noon, 7 Roseates including one Juv., 50+ Common terns, 20+ Sandwich terns and 21 Teal flying around the pier area.
Thought i would post the duck shots instead over doing the tern shots here if i have,nt already:-O...As Jan tells me!

[rokermartin]

Still seeing lots of butterflies in the garden.Today i noticed a big increase of the number of Red Admirals i counted 7 thats my biggest count this year in the garden.Also seen 7 Peacocks,2 Small Tort and 3 Painted Ladies.

[yukonite]

took a pic of a painted lady resting on my dogs paw.
does anyone think the peacocks are darker than normal?
didnt get very close before it was off:flyaway:

[The gaffer]

Two skeins of geese flying close together c.100 birds heading south over Whitburn at about 6.30 last night.

No bins so unable to get an id.

Brian

[rokermartin]

took a pic of a painted lady resting on my dogs paw.
does anyone think the peacocks are darker than normal?
didnt get very close before it was off:flyaway:Hi the Peacocks that i have seen over the last few weeks just look normal i would'nt say they were any darker.

[rokermartin]

Another good day for butterflies in the garden this time i noticed an increase in number of Painted Ladies counted 7.Other butterflies seen 5 Peacocks,7 Red Admirals,3 Small Torts and 1 Speckled Wood. Still have'nt seen any Holly Blues in the garden yet i see them most years.Called into Whitburn this afternoon and saw my first Curlew Sandpiper of the autumn for there also 2 ad Roseate Terns, 80+ Common Terns and the usual waders.

[seggs]

Not much in the way of birds at some of the sites ive visited today,highlights being-
Slake road - 20+ L.t.tits, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow warbler, not many Curlew or Redshank here yet, pair of Mutes on the Don here.

Testo,s pond 2 Chiffchaffs, plenty Common darters here still, 1 Emperor Dragonfly but hardly any Damselflies.

Old MOD site Poorest its been. 1 Sparrowhawk

Sandhaven 4 Adult Roseates and my best count so far of juvs ...5. along with 15 Sandwich and 20+ Common terns. Also 21 Sanderling here.
Couple of mutes on Littlehaven beach.

North Marine park 1 Willow warbler had a half hearted attempted at singing.

Speckled woods by far out numbered any other butterflies at these 3 sites today,slake road, Testo,s and the Marine parks

[rokermartin]

Hi Steve its certainly been the best year i have known for seeing Speckled Woods in S.Tyneside and Durham and another species which i have seen loads of this year is Ringlet.Both species seem to have established themselves in our area.But on the downside the Small Tortoiseshell which used to be our commonest Vanessid species in our area numbers of those have gone down dramatically compared to a few years ago.I have seen very few of them in the garden this year. I think in general its been a excellent year for butterflies especially Painted Ladies but i dont think we have had the huge numbers that the experts were predicting a few months ago.

[seggs]

Hi Steve its certainly been the best year i have known for seeing Speckled Woods in S.Tyneside and Durham and another species which i have seen loads of this year is Ringlet.Both species seem to have established themselves in our area.But on the downside the Small Tortoiseshell which used to be our commonest Vanessid species in our area numbers of those have gone down dramatically compared to a few years ago.I have seen very few of them in the garden this year. I think in general its been a excellent year for butterflies especially Painted Ladies but i dont think we have had the huge numbers that the experts were predicting a few months ago.
Been a strange year for butterflies Martin no doubt, i seen far more Small torts. earlier on in the season compared to now, and the large amounts of Painted ladies! and like we have mentioned Speckled woods spreading to different areas and increasing in number.
So whats the predition for next year anyone????

[rokermartin]

Been a strange year for butterflies Martin no doubt, i seen far more Small torts. earlier on in the season compared to now, and the large amounts of Painted ladies! and like we have mentioned Speckled woods spreading to different areas and increasing in number.
So whats the predition for next year anyone????Hi Steve yes i can remember earlier on in the season seeing quite good numbers for Small Torts. Normally summer and autumn you expect to see lots of them around they are certainly getting to be a uncommon species these days.Another butterfly which i have seen loads of this year is Small Skipper which seems to be well established now in S.Tyneside and Durham.Talking about preditions i would love to see Brimstone in our area i dont know if they are expanding their range northwards.

[The gaffer]

Been a strange year for butterflies Martin no doubt, i seen far more Small torts. earlier on in the season compared to now, and the large amounts of Painted ladies! and like we have mentioned Speckled woods spreading to different areas and increasing in number.
So whats the predition for next year anyone????

Over the last few years I have seen butterflies which I have never seen before in this area, ringlet and speckled wood are just two examples. It adds fuel to the argument that climate change is occurring and at a pretty alarming rate. Whether this change is through atmospheric pollution or a natural earth cycle is a debate for another day.

It would be great to see new butterflies and as Martin says brimstone or perhaps more fritillaries but spare a thought for some of the butterflies which are having to move further north to survive. It could end up where they become extinct in the UK if the present rate of climate change continues:-C

Brian

[gogsy]

Quick walk up to Old Marsden Quarry produced two Whitethroats hunting through the bramble,got really close views,two Chiffchaff chasing each other,Wrens ,Robins ticking,Great tit and the usual crowd.
Butterflys that were seen,Small Tortys,Painted Ladies,lots of Speckled Woods,Whites ,Wall Brown and Meadow Brown.A beautiful morning only slightly marred by the irresponsible behaviour from the owners of the Great Danes that frequent the Quarry at the moment,I watched as this oldish lad walked past me into the bowl and the Danes came bounding up to him barking and jumping at him,he nearly had a heart attack and was panicking like hell,the owners who took their time shouting their dogs off blamed the man for reacting like he did.How many more people are going to be intimidated by these dogs or bitten before they realise it is not everyone eles fault because the cannot keep control of their pets!.....Rant over........Laurence :)

[rokermartin]

No sign of the juv Curlew Sandpiper at Whitburn this afternoon while i was there.The waders and the rest of the birds were getting disturbed a lot by people so i did'nt see much.Still plenty of butterflies in the garden today this time an increase of Small Torts counted 5 thats the most i have seen this year in the garden also seen 9 Peacock, 6 Red Admiral,8 Painted Ladies and 2 Speckled Woods.All of these butterflies are feeding on one small buddleia bush.

[ian hamilton]

whitburn steel,early am.
party of 10 teal flew nth and a party of 14 on the sea briefly close
inshore.female wheatear and a party of 7 pied wagtail at the sth bents

[echo24]

Hi Folks,

Quick visit to Trow this evening, Med Gull amongst BH Gulls in north end of the quarry, female Wheatear on Trow point.

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

Quick walk up to Old Marsden Quarry produced two Whitethroats hunting through the bramble,got really close views,two Chiffchaff chasing each other,Wrens ,Robins ticking,Great tit and the usual crowd.
Butterflys that were seen,Small Tortys,Painted Ladies,lots of Speckled Woods,Whites ,Wall Brown and Meadow Brown.A beautiful morning only slightly marred by the irresponsible behaviour from the owners of the Great Danes that frequent the Quarry at the moment,I watched as this oldish lad walked past me into the bowl and the Danes came bounding up to him barking and jumping at him,he nearly had a heart attack and was panicking like hell,the owners who took their time shouting their dogs off blamed the man for reacting like he did.How many more people are going to be intimidated by these dogs or bitten before they realise it is not everyone eles fault because the cannot keep control of their pets!.....Rant over........Laurence :)
I would dread to think Laurence if that had been our lass in the quarry today instead of the poor older bloke! Owners of any large dogs should realise most people don,t like them bounding towards them...i know the dog owners on this thread are responsible ones.

[degsy_safc]

Nothing much in the way of birds today at Far Pasture, Clara Vale or Kibblesworth....

So i decided to chase dragonflies - saw a Male & Female Black Darter at Kibblesworth Brickworks Pool - the female was ovipositing, from what i can gather i think i've managed to be the first to spot this species in Gateshead this year :t: (edit - apparently someone else saw one at Crawcrook Quarry same day as me - nevermind always next year) Unfortunately only managed to get a reasonable shot of the male.

Also managed a Migrant Hawker in flight at Far Pasture, plus there was a Southern Hawker and Emperor at Kibblesworth who would not hover in the same place for more than a nano second so no pics i'm afraid.

[The gaffer]

I would dread to think Laurence if that had been our lass in the quarry today instead of the poor older bloke! Owners of any large dogs should realise most people don,t like them bounding towards them...i know the dog owners on this thread are responsible ones.

Hear, hear:clap::clap::clap:

My dog is very obedient and only chases Steve and Jan:-O:-O

Brian

[johnsulli]

Usual walk along the cliff tops produced a suprise in the way of a Barnacle Goose sitting on the rocks just north of Manhaven Bay.

Plenty of Linnet and Goldfinch about down here feeding on the flower heads and seeds.

John

[rokermartin]

Went a long to South Shields this afternoon did'nt see any terns on the beach but saw 2 Med Gulls ad,juv.Next top was Lizard Point saw 2 ad Roseate Terns flying south and a juv Med Gull flying north.Whitburn was very quiet nothing much there.Had my biggest count of Small Torts in the garden today counted 8 also 9 Painted Ladies,5 Red Admirals,5 Peacocks.

[mcepjg]

a binocularless walk from Seaburn to Whitburn. curlews redshank turnstones, smaller waders, 3 wheatears. flock of over 300 birds on the horse & cow fields at whitburn, I am assuming they were golden plover, they were smaller than the lapwings there? also terns roosting on the rocks. I could not see clearly but they were quite big I thought maybe sandwich terns.

[mcepjg]

Here is a link to a thread about my holidays at carrbridge in the cairngorm national park.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=150109

[rokermartin]

I arrived in time this morning to see the Barred Warbler being released at Whitburn CPK.I think the ringers will turn up a rarity or two if they continue ringing there.Have'nt seen a great deal else today a part from a Common Buzzard flying south over Roker Park in the afternoon. Noticed Ross had a excellent count of 22 Roseate Terns at Shields today.

[seggs]

I arrived in time this morning to see the Barred Warbler being released at Whitburn CPK.I think the ringers will turn up a rarity or two if they continue ringing there.Have'nt seen a great deal else today a part from a Common Buzzard flying south over Roker Park in the afternoon. Noticed Ross had a excellent count of 22 Roseate Terns at Shields today.
Nice one Martin, turning up in time for the Barred Warbler, the lads trapping here and Leas area have reported good numbers of Garden warblers along our coast line for the last few years also, shows how some LBJ,s get missed.:-O hardly any Garden Warbs. reported along the Leas area.
Excellent count as you have said of Roseates by Ross....typical, i was at work!....ive visited the beach and pier area numerous time over the last few weeks as most would have noticed, and the counts of the birds have varied on each visit depending on feeding and human intervention

[The gaffer]

Had a walk along Marsden beach this morning with the dog. Plenty of meadow pipits around along with 3 pied wags, a flock of around 15 redshank and 12 gannets flew north about half a mile offshore.

Plus the usual cormorants, Fulmars, BH, GBB and herring gulls.

Brian

[rokermartin]

Did a seawatch from Lizard Point this afternoon did'nt see a great deal ,39 Manx Shearwaters,2 RT Divers,2 Common Scoter and several small flocks of Kittiwakes, Gannets.Weather forecast does'nt look to bad for seawatching in the coming week so hopefully there will be a few more skuas and shearwaters flying past.Its been another poor autumn for seabirds so far.Butterfly numbers have drop off in the garden today just 1 Red Admiral,3 Small Torts,5 Painted Ladies,3 Peacocks.

[seggs]

Quick hour along the pier at 3,30pm today, first off no terns on the beach here as i approached! single Curlew, few Oystercatchers and 18 Sanderling along with normal gulls but not in great numbers.
Spotted a few terns resting on the south side of the pier before the second gate which turned out to be Roseates and 7 of them including 3 juvs. giving excellent views when i parked my backside on the pier wall here (something i do regular here looking for waders resting). Another 4 birds where feeding off here (1 juv.)...11 in total.
Not many other terns around here at this time, the rosys out numbered all other species here.
At the end of the pier seen my first Purple sands(2) of the autumn feeding on the concreate blocks, few Guillemots drifting around here also along with a large raft of Kittiwakes(150+).
Back along to the pier approach area and 4 Roseates(family group 2 juvs) on Sandhaven with 2 Sandwich and 3 Common tern juvs., dismissed the 4 on the beach here in my count as they could have been birds i had seen earlier.

Sorry couple more Rosy shots..:eek!:

[Scribbly Jack]

Spent a few hrs on the coast today. I thought the wind coming of the North Sea may have brought us some nice passage birds. Went to the pier area first, where the tide was very high. I had to walk a few hundred yards south of the pier to find any birds. 3 Roseates and at least 15 Sandwich Terns. Not one common Tern (dont know if they move south earlier). Lots of gulls inc an adult GBB Gull keeping the juv Herring Gulls in line (stealing their food).
Went along to Trow and the Leas/ Mound area next. Spent nearly 2 hrs checking the bushes and long grass. Very poor show, a few Wheatears, good nos of Mipits, Linnets and Goldfinches. A solitary Housemartin, a few corvids, gulls, and the odd Fulmar, but very little else. The wind was blowing a hooly, so any half way sensible bird would have been sheltering.
I stopped in at Marsden Quarry and again was disappointed with the very low numbers of everything.
Not my best days birding, but it got me out the house.

Mick

PS are we still going birding abroad on the 27th

[echo24]

Spent a few hrs on the coast today. I thought the wind coming of the North Sea may have brought us some nice passage birds. Went to the pier area first, where the tide was very high. I had to walk a few hundred yards south of the pier to find any birds. 3 Roseates and at least 15 Sandwich Terns. Not one common Tern (dont know if they move south earlier). Lots of gulls inc an adult GBB Gull keeping the juv Herring Gulls in line (stealing their food).
Went along to Trow and the Leas/ Mound area next. Spent nearly 2 hrs checking the bushes and long grass. Very poor show, a few Wheatears, good nos of Mipits, Linnets and Goldfinches. A solitary Housemartin, a few corvids, gulls, and the odd Fulmar, but very little else. The wind was blowing a hooly, so any half way sensible bird would have been sheltering.
I stopped in at Marsden Quarry and again was disappointed with the very low numbers of everything.
Not my best days birding, but it got me out the house.

Mick

PS are we still going birding abroad on the 27th

Sounds like a similar day to mine Mick - very poor for birds around Trow and the leas, yesterday wasn't much better down there either:-C

Yep, still keen on the day out mate, got me passport and all that handy:-O

Cheers, Dougie:t:

[echo24]

Quick hour along the pier at 3,30pm today, first off no terns on the beach here as i approached! single Curlew, few Oystercatchers and 18 Sanderling along with normal gulls but not in great numbers.
Spotted a few terns resting on the south side of the pier before the second gate which turned out to be Roseates and 7 of them including 3 juvs. giving excellent views when i parked my backside on the pier wall here (something i do regular here looking for waders resting). Another 4 birds where feeding off here (1 juv.)...11 in total.
Not many other terns around here at this time, the rosys out numbered all other species here.
At the end of the pier seen my first Purple sands(2) of the autumn feeding on the concreate blocks, few Guillemots drifting around here also along with a large raft of Kittiwakes(150+).
Back along to the pier approach area and 4 Roseates(family group 2 juvs) on Sandhaven with 2 Sandwich and 3 Common tern juvs., dismissed the 4 on the beach here in my count as they could have been birds i had seen earlier.

Sorry couple more Rosy shots..:eek!:

Nice find with the Purple Sands, Steve:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

Spent a few hrs on the coast today. I thought the wind coming of the North Sea may have brought us some nice passage birds. Went to the pier area first, where the tide was very high. I had to walk a few hundred yards south of the pier to find any birds. 3 Roseates and at least 15 Sandwich Terns. Not one common Tern (dont know if they move south earlier). Lots of gulls inc an adult GBB Gull keeping the juv Herring Gulls in line (stealing their food).
Went along to Trow and the Leas/ Mound area next. Spent nearly 2 hrs checking the bushes and long grass. Very poor show, a few Wheatears, good nos of Mipits, Linnets and Goldfinches. A solitary Housemartin, a few corvids, gulls, and the odd Fulmar, but very little else. The wind was blowing a hooly, so any half way sensible bird would have been sheltering.
I stopped in at Marsden Quarry and again was disappointed with the very low numbers of everything.
Not my best days birding, but it got me out the house.

Mick

PS are we still going birding abroad on the 27th

The Rosy,s have a later breeding season normaly Mick than other terns around our parts, they are normally the last terns to arrive on our coastal line. This accounts for good sightings around this time of year on our local patches compared to other terns now, which you and me have both observed today to be low in number, especially Common terns compared to a week or so back.

[echo24]

Just a few pics from Trow over the weekend, like I said, very poor bird wise;)

Cheers, Dougie

[echo24]

Hi Folks, please could someone give me positive ID's on the 'dragons' and damsel - all from Testos pond late yesterday afternoon. I'm guessing pics 1 & 2 are the same species? and pic 5 is a male Common Darter?.... I really struggle with these little fellas, so any help will be greatly appreciated:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

To my untrained eye Dougie-
1 and 2 Migrant hawker...well done nice shots, not seen the bugger here! if it is?
3 ....female Common Darter
4..? damesly ..blue or blue tailed?
5..male Common Darter.
Just my guesses.

[echo24]

To my untrained eye Dougie-
1 and 2 Migrant hawker...well done nice shots, not seen the bugger here! if it is?

Just my guesses.


Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Steve, just 'googled' migrant hawker and found the BDS website here...

http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/aemix.html

which mentions the 'golf tee' Yellow mark on S2 as an ID aid...

Thanks again mate:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[rokermartin]

Hi Folks, please could someone give me positive ID's on the 'dragons' and damsel - all from Testos pond late yesterday afternoon. I'm guessing pics 1 & 2 are the same species? and pic 5 is a male Common Darter?.... I really struggle with these little fellas, so any help will be greatly appreciated:t:

Cheers, Dougie.
Hi Dougie Steve is right with pic 1 and 2 Migrant Hawker,pic 3 C Darter same with pic 5 and pic 4 is a male Emerald Dam.

[rokermartin]

I should have done a longer seawatch today good numbers of seabirds passed Whitburn including 11 Pom Skuas,2 Sab Gulls,25 Sooty Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater.

[echo24]

Hi Dougie Steve is right with pic 1 and 2 Migrant Hawker,pic 3 C Darter same with pic 5 and pic 4 is a male Emerald Dam.

Thanks Martin:t: - as with birds, I know recognition skills come with experience, but how can you tell the difference between a M&F Emerald Dam?

Just curious mate:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

PS, are you still up for the day out on the 27th?

[rokermartin]

Thanks Martin:t: - as with birds, I know recognition skills come with experience, but how can you tell the difference between a M&F Emerald Dam?

Just curious mate:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

PS, are you still up for the day out on the 27th?The female Emerald Dam is green in colour the male is also green but with a metallic bronze sheen to the lower part of its abdomen and throax also the last two segments of the males abdomen is blue.Yes i am still up for the 27th.

[rokermartin]

Good numbers of seabirds and wildfowl seen today off Whitburn including Great Shearwater,Cory's Shearwater.Unfortuately for me i did'nt see those but managed to catch up with Pom Skua ,Great Skua and Sooty Shearwater for the year list.

[AndyMc]

Hi:hi:
My better (fitter) half is doing 'the run' on Sunday:eek!:.
Anyone have any suggestions within walking distance of the finish? I might have to wait a while:-O. No scope, maybe just bins & camera.

Or will I be wasting my time due to the crowds.

[echo24]

Hi:hi:
My better (fitter) half is doing 'the run' on Sunday:eek!:.
Anyone have any suggestions within walking distance of the finish? I might have to wait a while:-O. No scope, maybe just bins & camera.

Or will I be wasting my time due to the crowds.

Hi Andy, no doubt about it, the area will be 'mega busy' on Sunday and that's one of the reasons I will be 10 miles offshore on a pelagic trip!:-O - but you could always give Trow Quarry the 'once over' (you never know at this time of year)...... Trow is about 200mts from the GNR finish line and has a very obliging resident Little Owl.:t:

PM me for more info if you wish:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

Hi Folks, Trow and the bays tonight 5.30 – 7.30.

Good numbers of the usual Gulls, both on the leas and the big beach. 33 Oystercatchers, 9 Turnstones, 5 Redshank and a single Sanderling behind Trow point, two Teal north past here also.

Wheatear just north of target rock on the granite blocks. ‘Trowl’ in his usual tree.

Checked the second (southernmost) bay out and was very surprised to see an adult Gannet amongst the rocks here – not really sure why the bird would be ashore right now as it didn’t appear to be sick/injured or anything – most unusual for Trow and a first down there for me.

Cheers, Dougie:t:

[echo24]

The female Emerald Dam is green in colour the male is also green but with a metallic bronze sheen to the lower part of its abdomen and throax also the last two segments of the males abdomen is blue.Yes i am still up for the 27th.

Thanks for your help Martin - much appreciated:t:

See you on the 27th mate!

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

Hi Folks, Trow and the bays tonight 5.30 – 7.30.

Good numbers of the usual Gulls, both on the leas and the big beach. 33 Oystercatchers, 9 Turnstones, 5 Redshank and a single Sanderling behind Trow point, two Teal north past here also.

Wheatear just north of target rock on the granite blocks. ‘Trowl’ in his usual tree.

Checked the second (southernmost) bay out and was very surprised to see an adult Gannet amongst the rocks here – not really sure why the bird would be ashore right now as it didn’t appear to be sick/injured or anything – most unusual for Trow and a first down there for me.

Cheers, Dougie:t:
Nice one Dougie:t: also a Juv. at Hartlepool today in a similar situation, maybe the NE wind have pushed them towards the shore? good seawatching day like Martin has mentioned. ...stuck at work:C

[rokermartin]

Thanks for your help Martin - much appreciated:t:

See you on the 27th mate!

Cheers, Dougie.Hi Dougie glad to be of help.I really hope that we have the right weather conditions for Spurn and the Yorks coast.As i was saying to you Spurn can be a excellent place for migrants especially this time of year when anything can turn up. I have had some great birding days there in the past i have seen Great Snipes,Great-Spotted Cuckoo,Great Reed Warblers,Isabelline Shrikes,Demoiselle Crane,Booted Warblers,Pallas's Warblers etc and seen massive falls of common migrants.There is a Booted Warbler at Spurn at the moment.Just have to keep our fingers crossed .

[seggs]

Hi Andy, no doubt about it, the area will be 'mega busy' on Sunday and that's one of the reasons I will be 10 miles offshore on a pelagic trip!:-O - but you could always give Trow Quarry the 'once over' (you never know at this time of year)...... Trow is about 200mts from the GNR finish line and has a very obliging resident Little Owl.:t:

PM me for more info if you wish:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

And if you have a little more time on your hands Andy wander towards the pier area(or even on it) along Sandhaven beach from Trow, its worth the visit normally this time of year;)
All the best to your lass in the run, us locals are confined this day to local walks only normally...:-O

[jason-t-71]

Right, so we've established that its the run this sunday. We've also established that me and Dougie are doing this boat trip - also on sunday. My question is, have I got a hope in hell of parking??? And getting home for that matter! You local boys may have an idea of the situation (he says hopefully!).

[seggs]

Right, so we've established that its the run this sunday. We've also established that me and Dougie are doing this boat trip - also on sunday. My question is, have I got a hope in hell of parking??? And getting home for that matter! You local boys may have an idea of the situation (he says hopefully!).
The free parking by the Customs house/Riverside and Steam boat pub area should,nt be a problem hopefully this day if you are early enough as you will be for the trip out of the Tyne Jason,getting back along the coastline after the trip out to Sunderland turf on the other hand maybe a different story;):-O

[echo24]

Right, so we've established that its the run this sunday. We've also established that me and Dougie are doing this boat trip - also on sunday. My question is, have I got a hope in hell of parking??? And getting home for that matter! You local boys may have an idea of the situation (he says hopefully!).


Hi Jason,

Your travelling plans shouldn’t be affected as the road closures don’t kick in till 9.45 am – we’ll be long gone by then mate. The roads generally re-open about 3.30pm so we hopefully won’t encounter any problems either way.

Re the parking situation. You could always leave your car at my house and Lynne will drop us both off at Mill dam then pick us up on our return? Just a thought mate.

Cheers, Dougie.

PS, dont forget your waterproofs:eek!:

[The gaffer]

8 swallows swooping very low over the the very short grass looking for insects this evening. At one point me and the dog were surrounded by them as they hoped that our footsteps would kick up insects.

Brian

[echo24]

8 swallows swooping very low over the the very short grass looking for insects this evening. At one point me and the dog were surrounded by them as they hoped that our footsteps would kick up insects.

Brian

I've noticed that they're becoming less frequent on the Leas now Brian, very few House Martins on my last few visits to Trow as well - not be long before they're all completely gone and we're welcoming in the winter thrushes - Brrr!!!:eek!:

Cheers, Dougie:t:.

[seggs]

I've noticed that they're becoming less frequent on the Leas now Brian, very few House Martins on my last few visits to Trow as well - not be long before they're all completely gone and we're welcoming in the winter thrushes - Brrr!!!:eek!:

Cheers, Dougie:t:.
Brr..great! already Brent geese have been seen passing our coastline in the last few days and a Snow bunting around the Obs. today(and Hartlepool)!..let alone the sea passage:-C stuck at work again!
Ianf has a few cracking shots of Brents and Snow bunting on the Durham thread from the last few days.(did you use the Red necked grebe lure Ian?;))
Lets hope the good passage continues for the lads/Lasses on Sunday out from Shields:t:

[rokermartin]

I forgot to mention i had excellent views of a male Peregrine flying round Lizard Point getting mobbed by Jackdaws yesterday.

[jason-t-71]

Took Maria for a walk this afternoon along the coast, the highlight (apart from the fish and chips) was a flock of about 6 Snow Bunting in the rifle range fields. Its the first time she has seen them. Probably cos she couldnt care less about birds but thats beside the point. Also seen a couple of Velvet Scoter flying past and a flock of Brent Geese. Is it me or is winter coming???

[rokermartin]

2 YB Warblers in our area today one at Whitburn CPK the other at Marsden quarry.The one at the CPK was'nt showing at all but it was heard calling.I managed to get good views of the one at the quarry late this afternoon.Its in the same area where the Greenish Warbler was seen.

[echo24]

Hi Folks, just a few from today – an unexpected day off work presented itself so I managed to fit in an hour or so in Trow and the Leas mound this morning and a couple of hours around Whitburn this afternoon…Usual Gulls etc in both locations.

Trow produced, 2 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 33 Meadow Pipits, 20+ House Martins, 1 Swallow, 8 Goldfinch, 3 Pied Wags and the ‘other’ Little Owl – it was sitting on the granite blocks in the second bay and flew towards Frenchman’s when the dog ran along the embankment and disturbed it.

Whitburn….. Rock Pipit, Linnet, Pied Wagtail, Curlew, Redshank, Barwit, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover (C1500), Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Barnacle Goose and a big flock of Starlings….

Butterflies, 2 ‘Whites’ 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 3 Painted Ladies.

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

Just a few more:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

PS, I think the 'Barnie' must be the same bird John found nearer to Marsden earlier in the month:t:

[seggs]

Dougie, "The other Little Owl" was it the shy bird of the resident pair or the one which has been seen now again at the south end of the Southern bay? which i suspect may be a sibling from the Trow birds over the years. Nice day mate by the sounds of it:t:

[seggs]

2 YB Warblers in our area today one at Whitburn CPK the other at Marsden quarry.The one at the CPK was'nt showing at all but it was heard calling.I managed to get good views of the one at the quarry late this afternoon.Its in the same area where the Greenish Warbler was seen.
Nice one Martin, Mr Cook the finder strikes again!...some list he has for here.
Even if the lad does,nt live on the doorstep, he,s not given up the patch he loves, or will do after a conversation i had with him looking for the Greenish Warbler the other week.:clap:

[echo24]

Dougie, "The other Little Owl" was it the shy bird of the resident pair or the one which has been seen now again at the south end of the Southern bay? which i suspect may be a sibling from the Trow birds over the years. Nice day mate by the sounds of it:t:


Hi Steve, yes great day mate - even better when its unexpected!:t:

I think it's the 'browner' bird which we picked up on a few years back - and it seems to favour the southern end of the bay but I only see it rarely - It's much more elusive than 'Trowl' and was getting 'a bit of stick' from the pied wags and mipits this morning:eek!:

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

I forgot to mention i had excellent views of a male Peregrine flying round Lizard Point getting mobbed by Jackdaws yesterday.

Always a great sight - nice one Martin:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[rokermartin]

Nice one Martin, Mr Cook the finder strikes again!...some list he has for here.
Even if the lad does,nt live on the doorstep, he,s not given up the patch he loves, or will do after a conversation i had with him looking for the Greenish Warbler the other week.:clap:Hi Steve yes Paul has found some good birds over the years in Marsden quarry.I am not surprised because he puts a heck of a lot time in looking.He was saying today he is normally the only birder there checking.Migration times i tend to go to Trow,Whitburn CPK, the Leas and one or two other places.

[echo24]

[QUOTE=jason-t-71;1588519]Took Maria for a walk this afternoon along the coast, the highlight was a flock of about 6 Snow Bunting in the rifle range fields./QUOTE]

Hi Jason, I was hoping they'd be still around today but didn't manage to find them - nice day all the same mate:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

Hi Steve yes Paul has found some good birds over the years in Marsden quarry.I am not surprised because he puts a heck of a lot time in looking.He was saying today he is normally the only birder there checking.Migration times i tend to go to Trow,Whitburn CPK, the Leas and one or two other places.
Mind you,ve done well yourself over the years Martin:t:

[degsy_safc]

Hi all,

Spent a couple of hours at Clara Vale on Thursday evening between 17.30 & 19.00, pretty much the usual suspects seen;

Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Jay, Pheasant, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Dunnock, Nuthatch, Woodpigeon & Robin.

Couple of pictures;

[Scribbly Jack]

Next Sunday chaps, I've 2 spaces in my car, and will be more than happy to pick a couple of others up anywhere in S/tyneside.
I'm proposing another early start, and meeting at the Leas again seems like a good idea. Bill is also taking his car, but would prefer to meet us on the A19 somewhere, so we could take a detour off the Nissan turn off as he lives in Hylton Castle or Town End Fm area.
Should be a canny day


Mick

[StevieEvans]

a Chiffchaff, 10LTTits, GSW & 3 Wood Pigeon nests with eggs in a large Cleadon garden this week, also 3Speckled Wood b'flys yesterday afternoon in the sunshine.

[echo24]

Next Sunday chaps, I've 2 spaces in my car, and will be more than happy to pick a couple of others up anywhere in S/tyneside.
I'm proposing another early start, and meeting at the Leas again seems like a good idea. Bill is also taking his car, but would prefer to meet us on the A19 somewhere, so we could take a detour off the Nissan turn off as he lives in Hylton Castle or Town End Fm area.
Should be a canny day


Mick

Just sent you a PM, Mick:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[Scribbly Jack]

My car is full now, but as far a I'm aware Bill will have two spaces in his car.

Mick

[rokermartin]

Saw a Pied Flycatcher this afternoon at Trow Quarry very little else migrant wise today.

[seggs]

Saw a Pied Flycatcher this afternoon at Trow Quarry very little else migrant wise today.
Where abouts in the quarry Martin? not heard of any this year here.:t:

[rokermartin]

Where abouts in the quarry Martin? not heard of any this year here.:t:Hi Steve in the trees where the Greenish Warblers were a few years ago.

[seggs]

Hi Steve in the trees where the Greenish Warblers were a few years ago.
Thanks mate that brought back the memory of my best views of Greenish.- Trow main bowl area(thats what i call it).

[The gaffer]

Three spaces left in my car if anyone wants one

Brian

[jason-t-71]

Who has the pleasure of picking me up?

[The gaffer]

Who has the pleasure of picking me up?

I think we might have to draw straws:-O:-O

Brian

[rokermartin]

Shame about the Pelagic being cancelled tomorrow.The one from North Shields today saw 20 Sooty Shearwaters,2 Pom Skuas, Great and Arctic Skuas,4 Manx Shearwaters,125 Little Gulls

[seggs]

Who has the pleasure of picking me up?
They will soon put you down!...:-O..good tidings 2 mora lads, Pom. seen on the North Shields trip today along with good views of other seabirds. Only know this as i pointed 3 lads which had been on the trip today towards the 3/4 Roseates this evening 2 thirds along the pier, as we rattled on Sandhaven.

[rokermartin]

They will soon put you down!...:-O..good tidings 2 mora lads, Pom. seen on the North Shields trip today along with good views of other seabirds. Only know this as i pointed 3 lads which had been on the trip today towards the 3/4 Roseates this evening 2 thirds along the pier, as we rattled on Sandhaven.Hi Steve,Jas told me today that tomorrows Pelagic is cancelled due to 3 birders dropping out.

[seggs]

Hi Steve,Jas told me today that tomorrows Pelagic is cancelled due to 3 birders dropping out.
Thats a bummer, lets hope other arrangements can be made for the rest, i would gladly go on another Pelagic in a few weeks time.

[echo24]

Hi Folks,:t:

Had an hours ‘mooch’ around Marsden Quarry late yesterday morning for the Yellow Browed and Barred Warblers – no luck with either. Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Mistle Thrush, Little Owl, Great and Blue Tits all present, as well as 1 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled woods and a male Common Darter around Marsden Hall.

Academy Pools on the afternoon…..Nothing out of the ordinary Gull wise. Swallow House Martin, Pochard, Tufties, Mallard, Dabchick, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Heron, Blackbird, Pied Wagtail, Wren & Kestrel…


Whitburn Steel 3.30 – 4.30pm (high water) Rock Pipit, Pied & Grey Wags, Common and Roseate Tern (1), Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Knot, Turnstone, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Cormorant and Med Gull – Kestrel over cliff tops scattering Linnets/Goldfinches…:eek!:

Med Gull and 16 House Sparrows in grotto car park…


Cheers, Dougie.

PS, Grey Partridge road kill near to New Ship pub.:-C

[The gaffer]

Had a walk with the dog along Marsden beach this morning. Too many people on waiting for the GNR to start:eek!:

I was trying out a new lens and here are a few of the results.

Brian

[echo24]

Had a walk with the dog along Marsden beach this morning. Too many people on waiting for the GNR to start:eek!:

I was trying out a new lens and here are a few of the results.

Brian

Nice set of pics Brian - what lens you using mate?

Cheers, Dougie.

[The gaffer]

Nice set of pics Brian - what lens you using mate?

Cheers, Dougie.

Dougie,

Canon 70-200 f/2.8, really sharp lens and it was nice to get some success with birds in flight for a change :-O:t: Even the crops were good despite being heavily cropped.

How are you getting there next Sunday? Are the arrangements with tranport finalised? Sorry to hear the boat trip was cancelled today I bet you were gutted:-C

Still you had the GNR as compensation:-O:-O

Brian

[echo24]

Dougie,

Canon 70-200 f/2.8, really sharp lens and it was nice to get some success with birds in flight for a change :-O:t: Even the crops were good despite being heavily cropped.

How are you getting there next Sunday? Are the arrangements with tranport finalised? Sorry to hear the boat trip was cancelled today I bet you were gutted:-C

Still you had the GNR as compensation:-O

Brian

You’ll get some good shots with that lens Brian, and it’s always nice when you’re pleased with the results.:t:

Re next Sunday… thanks for asking mate – I think John & me are travelling with Mick and Ross again – and Martin, Jason & Steve may be travelling with you – I just assumed it was the same arrangements as we had for Blacktoft – could be wrong tho’?

Yeah, hit with a double whammy this weekend, boat trip cancelled and I was absolutely gutted – there’s some great birds out there just now and I'd have liked to have been out there with them.:-C
Then to add insult to injury I had to put up with all the inconvenience of the masses who are so disrespectful to my local patch, dropping litter by the sack full, lighting bbq’s and burning the grass etc, etc – I know there is a ‘clean up’ operation for a day or two after but It’s always half arsed and the place is never the same for months – I hate the GNR and all that comes with it!:C:C

Rant over……….till next year!:-O

Dougie (victor meldrew) Holden;)

[seggs]

Times been tight getting out at the moment with work(i have to grab it when i can this year). So a few hours over the last couple of days with decent light(at times) around the pier area was well welcomed.
Yesterday was poor compared to today, apart from distant views of Roseates and a Grey seal that fished close in.

Todays walk around here and the length of the pier produced some great sights (when i managed to park up) around 5pm.
3 Roseates, 1 Juv.
25+ Oystercatchers
32 Sanderling(my best count this Autumn so far)
2 Dunlin
15+ Redshank
15-20 Ringed Plovers
20+ Turnstones
2 Purple sands
1 Female Teal (first time ive seen one on the side of the pier)
All roosting near the second gate area.

Also 3 other Roseates(1 juv.) fishing near the end of the Pier, i did a double take to make sure the first 3 where still present at the roost area...so 6 in total today, no other terns seen whilst i was here.
Also 2 Male Eiders close in, one going into eclipse along with a Grey seal more than likely the same one from yesterday, one Red throated diver going south, slow movement of Gannets.

Kittiwakes resting near the end of the pier(50-60) and a raft of 100+ on the sea.

[echo24]

Times been tight getting out at the moment with work(i have to grab it when i can this year). So a few hours over the last couple of days with decent light(at times) around the pier area was well welcomed.
Yesterday was poor compared to today, apart from distant views of Roseates and a Grey seal that fished close in.

Todays walk around here and the length of the pier produced some great sights (when i managed to park up) around 5pm.
3 Roseates, 1 Juv.
25+ Oystercatchers
32 Sanderling(my best count this Autumn so far)
2 Dunlin
15+ Redshank
15-20 Ringed Plovers
20+ Turnstones
2 Purple sands
1 Female Teal (first time ive seen one on the side of the pier)
All roosting near the second gate area.

Also 3 other Roseates(1 juv.) fishing near the end of the Pier, i did a double take to make sure the first 3 where still present at the roost area...so 6 in total today, no other terns seen whilst i was here.
Also 2 Male Eiders close in, one going into eclipse along with a Grey seal more than likely the same one from yesterday, one Red throated diver going south, slow movement of Gannets.

Kittiwakes resting near the end of the pier(50-60) and a raft of 100+ on the sea.

Sounds like a canny finish to a not so good day Steve;).

Nice photos mate:t:.

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

More pics.-

[martin kitching]

As much as I'd like to have organised a pelagic that found 125 Little Gulls and 2 Poms...in the interests of accuracy it was one of each (+ 20 Sooties, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas and lots of Gannets and Kittiwakes). Where do you get your info from?

cheers
martin

Shame about the Pelagic being cancelled tomorrow.The one from North Shields today saw 20 Sooty Shearwaters,2 Pom Skuas, Great and Arctic Skuas,4 Manx Shearwaters,125 Little Gulls

[rokermartin]

As much as I'd like to have organised a pelagic that found 125 Little Gulls and 2 Poms...in the interests of accuracy it was one of each (+ 20 Sooties, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas and lots of Gannets and Kittiwakes). Where do you get your info from?

cheers
martinRare bird alert

[seggs]

As much as I'd like to have organised a pelagic that found 125 Little Gulls and 2 Poms...in the interests of accuracy it was one of each (+ 20 Sooties, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas and lots of Gannets and Kittiwakes). Where do you get your info from?

cheers
martin
Pm,s are good for this sort of thing.

[rokermartin]

Whitburn CPK this afternoon had a very brief view of a YB Warbler in the big mound south of the lighthouse.Had a quick look at Whitburn Steel saw 2 ad Roseate Terns flying south and a Peregrine flew north nothing much else seen.

[The gaffer]

Had a look on RAC route planner for the route to Spurn Head. According to this site the travelling time is 4 hours, does anyone know if this is about right?:eek!:

If so I think an early start is required on Sunday morning is 6am too early?:eek!:

[mcepjg]

Out down shields to Seaburn again yesterday. saw the eiders seggs mentioned and also a common darter at Whitburn, and at least six partridges. got to see the barnacle goose (he seemed very tame and wandered towards us). I was gutted I missed out on the roseate terns again. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the purple sands too as I never saw those either. At seaburn end saw the golden plovers again, but this time in better light also lots of winter plumage dunlin.

[rokermartin]

Had a look on RAC route planner for the route to Spurn Head. According to this site the travelling time is 4 hours, does anyone know if this is about right?:eek!:

If so I think an early start is required on Sunday morning is 6am too early?:eek!:Hi Brian it used to take me about 3 hours or so to get to Spurn.The worst part of the route is from Hull to Spurn it seems to take ages because of the winding narrow road.At the moment the weather does'nt look good for Spurn and the Yorkshire coast but should know better later on in the week.There has been a few good birds seen down in the Spurn area in the last few days Woodchat,Red backed Shrike,Wrynecks,Short -toed Lark,Barred,Icterine Warblers and RB Flycatcher

[mcepjg]

This sunday's photo's.

[Scribbly Jack]

Hi Brian it used to take me about 3 hours or so to get to Spurn.The worst part of the route is from Hull to Spurn it seems to take ages because of the winding narrow road.At the moment the weather does'nt look good for Spurn and the Yorkshire coast but should know better later on in the week.There has been a few good birds seen down in the Spurn area in the last few days Woodchat,Red backed Shrike,Wrynecks,Short -toed Lark,Barred,Icterine Warblers and RB Flycatcher

Aye took us about 3hrs last time, and Martin is right the last bit from Hull is a drag.
6am sounds about right Brian.

Mick

[Scribbly Jack]

Are plans finalised for Sunday, and has everyone who wants to go got a seat? If so are there any places available in any cars? There could be a couple of S/tside lads who wold fill them if available.
Dougie, John, is 5.45 am at the Bamburgh ok?

[echo24]

Dougie, John, is 5.45 am at the Bamburgh ok?

Spot on, thanks Mick - I'll even get a lie in:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

C30 Redwing over cleadon 4.45 pm:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[The gaffer]

Are plans finalised for Sunday, and has everyone who wants to go got a seat? If so are there any places available in any cars? There could be a couple of S/tside lads who wold fill them if available.
Dougie, John, is 5.45 am at the Bamburgh ok?

Mick,

As Stevie is not going there will be one place in mine. Martin is still concerned about the weather for Sunday.

Brian

[The gaffer]

Spot on, thanks Mick - I'll even get a lie in:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

A lie in!!!!:eek!::eek!:

What ungodly hour do you normally get up?

Its Sunday - a day for lying in:t:

Brian

[echo24]

A lie in!!!!:eek!::eek!:

What ungodly hour do you normally get up?

Its Sunday - a day for lying in:t:

Brian

4.45am Brian:-O - I do that five days a week but finish work noon on friday (usually), I love that early part of the day (it's great for seeing foxes) so getting up has never been a problem for me:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[Scribbly Jack]

Mick,

Martin is still concerned about the weather for Sunday.

Brian

Just checked the Met Office web site and moved the synoptic chart on 60, 72, and 84 hrs (a makeshift way of forecasting, I know). This suggests that high pressure will be in charge and that the weather fronts sitting in the Atlantic at the moment will pass north of us.
It is difficult to forecast 5 days hence with any degree of accuracy, however high pressure tends to move more slowly and is therefore a little easier to predict.
I think the weather will be fine but chilly this weekend, but don’t vilify me if it turns out otherwise.


Mick

[seggs]

Out down shields to Seaburn again yesterday. saw the eiders seggs mentioned and also a common darter at Whitburn, and at least six partridges. got to see the barnacle goose (he seemed very tame and wandered towards us). I was gutted I missed out on the roseate terns again. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the purple sands too as I never saw those either. At seaburn end saw the golden plovers again, but this time in better light also lots of winter plumage dunlin.
Chances are fading now Pete with Roseates for this year, but some birds may be sighted still within the next couple of weeks or so here. No doubt you will catch up with Purple sands. soon as winter approaches and the numbers increase along our coastline.

[nellieberta]

Just checked the Met Office web site and moved the synoptic chart on 60, 72, and 84 hrs (a makeshift way of forecasting, I know). This suggests that high pressure will be in charge and that the weather fronts sitting in the Atlantic at the moment will pass north of us.
It is difficult to forecast 5 days hence with any degree of accuracy, however high pressure tends to move more slowly and is therefore a little easier to predict.
I think the weather will be fine but chilly this weekend, but don’t vilify me if it turns out otherwise.


Mick

AKA Michael Fish!!!

[The gaffer]

Now that the amateur meteorologists have stopped fondling their seeweed and checking whether the pine cones are open or closed are we any nearer to deciding if the weather is alright for Sunday:-O:-O

Brian

[jason-t-71]

I think what Martin was meaning was that the weather doesnt look good for migrants and rarities turning up. And by the way Dougie, a lie in is getting up in time for your dinner!!!

[The gaffer]

I think what Martin was meaning was that the weather doesnt look good for migrants and rarities turning up. And by the way Dougie, a lie in is getting up in time for your dinner!!!

Jason,

I thought that what was Martin meant but I just thought I would follow it up to see if any decision had been taken if the weather is not favourable. ;)

I like your idea of a lie in although I would have to be in a coma to sleep that long:eek!::-O

Brian

[rokermartin]

I have seen the weather forecast for the weekend and its not good for Spurn and the Yorkshire coast there are very few migrants around because of the westerly wind.The wind looks as if it is changing to south east by the middle of next week so hopefully there might be a few migrants coming in.Went down to Teeside today saw the Buff-breasted Sandpiper which was found yesterday evening at Saltholm RSPB it was flying around a lot but managed to get reasonable views of it.Also there is a Blue-winged Teal down there but missed that.

[Scribbly Jack]

What is going on, are we going on Sunday or not? I really could do with someone making a decision some time soon.
I agee it may be a bit pointless if there is nothing to see, but either way I'd appreciate a decision sometime soon.

Cheers,

Mick

[rokermartin]

If people are still interested in going down to Spurn and the Yorkshire coast we could wait and see what next weekend or even the weekend after is like weather wise for migrants.Thats the only trouble with these migration hot spots you need the right weather At the moment its very quiet for birds.

[johnsulli]

What is going on, are we going on Sunday or not? I really could do with someone making a decision some time soon.
I agee it may be a bit pointless if there is nothing to see, but either way I'd appreciate a decision sometime soon.

Cheers,

Mick

Hi Mick

Been in touch with Doug and we are both still keen, anyway who said we are going looking for birds its a bit of a hit and miss thing and just going for the day out.B (::smoke:;);)

John

[Scribbly Jack]

Hi Mick

Been in touch with Doug and we are both still keen, anyway who said we are going looking for birds its a bit of a hit and miss thing and just going for the day out.B (::smoke:;);)

John

Lets give it a shot eh? If the wind direction changes I'll have another trip down next week.
If Spurn is poor we can pop up to Flamborough Head.
See you at about 5.45am on Sunday.

Mick

[degsy_safc]

Lets give it a shot eh? If the wind direction changes I'll have another trip down next week.
If Spurn is poor we can pop up to Flamborough Head.
See you at about 5.45am on Sunday.

Mick

Good luck Lads - i'll keep my fingers crossed you get some good sightings :t::t:

[Scribbly Jack]

Good luck Lads - i'll keep my fingers crossed you get some good sightings :t::t:

Cheers Derek, we may need a bit of the old Degsy magic;)

Mick

[seggs]

Hope the trip goes well lads, i for one would love to go again but due to work i cannot make it.:-C
Don,t read into weather reports and wind directions too much just enjoy the day as it was planned.You never know what will turn up, and its great to visit different sites and enjoy the crack.

[degsy_safc]

Cheers Derek, we may need a bit of the old Degsy magic;)

Mick

Aye - wish the old Degsy magic was still around - but i think i've lost the lucky streak, although i did manage to see my first Tawny Owl in the wild at Thornley last Saturday :t: No photo's but my list is now at 151, considering i don't normally go chasing the reports and i only really visit Gateshead, Cresswell & Saltholme i'm really pleased.

Anyway - have a cracking time :t:

[echo24]

Lets give it a shot eh? If the wind direction changes I'll have another trip down next week.
If Spurn is poor we can pop up to Flamborough Head.
See you at about 5.45am on Sunday.

Mick

Would've chipped in earlier lads but my t'internet connection was down all day yesterday, as John has already said we're both still keen on a day out regardless of the weather etc

See you 5.45 the morra chaps!:t::t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[jason-t-71]

I know its short notice, and for that I apologise, but while playing football yesterday I cracked a bone in my foot so unfortunately I'm not going anywhere this weekend! I hope everyone else goes and has a great time, and that loads of rarities turn up!!!

[echo24]

Egyptian Goose amongst Greylags at Boldon Flats - 4pm.

Cheers, Dougie.

PS, hope you're on the mend soon Jason:t:

[Scribbly Jack]

Had a trip down to Teesside this morning, in an attempt to catch the B/W Teal. I arrived early and had half an hour watching the R/B Shrike at Dormans, then another half hour watching the Buff Breasted Sand at the far side of Back Salthome.
Ross rang saying he was hunting (not literally) Glossy Ibis in Northumberland, and no one had managed to view the B/W Teal, so off I went to Cresswell. Got there in time to be treated to some fantastic views. I believe Derek has one or two poor record shots;);):t: (If you get your camera equip from Bazooka Joe bubbly, then what do you expect:-O:t:)
Got well over 50 species today, of which 3 were good year ticks. Also had a really good craic in cracking weather. If tomorrow turns out to be half as good we're in for a canny day!

Mick

[degsy_safc]

Spent the day at Cresswell for a change - and what a day

4 new species for me today, Grey Plover, Scaup, Glossy Ibis & Pink Footed Goose - moving the grand total to 155 :t:

I was really chuffed when the Ibis made its second appearance at Cresswell for the day, i watched it fly over and told two proper birders exactly where it landed - they went out and checked the reeds on the RHS (when viewed from access road) of the little pond and bingo - word went out :t:

Apparently it had been there in the morning but the people who saw it didn't pass the message on - much to the dismay of some of the birders who caught up with it on its second showing.

Saw Mick & Ross and we had a good old chin wag as usual, showed them a couple of the shots and we all agreed that they were really quite poor - probably due to the distance and the poor quality optics..

Anyway piccies just downloading so will post a couple when processed


I believe Derek has one or two poor record shots;);):t: (If you get your camera equip from Bazooka Joe bubbly, then what do you expect:-O:t:) Mick

Precisely Mick the the camera gear came free in a lucky bag :-O

PS - Called in to Thornley later this evening and had a fantastic sighting of the Tawny Owl as it flew from left of hide to trees at back RHS - best view for me by far!!

[rokermartin]

Seems as if a few of us were at Cresswell today i was there too but only saw the Glossy Ibis in flight.The Glossy Ibis is the first one to been seen in Northumberland for 20yrs and also its the first one i have seen in the UK for 20yrs.There is a influx of them at the moment i would'nt be surprised if one turns up at Teeside.

[seggs]

Egyptian Goose amongst Greylags at Boldon Flats - 4pm.

Cheers, Dougie.

PS, hope you're on the mend soon Jason:t:
Nice South Tyneside tick mate:t:, i had hoped the bird would turn up here on its travels around the area.
.......................
Jason - hope you are ok soon, time to hang the boots up?|^|

[seggs]

Spent the day at Cresswell for a change - and what a day

4 new species for me today, Grey Plover, Scaup, Glossy Ibis & Pink Footed Goose - moving the grand total to 155 :t:

I was really chuffed when the Ibis made its second appearance at Cresswell for the day, i watched it fly over and told two proper birders exactly where it landed - they went out and checked the reeds on the RHS (when viewed from access road) of the little pond and bingo - word went out :t:

Apparently it had been there in the morning but the people who saw it didn't pass the message on - much to the dismay of some of the birders who caught up with it on its second showing.

Saw Mick & Ross and we had a good old chin wag as usual, showed them a couple of the shots and we all agreed that they were really quite poor - probably due to the distance and the poor quality optics..

Anyway piccies just downloading so will post a couple when processed




Precisely Mick the the camera gear came free in a lucky bag :-O

PS - Called in to Thornley later this evening and had a fantastic sighting of the Tawny Owl as it flew from left of hide to trees at back RHS - best view for me by far!!

Great day for you Derek:t: thanks for the tip off about the Ibis whilst i was at work and busting a gut to get away after your message, i had to go up north for family reasons today so this sighting slotted in nicely...a first for me.:t:

..........................

4 Roseates(adults) resting near the second gate along the pier this evening. Little in the way of waders, tide was out.

[degsy_safc]

Couple of pictures from Cresswell today ....

Black Darter dragonfly taken from hide resting on reeds about 20 feet in front of hide near waters edge.

[degsy_safc]

Great day for you Derek:t: thanks for the tip off about the Ibis whilst i was at work and busting a gut to get away after your message, i had to go up north for family reasons today so this sighting slotted in nicely...a first for me.:t:

Great - really glad its hung about for you Steve :t:

[nellieberta]

Couple of pictures from Cresswell today ....

Black Darter dragonfly taken from hide resting on reeds about 20 feet in front of hide near waters edge.


Fantastic set of shots especially the Ibis!! :t::t::t::t::t:

[seggs]

Great - really glad its hung about for you Steve :t:
Great views Derek, only had my compact bins with me but a joy to see the bird never the less and observe its behaviour- frantic feeding, restless short flights which spooked the local Mallards before it took off with quick wing beats between glides.

Nice shots!

[degsy_safc]

Fantastic set of shots especially the Ibis!! :t::t::t::t::t:

Thanks Joanne - have mailed you a couple of the other pictures i took :t:

[degsy_safc]

Great views Derek, only had my compact bins with me but a joy to see the bird never the less and observe its behaviour- frantic feeding, restless short flights which spooked the local Mallards before it took off with quick wing beats between glides.

Nice shots!
Thanks Steve - we must've passed each other as i headed south and you headed north.

This morning i saw it fly over the hide and land in the small pond at approx 11.00am. At that time there were 6 of us in total in the hide, within 10 mins there must have been at least 20 people - i've never seen anything like this before - what struck me the most was how friendly people were.

People with just binoculars were offered views through scopes, there was a running commentary explaining where it was. When it came into view, you should have heard the camera shutters clicking away :-O:-O

Just wish i had a burger van - i'd have made a fortune :-O:-O

[echo24]

Couple of pictures from Cresswell today ....

Black Darter dragonfly taken from hide resting on reeds about 20 feet in front of hide near waters edge.


Superb shots Derek:t: - well done mate:clap:

Cheers, Dougie.

[rokermartin]

Went to Jackies Beach earlier this afternoon to see if i could see the Lapland Bunting which was seen yesterday.I managed to get a couple of flight views of it before it disappeared towards the rifle range.The Egyptian Goose is still on the flats also a single PF Goose.

[rokermartin]

Still a few butterflies in the garden 4 Red Admirals and a Comma this afternoon.I noticed there are still lots of Speckled Woods around Whitburn today.

[Scribbly Jack]

I see the petty squabbling has broken out again on the other thread that deals with birding South of the Tyne.

[seggs]

I see the petty squabbling has broken out again on the other thread that deals with birding South of the Tyne.
It will do now and again whilst certain parties connected to the DBC. have double standards Mick.

[seggs]

Couple of hours today, late on -

[degsy_safc]

Superb shots Derek:t: - well done mate:clap:

Cheers, Dougie.

Thanks Dougie - hope you had a great day at Flamborough / Spurn :t:

[degsy_safc]

Couple of hours today, late on -

Cracking picture of a diving juvenile Gannet??

Well done Steve :t::t:

[echo24]

Hi Folks, just a few pics from Saturday.

Kes & Wheatear are both from Trow (am)
Pied Wag (this bird only has one leg) & Migrant Hawkers are from The Academy pools (pm)

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

Spurn Head, Sunday - in the good company of Ross, John & Mick – thanks lads!:t::t:

A bit of a quiet day bird wise with few photo opportunities but we still managed to clock 62 species including Barred Warbler (albeit very briefly) and Snow Bunting. Great efforts were made all day trying to pin down an elusive Lapland Bunting but we had to admit defeat in the end. Other commoner sightings included Wheatear, Stonechat, Willow Warbs, Chiffchaffs, Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wag, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, House and Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk etc, etc….

Waders visible from chalk hill hide included; Ringed Plover, Ruff, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Lapwing, Redshank, Turnstone, Oystercatcher etc, as well as C2000 Golden Plover (quite impressive in the air:clap:), with nine Little Egret also feeding along the estuary.

A Common Lizard in a Sea Buckthorn was well found by a keen eyed young lad towards the south of Spurn, and Mick spotted another shortly afterwards – both were quick but I did managed a snap shot of one of them…

Grey Seals a plenty with 4 or 5 heads above the surface at any one time. Seabirds were few and far between and apart from the usual Gulls, two juvenile Gannets were as good as it got.

All in all ‘twas a canny day out – spoiled only by the car in front of us accidentally running over and squashing a Weasel on our way home:-C.

Another night out was suggested in order to discuss our next day out!:-O:t::-O

Cheers, Dougie.

[Scribbly Jack]

Spurn Head, Sunday - in the good company of Ross, John & Mick – thanks lads

A bit of a quiet day bird wise with few photo opportunities but we still managed to clock 62 species including Barred Warbler (albeit very briefly) and Snow Bunting. Great efforts were made all day trying to pin down an elusive Lapland Bunting but we had to admit defeat in the end. Other commoner sightings included Wheatear, Stonechat, Willow Warbs, Chiffchaffs, Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wag, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, House and Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk etc, etc….

Waders visible from chalk hill hide included; Ringed Plover, Ruff, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Lapwing, Redshank, Turnstone, Oystercatcher etc, as well as C2000 Golden Plover (quite impressive in the air:clap:), with nine Little Egret also feeding along the estuary.

A Common Lizard in a Sea Buckthorn was well found by a keen eyed young lad towards the south of Spurn, and Mick spotted another shortly afterwards – both were quick but I did managed a snap shot of one of them…

Grey Seals a plenty with 4 or 5 heads above the surface at any one time. Seabirds were few and far between and apart from the usual Gulls, two juvenile Gannets were as good as it got.

All in all ‘twas a canny day out – spoiled only by the car in front of us accidentally running over and squashing a Weasel on our way home.

Another night out was suggested in order to discuss our next day out!:-O:t::-O

Cheers, Dougie.

Top report Dougie, saves me the bother. I'm still gutted about that weasel:-C.
I knew you'd have some good shots of that Snow Bunting:t:. Well done.

Another night out:eek!::eek!:............................. well, only if you insist;)

Mick

[degsy_safc]

Cracking Snow Bunting pics Dougie and it is great to hear you all had a grand day out :t::t:

[echo24]

Top report Dougie, saves me the bother. I'm still gutted about that weasel:-C.
I knew you'd have some good shots of that Snow Bunting:t:. Well done.

Another night out:eek!::eek!:............................. well, only if you insist;)

Mick

Thanks Mick, just remembered that we had two skeins of geese aswell mate -C80 Pinkies over the top and the unidentified distant birds way out on the horizon:t:

Oh! and by the way..... I insist!:-O:t::-O

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

Cracking Snow Bunting pics Dougie and it is great to hear you all had a grand day out :t::t:

Thanks for that Derek:t:

Yep, grand day indeed mate - always nice to have a change of scenery;)

Cheers, Dougie.

[Scribbly Jack]

All this photograph mumbo jumbo, ISO/ shutter speed etc.
What you do is get your phone out, slide the front thingy down, point it in the right direction and press the little button on the top. Hey presto the perfect (well almost) photo of the the photographer shooting Snow Buntings:t:.
I'm considering offering private photography tuition, do you think I'll make much money?:-O

[seggs]

Someone mention another night out?B (::-O.....hopefully we can all make it and thrash some positive dates and sities to visit along with chewing over other items of importance.
Once ive got this current contract i am working on out of the way, i,ll put a shout on here about the half day or so meets i mentioned previously in case anyones still interested.
Cannot wait to get some quality time to enjoying the delights around ST. ;)

.............

Sounds like another good day lads....:t: glad you,s enjoyed it.

[echo24]

I got a report this evening from a mate that there is a European Eagle Owl in Parkshiel estate, South Shields. It must be an escaped captive bird as two lads are trying to lure it down.
Brian


Eagle Owl seen in the west park this evening (not by me) seems as tho' it has killed one or two cats lately. Apparently the RSPB have told the owners they will shoot the bird if it cant be recaptured:eek!: They wouldn't do that, would they??

Cheers, Dougie

[echo24]

All this photograph mumbo jumbo, ISO/ shutter speed etc.
What you do is get your phone out, slide the front thingy down, point it in the right direction and press the little button on the top. Hey presto the perfect (well almost) photo of the the photographer shooting Snow Buntings:t:.
I'm considering offering private photography tuition, do you think I'll make much money?:-O

:-O:-O:t:

Nice one Michael:t:

[seggs]

Nice one Mick....Dougie caught in action again:-O
Had the same thoughts about the mobile phone thing whilst i was at Cresswell briefly on Saturday after work, as i only had the compact bins with me and no other optics or camera gear....unforgently the results were,nt as good as yours from my phone.:-O.....nice shot of a small pond though, the Ibis was near the white spots(Mute swans), this is how desperate it gets trying for a record shot!:-O

[seggs]

Eagle Owl seen in the west park this evening (not by me) seems as tho' it has killed one or two cats lately. Apparently the RSPB have told the owners they will shoot the bird if it cant be recaptured:eek!: They wouldn't do that, would they??

Cheers, Dougie
I think they might Dougie, if its taking family pets etc. cannot understand why the bird is not being lured to sedated bait?
This also brings back to mind next years Mull trip, whilst me and Jan were talking to the owners of the accomodation we are stopping in next year a White tailed Eagle went over. She told us that she has to protect the small lambs etc. on the small holding she owns from the Eagles as they will take now again small animals near human habitats, first hand knowledge from a local.
A small price to pay i think from the revenue the visitors like us bring in.

[The gaffer]

Nice one Mick....Dougie caught in action again:-O
Had the same thoughts about the mobile phone thing whilst i was at Cresswell briefly on Saturday after work, as i only had the compact bins with me and no other optics or camera gear....unforgently the results were,nt as good as yours from my phone......nice shot of a small pond though, the Ibis was near the white spots(Mute swans), this is how desperate it gets trying for a record shot!

Not a bad picture of a pond Stevie:-O

Good to hear that you had a grand day out yesterday and the snow bunting pics are great:t: The one of the unidentified fototaking ornithologist wasn't half bad either. Was that a Canon phone or a Nikkon phone?:-O:-O

Still up for the half day meets if they can be arranged

Did someone mention a nite ootB (:B (::t: Count me in:-O

Brian

[The gaffer]

I think they might Dougie, if its taking family pets etc. cannot understand why the bird is not being lured to sedated bait?
This also brings back to mind next years Mull trip, whilst me and Jan were talking to the owners of the accomodation we are stopping in next year a White tailed Eagle went over. She told us that she has to protect the small lambs etc. on the small holding she owns from the Eagles as they will take now again small animals near human habitats, first hand knowledge from a local.
A small price to pay i think from the revenue the visitors like us bring in.

Stevie - the RSPB shoot an eagle owl :eek!::-C A far as I can see it's doing a good job killing bird killers:eek!:

Perhaps they would like to venture into West Avenue and kill the foxes that are killing the cats there on a regular basis according to a mate of mine who lives there. :C

If that was to happen the RSPB would not get another penny from me. Doesn't the 'P' in RSPB stand for protection and not persecution? Just a thought.

Brian

[Davy Tee]

Was wondering if anyone could tell me if Green Woodpecker still showing at Stargate pond and if so where the hell is Stargate Pond and whats access like

Thanks in advance

[seggs]

Cracking picture of a diving juvenile Gannet??

Well done Steve :t::t:
Aye Derek thats them, 15-20 of them feeding between the Pier and Trow on this visit.

[yukonite]

Eagle Owl seen in the west park this evening (not by me) seems as tho' it has killed one or two cats lately. Apparently the RSPB have told the owners they will shoot the bird if it cant be recaptured:eek!: They wouldn't do that, would they??

Cheers, Dougie

theres someone in biddick hall has birds of pray,i think he had a eagle owl that escaped afew years ago.
he got that one back.

[woodhornbirder]

wow didnt know there were many nunneries left in the NE!

[yukonite]

wow didnt know there were many nunneries left in the NE!

haha funny!!!!!!

[Scribbly Jack]

Was wondering if anyone could tell me if Green Woodpecker still showing at Stargate pond and if so where the hell is Stargate Pond and whats access like

Thanks in advance

Hi Davy,
I don’t know a lot about Stargate, other than it is in the Ryton area of Gateshead (OS Grid ref: NZ165634) just off the A695.
Gateshead Birders website describe it as "an excellent spot for this species", referring to Green Woodpeckers.
To find out more about access it may be an idea to contact Gateshead Council who are usually very helpful with things of this nature. Their email is as follows

countryside@gateshead.gov.uk

Hope this helps

Mick

[echo24]

Booted Warbler reported today NW corner of Marsden Quarry.

Cheers, Dougie.

[degsy_safc]

Was wondering if anyone could tell me if Green Woodpecker still showing at Stargate pond and if so where the hell is Stargate Pond and whats access like

Thanks in advance

Hi Davy - PM sent with text directions and if you send email address i'll send you a map taken Multimap :t:

[nellieberta]

Hi Davy - PM sent with text directions and if you send email address i'll send you a map taken Multimap :t:

Derek - Can you email me the directions to as neither Mick nor I have a clue where it is!

Cheers chuck

[degsy_safc]

Derek - Can you email me the directions to as neither Mick nor I have a clue where it is!

Cheers chuck


Yep - on its way

[mcepjg]

Another place I have heard is good for these is victoria garesfield/strotherhills this is a short walk from the western edge of rowlands gill. The area encompasses very old deciduous woodland and joins on to the edge of chopwell wood. chopwell wood is heaving with ants and I know for a fact this area is brilliant for GSW's, (I've seen over ten in one trip) and it is reported to be good for green woodpeckers too. If nothing else it is a nice walk and there are lots of Jays there. Good luck in finding your woodpecker wherever you look |=)|.

[The gaffer]

Plenty of twitchers in the quarry this morning as I passed with the dog. I wonder why;)

Any sign of another night out? We need to make it quick if we have to need to meet to deicde whether to go to Spurn or not. B (:;):-O

Brian

[Davy Tee]

Thanks to all that replied re above, have found a lush web site that lists all Gateshead sites as follows

http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/countryside/sites/home.aspx

You can download maps as well.

Thanks again all.

[dannyboy]

Hello chaps I'm new to this malarky but will contribute with anything worthwile. Although I live in Durham I seem to spend a lot of free time in South Tyneside.

Mick or Joanne could you let me know when there is a next informal trip out with people I wouln't mind tagging along to get some advice and pick peoples knowledge, (as long as it's a bit drier than the trip to the farnes)

Ta

[Scribbly Jack]

Hello chaps I'm new to this malarky but will contribute with anything worthwile. Although I live in Durham I seem to spend a lot of free time in South Tyneside.

Mick or Joanne could you let me know when there is a next informal trip out with people I wouln't mind tagging along to get some advice and pick peoples knowledge, (as long as it's a bit drier than the trip to the farnes)

Ta

Hi,

There are no trips planned at the moment, though when one is you’d be more than welcome to come along. The routine lately has been for us to meet in the Alum House pub (a bind, I know) in Shields and plan our next venture. Another night has been mentioned, but no details finalised yet. Just follow the posts on here for more info.
I’m sure I speak for everyone on here in wishing you a warm welcome, and hope to see you at our next get together, if not before.

Mick

PS Is that you Paul?

[nellieberta]

Hi,

There are no trips planned at the moment, though when one is you’d be more than welcome to come along. The routine lately has been for us to meet in the Alum House pub (a bind, I know) in Shields and plan our next venture. Another night has been mentioned, but no details finalised yet. Just follow the posts on here for more info.
I’m sure I speak for everyone on here in wishing you a warm welcome, and hope to see you at our next get together, if not before.

Mick

PS Is that you Paul?

I can confirm that it is Paul - Helloooo Paul & welcome!! I can vouch for Paul, but not sure about his missus - she's a bit nutty!!! 8-P8-P8-P8-P8-P

[seggs]

Welcome aboard Paul:t:

[dannyboy]

I can confirm that it is Paul - Helloooo Paul & welcome!! I can vouch for Paul, but not sure about his missus - she's a bit nutty!!! 8-P8-P8-P8-P8-P

A bit!!! you don't live with her. Thanks for the welcome though everyone. I will keep an eye out to see what is going on.

[johnsulli]

Egyptian Goose in amongst 150 Greylag at Boldon Flats this evening 17:00 ish.

Regards

John

[echo24]

Hi Folks,

Please register your protest against Icelandic whaling:C

Many thanks,
Dougie.

https://secure2.wdcs.org/view_e_protest.php?e_protest_select=33&&select=452

[Scribbly Jack]

Hi Folks,

Please register your protest against Icelandic whaling:C

Many thanks,
Dougie.

https://secure2.wdcs.org/view_e_protest.php?e_protest_select=33&&select=452

Good shout there Dougie:clap::clap:

Mick

[degsy_safc]

Had a half day out at Teeside this afternoon, initially in the hope of seeing the Red Backed Shrike, but no joy there.. Decided to visit Saltholme in the hope of seeing the Hooded Merganser - no joy there either :-C

Was starting to think i'd wasted a days holiday, what with no new birds and crappy weather to boot. So decided to walk across to Bottom Tank screen in the hope of something to shoot - what a great 45 mins...

Dunlin, Snipe, Little Egret, Black Tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Linnets, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Moorhen, Redshank, Widgeon & Coot

My closest shots of the Black Tailed Godwit & Curlew Sandpiper to date - just wish i'd put the converter on the lens for the Curlew Sandpiper - nevermind there's always next time :t:

Couple of pics from the afternoon...

[echo24]

Hello chaps I'm new to this malarky but will contribute with anything worthwile. Although I live in Durham I seem to spend a lot of free time in South Tyneside.

Mick or Joanne could you let me know when there is a next informal trip out with people I wouln't mind tagging along to get some advice and pick peoples knowledge, (as long as it's a bit drier than the trip to the farnes)

Ta

Welcome to the thread Paul – we’re a friendly bunch on here:t:

Hope to see you out sometimeB (:.

Cheers, Dougie.

[dannyboy]

Hi Folks,

Please register your protest against Icelandic whaling:C

Many thanks,
Dougie.

https://secure2.wdcs.org/view_e_protest.php?e_protest_select=33&&select=452

Consider it done :t:

Paul

[echo24]

Trow - 8 - 9am - windy as hell!:eek!::eek!: Wheatear on Trow point, Rock Pipits in both bays and a single Curlew amongst the usual waders in second bay. Gull numbers building nicely now with two big mixed flocks on the leas which included at least one Med gull.

C500 Starlings around Bamburgh/Gypsies green area.

Cheers, Dougie

[echo24]

Good shout there Dougie:clap::clap:

Mick

Thanks Mick - I like to think that we can make a difference mate:t:

Cheers, Dougie

[echo24]

just wish i'd put the converter on the lens for the Curlew Sandpiper - nevermind there's always next time :t:

Couple of pics from the afternoon...

They look great to me as they are Derek - i'd be well pleased with them mate:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

Consider it done :t:

Paul

Nice one Paul - much appreciated:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[johnsulli]

Had a half day out at Teeside this afternoon, initially in the hope of seeing the Red Backed Shrike, but no joy there.. Decided to visit Saltholme in the hope of seeing the Hooded Merganser - no joy there either :-C

Was starting to think i'd wasted a days holiday, what with no new birds and crappy weather to boot. So decided to walk across to Bottom Tank screen in the hope of something to shoot - what a great 45 mins...

Dunlin, Snipe, Little Egret, Black Tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Linnets, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Moorhen, Redshank, Widgeon & Coot

My closest shots of the Black Tailed Godwit & Curlew Sandpiper to date - just wish i'd put the converter on the lens for the Curlew Sandpiper - nevermind there's always next time :t:

Couple of pics from the afternoon...

Cracking shots Derek, I think the new lens is paying off. Not sure if the converter would have improved your pics.
:clap:

[The gaffer]

Walk along the beach didin't provide anything unusual. Around 20 redshank, 5 turnstone, a single oystercatcher, a few pied wags and rock pipits. Despite the cold there was a red admiral on the leas and a small tortoiseshell on the path up from camel's island.

Brian

[Scribbly Jack]

Had our usual Sunday nose around Gateshead today (Good to see Derek with his lucky bag camera again:-O:-O;))
Didn't see much out of the ordinary, but I was really encouraged by the water levels ef Shibdon Pond. They've sluiced the pond and the water is really low, exposing masses of mud. Managed to see my first Water Rail of the year. Late I know, but them and Barn Owls have been my boggy birds this year.
If the levels stay low it should get some excellent birds this autumn and winter (fingers crossed)
Not in S/Tside, but worth a visit.

Mick

[seggs]

Two bites of the cherry so to speak trying to pick up the Buff breasted sand.after work today around the rifle range field....no luck for me and a few other lads on both visits, but the dog got a walk on the second one.:-O
Would have contacted peeps. if i had seen it.
Highlights from a few hours this weekend - 2 R.t.divers off Trow, Trowl in usual tree, 60+ Linnets here also yesterday. Med gull showing nicely again in the Marsden carpark.
Today- The tame Barnacle goose(more than likely a park type bird) on the field next to the obbs. 40+ Linnets on this field along with usual waders here but one Linnet was a very pale bird, i had to look twice!.
Four R.t.divers off Jackies beach and a late Sandwich tern got mobbed from gulls for its catch.
Steady but big movement of Kitts. on both days going north.

[seggs]

Did see what look like cracking shots of the Buff b. from the finders camera today.:-C

[echo24]

Had our usual Sunday nose around Gateshead today (Good to see Derek with his lucky bag camera again:-O:-O;))
Didn't see much out of the ordinary, but I was really encouraged by the water levels ef Shibdon Pond. They've sluiced the pond and the water is really low, exposing masses of mud. Managed to see my first Water Rail of the year. Late I know, but them and Barn Owls have been my boggy birds this year.
If the levels stay low it should get some excellent birds this autumn and winter (fingers crossed)
Not in S/Tside, but worth a visit.

Mick

Well done with the Water Rail Mick, I’m sure you’ll get Barn Owl as well before the year’s out mate.

Trow this morning was very quiet, with the only noteworthy birds being a RT Diver off the second bay and a single Wheatear on Trow point – you know things are desperate when photos of Carrion Crows start to appear!:-O

Just chucking pebbles in the water here, but how does Friday the 16th sound for a night at the Alum?.... Again, no worries if it’s not suitable for everyone but it’s a start point for suggestions with all feedback welcomed.:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[The gaffer]

About 30 oystercatcher feeding on the leas above Gypsy's green stadium this afternoon.

Friday 16th sounds good to me. B (:B (: Any more takers? Do you think we should buy shares in Alum House:-O:-O

Brian

[Scribbly Jack]

16th Oct is fine by me.

Mick

[echo24]

Friday 16th sounds good to me. B (:B (: Any more takers? Do you think we should buy shares in Alum House:-O:-O

Brian

That's not a bad idea Brian, I'm pretty sure that we've increased their beer sales recently mate:-O;)

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

16th Oct is fine by me.

Mick

Splendid:t:

[rokermartin]

Did see what look like cracking shots of the Buff b. from the finders camera today.:-CHi Steve who found the Buff b.I was down Jackies beach earlier this afternoon looking for the Lapland Bunting.There was'nt many waders at all on the rifle range just a few Curlew and a few Golden Plover.According to my pager the Buff b was with Ringed Plovers at the North end of the rifle range.

[rokermartin]

The Buff b is only the second one we have had in South Tyneside.The last one was seen at Whitburn Steel 5.8.90.Hopefully it will stay around for a few days.

[degsy_safc]

Decided to try Cresswell again this morning, as yesterdays visit was rubbish because of the excessive high winds..
Water Rail in front of hide on RHS, Wren, Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow, Cormorant, Little Grebe, BH Gull, Lapwing, Redshank, Teal, Widgeon, Mallard, Heron, & Barnacle Geese in distant field front LHS of hide. Went up to Druridge Pools as someone told me the Glossy Ibis was just in front of hide along with the Otter showing well..

No Otter but brilliant views of Glossy Ibis, Redshank, Greenshank & Lapwing..

Decided to head back to Gateshead and nice to meet up with Mick and Joanne, nowt exceptional at Thornley & Shibdon pond but as Mick says Shibdon levels reduced and lots of exposed mud - probably worth keeping an eye on this one...

Headed off to Lamesley and thought it was going to be a waste of time. Anyway managed to seer a Green Sandpiper, Buzzard overhead, Kestrel, Greylags, Pied Wagtail, Jackdaws, Robin, Thrush (dunno which one though), Moorhen, Redshank, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Lapwing, Mallard, Teal, Woodpigeon & Stock Dove..

Couple of the pics from the morning session..

[seggs]

Hi Steve who found the Buff b.I was down Jackies beach earlier this afternoon looking for the Lapland Bunting.There was'nt many waders at all on the rifle range just a few Curlew and a few Golden Plover.According to my pager the Buff b was with Ringed Plovers at the North end of the rifle range.
Mark our county recorder found the bird Martin i was just getting in from work when the text went off, and went straight there. The bird has also been seen later on hanging around with Ringed plovers..No Buff B. or Ringed plover/dunlin in the field next to the Obbs. or on Jackies on my second visit between 6 and 6.45pm.
The birds hidding well at times.;)

[seggs]

Decided to try Cresswell again this morning, as yesterdays visit was rubbish because of the excessive high winds..
Water Rail in front of hide on RHS, Wren, Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow, Cormorant, Little Grebe, BH Gull, Lapwing, Redshank, Teal, Widgeon, Mallard, Heron, & Barnacle Geese in distant field front LHS of hide. Went up to Druridge Pools as someone told me the Glossy Ibis was just in front of hide along with the Otter showing well..

No Otter but brilliant views of Glossy Ibis, Redshank, Greenshank & Lapwing..

Decided to head back to Gateshead and nice to meet up with Mick and Joanne, nowt exceptional at Thornley & Shibdon pond but as Mick says Shibdon levels reduced and lots of exposed mud - probably worth keeping an eye on this one...

Headed off to Lamesley and thought it was going to be a waste of time. Anyway managed to seer a Green Sandpiper, Buzzard overhead, Kestrel, Greylags, Pied Wagtail, Jackdaws, Robin, Thrush (dunno which one though), Moorhen, Redshank, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Lapwing, Mallard, Teal, Woodpigeon & Stock Dove..

Couple of the pics from the morning session..
First 2 shots are cracking mate...........:clap:

[yukonite]

Quiet in west pastures sunday morning,cycled round with downhill robbie.
plenty woodpigeon despite the shooters,4 yellowhammers,2 kestrel,heron.
still afew very young pheasant poults about haven't started the body moult yet.
Kingfishers still putting in fleeting visits at the Quadrus (testos).
red darters and an amber one with big goggly eyes that i havent looked up yet.

[woodhornbirder]

dipped on lapland bunting. single barnacle goose right by sea watching hide, was bit odd.

Got the blue winged teal at saltholme, no sign of merganser tho today.

[echo24]

Hi Folks,

Just a quick note to let everyone know that regular users of this thread have a night out pencilled in for the 16th of October at the Alum house in South Shields.B (:

It’ll be our fourth ‘get together’ in just under a year and as a result I think it’s fair to say that some good friendships have been formed.:t:

Anyway, if anyone (regular poster or not) fancies coming along for a few beers, a laugh and a bit friendly natter, then please feel free - you’ll be made very welcome:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[echo24]

brilliant views of Glossy Ibis, Redshank, Greenshank & Lapwing..
Couple of the pics from the morning session..

Lovely shots Derek - well done mate:t:

Cheers, Dougie.

[seggs]

Aye up for the next meet/social neck wetting....(so far unless work gets in the way).

How about Potteric car for a future trip? somewhere ive fancied going but never been. But i fancy the next all day outing should maybe be Holy island and the surrounding area, Brents are starting to build in numbers now along with waders and theres always the chance of rarities in the next few weeks.

[rokermartin]

Aye up for the next meet/social neck wetting....(so far unless work gets in the way).

How about Potteric car for a future trip? somewhere ive fancied going but never been. But i fancy the next all day outing should maybe be Holy island and the surrounding area, Brents are starting to build in numbers now along with waders and theres always the chance of rarities in the next few weeks.Hi Steve Holy Island sounds a good idea.Potteric Carr is an excellent place in the winter time for seeing Bitterns up to 5 birds have been seen the last few winters also there is a chance of LS Woodpecker.

[seggs]

Jans thinking about comming on our next all dayer, be prepared for it lads!:-O
I normally get- "i seen it first." and "you never listen to me":-O which she is right about at times..;)

[The gaffer]

Hi Steve Holy Island sounds a good idea.Potteric Carr is an excellent place in the winter time for seeing Bitterns up to 5 birds have been seen the last few winters also there is a chance of LS Woodpecker.

Steady chaps we won't need the night out to plan the next trip at this rate:eek!::-O Sounds good to me though.

Brian

[seggs]

Steady chaps we won't need the night out to plan the next trip at this rate:eek!::-O Sounds good to me though.

Brian
Small details need to be sorted out Brian, best done in the flesh.B (:

[Scribbly Jack]

Small details need to be sorted out Brian, best done in the flesh.B (:

Aye, fine detail, if we don't sort that out we might end up train spotting in Rhyll or something........... need the fine detail sortin out face to face;)

Mick

[The gaffer]

Aye, fine detail, if we don't sort that out we might end up train spotting in Rhyll or something........... need the fine detail sortin out face to face;)

Mick

Say no more, nods as good as a wink to a blind ............

Fine detail wins the day, on the other hand I have never been to Rhyll.

So it's Friday 16th in Rhyll then?;)

Brian

[johnsulli]

Single Wheatear and single Reed Bunting on the Leas this a.m. but not much else.
Sure sign winters on its way with a little nip in the air on the morning dog walk.

[dannyboy]

I'll try to get along on the 16th if I can get my Mrs to pick me up. It would be good to meet you all.

Paul

[johnsulli]

16th looks OK for me also at the moment, if we carry on at this rate we will become alumni's of the Alum College no doubt. :-O:-O

[Scribbly Jack]

si opulentia narro in latin , nemo mos agnosco nos

Mickus

[Scribbly Jack]

vulgaris crane in porta caput capitis


Mickus

[dannyboy]

Common Crane mentioned on Durham Bird Club site the last couple of days around Lamsley/Kibblesworth. Great views at Lamsley Pastures at 17.00 tonight. I let Mick and Joanne know as soon as I could track it down (hope you managed to get there in time) {although possibly too dark for good photo's}

Paul D.

[dannyboy]

vulgaris crane in porta caput capitis


Mickus

common crane upon carry head????
Confused!

Paul

[nellieberta]

Common Crane mentioned on Durham Bird Club site the last couple of days around Lamsley/Kibblesworth. Great views at Lamsley Pastures at 17.00 tonight. I let Mick and Joanne know as soon as I could track it down (hope you managed to get there in time) {although possibly too dark for good photo's}

Paul D.

Just!! Regarding Friday night I have a plan & will ring your Mrs in a moment!

[Scribbly Jack]

common crane upon carry head????
Confused!

Paul

Porta = gate

[The gaffer]

vulgaris crane in porta caput capitis


Mickus

common crane upon carry head????
Confused!

Paul

Mick has finally flipped:-C

I thought his ramblings about trainspotting in Wales sounded ominous now he is thinking that he is Italian:eek!:

Probably needs a beer to put him right B (:B (:

Brian

[echo24]

si opulentia narro in latin , nemo mos agnosco nos

Mickus


If we speak (?) in latin - no-one will understand us???:-O:-O

[Scribbly Jack]

Mick has finally flipped:-C

I thought his ramblings about trainspotting in Wales sounded ominous now he is thinking that he is Italian:eek!:

Probably needs a beer to put him right B (:B (:

Brian

Hi Brian,

I just thought a couple of Latin posts would be in keeping with the fact that we all seem to be adopting Latin (or pidgin Latin) signatures.
Having said that, flipped sounds better and your suggested cure is a brilliant ideaB (::clap:

Mick

[Scribbly Jack]

If we speak (?) in latin - no-one will understand us???:-O:-O

10 out of 10 master Douglas, you are excused any homework this week, and you will also be allowed to use the soap first in the shower for a month.

[echo24]

vulgaris crane in porta caput capitis


Mickus

Common Crane in Gate(s)Head - I think!?!

Hey Mickus, you've just robbed me of 45 minutes of my life searching t'internet for latin/english translations - how did I do mate?:-O

Cheers, Dougie.:t:

[echo24]

10 out of 10 master Douglas, you are excused any homework this week, and you will also be allowed to use the soap first in the shower for a month.

Thanks Mr Michael:t: - so pleased about that mate:-O:-O

[Scribbly Jack]

Common Crane in Gate(s)Head - I think!?!

Hey Mickus, you've just robbed me of 45 minutes of my life searching t'internet for latin/english translations - how did I do mate?:-O

Cheers, Dougie.:t:

See earlier post, you are top of the class!!!