Advice on wildlife/ birding locations in north-east England ?

[Magpie70]

Hi, I'm wanting some advice on good wildlife photography locations in the north-east, other than:

St. Mary's lighthouse; Druridge; Chevington; Cresswell; Linton; Big waters; Kielder; Derwent; Upper teasdale;

I'm primarily a wildlife photographer who is developing a increasing interest in birding, although I can't really be classed as a twitcher. I still need to photograph more common birds before I start travelling elsewhere.
I know my list above are all excellent locations I was just wondering if someone can recommend any additional sites that I can visit so that I don't get too bored.
Any advice would be very welcome and thanks in advance,
Mark.

[Gill Osborne]

Hi Mark

Have you checked out the Northumberland thread? Lots of inspiration for where to go on there and folks are really friendly and will, I'm sure, help you out as regards the best sites to go to for certain species :t:

All good spots that you've listed but how about Holy Island? Fabulous place that I never tire of and loads of super birds at all times of the year :t:
Inland we have the Cheviots, Ingram Valley ( good for Common Sandpiper, Stonechat,Dippers, Wagtails etc) and Harthope Valley just outside Wooler which is great for Ring Ouzel, Red Grouse, various warblers, Green Woodpecker, Ravens etc.

Where To Watch Birds in North-East England by Dave Britton & John Day is also an indispensible book to give you ideas for good sites and where/when to see most species.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Where-Watch-Birds-Northeast-England/dp/0713668261

[Nigel Tooth]

Am visiting Northumberland for first time in June. Any advice on anylikely locations for catching a glimpse of Black Grouse
Cheers

[Rare Visitor]

Am visiting Northumberland for first time in June. Any advice on anylikely locations for catching a glimpse of Black Grouse
Cheers

The South West is the stronghold, try Plenmeller Common, Kingswood Burn areas.

[Rare Visitor]

Hi, I'm wanting some advice on good wildlife photography locations in the north-east, other than:

St. Mary's lighthouse; Druridge; Chevington; Cresswell; Linton; Big waters; Kielder; Derwent; Upper teasdale;

I'm primarily a wildlife photographer who is developing a increasing interest in birding, although I can't really be classed as a twitcher. I still need to photograph more common birds before I start travelling elsewhere.
I know my list above are all excellent locations I was just wondering if someone can recommend any additional sites that I can visit so that I don't get too bored.
Any advice would be very welcome and thanks in advance,
Mark.

Mark, one or two you could try listed below. Also check out the blog below for regular updates.

1. Castle Island/River Wansbeck, can be good for ducks, waders and terns.
2. Mitford Castle/Wansbeck, Dipper, Kingfisher, Jay, Woodpeckers, Marsh Tit, Grey Wagtail, Warblers.
3. Boulmer beach/Steel for waders.
4. Coanwood Pond/Lanehead area for raptors, Black Grouse etc.

Best of luck

[martin kitching]

As Alan said, the southwest of the county is the stronghold, although the Cheviot valleys have their fair share as well (College Valley and Harthope Valley both very good, I've never found any in the Breamish Valley). Check fields adjacent to heather/bracken moorland (although I've found them in the middle of heather moor on a few occasions as well).

cheers
martin

Am visiting Northumberland for first time in June. Any advice on anylikely locations for catching a glimpse of Black Grouse
Cheers

[Stewart J.]

Am visiting Northumberland for first time in June. Any advice on anylikely locations for catching a glimpse of Black Grouse
Cheers

Hi Nigel, which part of the county are you visiting and when in June?

Stewart