Gateshead birding

[Mouldy]

i was at shibdon yesterday, and never hears/seen anything about a laughing gull.



By yesterday you must mean Saturday, laughing gull was present Sunday.

Theres a couple of photos on www.gatesheadbirders.co.uk, lucky me was only there 'cos I was doing the WeBS bird count otherwise I would have been none the wiser. :flyaway:

[StevieEvans]

Late Owl News
Unfortunately a dead Long-eared Owl was picked up at Follingsby, Gateshead Borough, after flying into a window on the Industrial Estate.
This was a young bird & was found at the end of the summer....... raising the possibility of it having been locally bred.......?
Steve.

[salty]

Late Owl News
Unfortunately a dead Long-eared Owl was picked up at Follingsby, Gateshead Borough, after flying into a window on the Industrial Estate.
This was a young bird & was found at the end of the summer....... raising the possibility of it having been locally bred.......?
Steve.

interesting stevie.

i know there are a couple of SEOs in the area, i watch them from the lane. didnt know about LEOs in the same area.

[john gardiner]

Buzzard this morning near Silverhills Nursery also Kestrel & Teal at Lamesley water meadows.

[StevieEvans]

interesting stevie.

i know there are a couple of SEOs in the area, i watch them from the lane. didnt know about LEOs in the same area.

Hi Salty
i did one evening check last summer at Follingsby Lane, mainly the South Tyneside section but drew a blank.
Confirmed breeding for one pair elsewhere in G'head borough, but surely excellent potential at Follingsby for Leo & Barn owls....?
We're continuing our DBC surveying from January '06
Steve

[Skelly]

Thornley Woods on Saturday

2 Nuthatch
3 GS Woodpecker
5 Jay
Sparrowhawk
Bullfinch
Coal Tit
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Blackbird
Greenfinch
Pheasant

Far Pasture

5 Red Kites over Gibside, viewed from car park.
30 Teal
2 Jay
Bullfinch
Moorhen
Coot
Grey Heron
Mute Swan

Greenside

5 Red Kites, mainly on fenceposts.

B (:

[salty]

nice one skelly, hopefully i will get good birds this saturday at the mini-meet.

with me busy at work, i aint been able to work my patch as often as id like.........

[June Atkinson]

nice one skelly, hopefully i will get good birds this saturday at the mini-meet.

with me busy at work, i aint been able to work my patch as often as id like.........
Here is the most recent news of our kites: :news:

Bird News
Week beginning 5/12/05: WT24, the kite that roosted in the Delves/Iveston area last week was back ‘home’ in the Barlow Burn. Of last year’s birds WT3, WT6, WT9, WT15, WT16, WT18 and WT19 were all still in the Gateshead area. A record number of twenty-nine kites roosted in the Barlow Burn during the week beginning 5th December, and up to 17 were seen together in one tree (up to 13 birds’ wing tags being read at this location).

After another series of recent reports of kites in Northumberland (two near Druridge Bay, two in the Breamish valley and one near Belsay), ‘an expedition’ was mounted to search for these elusive birds. Once again, the search proved fruitless.

Monitoring in the Lamesley area of the Team Valley on Monday morning (12th December) was equally fruitless. ‘Missing kites’ from 2005’s releases are: WT25, WT26 (this bird was in the Browney valley, a few weeks ago), WT30, WT31 and WT49. WT18 was recorded roosting locally last week but was not recorded at all this week.

On Monday of this week, up to thirty-five birds were in the Barlow Burn. From the Black Horse car park good views were obtained of six kites foraging together in fields immediately to the east, and several kites were noted flying in the valley bottom and around the perimeter of the SITA site. Moving into the lane that takes you over to Greenside (Barlow Lane), excellent views were had of birds perched in the trees at the pre-roost gathering with identification being made of at least ten kites from wing tags. A roost count in the Lower Derwent valley on 12th, recorded thirteen birds at Sherburn Towers Farm (apparently roosting in the trees close to the Farm!) and two kites in Spen Banks wood. We are assuming that the radio transmitters on WT9 & WT15 are not working and that the birds are still around locally. WT15 has certainly been seen recently in the Barlow Burn (please keep an eye open for WT9), so there are close to 40 birds still present in the Gateshead area.

Elsewhere, the three kites in ‘Teesdale’ (WT5, WT57 & WT23) are all still present and they roosted together in Langleydale, near Kinninvie on the nights of the 11th and 12th of December.

Where to See Birds
The Barlow Burn is still the best place to see kites. The best place for watching pre-roost gatherings is along the track, close to the Riding School, 75 metres down the lane that runs from Barlow to Greenside. The roost at Sherburn Towers is still excellent for observing kites – try the bus turning circle at the top of the Sherburn Tower Estate, in Rowlands Gill.

So, hopefully, we should get some good sightings.......however we only saw two yesterday. Wrap up warm; the wind was perishingly cold! :flyaway:

[Mouldy]

Had a brief look over Sherburn Towers about 3.30pm today from the bus turning circle, two Kites came in as I scanned and (like in June's latest report) a total of 13 birds showed very well perched in the bare trees around the farm (8 in one tree), unfortunately didn't have my 'scope as was just passing on the way to the shops so couldn't make out any numbers though the tags were clearly visible.

Could be a good place to finish the kite bash off tomorrow though if you read this, Salty!

[rayl]

Yesterday, first time out for ages. Riding Lane and Bows Valley N.R. Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Redwing, Fieldfare, Tree Sparrow, C. 200 Goldfinch, Greylag, Teal, Kestrel, and Buzzard over Riding Farm.

Ray
Thanks Alan for the update, we'll probably make our way back down from Barlow.

[salty]

good stuff.

hoping for a few kites at barlow tomorrow, prehaps the usual few at far pastures also......

seems like sherburn is still the prefered roosting spot still.

[salty]

short eared owl flying over bypass towards shell garage this evening at whitemare pool roundabout.

low level too, street lamp height right infront of me.

[john gardiner]

7 Tree Sparrow at lamesley this morning also Great Spotted Woodpecker.

[hutch]

salty i tryed Follingsby lane saw 2 seo s but it was busier than the a19 with courting couples felt a bit strange with bins pleased u warned me about it, and that was 1pm this afternoon pleased i have a sump gaurd on my car though its rough

[salty]

salty i tryed Follingsby lane saw 2 seo s but it was busier than the a19 with courting couples felt a bit strange with bins pleased u warned me about it, and that was 1pm this afternoon pleased i have a sump gaurd on my car though its rough

yep, it can be a popular mating spot......... :'D


glad you saw the owls, they are there from around noon onwards, great to watch in the light of day.

[Quacker]

Went Firstfooting in the Gateshead location (among others)

Precious little at Lamesley (first Jackdaw of the year) and some crow.

Shibdon was frozen over and held nothing of note from the hide area at least.

The usual birds were looking for bread etc.

Canadas were off the frozen pond and foraging in the grass.

Thornley Woods was a little better of course with 4 Jay and at least the same number of Yellowhammer along with Coal, Great & Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch and Sparrowhawk over. More Kite-bait than ever (grey squirrels) but no GS Woodpecker for my second visit running - though it was reported earlier.

Dunnock & Nuthatch making up the supporting cast.

Far pasture, also almost frozen held Water Rail, which remained elusive. Lucky the cygnet and two Coots were the sole occupants, making the flyover of a Heron almost and event. A fairly close Red Kite outside was nice, which allowed me to go out of the borough with the time saved as Barlow Fell might have been a bit nippy;-)

S

[hutch]

back down lovers lane , 2 seo's and a tawny . be getting talked about been down there so much

[Mouldy]

Yesterday had a trip around the lesser visited sites in the borough (in fact most I'd never been to before) with fastshot1.
Highlights were :Sled Lane Pond: Whooper swan, 3 pairs widgeon, 3 x goldeneye, 2 male goosander plus enjoyed watching the 4 mute swans crashdive onto the ice then break it up by pushing a trail through it.
River Tyne from Wylam Bridge (just outside the boundary) to Ryton held at least a dozen goosander.
Mudflats at Dunston staithes had 2 each of curlew and dunlin (good ticks for me!)among the many lapwing and redshanks,
At least 14 Pochard on Saltwell park pond,
3 x Green sandpiper at Lamesley,
c250 golden plover at Ravensworth fell (airborne) and 2 x Stonechat in the area.
Not a great total, missed out on quite a few common species but 54 species seen at the various locations included 6 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawks.

Bloody good day out though, cheers Steven.

[salty]

Yesterday had a trip around the lesser visited sites in the borough (in fact most I'd never been to before) with fastshot1.
Highlights were :Sled Lane Pond: Whooper swan, 3 pairs widgeon, 3 x goldeneye, 2 male goosander plus enjoyed watching the 4 mute swans crashdive onto the ice then break it up by pushing a trail through it.
River Tyne from Wylam Bridge (just outside the boundary) to Ryton held at least a dozen goosander.
Mudflats at Dunston staithes had 2 each of curlew and dunlin (good ticks for me!)among the many lapwing and redshanks,
At least 14 Pochard on Saltwell park pond,
3 x Green sandpiper at Lamesley,
c250 golden plover at Ravensworth fell (airborne) and 2 x Stonechat in the area.
Not a great total, missed out on quite a few common species but 54 species seen at the various locations included 6 Kestrel and 2 Sparrowhawks.

Bloody good day out though, cheers Steven.

i take it mr fastshot took some pics? - any up yet?

[salty]

back down lovers lane , 2 seo's and a tawny . be getting talked about been down there so much

good stuff mate.........just remember, dont fall asleep in your car there.......

[Mouldy]

i take it mr fastshot took some pics? - any up yet?

Photos duly taken, results yet to appear, watch this space.

[salty]

Photos duly taken, results yet to appear, watch this space.



lets have them then! |=o|

[piecatcher]

After being laid up with a nasty little virus over the new year and not being able to get out in the fresh air, I finally got to go bird watching yesterday, and well worth the wait it was as well. First stop was stargate pond, no sooner had I stepped out of the car, when my first ever green woodpecker took off about 2 metres away and bounded across the pond, I can hardly describe the feeling after spending 3 years trying to see one. I managed to track it for about 10 minutes although didn't get to see it perched. I'm sure i'll see 3 in the next week, as happened with my first kihgfisher and waxwing sightings ! well here's wishing
Steve

[Mouldy]

lets have them then! |=o|

DOH!!!!!!!

Looks like I spoke too soon............. :stuck:

[Mouldy]

After being laid up with a nasty little virus over the new year and not being able to get out in the fresh air, I finally got to go bird watching yesterday, and well worth the wait it was as well. First stop was stargate pond, no sooner had I stepped out of the car, when my first ever green woodpecker took off about 2 metres away and bounded across the pond, I can hardly describe the feeling after spending 3 years trying to see one. I managed to track it for about 10 minutes although didn't get to see it perched. I'm sure i'll see 3 in the next week, as happened with my first kihgfisher and waxwing sightings ! well here's wishing
Steve

Count yersel lucky, took me six years to get one, .....but in that time I heard loads of them laughing at me from deeper in the woods.
My first was actually in Spain so a different race from ours! Moved to the derwent valley a couple of years back and my first visit to thornley feeding station produced marvellous views of one, but never seen one there since.

[Keith Reeder]

According to today's Journal, UK Coal have withdrawn their planning application for Marley Hill - that should please many on here!

;)

[Mouldy]

According to today's Journal, UK Coal have withdrawn their planning application for Marley Hill - that should please many on here!

;)

Yip, 'til the next chancer comes along, a MacDonalds drive thru or summat like that. :'D

but on another note:

Yesterday I'd been out 'walking my patch', got home freezing cold, went to fill the kettle and took a look out the window at the feeder, just registering a Great Tit when zoom! Sparrowhawk (male) snatches it in front of my very eyes, pins it on the lawn for a few seconds then up and away across the rooftops.
Great for me, very poor for the tit, but had I arrived just a couple of seconds later I would have been none the wiser. Wonder how many more of my diners have been picked off without my knowledge. Makes ya think.

[Mouldy]

Marsh Tit in Paddock Hill wood today, probably the same one which visits the table outside the Centre.

Spent about 40 minutes in Thornley Hide, very unusual but there were no chaffinches the whole time I was there, in fact very very unusual 'cos they're as common as muck usually.

Two women in the hide while I was there gave quote of the day:
Younger one says "mind theres a load of tits around isn't there?"
Older one replies "Yes, its just like celebrity big brother!"

I suppose you had to be there but it tickled my funnybone at the time. :flyaway:

[Quacker]

Marsh Tit in Paddock Hill wood today, probably the same one which visits the table outside the Centre.

Spent about 40 minutes in Thornley Hide, very unusual but there were no chaffinches the whole time I was there, in fact very very unusual 'cos they're as common as muck usually.

Two women in the hide while I was there gave quote of the day:
Younger one says "mind theres a load of tits around isn't there?"
Older one replies "Yes, its just like celebrity big brother!"

I suppose you had to be there but it tickled my funnybone at the time. :flyaway:

My last 2 visits have yield no GSW - though they have been there - just not for me. Only 1m and 1f Chaffinch there on 1st - and 1f Bullfinch.

[salty]

myself and rayl popped into thornley hide this morning too, only place dry today!

good numbers of birds (apart from chaffinch), bullfinch, coal great and blue tits, loads of pheasants, think they are trying to give the greys a run for leadership!

not a single raptor all day, and we also dipped on waxwing (36 had been spotted at bill quay earlier on) but we did have a good time feeding the ducks, geese and moorhens at shibdon.........

roll on spring.

[Mouldy]

Unusual sight of a Kingfisher yesterday perched on a branch overlooking the rowlands gill-burnopfield road. dont know what it was doing there, there wasn't even a puddle on the road, unless it was trying to catch a motor-pike!.........sorry. :flyaway:

[salty]

Unusual sight of a Kingfisher yesterday perched on a branch overlooking the rowlands gill-burnopfield road. dont know what it was doing there, there wasn't even a puddle on the road, unless it was trying to catch a motor-pike!.........sorry. :flyaway:



:clap:

does seem strange though.......

[Keith Reeder]

Unusual sight of a Kingfisher yesterday perched on a branch overlooking the rowlands gill-burnopfield road. dont know what it was doing there, there wasn't even a puddle on the road, unless it was trying to catch a motor-pike!.........sorry. :flyaway:

Maybe it thought it was perched over a carp-park?

;)

[Denis J]

Thats it the next one gets a swift kick in the codpiece...oops

[Mouldy]

Thanks for that lads, but looking back I shouldn't have been surprised, I mean it was sitting on a suitable perch. And being such a beautiful bird in full view of the passing motorists it may have just been fishing for compliments :loveme:

THE END

[hutch]

i was at thornley yesterday wonderful veiws of yellowhammers and saltys pet sparrowhawk made a couple of fly bys , then on too the black horse car park not a kite to see down to the bus stop roost not one till 15.15 then about 20 showed up, 16 in clear veiw and a lot went in to one of the evergreen trees what a sight

[salty]

i was at thornley yesterday wonderful veiws of yellowhammers and saltys pet sparrowhawk made a couple of fly bys , then on too the black horse car park not a kite to see down to the bus stop roost not one till 15.15 then about 20 showed up, 16 in clear veiw and a lot went in to one of the evergreen trees what a sight

:t: you have the kite bug too eh!

[hutch]

had it before discovering (thanks to u) the local ones, seeing the roost is something else

[rayl]

C.30 Siskin at Kibblesworth GNF Trail.
3 Goldcrest Riding Lane.


Ray

[Mouldy]

Thornley feeding station today, all the common tits and finches in good numbers plus 2xGSWoodpeckers, 2xNuthatch, flock of 20 or so Bullfinch on the approach to the hide, only noteable absentee from the regulars was Jay.
First visit to Far pasture since well before xmas produced single Red Kite over the carpark, and brief views of Water Rail and Red Fox, vision hampered by the lack of windows, (approx half still boarded up) and the new ones are half the size of the old with the same locks and latches.......but apparently this is due to a misunderstanding with the firm involved, who have been informed and will be rectifying the situation shortly.

[salty]

Thornley feeding station today, all the common tits and finches in good numbers plus 2xGSWoodpeckers, 2xNuthatch, flock of 20 or so Bullfinch on the approach to the hide, only noteable absentee from the regulars was Jay.
First visit to Far pasture since well before xmas produced single Red Kite over the carpark, and brief views of Water Rail and Red Fox, vision hampered by the lack of windows, (approx half still boarded up) and the new ones are half the size of the old with the same locks and latches, so what was the point?

aint been to far pastures recently, so im surprised they are making the windows smaller? - thought they were just going to make them safer......

nice to see the GS woodpeckers are back, last few times i have been, they were no where to be seen!

[Andy Atkinson]

i keep missing the green woodpecker and water rail!!!! - you not pop along to see the kites Stevie? - they looked amazing flying throught the snow 100m from us on thursday!

i'll keep my peepers open for new birds at shibdon on my next visit, cracking site.

RE: Shibdon Pond - Don't forget the cracking Golden Oriole a couple of years back.

As for Brambling, Thornley used to be a nailed on certainty for me but the rarest thing there early on this year was a Redpoll and no sign of Marsh Tit either. I'm sure there's not much grain put out for ground feeders like it used to be. Yellowhammers used to reach 20+ in past years. I saw 2 this year.

I was told there was another site in Gateshead with large flocks of Brambling but I forgot the name and don't know the area. Any tips would be appreciated

Andy

[salty]

RE: Shibdon Pond - Don't forget the cracking Golden Oriole a couple of years back.

As for Brambling, Thornley used to be a nailed on certainty for me but the rarest thing there early on this year was a Redpoll and no sign of Marsh Tit either. I'm sure there's not much grain put out for ground feeders like it used to be. Yellowhammers used to reach 20+ in past years. I saw 2 this year.

I was told there was another site in Gateshead with large flocks of Brambling but I forgot the name and don't know the area. Any tips would be appreciated

Andy

last year we had decent numbers of yellowhammers, easily 20+ regulary - but none recently.......

[Mouldy]

RE: Shibdon Pond - Don't forget the cracking Golden Oriole a couple of years back.

As for Brambling, Thornley used to be a nailed on certainty for me but the rarest thing there early on this year was a Redpoll and no sign of Marsh Tit either. I'm sure there's not much grain put out for ground feeders like it used to be. Yellowhammers used to reach 20+ in past years. I saw 2 this year.

I was told there was another site in Gateshead with large flocks of Brambling but I forgot the name and don't know the area. Any tips would be appreciated

Andy

Hi Andy

Just a single Brambling seen at Thornley on a couple of occasions recently, still get good numbers of Yellowhammer though, double figures there on Wednesday and a flock of 70-80 on nearby farmland. The Marsh tit usually goes to the table outside the Woodlands Centre over the road, last time I saw it was last Friday.

Good place for Brambling last winter was Chopwell Woods just inside the Victoria Garesfield entrance, had a dozen plus a couple of times (good for Green Woodpecker too) but haven't been up so far this winter so don't know if its the same.

[Mouldy]

Canny house tick this morning, watching from my back window all the birds in the garden suddenly scattered, I looked up expecting to see the Sparrowhawk which had been sitting in the tree a little earlier, but in fact a Peregrine came overhead. I watched it circle upwards on the thermals, it reached a good height then seemed to just hang on the spot for a second, tucked in its wings and plummeted head first at great speed before pulling up just above the rooftops in the distance, and flew off towards the river in the Far Pasture-ish direction.

Well pleased with that one!

[salty]

Canny house tick this morning, watching from my back window all the birds in the garden suddenly scattered, I looked up expecting to see the Sparrowhawk which had been sitting in the tree a little earlier, but in fact a Peregrine came overhead. I watched it circle upwards on the thermals, it reached a good height then seemed to just hang on the spot for a second, tucked in its wings and plummeted head first at great speed before pulling up just above the rooftops in the distance, and flew off towards the river in the Far Pasture-ish direction.

Well pleased with that one!

exellent matey :clap: !

they aint regular, but they are still about, i get the odd sighting now and again - often mistaking for sparrowhawk at times.......

[Mouldy]

Canny morning on the 'patch'. Filling the bird-feeders this morning at 8.20 must have co-incided with the Kites dispersing from sherburn Towers, in a ten minute period nine of the beauties slowly wheeled past in the direction of Gibside. With a Kestrel hanging about as well, not bad before breakfast.

A bit later a trip to Far Pasture produced excellent views of an 'ermine' stoat, entertained me for about 15 mins. Great views in front of the hide but by the time I got my camera in gear could only get distant or obscured shots. Have attached a couple of very poor out of focus pics which were unfortunately the best of a crap bunch but you can tell what it is, it stands out a mile.
It was eventually ganged up on by the waterfowl on the pond as it waded through the vegetation in the margins, then had a brief swim before disappearing for a few minutes and was last seen climbing on top of the large owl-box up the tree on the centre bank where it was mobbed by two great tits and a coal tit and promptly fell off into the vegetation below!

Far Pastures taken a bit of stick lately but it always seems to produce something a bit different! :flyaway:

Almost forgot, while I was there a Heron caught and devoured a large frog, and on the way out the resident Kestrel (male) was devouring a rodent atop one of the telegraph poles

[Skelly]

A belated report from my visit to Shibdon pond on Saturday morning. Best birds were Med Gull, Kingfisher and Goldeneye.

Excuse the quality of the photos, partly due to me being a crap photographer and partly due to the poor light.

B (:

[salty]

well done mouldy and skelly, those pics would of been great with a decent camera though! - at least you got records!

[rayl]

Lamesley reedbeds/water meadows.

Green sand, Redshank, Canada, Goldcrest, 20xLTT, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer,
Tree sparrow, Sparhawk.

Ray

[June Atkinson]

Courtesy of Northern Kites :scribe:
Latest info on the red kites, thanks to Ken Sanderson, volunteer with Northern Kites
News
Rhianne Dixon, the Northern Kites Visitor and Events Officer started work on Monday, 16th January 2006.
Local schools have now adopted fifty-one of the Project’s kites, with more in the offing. You may have heard or seen the coverage about the Project on TV and radio last Friday, BBC regional news and Radio Newcastle.
As ever, the Project starts 2006 with a high media profile and we anticipate that this will be maintained throughout what should be a very exciting year.

Bird News
Overall, the kites appeared to have coped well with the recent snow falls and cold weather, this may be due to their activities centred around the SITA landfill site – patrolling up and down stealing food from crows! There are still up to forty-two kites in the west Gateshead area.
WT18 has once again returned to the Gateshead area. He was detected on Tuesday 4th, but may have wandered off again since then. After her sojourn in Teesdale, WT23 appears to have taken up residency in the Wear Valley, setting up a home range between Wolsingham and Fir Tree.
Perhaps the most exciting recent news is that WT1, missing for some four months, appears to be down in the Chilterns. We heard this news, just a couple of days ago and it would appear to have been confirmed yesterday – it’s Scarlet all over again! Talking of which, she is still in Yorkshire with her chosen beau and breeding looks likely in 2006!

In the first week of the New Year up to 30 kites were roosting in the Sherburn Towers area (where there are two roosts, one in the trees near the farm, with some birds in the trees behind the new houses). Whilst a group of seven kites were being watched at Sherburn Tower Farm on 9th, two birds ‘peeled off’, found an up-draught and began circling to gain height. They then started to display, one closely tucked in behind the other, chasing and swerving. After a minute or two, they drifted over to Gibside to roost together. Pair bonding behaviour?

Where to See Birds
During the day, the Barlow Burn is still the best place to see birds, with twenty-nine kites in that area early on the afternoon of 9th January. At least eight birds were patrolling the edge of the SITA landfill site, pirating scavenging gulls and crows, with four more perched in trees immediately west of the site. Over the last couple of weeks, birds have re-discovered Cut Thorn Farm on the south side of the Lower Derwent Valley.

Late afternoon and the action switches to the Sherburn Tower Farm area where a steady stream of kites can be seen drifting into the pre-roost from 2.30 pm onwards (depending on cloud cover conditions, more cloud cover means an earlier arrival of kites).

[salty]

thanks for the update June, keep them coming!

[Mouldy]

Stretch of river running through Derwent Park Rowlands Gill remains the most reliable site for Dipper. 3 birds there today, plus single Grey Wagtail and flypast Kingfisher.

Pair of Willow Tits were seen making their way along the hedges bordering someones garden close by with possibly a third one seen just after.

Sherburn Towers Kite roost, calm sunlit late afternoon 16 Kites came slowly and effortlessly drifting into the trees around the farm (mostly overhead) with hardly a wingbeat, a further 3 coming over Rowlands Gill as we left the scene around 4pm, still quite light.

[level seven]

I had a good walk round Thornley Woods today. Nothing special to report, but the work replacing the windows in the Far Pasture hide is progressing. It's a crying shame the old "picture" windows had to go to be replaced by ones half the size. I used to really enjoy the view from the old ones, even when not a lot was around.

And shouldn't there be a zebra crossing between the visitors centre and the path to the feeding station? I'm pretty active, but crossing that road can be really dodgy with all the fast-moving traffic coming at you from both directions.

Don't mean to complain - they're doing a great job there.

[salty]

I had a good walk round Thornley Woods today. Nothing special to report, but the work replacing the windows in the Far Pasture hide is progressing. It's a crying shame the old "picture" windows had to go to be replaced by ones half the size. I used to really enjoy the view from the old ones, even when not a lot was around.

And shouldn't there be a zebra crossing between the visitors centre and the path to the feeding station? I'm pretty active, but crossing that road can be really dodgy with all the fast-moving traffic coming at you from both directions.

Don't mean to complain - they're doing a great job there.

i agree about a zebra crossing mate! - prehaps we should vote for one via www.gatesheadbirders.co.uk

[salty]

popped out while i could today (off work with a bad back!) and headed to my local haunts around gateshead.

i wanted to try out my new camera set-up, but the weather was overcast and very bad for pics.......

thornley hide was the usual busy site it always is, LT tits, nuthatch etc etc, but no woodpeckers or yellow hammers today.

far pastures is now a finished hide once again, with all the window being in full working order. there was only a single teal on the pond, but there was also signs of a kill in the reeds, either by a fox/bird i dont know.

2 red kites over head, a roe deer passing infront of the car, and an ermine stoat running up the road were highlights.

barlow fell was pretty quiet too, with only 2 red kites sitting in the trees to keep me company, however just before i left, a flock of atleast 16 kites took off over the landfill site. also saw a flock of yellowhammers fly past.

then onto follingsby lane, to catch up on the short eared owls. wasnt a good start however, as i pulled into the favourite field, only to see two blokes with rifles looking back at me! - moved up the lane further, and 1 owl was hunting right infront of me, though i wasnt quick enough getting out of the car (due to my bad back) to get good pics, i had to settle with a few snatched shots.

i also had a great time watching a sparrowhawk, trying (but failing)to catch great tits in a hawthorn bush!

[Mouldy]

Nice roundup Salty, glad Far Pasture's finally sorted, prob have a look tomorrow.

Didn't go out meself till mid-afternoon today, but timing was perfect. Sun was out nice and from Rowlands Gill viaduct had great views of a Kingfisher flitting about the riverside vegetation below, and then was lucky enough to spy a Sparrowhawk as it came out of the trees to the left, got a fix on it as it zoomed away from me (obviously on a mission) and in the distance could see its target, a finch-type nonchalently bounding away down river. The Sparrowhawk homed in on it like an exocet missile, plucked it out of the air just above the treetops and away, poor little thing never saw it coming, but a privileged sight for me from an excellent angle.

After that I had a stroll up to the Sherburn Towers Kite roost late afternoon. I could see quite a few already perched including 5 posing quite close in trees centre-field. A sudden noise startled them and 21 took to the air together, a bit spooked they flew off in all directions but within a couple of minutes had gathered in the skies above Gibside. Scanning from the bus turning circle I counted an amazing 33 birds in the air (a new personal best by far), wheeling around in perfect conditions (no wind, setting sun giving a warm glow to the whole landscape and lighting the birds from below) and most of these came back over, this time gliding slowly back to the trees around the farm giving outstanding overhead views.
I've had some great Kite experiences since the project began, but the atmospheric conditions and the sheer number of birds involved made this one a bit special.
Just a shame there was only one other birder there to see it. :flyaway:

[IanF]

............And shouldn't there be a zebra crossing between the visitors centre and the path to the feeding station? ................

Maybe a 'pelicon crossing' would be more appropriate ;)

That is good news about the hides - I've been wating for them to be completed before heading up there again. Maybe next weekend if the weather improves.

[salty]

yep, a crossing would be ideal Ian.

35 kites alan! - WOW, that is a good sign, common as muck now.

in total yesterday, i had a decent raptor count for 2 hours.

2 kestrels
2 sparrowhawks
21 red kite
1 short eard owl

wasnt even trying either - just shows you how lucky we are here in gateshead.

[salty]

freezing cold today - perfect for pics and kites!

been dying to get upto barlow for some kite shooting, since i got my new lens.

the kites were out in force, and a few were just sitting around on the tree tops, just posing really. quite a far way off, but the lens seemed to catch them OK.

also popped into far pastures, very quiet - pond frozen solid.

shibdon pond, again frozen solid, so i just stayed long enough to feed the canada geese.

the SE owls near testos roundabout, were up in the air as i pulled up. the went there seperate ways, high in the sky, but i managed to find one a little later on.

it was sat on a fence post at the bottom of a field, a long way off a decent picture, but i got one all the same. it sat there for 20mins before going off on a hunt, only to disapear into the long grass. that was the last i saw of it.

[salty]

out again today.

far pastures is getting maintenance work done, so no luck there.

thornley was busy as always, with yellowhammers, GS woodpecker, nuthatch and the usual suspects - all busy feeding away in the bitter cold - untill a male sparrowhawk tried to snatch a late morning snack (but missed out).

barlow fell busy too, despite the freezing mist, atleast a dozen or more kites straight away.

shibdon pond still heavily frozen, no birds from the hide.

follingsby lane SEOs still there like clockwork, exellent views for ages, as it hunted in the afternoon sun. shame it never came close enough for a decent picture though!

[ukjesters]

some nice pics there salty, especially seeing how you haven't had the lens for 2 minutes!!!

Had a trip to clara vale today, if it makes sense, i don't understand what is req'd to maintain a reserve but clara vale looks like it has recently had some work carried out on it and lt certainly looks the part and appears to be work well done. I hope after reading what you have said about far pastures that i am left of the same opinion.

Anyway,not much happening at the vale, usual suspects and a sparrowhawk flew through and onto the reserve... i didn't stay too long cos it was absolutely brassers.

Rick

[salty]

some nice pics there salty, especially seeing how you haven't had the lens for 2 minutes!!!

Had a trip to clara vale today, if it makes sense, i don't understand what is req'd to maintain a reserve but clara vale looks like it has recently had some work carried out on it and lt certainly looks the part and appears to be work well done. I hope after reading what you have said about far pastures that i am left of the same opinion.

Anyway,not much happening at the vale, usual suspects and a sparrowhawk flew through and onto the reserve... i didn't stay too long cos it was absolutely brassers.

Rick

far pastures was bust getting trimmed and de-weeded today, was due to be complet for lunchtime though.........

[Mouldy]

Nice pics of Kite 34 Salty, I never get to Barlow meself but its obviously better than Sherburn for good views of perched birds.
Surprised you wasted another day visiting the ponds mind, you should get yersel to the river on days like these. Never known owt like it for Kingfisher at the mo, could turn up anywhere, but around swalwell bridge at the top end of the valley, and derwent park (off the burnopfield road) at the bottom end has been excellent, also for Dipper and Grey Wag. A few goosander about as well. Too cold for me though, so at least you were out!

[fastshot1]

green winged teal on river tyne west of costco! and red kite at barlow tag 55.

[mark ridsdale]

green winged teal on river tyne west of costco! and red kite at barlow tag 55.Was the teal on the river on Tuesday or were you the guy who reported it for Monday?

[fastshot1]

Was the teal on the river on Tuesday or were you the guy who reported it for Monday?
i reported it for monday but it was there on tuesday also, due to shibdon pond been frozen its been on river with around 100 teal. i would expect it going back to shibdon with rest of teal as soon as pond thaws out!

[fastshot1]

green winged teal still present on tyne, best viewing from costco cash and carry.

[fastshot1]

green winged teal back on shibdon pond today!

[john gardiner]

Sled Lane today 5 Mute Swan, 1 Whooper Swan, 17 Wigeon, 2 pr Tufted Duck, pr Goldeneye also Goosander,Teal, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and B-H Gull.
Red Kites 1 at Ravensworth Fell, 2 at Ricklees Farm & 3 at Pawston Road.
Far Pasture Mute Swan, Teal, Snipe, Coot, Moorhen, Jay & GSW.

[Mouldy]

Anyone at the Sherburn Kite roost late this afternoon must have had a treat, I got home about 4.30 and a few Kites were drifting over the houses then, coming over quite close as they seem to use Snipes Dene as a flight path from Gibside to Sherburn, always seeming to follow the same route over Rowlands Gill late afternoon. I went out back to watch them drifting by but looking in the direction of Sherburn could see at least 20 birds wheeling around the skies through the houses. Took a few snaps but the most I could get in the frame was 14. Great stuff!

Sorry about the quality of the downloads, shame, the actual pics are very sharp.

[fastshot1]

green winged teal still present at shibdon & ermine stoat at far pastures.

[salty]

quick couple of hours out again today.

far pastures.......

ermine stoat (same one as steven shot) canny bloke!

best views i have had of a stoat, didnt have the best settings on the camera, so my pics werent as good!

goldcrest and LT tit outside, as was the friendly robin that sat at our feet.

also had distant views of the green winged teal at shibdon. (see pics)shows the GWT on the left, and a normal teal on the right - note the vertical white wing stripe!

also the black headed gulls are now starting to get into summer plumage! (see pics)

[fastshot1]

quick couple of hours out again today.

far pastures.......

ermine stoat (same one as steven shot) canny bloke!

best views i have had of a stoat, didnt have the best settings on the camera, so my pics werent as good!

goldcrest and LT tit outside, as was the friendly robin that sat at our feet.

also had distant views of the green winged teal at shibdon. (see pics)shows the GWT on the left, and a normal teal on the right - note the vertical white wing stripe!

also the black headed gulls are now starting to get into summer plumage! (see pics)
i didnt realise you were salty!
good to meet you down at far pastures anyway!
and glad to see you got green winged teal at shibdon aswell!

[salty]

i didnt realise you were salty!
good to meet you down at far pastures anyway!
and glad to see you got green winged teal at shibdon aswell!


nice to meet you too matey.

cant believe our ermine stoat shots are of the exact same moment - check out the grass etc in the shot!

had close views of the teal before we got to the hide, but it wouldnt turn round, it just continued all the way up to the far end of the pond behind the island. managed a couple of full zoom shots before i went home though.

im loving the camera set-up, just got to get used to the settings etc. but i'll get there.

[fastshot1]

nice to meet you too matey.

cant believe our ermine stoat shots are of the exact same moment - check out the grass etc in the shot!

had close views of the teal before we got to the hide, but it wouldnt turn round, it just continued all the way up to the far end of the pond behind the island. managed a couple of full zoom shots before i went home though.

im loving the camera set-up, just got to get used to the settings etc. but i'll get there.
your right about the same time, all the grass blades are the same and even the stoats head is slightly turned!
i would say the best time to get a good shot of gw teal is before 12pm, usually its in front of the hide before that time, but i repeat usually!

[fastshot1]

Tawny owl at hollinhill kennels at its usual patch, once again wasnt bothered about letting me take some shots of it!

[rayl]

Lamesley Reedbeds
3 Snipe, 2 Green Sand, 1 Redshank, 60 Lapwing, 40 BHG.

Lamesley Water Meadows
2 Greylag, 2 Curlew, Heron, Fieldfare, Redwing, Kestrel

Ray

[June Atkinson]

Leonard and I went out doing a spot of monitoring yesterday.

Keith had received news of kites which had been reported in the Tanfield Lea area, so Leonard and I set off and stopped first at the Tanfield Lea Railway station.....nothing.
As we came within sight of the County Durham border sign, with a farm on the left, and a sign to Hedley Grange, I definitely saw two within fifty yards of us ..possibly a third further away. :t:

If anyone is in that vicinity, and sees a kite, please ring the Office on 0191 496 1555 and let them know. This is such an interesting development Unfortunately, for some reason, we didn't get any signals, so someone will go out again. But any reports could be very useful in getting some definite info on these kites. Your help would be greatly appreciated.



We then moved across to the usual areas..........
We found four at Fellside Road... WTs143, 40, 52, 58 and nine at Barlow Burn WTs 143(obviously nipped across!) 34 (Helenol's baby) 37 59 45 50 16 51 18 . Listed according to their frequencies!!

[john gardiner]

June
Seen a pair of Kites on Ravensworth Fell a couple of times recently, they often fly down over the field opposite the entrance to Tanfield Railway and then over towards Birkheads Lane. I'm often over that way so will keep you posted.

[fastshot1]

Leonard and I went out doing a spot of monitoring yesterday.

Keith had received news of kites which had been reported in the Tanfield Lea area, so Leonard and I set off and stopped first at the Tanfield Lea Railway station.....nothing.
As we came within sight of the County Durham border sign, with a farm on the left, and a sign to Hedley Grange, I definitely saw two within fifty yards of us ..possibly a third further away. :t:

If anyone is in that vicinity, and sees a kite, please ring the Office on 0191 496 1555 and let them know. This is such an interesting development Unfortunately, for some reason, we didn't get any signals, so someone will go out again. But any reports could be very useful in getting some definite info on these kites. Your help would be greatly appreciated.



We then moved across to the usual areas..........
We found four at Fellside Road... WTs143, 40, 52, 58 and nine at Barlow Burn WTs 143(obviously nipped across!) 34 (Helenol's baby) 37 59 45 50 16 51 18 . Listed according to their frequencies!!
hi june
ive also seen 1 kite in the fields behind the railway station, i'll keep an eye out for kites in that area and try to read there tags!

[fastshot1]

heres a couple of red kite shots from barlow and 3 goosander on derwent at swawell.

[salty]

heres a couple of red kite shots from barlow and 3 goosander on derwent at swawell.


superb matey!

the middle one is the best!

[Mouldy]

Common Buzzard over Rowlands Gill yesterday, circling in the bright afternoon sunshine. First of the year on the patch and first sighting in the area since the unfortunate demise of the (assumed) regular bird in December at Barlow.

A couple of record shots attached, very poor compared to mr fastshot, think I'll call meself 'crapshot'. :bounce:

[john gardiner]

What happeneed to the regular Buzzard at Barlow Mouldy?

[DenBee]

Have read a lot of threads about this area lately so thought I would pop over as it is over year since I last visited (Had To Hunt the Old Passport Out).
On arrival popped over to the Feeding station for a quick Look, quite a large flock of
Chaffinch x 20+
Grt Tit x 6
Bullfinch x 2 (M & F)
Robin x 2
Blkbird x 4
Coaltit x 2
Red Squirrel x 2 ( Good to see a native scampering about)

Not a lot to see strolling over to Far Pasture apart from what appears to be a vast immigration of Grt Tits into Geordie Land never seen so many.
finally arrived at Far Pastures Hide good to get out of a biting wind, at last some bird activity.
Red Kite x 5 soaring over the old sewerage plant very spectaclular sight, just getting settled into hide when Grey Heron decided to drop in for snack, also on pond:-
Teal x 3
Mute Swan x 2
Coot x 5
Moorhen x 5
Pheasant x 1 (Not on Pond "Hee Hee") 3:-) 3:-)
Magpie x 1 " "
Kestrel x 1 " "
On far pond edge a good view of Roe Deer Stag quenching his thirst 8-P

So All in all not a bad mornings viewing

[Mouldy]

What happeneed to the regular Buzzard at Barlow Mouldy?

Hi John,

a bulletin from Northern Kites in December reported a Buzzard corpse found at Barlow underneath the powerlines having flown into them.
Up to around that time I used to see a common Buzzard regularly with the Kites at Sherburn Towers, but not since so I assume this was the same bird. Very unfortunate as they are something of a rarity in the borough.

Cheers

[Mouldy]

Red Squirrel x 2 ( Good to see a native scampering about)



You've been lucky there then, I think thats the first red squirrel sighting for over a year! glad to hear it.

[fastshot1]

Have read a lot of threads about this area lately so thought I would pop over as it is over year since I last visited (Had To Hunt the Old Passport Out).
On arrival popped over to the Feeding station for a quick Look, quite a large flock of
Chaffinch x 20+
Grt Tit x 6
Bullfinch x 2 (M & F)
Robin x 2
Blkbird x 4
Coaltit x 2
Red Squirrel x 2 ( Good to see a native scampering about)

Not a lot to see strolling over to Far Pasture apart from what appears to be a vast immigration of Grt Tits into Geordie Land never seen so many.
finally arrived at Far Pastures Hide good to get out of a biting wind, at last some bird activity.
Red Kite x 5 soaring over the old sewerage plant very spectaclular sight, just getting settled into hide when Grey Heron decided to drop in for snack, also on pond:-
Teal x 3
Mute Swan x 2
Coot x 5
Moorhen x 5
Pheasant x 1 (Not on Pond "Hee Hee") 3:-) 3:-)
Magpie x 1 " "
Kestrel x 1 " "
On far pond edge a good view of Roe Deer Stag quenching his thirst 8-P

So All in all not a bad mornings viewing
i couldnt help notice about the red squirell x 2 you spotted ! is that a 100% sighting as some of the grey can look red and there hasnt been a red seen for quite some time, plus its over run with grey. I hope your right and forgive me for questioning you!

[fastshot1]

are you still up at this time alan! :cat:

[Mouldy]

are you still up at this time alan! :cat:

No, I think I must be sleep-posting..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

enjoy cold wet and windy scotland.......

[June Atkinson]

:hi:
For two very interesting accounts of flying with kites go to:

Alec Powell A web site on the Red Kite

http://www.prole.demon.co.uk/rk/


FLYING WITH KITES!
Very interesting letters from
Paul Fennell
Spinneyone@flyboy88.freeserve.co.uk
and Richard Sheppard
rich.shep@virgin.net

Paul flies his model glider, whilst Richard flies hang gliders. Both report very interesting interaction with the kites in the air. :D

Well worth a browse!

[DenBee]

i couldnt help notice about the red squirell x 2 you spotted ! is that a 100% sighting as some of the grey can look red and there hasnt been a red seen for quite some time, plus its over run with grey. I hope your right and forgive me for questioning you!

Not 100% as Bins clouding over with the cold and light not to good, hope that I hav'nt built anyones hopes up, as I stated it has been over a year since I have ventured into Geordie land and would hate to upset my neighbours.

DenBee :smoke:

[Mouldy]

Far Pasture this morning hoping to see Otter, water Rail and Jack Snipe which all showed well yesterday morning but not today I'm afraid.

Heard the Water Rail squealing but didn't see it, only 5 sleeping Snipe on view in the hour or so I was there, good count of 44 Teal, Little Grebe and Grey Heron. Highlight was a pair of Sparrowhawks hunting, the female of which swooped on a group of Teal on the pond sending them scattering in all directions.

The resident pair of Kestrels were both on the telegraph pole by access road, and a GSWoodpecker was drumming noisily on a pylon close by.

Pleasant hour well spent despite lack of targets. :flyaway:

[whitburnmark]

Just a reminder to all Gateshead birders that the Durham Bird Club AGM and indoor meeting is this Thursday evening in Durham. Things are really moving forward in the DBC and there's plenty more lined up for this year. Gateshead birders can make a real contribution in the forthcoming Nuthatch survey and it would be nice to see a few more records being submitted from the many keen local patch workers in the borough. If you've not seen a copy of the new look quarterly 'Lek', try borrow a copy. It's an excellent read, full of current info and worth the minimal £12 annual subs alone.
More details of what's happening at the moment are on the DBC website (link below).

[Mouldy]

another failed attempt to see the elusive Jack Snipe at Far Pasture this morning, but nice surprise was a drake Green-winged Teal. ( same bird as regular at Shibdon?)
Red Fox also showed well late morning scattering 7-8 Snipe but I couldn't tell whether Jack was among them.
Two Red Kites in the vicinity the whole time, one of which was particularly inquisitive when I was arriving and leaving, coming quite low overhead a few times looking directly at me. This bird showed pink and yellow tags of a 2004 bird, and interacted with (ie chased) both Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Also a skein of 130+ probable Pinkfoot geese went overhead (N) about 1pm.

Pics attached ( tho not best quality) - Green-winged Teal, Kite chasing Sparrowhawk, Skein of Geese, GS Woodpecker drumming on pylon.

[Denis J]

[QUOTE=Mouldy]Far Pasture this morning hoping to see Otter, water Rail and Jack Snipe which all showed well yesterday morning but not today I'm afraid.

I would not say the Jack snipe showed well m8 we were there on sunday morning and the Jack snipe was between 2 reeds just half its head showing you had to wait for it to move its head before you could actually see it!

The Water rail was better but only because the Otter flushed it

But the best performance of the day was the Otter it sat on the spit on the left side of the hide eating an eel for about ten minutes then spend the next ten hunting the pond. The best views you could hope for it was about 8:50 when we saw it so keep trying m8 its well worth it!

[Mouldy]

[QUOTE=Mouldy]Far Pasture this morning hoping to see Otter, water Rail and Jack Snipe which all showed well yesterday morning but not today I'm afraid.

I would not say the Jack snipe showed well m8 we were there on sunday morning and the Jack snipe was between 2 reeds just half its head showing you had to wait for it to move its head before you could actually see it!

The Water rail was better but only because the Otter flushed it

But the best performance of the day was the Otter it sat on the spit on the left side of the hide eating an eel for about ten minutes then spend the next ten hunting the pond. The best views you could hope for it was about 8:50 when we saw it so keep trying m8 its well worth it!

Cheers Denis,

Far Pasture is my favourite site and I visit regular, so I always get a bit miffed when I miss something good, Jack Snipe is the one I most want as a lifer, and I know its been seen well lately, but great to see the Otter like you did. Try again tomorrow I think........... :flyaway:

[whitburnmark]

... Also a skein of 130+ probable Pinkfoot geese went overhead (N) about 1pm.
Pics attached ( tho not best quality) - Green-winged Teal, Kite chasing Sparrowhawk, Skein of Geese, GS Woodpecker drumming on pylon.

Interesting about the geese. 150 Pink-feet went north up the coast at Whitburn/South Shields at 12.30 today. Wonder if they then turned left and went up the Tyne, or if yours were another flock?

[fastshot1]

looks like mouldy just beat me to green wing teal! ive been looking for jack snipe but also failed :scribe: , i'll try again in the morning (fingers crossed). :t:

[Mouldy]

Interesting about the geese. 150 Pink-feet went north up the coast at Whitburn/South Shields at 12.30 today. Wonder if they then turned left and went up the Tyne, or if yours were another flock?

A different flock I would have thought Mark, looking at the timing, I left FP hide at 1pm and they came over as I was watching the Kites up the road.

Coming from an inland direction they were heading towards the Tyne and possibly the northumberland coastline.

[IanF]

I had a look up to Derwentside today.

Far Pasture was the most productive.

The Green-winged Teal showing well. An otter kept us entertained a while as well - the photo below was the clearest view I had of it. The Jack Snipe was in the reeds opposite the hide along with several other Snipe but views of it were very limited - especially as it was mostly asleep.

Other birds on the pond were -
Common Teal 20+
Mallard
Heron x2
Little Grebe
Moorhen
Coot
Mute Swan

Up to 3x Kites were about giving distant views.


Thornley Woods Feeding Station - pretty disappointing bird wise.

The new hide is great though maybe a bit more legroom is needed on more benches.

Chaffinch 8+
Bullfinch 12+
Yellowhammer
Dunnock
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Coal Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Robin
Siskin c.30 passed quickly through.
GSW about - heard but not seen
Pheasant
Nuthatch

Grey Squirrel x6

Barlow Burn

Red Kite 12+

[whitburnmark]

New gallery put on Durham Bird Club web site tonight. If anyone would like to contribute any photos to the gallery, maybe have them used in the quarterly 'Lek' or forthcoming annual report(s), please email them to me (link on DBC website). Cheers.

[Keith Bradley]

After some well rewarded patience the Jack Snipe at Far Pasture showed itself amongst the 10 or so Common Snipe - giving reasonable views in the end :D . The Snipe were directly in front of the hide on the far side of the water in amongst the reeds. Nothing else of note during this time (which was 08.30-09.30). A quick check across Gibside produced three Red Kites, including one example being mobbed by a pair of corvids.

At the Thornley visitor centre, I was lucky enough to see the Marsh Tit briefly visiting the feeding table behind the centre. Otherwise it was the usual (but welcome) mass of Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Robin, Dunnock and Blackbird.

A single Green Sandpiper at the Lamesley Meadow reedbeds was another highlight and my first Skylark of the year |8.| rose and sang in time to the clouds breaking.

Shibdon Pond produced nothing of note, no waders visible at all. The four Mistle Thrushes by the reserve entrance (from the car park) were perhaps the best things on show. There was also a small flock of Long Tailed Tit by the baths.

Keith

[Mouldy]

After some well rewarded patience the Jack Snipe at Far Pasture showed itself amongst the 10 or so Common Snipe - giving reasonable views in the end :D .



Keith

Read your note in the log when I arrived and thought 'not again', seems like everyones seen it but me and I've always just missed it...........but not any more. Finally got it at 12.05pm precisely, showed well for less than 2 minutes, bobbing up and down as if to say "here I am, thought you might need some help" in the same spot as usually seen.
Was determined to get it this week, 5 days, 8+ hours of Snipe watching, but well worth it. I can get on with my life now. :flyaway:

[fastshot1]

single red kite and 50 golden plover at ravensworth fell.

[salty]

single red kite and 50 golden plover at ravensworth fell.

superb pics matey!

[john gardiner]

Went past Lamesley Water Meadows this morning nothing of note on the water but small hide has been built there across the road from the Ravensworth Arms.

[salty]

Went past Lamesley Water Meadows this morning nothing of note on the water but small hide has been built there across the road from the Ravensworth Arms.

public hide?

[john gardiner]

Salty
No idea who owns or built the hide, possibly Gateshead Council as I believe they own the land there.

[salty]

Salty
No idea who owns or built the hide, possibly Gateshead Council as I believe they own the land there.

hopefully gatehead councill will be doing keys for it then, via thornley woodlands.

[piecatcher]

Gateshead birders website is reporting a Hawfinch at Church Bank in Ryton today, so I think i'll be down there tomrrow,
Steve

[June Atkinson]

Latest up-date Northern Kites 09.03.06
Thanks to Jules Burnett, Administrator, here is the latest news:

Bird News
On 6th March, one of the 2004 females, WT16 was on foraging by herself in a field below Fellside, Whickham, on the opposite side of the Derwent valley to Winlaton Mill. A couple of hundred metres away WT53 was flying around and later that afternoon, both birds were detected together a little way away! Once again this week, some birds could not be detected during routine tracking on 6th (including WT39, WT54 & WT59), but these birds were probably foraging outside the ‘core area’, as they have all been detected at some time during the last week.

On Monday, fourteen kites were foraging in the Barlow Burn. Over in the Derwent valley, kites were taking advantage of the fine weather to explore. Four were located at Lintz Hall Farm, nr. Hamsterley Mill, whilst WT3 and WT52 did a tour of the lower valley - setting off from Gibside in the morning and ‘picking up’ three other birds on the way. Further a-field, three birds were noted at Blanchland on 6th with others at Lanchester and, of course, Teesdale during the last week.

Since Christmas, Sherburn Towers has been the best place to watch kites coming in to roost but some birds have recently been detected going over to the Gibside Estate and elsewhere. A record number of 34 birds at roost at Sherburn Towers on the 19th January but this had dwindled to six by Friday 3rd March; although there were a few more kites there the following evening. Elsewhere in the country, WT2 (Scarlet) remains in Yorkshire and WT1 (Speedy) is apparently still in the Chilterns! Please keep a watchful eye for ‘pairs’ of kites that might be displaying on fine days at present and if you see anything that you think might be of interest, please contact the office with the details as soon as possible.

Where to See BirdsThe Barlow Burn continues to be a good place to see kites during the day, with birds still showing well behind the Black Horse pub at Barlow. Many birds have been seen over the Gibside Estate in the last week or so and also along Fellside Road, Whickham (up to 19 birds here!), with others still seen on a daily basis at Lockhaugh (try the Far Pasture hide). The main roost remains in Rowlands Gill, at Sherburn Towers Farm, from late afternoon (remain until dark for the full spectacle), though smaller numbers seem to be using this site at present.



All next week there are the Kite Safaris, starting from the Centre for Life. These are being offered as part of the Newcastle Science Festival. Twice-daily, groups are being taken to the most advantageous viewing places. There are places on Monday, Wed and Friday 10am and 2pm. To book people can contact the Life centre on 0191 2438292.

[Denis J]

hopefully gatehead councill will be doing keys for it then, via thornley woodlands.
saw a notice at thornley a couple of weeks ago i'm fairly sure it said the key for the other hides would fit the new one.

[fastshot1]

barn owl x 2 at undisclosed site in the borough, possibly paired up and ready to mate, if not already. Good news for the owls of the borough after the departure of the leo's. More owl news: tawny, little owl, barn owl and leo seen this year with seo just over the boundry. What next ! eagle owl, you might think im been a bit opptimistic but i was told of a sighting of a eagle owl which lifted a goshawk only 7 miles outside the borough, i was also told 2 weeks before off someone differant that they thought they saw a eagle owl within 1 mile of the other sighting. so thats 2 sightings a stone throw away, so you never no!

thanx

[mark ridsdale]

Any more news on the Lesser spotted woodpecker this year at Clara vale?It seemed to be briefly "reported" a few weeks ago but nothing else?

[stew the smew]

Any more news on the Lesser spotted woodpecker this year at Clara vale?It seemed to be briefly "reported" a few weeks ago but nothing else?

hi mark, i go down to clara most days and i haven't seen any sign yet this year. i was talkng to the warden about it on friday and he hadn't seen or heard anything.

a friend had one in his garden in wylam about a month ago but nothing since then.

stew

[fastshot1]

Any more news on the Lesser spotted woodpecker this year at Clara vale?It seemed to be briefly "reported" a few weeks ago but nothing else?hi mark
lesser spotted drops into clara vale now and then, but a good place to see it is along the riverside from clara to wylam or from wylam to close house on the otherside of the river, theres obviously 2 there as they nest at close house. Its a bit of a big area to find a small bird, but its always worth a walk for a lesser spotted! Its been seen more in this area, but not by me! i actually had it on a feeder in clara reserve.
good luck if you try!
steve

[June Atkinson]

superb pics matey!

Salty
If Kielder is a possible/probable area for the next Bash, would you consider doing the Goshawk Trail - as advertised on the web site, or the Bird of Prey Centre. If the latter, maybe we could get a group entry, reduced, of course!

[mark ridsdale]

hi mark
lesser spotted drops into clara vale now and then, but a good place to see it is along the riverside from clara to wylam or from wylam to close house on the otherside of the river, theres obviously 2 there as they nest at close house. Its a bit of a big area to find a small bird, but its always worth a walk for a lesser spotted! Its been seen more in this area, but not by me! i actually had it on a feeder in clara reserve.
good luck if you try!
steveThanks Steve and Stew for the info will have to pop up and just try my luck.Tried for the woodpecker last year at Clara 1st time waited 6 hours only for it to turn up half an hour after i left.Second time walked from Wylam to Clara along the river heard a bird which thought was Nuthatch....guess what? turned out our friend L.S WOOD.But i walked away at the time! :storm:

[salty]

spotted 2 buzzards while at work last week.

1 was over silver hills area, the other was over sunniside.........first time i have seen buzzards there this year.

[Brian Bullough]

I may be telling you something already known ,but Thornley Feeding Station Hide was closed today due to FIRE DAMAGE the centre was not open to find any more info, would be gratefull for a posting when it is reopened.
Brian

[fastshot1]

far pastures
2 buzzards, 7 red kites, 2 sparrowhawks, kestrel, water rail, snipe, little grebe, teal, 2 m swan and a fox sleeping.

[June Atkinson]

Another volunteer and I went out this afternoon to do some tracking of our red kites in the Lower Derwent Valley.
We had wonderful views of them on the ground...... after sheep have dropped their lambs, they like the placentas!
Then some were perched in the trees. Two pairs looked very settled and they are picking up twigs and bits and pieces, so we're keeping our fingers crossed that this spring will see the first chicks for 170 years in the northern region!
All in all we tracked 30 of them in three different locations.

They have moved their roost site to the National Trust Gibside Estate, near Rowlands Gill.

It was a sunny day with blue skies, white fluffy clouds and plenty of thermals - the birds were in their element! :D

[salty]

had good views of buzzard, kingfisher, kites and lots of sparrowhawks around gateshead these past few days!

[stew the smew]

was over far pasture with hectortheprotector yesterday... not a lot about but we were treated to milvus #9 doing a few low-level circuits over the water which a couple of crows took exception too.

closest i've seen one and it was magnificent.

[Mouldy]

Now then folks, after weeks of technical problems I'm back on-line, though for how long I can only hope.(what do you mean you hadn't noticed?)

Brambling (almost full summer moult male) in the garden with the local chaffinches this morning, a first so a nice garden tick. still getting up to a dozen Siskin daily too.

Drake Mandarin at Far Pasture today, and great view of Fox in front of the hide. No Sandmartins present though, 30+ there yesterday, and Buzzard flew over.

Was told Thornley hide is being repaired tomorrow so hopefully won't be long before its open again.

[stew the smew]

Now then folks, after weeks of technical problems I'm back on-line, though for how long I can only hope.(what do you mean you hadn't noticed?)

Brambling (almost full summer moult male) in the garden with the local chaffinches this morning, a first so a nice garden tick. still getting up to a dozen Siskin daily too.

Drake Mandarin at Far Pasture today, and great view of Fox in front of the hide. No Sandmartins present though, 30+ there yesterday, and Buzzard flew over.

Was told Thornley hide is being repaired tomorrow so hopefully won't be long before its open again.

cheers for the thornley update

[stew the smew]

courtesy of hectortheprotector

[June Atkinson]

:news:
Northern Kites Events
Bird of Prey guided walk at Chopwell Woods
on Tuesday, 11th April at 2p.m.
Families are especially welcome :clap:
Cost: £1 per person

We are planning to walk around the woods, talking about birds of prey in general and stopping to look for kites. :flyaway:

Contact: Rhianne Dixon
Visitor and Events Officer
Northern Kites

0191 4961555

info 'at' northernkites.org.uk

[john gardiner]

Pair of Little Ringed Plover at Lamesley Water Meadows this evening also my first Swallows and House Martins of the year there. Also present Sand Martin, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Teal, Grey Heron, Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Pied Wagtail.

[john gardiner]

Lamesley Water Meadows this morning 1 Little Ringed Plover, pair Chiffchaff, Pair Oystercatcher, pair Redshank also Teal, Lapwing and Meadow Pipit. Buzzard and pair of Sparrowhawks over the nearby rail marshalling yards and Red-legged Partridge and Kestrel near Kibblesworth.

[fastshot1]

4 x blackcap, 1 x bramberling, 3 x siskin at clara vale today and 2 x stonechat at burrdon moor.

[salty]

more red kites over ryton today......aswell as the daily sparrowhawks.

[mark ridsdale]

Lamesley Water Meadows this morning 1 Little Ringed Plover, pair Chiffchaff, Pair Oystercatcher, pair Redshank also Teal, Lapwing and Meadow Pipit. Buzzard and pair of Sparrowhawks over the nearby rail marshalling yards and Red-legged Partridge and Kestrel near Kibblesworth.Are the water meadows the pools ajoining the sewage ponds?

[rayl]

Thats the reedbeds Mark, the water meadow is to the north between the Birtley to Team Valley road and Greenford lane, there is a hide on Greenford lane opposite the pub. If you want a guided tour PM me as there are a few other 'interesting spots' close by.

Ray

[stew the smew]

Thats the reedbeds Mark, the water meadow is to the north between the Birtley to Team Valley road and Greenford lane, there is a hide on Greenford lane opposite the pub. If you want a guided tour PM me as there are a few other 'interesting spots' close by.

Ray

is the hide open yet ray? i went down last week but it was locked.

cheers

[fastshot1]

lamsley meadows is opposite the ravensworth hotel, the hide will not be open until work has been finished on the meadows. At a guess i would say 2-4 weeks, but the meadows can be viewed from surrounding areas. 4 x little ringed plover there now!

[stew the smew]

lamsley meadows is opposite the ravensworth hotel, the hide will not be open until work has been finished on the meadows. At a guess i would say 2-4 weeks, but the meadows can be viewed from surrounding areas. 4 x little ringed plover there now!

quick run over to lamesly today. white wagtail, pied wagtail, 4x little ringed plover, redshank, common sandpiper, 3 x lapwing, sheldduck, snipe.

another birder was telling me about the nearby sewage works. i had a run along but wasn't too sure about access, could anybody advise on where to park and where to go or are we restricted to views from the main road?

cheers

stew

[john gardiner]

1 Green Sandpiper & 1 Little Ringed Plover at Lamesley Water Meadows, 3 Wheatear over Birklands Lane and 1 male Ring Ouzel at Ravensworth Fell this morning.

[whitburnmark]

Pleasant walk along the river at Derwenthaugh this afternoon. At least 2 Red Kites showed almost continually over the small lake, a Green Woodpecker was calling up towards Thornley Woodland Centre, at least 2 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler and 6 Chiffchaff were singing, 6 Grey Wagtails were along the river, and c30 Sand Martin and c10 Swallow were overhead.

[john gardiner]

Lamesley Water Meadows late afternoon produced 6 Little Ringed Plover, 3 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Green Sandpiper also Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Teal, Shelduck, LBB Gull, Linnet , Sand Martin, M Pipit and Pied Wagtail.
Nearby STW held 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper & 1 White Wagtail.

[john gardiner]

This morning 2 Little Ringed Plover & 2 White Wagtail at Lamesley Water Meadows and Little Owl on fence post at Crossroads of Birkhead/Birklands Lane.

[June Atkinson]

Hot off the press. Two kites seen together this afternoon at NE5 1NT, Newcastle, between Throckley and Ponteland.

Other news, supplied by Keith Bowey, Project Manager of Northern Kites.

Bird News
At present, we know the fate or whereabouts of 50 of the 61 kites that have been released and we know that the current, known survival rate of birds is at least 79%.

One of the most exciting recent happenings was the re-discovery of WT13 at Blanchland - not noted since August 2005 (then again, could it be the missing Yorkshire bird that has a very similar transmitter frequency?)!

There has been a recent dispersal of birds away from the Derwent valley (something similar happened last spring), with at least eleven kites going ‘missing’ over the last few weeks. That said, there are probably still over 20 kites in the west Gateshead area, though clearly some birds are now travelling further field (recent regular reports have come from near Sunniside, Slaley and Satley). Perhaps the best example of this dispersal is WT45, which was present near Rowlands Gill on 6 April and was located at Barmpton, near Leeds, on 20th (perhaps this was the bird reported close to Darlington a couple of weeks ago?). Clearly birds are on the move, for in the second week of April, WT26, which had been wintering near Hart village, re-appeared in the lower Derwent valley, before disappearing again a few days later.

During April, there has been much display from birds and initial estimates would suggest that there are at least four established territories in the lower Derwent valley, with another pair in Teesdale. We are hopeful that exciting things will come from all of this encouraging activity. Watch this space!

Other news from someone not seen lately, WT9 was recently noted over Far Pasture Ponds in the DWCP, after not being seen for a few months – nice to know that this bird, with its dodgy transmitter, is still around. Meanwhile, down in Yorkshire it would appear that Scarlet (WT2) has settled on a nest and is getting on with contributing to the next kite generation!

Where to See BirdsBirds are now much more difficult to see than during the winter (though still relatively easy!), and all of the usual locations are still regularly turning up birds including: Gibside, Far Pasture Ponds, the Barlow Burn and along Fellside Road.

[john gardiner]

This afternoon at Lamesley Water Meadows at least 8 Little Ringed Plover, 3 White Wagtail, Numerous Pied Wagtail, single Yellow Wagtail also Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Grey Lag Goose, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Stock Dove.

[salty]

large female sparrowhawk flew right over my head today, couldnt of been more than 2 metres away from me!

[June Atkinson]

Leonard and I have had a lovely day, tracking kites all over the area.
In all we found 16, but even these birds were being located in different places, morning and afternoon.
At Cut Thorn Farm, we got visual confirmation of WT54, and strong perched signals from this bird and WT3. They were sitting in a tree together, then after a while each flew to the ground to forage, before flying off towards Gibside. WT28 is at Hamsterley Hall. Six birds were at Barlow, so they haven't entirely deserted this area, but we found nothing at Sherburn Towers. At Lockhaugh we had a great view as one kite swooped down in "gannet" style to investigate a dead rabbit, a fox kill.

[June Atkinson]

Please go to
Birds of Prey>Stop Press Red Kites
for the latest news from Keith Bowey and a request for your help.

Thanks

[June Atkinson]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/5003560.stm[/url]

Rare birds return after 200 years

Rare birds of prey are nesting in the north-east of England for the first time in 200 years.

At least two pairs of red kites have built nests in Gateshead's Derwent valley after a re-introduction project.

There are now hopes for the birth of the first kite chicks in the region since the reign of George III.

The birds are protected by law and it is an offence to disturb them on the nest, but it is hoped a public viewpoint will soon be provided.

The Northern Kites project was set up two years ago, and so far 60 red kites have been re-introduced into the region, but none have nested so far.

Keith Bowey, the project manager, said: "I am absolutely delighted by this exciting and historic news.

"It is wonderful that kites are nesting at this early stage of the project and that they have chosen to settle close to Gateshead.

"It will be a red-letter day if young kites fly from a north east nest this spring, and this fabulous news bodes very well for the future of red kites in the region."

Look out for the news on Monday of next week hopefully.

Gateshead Council and Northern Kites are running a very special Kite Event.
Where? At the Viaduct on the Derwent Walk
When? 2nd June - 30th July
Times? 10a.m. - 5p.m.

Telescopes and information will be available. Volunteers will there to help you enjoy this unique event. :t: :t: :t:

[salty]

superb, thanks June.

[June Atkinson]

superb, thanks June.

Red Kite Nest
The Viewing Event has opened at the Viaduct on the Derwent Walk.
We had 158 people there yesterday........ walkers, cyclists, wheelchair walkers and babies in various carriers!
We can't see the actual nest, but maybe that is a good thing. The male did some lovely flying for us, and on one occasion discovered a thermal and just went higher and higher - and he was gone!
Even when there are no kites, there are other things of interest: a kingfisher in the river below the viaduct, kestrels and a heron flew past on three occasions when we were there.

So, do go and have a look. The scenery is spectacular, the trees are beautiful and the company is very genial! :clap:

[seahawk]

June,is this viaduct close to the visitor centre?I would like to have a few hours ud there,but am not sure where i exactly is.

________________________

Thanks Les.

[June Atkinson]

June,is this viaduct close to the visitor centre?I would like to have a few hours ud there,but am not sure where i exactly is.

________________________

Thanks Les.

You may have already received my e-mail, but here is more info:-

Doug Ridgeway's map shows the position of the viaduct. You can see the approach from either direction.
Enjoy yourself!!! :t:

[June Atkinson]

Please go to Birds of Prey Stop Press - for Press Releases about the kites' success! :clap:

[salty]

Please go to Birds of Prey Stop Press - for Press Releases about the kites' success! :clap:



:t: :cool:

[LSB]

:t: :cool:

Nice to see your still alive Salty.... ;) ;)

[Stewart J.]

Nice to see your still alive Salty.... ;) ;)
Second that, come back and talk to us mate.

Stewart

[salty]

yeah, im still here folks!


still enjoying my raptors too ;)

[June Atkinson]

:news:

Three pieces of good news:
1. Our chick at the Viaduct nest has fledged, a little earlier than expected, I think. Rhianne, our Events Officer caught sight of the youngster in the trees near to the nest site. Keith and Ken went to investigate and found the nest empty.
So, anyone going to the Viaduct from now until 30th July stands an excellent chance of seeing the whole family flying and enjoying the beautiful weather!

2. We have confirmation that there are two chicks in Teesdale. Again, Ken Sanderson has been rigorously monitoring the kites in Teesdale for months, and he was delighted when he discovered two chicks, which continue to thrive.

3. Last Thursday I went with Melanie Hills, our Education Officer, to Rowlands Gill Junior School. This school, which adopted Flame, is to move into a new school along with the Infant School. The children were invited to submit designs for their new school badge. The winning design is lovely, featuring a Red Kite, with the River Derwent flowing behind.

To date, we have had over 6,500 people at the viaduct....... a splendid reflection on how much people from all over (including a group of Cyclists from Belarus!) are taking these birds to their hearts. :clap: :clap:

[salty]

outstanding news June.

[salty]

just a quick word to mention my local sparrowhawks have fledged well and are learning to hunt now.

superb close ups from my secret spot on top of a small hill, you dont even need binos to watch them. think they dont mind coming close to me!

[Dryocopus]

Been away then, Salty?

[June Atkinson]

just a quick word to mention my local sparrowhawks have fledged well and are learning to hunt now.

superb close ups from my secret spot on top of a small hill, you dont even need binos to watch them. think they dont mind coming close to me!

I know they get a bad press for taking smaller birds (took two of ours this season!), I still think they are such handsome birds. Come to think of it, we haven't seen our regular one for a week or two - wonder if he's wandered over to your secret spot on top of the hill!!

[salty]

kingfisher on the tyne at bill quay.

first time i have ever seen them here!

[fastshot1]

the kingfisher at clara showing very well between 11am-1pm.

[Mouldy]

the kingfisher at clara showing very well between 11am-1pm.

Class pics Steven, you haven't been testing your new hide clamp out by any chance have you? ;)

[seahawk]

Absolutely great shots Steven,especially the first one!!

___________________________

Les.

[June Atkinson]

Northern Kites up-date.
Please read the news posted today on Northern Kites thread.

[hutch]

hi june it might be me being abit thick (i have been called )worst. but all the pages on
www.northernkites.org.uk (http://) are from oct 06 i know it will be me but i do love me kites o:) o:)

[June Atkinson]

hi june it might be me being abit thick (i have been called )worst. but all the pages on
www.northernkites.org.uk (http://) are from oct 06 i know it will be me but i do love me kites o:) o:)

I know you do! Our site is managed and maintained "in-house" at Gateshead Council, something we are grateful for, but it does mean that up-dates may not be as frequent as you might find on a private web site.

That's why I post any new information, to keep all Birdforum members in the picture. I'll mention your concerns and perhaps get some idea as to when the official site will be up-dated.

[June Atkinson]

:news:

Courtesy of Ken Sanderson, who was out monitoring yesterday:
Monday 11th December 2006

The highlight of the day was the return of WT83 from Holywell. It was recorded roosting on the Gibside Estate.

Eighteen kites roosted at Sherburn Towers.

Fifteen kites roosted on the Gibside Estate, including WT16 on territory.

Two kites roosted at Causey, WT44 and WT53 .

Two kites roosted at Lochaugh, WT6 and WT19 on territory.

One at Hamsterly Hall, WT28 on territory.

One in the Barlow Burn, WT37.

Approx. 12 kites were noted flying into the roost area at Sherburn Towers, some giving excellent views.

One pink/yellow tagged kite was observed “coming in” , going straight to roost in Sherburn Green wood. No pink/ yellow tagged birds were radio tracked as roosting there so it must have been a kite with a failed transmitter.

The wing tags of the following kites were read whilst perched at the pre roost, Sherburn Towers Farm :
WT21; WT36; WT43; WT54; WT59; WT76 and WT85.


WT54’s transmitter was not functioning. The kite was definitely there because the wing tag was read at pre roost, Sherburn Towers.

Initially, no signal was obtained for WT44 as Causey area was scanned from the usual position. Had to go right into the dip at Causey to locate the bird and discovered it was roosting with WT53. Watch this space for a possible pairing, WT53 has not long been back at Gateshead.


I wonder if they will gradually develop a main winter roost site, as they did last year.

[hutch]

brilliant news :clap: :clap: thanks june roll on a good showing on sat

[will@bill]

Hi all got some great close up views of an adult otter and kingfisher today at clockburn lake it came out of the pond flushing up the kingfisher and walked right in front of us within 50ft across the path into the river it did not even give us a look I wonder how many otters there are on the derwent now?
Cheers will cook

[June Atkinson]

You are one lucky person!! An otter? That's great. an otter and a kingfisher on the same visit? That's a near miracle! :clap:

Where is Clockmill Pond.?

That has certainly been a brilliant end to 2006 for you!! :clap:

Hi all got some great close up views of an adult otter and kingfisher today at clockmill pond it came out of the pond flushing up the kingfisher and walked right in front of us within 50ft across the path into the river it did not even give us a look I wonder how many otters there are on the derwent now?
Cheers will cook

[will@bill]

3 redpoll in with 7 goldfinch at wategate park around the lake on tuesday

[June Atkinson]

Please read the full details of these three invitations for you in the Northern Kites thread. They have just been issued by the NK Project Office.

[June Atkinson]

Courtesy of Rhianne Dixon - Visitor and Events Officer - Northern Kites

ROOST WATCHES

The red kites are currently roosting in large numbers in Spen Banks Wood, Rowlands Gill in Gateshead. Up to 34 red kites, arrive at the wood during late afternoon before going to roost each evening, a spectacular sight.

The best place to watch this evening demonstration is from the bus turning circle in the Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill. Northern Kites staff and volunteers will be at the bus turning circle from 3pm-5pm each afternoon on the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 21st February. They will be joined by staff from the Project’s partner organisations, who will be on hand to show you the kites using binoculars and telescopes, and to answer any questions you may have about the kites and the Project.

This “Roost Watch”, will give people the opportunity to see kites and find out a bit more about them, the Project and the Partners.

To get to Sherburn Towers Estate, Rowlands Gill:
From the A1, follow signs for the A694, signposted Consett and The National Trust Gibside. Head South along the A694 towards Rowlands Gill Village.

Before reaching the centre of Rowlands Gill, the turning for the Sherburn Towers Estate is on your right (during the event, the turning will be signposted with a Northern Kites banner).

If you would like to come along and see the red kites we would ask you to park at the public car park at the Derwent Park (entrance, opposite the Fish and Chip Shop) in Rowlands Gill and take the short walk up into the housing estate, this is to avoid congestion in the housing estate.

To reach the car park, continue past the turn-off for Sherburn Towers, towards Rowlands Gill, then turn left on to Burnopfield Road, and then turn immediately left (opposite the fish and chip shop), down the steep hill, into the car park close to the caravan park.

For more information please contact Northern Kites: 0191 496 1555 or email: info@northernkites.org.uk

[Quacker]

Been away then, Salty?

Part of his bail conditions mate - he's not allowed to discuss it ;)

[salty]

imgetting some great sparrowhawk views recently folks.

the nest site i have on my patch is in a perfect area for them, and some of last years birds are still around.

this year should be another bumper year i hope!


watching them hunt in the long summer days takes up lots of my time!

[salty]

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4691/dsc00199pl2.th.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00199pl2.jpg)

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8991/dsc00196qk5.th.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00196qk5.jpg)

1 of the 13 kites myself and rayl watched today.

this one was eating a rabbit, picked up from a nearby garden.


pics are taking with a humble camera phone held to a spotting scope!

[June Atkinson]

Red Kite Safaris - part of Newcastle Science Festival.
Details on Northern Kites thread.

[June Atkinson]

:news:
Important news for both the Project and the North-East, especially Gateshead and the Derwent Valley.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6396947.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6396947.stm)

I have seen the designs and they are fantastic - colourful and dramatic. :clap:

[June Atkinson]

‘Catch the Kite!’

Three years after they were successfully reintroduced to the North East by the Northern Kites Project, the region’s red kite population is set to soar with the arrival of a few new faces. :clap:

Images of the kites are to appear on the side of new buses running from the city centre through the heart of ‘kite country’ in the Derwent Valley. The service will be named The Red Kite in tribute to the spectacular birds which have rapidly become an iconic symbol for the area.

The service, which runs between Newcastle and Consett, was launched by pupils from Rowlands Gill Community Primary and Hookergate Comprehensive, who enjoyed a trip along the route courtesy of bus operator Go North East and the Northern Kites Project. They were joined on route by representatives from the RSPB, Natural England, Northumbrian Water, One NorthEast and Gateshead Council.

The Northern Kites Project is a world first in successfully reintroducing red kites so close to a major urban area. The project is managed by the RSPB and Natural England, working in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust.

Red kites were reintroduced to the North East in 2004 by the Northern Kites Project after a gap of over 170 years. Such has been the success of the initiative that over 90 red kites have since been released in Gateshead’s Derwent Valley. The first kite chicks in the North East for almost 200 years were hatched last summer.

Go North East’s new Red Kite buses run past many of the best places to see kites, between Newcastle, MetroCentre, Rowlands Gill and Consett. All vehicles are fitted with the latest emissions technology to ensure the highest environmental standards possible.

Go North East is also planning to provide kite awareness training for bus drivers on the route so they can provide information to passengers.
Keith Bowey at the Northern Kites project said: “This is great news for the kites and for the project. We’re delighted Go North East has chosen to name its bus service after them. They’re wonderful birds and it’s a great feather in the region’s cap that we’ve now got a growing, breeding population on our doorstep." “One of the aims of the project is to encourage people to see the kites in their natural habitat and discover the other wildlife of the area. The Red Kite bus service will give more people the perfect opportunity to do this. This project shows that business and bio-diversity can go hand-in-hand.”

Martin Harris, commercial director at Go North East said: “The route runs right along the kites’ main habitats and it’s only fitting that we name it after the birds."[/I[I]]“When the Northern Kites Project approached us to see if we would name a service after the birds, we were already thinking about the idea, so it’s an ideal arrangement. We’re delighted to be working with them and hope this is just the start of an exciting relationship.”
Cllr. Ian Mearns, Deputy Leader of Gateshead Council said: “The Northern Kites Project has been a terrifically successful – the fastest reintroduction anywhere in the UK. They’re beautiful birds and a real icon and attraction for the area and this will add to their fame.”
For more information about the Red Kite bus service, please visit www.simplygo.com (www.simplygo.com) or contact customer services on 0845 60 60 260.

Courtesy of Northern Kites and GoNorth-East.

[will@bill]

seen a kingfisher at watergate park this morning 1st time i have seen one there.
will and liam

[June Atkinson]

It's getting quite exciting. Our kites are showing signs of nesting and mating behaviour. Plans are afoot to enable us to see more of our breeding birds, if, when and where they decided to settle and build their nests and lay eggs.

But I'm sure everyone agrees that it is important to safeguard the exact whereabouts of any pair attempting to breed. Please, if you see any mating behaviour or definite copulation between the birds, the Project Team would welcome details, either by e-mail on info@northernkites.org.uk or Tel: 0191 496 1555

It is requested that no specific locations of any breeding pairs are given here on Open Conference, for obvious reasons. We hope to maximise our kites' breeding potential, and to do this we need to protect them

[June Atkinson]

Here are some of the future Events with Northern Kites, courtesy of Rhianne Dixon Events Officer for Northern Kites Project..

Red Kite Ramble in Teesdale
Saturday 7th April, 10am - 12.30pm (Booking is essential)
Join Northern Kites staff and volunteers on this guided walk to see red kites in the wild while exploring the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Teesdale’s beautiful countryside. Suitable for all ages but please be aware the route is over rough ground.
Cost: FREE EVENT
(Booking is essential)
For further information contact: North Pennines AONB on 01388 528801

Red Kite Ramble in Chopwell Wood
Tuesday 10th April, 2 - 4pm (Booking is essential)
Join Northern Kites staff and volunteers on this guided walk to see red kites and other wildlife while exploring the beautiful Chopwell Woods near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. Suitable for all ages but please be aware the route is over rough ground.
Cost: FREE EVENT
(Booking is essential)
For further information contact: Chopwell Woods on 01207 542231

Saltwell Park Show
Saturday 21st April and Sunday 22nd April, 10am - 4.30pm
Northern Kites staff and volunteers will be joining the Gateshead Council Countryside Team at the Saltwell Park Show in Gateshead. Come along to enjoy all elements of the show and find out more about red kites. Children can enjoy free red kite activities.
Cost: FREE EVENT
(Booking is not required)
For further information contact: Gateshead Council Events Team: 0191 4333000

Red Kite Ramble in Gibside Estate
Sunday 6th May, starts at 12pm (Booking is essential)
Join Northern Kites for this guided walk to see red kites while exploring the beautiful National Trust’s Gibside Estate near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. Suitable for all ages but please be aware the route is over rough ground.
Cost: National Trust admission prices apply, plus an additional charge for the event (to include refreshments).
(Booking is essential)
For further information contact: The Gibside Estate on 01207 541824

[June Atkinson]

Kite Watching in the Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead

Join Gateshead Council and Northern Kites in the beautiful Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead’s Derwent valley, to see breeding red kites.

Saturday 2nd June to Sunday 5th August 2007 - everyday between 10am and 4pm

A team of volunteers and staff from both Gateshead Council’s Countryside Team and Northern Kites will be on the Nine Arches Viaduct in the Derwent Walk Country Park between 10am and 4pm daily to show visitors the kites, and to talk about the Project and Gateshead’s wonderful countryside and wildlife.
Panoramic views from the viewpoint on Goodshields Haugh will give visitors the best possible chance to see kites – which have a wingspan of more than 5ft – soaring over the Derwent Valley. Binoculars and telescopes will be available for people to use.
Although the nest itself is not visible, the parents will be seen bringing food to the young and as the chicks grow, they will eventually move around the nest area, stretching their wings and building their strength for their first flights!

To reach the watch point, follow the marked trail from the car park at Winlaton Mill (opposite the garage at the traffic lights). It is a thirty-minute walk from the car park to the watch point, along a route, which is accessible for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and pushchairs.
How to get there:
By car – from the A1 follow the A694 to the car park at Winlaton Mill.
By bus –Catch the ‘Red Kite’ (number 45 or 46) bus from the Eldon Square bus station, Newcastle or the Metro Centre, Gateshead stopping at the Winlaton Mill car park. (Traveline telephone: 0870 6082608)
These buses have been named ‘The Red Kite’ and feature images of red kites both inside and out.
For further information telephone:
Thornley Woodland Centre on 01207 545212
Northern Kites Office on 0191 4961555
Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to the northeast of England, is a partnership between the lead partners English Nature and the RSPB and Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sita Trust.


So, at last we have the news we've been waiting for. :clap: As soon as I know what the chick situation is, I'll post, but at present this is sensitive info.

[June Atkinson]

Media Release:Red Kites in MetroCentre Red Mall

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media release

Issued on behalf of the Northern Kites project partnership

20 June 2007

RED KITES IN THE RED MALL…SHOPPERS ALL IN A FLUTTER IN METROCENTRE

Today saw the unveiling of Red Kites in the Red Mall, a new piece of collaborative work between two of the region’s top brands, Northern Kites and MetroCentre (the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe). MetroCentre today launched ‘Red Kites in the Red Mall’, unveiling a large banner (photo attached) showing a red kite, situated close to the pedestrian entrance of the Red Mall. This image is supported by information panels, situated close to the Red Mall Customer Services Desk, which tell the tale of the return of red kites to north east England. The desk has literature about the work of Northern Kites and information on how people can see kites locally.

Karen Carr, MetroCentre Marketing Manager said, “We are delighted to be associated with such a worthwhile campaign. The red kite image in the Red Mall is very eye catching and it is great to be able to let our shoppers know that such spectacular wildlife can be seen within a kilometre of MetroCentre. It is great to know that we can help Northern Kites continue to raise the profile and awareness of this valuable project.”

Keith Bowey, Project Manager of Northern Kites, warmly applauded MetroCentre for their work in supporting the spreading of the Northern Kites message. He said, “It is great to have the support of MetroCentre in doing this, it will allow shoppers to learn a little more about the kites and to take that next step, go and see them, and enjoy the fantastic green environment of the northeast.

"This is an excellent example of how business can work in innovative ways to support work for wildlife and the environment. We are hugely fortunate that we have had such magnificent support from the business sector for the Northern Kites project in recent years, from leading businesses like Northumbrian Water - one the Project partners - Go North East and MetroCentre.”

Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to north east England, is a partnership between the lead partners Natural England and the RSPB and Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust.

Visitors to MetroCentre are just an eight-minute bus ride, from MetroCentre Interchange to seeing red kites in the beautiful Derwent Walk Country Park, in Gateshead’s Derwent valley. Gateshead Council and Northern Kites are running the Kitewatch watch point everyday until Sunday 5th August 2007. It will be staffed daily, between 10am and 4pm.

How to get there from MetroCentre:
 By car – from the A1 follow the A694 to the car park at Winlaton Mill.
 By bus –Catch the ‘Red Kite’ from Stand F (number 45 or 46) at the MetroCentre Interchange, Gateshead getting off the Winlaton Mill car park. (Traveline telephone: 0870 6082608)

To reach the watch point, follow the marked trail from the car park at Winlaton Mill (opposite the garage at the traffic lights). From here, it is a thirty-minute walk from the car park to the watch point, along a route, which is accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

For further information about Kitewatch 2007, telephone:

 Thornley Woodland Centre on 01207 545212
 Northern Kites Office on 0191 4961555

ends

For further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Keith Bowey, Northern Kites Project Manager : 0191 496 1555
David Hirst, RSPB Northern England Office: 0191 233 4321 or 07885 834889
Jane Boaden, Natural England: 01661 845518 or 07803228392

David Hirst, Regional Communications Manager
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds • Northern England Region
1 Sirius House • Amethyst Road • Newcastle Business Park • Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YL
Tel: 0191 233 4321 • Fax: 0191 233 4322 • e mail: david.hirst@rspb.org.uk
Registered charity no 207076

[JimMorris]

You lucky people around Gateshead, not only Red Kites but all those other species of birds, we could do with a project like that in Stafffordshire.

[Brian Bullough]

Yesterday we went to the watchpoint for the Red Kites hoping the young would be visible sitting in the branches as ythey should be trying to fly about now they could be heard but not seen just before we left the Female perched in the open and I got this digiscoped shot at a good distance I might say but it came out ok with the tag number, well worth a visit as it supports the project about 5-6 Kites in the area to the South.
Go before it's too late,also plenty of other places to visit in the area.
Brian

[June Atkinson]

Yesterday we went to the watchpoint for the Red Kites hoping the young would be visible sitting in the branches as ythey should be trying to fly about now they could be heard but not seen just before we left the Female perched in the open and I got this digiscoped shot at a good distance I might say but it came out ok with the tag number, well worth a visit as it supports the project about 5-6 Kites in the area to the South.
Go before it's too late,also plenty of other places to visit in the area.
Brian


What a splendid shot, Brian. It is Flag, the female of the Kitewatch pair. She is such a good mother! And Red Philip has been a good provider all through the nesting process.

As you'll have read, in the Northern Kites thread, the first chick has fledged, and the second should make its debut any day now!

The good news keeps coming..................... as well as the thousands of folk keen to see these majestic birds grace the skies above the Derwent Valley.

[June Atkinson]

News release - our Gateshead chicks have fledged at the Viaduct!

Please go to the Northern Kites thread to read the latest news release and see images of the two chicks which have recently fledged at the Viaduct in Derwent Country Park.......................

[June Atkinson]

I went out tracking with Judy Summerson and Ken Sanderson, Volunteers for Northern Kites. Having been on duty at Kitewatch for the past two months (with 9,000 visitors despite the poor weather) it was good to get back to tracking the kites in the lower Derwent Valley.

Early morning found us at Far Pastures and Lockhaugh, where three kites were enjoying the sun and blue skies. Moving on to Sherburn Towers we had an excellent sighting of WT40, which is Ziggy, Emmanuel College's adopted kite. It was perched in a couple of places, giving us good views of its preening habits.

We then moved to The Black Horse, Barlow, where we got several good signals but no visual sightings for a while. A couple from Chapel House arrived and we were just about to send them to Sherburn Towers when three kites decided to put in an appearance. We had superb views as they soared, circled and quartered the fields.

WT81 proved very elusive; Ken was getting a clear signal, and we then tracked towards Winlaton, but still failed to get a visual sighting.

Altogether we tracked 25 kites, showing that we still have a good nucleus in the core area.

On a sombre note, I should like to remember John Gibson of Cut Thorn Farm, adjacent to the National Trust Gibside Estate. His funeral is tomorrow in the Gibside Chapel. John was always very supportive of the Northern Kites project. Our sympathy is extended to his family.

[June Atkinson]

Here, as a jpeg (tried every other way of uploading Word Document) are our most recent stats for the kites.

[seggs]

had a few hours down here today
first tried far pasture....poor as the last few visits ive had here.
the car park was better- 1 jay and a flock of 20+redpoll flying around.
thornley hide-
usual blue.great and coal tits..robins,2 nuthatches,4 bullfinch,50+chaffinch,6-8 yellowhammers,2 jays,1 g.s.woody,1 red kite over..
also 25+ siskins feeding in the larches..
some improvement work going on here i see..the pond has been enlarged and alot of clearing work has been done.
freezing and dull day..poor light for good pics.

[June Atkinson]

First, some Tracking news 25th November 2007
Courtesy of Ken Sanderson, Volunteer

A really good day yesterday with a total of at least 37 different kites recorded during the day.

On my way to the office in the morning I stopped off in the Team Valley and picked up a perched signal for WT41, a kite that has not been recorded since August 2006. By the time I was homing in on him at High Urpeth the signal changed to flying, the bird appearing to be moving South but I did not get a visual on it.

Judy, Caroline and myself did further monitoring after lunch:

7 kites were in the Barlow Burn at 13.30hrs

Whilst monitoring from Thornley Kennels we received a signal from "the Scottish bird" (Freq.845/846)from the direction of Cut Thorn farm. Further monitoring from Fellside Road and Marley Hill failed to pick this kite up again and it was not recorded at roost either.

At least 30 kites roosted at Sherburn Towers. Included in these were Red Philip(WT15), D&G green/green4, D&G green/purple10, pink/purple A1, and an unidentified pink/purple tag. Plus some more of the breeding pairs, WT21, WT24, WT36, WT38, WT59, WT51and WT56.
All the kites that were in the Barlow Burn during the afternoon roosted at Sherburn Towers.

WT89 roosted at Priestfield. Interestingly WT28 was not recorded at all during the day or at roost.

WT87 was giving a flying signal after dark from Gibside, but in the bottom of the valley. This kite was not recorded during the day.

Another interesting record was that of WT54 roosting at the top of the Gibside Estate at Cut Thorn Farm. I can only think that the transmitter is working intermittently, some weeks you get her, most you don't.

The Low Friarage pair, WT44 and WT53, both roosted on territory.

I wonder if the unidentified bird was one which was mentioned here in earlier messages.


Secondly, a pic of the Wylam Ruby Ale launched recently - called Northern Kite, on sale in several places along the Derwent Valley. Try it sometime!B (:

Thirdly, a pic of Ponteland Sunrise, the chick adopted by Ponteland High School. This is appropriate, because this chick was born near Wylam and is the first kite chick to be born in the County for nearly 170 years.:t:


And finally Thursday night this week, at the Gateshead Civic Centre.


RED KITE NIGHT – EVERYONE WELCOME!

“Red Kite Night”
Thursday 6th December 2007
Gateshead Civic Centre
Gateshead
5pm – 9pm

Drop in anytime to:
Look at exhibitions, watch films, talk to Northern Kites staff and volunteers, buy your red kite children’s book and have it signed by the author, or come along at 7.30pm to see a presentation about the work of Northern Kites in the Council Chamber – featuring a guest speaker from Lithuania!

Hope to see you there!

[One Man and His Dog]

2 stoats one in pursuit of rabbit also goldcrests,greenwoodpecker,grey partridge,2 drake gooseanders,goldeneye,green sandpiper,sparrowhawk.

[June Atkinson]

Jules Burnett, Adminstrator of the Northern Kites Project has launched his Children's Book at Seven Stories, the National Children's Book Centre in Ouseburn, Newcastle. It tells the story of Squeak and Squawk, two chicks who grow big enough to fly with their mother!
Price £6, it can be bought at Seven Stories (proceeds come back to the project) or from Jules direct, at Northern Kites. He will be there on Thursday and will happily sign a book for your children or grandchildren, or nephews, or ...............
It is a delightful book and the illustrations are superb!:t: Here are a couple of pics to whet your appetite.

[Alexda1988]

i just hope i can make it along it sounds fantastic, and this will be my FIRST bird meet too wooo haha
i love all wildlife really but red kites are just soo amazing, iv only ever seen 2 in the wild and that not far from whickham
hope i get to meet some of you tomorrow night, but if not i hope its a great turn out for you :t:

[June Atkinson]

i just hope i can make it along it sounds fantastic, and this will be my FIRST bird meet too wooo haha
i love all wildlife really but red kites are just soo amazing, iv only ever seen 2 in the wild and that not far from whickham
hope i get to meet some of you tomorrow night, but if not i hope its a great turn out for you :t:

I hope to see you there. Please make yourself known to any member of the NK Team - I'll be there wearing my Volunteer's badge........................

[salty]

the red kites were making the most of the nice weather yesterday.

had 15 birds in the air in one group at far pastures, and another 5 or 6 near the ruins!

this was an hour before dusk.

been ages since i had over 20 kites in that area.

[June Atkinson]

Courtesy of Ken Sanderson, Volunteer and Tracker Northern Kites:

Monitoring 2nd January 2008

There were six kites in the Barlow Burn at 14.00hrs.

Kites from the breeding pairs of Beda Hills and Hookergate(WT24) were observed on territory and a purple wing tagged juvenile was noted at Highfield, along with a green tagged bird.

At Sherburn Towers kites were coming in from the North West (presumably those that had been recorded in the Barlow Burn earlier), but they were not settling and moving on over towards Gibside.

Guessing that this was not going to be the main roost that night we relocated to Lochaugh and monitored from there. We watched quite a few birds come over but noted that they were not flying directly to the west wood on Gibside. Instead they were skirting round the Gibside pairs territory by flying east and then dropping into the valley bottom and tracking up towards the monument before cutting across to the west wood. They looked to be using a channel between the two existing breeding pairs territory.
It was also noted that a lot of the kites were arriving at the roost site in pairs

Just before dark the kites must have been disturbed because they all “got up”( we counted 22 in th air at one time) and spiralled to a good height before splitting. Most kites returned to the west wood but six birds carried on and appeared to be going to Sherburn Towers.

When everything settled down we recorded 16 kites roosting on the Gibside Estate and 4 at Sherburn Towers (so there must have been a couple with transmitters not working).

The Cattyside wood pair, WT21 and W51 were both recorded at roost on the Gibside Estate. None of the other successful breeding birds were recorded at either of the main roosts so it is presumed that they were roosting on territory.

WT89 roosted in the Lintzford area and the D&G G/P 10 roosted at Gibside.

It was also noted that only one of the non-breeding orange tagged females, WT33, was at one of the main roosts (Sherburn Towers). The others, WT32, WT40, WT43 and WT60 were not recorded at Gibside or Sherburn Towers. Could these birds be roosting in their own territories?



All very interesting. It suggests that the kites are beginning to establish their own territories in the Lower Derwent Valley.:t:

[June Atkinson]

Roost Watch Week

Each day next week, from 2pm, there will be Staff and Volunteers at Sherburn Towers, Rowlands Gill, to help you enjoy the spectacle of the Red Kites coming in to roost.
If you are a Birdforum member, please make yourself known to us. Bring your thermals and coffee flasks too - it can get a bit parky at the Bus Stop!! :-):t:

[salty]

lots of ice around the ponds of gateshead today.

did get a nice jack snipe at far pastures though.

kite wise only around 3 all day!

A3 noted at barlow sunning itself near the pub.

[alan tench]

which weir did you visit ? was it the one up-river from Winlaton Mill, or
the one down river, towards the Tyne ?? I was born and raised at Hagg Hill, winlaton mill -- before the coke works were built ( 1925 ) the derwent was
a salmon river - have the salmon returned ?? thanks !! Alan Tench




Had a fascinating couple of hours at the river Derwent 'salmon leap' today, apologies for long-winded report, this is one for insomniacs only I think!
which weir did you visit ? is it the one upriver from winlaton mill, or the
one down river, towards the Tyne ? I was born and raised at hagg hill,
winlation mill -- before the coke works was built, the Derwent was a
salmon river -- have they returned ?? thanks !! alan tench
Walking up from Winlaton Mill I stopped at the site where Water Rail and Otter had been seen recently. I could see the overnight rain had swelled the river dramatically, making it look like fast moving tea. A 15 minute wait produced a flypast Kingfisher, 2 Grey Heron, Kestrel and If I was brave I would claim the first Waxwings of the new season, was caught unawares by a flock of 10 birds from the trees over the road. In poor light I thought they were Starlings but as they passed overhead I could see the colouring appeared more or less a uniform light grey rather than darker and flecked, and through bins I’m sure the odd glimpse of crest could be made out as they changed direction. Before I could be absolutely sure though, they were heading up river and away in the distance. Obviously need to get my eye in again with Waxwings in flight. Never mind.
I moved on to the weir by the tennis courts. The Salmon and Trout were leaping still, some absolutely massive, but their task was made nigh on impossible by the torrent of muddy water flowing against them. It was fascinating to watch them make the leap over the falls then inch up the slope, only a shark-like dorsal fin showing above the waterline. (pic 1) A quivering shape powering against the flow could be seen, only eventually to come to a halt and slide defeated back over the falls.
All sorts of flotsam was gathering at the foot of the weir, dead branches, massive logs, cans, bottles, a football and then what looks like a pink armchair got stuck at the top of the weir, showing just how powerful the current was today.
An adult and young Grey Heron (pic 2) had been watching from the sidelines, the older bird twice chased the youngster along the path where I was standing and both flew past within inches of me. The older bird left the scene after a while and the young was foolhardy enough to attempt some fishing in the weir (pic 3), but soon lost its balance in the torrent and flew back to the safety of the riverbank at the bottom of the waterfall.
A Sparrowhawk paid a brief visit but was escorted from the area by a large crow.
I was all but ready to leave and typically I’d just packed my camera away when I glimpsed an Otter by the railings at the top of the weir on the far side of the river. It disappeared with that undulating stride into the undergrowth and I thought that was that, but then my attention was caught by the young Heron which was now struggling to control an eel it had just fished out of the slow moving pool at the side of the waterfall.
As it did so, the elusive Otter lunged out from the reeds causing the Heron to leap up into the air and up onto the weir, but tucked in against the wall where the current wasn’t so strong (pic 4) where it eventually managed to control and swallow its slippery prey. But again, the Otter had disappeared out of sight.
A leaping fish close to my side of the river came right into the side under where I was watching, I photographed it (pic 5) before it struggled back into the deeper water and was taken back down by the current (no expert on fish but it looks like a trout to me).
I was now totally immersed in the fishes struggles, willing them on each time one made the leap only to fail time and again and now couldn‘t bring myself to leave, and just as well, for half an hour after its first appearance, the Otter swam into the river below the falls. Three times I saw it come up for air but these brief sightings were all I got. The rain started to get heavy, the light was fading and so I reluctantly took my leave. But a great couple of hours of fascinating nature watching.

Cheers :flyaway:

PS The fish pictured was about 2 feet long

[alan tench]

which weir did you visit ? was it the one up-river from Winlaton Mill, or
the one down-river, towards the Tyne ?? I was born and raised at Hagg
Hill, Winlaton Mill -- the Derwent was a salmon river before the coke
works were built ( 1925 ) -- have the salmon returned yet ?? Thanks!!
Alan Tench -- ALTEN0@COMCAST.NET, BOULDER, Colo80305 USA

[June Atkinson]

Leonard and I got to Gibside before lunch, and it was wet, very wet! But we kept to our plans for the afternoon, when the small but keen birdwatching group of Ponteland U3A had arranged to meet us at Thornley Woods.

We had wonderful sightings of our kites, often in pairs displaying in various places:

above the road into Rowlands Gill, at the Winlaton junction,

above the Derwent Caravan Park - here a pair was interacting really well, flying just above the Working Men's Club,

at Lockhaugh, where we had good views of one flying low in the valley and two coming in from the Thornley Woods side,

at Victoria Garesfield, at the Cemetery Gate; here we saw three flying separately,

driving down to Lintzford, another kite was overhead.

We spent some time in the Far Pastures Hide, where we enjoyed seeing Swans, Dab Chicks, Canada Geese, Coots, Tufted Duck - the record book noted two Kites seen this week.

We finished our afternoon Safari with a cup of tea at the Lintzford Garden Centre Café, which opened last year.

[June Atkinson]

Here are the details of this year's Kitewatch, to be run by Gateshead Council, with the support of Northern Kites Staff and Volunteers.
Hope to see you there - please introduce yourselves when you come!

A list of Events is also attached.

Information courtesy of Gateshead Council

[June Atkinson]

As announced in today's Newcastle Journal, and on the Northern Kites web site, details of this wonderful walk are available at :
http://www.northernkites.org.uk/redkitetrail/index.htm

For individuals, families and groups, this offers a circular route which can incorporate the use of the Red Kite Bus....it's up to you!:t:

[June Atkinson]

Use the Red Kite Bus to travel to Winlaton Mill. You will see the new Red Kite Trail Logo on the Bus Stop shelter, and an Information Panel inside.


As you begin the Red Kite Trail at Winlaton Mill, this Information Panel will get you off to a cracking start.


This Trail will bring you near to the Kitewatch Event, which begins tomorrow and runs until 3rd August. It's going to be a very interesting Summer!:t:

[June Atkinson]

This is the Cob on Cockburn Lake, in the Derwent Country Park.
He looks so serene here, yet minutes later, he was charging out of the water, up the bank and heading straight for my scooter - so I scooted, or should that be scooterered away as fast as I could!!
He was simply protecting his mate and their seven handsome, silvery-grey cygnets....................:t:

[June Atkinson]

SOS

If anyone has a suitable photo of an otter in the Derwent Country Park, and would be willing for me to use it in a Power Point Presentation for Northern Kites, please contact me on:
june.atkinson@virgin.net

Thank you.

[nellieberta]

Here's a few of the juvenile Black Stork taken at Greenside this morning.

Joanne

[June Atkinson]

Here's a few of the juvenile Black Stork taken at Greenside this morning.

Joanne

Lovely images Joanne.

Where has it come from? Are the parents around, I wonder?

June

[Sedgley]

Hello Gateshead birders. I'm in the area for a couple of nights at the end of the month (youngest daughter in a band and they are recording 3 tracks at a nearby studio).

So while my wife and some of the others go shopping I intend to do some birding. I think it's the Holiday Inn we're staying at and I'm not looking at travelling too far - would sooner spend the time birding than driving.

Any general pointers would be appreciated. o:D

[June Atkinson]

The Butterfly Bridge on the Derwent Walk has been demolished by the flooding. Clearly the river has been very swollen.

[salty]

noticed the kites are gliding over the gardens of whickham/swalwell area recently, im hoping they stretch further down towards the metro centre......might get them in my garden soon!!!

[June Atkinson]

We have just had some excellent news from Doug Simpson, MBE, of the Yorkshire Kite Project.
A photographer, Mike Ashforth, spotted this kite in East Yorkshire. Checks reveal that it is indeed one of our Northern kites, WT18, which has been off our radar for two years.
How good to hear that it is alive and thriving in your area!

[salty]

glad to hear its been found!

[seahawk]

Great news that June,and a big Hi to Richie.

______________

Les.

[salty]

nice buzzard over lamesley meadows today, heading over towards the A1.

[June Atkinson]

The Adopt-a-Kite Scheme has been a real success. More and more children are now being offered an opportunity to become involved with the Red Kites in the North-East. Go to: http://www.northernkites.org.uk/education/kids-present.html

[June Atkinson]

It's true! Leonard and I were in the core area of our kites.

We came in from the Consett direction and caught sight of our first kite above Lintzford. After a snack at Gibside, we headed over to Barlow, where we saw one quartering the field near the Thornley Dog Kennels, at the end of Ashtree Lane, then another at the Black Horse, then we moved over to Lockhaugh, from where we were able to watch several flying in towards the Gibside Estate.

After an hour we moved down towards the Far Pasture area. Here they were flying in and one pair was distinctly displaying. Another dropped into the field just opposite the entrance to the FP Hide. At one point a huge heron flew across the road at head height!

So, the kites are definitely gearing up for their breeding season, so let's hope that the weather is kinder this year, both for the kites and the Project Team.:t:

[hutch]

great too hear june im not around much work and all that but its first on the list as soon as i get time ...pleased ur both out enjoying it all

[Cartman]

Was at the Viaduct on Sunday hoping to get a photo of the Kites, we were there around 4pm and there were at least 4 Kites in the distance but they didn't come close enough for me to get a photo. One of the Kites was chased away by a crow who was mobbing it for ages.

Where would people suggest I go to to get a decent photo, I have a 400mm lens so I don't need to be on top of them.

Thanks

[nellieberta]

Was at the Viaduct on Sunday hoping to get a photo of the Kites, we were there around 4pm and there were at least 4 Kites in the distance but they didn't come close enough for me to get a photo. One of the Kites was chased away by a crow who was mobbing it for ages.

Where would people suggest I go to to get a decent photo, I have a 400mm lens so I don't need to be on top of them.

Thanks

Hi cartman,

It's pot luck I'm afraid. My wife (Nellieberta/ Joanne) and DegsySAFC have both managed some cracking in flight shots from Far Pastures carpark, but we,ve been there many times and not seen any.
Not much help I know but it is the best I can do.

Mick

[craigthirlwell]

Was at the Viaduct on Sunday hoping to get a photo of the Kites, we were there around 4pm and there were at least 4 Kites in the distance but they didn't come close enough for me to get a photo. One of the Kites was chased away by a crow who was mobbing it for ages.

Where would people suggest I go to to get a decent photo, I have a 400mm lens so I don't need to be on top of them.

Thanks

I always go to the pub at barlow. Get yourself a drink and sit behind the pub over looking the fell B (:

[Cartman]

Hi cartman,

It's pot luck I'm afraid. My wife (Nellieberta/ Joanne) and DegsySAFC have both managed some cracking in flight shots from Far Pastures carpark, but we,ve been there many times and not seen any.
Not much help I know but it is the best I can do.

Mick

Cheers Mick, where is Far Pastures car park?

[June Atkinson]

Was at the Viaduct on Sunday hoping to get a photo of the Kites, we were there around 4pm and there were at least 4 Kites in the distance but they didn't come close enough for me to get a photo. One of the Kites was chased away by a crow who was mobbing it for ages.

Where would people suggest I go to to get a decent photo, I have a 400mm lens so I don't need to be on top of them.

Thanks

It's just a matter of going to the usual areas where the kites are. I should try to go earlier in the afternoon, because by 4pm, they are returning to the roost sites at either Sherburn Towers or in the woods at Gibside. The light would be better too.
Have a read through the postings for suggesions, but the main places are:
Sherburn Towers, Lockhaugh - slightly downriver from the Far Pasture hide, Gibside itself and the grounds, High Spen and Lintzford. There is a Cemetery just up from the main road at Lintzford, towards Victoria Garesfield. This can be a good place.............. Alan Mould has seen a group here. It's also the area where a pair has nested the last two seasons.
Best of luck, and if you do get some good shots, please post them!

[Cartman]

It's just a matter of going to the usual areas where the kites are. I should try to go earlier in the afternoon, because by 4pm, they are returning to the roost sites at either Sherburn Towers or in the woods at Gibside. The light would be better too.
Have a read through the postings for suggesions, but the main places are:
Sherburn Towers, Lockhaugh - slightly downriver from the Far Pasture hide, Gibside itself and the grounds, High Spen and Lintzford. There is a Cemetery just up from the main road at Lintzford, towards Victoria Garesfield. This can be a good place.............. Alan Mould has seen a group here. It's also the area where a pair has nested the last two seasons.
Best of luck, and if you do get some good shots, please post them!

Thanks June, will do

[nellieberta]

Cheers Mick, where is Far Pastures car park?

Hi Cartman,

Sorry I assumed you knew. Far Pature is a small pond / reed bed further up the derwent valley than the via duct. Your best bet is to either pop into the Thornley Woodland Centre and they'll give you directions or check out this linkhttp://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/countryside/sites/derwent.aspx.
If you want to use hide you'll need a key (purchased from Thornley) so you may as well pop in and they will give you a comprehensive map.

Hope this helps

Mick

[One Man and His Dog]

Good bird for the borough at birtley reed beds a single firecrest calling and seen, but very elusive. The bird can be located in hawthorns opposite the entrance to birtley reed beds, just off greenford lane.
cheers
steve

[seggs]

Good bird for the borough at birtley reed beds a single firecrest calling and seen, but very elusive. The bird can be located in hawthorns opposite the entrance to birtley reed beds, just off greenford lane.
cheers
steve
Hi Steve our pathes crossed today i think, were you with another lad and of cause your dog at about 9.30 today at the Firecrest site?
I was with our lass(dumb blonde:-O) and in a camo. coat. walking along with M.L.
We dipped on two visits today both a hour or so in length.
But did have a wintering Chiffchaff in full song between the Reed beds:t: and a Kingfisher in flight.

[seggs]

Hi June
We visited Barlow today and had great views of 2 Red Kites, both hovering around meat placed in the field west of the pub here.
Did,nt realise the birds were still being fed here, i know rabbit carcases etc. a while ago were left on the hedgerows.
Great to see the Kites so close.:t:

[One Man and His Dog]

Hi Steve our pathes crossed today i think, were you with another lad and of cause your dog at about 9.30 today at the Firecrest site?
I was with our lass(dumb blonde:-O) and in a camo. coat. walking along with M.L.
We dipped on two visits today both a hour or so in length.
But did have a wintering Chiffchaff in full song between the Reed beds:t: and a Kingfisher in flight.

hi seggs
that was me with the dog today, mouldy was the other guy. shame you didnt get on to he firecrest, its still in the area as i had it calling this am but couldnt see it. hope you have better luck next time!
cheers
steve

[One Man and His Dog]

common crossbill viewed from hide today.
cheers
steve

[Quacker]

common crossbill viewed from hide today.
cheers
steve

Tremendous find that - never in 5 years have I seen one there or even in the woods and surrounding walks!

[June Atkinson]

As the Northern Kites Project is due to end in July, a group is being formed, called the Friends of Red Kites, in the North-east of England.

Attached is a flyer. We hope that Bird Forum members will support the work which will continue under the auspices of this group, in collaboration with other agencies.

Please - join us and become a guardian of our majestic kites!

[salty]

im spending some time down the derwent recently, walks with the little one and bike rides, great to see them so common down there.

[rentoncharman]

common crossbill viewed from hide today.
cheers
steve

Apologies Steve, for some reason I thought your name was Frank - you pointed out the crossbill to me on wednesday. I posted on the other thread for your region (In and around South Tyneside) with a photograph.

[One Man and His Dog]

RED RUMPED SWALLOW at far pastures today, showing well on wires 4 times before weather improved and most birds started to fly high! If im right its a first for gateshead!!!!!!
cheers
steve

[dampflippers]

While you are out birding, please watch out for hares. If you see a brown hare (not a rabbit) in the Durham area (between the Tyne and Tees), please fill in a survey form and submit it to Durham Wildlife Trust / Durham Biodiversity Partnership. South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead are also included.
You will need to record number of hares seen, the address/ name of the location, a description of habitat and what they were doing, and grid ref or postcode of where you saw them.

http://www.durhambiodiversity.org.uk/brownharesurvey.htm
http://www.durhambiodiversity.org.uk/brownharesurveyform.htm

http://www.durhambiodiversity.org.uk/surveys.htm

[June Atkinson]

Gateshead Council has now taken over the running of Kitewatch.

Here are the details so far:

Kitewatch
Location: Derwent Walk Country Park, Gateshead,
Join Rangers and kite volunteers as they are on hand to point out red kites nesting and visible from Kite Hill.

Directions from Winlaton Mill car park to Kite Hill.

Dates of Kitewatch Events
07/06/2009 - 07/06/2009 11am - 3pm
13/06/2009 - 13/06/2009 11am - 3pm
28/06/2009 - 28/06/2009 11am- 3pm
11/07/2009 - 11/07/2009 11am - 3pm

Free - Open to all, just turn up
Contact Details: Thornley Woods Visitor Centre
Tel: 01207 545212

Be sure to take your camera and binoculars - viewing can be superb!:t:

[June Atkinson]

Red Kite Safari

19/07/09 - 19/07/09 1pm - 4pm
A 5 mile walk looking for red kites and learning about their reintroduction to the North East. Watch these magnificent birds soar above the Derwent Valley.

Family event, book in advance
Contact Details
Tel: 01207 545212
Email: countryside@gateshead.gov.uk

Price Details
£1 - Family event, book in advance

Further Details
Location: Thornley Woodlands Centre, Derwent Walk Country Park, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE39 1AU

[June Atkinson]

Friday, 10th July 2009
Go Northeast has generously given FoRK a bus for our Launch!
The "kite bus" will leave the Metro Centre bus station at 10.00a.m. and make its way to Lintzford Garden Centre with at least eight Friends of Red Kites Volunteers on board, arriving just before 10.45a.m. There will be an information table in the car park next to the bus. FoRK volunteers will present information to the public and will talk to them about red kites, what FoRK are doing and promoting membership.

The bus will leave Lintzford Garden Centre just after mid-day and make its way to the National Trust Gibside car park for 12.30p.m. and do the same thing there. It is scheduled to leave the Gibside car park at approx.13.45hrs to head back to the Metro Centre.
Come along to support us, and help us to launch the Friends of Red Kites. We shall soon be creating a new thread for our group.
June Atkinson
Press & Publicity Officer, FoRK in the North East of England.

[June Atkinson]

Ken Sanderson, our FoRK Chairman was in the area near the Nine Arches Viaduct yesterday, and counted 35 - yes, 35 red kites in the air at the same time. This is even more than we saw on the recent Safari!

Our website is now up and running. There is a feed-back facility, so please send any info about our kites, or any questions you have, and we'll do our very best to respond.

http://www.friendsofredkites.org.uk:t:

[deansmith]

hi there looking for red kite info i have managed to swindle a driver this coming friday weather permitting to chauffeur me around and visit the red kite area, unsure yet weather were going to walk the full trail or just part of it. if only going to visit a part of it is there an area thats got a better chance of seeing the kites at this time of year, also is there any other places worth checking out in the area or towards durham where we'l be heading too afterwards - the kind driver who is driving for the day is keen to see some owls but i dont know any good patches in the area

any info would help

cheers

DS

[June Atkinson]

Hello!
Have a look at the FoRK thread on the Birds of Prey forum - it gives you a commentary on the last few months since it was set up.
and have a look at our website on www.friendsofredkites.org.uk (http://www.friendsofredkites.org.uk)
At present anywhere from the Derwent Country Park - Nine Arches Viaduct towards Gibside is a good place.
If you're there during the working day, call in at Thornley Woods Centre, where they'll be happy to help.

Happy kiting!
June
Press & Publicity Officer
Friends of Red Kites
in the North East of England



hi there looking for red kite info i have managed to swindle a driver this coming friday weather permitting to chauffeur me around and visit the red kite area, unsure yet weather were going to walk the full trail or just part of it. if only going to visit a part of it is there an area thats got a better chance of seeing the kites at this time of year, also is there any other places worth checking out in the area or towards durham where we'l be heading too afterwards - the kind driver who is driving for the day is keen to see some owls but i dont know any good patches in the area

any info would help

cheers

DS