Northumbrian Birding

[ukjesters]

They were there early afternoon feeding on the white rowan tree berries (at least thats what i was told it was) at the back of the church. Counted about 55 of them and got lovely views of them in the good light that we had today.

[Derek Polley]

I got them on Wed 31st between 12 and 12.15 in the big ash tree between the houses and the primary school. Now I hope they stay around till David gets here at the weekend and we get a chance to get there and see them.

[tony robb]

had a look at the pond next to The Village Hotel in Shiremoor this afternoon...plenty of canada geese,mallard,coots...family of mute sawns plus a single gadwall and shoveller drakes

[Keith Bradley]

Two visits in the space of one hour this afternoon at Longbenton and I got lucky the second time (having dipped on them yesterday). Having just arrived at the cemetary for the second time, I counted 56 settling in a tall tree at the junction of Station Road/Ashleigh Grove. They then flew into a tree by the church briefly before flying off to the west having been harassed by a Mistle Thrush - this was around 13.45. Then what happens? - I only have another flock of 30 Waxwings briefly at Havannah NR at 14.23!!! These flew off towards the north without really settling.

Happy birding!
Keith

[brianr]

Well down to patch yesterday to kick off the year list, 42 species on the first day, not bad as St marys was really busy with visitors. Thanks to Keith Bradley caught up with Water rail early, cheers Keith.

Back today and added another 3 species, including the Adult Med chip hawk in the Brier dene carpark, also met up with Birdforum members June Atkinson and Degsy, and had a bit of crack with both. Cheers guys for taking the time to have a chinwag.

All the best guys, take care.:t:

[Vipers]

Barn Owl hunting from the perimeter fence at the airport last night, near the freight village.

[John Fleet]

9 left at St Bart's this morning just before 10.00 am so it looks as if the flock is dispersing and moving on. A few Redwings around at the Rising Sun.

Sadly the hide at Holywell has been vandalised yet again - for the second time since Christmas. A key has been been broken off in the lock so the hide is currently insecure with a lath forcibly removed from the door. That aside, good views of the Water Rail and a solitary Brambling were the highlights of today's visit.

[level seven]

Barn Owl hunting from the perimeter fence at the airport last night, near the freight village.
Gary, could you recommend a good time of evening to see the owl? Thanks.

[brianfm]

9 left at St Bart's this morning just before 10.00 am so it looks as if the flock is dispersing and moving on. A few Redwings around at the Rising Sun.

Sadly the hide at Holywell has been vandalised yet again - for the second time since Christmas. A key has been been broken off in the lock so the hide is currently insecure with a lath forcibly removed from the door. That aside, good views of the Water Rail and a solitary Brambling were the highlights of today's visit.

80 Waxwings at St Bartholomews at 11.00 John. Still managing to feed in the sun, despite the constant attention of an annoyed Mistle Thrush.

I went on to walk through Heaton Park, Armstrong Park and Jesmond Dene. Greeted at the enterance by a flock of L T Tits and then Great Spotted Woodpecker. A wonderful day for a walk, but little else around birdwise until I had good views of Kingfisher as I approached South Gosforth.

Sorry to hear about the hide damage again. It had just been repaired on my last visit.

[Vipers]

Gary, could you recommend a good time of evening to see the owl? Thanks.

Hi Graham

It was eight o'clock last night. I'll keep an eye out for it tonight, to see if this is a regular hunting spot. Last winter there were regularly three Barn Owls hunting from the perimitere fence and the grass next to the road into the freight village.

[level seven]

Hi Graham

It was eight o'clock last night. I'll keep an eye out for it tonight, to see if this is a regular hunting spot. Last winter there were regularly three Barn Owls hunting from the perimitere fence and the grass next to the road into the freight village.

Thanks very much Gary. I remember you posting about them last winter but never got round to going to have a look myself. I'm determined to make the effort this time, especially as it's a short drive for me.

[durham giant]

I have got back from my trip to bamborough and got some fairly good birds (eg my winter slavy at stag rocks)

I will post my lists when i sort them out.

[jerkin]

Prestwick Carr this afternoon,two Redpoll feeding on insects on whats left of the hogweed close to the Goat sheds and near the path

[Derek Polley]

Waxwings duly ticked this morning at Forest Hall - 40 of them. Thanks to all who helped. David is a happy bunny as we also got a marsh/willow tit at Thornley Wood Feeding station. Will post a poor photo when I get home but any ideas as to which is more likely?Super day up the coast on Fri, Wylam on Thurs and Holy Island on Sat. A trip report will appear in good time.

[June Atkinson]

Prestwick Carr this afternoon,two Redpoll feeding on insects on whats left of the hogweed close to the Goat sheds and near the path

Where exactly is the Goat Shed? Never seen Redpolls, so would go as soon as you're able to give us some directions, please?

[DXB]

Following on from Vipers post..there is currently one Barn Owl feeding at dusk daily.It lives just north of the new control tower and can be observed in and out of nest.Viper is right to note there were 3 last year..fingers crossed!!
Latest news from the tower is a resident sparrowhawk on the structure!
This weeks highlight being a Kestrel and Peregrine having a five minute territory fight around the tower!

My personal highlight being a Goldcrest on my terrace Saturday..i have no garden just lots of pots ! First in four years.

At 9 million quid..is this the most expensive bird hide in existence?? !!

[level seven]

Where exactly is the Goat Shed? Never seen Redpolls, so would go as soon as you're able to give us some directions, please?
June, the goat shed is about 100 yards on the right when you turn right at the crossroads (where the big house is). There's room for a couple of cars to park very near. It sounds as if you know where Prestwick Carr itself is. Get back if you don't and I'll give you directions (as I'm sure others would too if necessary).

[Vipers]

Following on from Vipers post..there is currently one Barn Owl feeding at dusk daily.It lives just north of the new control tower and can be observed in and out of nest.Viper is right to note there were 3 last year..fingers crossed!!
Latest news from the tower is a resident sparrowhawk on the structure!
This weeks highlight being a Kestrel and Peregrine having a five minute territory fight around the tower!

My personal highlight being a Goldcrest on my terrace Saturday..i have no garden just lots of pots ! First in four years.

At 9 million quid..is this the most expensive bird hide in existence?? !!

Hi DXB. I've got to make do with watching the Owls from an upstairs window at work, your upstairs window is a little bit higher than mine, with a far better view. Is the Owl nesting in a box or a hole in a tree?

I've seen Peregrines hunting over the Prestwick to Dinnington road a couple of times and I think the tower is a perfect hunting perch for them.

Aren't Goldcrests a superb little bird to have in your garden/terrace. :t:

[Vipers]

Graham. I didn't see the Barn Owl at all last night, but I will keep an eye out for it over the next couple weeks.

[level seven]

Cheers Gary

[ukjesters]

Hi all,
definately looks like 2009 is gonna be my 1st trip to the mull but i have a couple of q's if you please.

Firstly i've looked in the vacational trip reports but they dont answer my q's so here goes.
Looks like im going for the south of the island around ross and im gonna take in a guided tour and then use that info to travel myself for the next couple of days trying to get some nice piccies.

So then, i'm pretty sure no matter what season im gonna see the usual eagles/otters etc but id love to see a red throated diver in breeding plumage so when would that be (please dont say the breeding season..lol)

Also, having done a search for the petrol prices on mull i couldn't see any results for super unleaded nor for unleaded. Can you get normal petrol on the mull or is it just diesel? (daft question i know)
Also, motoring related, having the scoob which only has about a 200 mile between fill tank, am i likely to cover 200 miles in 3-4 days? And how will the locals take to a "loudish" car breaking the silence on such a lovely island?

Many Thanks
Rick

PM me by all means rather than cluttering up this thread if you prefer.

Hi all,
Many thanks for the pm's to the above request and i can now say that i'm booked up for may and looking forward to it already.

When looking for accomodation i made one general email to this address http://www.mull-bedandbreakfast.com/ and i got loads of quick, friendly,helpful replies. Now i dont know the quality of them (cos i aint been yet like!, but many have 3***) but it certainly made the process of choosing a B&B a hell of a lot easier.

Regards
Rick

[One Man and His Dog]

Birds of interest

7 slav grebes
10 lt ducks
1 immature male velvet scoter
1 rt diver
1 gn diver
1 possible rn grebe - only got onto it as the bird was diving, so cant be 100% sure.
cheers
steve

[June Atkinson]

Hi all,
Many thanks for the pm's to the above request and i can now say that i'm booked up for may and looking forward to it already.


Regards
Rick

We had a wonderful week last May, staying in Tobermory. Have a look here http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=118976&highlight=Trip+reports+Mull
It's my short comment, including the Safari led by Mr. Atkinson (no relation!).
Try to do one as early as possible, then you can retrace your steps at leisure as we did. We then saw Golden Eagles on their cliff nest - fantastic!
Image of our safari group.

We also went to Loch Frisa, where Frisa and Skye and their young delighted people!

[Vipers]

Nice one Rick!! You will love Mull. PM me with where you decided to stay.

We've been out with Richard Atkinson a couple of times and had really good days out with him.

[Derek Polley]

AS promised the poor phot of the willow/marsh tit at Thornley Woods. Apologise for the quality but they move very fast and I was lucky to even get this one. All help welcomed.

[June Atkinson]

Nice one Rick!! You will love Mull. PM me with where you decided to stay.

We've been out with Richard Atkinson a couple of times and had really good days out with him.

Do you think that, if we keep plugging Richard's Safaris, we'll be in credit next time we go? :-)!!!!


Reading my last message, I made a mistake - it was early June, not May when we went.

June

[Vipers]

Do you think that, if we keep plugging Richard's Safaris, we'll be in credit next time we go? :-)!!!!

June

I hope so June. I'm off up there again in June this year.

[degsy_safc]

Also met up with Birdforum members June Atkinson and Degsy, and had a bit of crack with both. Cheers guys for taking the time to have a chinwag.

All the best guys, take care.:t:

Hi Brian, Yes it was really great to meet you and June and share a bit of info, plus its always nice to put a face to the name :t:

Enjoyed seeing the Water Pipit although at a bit of a distance with no photo's, however the Rock Pipits came really close to where i was standing as did that pair of Stonechats - got a couple of nice shots of those....

Anyway, hope to meet up again sometime ... All the very best :t::t:

[degsy_safc]

AS promised the poor phot of the willow/marsh tit at Thornley Woods. Apologise for the quality but they move very fast and I was lucky to even get this one. All help welcomed.

Hi Derek - Was nice to meet you and David? (i'm rubbish with names) in the hide at Cresswell Pond last week and have a good natter, i was really glad you got to see the Barn Owl and hope the rest of your visit was productive.

All the best :t::t:

[Mouldy]

AS promised the poor phot of the willow/marsh tit at Thornley Woods. Apologise for the quality but they move very fast and I was lucky to even get this one. All help welcomed.

Hi Derek, only willow tit has been recorded there lately, I saw it there on new years day, showing a more distinctive than usual pale wing patch which I reckon is the same bird as in your photo. Hope that helps.

cheers

Alan M

[Vipers]

It's nice to see the water level at Cresswell pond is still dropping. There were good numbers of waders there today, Golden Plover c500, Lapwing c800, Dunlin c100 also a scattering of Redshank, Snipe and Curlew. Waterfowl included Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Scaup x2, R B Merganser (1 male, 3 females) and really good numbers of Wigeon. Greylag and Pink-Footed Geese in the field at the North end of the pond and about 50 Twite in the usual field.

Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper were amongst the waders on the beach below Golden Sands Caravan Park.

There were 10 Med Gulls on the beach at Newbiggin, 6 adults, 2 1st winter and 2 2nd winter, rounding off a very nice days birding.

[Derek Polley]

Report of my trip to the North East can be found here

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=131269

Thanks to all who helped make it so enjoyable and productive.

[Derek Polley]

It's nice to see the water level at Cresswell pond is still dropping. There were good numbers of waders there today, Golden Plover c500, Lapwing c800, Dunlin c100 also a scattering of Redshank, Snipe and Curlew. Waterfowl included Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Scaup x2, R B Merganser (1 male, 3 females) and really good numbers of Wigeon. Greylag and Pink-Footed Geese in the field at the North end of the pond and about 50 Twite in the usual field.

Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper were amongst the waders on the beach below Golden Sands Caravan Park.

There were 10 Med Gulls on the beach at Newbiggin, 6 adults, 2 1st winter and 2 2nd winter, rounding off a very nice days birding.

Trust you noticed the ring on the leg? It would be nice to know where it came from

[kevside]

Trust you noticed the ring on the leg? It would be nice to know where it came from

googled it because its always interesting to see where they come from and...

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=507925

Brian Bullough from Northumbs (http://northumbrianbirding.blogspot.com/) saw it in jan 06

3L47 left pull Arnhem 3.616.229 09/06/2005 Haringvliet, Slijkplaat, Zuid-Holland, NL 51,48N 4,09E

pretty interesting, wonder if it was the same place?

[Vipers]

Thanks Kevside! That saves me a task.

[brianfm]

Holywell Pond frozen solid this morning. A Brambling at feeding station. Several 100 Pink Footed Geese in fields to east of pond.

Holywell dene threw up a large mixed feeding flock, mainly Long Tailed Tits. Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Bullfinch also seen. Flocks of Pink Footed and Greylag overhead.

Tide was high by the time I was at St Mary's, but there was a feeding fenzy of waders on the remaining shore in North Bay including large numbers of Sanderling with Turnstone, Purple Sandpipers, Dunlin and Redshank. Flocks of Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Golden Plover and Curlew about with the odd Ringed Plover. Numbers of Rock Pipits with the waders, but I couldn't find the Water Pipit.

54 birds species on the walk from Holywell village which is a low count, but not surprising as the pools were frozen

[Keith Bradley]

First visit to Stag Rocks for 2009 between 09.40-11.20 found the following highlights:

30+ Purple Sandpipers
10 Long-tailed Ducks
30 Common Scoter
20+ Shags
9 Slavonian Grebe
2 Fulmars (out to sea)
3 Red-throated Divers
1 Common Guillemot
1 Grey Plover
1 Knot
+ usual suspects, i.e. Turnstone, Oystercatcher etc.

Disappointing numbers of Divers and of course there were probably more Purple Sands to be counted around the area. The Scoter were not in any significant flocks although a group of about 8 were associating with 5 Slavonian Grebes more or less opposite Budle Point. The Fulmars were a surprise, wasn't expecting them to be around so early in the year.

A quick visit to Budle Bay on the way back revealed a Greenshank, amongst the good numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits.

Happy birding!
Keith

[brianfm]

I'm at a meeting at Swallow Ponds tomorrow and I'm wondering if anyone knows where abouts in the park the Crossbills are being seen? I won't have much time to search.;)

[Keith Bradley]

I'm at a meeting at Swallow Ponds tomorrow and I'm wondering if anyone knows where abouts in the park the Crossbills are being seen? I won't have much time to search.;)

Brian

I've been told from a reliable source that they are frequently seen in the pines on either side of the main bridleway, more or less by the entrance to the viewing screen, i.e. the west side of the reserve just short of the public hide overlooking the pond. They are quite mobile apparently so lady luck will mean that you'll see them if you haven't got the time to search - best bet is to listen out for their metallic 'chip' calls.

Someone else may update you on actual sightings as this is only second hand info I'm passing on. Will be looking for them myself soon so good luck.

Keith

[brianfm]

Brian

I've been told from a reliable source that they are frequently seen in the pines on either side of the main bridleway, more or less by the entrance to the viewing screen, i.e. the west side of the reserve just short of the public hide overlooking the pond. They are quite mobile apparently so lady luck will mean that you'll see them if you haven't got the time to search - best bet is to listen out for their metallic 'chip' calls.

Someone else may update you on actual sightings as this is only second hand info I'm passing on. Will be looking for them myself soon so good luck.

Keith

Cheers Keith. It'll be a quick look tomorrow, but I'll pop back again if I have no luck.

[brianfm]

No luck with Crossbills this afternoon, but my meeting got in th way a bit. I'll try early morning, later in week I think.

[Davy Tee]

Saw a Reed Bunting Whilst jogging there yesterday Brian near the foot of the old slag hill.

[brianfm]

Saw a Reed Bunting Whilst jogging there yesterday Brian near the foot of the old slag hill.

I understand that we still have a Harris's Hawk loose in the park Davy. It seems to be surviving very well on a good supply of rabbits.

[woodhornbirder]

grebe on wansbeck in morpeth just below weir @ 2pm today.

virtually certain it was black necked, but didnt have bins so was hard to be certain.

[brianr]

I understand that we still have a Harris's Hawk loose in the park Davy. It seems to be surviving very well on a good supply of rabbits.

Apparently the pheasants are getting a real battering, i hope its caught soon.

[Davy Tee]

Cant say i have seen the Hawk yet but did see a Stag on east side of lake in the trees under the Owl House had to rub my eyes a few times to be sure.

[brianr]

Cant say i have seen the Hawk yet but did see a Stag on east side of lake in the trees under the Owl House had to rub my eyes a few times to be sure.

Red Deer Davy, its been there quite a while. But heaven knows where it came from.

[Andy Atkinson]

I understand that we still have a Harris's Hawk loose in the park Davy. It seems to be surviving very well on a good supply of rabbits.

I saw a Harris Hawk flying across a field next to the big roundabout at Seaton Burn in December - not a million miles away from Swallow pond. Looks like it's a magnet for stray wildlife. I saw the stag there last year and did a massive double take. What next - beaver probably!

[Vipers]

I saw a Harris Hawk near Hexham last April, flying with a Red Kite and a Buzzard. I also saw one at Backworth pond three or four years ago, So there must be a few of them escape.

[gbstrat]

I understand that we still have a Harris's Hawk loose in the park Davy. It seems to be surviving very well on a good supply of rabbits.


Yikes! A friend says that his cousin let one of those lose about a year ago for a few days, only trouble being, that every time he went back to get it he had no joy.

[DEREK.C.]

2 Whooper Swans at Caistron in a quick visit , around 50 Goldeneye +Buzzards, Peregrine also seen .

[mILLYg]

Half a dozen Pintail at the north end of Cresswell this afternoon inc a crackin' drake. Several hundred Common Scoter off the beach and a Barn Owl to the south and east of the hide. Great to be getting back to the birds!

[DXB]

For those who have been searching for or following the Barn Owl thread...sorry to say aircraft and birds(as we know!) don't mix.

The full intact remains of a Barn Owl were picked up from the runway on Wednesday after a collision with a Saab 2000 aircraft.
Hopefully there are more of these around the airfield(Barn Owls not Saab 2000's)..will keep you posted.

[Vipers]

For those who have been searching for or following the Barn Owl thread...sorry to say aircraft and birds(as we know!) don't mix.

The full intact remains of a Barn Owl were picked up from the runway on Wednesday after a collision with a Saab 2000 aircraft.
Hopefully there are more of these around the airfield(Barn Owls not Saab 2000's)..will keep you posted.

Thanks for the update Mike! I didn't see any Barn Owls at all on my night shifts last week, that could explain why.

Have you been up to Newbiggin for the Med Gulls yet?

[seggs]

Half a dozen Pintail at the north end of Cresswell this afternoon inc a crackin' drake. Several hundred Common Scoter off the beach and a Barn Owl to the south and east of the hide. Great to be getting back to the birds!
Nice to see you back Gordon:t:
I was at Cresswell myself this late pm, Dipped on the Pintails and the Barnie, but did have 3 Scaup 1 male and 2 female , 2 pairs of R.B.Mergs. 100+ Golden Plover over which never settled whilst i was here, a few Goldeneye and all the common ducks....and the few thousand Pinkies that where split between 3 main flocks, one to the south of the pond and the other 2 just north of Bells farm...20+ Twite on the dunes.
7 Whoopers to the west of QE2Park.

[mILLYg]

Following on from the ex-Barn Owl referred to above, take a sorry look at;

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Buzzard-Swoops-And-Eats-Rare-Wading-Bird-In-Front-Of-Birdwatchers/Media-Gallery/200901315204704?lpos=UK_News_News_in_Picture_Home_ Region_2&lid=GALLERY_15204704_Buzzard_Swoops_And_Eats_Rare_ Wading_Bird_In_Front_Of_Birdwatchers

It's life (or not), I guess!

[Bonsaibirder]

Not sure if this is of interest to anyone - a single Waxwing flew NW over the Newcastle General Hospital at 08:30 this morning.

Cheers,

Steve

[Barred Wobbler]

I've just had a barn owl attempt suicide by flying across the road in front of my windscreen as I came off Hipsburn roundabout on the A1068.

[Stewart J.]

13 Waxwing feeding in berry bushes in village at 10.30hrs a new house tick (South Tyne, Haltwhistle area) unable to relocate later.

PM, Watched 2 displaying Red Kites on West Allen, very windy with heavy snow showers at time, didn't seem to put them off!

Plenmeller Moor, late afternoon Red Grouse very visible and many displaying or seem already paired up.

Stewart

[brianr]

First trip off patch, started at the QE2 country park. 10 Redpoll showed well, and the usual greeting committee, of swans and geese as i arrived.

Linton pond was quite, no unusual gulls or geese, jay in the woods.

Bells farm, 60+ twite were active, and 5 pied wagtail but nowt else showing.

Cresswell pond, far too full and not much on show. scaup was the highlight + usual wildfowl in small quantities.

Cresswell village, brief view of Nordic Jackdaw at the turning circle by the cafe.

Quite day with few surprises.

[brianfm]

Despite a thourgh search today, Crossbills at Swallow Ponds ellude me. Perhaps they have moved on?

I was pleased to find numbers of Fieldfare (first of the year for me) with Redwings and Mistle Thrushes in the field on entry. Many more Redwings in the trees. Song Thrush later too, so I class that as a set, or at least a page in Collins!;-) G S Woodpecker flew from the feeder out side the cafe as I arrived there.

Highlight of the day was watching the Foxes. One ran across my path on the main path through the park and I watched another for 15 minutes in the field to east of the pond. It looked really good and fit in the sun and I can't say I have ever had better views of a Fox.

The park appears to be overrun with Magpies! A friendly Rat had plenty to feed on at the viewing screen.

[Vipers]

I managed to catch up with the Waxwings at Ponteland yesterday. Only ten of them left, feeding on rose hips at the side of the road, about half a mile North of the entrance to Police HQ. There was also good numbers of Redwing and fieldfare in that area.

[tony robb]

strange looking mallard (or is it a strange looking shovellor) at the village hotel pond...body and colouring of a shovellor drake with the head of a mallard drake.....plus this morning 17 goldfinch in my garden...don`t get one for years then a whole flock all at once.

[Bob Biggs]

Still there this morning. Also about 10 at the B6524/Gubeon Golf Course junction at 12.15

[mILLYg]

Great hour there at lunch time today. At least 4 Slavonian Grebe, 8 LT Ducks, 1 Velvet Scoter and a few dozen Commons, 2 Razorbills, several Shags, 1 RT Diver N and 1 S (may have done a U-turn), 1 Purple Sandpiper and 1 Knot on the shore.

[June Atkinson]

Sincere thanks to Gary and Bob, for their postings about the waxwings!
Leonard and I made a quick trip to see if the waxwings were still there.
At first we thought not, then, as we were having a snack, I noticed birds in a tree, and they kept dropping onto the hedgerow whenever vehicles approached. Feeling pretty certain that they would be our birds, we drove nearer, and we were in luck!:t:
They were at GF NZ167829, between 13.30 and 14.30 hrs today, Saturday.
The light was not conducive to easy photography, but I'll post any pics which are clear enough.
It was lovely to see the waxies again, after a long time. In the ealy 70s, we had a flock of 60 in the hedge opposite our house in Ponteland. They stripped the hedge of all berries in under twenty minutes.

I am soooo glad we have seen these colourful birds again!:t:

[nellieberta]

Great hour there at lunch time today. At least 4 Slavonian Grebe, 8 LT Ducks, 1 Velvet Scoter mand a few dozen Commons, 2 Razorbills, several Shags, 1 RT Diver N and 1 S (may have done a U-turn), 1 Purple Sandpiper and 1 Knot on the shore.

Hi Gordon,
The report you've just written above is almost exactly what I had planned to write. I've been up to Budle and Stag Rocks today and saw pretty much what you saw. Only major difference being we counted at least 7 Slav Grebes and a max of 4 LT Ducks. The Velvet Scoter was a real bonus:t:. Its always nice to have your sighings confirmed by someone else.
We stopped in at Cresswell on the way home. there were a flock of c100 Twite in the usual place and 8 Whoopers on Cresswell Pond.
I've not done todays lists yet but I'm confident we've got somewhere around the 65 species mark.
Shame we missed each other but it sounds as if your day was at least as good as ours.

Regards

Mick

[brianr]

Hi Gordon,
The report you've just written above is almost exactly what I had planned to write. I've been up to Budle and Stag Rocks today and saw pretty much what you saw. Only major difference being we counted at least 7 Slav Grebes and a max of 4 LT Ducks. The Velvet Scoter was a real bonus:t:. Its always nice to have your sighings confirmed by someone else.
We stopped in at Cresswell on the way home. there were a flock of c100 Twite in the usual place and 8 Whoopers on Cresswell Pond.
I've not done todays lists yet but I'm confident we've got somewhere around the 65 species mark.
Shame we missed each other but it sounds as if your day was at least as good as ours.

Regards

Mick

Looks like there were a few of us there today, and i too saw much the same as you guys. At one point i had three guys to my left, one guy to my right on seats, and a pair of birders on the beach. Wandered down the coast calling in at various venus, ending up on patch (St Marys) to end the day.

Counting down now to spring migration, my earliest spring bird was Wheatear March 13th.

[June Atkinson]

With the changeover, these pics are a little late, but here goes anyway...........
The birds were alternately in the tree, then swooping down to feed on the berries all along the hedge, on the road running from Whalton to Morpeth.

[woodhornbirder]

had my annual winter visitor arrive today.....a grey wagtail. KInda weird that it turns up every year in jan-march. Especially as i live in terrace in ashington. Nowhere near river or flowing water.

Still great to have such pretty bird only 8ft away )

[nellieberta]

Looks like there were a few of us there today, and i too saw much the same as you guys. At one point i had three guys to my left, one guy to my right on seats, and a pair of birders on the beach. Wandered down the coast calling in at various venus, ending up on patch (St Marys) to end the day.

Counting down now to spring migration, my earliest spring bird was Wheatear March 13th.

Hi Brian,
I guess we were the two dodgy looking ones on the beach.
I don't know if you had a chance to scan Budle Bay that morning. Both Ross and myself were convinced we got onto a Greenshank! It was a fair distance away and we only saw it for a few seconds before it flew off. It appeared to have all the characteristics associated with a Greenshank (up curved bill, long green legs etc) but we can’t be sure, and were hoping someone else (more experienced) could confirm our suspicions.
Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.

Regards

Mick

[Keith Bradley]

Hi Brian,
I guess we were the two dodgy looking ones on the beach.
I don't know if you had a chance to scan Budle Bay that morning. Both Ross and myself were convinced we got onto a Greenshank! It was a fair distance away and we only saw it for a few seconds before it flew off. It appeared to have all the characteristics associated with a Greenshank (up curved bill, long green legs etc) but we can’t be sure, and were hoping someone else (more experienced) could confirm our suspicions.
Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.

Regards

Mick

I'm not the experienced birder you're hoping for but I can confirm that there is a Greenshank wintering at Budle Bay. It appears to favour the SE corner of the bay, as viewed from the layby, that's where it was last time I saw it, which was a fortnight ago. Your description certainly fits the bill - no pun intended ;)

I'm sure I read a report a few weeks ago that there were two present but I might have been dreaming that one......

Keith

[nellieberta]

Thanks Kieth,

That's confirmation enough for me! That is almost an armchair tick:-O;).

Regards

Mick

[brianr]

Hi Brian,
I guess we were the two dodgy looking ones on the beach.
I don't know if you had a chance to scan Budle Bay that morning. Both Ross and myself were convinced we got onto a Greenshank! It was a fair distance away and we only saw it for a few seconds before it flew off. It appeared to have all the characteristics associated with a Greenshank (up curved bill, long green legs etc) but we can’t be sure, and were hoping someone else (more experienced) could confirm our suspicions.
Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.

Regards

Mick
As Keith has pointed out there is a greenshank in budle bay at the moment.

The bay was covered when i was there so never saw it myself, it was seen by friends the day before as well so im sure what you saw was a greenshank.

[PaulR]

Is there a particular place that is good for seeing the twite flock? Just wondering as I've been a couple of times and keep missing them....



Hi Gordon,
The report you've just written above is almost exactly what I had planned to write. I've been up to Budle and Stag Rocks today and saw pretty much what you saw. Only major difference being we counted at least 7 Slav Grebes and a max of 4 LT Ducks. The Velvet Scoter was a real bonus:t:. Its always nice to have your sighings confirmed by someone else.
We stopped in at Cresswell on the way home. there were a flock of c100 Twite in the usual place and 8 Whoopers on Cresswell Pond.
I've not done todays lists yet but I'm confident we've got somewhere around the 65 species mark.
Shame we missed each other but it sounds as if your day was at least as good as ours.

Regards

Mick

[Vipers]

Hi Paul it's just a case of parking up, opposite the field and waiting for the flock to go up. The couple of times I've seen them they seemed to prefer feeding at the back of the field, in the dip just in front of the dunes.

[brianr]

Is there a particular place that is good for seeing the twite flock? Just wondering as I've been a couple of times and keep missing them....

Just past Bells farm in the direction of Druridge pools about 70yds on the right is a water trough in the field. Park off the road and keep an eye in the field behind, you will see them here. Have a good look through them , you never know what gets mixed in with them.

[Andy Atkinson]

Just past Bells farm in the direction of Druridge pools about 70yds on the right is a water trough in the field. Park off the road and keep an eye in the field behind, you will see them here. Have a good look through them , you never know what gets mixed in with them.

Just a follow on from this info - the Twite are mostly seen in the heavily trampled area where the cows are fed which is mainly out of view from the road. They feed on the edges of the slope down to this area. I tend to drive past the farm and park on the verge next to the little bridge over the water ditch. Not sure if it's allowed but I hop the gate and walk up next to the stream to view the Twite. There's often other stuff mixed in the flock.

[Gill Osborne]

Yes, it's well worth going through the flock - I had a Shore Lark in amongst them in February 2007 :t:

No sign of the waxwings at the Brockwell Centre in Cramlington so Plan B - Police HQ in Ponteland ;) No joy there either :smoke: So Plan C :-O Whalton to Morpeth road......Success!!! :t: Eight on telephone wires just after The Gubeon as you head towards Morpeth :t:

A couple of Red-throated Divers on the sea just opposite caravan site.
Then had a good couple of hours at Cresswell today o:) Male & female Scaup, hundreds of Pink-footed Geese in the field behind the cottages, Barn Owl showing well on fencepost and hunting through dunes since 10.30am :t: and twice a Peregrine sent everything up into the air - the second time managing to get above the flocks and stoop down upon lapwings and plovers - AWESOME!!!!!!:t:
A herd of ten Whooper Swans in field with a few mute swans approx half-mile north of Widdrington.

[Vipers]

It was nice to meet you today Gill. That Peregrine was AWESOME the second time it came through. There was a couple of very lucky Lapwings that just managed to get out of its way.

The mixed finch flock of Twite, Linnet and Goldfinch were feeding around the water trough near the road this afternoon.

[Gill Osborne]

I'm so glad you saw the peregrine's second appearance - I thought you might have missed it with leaving a few minutes earlier. Is that an amazing bird or what!!!!!! :t:

I saw the mixed flock as I drove by but didn't have time to stop :smoke: I'll pop back in a couple of days' time to give them a proper going over.

Great pics of the Barn Owl btw :t: And great to put a few more faces to names too o:)

*sigh* Do I HAVE to go to work tomorrow? :smoke:

[tony robb]

i think i`ve mentioned it before that i`ve been working in a shipyard in Scotland that has two resident peregrines which have a taste for BH Gulls,and to be honest they were getting such a regular sight that i was taking them for granted, until last week when at around 7.30pm one night i heard one of them calling from the top of the static crane...thinking it was just roosting i ignored it until showers of white feathers started falling into the dock...the spot lights picking them out as some unfortunate gull was plucked before being eaten...this means that peregrines hunt in the dark unless it had caught its prey 2 hours earlier and left for later, which i very much doubt....has anyone heard of this behaviour before as it was a new one for me....

[Barred Wobbler]

I've seen a peregrine hunting rock doves well after nightfall along the cliff that our rented apartment stood halfway down the face of in Cala En Porter, Menorca the last time I was there in 2005.

It often came by quite a while after dusk (as well as during the day) and I saw it at least once in full darkness (apart from the lights of the houses overlooking the bay). It was hard to miss. I was standing on the terrace and it came along the cliff and across our terrace so close that I heard the air in its wings. It was trying to panic the pigeons from their roosting ledges.

They had a hard life, those pigeons. On another occasion I watched a yellow-legged gull in a tail chase in and out of the bay. The pigeon just escaped being grabbed by the tail or a wing on several attempts before it finally escaped by jinking into a cave entrance on the opposite side of the inlet.

Interestingly the gull colony on the opposite cliff wasn't too concerned when the peregrine came through on daytime patrols, but they went stone mad when a booted eagle passed low over the colony on a hunting session.

To illustrate what I've said here are a couple of views from the apartment. The gull colony was on the cliff on the other side of the bay. The peregrine hunted that cliff as well as the one we were on, but it seemed interested only in the pigeons. I suppose a colony of gulls was too much like trouble.

[tony robb]

thanks for your reply....its the same in Scotland...in the summer there is a breeding colony of herring gulls on the warehouse roof...they completely ignore the peregrines...but if a buzzard appears they go ballistic...

[woodhornbirder]

DOnt know if anyone uses facebook.....

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20085964966

PLease join up and help with the conservation planning discussions that are currently underway between woodhorn nature grp, and alcan etc.

maybe we can organise a rota for regular watching of woodhorn flash ?

[seggs]

Excellent tv programme (INSIDE OUT) just been on BBC one, about Otters around Druridge area, and one has been recorded on the Farnes recently(tracks found). Anyone with "I" player its worth a look.

[PaulR]

Hi Paul it's just a case of parking up, opposite the field and waiting for the flock to go up. The couple of times I've seen them they seemed to prefer feeding at the back of the field, in the dip just in front of the dunes.


Thanks everyone - I'll have a try this weekend.......... :t:

[StevieEvans]

i think i`ve mentioned it before that i`ve been working in a shipyard in Scotland that has two resident peregrines which have a taste for BH Gulls,and to be honest they were getting such a regular sight that i was taking them for granted, until last week when at around 7.30pm one night i heard one of them calling from the top of the static crane...thinking it was just roosting i ignored it until showers of white feathers started falling into the dock...the spot lights picking them out as some unfortunate gull was plucked before being eaten...this means that peregrines hunt in the dark unless it had caught its prey 2 hours earlier and left for later, which i very much doubt....has anyone heard of this behaviour before as it was a new one for me....

http://dvoc.org/MeetingsPrograms/MeetingsPrograms2006/Resources/Article.October2005.final.send.pdf

Interesting article here, includes a bit about Pers catching by artificial light bottom of page 3, (Statue of Liberty).
Read elsewhere, about the strange variety of prey items found at an English Cathedral (Derby ? - maybe ?) suggested night time hunting.

[brianfm]

Lone female Brambling still feeding left of hide at Holywell pond.

I found a lone Eider Duck 'up' the Burn in Holywell Dene today. Maybe the winds have brought it in. On my return it was swiming back towards the sea.

Am I just unlucky or have Kingfishers stopped frequenting Holywell Dene? I have walked this route frequently over the past couple of years, but have yet to see or hear one anywhere on the burn. I have often been told the best area is down burn of the stone bridge and sluice.

[tony robb]

Lone female Brambling still feeding left of hide at Holywell pond.

I found a lone Eider Duck 'up' the Burn in Holywell Dene today. Maybe the winds have brought it in. On my return it was swiming back towards the sea.

Am I just unlucky or have Kingfishers stopped frequenting Holywell Dene? I have walked this route frequently over the past couple of years, but have yet to see or hear one anywhere on the burn. I have often been told the best area is down burn of the stone bridge and sluice.

i regularly walk the dog through the dene or down to the sluice and in three years i`ve never seen a kingfisher either

[tony robb]

http://dvoc.org/MeetingsPrograms/MeetingsPrograms2006/Resources/Article.October2005.final.send.pdf

Interesting article here, includes a bit about Pers catching by artificial light bottom of page 3, (Statue of Liberty).
Read elsewhere, about the strange variety of prey items found at an English Cathedral (Derby ? - maybe ?) suggested night time hunting.

i often find the heads of the peregrines meals below the crane....so far the list consists of redshank,oyster catcher,teal,pigeon,starling,magpie,black headed and common gulls...i`ve seen them chase carrion crows and herring gulls but i think that was more of a threat thing than actually wanting to prey on them...

[brianfm]

i regularly walk the dog through the dene or down to the sluice and in three years i`ve never seen a kingfisher either

Its not just me then!

Yesterdays snow and cold brought Redwings into my garden. Twenty years ago when I last them there.

[jerkin]

Paid a short visit this evening to the Carr.The improved sheep pasture on the left as you come in is all flooded and the water levels and ditches are all at high levels,not much about,so headed up to century post,small flock of Redwings feeding by the muck heaps just before century post and single kestrel and buzzard on the fen.Also a Tree creeper feeding in the Hawthorn hedge

[woodhornbirder]

1st meeting last night of the "Newbiggin Nature group" for want of a better name.

My summary is briefly outlined here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20085964966


Would like to encourage anyone within 5miles of the wansbeck to join the grp, or pm me here.

thanks)

[woodhornbirder]

NICe male goosander on south end qe2. 16 goldeneye. gadwall/wigeon.

+semi decent gull roost, for those who wanna test their sanity )

[brianfm]

A growing number of Redwing in the fields and trees behind Killingworth village. The usual Mistle Thrushes and one lone Fieldfare. I disturbed a Fox which quickly scampered away into the undergrowth, and a Brown Hare about too. I eventually caught up with the Bullfinch that I see in this area around this time each year.

[whatsthatthen]

i regularly walk the dog through the dene or down to the sluice and in three years i`ve never seen a kingfisher either

I had some great views of a kingfisher from the wooden bridge that's about 100m south of the old railway track embankment about a year ago, and a glimpse in the past few months. In December I managed to get a quick site of a kingfisher in the Brierdene, about 5 minutes after having stunning views of a water rail.

[woodhornbirder]

pure white gull on qe2 at 1030. flew east after 20mins.

Had black tip on end of flesh coloured bill, and herring gull sized. SO i am going with 2nd winter iceland gull. Didnt know they came in pure white version. DId consider albino herring gull, but bill wasnt right??....was an odd bird, but iceland seems most likely. Wasnt large enough for glaucous, at least ive never seen a glaucous that didnt look huge/same size as greater BBG.

WOuld have made an amazing pic!!

[rokermartin]

pure white gull on qe2 at 1030. flew east after 20mins.

Had black tip on end of flesh coloured bill, and herring gull sized. SO i am going with 2nd winter iceland gull. Didnt know they came in pure white version. DId consider albino herring gull, but bill wasnt right??....was an odd bird, but iceland seems most likely. Wasnt large enough for glaucous, at least ive never seen a glaucous that didnt look huge/same size as greater BBG.

WOuld have made an amazing pic!!Iceland Gull reported on QE2 this morning at 11.30 seen briefly according to RBA.

[Rare Visitor]

I had an Iceland (first winter) about 1.5 miles west on the flash pool after the A1068/A189 roundabout yeserday afternoon about 4.00pm. May well be the same bird although there seem to be a few around.

[Gill Osborne]

Approx 12 Waxwings seen perched in small berried tree alongside A191 as you approach the Holystone Roundabout. :t:

[Rare Visitor]

Anyone who's noted the Twitter thread that has appeared here at Birdforum may be interested in the first free regional Twitter service, Check out the post at the blog below for more information.
The 21st century grapevine has arrived.

[Davy Tee]

Little Grebe and female Eider In Seaton Sluice Estuary opp the two stone cottages, Also about 30 Redshanks on Wetland. 6 Long Tailed Tits further along the Dene at end of Bee-hive road.

If anyone was down at St Marys beach today along side the promannade were the small white/grey waders Sanderlings or Little Stints.

[Rare Visitor]

If anyone was down at St Marys beach today along side the promannade were the small white/grey waders Sanderlings or Little Stints.

At this time of year they were almost certainly Sanderling, Little Stint are a Spring/Autumn Passage visitor.

[Davy Tee]

Cheers for reply just realised info about Little Stints im new to birding thats my excuse.

[brianr]

Cheers for reply just realised info about Little Stints im new to birding thats my excuse.


About a 100 down there today Davy, keep an eye out for colour ringed birds.
This one was ringed in Iceland in May 2008, spending the month there before turning up at St Marys in January 2009. Also 12 Gadwell, Gosander and Water Pipit of note.

[seggs]

About a 100 down there today Davy, keep an eye out for colour ringed birds.
This one was ringed in Iceland in May 2008, spending the month there before turning up at St Marys in January 2009. Also 12 Gadwell, Gosander and Water Pipit of note.
I saw the same bird on the beach at South Shields a few weeks back.
Link to a thread i started to ask for help reporting it.
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=131211

[woodhornbirder]

Had a chat with some of the local "gull experts" and we are certain there are currently 4 different iceland gulls in se northumb.

2 at blyth harbour and 2 on linton/tip/qe2/ash bank roost.

The latter 2 are moving around alot. ONe of them is 2nd winter and is PUre white! pink bill with black tip.

Other is a kumliens version of an iceland gull and is darker with creamy primaries, and a black bill.

WIll keep chking qe2 gull roost. 9am is best time for taking pics, with 100-200 gulls present....you can get within 20ft, because of dogwalkers, they used to humans.

I might stoop to even feeding them!

[brianr]

I saw the same bird on the beach at South Shields a few weeks back.
Link to a thread i started to ask for help reporting it.
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=131211

Hi Steve, thanks for the link. I have another photo of a different bird to send to Jeroan, his response was quick.

Its nice to get feedback from our reports, i often used to send colour ringed reports of Turnstones to my local recorder. I never heard anything back, so i no longer bother.

[Newton Stringer]

Hi All

Perhaps of interest.... this ring ouzel was around Newton by the Sea at the weekend.

If you walk north from Newton Links car park (High Newton) just past the farm buildings there is a livestock feeding area and large manure heap to the right of the path (just past the stile and gate). It was feeding around this manure heap with a load of other thrushes, also saw it on the horse paddocks just north of the buildings.....

[Davy Tee]

Bian was that you on the cliff edge at St Mary's with big scope in green jacket yesterday morning looking out towards the Lighthouse i was going to come over for a chat but didnt want to disturb you.

[martin kitching]

I'm surprised that people seem to think nothing is happening with regard to access/habitat improvements etc - Discussions are ongoing with relevant landowners, and influential community groups in Newbiggin are also consulting experienced local birders to ensure that views are represented. There could be a lot of exciting developments over the coming months :t: and I can't say any more than that;)

cheers
martin

1st meeting last night of the "Newbiggin Nature group" for want of a better name.

My summary is briefly outlined here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20085964966


Would like to encourage anyone within 5miles of the wansbeck to join the grp, or pm me here.

thanks)

[brianr]

Bian was that you on the cliff edge at St Mary's with big scope in green jacket yesterday morning looking out towards the Lighthouse i was going to come over for a chat but didnt want to disturb you.

Sounds like my mate Darren who has a website called Birding St Marys. I was around and about yesterday. Feel free to come over and chat, plenty really friendly birders down here.
First gannet of the year for me, fellow birder had 240 + sanderling on the south beach and a peregrine hunting over the fields. Also 36 knot, am, and a stoat on the wetland.

[woodhornbirder]

"I'm surprised that people seem to think nothing is happening with regard to access/habitat improvements etc"


well maybe if folk were less tight lipped about developments, then others would be less suprised :)

[Irene Boston]

Hi folks,

I'll be staying on Holy Island at the end of this week, as we usually do when on our way to Mull. We've had Lapland Buntings on Holy Island in previous winters but I've not heard of any reports this year. Does anyone know if any have been seen there this winter?

Many thanks for your help.
Irene

[rokermartin]

Hi folks,

I'll be staying on Holy Island at the end of this week, as we usually do when on our way to Mull. We've had Lapland Buntings on Holy Island in previous winters but I've not heard of any reports this year. Does anyone know if any have been seen there this winter?

Many thanks for your help.
Irene
Hi have'nt heard of any Lapland Buntings in Northumberland this winter so far.

[Barred Wobbler]

There was one fly-over at Cresswell Pond a few weeks ago, but that's the only one I've heard about.

[Rare Visitor]

There were five at Boulmer in November but on private land and no subsequent reports so presumably they were fresh arrivals that moved on.

[brianr]

Hi All

Perhaps of interest.... this ring ouzel was around Newton by the Sea at the weekend.

If you walk north from Newton Links car park (High Newton) just past the farm buildings there is a livestock feeding area and large manure heap to the right of the path (just past the stile and gate). It was feeding around this manure heap with a load of other thrushes, also saw it on the horse paddocks just north of the buildings.....

Had a wander up, and enjoyed seeing this bird, Saves a walk up the Hawsen and Carey burns later in the year,
Ta for the info.

[Irene Boston]

Many thanks for the Lapland update folks.

We're on Holy Island for Thurs/Fri so will put anything out on the pager if we find anything.

Cheers,
Irene

[brianfm]

Made a short stop with Level Seven at Cresswell yesterday in the hope of catching sight of a Bittern. No luck today, but at least we were under cover in the hide when the short storm came in from the sea. A good number of Yellowhammer and an odd Siskin in the hedges leading to the hide. The only waders on the bank were a single Redshank and Curlew. Numbers of Wigeon and Teal and several Goldeneye. Other birds on the pond included Little Grebe, Sheduck, female Scaup and Red Breasted Mergansers.

The flock of Twite are still about opposite Bell's pond and flocks of Linnet and Goldfinch also seen.

We carried on to Craster and had a good walk south of the village through mixed woodland, farmland (where the footpath had recently been ploughed!)and along the coastal path. Very muddy which made the 4.5 mile walk seem almost twice as far. I am going to have to break a habit of a life time and actually clean my boots! The highlight of the walk was seeing 3 Sparrowhawks (one disappeared quickly, but I'm positive they were all females) appearing to have dispute. Common Buzzard was heard and a Kestrel give good views as it landed in the tree above our heads. Fieldfare in small numbers, larger numbers of Mistle Thrush, couple of Grey Partridge and 4 Stock Doves. Waders seen, in the fields in the main, were Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Golden Plover (looking good as they lifted and flew in the sunlight) and Redshank, .

Not much about at sea apart from Eider Duck, Fulmars, and gulls. We did have fleeting, but close up views of Red Throated Diver as it dived in the surf before appearing to disappear by magic! A nice pair of Bullfinch lit by the sun at the end of the walk.

Can't remember having had such a muddy walk, but a good day none the less with 55 species of bird (9 of 'em new for the year list) and a Brown Hare!

[Barred Wobbler]

Does anyone know anything about this?

http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1405228&postcount=8

Report of a sea eagle at Red Row last Wednesday.

[Vipers]

I was out with the family at Druridge Bay country park yesterday and there was a bit of a strange adult Gull there. Not being up on the finer points of Gull ID (to much of a mine field) it's just been bugging me a little bit. It was Herring Gull size, maybe a little bit bulkier especially around the head, with pink legs, a pale eye. The bill was Greeny yellow with a black stripe down it, just like a Common Gull, with no red spot. The bill was also looked a bit bigger than the Herring Gull that landed next to it.

Trawling the web last night, I found a few shots of Caspian Gulls in the middle east that looked very similar. It could also have just been a new adult Herring Gull with its bill just coming into adult colours. Over to the Gull expert for your opinion.

Oh and would you believe it's the only time I've been out without my camera.

[woodhornbirder]

"The bill was Greeny yellow with a black stripe down it,"

ring billed gull? eyes needs to be yellow not black. Some 2nd winter herring gulls can show dark areas on their bills: gull id is a minefield!!


"a short stop with Level Seven at Cresswell "

lvl7 is a flyby rock grp? "Good evening cresswell!"

[Vipers]

"The bill was Greeny yellow with a black stripe down it,"

ring billed gull? eyes needs to be yellow not black. Some 2nd winter herring gulls can show dark areas on their bills: gull id is a minefield!!


Ring Billed was my thought for a second, but way to big and bulky.

[brianfm]

"The bill was Greeny yellow with a black stripe down it,"

ring billed gull? eyes needs to be yellow not black. Some 2nd winter herring gulls can show dark areas on their bills: gull id is a minefield!!


"a short stop with Level Seven at Cresswell "

lvl7 is a flyby rock grp? "Good evening cresswell!"

So I believe. T'was ok though, as the drums were left outside of the hide.

[woodhornbirder]

just spent an hour chking the gull roost at qe2. Nothing exciting today...

http://dansbirdingblog.blogspot.com/

I think yellow legs is good feature....most gulls tend to look far more shabby in rellife than on pics)

THink for juv its pink bill/black tip and smaller size. Some herring gulls have same pink bill/tip, so is always a bit tricky!

Might be off to chk ash lagoon(newbiggin) tommorow

[brianr]

Cresswell pond 12 -3 30 pm. 2 Bittern, i constantly flying between reedbeds before leaving north over Bells pond, aprox 3:15 pm. 2 Barn owls hunting together over the dunes.

2 Scaup, Water Rail, Kingfisher, RB Merganser, Goldeneye, 11 Whooper, Greylag one collared.

Decent mixed flock of fieldfare, redwing, in the south field. Yellowhammer, goldfinch, reed bunting, stonechat, also showed well.

Ermine Stoat flashed in front of the hide, a canny day out.

[degsy_safc]

Cresswell pond 12 -3 30 pm. 2 Bittern, i constantly fling between reedbeds before leaving north over Bells pond, aprox 3:15 pm. 2 Barn owls hunting together over the dunes.

2 Scaup, Water Rail, Kingfisher, RB Merganser, Goldeneye, 11 Whooper, Greylag one collared.

Decent mixed flock of fieldfare, redwing, in the south field. Yellowhammer, goldfinch, reed bunting, stonechat, also showed well.

Ermine Stoat flashed in front of the hide, a canny day out.

Hiya Brian

Dunno if you remember me, but i am the person you met at St Mary's during the Christmas holidays. Anyway i think you might have just made my mind up for me regarding location for Saturday :t:

Haven't had a trip to Cresswell since early Jan so due a day out and about on the Northumberland patch.

[brianr]

Hiya Brian

Dunno if you remember me, but i am the person you met at St Mary's during the Christmas holidays. Anyway i think you might have just made my mind up for me regarding location for Saturday :t:

Haven't had a trip to Cresswell since early Jan so due a day out and about on the Northumberland patch.

Sure do Deggsy. I suspect it will be busy there this weekend if the weathers nice, hope you get a few photos. Good luck.

[seggs]

Not alot of use really but thought i would post anyway, a single Waxwing on the top of a bush between the 2 turn offs for Blyth on the spine road, south bound@ 4ish.
Quick check on the QE2 park before this, no Wigeon in sight from the main carpark and very few Canadas, but Gadwall 6+..a bird ive not seen all winter in S/T.

[xbill]

Called in at Cresswell this morning just in time to see one of the bitterns appear out of the far reeds quickly followed by a second flying in from the north. A Water Rail showed itself in front of the hide with Wigeon, Teal, Goldeneye, Scaup, Shoveler, Little Grebe also present.

Mistle thrush, Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit were feeding in the field south of the track.

100's of Pink-footed and Canada geese were also flying around seemingly unable to settle.

Looked in at Blyth and found the young Iceland Gull resting near the harbour masters office.

[Vipers]

Cresswell today Two Barn Owls hunting along dunes, a single Bittern Flying between the reed beds on the east side, three Scaup and a Water Rail right in front of the hide.

Blyth harbour this afternoon two Iceland Gulls and the Gull that I think is the bird being reported as a Glaucous Gull, though I'm not sure it is a Glaucous. It looks more like a hybrid or just a strange Iceland Gull. The strange Gull is pic 3. Opinions please.

[brianfm]

The number of Redwing in fields south of Killingworth village appear to have dwindled. 6 Fieldfare being chased by numerous Mistle Thrush and a rather striking Pheasant in the field with them. Pair of Bullfinch near village.

[degsy_safc]

Sure do Deggsy. I suspect it will be busy there this weekend if the weathers nice, hope you get a few photos. Good luck.

Hi Brian, Didn't connect with any Bittern, although i was chatting with a guy who saw it as he drove past the reedbeds mid pond about 13.00. Anyway i got a few shots of the pair of Barnies that were hunting over the dunes and small pond field;

[rokermartin]

Cresswell today Two Barn Owls hunting along dunes, a single Bittern Flying between the reed beds on the east side, three Scaup and a Water Rail right in front of the hide.

Blyth harbour this afternoon two Iceland Gulls and the Gull that I think is the bird being reported as a Glaucous Gull, though I'm not sure it is a Glaucous. It looks more like a hybrid or just a strange Iceland Gull. The strange Gull is pic 3. Opinions please.pic3 Is a Iceland Gull certainly does'nt look like a Glaucous or Hybrid.If it was a hybrid the wing tips would 'nt be white they would show dark markings .What size was the bird.

[Vipers]

It was the same size as the Iceland Gulls. The only difference was the head and bill size and shape. when I first saw this bird sitting on its own, I though Glaucous. But as soon as it moved next to the Iceland Gull I just thought it was another Iceland. Then I get home and see that two Icelands and a Glaucous were reported. So is this the bird that's being reported as a Glaucous Gull?

[Newton Stringer]

I've not visited the site but I gather there have been up to 4 individual iceland gulls at Blyth recently....

[brianr]

A nice surprise was 50+ Waxwing raiding a small rowan tree in a garden just west of Morrisons in Killingworth. On to St Marys where the stubble field south of the masts held circa 200 Skylark, some sort of hard weather movement perhaps ?

14 Linnet and a few more Reed Bunting showed birds are returning, and a Peregrine used the radio mast as a vantage point to swoop at flocks from time to time.

[brianr]

Hi Brian, Didn't connect with any Bittern, although i was chatting with a guy who saw it as he drove past the reedbeds mid pond about 13.00. Anyway i got a few shots of the pair of Barnies that were hunting over the dunes and small pond field;

Hopefully the Bitterns will hang around a while, I would love to hear one booming in Northumberland. Second wish is for The St Marys Water Pipit to hang around long enough to develop its spring plumage.

[Brian Bullough]

Hopefully the Bitterns will hang around a while, I would love to hear one booming in Northumberland. Second wish is for The St Marys Water Pipit to hang around long enough to develop its spring plumage.

Second that Brian , put a new slant on Boomer Birding, that last Water Pipit was just turning a faint pink when it moved on.
BrianB

[woodhornbirder]

would playing a recording of a booming male at cresswell, be classed as bird disturbance?

:P

[tony robb]

village hotel pond 11am..single teal and pochard drakes..7 shovellors..loads of mallards including a shovellor/mallard hybrid..coot..moorhen.. plenty of gulls but nothing unusual
trees around the pond held a large group of goldfinch and a couple of wren darting about..
i like it here you don`t have to get out of your car to see the pond :)

[DEREK.C.]

Spent an excellent day at Holy Island. Loads of Bar Wits and Grey Plover on the Causeway until they were sent scattering by a Peregrine.
About 50 Brent Geese in the harbour giving close views with 2 Long Tailed Ducks close in and a Red Necked Grebe far off from the Heugh.
The Highlight was a Barn owl giving really close views on the way back ,near the farm, Down to ten feet at times.
Stopped off at Stag Rocks, with about 20 Long Tailed Ducks seen and 4-5 Slavonian Grebes+ Common Scoters, Rock Pipits, Purple Sands.
Canny day.|;|

[woodhornbirder]

Request.

Have been trying to digiscope pics of the gulls at qe2/newbiggin area, for the Newbiggin wildlife grp forum. HOwever i am having problems with my digital camera, as the lcd screen is playing up, and is more or less impossible to use with a corrupt display!

DOes any one have an old digital camera say 3megpix in size, that they arent using?

Can pay £25 or a temp loan.

Pm me plz if anything......this includes old mobiles with built in camera. tnx

[mILLYg]

GWT still at Bothal Pond - 1440 hrs today - back and forth along the NW shore. Superb drake Pintail at the north end of Cresswell Pond an hour or two earlier.

[Gill Osborne]

Barn Owl hunting in field opposite RAF Boulmer at 5pm tonight :t:

[brianfm]

Barn Owl hunting in field opposite RAF Boulmer at 5pm tonight :t:

There's a interesting article by Ian Kerr in Feb/Mar edition of Northumbrian Magazine about Barn Owls. I hadn't realised that they had bred on Holy Island last year for the first time since the 1940s!

[Gill Osborne]

I haven't had a chance to read the magazine yet but I'll look it up tomorrow when I'm back at work.

Barn Owls certainly seem a lot commoner now than even just a few years ago.....unless I'm now just living in a good area for them! ;)

[jiminlondon99]

Pleased to see 5 Waxwings at the Cramlington roundabout leading to Shankhouse this morning. They were making the most of the berries and were still feeding when we left after 20 minutes.

Jim

[seggs]

5 Snow buntings with the Twite flock beside Bells farm in the dunes here.
2 pair of Pintails, 4 Scaup (one male) , 3 R.b.mergansers on Cresswell, still a good flock of pinkies north of the farm but numbers going down.
2 Iceland gulls seen in Blyth harbour near the Harbour masters office with a imm./winter plumage Kittiwake.

[craigthirlwell]

Help needed.

A snowy owl flew away whilst taking part in a falconry display at Kielder yesterday (Sunday 22nd). The bird got spooked by a dog which was off the lead.

This is a captive bred imprinted bird, who's chance of survival in the wild is zero (if it isn't already is soon will be fox food).

If you have seen it can you please pm or email me.

Cheers

Craig.

[brianr]

Help needed.

A snowy owl flew away whilst taking part in a falconry display at Kielder yesterday (Sunday 22nd). The bird got spooked by a dog which was off the lead.

This is a captive bred imprinted bird, who's chance of survival in the wild is zero (if it isn't already is soon will be fox food).

If you have seen it can you please pm or email me.

Cheers

Craig.

Hope its found quickly, for me i just cant understand why BOP are kept like this. Birds should be free and in their natural habitat.

[brianfm]

Drake Scaup on Killingworth Lake today.

I've been away birding all weekend so missed the reported Mandarin on there over the weekend. Not there today! Still a number of Goosanders and Goldeneye about.

[Barred Wobbler]

Another Iceland Gull in the county early this afternoon. It was loitering around on the Coquet above the dam until the tide hit and it flew down towards Amble. It's probably the same bird I saw a week past Saturday in Amble harbour (when an adult was also reported, but I missed that one).

Crap record shot from across the width of the river.

[jerkin]

Tuesday morning, had a walk over with the dog this morning,14 Wigeon,3Pairs of Mallard,about 8 greylags leaving heading west,pair of Canada goose,Moorhen,single Cormorant,2 Common Gulls,Black Headed Gulls,single Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush,plenty of Yellowhammers and Green Finches,also Reed Bunting,Gold Finch,Linnet,Robin,Dunnock,Blackbird,Mute Swans 2 pair and 2 immatures,pair of Skylarks

[Scuzz]

Popped up to Cresswell yesterday: first visit.

shell duck, mallard, moorehen, goldeneye, oyster catcher, redshank, sanderling, mute swan. grey heron, curlew, scaup etc on the main pond with the odd yellow hammer, goldfinch, chaffinch, crows etc inthe surrounding area.
Main attraction was about 1500 pink footed in the field between cresswell and druridge which took flight when flushed by a light aircraft, also a flock of around 80 ish twite flying above the dunes.

Not much at Druridge ponds, maybe due to one of the hides being refurbished/demolished.

Called at Blyth Quayside on the way back, no sign of the iceland gull, but at least 28 eider, herring & BH gulls, cormorants & shags on the water and single pied wagtail. Eider were catching small fish and shrimp with the herring gulls standing by to swipe the catch.

[Vipers]

I had a trip up to the Kielder area today and within half an hour of getting there, I was watching two female Goshawks having a scrap. Then after seeing off the intruder, one of them started displaying. A very good start to the day. During the morning there were quite a few Buzzards displaying and a Peregrine went zooming through. The only disappointment being no Crossbills, in fact very few small bird in forest at all.

[DEREK.C.]

I had a trip up to the Kielder area today and within half an hour of getting there, I was watching two female Goshawks having a scrap.


Looking forward to the NTBC Trip to Kielder next month with a few other members.
Paid a visit to Blyth the other day on my way back south, treated to a real close view of two Iceland Gulls. Really pleased i decided to visit.

[brianfm]

I spent an xcellent 4 hours at Cresswell today. Not sure what happened to the mild weather though, as it was very cold up there! ;-)

Red Throated Diver (well into breeding plumage), Common Scoter and Eiders seen from the village.

Birds at the pond included Iceland Gull (2nd winter I reckon), pair of Pintail (pos 2 pairs as I noticed two on the north end of the pond as we passed), pair of Scaup and pair of Red Breasted Merganser. Large numbers of Wigeon. Gadwall, Teal and Goldeneye. Oh, and a Whooper Swan. Several 100 Pink-Footed Geese in the area. Kestrel was the only rapror seen.

I eventually found the Twite again in the dip. I found 1 Snow Bunting, 1 Redpoll and several Goldfinch in the flock. Sanderling seen as I walked back along the beach.

54 species in all. I'm not really a gull person. I was told told by fellow birders who later joined us in the hide it was a Glaucous. I had been sure I had identified an Iceland so was rather chuffed when it stood up and they confirmed it was an Iceland! Must get better with 'me' gulls. I need some practice.

[tony robb]

could someone tell me how i get to longhirst flash please...i`m going to be in the Linton area on sunday

[Rare Visitor]

could someone tell me how i get to longhirst flash please...i`m going to be in the Linton area on sunday

Tony, come out the short road at entrance to Linton, turn right, follow road for c1.5 miles you will pass 2 right turns, one for Ulgham Lane, 2nd for Longhirst where train line is visible. About 400m further roiad does an S, pull in at second bend and view flash from there. If you carry on further 500m you get to mid point of Ashington-Morpeth road not far from Bothal Pond.

[tony robb]

Tony, come out the short road at entrance to Linton, turn right, follow road for c1.5 miles you will pass 2 right turns, one for Ulgham Lane, 2nd for Longhirst where train line is visible. About 400m further roiad does an S, pull in at second bend and view flash from there. If you carry on further 500m you get to mid point of Ashington-Morpeth road not far from Bothal Pond.


thats great, thanks very much...

[mILLYg]

Learned Colleagues - has anyone stayed over on Holy Island recently? Mrs M fancies doing so (and, strangely, with me on the same side of the causeway as her!). Any accommodation recommendations (or otherwise)? To reduce the risk of libel, please PM me.

[Rare Visitor]

Learned Colleagues - has anyone stayed over on Holy Island recently? Mrs M fancies doing so (and, strangely, with me on the same side of the causeway as her!). Any accommodation recommendations (or otherwise)? To reduce the risk of libel, please PM me.

There's loads of decent self catering accomodation, try Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages they probably have the best selection of property.

[woodhornbirder]

The future for the north east.

I know this is not directly related to bird sightings, but its connected to the environment.

http://67.199.78.5/default.html

This company from washington(uk) is at cutting edge of the slow change from carbon to electric.

AM not a greeny, but the cost of "twitching birds" has risen substancially in recent years. Electric vehicles, could susbtantially reduce this, regardless of the carbon emmisions stuff (of which i am a skeptic)

one to watch.......

(posted here, as it will be of interest to folk from the north east)

[Irene Boston]

Learned Colleagues - has anyone stayed over on Holy Island recently? Any accommodation recommendations (or otherwise)?

This is an excellent website with most of the self catering, B&B and hotel accommodation listed - http://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/

We have stayed in, and can recommend the following:
Self catering - Skylark (garden with heaps of cover - Rosefinch find last time we stayed). Kyle Villa (excellent view over the estuary - YB Warbler in the tree next door last time) and Twizells cottages.
B&B - Rose Villa, The Bungalow
Hotel - Manor House hotel - great food and beer

[woodhornbirder]

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=413267&Y=608432&A=Y&Z=120


advised location of great grey shrike, as seen for last 2 days.

[mILLYg]

Irene Boston/Rare Visitor - thanks for your assistance.

[Rare Visitor]

Neagative news on Hawfinch from Wallington Hall today as the hunt for Northumberland Hawfinch continues.
Peregrine and three Goshawk at Harwood Forest.

[PeterG]

Decided to have a walk along the South Tyne yesterday. Plenty of oystercatchers around as usual, we saw 60+ on the river bank. Also saw 30 fieldfare in a field (appropriately) just before Lambley viaduct and plenty more of them in the trees by the sound of it. As we walked over the footbridge a dipper flew beneath us. On the return journey about a mile downstream from Lambley I noticed something large flying around the treetops and closer inspection proved this to be a buzzard. As we got nearer we could hear it calling and pretty soon another appeared, then another! 3 buzzards together.

As we approached the end of the walk I noticed something else large & dark near the river bank but this turned out to be a tree stump! I'm thinking I should start a new year list for 'inanimate objects'.

[Stewart J.]

03/03/2009 At least 5 Raven still using roost in small confer wood on east side of moor toward Ridley Common.

Stewart

[Stewart J.]

Nice to see (and hear) waders returning to upland area's despite the snowy weather. Watched a roost of more than 160 Curlew forming from 17.00hrs, several flocks of Golden Plover including one of 298 birds spooked by a Peregrine which unsuccessfully tried to catch one at 17.40hrs, first Oystercatchers back on territory and some good flocks of Lapwing. At least 6 Raven about.

Strange weather, snow showers, freezing fog patches, no breeze whatsover and in between blue sky! Couple of pictures taken after 17.00hrs to set the scene both looking west.

Good birding

Stewart

[woodhornbirder]

Just to advise....other location of great grey shrike is NORTH of harwood village, in a forest clearing.

Rather difficult(read impossible) to get to without a car though (

[Bob Biggs]

Nowhere to be seen between 1 and 2 this afternoon. That was after a jolly good walk from the village too!

Distant views of Goshawk from the Gibbet earlier but no Crossbill - nor much else.

[Barred Wobbler]

I was watching the Black Lough shrike yesterday and I saw a type of behaviour I'd not seen before in shrikes.

Other shrikes I've seen tend to hunt from a perch, swoop onto prey on the ground and return with or without the kill.

This bird, perhaps because of an area of very short turf (which made it harder for prey to hide) near its perch was acting very differently. For much of the time I was watching (about 40 minutes) it was hunting normally as described above, and occasionally it went stalking in the twigs of nearby birch or willow, but when it concentrated on the short turf it acted differently - it hovered like a kestrel.

It flew from its perch as normal, but instead of landing on the ground it hovered at a height of about 6 feet, scanning the ground below. This went on for quite some time. Spells of hovering lasted about 5 - 10 seconds (estimated after the event) and the bird would move from one hover to another a few feet away without landing. At other times it would fly back to the perch, or drop to the ground at the end of a hover, but often it seemed to be covering the ground like a miniature kestrel, moving from one hover to another. On one occasion I'd lost sight of the bird when looking away, but then refound it through my scope, only to realise that what I'd found wasn't the bird, but its shadow cast by the sun as it hovered.

It was fascinating to watch.

EDIT. I suppose it's a common enough behaviour, but I've not come across it before.

[Rare Visitor]

I was watching the Black Lough shrike yesterday and I saw a type of behaviour I'd not seen before in shrikes.

Other shrikes I've seen tend to hunt from a perch, swoop onto prey on the ground and return with or without the kill.

This bird, perhaps because of an area of very short turf (which made it harder for prey to hide) near its perch was acting very differently. For much of the time I was watching (about 40 minutes) it was hunting normally as described above, and occasionally it went stalking in the twigs of nearby birch or willow, but when it concentrated on the short turf it acted differently - it hovered like a kestrel.

It flew from its perch as normal, but instead of landing on the ground it hovered at a height of about 6 feet, scanning the ground below. This went on for quite some time. Spells of hovering lasted about 5 - 10 seconds (estimated after the event) and the bird would move from one hover to another a few feet away without landing. At other times it would fly back to the perch, or drop to the ground at the end of a hover, but often it seemed to be covering the ground like a miniature kestrel, moving from one hover to another. On one occasion I'd lost sight of the bird when looking away, but then refound it through my scope, only to realise that what I'd found wasn't the bird, but its shadow cast by the sun as it hovered.

It was fascinating to watch.

EDIT. I suppose it's a common enough behaviour, but I've not come across it before.


Mike Thurner who had gone up to photograph the bird today commented on the same behaviour and that it was the first time he had seen it. It spent thirty mins perched whilst I was there at first light so can't comment but the behaviour was noted in BB as far back as 1945 (BB38:13 253-259) "he frequently hovered for 15 seconds or so" in this instance it would appear that individual had been feeding on Beetles.

[Irene Boston]

IThis bird, perhaps because of an area of very short turf (which made it harder for prey to hide) near its perch was acting very differently. For much of the time I was watching (about 40 minutes) it was hunting normally as described above, and occasionally it went stalking in the twigs of nearby birch or willow, but when it concentrated on the short turf it acted differently - it hovered like a kestrel.

That's fascinating. The GG Shrike that over-wintered in this area of Norfolk (Dersingham Bog) last year did the same thing occasionally. There are scattered trees throughout the fen and bog areas it used to hunt, but equally large open areas of heather and clearfell with no perches and it seemed to have no trouble hovering for fairly long periods before swooping down for prey.

Irene

[woodhornbirder]

300 pink feet flying about over qe2 this afternoon. still 8 or so golden eye and 1 gcgrebe

[echo24]

Hi Folks,

I know I don't post on this thread very often so apologies for the bad news….. A guy I work with was driving home one night last week, on the A68 just north of Corbridge and his car struck a Barn Owl:-C – the impact was so great that it broke his wing mirror. He stopped and picked the bird up off the road and was hoping it may have just been in shock as he could still feel a heartbeat; he put the bird on his wife’s knee and headed home thinking it may recover – unfortunately it didn’t:-C – he’s gutted!

Again, sorry for the bad news, I just thought the information may be of interest to someone, i.e. local patchers/Owl people.

Cheers, Dougie

[seggs]

Any reports on the GG Shrikes today?...not seen any on RBA.

[mILLYg]

19:48 06/03/09 Great Grey Shrike Northumbs Black Lough 03:45
still today but mobile

Really seen at 03.45 hrs? Good torch or night vision bins?

[Gill Osborne]

I'm on holiday for a week and planning to make a day of it up at Kielder on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Where is the best place/chance of seeing raptors like Goshawk? Would the raptor viewpoint be the best place or are there any other good spots?
PM me if you don't want the info on the general site :t: Cheers B (:

[seggs]

Two firsts for me and Woodhorn today, first being the G.G.Shrike at Black Lough, showing well but distant (poor far off record shot) great to watch the bird hoovering! :t:

And the second was being so close to a pair of Goosanders on the Wansbeck at Morpeth (Woodhorn put me onto these) the birds at times were only a few feet away not only this but they passed the sliced white test!:eek!: Feeding with the Mallards here.
The female has some wing damage hope it not too bad.

[jason-t-71]

I've never seen a Shrike hoovering up before, but I have seen a Mallard doing the ironing!
(sorry Steve, couldnt resist!)

[brianfm]

Just thought I would put this link on in the event of any one having/ knowing kids that might be interested in taking part in the competition. This info is going out to all schools in North Tyneside and Newcastle.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/newcastle/news/211953/

[brianr]

I'm on holiday for a week and planning to make a day of it up at Kielder on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Where is the best place/chance of seeing raptors like Goshawk? Would the raptor viewpoint be the best place or are there any other good spots?
PM me if you don't want the info on the general site :t: Cheers B (:

Raptor viewpoint can be good, with views over the distant forest skyline, in a few weeks its sometimes possible possible to see passage Osprey from here.

[seggs]

I've never seen a Shrike hoovering up before, but I have seen a Mallard doing the ironing!
(sorry Steve, couldnt resist!)
Nice one Jason..:-O:-O:t:

[brianr]

Accomodating Barnacle Goose at Killingworth Lake today, defending a Canada goose against all comers.

Past week at St Marys, Water pipit reported, Thursday / Friday, Water rail at the small dipping pool. Great Northern diver in among Red Throated diver on the sea. Wader numbers are dropping as birds move on. A good count of 24 Gadwall on the sea. .

[brianfm]

Accomodating Barnacle Goose at Killingworth Lake today, defending a Canada goose against all comers.
Past week at St Marys, Water pipit reported, Thursday / Friday, Water rail at the small dipping pool. Great Northern diver in among Red Throated diver on the sea. Wader numbers are dropping as birds move on. A good count of 24 Gadwall on the sea. .

I think this is the guy in question Brian.;)

[brianr]

I think this is the guy in question Brian.;)

The very same Brian, like Romeo and Juliet. It may be the same bird that was seen at Arcot and Swallow ponds recently. I wonder if its been attached to the Canadas for a while, or just hooked up with them at Killingworth.

[Gill Osborne]

Is it a genuine wild bird then? Or has someone just lost a bird? :-O

*ie: is it tickable for the Year List!!!* ;)

[seggs]

Red headed Smew still on Bolam lake today.

[brianr]

Is it a genuine wild bird then? Or has someone just lost a bird? :-O

*ie: is it tickable for the Year List!!!* ;)

Thats a very good question Gill, it was coming to seed provided by some locals, but was very wary if i tried to aproach it so im undecided. Birds at Caerlavarockwould be used to free food at the main hide.
We often encounter speices, like Mandarin, Ruddy Shellduck, and Red crested Pochard on ponds and lakes. How can we prove their provenance, i guess its down to how we view our personal lists.

[Andy Atkinson]

Paid a flying visit to Druridge at the weekend. Not much around - male pintail, 5 Whoopers, 4 Pink-feet and 5 RB Mergansers at Cresswell.

Highlight of the trip though was the obvious improvements made to the Budge Hide area at Druridge Pools. The NWT must have been listening to all the adverse comments as the outlook here has changed for the better.

Cattle have grazed the fields well and the 2 hides have been replaced with durable metal screens inc. roof (the window levels actually allow for someone to look out this time). I will keep an eye out here as I predict some good birds this Spring. There were 10 Herons on the site which bodes well for breeding again.

It seems that pester power CAN win through and if members are unhappy they should bombard the Trust with feedback. I and others did this to good effect it seems.

I'll await water level developments at Chevington with interest. Cresswell levels appear to have been sorted, Budge is looking good so let's hope the NWT are moving North !! A cautious well done to the Trust.

[brianr]

On the way to St Marys today i heard my first singing Chiffchaff of the year at Backworth scrap yard. On arrival at patch i checked the wetland, most of the Teal and Gadwall were on the sea.

Pairs of Mute Swan and Greylag were accompnied by 6 Snipe, Moorhen, and Mallard.

The north bay held plenty waders 48 Knot, 5 Purple Sandpipers, and the usual support crew of Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Sanderling.

If you want to see pipits then the North beach is great at the moment. Meadow, Rock, Water Pipit, and a Few Scandinavian Rock pipits (Anthus petrosus littoralis) all showed well.

One of the Scandinavian Rock pipits is well along into its Spring plumage, pics added.

The dipping pool had a fine collection of Frogs, in party mood, and seawatching provided Eider, Gulliemot, Fulmar. The Adult Med Gull was still at the Brierdene car park.

Scanni Rock pipit images are just record shots, hope someone can get better images as its a nice bird.

[Barred Wobbler]

Andy, the levels at Cresswell were sorted by last September's floods (with, I hear a little "help" from a council JCB that was almost washed away in the flow while attempting to assist the forces of nature).

The floods allowed the bottom of the culvert under the road and the channel to the beach to become completely cleared of the sediment that had built up there and which was holding back the water in the pond. When the council cleared the beach last year they didn't remove this silt, so when the bar on the beach built up with tidal and wave action the pond couldn't drain.

Since the floods the situation is different.

Now when high tides and seas build up the bar on the beach, the bar is narrow and confined to the beach itself, so when the pond water becomes high enough to breach it the clear channel between it and the road allows the water to drop sufficient to lower the pond level. Any improvements in water level this winter have had little, if anything to do with the WLT.

I have a letter from the NWT in mid-June last year which says, amongst other stuff, that...

"...However whilst we sympathise with your concerns, there is litle we can actively do to maintain low water levels at these sites due to the nature of the water bodies themselves. At Cresswell the pond is getting deeper as it subsides more - the pond is still settling. Having examined the water levels recently it does not make any sense, and is not sustainable, to constantly dig out and unblock the gully under the road and onto the beach. Even this is unlikely to keep the pond level low enough for waders in the long term."

I replied to this letter last June pointing out that the pond stopped subsiding many years ago, and that it was silt at the culvert which was causing the flooding.

The floods in September and the subsequent good water levels over the winter appear to support my point. I am still waiting for a reply to that letter.

Perhaps more worryingly, the next paragraph of the NWT letter states the following;

"... We have in fact come to the reluctant conclusion that whilst still of great wildlife value the existing water bodies on the Bay will not fulfil all the needs of wildlife into the future, especially wading birds."

While I applaud the improvements at Druridge, brought about by grazing the Budge fields, I am sorry to say that the outlet channel from East Chevington north pool is still choked with reed growth that has built up since the channel was last cleared when the site was restored by the contractor in the mid 1990s. An examination of the channel where it passes beneath the wooden footbridge at the East Chevington parking area will illustrate the problem. A 3 foot deep ditch, designed to drain the lake is choked top to top with solid reed-growth. It is this, and not settlement which is preventing the drainage of the north pool. Again I have pointed this out to NWT, to no avail.

All correspondence was copied to the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club for information at the time.

I've attached a photo of the beach end of the road culvert at Cresswell, taken just after last September's floods. It clearly shows the new clean channel and a whitish mark on the bridge shows the level to which the channel had been blocked.

[Andy Atkinson]

I agree, we have to pursue the NWT where these pond blockages are concerned. Can you imagine the RSPB allowing their reserves to stagnate like this. I'd happily give up a day for reed clearing at Chevvy if I thought it would help lower the levels like the 'good old days'.

Anyone else wishing to contact Duncan Hutt (Head of Land Management) Alex Lister (remit for Druridge Bay) by email to share concerns about how these reserves are being managed:
Duncan.Hutt@northwt.org.uk
Alex.Lister@northwt.org.uk

I'll be sending them both my regular email soon that will include concerns about the Ponds and congrats. for the budge Hide.

[Andy Atkinson]

11/03 08:02 NORTHUMBERLAND : Waxwing, Newcastle upon Tyne [A]
15 around Brandling Terrace and the Exhibition Park last seen in trees near the student accomodation near the Robinson Library (Newcastle University) (07:25)

[Davy Tee]

I think you might get into a bit of trouble if you hang around the Student accomodation with Bins or a Scope Andy.

[Andy Atkinson]

I think you might get into a bit of trouble if you hang around the Student accomodation with Bins or a Scope Andy.

Can't tell if you're being serious or not Davy !!??

I've been in much deeper trouble than hanging around student flats to see good birds. Try birding on the Israel / Jordan border with bins and a scope. I had several lively encounters with groups of Army personnel - armed to the teeth quizzing me about what I was doing there.

[woodhornbirder]

quick walk around river path today in morpeth.

3 goosander under oldgate again today. NUthatch singing in trees along river......very spring like)

[jerkin]

Juvenile Female Peregrine on pylons at about 12.00,headed over the Airport ringing up on a small flock of Lapwings,put a short halfhearted stoop at one then was mobbed by the rest.Headed to the runway and tried to get lift of the warm tarmac in a rather Lanner like style,but lost height and put in around the Helicopter landing area

[martin kitching]

Your memory must be fading Alan;) The channel was last cleared in 2003, round about the time that the site was handed over to NWT. There are good habitat management reasons for not turning the north pool into a vast mudflat, so it doesn't seem too unreasonable for NWT to not do that. As for Cresswell...this year should see the start of sensible management of the water levels.

cheers
martin

While I applaud the improvements at Druridge, brought about by grazing the Budge fields, I am sorry to say that the outlet channel from East Chevington north pool is still choked with reed growth that has built up since the channel was last cleared when the site was restored by the contractor in the mid 1990s.

[Barred Wobbler]

Sorry Martin, but the clearing of the channel in 2003 was only partial and restricted to the area closest to the lake. The outlet stream has never been fully cleared and is now completely choked, restricting the flow of water from the lake, hardly a sensible habitat management style.

The lake is designed with a sluice at its exit for a reason. The intent was that in the winter months the water level in the lake would be allowed to build up to take advantage of the very restricted water catchment area of the north pool, which does not have a natural inlet. (At the time of its construction I did some calculations based on water containment volume, local annual rainfall, run-off coefficients, annual local evaporation etc and concluded that the lake would take two years to fill from scratch. Two years later, the outlet started to flow - an indication of the low refill rate).

It was intended that in spring, when low water levels were desirable that the logs in the sluice be removed (a simple act) to allow the built-up water to flush the outlet and help keep the channel clear. This has never been done, everything has been left to chance and nature - not my idea of "management".


" There are good habitat management reasons for not turning the north pool into a vast mudflat, so it doesn't seem too unreasonable for NWT to not do that."

No-one is suggesting that the north pool should be turned into a vast mudflat and I am disappointed that you should imply that I was saying such a thing.

However, as a consultee to the NWT Management Plan for the reserve, I distinctly remember that part of the plan allowed for the maintenance of a reed-free area of mud at the south end of the north pool as a feeding and resting area for birds, particularly waders. Surely it's not too much to ask that the trust comply with their own management plan for the reserve without being accused of wanting to turn the whole area into a "vast mudflat".

I'll look up the exact wording from the management plan on the issue when I can dig it out.

EDIT. I've found the consultant's report from January 2005 containing the plan.

Pages 8, 9 & 10 contain section 3, "Detailed Management Proposals".

The very first of these states the following;

" Phragmites will be allowed to naturally expand within the Chevington Reedbed, or North Pool. The aim for this pool is to acheive a fair percentage of reedbed whilst maintaining the two deep-water areas and a muddy/shallow water area within the southern edge of the pool. This area of shallow water and mud is to be retained and managed as an important feeding and roosting habitat for waders, tern and gulls."

Near the bottom of the page is the statement;

"The inflow from Ladyburn Lake, into the North Pool, will be sluiced providing greater control over water levels in this pool".

(This inflow was construced well after the original lake to permit "lap-water" from wave action to overflow from the country park into the north pool to supplement the catchment in times of low water levels if needed).

So there is a clearly stated intent that the NWT would maintain and manage the water levels at the lake and provide for waders a clear area at the south end - a clear area that was absent through inadequate drainage for the entire year of 2008.

[Vipers]

Juvenile Female Peregrine on pylons at about 12.00,headed over the Airport ringing up on a small flock of Lapwings,put a short halfhearted stoop at one then was mobbed by the rest.Headed to the runway and tried to get lift of the warm tarmac in a rather Lanner like style,but lost height and put in around the Helicopter landing area

Where's the Helicopter landing area?

[Andy Atkinson]

So there is a clearly stated intent that the NWT would maintain and manage the water levels at the lake and provide for waders a clear area at the south end - a clear area that was absent through inadequate drainage for the entire year of 2008.

Sounds a reasonable ambition to me Alan. Why muck about trying to have EITHER a deep reed fringed lake OR mudflats when we can have the best of both worlds. If it's a matter of opening a sluice once a year and keeping a couple of channels clear of reeds then what's the problem. It's called pro-active management - for members AND for wildlife.

Remember the good old days - WW Black Tern, Terek Sand, Pec Sand + numerous waders, gulls and terns - all at the same time!

[Rare Visitor]

Perhaps stating some obvious points here ( but someone always does so it may as well be me).
The management plan date above appears to conflict with the earlier date of clearance that was quoted, can this be clarified. Also Management Plan's are subject to change, I'm not privy to the current version but I wonder if there have been any changes that could have been brought about for all sorts of reasons, including budgetary constraints.

My view is that reserves should be managed to maximise benefits for wildlife, the Wildlife Trust shouldn't exist to create habitat purely to attract an occasional rare visitor, if they occur and if people are afforded the opportunity to see them great but they should always be secondary considerations.

[Barred Wobbler]

There was some clearance of the upper end of the channel in 2003 at about the time when the wildlife trust took over the reserve from post-privataisation British Coal.

In January 2005 the WLT put out their proposed management plan for the reserve, which was designed to maximise benefit for wildlife, including reed-dwellers and waders, terns and gulls - no mention made of rarities, and no-one here is suggesting that the reserve should exist to create habitat purely to attract an occasional rare visitor. It is this document that I quoted above.

And no conflict in dates at all.

Having said that, when the reserve was first mooted in the 1980s Nick Scott pushed the idea that it should be created to atract such rare visitors as "bearded tit, bittern and marsh harrier". It has succeeded to a degree with all three species.

So it could be said that its original purpose was the attraction of rare species.

As to changes in the management plan with the current position as an aim? I don't believe it.

[Rare Visitor]

There was some clearance of the upper end of the channel in 2003 at about the time when the wildlife trust took over the reserve from post-privataisation British Coal.

In January 2005 the WLT put out their proposed management plan for the reserve, which was designed to maximise benefit for wildlife, including reed-dwellers and waders, terns and gulls - no mention made of rarities, and no-one here is suggesting that the reserve should exist to create habitat purely to attract an occasional rare visitor. It is this document that I quoted above.

And no conflict in dates at all.

Having said that, when the reserve was first mooted in the 1980s Nick Scott pushed the idea that it should be created to atract such rare visitors as "bearded tit, bittern and marsh harrier". It has succeeded to a degree with all three species.

So it could be said that its original purpose was the attraction of rare species.

As to changes in the management plan with the current position as an aim? I don't believe it.

Now that you have clarified it there's is no conflict in dates but management pre consultant's management plan looked odd hence the question.

You may not be advocating purely for rare visitors but in Andy Atkinson's reply he clearly stated "we can have the best of both worlds", "we" in this instance referring to those watching the birds one presumes?
The species referred to as the good old days "White-winged Black tern, Terek Sandpiper & Pectoral Sandpiper" cannot be compared in terms of rarity with "Bearded Tit, Bittern & Marsh Harrier". As you are well aware the latter three are regular breeding British Birds with at least two of the three breeding in Northumberland historically and therefore a strong argument for attempting to create habitat in which they could do so again.

[Barred Wobbler]

I can't answer for Andy, but you may be reading too much into a throwaway comment relating to the time when there was a muddy area as referred to in the plan, (even though that time was before the trust took over, I think) when the rarities mentioned came in as a by-product of the habitat that was being used to great effect by hundreds of commoner birds at the time.

I think "rarity" is a side issue, and does not change the fact that for the past couple of years the reserve has not been up to its previous standard as a habitat for a wide range of species, largely because of water levels that are widely held to be too high.

[Rare Visitor]

I can't answer for Andy, but you may be reading too much into a throwaway comment relating to the time when there was a muddy area as referred to in the plan, (even though that time was before the trust took over, I think) when the rarities mentioned came in as a by-product of the habitat that was being used to great effect by hundreds of commoner birds at the time.

I think "rarity" is a side issue, and does not change the fact that for the past couple of years the reserve has not been up to its previous standard as a habitat for a wide range of species, largely because of water levels that are widely held to be too high.

No I agree you can't we'll let him clarify his own views in his own time but the general impression I got from his post in the points I've made previously was that his interest was in attracting rare passage waders. The fact that you do or don't get these occasional vagrants is largely irrelevant to the discussion so I think we're agreeing on that.
I don't disagree with you about the management either however I was trying to suggest that NWT don't operate in a bubble and there may be other factors that influence reserve mangement ranging from funding through to the personal views of the management team. We can't pretend they don't exist.

[Barred Wobbler]

Funding is a separate issue, I'd agree and I'm certain that the personal views of the NWT management do exist also.

I think it's a crying shame however that a land-holding of the value (financial and conservational) of that reserve and the land surrounding it, which was obtained for little or no financial cost to the trust should be apparently wasted in this way.

[Rare Visitor]

Funding is a separate issue, I'd agree and I'm certain that the personal views of the NWT management do exist also.

I think it's a crying shame however that a land-holding of the value (financial and conservational) of that reserve and the land surrounding it, which was obtained for little or no financial cost to the trust should be apparently wasted in this way.

We'll have to agree to disagree over funding, it is never a separate issue, businesses including the Wildlife Trusts operate within the restrictions of their financial scope, even more so in these post Credit Crunch days.
You obviously feel there are other issues than just the water level at East Chev? Spell it out. Once it's out there I'll try and arrange an interview with Duncan Hutt for Bird North East to talk about the issues and give everyone the chance to comment.

[Barred Wobbler]

I know very well how businesses work, thank you. I've already spelt it out to the chief executive of the trust in great detail, backed up by photographs in lengthy letters. I'm still awaiting his reply to my last one from last June. I have no intention of beating my head against a brick wall there any further, particularly when I have practical knowledge and hands-on experience of the site which they choose to ignore.

As far as funding, I'd guess that the grazing income from the holding should more than pay for the cleaning out of a ditch - a task that in other areas is looked on as essential maintenance.

[Rare Visitor]

I know very well how businesses work, thank you. I've already spelt it out to the chief executive of the trust in great detail, backed up by photographs in lengthy letters. I'm still awaiting his reply to my last one from last June. I have no intention of beating my head against a brick wall there any further, particularly when I have practical knowledge and hands-on experience of the site which they choose to ignore.

As far as funding, I'd guess that the grazing income from the holding should more than pay for the cleaning out of a ditch - a task that in other areas is looked on as essential maintenance.

You obviously have a deeply held view about East Chevington, not that I'm trying to persuade you to deviate from it. I can't match your 'practical knowledge and hands on experience' (for a moment there I was back playing Top Trumps again) I just think that engagement with the land owner and people who are managing it is better in the long term than throwing stones from the outside. I'ts obvious that you and perhaps others have tried to communicate with the Trust but not had what you feel are adequate responses, maybe time for a different approach?
Whilst it might be possible for a Wildlife Trust to 'ringfence' certain income and match it to particular parts of their budget it is unlikely that they will operate in this manner as it reduces the flexibility they have if other sources of income e.g. membership revenue, advertising revenue, grants etc fall away.

[Barred Wobbler]

Cleaning out watercourses comes under the heading of "essential and routine maintenance". It's not something you put low on the list of priorities.

It's got nothing to do with "top trumps" I assure you.

[Rare Visitor]

Cleaning out watercourses comes under the heading of "essential and routine maintenance". It's not something you put low on the list of priorities.

It's got nothing to do with "top trumps" I assure you.

Agreed, but it's not our list of priorities and that's where the issue lies.

I have emailed NWT both Duncan Hutt and the press office and formally requested an interview so that they can respond to the issues raised. Watch this space.

[Barred Wobbler]

While you're at it you might want to ask them where the Land Drainage Act 1991 and their compliance with it lies in their "priorities", particularly the bit that says it's the legal responsibilty of a landowner to ensure that his watercourse is kept free-running and clear of obstructions (this includes vegetation).

[Rare Visitor]

While you're at it you might want to ask them where the Land Drainage Act 1991 and their compliance with it lies in their "priorities", particularly the bit that says it's the legal responsibilty of a landowner to ensure that his watercourse is kept free-running and clear of obstructions (this includes vegetation).

'Where any watercourse is under the jurisdiction of a navigation authority, harbour authority, conservancy authority or board of conservators which are exercising their powers, section 25 (section 25 being the bit that is in relation to maintaining the flow of water in a watercourse) above shall not apply to the watercourse except with the consent of that authority or board.'

They may be exempt from it, if they are deemed to be a conservancy authority but once again I'm getting beyond my experience and knowledge.

[Keith Bradley]

Where's the Helicopter landing area?

I assume this is Papa West and Papa East, which are helicopter parking pads at the north (runway) end of the taxiway that enters the runway from the Samson Aviation end. It could also be the helipad that the Police helicopter uses near the Northumbria Helicopters building, but then again I believe there is a helicopter training pad (grass) near to the control tower. My money is on the former, but either way it is good to hear about a Peregrine so close to home.

Keith

[Keith Bradley]

Whilst on the subject of birds and airports, was it ever established that the Barn Owl killed by a departing aircraft a few weeks ago was the same Barn Owl that frequently hunted by the freight village? I guess an absence of the latter may not explain the runway kill but it would be interesting to know none the less.

Thanks
Keith

[Vipers]

Keith I know all about the layout of the airport. I was just wondering where on the Great North Park Jerkin was to be able see so much of the airfield.

Funny you should mention the Barn Owl, there was one hunting near the freight village last night.

[jerkin]

Keith I know all about the layout of the airport. I was just wondering where on the Great North Park Jerkin was to be able see so much of the airfield.

Funny you should mention the Barn Owl, there was one hunting near the freight village last night.

Hi Vipers,your right I could not see much of the Airport from the area I was watching the Peregrine and I know little about the layout and function of the buildings ect.I was on the lane that comes out of Kingston Park and runs up to Dinnington I'm assuming the Peregrine put in roughly near the buildings that lie opposite the main entrance to Woolsington Hall,or it is possible it continued heading west toward the main airport buildings and hotels

[Andy Atkinson]

I can't answer for Andy, but you may be reading too much into a throwaway comment relating to the time when there was a muddy area as referred to in the plan, (even though that time was before the trust took over, I think) when the rarities mentioned came in as a by-product of the habitat that was being used to great effect by hundreds of commoner birds at the time.

I think "rarity" is a side issue, and does not change the fact that for the past couple of years the reserve has not been up to its previous standard as a habitat for a wide range of species, largely because of water levels that are widely held to be too high.

My comment that mentioned one or two rarities was made to demonstrate that given the right conditions, a huge variety of birds - common or otherwise can be attracted to a reserve. The large areas of mud at certain times of the year served a much greater purpose - to provide roosting and feeding areas for breeding and passage gulls, terns (inc. important local breeding species like Roseatte and Little) and a variety of waders. As Alan says the site has deteriorated so that these birds can no longer use it.

Don't forget, last year ALL of Druridge Bay's coastal reserves had high levels of water (Druridge Pool, Cresswell and Chevington) and the fields at the Budge Hide were left more or less unmanaged. If the Trust wanted to drive the previously high levels of waders and terns away from their entire coastal estate, they couldn't have done a more thorough job.

I'm a birdwatcher (and botanist) and of course I'm going to have an interest when a rarity turns up at my favourite site but what about the years and years of patch watching I've put in at these sites. Who else actively visits these coastal reserves? Without the membership of Trusts, they simply wouldn't exist and in the case of the NWT, they are largely ignoring and alienating their membership.

My biggest gripe is that they are failing to communicate with their membership. To this end they have plenty of tools to do so - Roebuck being a prime one. Perhaps Mr Hutt can answer some of his (many and growing list) of critics in this publication.

[DXB]

Just to confirm Vipers sightings,the Barn owl is alive and well..there must have been 2!! Hunting every day over airfield.It actually lives just to north of new tower.

The Peregrine is a regular visitor and has been seen roosting on the tower itself along with a Sparrowhawk.

Keith the helicopter training area is long gone now,they use an area between G and E,you really must read your Air Norths!!! xx

DXB

[Rare Visitor]

Andy on 25th July 2008 you said "As for Chevvy, the list of great species seen here in previous years is due to the exposed areas of mud where they've always been seen - Pec Sand, Terek Sand, WWB Tern etc etc. From now on it'll be ducks and odd Spoonbill."

That's the same THREE rarities mentioned again in your recent post and I know I'm being pedantic but it doesnt read to me that your particularly interested in 'the ducks and odd Spoonbill'.

As far as providing 'roosting and feeding areas for breeding and passage gulls, terns (inc. important local breeding species like Roseatte and Little)'

Gulls will roost on open water overnight as it is safer and terns don't feed on mud. I'm not aware that East Chev was ever an important roost site for either Roseate or Little Terns? Is there data to suggest otherwise?

You asked "Who else actively visits these coastal reserves?"

On 7th October last year you answered your own question "I was there about 10.30am to midday along with crowds of other birders. It was like a birding who's who of the NE with various long distance visitors thrown in. I thought something mega had turned up but it was just the lure of what had been seen over the last 2 weeks and the sunny weather I think. Not many actually went into the hide."

Regarding the communication from NWT it seems that several people have had a similar poor experience something that needs tackling with NWT when they respond to my interview request.

Look I'm not trying to fall out with anyone and as I have already stated I am not claiming there aren't issues I just think that there is a way to deal with the issues and moaning about it on here using language that is suggestive of questionable motives isn't going to resolve them. Frankly i'm surprised that no one seems to have realised that unless all those interested get together and tackle the issues as a group NWT may simply consider the occasional letter, email or resignation of membership as isolated instances.

It is interesting that the higher water levels have coincided with perhaps the best winter for Bitterns at East Chev and Cresswell, one of the original target species, that has ocurred in living memory, coincedence?

[Barred Wobbler]

East Chevington, 11th June 2003

Four species of tern in this shot.

[Barred Wobbler]

Andy on 25th July 2008 you said "As for Chevvy, the list of great species seen here in previous years is due to the exposed areas of mud where they've always been seen - Pec Sand, Terek Sand, WWB Tern etc etc. From now on it'll be ducks and odd Spoonbill."

That's the same THREE rarities mentioned again in your recent post and I know I'm being pedantic but it doesnt read to me that your particularly interested in 'the ducks and odd Spoonbill'.

As far as providing 'roosting and feeding areas for breeding and passage gulls, terns (inc. important local breeding species like Roseatte and Little)'

Gulls will roost on open water overnight as it is safer and terns don't feed on mud. I'm not aware that East Chev was ever an important roost site for either Roseate or Little Terns? Is there data to suggest otherwise?

You asked "Who else actively visits these coastal reserves?"

On 7th October last year you answered your own question "I was there about 10.30am to midday along with crowds of other birders. It was like a birding who's who of the NE with various long distance visitors thrown in. I thought something mega had turned up but it was just the lure of what had been seen over the last 2 weeks and the sunny weather I think. Not many actually went into the hide."

Regarding the communication from NWT it seems that several people have had a similar poor experience something that needs tackling with NWT when they respond to my interview request.

Look I'm not trying to fall out with anyone and as I have already stated I am not claiming there aren't issues I just think that there is a way to deal with the issues and moaning about it on here using language that is suggestive of questionable motives isn't going to resolve them. Frankly i'm surprised that no one seems to have realised that unless all those interested get together and tackle the issues as a group NWT may simply consider the occasional letter, email or resignation of membership as isolated instances.

It is interesting that the higher water levels have coincided with perhaps the best winter for Bitterns at East Chev and Cresswell, one of the original target species, that has ocurred in living memory, coincedence?

Interesting, but flawed.

Bitterns have been seen at East Chevington each year since the squacco heron appeared whether the water is high or low. I had my best view there on a day when the squacco heron was present and the water level in the south pool was low. A bittern which had flown across the pool an hour earlier chose to walk across a large patch of exposed mud in a bay on the opposite side of the pool from where I was waiting for it.

As for Cresswell this winter with its two bitterns, well as I've said elsewhere since the water levels were reduced there after the September floods they have risen and fallen nicely as the sandbar on the beach has cleared itself as the water rose after rain. There have been extended periods all winter when bare mud has been present - something that never happened once in the winter of 2007/8. I've had my best views of the bitterns at Cresswell when the water levels have been low, and the birds needed to come to the fringes of the reeds to hunt.

So it appears the best year for bitterns at Cresswell has coincided with lower than previous levels, rather than as you say, higher.

Cresswell bitterns on the edge of the reeds below.

Anyway. I think I've said enough on this topic for the time being, and I'll be dipping out of it. I've just come back from a thoroughly depressing two hours at East Chevington, lightened by the fact that one of the few gulls there was a Glauc having a bath.

EDIT. One more before I go. The third picture illustrates my point about bittern, low water and Cresswell. Look carefully in the reed edge above the lapwings on the bare mud. 27th November 2008

[Andy Atkinson]

Andy on 25th July 2008 you said "As for Chevvy, the list of great species seen here in previous years is due to the exposed areas of mud where they've always been seen - Pec Sand, Terek Sand, WWB Tern etc etc. From now on it'll be ducks and odd Spoonbill."

That's the same THREE rarities mentioned again in your recent post and I know I'm being pedantic but it doesnt read to me that your particularly interested in 'the ducks and odd Spoonbill'.

As far as providing 'roosting and feeding areas for breeding and passage gulls, terns (inc. important local breeding species like Roseatte and Little)'

Gulls will roost on open water overnight as it is safer and terns don't feed on mud. I'm not aware that East Chev was ever an important roost site for either Roseate or Little Terns? Is there data to suggest otherwise?

You asked "Who else actively visits these coastal reserves?"

On 7th October last year you answered your own question "I was there about 10.30am to midday along with crowds of other birders. It was like a birding who's who of the NE with various long distance visitors thrown in. I thought something mega had turned up but it was just the lure of what had been seen over the last 2 weeks and the sunny weather I think. Not many actually went into the hide."

Regarding the communication from NWT it seems that several people have had a similar poor experience something that needs tackling with NWT when they respond to my interview request.

Look I'm not trying to fall out with anyone and as I have already stated I am not claiming there aren't issues I just think that there is a way to deal with the issues and moaning about it on here using language that is suggestive of questionable motives isn't going to resolve them. Frankly i'm surprised that no one seems to have realised that unless all those interested get together and tackle the issues as a group NWT may simply consider the occasional letter, email or resignation of membership as isolated instances.

It is interesting that the higher water levels have coincided with perhaps the best winter for Bitterns at East Chev and Cresswell, one of the original target species, that has ocurred in living memory, coincedence?

You don't give your name on your posts so I cannot find out if you regularly visit the sites in question. Perhaps you are just a rare visitor as your post title suggests.

I visit these sites all the time so I'm well qualified to comment on them. Trying to trip me up with trawls through all my old posts makes me suspect you are trying to fall out with people.

Here's a few answers:
- You are being pedantic
- I love ducks - I found a stunning Pintail on Cresswell on Sunday.
- Everyone knows Chevvy used to be a cracking tern roost and I never said terns fed on mud although the "various waders" I mentioned do (you conveniently missed that bit out of my quote)
- 7th Oct post - again you missed my post prior to that one that ribbed the other lads about NOT going into the hide as I did. It shows that Cresswell is well used by birders and their views need to be heard.
- Bitterns. Seen better when large areas of mud were exposed so your point (unlike Chevington) holds no water.

Anyway that's it from me about high water issues. I'll be doing my future lobbying with continued correspondence with the Trust and at their AGM.

[brianr]

A site i watch regulaly used to hold Little Owl often perched on the gutters and roofs of the building. It was occupied after being empty for quite awhile. Exit stage left Little Owls. However the recent Credit crunch has forced the building to shut down again, and the Little Owl is back. I saw it this morning and this afternoon, perched on the v between the roofs.

Lakeland Timber building adjacent Fenwick pit Backworth.

Barnacle goose, still at Killingworth lake.

[Rare Visitor]

BW, your point about water levels at Cresswell this winter and Bittern numbers is a good one and had I referred back to your earlier post I would not have posed the question or suggested the link.
Re the 2003 picture of four tern species, I'm not sure of the point you were making Alan?

[brianfm]

A site i watch regulaly used to hold Little Owl often perched on the gutters and roofs of the building. It was occupied after being empty for quite awhile. Exit stage left Little Owls. However the recent Credit crunch has forced the building to shut down again, and the Little Owl is back. I saw it this morning and this afternoon, perched on the v between the roofs.

Lakeland Timber building adjacent Fenwick pit Backworth.

Barnacle goose, still at Killingworth lake.

Nice one Brian. I haven't seen a Little Owl since the one that was around in Dinnington. I'll have to take a look.

One of the two SEOs was still showing well in the fields between K'worth and Holystone (best seen from the waggon way) on 11/3. I left it late to walk down there as I was after the Barn Owl which had been reported in the same area. I saw no sign of that one.

[Rare Visitor]

Andy,

I wasn't attempting to 'trip you up' I went off and looked at your old posts as I did with others to get a better feel for who you were, your opinions etc as we haven't met. I'm pleased that you love ducks, I sincerely hope it's reciprocated but the comments you had made suggested to me that you more interested in the water levels at these sites being managed for the occasional vagrant wader and I don't believe that should be the case.
Whilst frequency of visits is admirable I don't believe my infrequency precludes me from passing an opinion. I don't visit Malta that often but i have an opinion on their track record with birds.

Bitterns may be seen better but is that better for the Bitterns, this being my point that the water levels should be managed correctly for the wildlife not for the watchers.

You only have to click on the blog link on each post if you want my name, feel free to visit any of the blogs I have and you'll see I can be pedantic there too.

As regards lobbying, it's a numbers game, one voice in the wilderness isn't going to have much impact. If you and others believe there is a real case to answer (and it's obvious that there are a few who have genuine interest and genuinely feel the management is poor) then get together and lobby as a group, the impact and credibility will be much greater. I have added a Micropoll on Bird North East to gauge opinion about the site management feel free to contribute.

[rokermartin]

I am a Durham birder but i do a lot of my birding in Northumberland.And i have to say East Chevington,Druridge pools,Cresswell are at there best for birds when the water levels are low.Last autumn was amazing for waders at Cresswell.East Chevington used to be excellent for waders and terns.I hope the water levels are kept low this year.We have the same problem at Barmston pond near Washington that used to be a very good for waders when the water level was controlled.Sunderland council looks after Barmston and they keep the water levels to high for wading birds and its been very poor for birds in recent years apart from a few ducks and gulls.Barmston could be a excellent little nature reserve again if the council managed it properly.

[Stewart J.]

Out on moors near Plenmeller till dusk this evening, nice to see and hear many of the upland waders are back on territory, a displaying Golden Plover seemed a bit early! A group of 7 Redshank being first this year and just before dusk several Snipe started drumming, spring!!!

6 Ravens into usual roost in conifer wood, some wonderful ariel displays involving all 6 birds. Meadow Pipits still scarce only 2 seen, big group 400+ Golden Plover in usual field, Lapwing and Curlew displaying everywhere.

Good birding all

Stewart

[Keith Bradley]

Keith the helicopter training area is long gone now,they use an area between G and E,you really must read your Air Norths!!! xx

DXB

oh no my cover is blown at last! ;)

I can see the tower from my house, and I need Peregrine for my garden list!

Keith

[brianr]

Nice one Brian. I haven't seen a Little Owl since the one that was around in Dinnington. I'll have to take a look.

One of the two SEOs was still showing well in the fields between K'worth and Holystone (best seen from the waggon way) on 11/3. I left it late to walk down there as I was after the Barn Owl which had been reported in the same area. I saw no sign of that one.


Cheers Brian, i have yet to try for the SEO and Barn at this location, its great habitat. Ive heard there are plenty of Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge here as well, must get off my backside as i havent seen SEO this year and it is on my doorstep.

[Gill Osborne]

Holy Island was fairly quiet yesterday with 'just' a few displaying eider, occasional fulmar flying around Emmanuel Head, lots of grey seal and my first butterfly of the year - a Small Tortoiseshell. :t:

Then a short trip along to Stag Rocks where I had my first ever Slavonian Grebe :king: as well as two large groups of Common Scoter, a few Long-tailed Duck and two/three PORPOISE seen approx 100yds offshore and watched by quite a few folk for around twenty minutes or so :t:
Only 'downside' is hubby wanting a divorce because the one day he doesn't come out with me is the day I get THE best ever views of wild dolphins! He's never ever seen any before and it's one of his lifelong ambitions to see them :-O Ho hum, I'll miss him I guess......;)

[Rare Visitor]

Holy Island was fairly quiet yesterday with 'just' a few displaying eider, occasional fulmar flying around Emmanuel Head, lots of grey seal and my first butterfly of the year - a Small Tortoiseshell. :t:

Then a short trip along to Stag Rocks where I had my first ever Slavonian Grebe :king: as well as two large groups of Common Scoter, a few Long-tailed Duck and two/three PORPOISE seen approx 100yds offshore and watched by quite a few folk for around twenty minutes or so :t:
Only 'downside' is hubby wanting a divorce because the one day he doesn't come out with me is the day I get THE best ever views of wild dolphins! He's never ever seen any before and it's one of his lifelong ambitions to see them :-O Ho hum, I'll miss him I guess......;)

Best thing to do is buy him a place on a pelagic trip either here in Northumberland or if your really pushing the boat out, excuse the pun, a mini cruise across Biscay (Plymouth -Santander or Portsmouth Bilbao) the cetaceans are amazing and the seabirds aren't bad either. You'll be in positive credit for years afterward

[Gill Osborne]

:-O I would, wouldn't I? Big style!!! :t:

Going on that Biscay trip is a definite for the future - possibly even next year - as it's Yorkshire this summer. We've been together 11 years and for the 8 years we've had a holiday (ie haven't been skint!) we've went to the Lake District which, though lovely, after eight trips IS a bit much!!! :smoke: So we stuck a pin and came up with...Yorkshire :-O Got a few reserves already planned out ;)

[Vipers]

Just to confirm Vipers sightings,the Barn owl is alive and well..there must have been 2!! Hunting every day over airfield.It actually lives just to north of new tower.

The Peregrine is a regular visitor and has been seen roosting on the tower itself along with a Sparrowhawk.

Keith the helicopter training area is long gone now,they use an area between G and E,you really must read your Air Norths!!! xx

DXB

Now if you'd have told me the Peregrine was a regular on the tower, I would have been across there more often to see you.

[Vipers]

Hi Vipers,your right I could not see much of the Airport from the area I was watching the Peregrine and I know little about the layout and function of the buildings ect.I was on the lane that comes out of Kingston Park and runs up to Dinnington I'm assuming the Peregrine put in roughly near the buildings that lie opposite the main entrance to Woolsington Hall,or it is possible it continued heading west toward the main airport buildings and hotels

Hi Jerkin. It's a bit of a sickener for me, as I was at work on that side of the airfield when you were watching the Peregrine. A Peregrine low over the runway isn't a good thing though. If an aircraft doesn't get it. the boys with shotguns might.

[Rare Visitor]

Hi Jerkin. It's a bit of a sickener for me, as I was at work on that side of the airfield when you were watching the Peregrine. A Peregrine low over the runway isn't a good thing though. If an aircraft doesn't get it. the boys with shotguns might.

Some people will shoot anything with a hooked beak.

http://birdneast.blogspot.com/2009/03/golden-eagle-shot-in-durham.html

[brianr]

Two Brambling still showing at the left side of the Hollywell pond hide today. Water Rail calling non stop, and the usual mix of ducks gulls and finches.

St Marys fairly quite with a couple of Scandanavian Rock Pipits( littoralis race) on the North Beach tide well out and blowing a hooligan today.

[msb123]

I'm pleased to see your post brianr - I thought I had a Brambling at Wallington today and thought I'd log on to check if they were likely to be in the County at the moment.

Mike

[brianr]

I'm pleased to see your post brianr - I thought I had a Brambling at Wallington today and thought I'd log on to check if they were likely to be in the County at the moment.

Mike

Hi Mike, a photography aqquaintence, had Brambling pre christmas at Wallington. But other sites ive had them before, dont seem to have had any reports this year.

RH Smew Bolam lake AM, GW Teal Bothal Pond PM.

[Vipers]

Had a family day out at stag rock to day, so didn't get to watch the sea as much as I would have liked. I did see 7 Slav's, 3 Long-Tailed Ducks, a Red-Throated Diver and c30 Purple Sand's. The highlight though was a pod of atleast 8 Cetaceans heading South, possibly just Harbour Porpoices, but they seamed bigger with more sikle shaped dorsal fins. They also showed flukes as they dived and I have never seen Porpoices do this before.

[Barred Wobbler]

Gary I saw a group of a minimum of 7 bottlenosed dolphins including a juvenile at East Chevington passing north a few days ago. I've had an email to say that there was a group of 8 including a juvenile north of Holy Island in January and it may have been the same party.

It could be that your "porpoises" were the bottlenose party.

[Vipers]

There was a juvenile with this pod. I thought they didn't look right for Porpoices and Bottlenosed Dolphin was the only alternative at this time of year. I saw a couple more dorsal fins later on in the day that were definately Harbour Porpoice, much smaller and with a more triangular dorsal. Thanks for the info Mr Wobbler.