Northumbrian Birding

[Stewart J.]

Hi everyone, I've thoroughly enjoyed reading Stevie Evens excellent well viewed and long running thread on Durham Birding, howsabout doing one for our own county. It, I'm sure would be of benefit to many, beginner and expert alike and give those not on pagers etc. an idea of whats happening and where. Obviously Birdforum guidelines on rare breeders, sensitive sites and of course common sense should prevail. And no character assasinations!

Lets see if theres any interest, I'll start.

Grindon Lough 12.00hrs today, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin all in summer plumage unusual and very early.

Cresswell Pond 14.30hrs 2 Little Gulls a nice distraction patter feeding over water surface.

Stewart

[LSB]

Hi Stewart
Dont forget Pacific Golden Plover at Beacon Point Newbiggen By the Sea today..
also 14 Pomarine Skuas past St Mary's Island this morning

[Stewart J.]

Hi Stewart
Dont forget Pacific Golden Plover at Beacon Point Newbiggen By the Sea today..
also 14 Pomarine Skuas past St Mary's Island this morning

Nice ones LSB, I only put my own on to start the ball rolling, heard about the PGP to late to visit this afternoon.

Stewart

[Skelly]

Good idea Stewart.

Haven't been north of the Durham border for ages.

Thinking of visiting Hulne Park at Alnwick for Hawfinch next weekend if I'm not too busy and then along to East Chev and Cresswell area.

Good luck with the thread.

B (:

[MH68]

Nice to see a thread for our area.I`ll certainly contribute once i get my gear sorted and get out and about.

MarkH

[Stewart J.]

Good idea Stewart.

Haven't been north of the Durham border for ages.

Thinking of visiting Hulne Park at Alnwick for Hawfinch next weekend if I'm not too busy and then along to East Chev and Cresswell area.

Good luck with the thread.

B (:

Cheers Skelly, hope it gets off the ground, it'll need input from anyone and everyone, local, visitor, novice and expert. Not even asking for rarities, anything of interest is acceptable.

Working away from home 8 months of the year I can't keep it going so fingers crossed.

Stewart :bounce:

[Skelly]

All you need is a few enthusiastic birders like yourself and LSB and it'll go far.

There's loads of Northumbrian birders on BF and I'm sure they'll post their sightings and info on it.

I never thought the Durham birding thread would take off the way it has done as we're all supposed to be at each others throats if you believe the rumours.

B (:

[Stewart J.]

All you need is a few enthusiastic birders like yourself and LSB and it'll go far.

There's loads of Northumbrian birders on BF and I'm sure they'll post their sightings and info on it.

I never thought the Durham birding thread would take off the way it has done as we're all supposed to be at each others throats if you believe the rumours.

B (:

Always take as I find and never air my dirty laundry in public as they say. As for your thread taking off, its one of the first I look at and is exactly what I'd like to see for our county, sightings, projects its all very readable. I'd imagine many others from this side of the Tyne do the same, it could help plan your day. I live out of the way well into the sticks so am not party to findings in the hotspots, conversely like today finding Curlew Sandpipers and having no-one to involve I thought lets see if we can get something going.

Thanks for your encouragement.

Stewart

B (:

[LSB]

Pacific Golden Plover again today at Newbiggen Beacon Point till it flew inland at 16.30

[Quacker]

Was thinking of going from work for PGP today, but as always hitting the traffic prevented me. Good job too by the sound of it.

Hi Stewart, see owt of the Osprey (approx 11.30am) over the Tyne at Hexham today? - again pager only report whilst stuck indoors for me mate.

Golden Billled or Gold billed Tern at Whitburn btw - just mentioned it as ashamed to say never heard of it!

[Stewart J.]

Was thinking of going from work for PGP today, but as always hitting the traffic prevented me. Good job too by the sound of it.

Hi Stewart, see owt of the Osprey (approx 11.30am) over the Tyne at Hexham today? - again pager only report whilst stuck indoors for me mate.

Golden Billled or Gold billed Tern at Whitburn btw - just mentioned it as ashamed to say never heard of it!

Missed the Osprey Steve would have been nice to add to the house list again this year, I'll check out the area this morning.

Gull-billed Tern methinks mate.

Stewart

[Barred Wobbler]

Pacific Golden Plover again today at Newbiggen Beacon Point till it flew inland at 16.30


A reliable report from someone who was there yesterday says that the bird had been misidentified and it was actually a breeding plumage Golden Plover, so the last good sighting of the PGP was at 6pm Sunday. Watching over the falling tide yesterday morning produced only Golden Plovers.

[Keith Reeder]

Thanks for kicking this one off, Stewart.

I'll certainly contribute as and when (and if!) I see anything worthwhile.

[Quacker]

Missed the Osprey Steve would have been nice to add to the house list again this year, I'll check out the area this morning.

Gull-billed Tern methinks mate.

Stewart

Well done Stewart mate - spared me blushes. Lesson learned - Don't mix Pacific Golden Plover and Gull-billed Tern when looking at pager.

You guys out there have Garden/local patch and year lists better than my life one.

[Keith Reeder]

Hey Quacker,

didn't you see the Pacific Gulled Plover either?

;) ;) ;)

[Keith Reeder]

A reliable report from someone who was there yesterday says that the bird had been misidentified and it was actually a breeding plumage Golden Plover Hi Alan,

is this questioning the original PGP ID, or just a subsequent mis-call of another bird?

I ask because having looked at the PGP pics on Birdguides, I can't see anything that would have made me think it was anything other than a standard GP - though I should add that I'm only going by the Macmillan Field Guide To Bird Identification, and I know I shouldn't draw conclusions from the BG photos.

I'm also not saying it isn't a PGP!!

;)

It's just that the bird on BG doesn't seem leggy enough, it's surprisingly pale around the face for the time of year, and I can't make my mind up about the tertials (they don't look that long to my eye).

It does look small though (which is good).

Anyone out there that could give me a "PGP Master Class"?

I would never have got this 'un....

[Barred Wobbler]

Hi Alan,

is this questioning the original PGP ID, or just a subsequent mis-call of another bird?

I ask because having looked at the PGP pics on Birdguides, I can't see anything that would have made me think it was anything other than a standard GP - though I should add that I'm only going by the Macmillan Field Guide To Bird Identification, and I know I shouldn't draw conclusions from the BG photos.

I'm also not saying it isn't a PGP!!

;)

It's just that the bird on BG doesn't seem leggy enough, it's surprisingly pale around the face for the time of year, and I can't make my mind up about the tertials (they don't look that long to my eye).

It does look small though (which is good).

Anyone out there that could give me a "PGP Master Class"?

I would never have got this 'un....

Not questioning the original identification, which was good. The photos on Birdguides perhaps do not do it full credit because the legs don't show very well, but in the field the bird was noticably leggy. it was also noticably smaller and daintier than the golden plovers that it was hanging around with. It was also noticably paler over-all. One of the photos is at close range and is exceptional, but the others are distant shots and perhaps suffer as a result.

The confusion is over Monday's sighting. The Beacon was watched all morning from about 7.30 by various people. There were only 2 GPs at the start of the ebb at about 8am. As the tide fell there were additions of small groups of GPs as the seaweed became uncovered, until by 10.15 there were about 18-20, mostly in non-breeding plumage, but some part-moulted and 2 in full breeding plumage. By 11.30 there were no additional birds.

The PGP reporting on Monday was at 2.30, at low water. It was reported to have flown off west at 4.15. Reports from experienced birders who were there at the time say thay the PGP was not present and that one of the breeding plumage GPs was mistaken for it.

Negative reports were made today.

Hope this clears up the confusion.

[Stewart J.]

Very hot and calm day on the South Tyne today, spent an hour raptor searching from Lambley Viaduct 18.00 to 19.00hrs zilch, not even a Buzzard. 13 Goosanders (3 family groups) sunning themselves on large rocks at bend in river to south of viaduct (viewed from it), plus commoner stuff Dipper, Com, Sandpiper etc. Unfortunately no Ospreys either.

Stewart

:bounce:

[Keith Reeder]

Thanks Alan - clears things up for me nicely.

Spent an hour or so walking around Blyth golf course (Newsham) and the surrounding fields tonight - part of my local patch - and was chuffed to see my first redstart on it for four years.

[MH68]

Spent a couple of hours at lunchtime wandering round a small reserve at Bassington,Cramlington.Amongst others, noted a male great spotted woodpecker and female and juvenile whitethroats.Nothing earth shattering but an enjoyable couple of hours.

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

Is that the little patch of scrubland between the old Commercial Plastics factory and "The Officer's Club", Mark?

If so, the 'pecker's a nice bird, mate!

[MH68]

Yep Keith thats the one.Didn`t even notice it before I went a couple of days ago with a mate to look for a few locally scarce plants.Heard the GSW first visit so made the effort to get a view this time.

Mark

[StevieEvans]

Hi everyone, I've thoroughly enjoyed reading Stevie Evens excellent well viewed and long running thread on Durham Birding, howsabout doing one for our own county. It, I'm sure would be of benefit to many, beginner and expert alike and give those not on pagers etc. an idea of whats happening and where. Obviously Birdforum guidelines on rare breeders, sensitive sites and of course common sense should prevail. And no character assasinations!
Lets see if theres any interest, I'll start.
Grindon Lough 12.00hrs today, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin all in summer plumage unusual and very early.
Cresswell Pond 14.30hrs 2 Little Gulls a nice distraction patter feeding over water surface.
Stewart

Hiya Stewart
Should be plenty of interest given the large number of NEastern BFers.
Incidentaly the Durham Birding Thread was begun by young Mr Skelton... only to be "hogged" by myself... ;)

Went to have a look at the P.Gold Plover at Newbiggin on Sunday.
The bird was quite distinctive when viewed alongside its neighbours. Im no expert but the striking features to me were the obvious comparible size & shape differences & rougher darker back markings. In flight it was notably smaller with "dirty armpits".
East Chev - South Pool
Gadwall with brood of 8+

East Chev - North Pool
Black Swan looked impressive in flight, with its pied wings.
An Adult Whooper Swan nearly slipped past with the 60+ Mutes
Gadwall with 10+ very small chicks.
2 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 5 Oystercatcher, 5 Redshank
25+ Sandwich Tern (inc a copulating pr & a single fledged juv)
5 Arctic Tern, 25+ Common Tern (inc 1 fledged juv)
Ad Little Gull

SE.

[Keith Reeder]

Hi Steve,

I wish I'd had the chance to see the PGP in the flesh - I knew that you can't make any real decisions from pictures - but this little discussion about the bird has certainly helped me get my head round the diagnostic stuff.

And whooper swan? That's quite a bird for this time of year...

Mark,

although that little patch is only - what? - a few acres at most, it forms part of a very active wildlife corridor between the likes of Arcot, Plessey, Blagdon/Seven Oaks and the like, so anything could turn up.

Definitely worth keeping an eye on it.

Just a damn' shame that a lot of the open space around Arcot/Fisher Lane is to be built on...

[Barred Wobbler]

There's been a drake scaup with the tufties ay East Chevington for the past couple of days and the part-moulted marsh harrier was still there yesterday lunchtime.

[LSB]

Roseate Tern at Cresswell Pond today

[MH68]

Had a short walk across the fields to Brockwell earlier.Saw the following......
Jackdaw
Magpie
Collared Dove
Woodpigeon
Swift
Swallow
House sparrow
chaffinch
Linnet
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Blackbird
Song thrush
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Skylark
and one unidentified finch/bunting sized bird.
Also heard Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler,and one that had me stumped......similar song to Grasshopper Warbler but higher in pitch, closer to the tone of a Goldcrest.Probably something common as muck as i`m pretty poor at identifying bird songs.
Also found old remains of a Fox kill on a Rabbit.
Not bad for 20 mins wander......

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

Ah, glad you mentioned the "mystery bird call", Mark - and described it better than I was able to.

I heard something very like that in conifer woodland north of Blyth a couple of months back and was similarly stumped.

I could see coal tits, but couldn't link the noise to anything I could see.

Was your mystery call a combination of the high reeling then a short "whistle" on the end, repeated continuously?

[MH68]

Hi keith,
the call I heard was a continuous high pitched trilling.Almost identical in pattern to the Grasshopper warbler recording on the bird calls section of this forum, but higher pitched.Quite sustained too.
Incidentally, the unidentified bird turned out to be a female Yellowhammer.Didn`t have bins with me as i only went to charge me leccy key up!!!

Mark

[Alan G]

Hi keith,
the call I heard was a continuous high pitched trilling.Almost identical in pattern to the Grasshopper warbler recording on the bird calls section of this forum, but higher pitched.Quite sustained too.
Mark

Mark,

Is there any reason why you think it wasn't a Grasshopper Warbler ?

As far as I know the only likely British candidate for a ''sustained high pitched'' trill is Savis & Grasshopper Warbler and I think Savis can be safely ruled out.

It's just I've heard (on 3 occasions now) and seen (once) a Grasshopper Warbler in Cramlington - at Arcot Pond to be precise, but they're kicking about the area.

Not counting a distant trilling at Prestwick Carr a fe months back that ''LittleStintBoy's'' supersonic hearing picked up.

I know the bird Keith heard did something at the end of the trilling but yours seems to have just trilled, so my guess would be Grasshopper Warbler.

I know the one's I've heard this year are canny high-pitched, so much so that that when one stopped trilling that was lurking in some shrubbery near where I was standing I got that 'ringing in my ears' that you get when you've been to a gig, or disco (remember those days?) or something - and I still had the ringing when I was in the car.

For me (although I certainly could be wrong/stand to be correct) that would be my guess.

Alan

[MH68]

I`ve reached the same conclusion Alan after doing a bit of research.It did seem higher pitched but that may have been because a few other species were singing at the same time,making it sound higher pitched than it actually was.Will have a wander back down there over the weekend and try and track the culprit down to be certain!!

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

I suppose it's possible that it's a grasshopper warbler, but the fact that you ruled it out on pitch pretty quickly says a lot to me.

Fair enough you heard the bird "In Concert", but I can't see why that would alter your perception of the pitch that much - if in doubt, stick to your first reaction, I'd say.

Your distance from the bird could impact on the perceived pitch though...

If it was a fair way off, the higher frequencies of the sound would be the ones most likely to reach your ear: that could possibly explain the perceived higher pitch, the lower frequencies of the note being lost in the ambient sound/soaked up by the environment.

I'm still unsure about gropper, given how strong an impression you got of the unusually high apparent pitch, but I can't think of any persuasive alternatives...

So, did the bird seem distant?

[sparrowbirder]

Recently visited northumberland to take a trip to the Farnes (June), interested to see an out of season Whooper swan at i think Queen Elizabeth country park,just wondered if it is still their,and if so why,is it injured or something,,,

[StevieEvans]

gropper song - Other alternatives could include :-
the buzzing of damp overhead powercables
sedge warbler mimicking gropper
distant (farm) generator

personally id simply go back (next time u need to top ip the lecky ) & have another listen.....

Gropper song is here :- think " continous fishing reel "

http://www.birdforum.net/birdsong.php

(seems to be an above average yr for them locally)

SE.

[Alan G]

Recently visited northumberland to take a trip to the Farnes (June), interested to see an out of season Whooper swan at i think Queen Elizabeth country park,just wondered if it is still their,and if so why,is it injured or something,,,

There was a whooper at East Chevington this moring - wing damage causing it to stay perhaps ?

Also a pair of Barnacle Geese still at Cresswell - one with obvious broken wing and it's partner presumably staying to keep it company?

Also around 35 Little Gulls at Cresswell (one or two possibly full adults with full hoods), a lone Arctic Tern among a few Common & a load of Sandwich Terns, a Common Sandpiper and a few Gadwall.

No sign of the Whimbrel, Roseate Tern or Greenshank that was shown on the board from yesterday.

Alan

[Alan G]

Recently visited northumberland to take a trip to the Farnes (June), interested to see an out of season Whooper swan at i think Queen Elizabeth country park,just wondered if it is still their,and if so why,is it injured or something,,,

There was a whooper at East Chevington this moring - wing damage causing it to stay perhaps ?

Also a pair of Barnacle Geese still at Cresswell - one with obvious broken wing and it's partner presumably staying to keep it company?

Also around 35 Little Gulls at Cresswell (one or two possibly full adults with full hoods), a lone Arctic Tern among a few Common & a load of Sandwich Terns, a Common Sandpiper and a few Gadwall.

No sign of the Whimbrel, Roseate Tern or Greenshank that was shown on the board from yesterday.

Alan

[MH68]

Keith, I`d guesstimate the distance at approx 30yds or so.Gonna have a look back down there over the weekend and try and get a view of the culprit (providing it`s still about).i`m also gonna have a peep in the nearby gardens to make sure there`s not an aviary in one of them (had that happen before a long time ago!!!).
cheers for the feedback everyone.

Mark

[LSB]

Had a quick look round my local patch today.. very quiet at the mo...details on site

[Keith Reeder]

Aye, Mark - at that kind of distance, it could well be that the sound you heard has been distorted into something more high pitched.

AAMOI, was this in the overgrown stuff behind the Brockwell shops?

[MH68]

Pretty much Keith yes.Was walking by the side of that new housing estate when I heard it.Gonna make the effort to take the bins, and possibly camera down there next time(and a big stick to fend off potential muggers LOL).

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

Well that's where I'd expect a grasshopper warbler to be around there.

[gabba]

Good idea Stewart.

Haven't been north of the Durham border for ages.

Thinking of visiting Hulne Park at Alnwick for Hawfinch next weekend if I'm not too busy and then along to East Chev and Cresswell area.

Good luck with the thread.

B (:
Skelly,

Winters best for the Hawfinches at Hulne Park, it used to be me local petch for three years or so and I never saw them in the summer months. Excellent veiws can be had in the winter though in the trees and bushes by the gate house. Just walk up the track to the left and the fields to the right and keep your eyes peeled, theyu can be close and low down as well as in the tree tops

Gabba

[Skelly]

Bittern reported on Birdguides at East Chevington this morning.

(o)<

[Alan G]

Went along to 'that' Nightjar spot last night.

Had been out birding most of yesterday starting at Seaton Sluice, then onto the coastal pools around Cresswell , etc, then up at Harthope.

I headed home for a bite to eat around teatime, then headed back out to 'that' forest seeing as the weather was canny.

Typically, I was there way too early (8:30pm) but this allowed me a couple of hours to wander around the moors/forest.

The first thing I heard on opening the car door - midges - millions of them, so I slathered mesel in Jungle Formula and headed out for a potter.

I could hear a woodcock grunting on the forest floor somewhere, and a few LBJs (mainly Willow Warbler from what I got my bins on) in the trees but it was rather quiet other than that.

Apart from the spectacle of seeing loads of Mistle Thrush coming into roost.

I stopped counting at approx 100, as they poured (presumably off the moors?) into a section of trees on the edge of a clearing.

It was an impressive sight when they all went up at once and headed further into the forest - I'd estimate 2 or 3 hundred perhaps?

I also had nice views of a GS Woodpecker as it hopped onto a trunk as I was walking past.

Being plagued by midges and fearful that me Insect Repellant may have lost it's potency (being a few years old) I headed back to the car for another dose of Jungle Formula where I passed another birder who said he'd seen a Redstart but no sign of crosbill for for him or me I'm afraid.

Then, around 9:45 I heard the first Tawny. I guess there may have been 3 or 4 birds in the area I was in, judging from where the hooting was coming from unless it was the same bird moving around - I didn't see any tho.

|:(|

Then my first roding woodcook around 10pm (the first of perhaps 4 or 5). What a strange sight that is - this dumpy bird flying slowly overhead grunting like a pig.....and whats that high-pitched whistling at the end of each series of grunts all about?

Then, almost exactly on queue at 10:15 the first churring kicked in. One distantly, then another behind me then one close (although high up) in the trees in front. Difficult to tell how many in the area but I reckon there was churing coming from maybe half a dozen birds spots?

I hung around 'til 11pm by which time none had shown themselves and a combination of it being quite dark (due to the cloud cover and no moon which was behind the trees/cloud) and the fact I was starting to get tired (presumably from having me eyes stuck thru bins for most of the day) and I decided to give up the ghost and starting walking along the track back to the car.

And then I thought ''nah - I'm here so may as well hang on a bit longer'' so I stood on the track en route back to the car for a few minutes.

Not more than 5 minutes later, I nearly cacked mesel as this flapping sound came from right behind me and I whizzed around and there was a nightjar almost in my face, before it banked away.

I twisted around and watched it as it flew away from me along the forest track.

Now, I don't have much experience of Nightjar but that's the 2nd time one's almost crashed into me this year.

In Norfolk a few weeks back I was watching a couple flying away from me before one decided to turn around and headed straight at me.

I thought ''nah, it must have seen me'' but it kept coming until at the last minute it banked away over my head - perhaps less then 6 feet away.

This one last night was even closer - I could hear it's wings beating as it swerved around me.

Oh, and I needed a clean pair of underpants as well - being alone in a forest and having something creep up behind you has a tendancy to create a mess in your pants, I tend to find??

;)

And that was that - by now, in dire need of my bed and so I headed for the car and home.

All in all, an enjoyable couple of hours spent but I think I may have to make a return visit - hopefully try to combine a clear sky with a full moon for better visibility perhaps?

Alan

[Alan G]

Bittern reported on Birdguides at East Chevington this morning.

(o)<

A Bittern was being regularly reported from the southern edge of the reedbeds on the South pool last year.

These reports coincided with the Squacco Heron being present and I suspect the increase in numbers birding the area can be attributed to the Bittern being heard/seen more regularly.

Nice to know they're there tho isn't it?

All we need now is Bearded Tit to drop in and this time stay put, rather than paying us a passing visit.

Which reminds me - I was at East Chevington yesterday where there was a Reed Warbler singing (and seen flitting about) in the reedbeds in front of the new hide.

Reed Warbler reported from the reedbeds in front of the new hide at East Chevington yesterday also.

Alan

[LSB]

No sign of the Bittern at East Chevington today since around 6 this morning. Marsh Harrier showed well but distant also winter plummaged Knot and Reed Warbler showing in front of screen, Whooper Swan and Scaup present and a cpl of Little Gulls..

[Barred Wobbler]

A Bittern was being regularly reported from the southern edge of the reedbeds on the South pool last year.

These reports coincided with the Squacco Heron being present and I suspect the increase in numbers birding the area can be attributed to the Bittern being heard/seen more regularly.

.

Alan


Not in this case. The Squacco was found by the same person who reported the bittern today. I don't think anyone's actually heard a bittern there yet.

[MH68]

Had a few hours walk round Gosforth Park today.....loads of Jay activity all over the reserve.Plenty of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff singing, also noted adult and juv Whitethroats in the willow carr adjacent to the lake,and a flock of Long Tailed Tits along the North side of the lake.
Had great close up views of 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers just yards away, and close up views of Roe Deer and Red Squirrel.I`ve yet to get a key for the hides so wasn`t able to view the lakes/reedbeds much,although Reed Warblers were heard, but not seen.Noticed in the logbook that a Marsh Harrier had been seen a few times up to around mid-June.Also recent sightings of Little Ringed Plover.Will be back there a few times next week once I get a hide key sorted.

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

Arcot Hall/pond today: it was Warbler Central!

Chiffchaff (many)
Willow warbler (many)
Common whitethroat (many)
Sedge warbler (2 seen, more heard)
Grasshopper warbler (1 at the pond: I heard it reeling for ages, but only got the briefest of views before being chased off its perch by a sedge warbler)
Blackcap (many heard, 1 seen)
Garden warbler (heard)...

and the piece de resistance, a reed warbler at Arcot pond, a lifer for me.

I heard it singing first, and thought "that don't sound quite right for sedge. I wonder..."

Sure enough, after about 10 minutes of scanning the area of reeds the song was coming from (north east corner of the pond), up pops the Guilty Party.

I had an excellent opportunity to have a good look, although the bird only perched in view for a few tens of seconds before flying off in the general direction of Big Waters.

I was so wrapped up in taking him in through the bins that I plumb forgot I had my camera round my neck!

;)

Added for clarity:
Although my report to BG said "Heard singing at north east corner of pond, briefly seen before flying off south west", for some reason they've only put "singing at northeast corner of ponds".So just for the sake of accuracy, It was seen, despite what BG says!

Hmph!

;)

[Stewart J.]

Yo all, Osprey flew over house (So Tyne just east of Haltwhistle) upriver headed west at 19.50hrs tonight. Sitting outside when I heard racket from 20+ Oystercatchers and it appeared from over riverside tree's, height 15-20 metres up over the village mobbed by dozens of hirundines.

Even as little as 5 years ago this would have been a major event, speaks volumes for protection schemes and increase in breeding birds.

Made my day (Cumbria birders may be lucky tonight/tomorrow?)

Stewart

|:d| |:d| |:d|

[MH68]

Nice one Keith...strange about the BG report tho.

Mark

[Stewart J.]

Out of the county but may be of interest to some, from Cumbrian Bird Forum;-

Pacific golden plover found by ****** today at port carlisle from the
caravan park layby

Reckon theyv'e nicked your bird guys?/

Stewart

PS I edited finders name out.

[Keith Reeder]

Hi Mark,

I've noticed that sometimes they tend to be a bit unpredictable in how they display what you report to them.

Not to worry...

Hi Stewart,

nice "garden" bird, mate!

;)

[Stewart J.]

Hi Stewart,

nice "garden" bird, mate!

;)[/QUOTE]

Its becoming yearly of late keith and sometimes several sightings.

Stewart

[Keith Reeder]

I've seen one or two ospreys up on the Tyne in that neck of the woods myself over the years, Stewart - I never tire of seeing them.

[Barred Wobbler]

Out of the county but may be of interest to some, from Cumbrian Bird Forum;-

Pacific golden plover found by ****** today at port carlisle from the
caravan park layby

Reckon theyv'e nicked your bird guys?/

Stewart

PS I edited finders name out.


I've just had a look at the pics on birdguides. It's a different bird, with more black on the breast than the Newbiggin one.

[cuddy]

Hauxley nature reserve today,looking great as as the wildflowers are in bloom and a few butterflies were showing, good view of a stoat on the way to the Tern hide.

The ringing group were out and about doing the constant effort site and visitors are presented with there finds and always warmly greeted.

As ever i enjoyed listening to the crack from these very experienced guys who somehow always leave me in awe of their observations.

Birds seen include Common, Artic ,and Roseate, terns plenty common waders including a very small pale curlew that stood out among its normal sized mates.

GS woodpecker seen over the pond a couple of times Widgeon, Reed warbler,, and a Grey heron that was simply constantly bombarded by BH gulls it dont have to be rare to enjoyed.

At Cresswell many little gulls could be easily seen from the road.

ST Marys Island was quite. but seawatching had many common species moving, only a couple of Sarnie terns on the rocks but soon im hoping for record numbers of Rosies.

The Beehive flash continues to look superb and has held Garganey, Little Stint, Wood, and Green sand, this year with a good supporting cast BLK Tailed Godwit there today, one to watch.

Regards Brian.

[LSB]

On the Beehive flash today near Earsdon There are 21 Black Tailed Godwits in Summer Plummage also a cracking summer plummaged Ruff..a cpl of poor photos of them

[Sandra (Taylor)]

Aren't godwits such a lovely bird - absolutely my favourite at this time of year. And never seen a ruff with a ruff - except at a park in Norfolk with a collection of 'wild' birds.

Smashing photos

Sandra
:cat:

[MH68]

Gosforth Park this morning til 2pm.Saw the following..

Great tit
Long Tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Chaffinch
Blackcap
Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff
Reed Warbler
Reed Bunting
Grey Heron
Coot
Moorhen
Mallard
Common Tern with young.
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Kestrel (making a right racket in trees overhead)
Jay
Woodpigeon
Heard Sedge warbler,Garden Warbler and Grasshopper warbler but no sightings.

Also saw male and female Roe Deer, Red squirrel and Bank Voles.Found remains of a very recent Fox kill on a male Blackbird...chewed feathers, saliva and very fresh fox droppings.
Sighting of a Red Kite flying over lake this morning just before I arrived (typical!!!)......back there tomorrow though so fingers crossed it comes back..

Mark

[Quacker]

Getting spoilt for choice now lads (and lasses) with this and the Durham thread running. I've also got individual area sites in my favourites, Whitburn, Teesmouth & Gateshead - so the amount of gen for the area is tremendous.

I'm after learning some of the sounds & calls - a lot of people tend to have the edge, (it helps in warbler i.d. for starters)!

Any recommendations as to what to listen to or what to learn with - I put this a while back on the Books/DVD/CD section and got no response. Please feel free to PM me on this one rather that slog up this great thread.

Steve

[Keith Reeder]

Quacker, I've got Geoff Sample's "Bird Songs and Calls" CD Guide (published by Collins), which really is rather good.

Have a look here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0002200376/202-7171646-0632609

(Oh - I'm posting here instead of PMing in case anyone else is interested).

PS - Geoff is another one from the North East, as you can tell by his mellifluous Geordie/Northumbrian tones on the CDs..!

;)

[Quacker]

Quacker, I've got Geoff Sample's "Bird Songs and Calls" CD Guide (published by Collins), which really is rather good.

Have a look here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0002200376/202-7171646-0632609

(Oh - I'm posting here instead of PMing in case anyone else is interested).

PS - Geoff is another one from the North East, as you can tell by his mellifluous Geordie/Northumbrian tones on the CDs..!

;)

Mellifluous is a fine adjective there Keith - I thought it was a type of Warbler, but you live and learn :-O

Actually this one looks the best bet, and the Amazon price is £7.50 than the shop prices. Cheers for the rec - the Amazon customers seem to recommend it highly too.

Steve

[Keith Reeder]

Glad to help, mate.

[MH68]

Back at Gosforth Park today 9.30am-2pm.
Good views of Reed Warbler very close through reedbed.Common terns doing well with 10 young.Woods pretty quiet Bird-wise but saw 4 Roe Deer (one barking, first time I`ve heard one do that)..and 4 Red squirrel.
Highlight of the day was spooking an Otter in the reedbeds as I walked to the hides soon after getting there.There`s always signs of their presence but very few actual sightings.Well chuffed with seeing one.
Only downside is I`ll probably end up with trench-foot after trudging through mud with a leaking boot :(

Pic of Terns on nesting platform here....... http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/57448

Mark

[Stewart J.]

I'm after learning some of the sounds & calls - a lot of people tend to have the edge, (it helps in warbler i.d. for starters)!

Any recommendations as to what to listen to or what to learn with - I put this a while back on the Books/DVD/CD section and got no response. Please feel free to PM me on this one rather that slog up this great thread.

Steve[/QUOTE]

Yo Steve I have Geoff Samples Collins Field Guide - Warbler Songs and Calls, Its a book with 3 CDs of all the warblers of Britain & Europe, its very good. Copied a lot onto my MP3 player for my hol in May to Bulgaria. Found it invaluable.

Stewart

[Alan G]

With all this rain over the past couple of days I went for a cycle around the local patch this evening hoping, perhaps, for a few shallow pools that may have attracted the odd wader.

I didn't find any pools, unfortunately, but still had an enjoyable trip.

Highlights being:


GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - one reeling from a field behind me as I was looking at a few families of swallows on a wire;
LONG-TAILED TIT - a party of around 15 passing through a small plantation (probably my favourite VFM bird);
WHITETHROAT - several along the various hedgerows;
BULLFINCH - 2 pairs in a small wooded area


Then, as I was parked up waiting for a Blackcap that I could hear to surface from some thick cover, I caught out of the corner of my eye a small, dark brown shape frantically flying from the hedgerow near where I was standing into a tree - and got my bins on a LITTLE OWL perching up there, watching me suspicously.

It seemed to lose interest in me being there after a while, until I pressed the brakes (I prefer that to falling over you see ;)) which squeeked into action and it was off into another tree 50 yards up the track - but right over the track I needed to take to get home.

I spent a while watching the owl (never sure when the next opportunity will come) before I reluctantly headed along the track and off it went.

Then, not more than 400 yards along the same track I flushed another owl - this time a SHORT-EARED OWL which headed away from me low over a field and into some trees but before long, it was out from it's hiding place and hunting over the field.

This has to be one of my favourite birds as I could watch these birds hunt all day.

But, after a while, it disappeared into the trees and didn't reappear plus I had a cold beer waiting for me in the fridge and the temptation was too much so I headed home.

B (:

Alan

[MH68]

I`ve not seen a Little Owl in yonks, nice one Alan!!

Mark

[Vipers]

Then, not more than 400 yards along the same track I flushed another owl - this time a SHORT-EARED OWL which headed away from me low over a field and into some trees but before long, it was out from it's hiding place and hunting over the field.

This has to be one of my favourite birds as I could watch these birds hunt all day.

But, after a while, it disappeared into the trees and didn't reappear plus I had a cold beer waiting for me in the fridge and the temptation was too much so I headed home.

B (:



Hi Alan

Are you sure it was a Short-eared and not a Long-eared Owl.

[Alan G]

Hi Alan

Are you sure it was a Short-eared and not a Long-eared Owl.

I was dreading someone asking me that !

;)

When it first flushed, it flew away from me and it looked quite dark on the back & upperwings but when it turned back towards me it's face looked good for SEO - quite light, very rounded and with yellowy eyes.

I've seen SEOs over this field a few times this year (had 3 there on Xmas Eve) although I know LEOs have been seen also in the area.

Funnily enough, though, I'm going for another wander tonight with the wife (she likes owls....and robins!) and this time it'll be on foot with the scope in tow so with any luck I may get another chance of better views through the scope.

Alan

[LSB]

2ND Summer Mediterranean Gull on St Mary's wetland today in with Blk Hd Gulls...

[Keith Reeder]

Is the YL gull at Briar Dene yours too, LSB?

[LSB]

No Keith I wish it was..BUT there is a Hybrid yellow leg LBB X ? gets there often I wonder if this is the one that's been seen..Little tern x 2 also rpt which would be patch year bird for me too.....boo hooo

[Keith Reeder]

The Med gull was there today too - a lifer for me!

;)

Quite a few sedge warblers and common whitethroats about - and a bright yellow budgerigar.

Rather poor record shots of the Med gull attached (it was a long way off..!)

[LSB]

The Med gull was there today too - a lifer for me!

;)

Quite a few sedge warblers and common whitethroats about - and a bright yellow budgerigar.

Rather poor record shots of the Med gull attached (it was a long way off..!)
Dont tell me Ive missed a budgie for a patch tick... :eek!: ;)
Well done on getting a lifer Keith..

[Keith Reeder]

Pure fluke on the MG - I hadn't taken the scope, and wasn't even checking out the birds on the rocks. It was Martin Kitching who pointed it out (thanks, Martin!) when I asked if anything was about.

I feel sorry for "Joey" though - it was already getting major hassle from the local spuggies when I was there, and it'll probably be dead in a day or two.

[Vipers]

I had a Green Woodpecker at Havannah Nature reserve today, When I was out on my bike.

[Keith Reeder]

Nice one, Gary - Havannah's pretty reliable for GW, isn't it?

Any pics? Or is cycling and photography a bad combination in your view?

[Vipers]

When I'm out on the bike I don't even take my bins, but I think I'll have to start.

I'm ashamed to say, I don't really know much about Havannah even though its only a five minute walk from my house.

[LSB]

Green Sandpiper at Backworth Main Pond today
Also 2 Mediterranean Gulls and a Velvet Scoter at St Mary's Island and 6 Black Tailed Godwits Earsdon Flash......

[Alan G]

When I'm out on the bike I don't even take my bins, but I think I'll have to start.

I'm ashamed to say, I don't really know much about Havannah even though its only a five minute walk from my house.

Not somewhere I go often, as its very much favoured by humans looking to empty their dogs, but I've had a couple of Green Woodpecker there on a couple of occasions so it's worth popping in.

It get's very (in fact very, very!) clarty in winter though so make the most of it in the drier months, although some of the shallow pools that form after rain will presumably attract various stuff.

And, of course, a visit will afford you cracking views of that eyesore of a Sage building.

How on earth that was ever granted planning permission in green belt of Gosforth Great Park is beyond me?

:stuck:

Alan

[Vipers]

Thanks Alan. Been there again today, but no sign of Green Woodpecker.

I know its supposed to be good for Jack Snipe in winter.

[cuddy]

St Marys tonight, wetland quite though 50+ BH gulls and Redshank roosting, sea was calm 2 Manx Shearwater north , 11 Whimbrel on the rocks , small party of Teal south and a light passage of Kittewake supported by the odd Puffin, Fulmar and Guillemot

Brian

[Keith Reeder]

I was talking to Martin Kitching about this recently.

Is it just bad timing on my part, or has sea passage been really quiet so far this year?

[Brian Bullough]

Had a quick look at "THE" flash this morning Black Tailed Godwit,Ringed & Little Ringed Plover,Dunlin,Mallard,Teal etc.
Also Snipe and this rather smart leucistic bird
Brian

[LSB]

I agree that the Beehive flash is THE place to look at the min...In the past month and a half its held Temminck's Stint, 20+ Black Tailed Godwits, both Little & Ringed Plovers, Garganey,Dunlins,Redshanks and a host of other common Birds. There was a Greenshank there yesterday morning too..Its also had Hottentot Teal so even the escapes favour it. ;)
Nice photo Brian..

[Keith Reeder]

Yep, it's on fire, isn't it?

That leucistic snipe is gorgeous, Brian!

[StevieEvans]

Had a quick look at "THE" flash this morning Black Tailed Godwit,Ringed & Little Ringed Plover,Dunlin,Mallard,Teal etc.
Also Snipe and this rather smart leucistic bird
Brian
Great pic. & very interesting bird
se

[John Malloy]

No sign of the leucistic Snipe early afternoon at the Beehive Flash, but 2 Blackwits still present and the rather confiding juv LRP, feeding on the roadside edge of the flash, see attached photograph taken from the car. (more images of this bird are on my website, http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/johnmalloy)

[Alan G]

A LRP also this evening at Cresswell Pond along with a few Knot, a Common Sandpiper, a lone Black-Tailed Godwit and half a dozen snipe.

Also a Whimbrel flying around the pool a few times but seemingly not wanting to land.

Also an Arctic Tern in amongst the Common & Sandwich Terns and a few Little Gulls - around a dozen compared to the 30 or 40 that have been on there of late.

I finished off a Little Owl perched on top of a tree

Then, the highlight of the evening - a Long-Eared Owl perched on a gate post on my patch this evening - it's ear tufts on full view before it swung around, flashed me it's dark orange eyes and headed over a field to hunt.

Aaafully bliddy clammy out there tho this evening.......could do with another good burst of rain overnight to freshen things up for tomorrow and keep those shallow pools around Earsdon topped up!

:bounce:

Alan

[LSB]

Just a quick warning to anyone parking at the Beehive flash...There are 2 pull in places which have been made on the Grass please be carefull when parking on the second one (from the north or 1st from the south) as Its very Muddy and I got stuck there today .....Ohh btw a birder sat and watched my try and free my car..................... :storm:

[cuddy]

Just a quick warning to anyone parking at the Beehive flash...Its very Muddy and I got stuck there today .....Ohh btw a birder sat and watched my try and free my car..................... :storm:


Time to put that car on a diet methinks ;) ;)

[StevieEvans]

Derwent Resevoir today North'd side

drake Scaup
2pr GCG
pr PFGoose
fem Goosander
24 Teal
27 Wigeon
10 (total) Common Sand
pr LRP
2 Snipe
200 Lapwing
18 Common Gull
3 Crossbill
4 Siskin
20 + Lesser Redpoll
Common Buzzard x2

pleasant visit, spoiled only by a pr of fishermen walking right round nature reserve & an inflatable dingy in there too!

also Red Kite just off A68 2mile north of Allensford.

SE

[MH68]

Gosforth Park today.

Good view of female Sparrowhawk crossing the lake being harassed by Common Terns
Also very close view of Great Spotted Woodpecker tapping away at a branch overhead.13 Greylags on flooded field just outside reserve.
Unfortunately one of the Common Tern chicks has drowned after falling from the nesting platform.Also found Otter spraint, and several owl pellets along one of the paths(presumably Tawny Owl pellets but not 100% certain).Good views of Roe Deer feeding (got pics but not very good ones)but no squirrels seen today.
Noted a female Sparrowhawk (same one possibly) soaring above the park on the way home.
An interesting few hours.........

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

I ended up at Big Waters and the farmland between the lake and Dinnington, today.

Plenty of usual suspects - chiffchaff, willow warbler, whitethroat, chaff/green/goldfinch, etc - and like Mark, I got great views of a (male) GSW.

I also drove myself slightly mad following up on grasshopper warblers which actually turned out to be grasshoppers...

Ho-hum. I did actually find one proper gropper.

Loads of young LT tits around - like the little fella in the pic - but the highlight of the day was a male marsh harrier quartering the fields west of the lake.

Some slightly scabby record pics attached...

Coming home, I saw a common buzzard hunting over the fields south of Fisher Lane in Cramlington (not that far from Mark's house!) - great to see it wheeling around and then hovering in the breeze.

[Keith Reeder]

According to a report that's just popped up on Birdguides, there was a LS woodpecker at Big Waters yesterday too.

[Alan G]

When I looked at Keith's photos I thought this was a cream-crown Marsh Harrier (especially in image 1 & 4) as the head and face looks better for Marsh Harrier, as does the wing shape and the way it's holding its wings.

And here I was thinking I was getting the hang of these raptors !

:h?:

Of course, its a different kettle of fish seeing the birds in the field (where you maybe see them from different angles, etc) than it is looking at still images but can someone give a few pointers on this for me please?

Thanks

Alan

[Keith Reeder]

I thought this was a cream-crown Marsh Harrier (especially in image 1 & 4) as the head and face looks better for Marsh Harrier Nope, lost me, Alan - it is marsh harrier.

Or is the question about whether it's a male?

I can see what you mean about that...

The bird is rather dark, which I'd put down to the light conditions and the fact that the bird was mid-moult, and the head has some apparently female plumage characteristics.

On balance though I think it most likely to be a 2nd season male.

[Alan G]

Nope, lost me, Alan - it is marsh harrier.

Or is the question about whether it's a male?

I can see what you mean about that...

The bird is rather dark, which I'd put down to the light conditions and the fact that the bird was mid-moult, and the head has some apparently female plumage characteristics.

On balance though I think it most likely to be a 2nd season male.

Oops, it seems in my laziness at not reading all of the post, I missed your mention of Marsh Harrier earlier on and picked up on the Common Buzzard bit at the bottom and associated that with the images.

Apologies for that.

Alan






Alan

[LSB]

A quick round up of the local pools...Juv LRP on St Mary's wetland 10 Whimbrel Arctic Skua,Mediterranean Gull past. Also Juv LRP on Beehive Flash (different bird)

[MH68]

Had a couple of hours at Arcot and surrounding area this evening.....

4 Common Terns fishing.
2 Mute Swans with 5 cygnets.
Single Black Headed Gull
Single Grey Heron
Yellowhammer (loads)
Goldfinch(loads)
Greenfinch
Linnet
Chaffinch
Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff
Sedge Warbler
Grasshopper warbler
Skylark
Female Kestrel hunting over the fields adjacent to the lake.
couple of Lapwings and about 10 million woodpigeons!! :-)
Had brief view of a raptor flying away from me at long range,possibly Buzzard but unsure.Lost sight of it as it dropped below the far treeline.
Almost got a perfect shot of a Chiffchaff sat on a bare branch singing away, but just as I focussed camera a car sped past and scared it off :-(

Mark

Mark

[MH68]

......forgot to mention I had another very close view of a GS woodpecker(female) on the road near the pond.They seem to be following me around at the moment!!

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

Spent some time this pm (from 7:30 until more of less dark) on my "southern patch".

I've been able to negotiate access to areas of a couple of farms in the area which are off limits to the Great Unwashed, and I'm in the process of setting up hides and feeding areas, but today I was mainly interested in seeing if I could get some pictures of the local Little Owls.

I saw 4 of them, but Blyth LOs aren't the confiding, easy-to-approach birds that you seem to find elsewhere - they were really flighty (possibly because of the young birds in the family?) so I gave up trying to get pictures eventually.

Great to see though, and I'll hopefully get some images of them (and other owl species) when my hides and hidden vantage points are up and running.

I also got nice views of a male blackcap, and a spotted flycatcher, a bird I don't often see on the patch.

[MH68]

Hope you get some good LO pics Keith, it`s one species I`ve yet to see.Well done on the Spotted Flycatcher, can`t remember last time I saw one locally.

Mark

[MH68]

Back at Arcot this morning, saw the following....

Yellowhammer
Reed Bunting (male and female)
Sedge Warbler
Chiffchaff
Whitethroat (mostly females and juvs)
Kestrel
G.S woodpecker (brief glimpse)
Jay
Wren
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
Grey Heron
Black headed Gull
Mallard
Good view of Common Buzzard flying above me over the treetops, very dark bird.
Also saw a Stoat working along one of the hedgerows.

An enjoyable few hours...attached 2 pics of Sedge Warbler......
Mark

[Brian Bullough]

Just back from a few days up in the north of Northumberland family parties of Whinchat , Stonechat, Spotted Flycatcher and the usual Grey Wagtails & Dippers numerous Buzzards now in the area, The highlight where two stoats one chasing the other running behind us as we looked over the Carey bridge East they went along the road & up the hill to the side of the burn you could see there progress through the undergrowth then back into the open along the bank of the burn towards us and the back up the open side of the hill , I presume it was some territorial dispute as a few minutes later one showed itself amongst the boulders looking for prey.
Sunday at the base of Goatscrag a Quail was calling followed by a second the hay field having been just cut looked ideal for the setting of my first sighting of Quail in Northumberland the calls seemed close and the clear gaps between the rows of hay looked ideal to get a climpse if they broke cover three Buzzards to the east where ignored as the field was scanned for even a
glimpse but all for nothing one call stopped and one tracked to the next field of uncut grass faded and stopped, at first they seemed so close I thought they where just over the fence.
As a footnote I caught some interesting Moths & numerous lumps ,bites
Is there a good site for Quail in the county with the chance of seeing one ??
Brian

[level seven]

Today I got what must be the closest view possible of one of the Derwent Valley Red Kites short of catching one of them. I was in the Far Pasture hide when one flew over the water and landed on one of the window ledges only 8 feet away from where I was sitting! For all the world it looked as though it was trying to get into the hide before it eventually flew off into one of the nearby trees. It was tagged as number 47. Last time I was there I saw an otter just outside the hide, so it shows you never know what to expect.

[StevieEvans]

Today I got what must be the closest view possible of one of the Derwent Valley Red Kites short of catching one of them. I was in the Far Pasture hide when one flew over the water and landed on one of the window ledges only 8 feet away from where I was sitting! For all the world it looked as though it was trying to get into the hide before it eventually flew off into one of the nearby trees. It was tagged as number 47. Last time I was there I saw an otter just outside the hide, so it shows you never know what to expect.

Hi LS
Excellent!
Maybe it mistook the hide for a release pen....?
Maybe you mistook this for the Durham Thread ;-)
SE

[level seven]

Maybe you mistook this for the Durham Thread ;-)
SE

LOL! You're so right Steve....

[LSB]

Hi all
That leucistic snipe was showing really well at the Beehive Flash this evening( shame I didnt have my scope) Digi-binned these cpl of pics. Its a cracking looking bird 1st time Ive seen one like this.

[MH68]

Back at Arcot this morning.......

Yellowhammer
Reed Bunting
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
Linnet
Sedge Warbler
Chiffchaff
Several Grasshopper Warblers heard reeling in one field.
Willow Warbler
Whitethroat
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long Tailed Tit
Common Tern
Black Headed Gull (plus a juv)
G/blackbacked gull
L/blackbacked gull
Grey Heron (6 inc 3 juvs)
Coot
Moorhen
Rook
Jackdaw
Magpie
Jay
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Watched female Sparrowhawk working along a hedgerow, and both male and female Kestrels at fairly close range.Female landed in a tree not far away, sat for half an hour watching her.
No sign of the Buzzard today.

Mark

[Alan G]

How's this for a strange coincidence?

About a month or so ago I was at Hollywell Pond when I heard this screeching from above - I looked up to see an all-white falcon, probably smaller than a kestrel flying overhead, in wide circles.

Anyway, it made a few passes of the hide while I was watching the pond and I I wander out of the hide I flushed it from a tree next to the hide. It caught me totally on the hop so had almost no time to gran the bins but did get brief views of some grey horizontal streaking on the underbelly (like sparrowhawk, for example).

I asked a a fe folk at the time and no-one seemed to know what it could have been.

Anyway, I've just returned home from work, opened to French Doors to let some air in and turned on the cricket..........and when settling down on the settee I could hear a familiar noise outside - an incessant and high-pitched screeching (almost oystercatcher like).

I went to the doors and there were starling flushing from various gardens and the noise suddenly got louder and there it was - the same bird from Hollywell, circling rapidly over the gardens.

As I say, it's pure white with possible thin grey streaking underneath and it's tail is long. The JIZZ fits small falcon but what?

I assume it's either a leucistic bird (but size only really fits merlin) or some form of escape, the latter seeming far more likely.

The one thing from both sightings was this incessant screeching in flight - I've obviously heard raptors calling in flight before but in this constant manner before?

Has anyone any suggestions?

Also, seeing as I've now seen this bird twice, I'm hoping someone's at least seen it once also.......

Thanks

:h?:

Alan

[edenwatcher]

white cockatiel? Saw one at home a month or so ago and it threw me a bit at first. Parrot sp would explain the screeching.

Rob

[Alan G]

white cockatiel? Saw one at home a month or so ago and it threw me a bit at first. Parrot sp would explain the screeching.

Rob

Now you see, that's what I thought when I got back home last time I saw it........and it seemed more plausible than small white raptor.

Plus, the other birds around Hollywell seemed unperturbed by it's presence.

But, after a second look tonight, I'm still not sure but then again I can't recall ever seeing a parakeet in flight which would explain why I associated it with being a falcon......cos it looked better than the other alternatives.

Just wish it had stayed around long enough for me to get the bins from outside but it didn't hang around long enough.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

Alan

[cuddy]

Hi Alan last year I saw a white Cockatiel regually on telephone wires at New Hartley, not far as the crow flies from Hollywell.

I saw it again on Wednesday evening in the same place so there is definatly a bird in the area , how it survives i just dont know, of course this may not be the same bird a s you have seen.

Regards Brian.

[Alan G]

Yeah, I see that bird regularly (on Sundays for some reason?) sitting on a wire over the road just south of the Delaval Arms amongst the starlings and such like - probably first saw it over 6 months ago, maybe longer.....survived the whole winter at the least!

This bird, however, seemed bigger than that one.

From memory the 'Sluice Cockatiel' is smaller or perhaps similar size of the surrounding starlings but this bird today was probably half the size again of the starlings that were fleeing the gardens.

It's more an idle curiosity than anything else.

Alan

[Keith Reeder]

Sea movement starting to build up some momentum today:

Long-tailed Skua
3 Great Skuas
3 Storm Petrels
61 Manx Shearwaters
3 Arctic Skuas
at St Mary's

Balearic Shearwater
3 Storm Petrels
Sooty Shearwater
at Seaton Sluice.

[LSB]

Sea movement starting to build up some momentum today:

Long-tailed Skua
3 Great Skuas
3 Storm Petrels
61 Manx Shearwaters
3 Arctic Skuas
at St Mary's

Balearic Shearwater
3 Storm Petrels
Sooty Shearwater
at Seaton Sluice.

And did I get to see any of the Stormys or LT Skua.....did I fig...lol
Had another 3 Bonxie and 8 Arctic Skuas also a few Manxies mid afternoon past.Did get 3 Velvet Scoter past tho... :D
Also got a cpl of pics of that Leucistic Snipe at The Beehive flash Yesterday

[Vipers]

From Cresswell this afternoon, I had 2 Sooty Shearwater 35 manxies 3 Arctic Skua 2 Bonxies and a Velvet Scoter.

[Keith Reeder]

Hmmm...

might have to change my plans and do a bit of sea watching myself this weekend...

[Gill Osborne]

Looks like I may be heading for Druridge Bay myself - haven't been out for WEEKS!!!! :C

Gill

[Brian Bullough]

Had two good seawatching sessions today the early morning at St Marys & Seaton Sluice for the late afternoon

180 manx
only one Sooty
2 Storm Petrel
Long Tailed skua x1
Bonxie x4
Arctic Skua x5
Pomarine Skua x1 (full spoons)
not much duck movement but a good start
Did not have time to call in at the Beehive flash
Brian

[Alan G]

Had myself a couple of hours seawatching this evening after a kind chap rang me at work this morning to say he'd had a couple of canny hours this morning off the Sluice where he'd had an adult male LT Skua close in, in the morning.

I struggled to watch and count at the same time, such was the number of birds going through but in two hours (6pm - 8pm) had over 50 Manx Shearwater, 100s of gannets and the numbers of auks, gulls and other stuff was off the chart.

It seemed that everytime I stuck my eye in the scope, there was a shearwater in it - groups of 8 - 10 going North at a time.

No skuas tho, and I can't say any of the shearwaters were anything other than Manx but there's always next time eh?

Was planning a trip to Kielder tomorrow but might stay local instead - be rude not to, wouldn't it?

Alan

[Alan G]

A quick question:

Were you in the hide at Seaton Sluice this evening?

I was outside the hide from 6pm til around 7:30.

Quite new to birding and very new to sea-watching and finding it a bit tricky (an understatement) but decided against going into the hide as I could hear at least 2 voices and thought it may have been a tad cramped?

What did you see this evening?

Alan

[stanacko]

Hi Alan,
Thinking of going to Kielder myself in a couple of weeks, is there any where special to
go and do you recomend it for red squirrels.
Thanks Stan.

[Alan G]

Hi Alan,
Thinking of going to Kielder myself in a couple of weeks, is there any where special to
go and do you recomend it for red squirrels.
Thanks Stan.

I don't want to say too much about my own itinerary but the area's good for raptors, among other things, but it's a big old area and I think you need to ensure any visit includes a variety of the habitats it offers, including the burns around Ridley Stokoe, for example,

Bakethin is good place to start, though - there's a Raptor viewpoint there and crossbill get seen regularly in the area.

Alan

[Keith Reeder]

To answer your question Stan, while there's no real guarantee of red squirrel in any given spot, they're all over this part of the world, and Kielder has a healthy population - I'd be surprised if you couldn't come across one or two in a few hours' visit.

If not Kielder, then a trip to Hulne Park in Alnwick should sort you out - lots of red squirrels there.

There's nothing "hush-hush" about Kielder from a birding perspective - well there is, but I'm saying nowt! ;) - but the Bakethin raptor viewpoint is a bit of a pain in the backside to get to, being something of a hike from the nearest parking.

Yes, you can see raptors there, but you have a good chance of seeing birds of prey from anywhere where you've got an open vista.

Goshawk is possible anywhere - look up a lot - and there are merlin, sparrowhawk, peregrine, common buzzard, odd hobby, osprey, various owls...

Then there are the woodland "LBJs" - pretty much anything is possible there, including crossbills - not to mention the likes of ducks like goodsander and goldeneye, and the potential for all sorts of interesting waders on mudflats if the water's low.

If you have any specific birds you're interested in, let me know and I'll be more specific (I truly can't doing with this ego-massaging "I know something you don't" secret squirrel crap when there's no need for it) - and I'll get back to you on your PM as soon as I've dug out some details.

[Alan G]

(I truly can't doing with this ego-massaging "I know something you don't" secret squirrel crap when there's no need for it)

Nope, - no massaging of any ego, Keith.

:h?:

Simply a case of not wanting to post local knowledge onto an open forum as I'm sure most people would agree?

Alan

[Vipers]

Kielder is a bit like the Monties in Norfolk, the worst kept secret in the country. I've been sitting there, and had non-birders pull up in there cars, and ask if this is where you watch the ******** from.

[Keith Reeder]

Not you Alan, just in general - you've said much the same yourself.

[StevieEvans]

I dont know how this threads got the "number of stars" it has......
We watched Kielder Wood Sandpiper at the nest in the late '80's
SE

[Alan G]

Kielder is a bit like the Monties in Norfolk, the worst kept secret in the country. I've been sitting there, and had non-birders pull up in there cars, and ask if this is where you watch the ******** from.

I tend to agree, although I didn't know about it until recently I have to say.

As for the Montys - I got tipped off from some fella at Hickling Broad about the Monties site (seeing as it was only a couple of mile from where I was staying) and he didn't know me from Adam - I wasn't complaining tho but proves the point that these secrets don't seem to remain as such for long.

But, having said that, I'm not sure it would go down too well with BF members and local birders to simply announce things on the forum would it?

Alan

[Keith Reeder]

There's no real point in "secrets" that aren't, though

It's like the recent discussion on here about nightjars in Northumberland.

The secret location everyone was making a point of not naming is readly available to anyone who knows how to use Google (there were more than enough clues in those postings even for people who didn't know which quarry it was), so I wonder what the point is sometimes.

(And - just to be clear - this isn't a criticism of anybody, it's just an objective observation).

[Brian Bullough]

A quick question:

Were you in the hide at Seaton Sluice this evening?

I was outside the hide from 6pm til around 7:30.

Quite new to birding and very new to sea-watching and finding it a bit tricky (an understatement) but decided against going into the hide as I could hear at least 2 voices and thought it may have been a tad cramped?

What did you see this evening?

Alan

You should have come into the Seawatch hide Alan yes it does get a bit cramped but the more eyes watching the better it gets easier to pick stuff out when you get your eye in, I was there this am about
60 manx
48 common Scoter
large movement of Kittiwakes but that could just have been local ,good number of Gannet also, some very close in and 5 Arctic Skua on the sea and just offshore
and at 07:50 a large Shearwater distant but thought to have been Cory's I will be along later today if nothing turns up.

Brian

[stanacko]

I don't want to say too much about my own itinerary but the area's good for raptors, among other things, but it's a big old area and I think you need to ensure any visit includes a variety of the habitats it offers, including the burns around Ridley Stokoe, for example,

Bakethin is good place to start, though - there's a Raptor viewpoint there and crossbill get seen regularly in the area.

Alan

Hi Alan,
Many thanks for your reply Ididnt expect you to give out local knowledge on an open forum,I just wanted you to give me some areas to cover as not ever
been to Kielder it looks a vast area.(no offence taken).
Stan.

[stanacko]

To answer your question Stan, while there's no real guarantee of red squirrel in any given spot, they're all over this part of the world, and Kielder has a healthy population - I'd be surprised if you couldn't come across one or two in a few hours' visit.

If not Kielder, then a trip to Hulne Park in Alnwick should sort you out - lots of red squirrels there.

There's nothing "hush-hush" about Kielder from a birding perspective - well there is, but I'm saying nowt! ;) - but the Bakethin raptor viewpoint is a bit of a pain in the backside to get to, being something of a hike from the nearest parking.

Yes, you can see raptors there, but you have a good chance of seeing birds of prey from anywhere where you've got an open vista.

Goshawk is possible anywhere - look up a lot - and there are merlin, sparrowhawk, peregrine, common buzzard, odd hobby, osprey, various owls...

Then there are the woodland "LBJs" - pretty much anything is possible there, including crossbills - not to mention the likes of ducks like goodsander and goldeneye, and the potential for all sorts of interesting waders on mudflats if the water's low.

If you have any specific birds you're interested in, let me know and I'll be more specific (I truly can't doing with this ego-massaging "I know something you don't" secret squirrel crap when there's no need for it) - and I'll get back to you on your PM as soon as I've dug out some details.

Hi Keith,
I had no specific birds in mind as I like all types (feathered that is) I just thought it would be nice to be given some pointers by the locals. many thanks
Stan.

[MH68]

Tawny Owl reported to me by a mate sat on phone wires between Ponteland Rifle Range and Berwick Hill around 7.50pm tonight.

Mark

[MH68]

Had a brief walk down to Arcot with my daughter this afternoon.Not much showing due to cold wind, but had good views of Treecreepers in the trees next to the pond.A few finches/buntings about and one solitary Lapwing.Other than that a pretty quiet visit.

Mark

[MH68]

Hobby at Gosforth Park today, chasing butterflies and house martins over flooded field to south of reserve.Still present at 3pm when I left.

Other species seen today......
Reed Bunting
Reed Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Grasshopper Warbler
Whitethroat
Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Greenfinch
Wren
Song Thrush
Jay
GBB gull
LBB gull
Common Tern
Pheasant
GS Woodpecker
Woodpigeon
Long Tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Blackbirds
Jackdaw
Magpie
Carrion Crow
6 Greylags on flooded field
Swallow
Swift
House Martin
Sparrowhawk (male seen outside reserve)
Kestrel (seen hovering along dual carriageway outside reserve)
Little Grebe both adults and juvs
Coot (several pairs with juvs)
Moorhen (as above)
Grey Heron
Mallard
Ruddy Duck
Also heard Water Rail behind one of the hides but no sighting.

Close up views of Roe buck,doe and fawn, and also excellent close views of a well conditioned adult Fox.
Mark

[LSB]

Adt Pectoral Sandpiper still at East Chevinton this am...

[MH68]

A mate reported hunting Barn Owl and noisy juvs at QE11 country Park Monday night.Also Tawny Owl hunting around lake approx 4am yesterday morning.He reported hearing Water Rail at Colliery end of lake and noted a Scoter species on the lake yesterday too.

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

Heh!

You're making Gossy Park your own at the moment, mate!

;)

Re: the hobby - is the flooded field it was hunting over still within the reserve, or was it in a public access area?

[MH68]

Keith,
the flooded area is to the south of the reserve and is classed as private farmland.Plenty of people walk their dogs round there and bike through the area, so with a bit of discretion you wouldn`t be doing nowt out of the ordinary by going on there.Think they access it via Melton Park(noted area for Green Woodpecker) but not 100% certain.
Good views could have been had of the bird yesterday from the main road (from S. Gosforth), as it was alternating between the flooded field area and the field next to the latter road.Showed a lot over the treeline to the west.it also spent quite a bit of time soaring high up above the NE end of the reserve.Awesome watching it taking Cabbage Whites and eating them on the wing.Will post any further sightings on here.....

Had a couple of hours at Druridge tonight after an unexpected lift up there turned up out of the blue.
Wasn`t exactly well prepared but saw a few Great Skua, a pair of Sandwich Terns fishing close in,and approx 100 Scoter(couldn`t tell species due to range,presumably Commons).A few Oystercatcher and plenty of gulls of the usual species.

Mark

[LSB]

On the Beehive Flash at Earsdon today
Ruff
Wood Sandpiper
Dunlin 20
LRP 2
Redshanks
.....

[ukjesters]

Slightly off topic, but i'm looking for advice into what birds i may see next week at the Farne islands-weather permitting of course.
Will the puffins and the razorbills still be there as i need to test my new lense on these lovely birds.

Many thanks
Rick

[LSB]

Wood Sandpiper Beehive Flash also 2 Ruff, and 2 Green Sandpipers at Backworth Flash

[cuddy]

Wood Sandpiper Beehive Flash also 2 Ruff, and 2 Green Sandpipers at Backworth Flash


As well as the above birds Knot at the beehive flash and 5 Whimbrel at St Marys island

[MH68]

Arcot this afternoon for a couple of hours.The usual finches etc on the way down there.Nice views of some juv willow warblers along one of the hedgerows.
Usual suspects on the pond - several Grey Herons,Common Terns,Black Headed Gulls, adults and juvs.Mute Swans and cygnets still doing well.
Good views of adult female and juv Kestrels on the far side of the lake, the latter sat on an exposed branch for the duration we were there.The female being far more, active hunting over the nearby fields.
Fleeting glimpse of Sparrowhawk crossing a hedgerow, and Common Buzzard seen and heard (unusually) fairly close to to the town centre on the return journey.Also saw a Weasel working along one of the paths next to the pond.

Mark

[ukjesters]

Mark, decided to go to Gossy Park today.
Possibly sighted the Hobby but i can't be one hundred per cent sure, it was flying in front of me and appeared to be of a pale grey colour giving off what i would describe as a "distressed" kestrel call. But the jury is out on that one.

Definately recognised the Red Arrows as they flew over though!!!!

Then whilst sitting at hide 1 (tern nest hide) i saw a pair of ruddy coloured flashes flying in front of me left to right, they then turned to fly right to left and showed a royal blue flash on their backs...yep... a pair of kingfishers and seeing how i had only ever seen one before in my life to see a pair flying in front of me was geet ace like man.

Then one of them came back and fished for about 5 minutes from the tern nest. Well chuffed!!!

[cuddy]

Good seawatching today at ST Marys Island, Manxies, Bonxies, Whimbrel, Grey plover,
Storm petrel and Artic Skua, and good numbers of Auks, Gannets Kittiewakes and Fulmars made for an enjoyable morning.

Birds are still being reported in the afternoon so a steady flow all day.

[MH68]

Rick, check out the Hobby call on the bird calls section of this site (click resources link),it does sound like what I mistook it for before sighting the bird.Nice one re the Kingfishers....not seen one there yet myself.

Mark

[Vipers]

Good seawatching today at ST Marys Island, Manxies, Bonxies, Whimbrel, Grey plover,
Storm petrel and Artic Skua, and good numbers of Auks, Gannets Kittiewakes and Fulmars made for an enjoyable morning.

Birds are still being reported in the afternoon so a steady flow all day.

Hi cuddy

How close in were the Storm Petrels? Its a bit of boggy bird for me just haven't been able to to get on to one yet. I'll have to have a look at the sea in the morning.

[ukjesters]

Rick, check out the Hobby call on the bird calls section of this site (click resources link),it does sound like what I mistook it for before sighting the bird.Nice one re the Kingfishers....not seen one there yet myself.

Mark

That is definately the call it was making as it flew off East towards the entrance of the reserve.

Never knew about the resources link on the site, same way i never knew about the reserve itself....(***JOKE***).... hope your not gonna say that your humping me Mrs....Cos i didn't know about that either!!!! LOL

Cheers again Mark

[MH68]

LOL.......nice to know the birds still about.Hope it`s still there Tuesday.

Mark

[Vipers]

I had quite a productive trip to East Chev today. As I got to the north pool, a flock of 12 Whimbrel headed off south flushed by a sparrow Hawk, that was sitting on the fence. There were still 12-15 Whimbrel on the pool. Other waders included a Wood Sand, 4 Knot (2 in summer plumage) and 3 Blackwits There were 5 species of Tern, Common, Arctic, Sandwich, Roseate and Black. And a Black-necked Grebe.

On the sea off Cresswell I had 40 Manxies 3 Bonxies and a Velvet Scoter. But no Storm Petrel, I'll catch up with these little b*gg£rs one day.

[salty]

I had quite a productive trip to East Chev today. As I got to the north pool, a flock of 12 Whimbrel headed off south flushed by a sparrow Hawk, that was sitting on the fence. There were still 12-15 Whimbrel on the pool. Other waders included a Wood Sand, 4 Knot (2 in summer plumage) and 3 Blackwits There were 5 species of Tern, Common, Arctic, Sandwich, Roseate and Black. And a Black-necked Grebe.

On the sea off Cresswell I had 40 Manxies 3 Bonxies and a Velvet Scoter. But no Storm Petrel, I'll catch up with these little b*gg£rs one day.

not bad at all Gary.

there still seems to be too much water at cresswell at the moment still, no where near as many birds as last year.

[cuddy]

Hi Gary.RE Stormies, out in the region of the yellow buoy but Littlestintboy also had birds yesterday 6 i believe his may have been closer. There seems to have been a few sightings around the North East coast yesterday with Whitburn and Hartlepool recording birds , so may be good numbers in the North Sea at the moment.

Brian.

[cuddy]

there still seems to be too much water at cresswell at the moment still, no where near as many birds as last year.[/QUOTE]

Sadly because Northumberland Wildlife trust will not manage the water levels, a couple of years back someone ;) managed to get the sandbar dug out within 4 hours it was covered in waders.

We have asked them to control the levels at this time of year but they are not really interested in birds.

Cuddy.

[Vipers]

Hi Gary, out in the region of the yellow buoy but Littlestintboy also had birds yesterday 6 i believe his may have been closer. There seems to have been a few sightings around the North East coast yesterday with Whitburn and Hartlepool recording birds , so may be good numbers in the North Sea at the moment.

Brian.

Thanks Brian

I had a look from Cresswell today with no luck. There were good numbers of manxies going north, but the wind had dropped just a little bit to much, and most of the bird were quite far out. Never mind I will get onto a stormy one of these days.

[LSB]

Hi Vipers
As Cuddy has said Stormies were about level with yellow EOD Buoy but a cpl were closer in, but with swell yesterday they proved to be hard to see as I missed another 3 past also had a few Petrel SP early on but didnt get enough on them to ID...Best of luck (and if that fails try Workington in Cumbria) :bounce:

[Vipers]

Hi Vipers
As Cuddy has said Stormies were about level with yellow EOD Buoy but a cpl were closer in, but with swell yesterday that proved to be hard to see as I missed another 3 past also had a few Petrel SP early on but didnt get enough on them to ID...Best of luck (and if that fails try Workington in Cumbria) :bounce:

Thanks littlestintboy. I tried Workington last year. There had been hundreds passing, until the day I went. All I saw were 5 Manxies and a Arctic Skua.

[LSB]

East chevington North Pool today had
Black Tern
Wood Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper
Greenshank
Whimbrel 20+
plenty of Terns ( common,Arctic,Sandwich)
well worth a visit at the mo....

[MH68]

Gosforth Park today.....
2 brief sightings of the Hobby, also heard it calling from a tree above me but couldn`t get a view due to the dense foliage.
Flyover report of a Peregrine last week.
Other species seen;-
Kestrel
Jay
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Sparrowhawk (outside reserve)
Willow Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Great Tit
Woodpigeon
Water Rail heard again but not seen.
Moorhen (with 2nd brood of the year)
Coot (adults and juvs).
No sign of any Reed Warblers today, and unfortunately a RW nest accidentally exposed by reed cutting along one of the walkways has been predated.Last week it held 3 healthy,recently hatched chicks despite being in a pretty open position.
The woods were pretty quiet bird-wise, but very close views of Red Squirrel and Roe Deer.

Mark

[salty]

MH68: cracking shot of the red squirrel.

as for peregrine falcon, i had one recently on sandy lane as drove along.

[Vipers]

Nice shot of the Red Squirrel Mark!!

[MH68]

Cheers lads.Well chuffed with that pic!
Forgot to mention a poss Buzzard sighting yesterday on there by a mate.I`ve also just been told on the phone that there were a pair of Great Crested Grebes back on the lake yesterday.Been a while since they were seen at Gosforth.
Attached another decent pic I got today of a Roe Deer.
Mark

[Vipers]

Another nice shot Mark!

[MH68]

Thanks mate, was one of those days when things went right for a change...

Mark

[Brian Bullough]

Went up the coast today via Cresswell but the water level is very high about 8 Ruff there onto East Chevington the black Tern showed well no Wood Sandpiper for me but there where 54 Whimbrel that dropped in ( the largest flock I've seen) with 8 black Tailed Godwits also two Ruff,1 Roseate Tern & 1 Little Gull
Brian

[StevieEvans]

Wheres the Stone Curlew pics then.....?

[Vipers]

Wheres the Stone Curlew pics then.....?


Birdguides.

[MH68]

Gosforth park today....

Long Tailed Tit(large flock of both adults and juvs along lakeside path)
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Robin
Wren
Blackcap
Willow Warbler
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Woodpigeon
Collared Dove
Herring Gull
LBB Gull
GBB Gull
BH Gull
Common Tern
Great Crested Grebe
Little Grebe
Coot
Moorhen
Mute Swan (plus cygnets).
Mallards 14
2 Tufties
Grey Heron
Kingfisher(pair seen from Hide 1)
Jay
Kestrel
Hobby still present, and very vocal today as was the Kestrel, seemed as though they were both having a territorial dispute of sorts.
Rook
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Magpie
Loads of Roe Deer about, counted 15, with 4 Red Squirrels aswell.No pics today though....light was very poor in the woods.

Mark

[Vipers]

Hi Mark

Where is the best place to view the Hobby from? Is the reserve open to anyone or do you have to be a member to use it.

[MH68]

Hi Mark

Where is the best place to view the Hobby from? Is the reserve open to anyone or do you have to be a member to use it.

Hi Gary, the first time I actually had a sighting it could have been easily viewed from outside the reserve.It spent a lot of time soaring and chasing Cabbage Whites above the treetops on the south side of the reserve, and at the NE end towards Salters Lane.
The last couple of times I`ve seen it , it`s been well inside the reserve, which unfortunately is members only access.Today I was within 20m of it and still found it hard to get a view due to the thick foliage!!!
It`d be worth spending an hour or two scanning the treeline bordering the field to the south, off the S Gosforth road, and keeping an eye on the treetops NE of there too(towards West Moor).
Windy conditions like today (and my last visit) seem to lead to the bird spending a lot of time perched, or using small areas of the woodland inside the reserve.Best views have been during less windy conditions where it spends more time soaring/chasing butterflies etc.
It`s a very vocal bird so even if you don`t get a sighting you`ll be in no doubt if it`s around.

Mark

[cuddy]

Good day today visited a few places.

Brier Dene farm 2 Marsh Harriers.

East Chevington, Black Tern, Wood sandpiper, Scaup 6, Whimbrel 16, Ruff 8 and plenty of Black and Bartail godwits.

Hauxley Greenshank 2, Common Sandpiper 3, and 2 Green Sandpiper, a year bird for me.

Also Roseate Tern offshore, a friend had a Bittern at Holywell pond.

I also talked to the birder who found the Stone Curlew and Black guillemot at Boulmer, he is one of the best birders in Northumberland and he has only recently moved to this location and it shows what can be found in underwatched areas congrats are due Stu.

Brian.

[Vipers]

Cheers Mark. I'll have to have a look for it in the next couple days.

[MH68]

No probs Gary, good luck mate if you get across there.

Mark

[Brian Bullough]

Went along the coast to Alnmouth today good number of terns on the beach south of the town with at least 4 Roseate,good mix of waders with over 120 Curlew in the high tide roost,small number of Manx north and 2 Sooty during a short seawatch, this area is well worth a visit.
Brian

[LSB]

Just Had Cory's Shearwater (18.30) and Great Shearwater (19.30) past St Mary's Lighthouse this evening...Both Lifers and Patch ticks :D :D
also
Sooty Shearwater 3
Manx Shearwater 5
Velvet Scoter 2 M


Pure Magic..........

[Quacker]

I was in Cambs/Lincs today - quite landlocked and I heard of all this Shearwater action from afar - (via pager)I nearly fainted when I saw the report of Little Shearwater reported as a mega, I'm positive at least 5 species of Shearwaters were reported in the area over the weekend.

I wonder if the the northward-heading Little Shearwater got as far as St Mary's/newbiggin etc.?

Anyof the local birders heading to Birdfair in a few weeks?

[salty]

Anyof the local birders heading to Birdfair in a few weeks?

im going with Rayl and Brianfm matey - you going?

[Stewart J.]

Warm sunny morning out here on South Tyne, interestingly 3 Willow Warblers trying to out sing each other and still a few Swifts screaming around.

Single Little Ringed Plover at Grindon Lough last night.

Stewart

[Gill Osborne]

Any of the local birders heading to Birdfair in a few weeks?

Next year DEFINITELY!!! I've been wanting to go for years but never been able to have time off work in August! :C

But this year I'll be X amount of miles out to sea *hopefully* watching shearwaters, petrels and dolphins off the NE coast on my first ever 'proper' pelagic *DEAD EXCITED!!!!!!! :D Does it show? ;)


Gill

[Stewart J.]

Next year DEFINITELY!!! I've been wanting to go for years but never been able to have time off work in August! :C

But this year I'll be X amount of miles out to sea *hopefully* watching shearwaters, petrels and dolphins off the NE coast on my first ever 'proper' pelagic *DEAD EXCITED!!!!!!! :D Does it show? ;)


Gill

Don't forget the "Quells" Gill, hope you all have a great day, too much of a busmans holiday for me.

Stewart

[Brian Bullough]

The North Sea could be shaping up for a very good palagic trip, but not for me I could be seasick just thinking about it,
seawatch yesterday afternoon /evening produced
135 Manx
17 Sooty
Great Shearwater
2 storm petrel
Bonxie & Arctic Skua
Took a break and tried to digiscope some of the roosting waders there where four Purple Sandpipers but could not get close enough, so just snapped anything that stood still long enough.
seawatch from 7-9 this morning 80 Manx & 7 Sooty the sea has a steady rolling swell the fishing boats are rocking from side......... to side.................
rocking...............& rolling...................up ........ and down..................
have fun !!!!!!
Brian

[MH68]

Interesting day at Gosforth park today......good views of the Hobby soaring over the flooded field.
Kestrel
Sparrowhawk
Large flock of Long tailed Tits along side of lake.
4 Greylags on flooded field
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Jay

Very few small birds in the woods, but the highlight of the day was watching and photographing a Water Shrew in front of one of the hides.First time I`ve seen one,and was well chuffed to get pics, one of which is attached below.....

Mark

[Stewart J.]

Nice one Mark, havent seen a Water Shrew in countless years, in fact it could have been Gosforth Park!

Stewart

[MH68]

It was really nice to actually see one.I knew they were present but didn`t imagine getting any sightings of them.To get pics was an even bigger bonus.

Mark

[Gill Osborne]

Don't forget the "Quells" Gill...

What's a quell? Some sort of seasickness remedy or some type of bird LOL

Keeping my fingers crossed that I don't suddenly develop seasickness...previous boat trips have only been for two hours at the most! Sure I'll be ok - I've got an iron constitution *touch wood* ;)


FANTASTIC pic of a Water Shrew there - think I would have burst with excitement at seeing one of those so close up!!! One for me to look out for next time I'm up at Gosforth Park.

Gill

[Stewart J.]

Hi Gill, Quells are indeed seasisck pills. Hope ypu have an iron constitution, the horrrendously nauseous small of a good "chum" mix and a rolling small boat??

Sure you'll enjoy it though.

Stewart

[MH68]

Hi Gill, Quells are indeed seasisck pills. Hope ypu have an iron constitution, the horrrendously nauseous small of a good "chum" mix and a rolling small boat??

Sure you'll enjoy it though.

Stewart

If worst comes to worst vomit is a good gull attractor!!! Seriously though, hope you have a good trip Gill.Cheers for the kind words re the pic.

Mark

[Gill Osborne]

Hope ypu have an iron constitution, the horrrendously nauseous small of a good "chum" mix and a rolling small boat??

I'm sure I'll cope LOL ;) I don't seem to have a very good sense of smell at the best of times and I've cleaned out countless cat litter trays in my time - sure THAT alone will stand me in good stead! ;)
As long as it doesn't smell like a baby's nappy I'll be ok!!! *i don't 'do' kids* :-O

The North Sea - and Northumberland - seems to be red hot at the moment....just hope it lasts until next weekend!


Gill

[martin kitching]

Its very unusual for anyone to be ill on any of our pelagics :bounce: The boat we go out on is a converted lifeboat which, being quite small, can sometimes roll alarmingly, although I've yet to witness anyone not enjoying themselves. Our skipper is also very mindful of the comfort of those on board. Last year we found ourselves in a quite impressive swell and, as everyone else sheltered behind the cabin, I was left at the back of the boat trying to hang on to the chum bin so that it didn't deposit its contents over the boat, which would have made the deck so slippery that we wouldn't have been able to stand up. As the boat was rolling I had to keep bracing myself against the sides/deck and maintain a grip on the increasingly wet and slippery bin. As I didn't have the shelter of the cabin I was also subjected to every wave that broke against the sides of the boat. It was round about this point that we had excellent views of Sooty Shearwater as well. Pelagic birding - you can't beat it :D

Seawatching seems to have slowed down since about 08:30 Tuesday. As I managed to miss all of the goodies available along the east coast on Sunday I decided to go to Newbiggin at first light on Monday (well, it is only 10 min from home). It was an impressive day with the following highlights in 15.5 hours;
Great Shearwater 2
Manx Shearwater 425
Sooty Shearwater 76 (some outrageously close- almost over land)
Balearic Shearwater 1
Common Scoter 644
Velvet Scoter 12 (including a flock of 5 drakes, which were absolutely stunning in the strong sunlight)
Bonxie 23

The 2 Great Shearwaters were quite educational (even though I've seen ~300 elsewhere in the N hemisphere). The 1st bird came through at 13:32 in a strong NNE breeze and was meandering up the coast so slowly that when I first saw it, and couldn't see any plumage detail, I was sure it was a Cory's. We assumed that this was the bird which had passed Bempton Cliffs at 07:45.
The second bird passed Whitburn just after 19:00 so we were expecting it to reach Newbiggin at about 20:10 (based on the bird tracked up the east coast on Sunday). Incredibly it took only 20 min from Whitburn to St Mary's and then another 20 min to reach Newbiggin. This was in very light winds and the bird was clearly not hanging about.....a note of caution for jizz ID!

We could do with strong NW winds for most of next week, easing as the weekend approches so that the swell will begin to die down.

I'm just about to depart for a five day seawatching trip, taking in both coasts of Scotland as well as Mull B (:
And then its back home for the pelagic.......

martin

[MH68]

Back at Gosforth park today.No sign of the Hobby but good views of male and female sparrowhawks and juvs.
Kingfisher sat on the tern platform fishing.
Woods very quiet, only 3 Roe deer seen,we think someone`s been in there with dogs in last day or so and unsettled them.2 Red Squirrels seen.

Mark

[cuddy]

Hi all visited a few of my local patches today.

Backworth flash was quite but a greenshank was nice.

Beehive flash held 2 Green sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff and Dunlin, Redshank.

St Marys had 200+ Golden Plover, 20 Sanderling, a single Ruff, a small flock of Teal, and a ufo Shearwater, just could not get a positive id on this, but not Manx or Sooty, so one that got away.

Hollywell pond was quite but nice to see Great grested Grebes with young.

Regards Brian.

[MH68]

Gosforth park today,
6 Green Sandpiper in flooded field.Good views of Great Spotted Woodpecker at the feeding station and watched a pair of juv Sparrowhawks fighting over the remains of a Jay.Kingfisher seen from hide 1.
Apart from that saw the usual species, and 6 Roe Deer and 6 Red Squirrels.

Mark

[Stewart J.]

Grindon Lough this evening, 2 Greenshank, 200+ Lapwing plus usual wildfowl.

Stewart

[Stewart J.]

Near Cawfields (N of Haltwhistle) 16.00hrs 2 Ravens unusual sighting for Hadrians Wall.

Grindon Lough 18.00hrs this evening, 4 Ruff, 25 Common Snipe (unusual number this location) 250+ Lapwing, plus all the usual wildfowl.

Stewart

[Quacker]

im going with Rayl and Brianfm matey - you going?

Sorry for delay! - have been away twice recently (Anglesey & Berlin)

Going to Birdfair tomorrow (Saturday) with the old man - getting dropped off and picked up again as the other half is spending the day with her mum at nearby Peterborough

[Quacker]

Hi all visited a few of my local patches today.

Backworth flash was quite but a greenshank was nice.

Beehive flash held 2 Green sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff and Dunlin, Redshank.

St Marys had 200+ Golden Plover, 20 Sanderling, a single Ruff, a small flock of Teal, and a ufo Shearwater, just could not get a positive id on this, but not Manx or Sooty, so one that got away.

Hollywell pond was quite but nice to see Great grested Grebes with young.

Regards Brian.

Keep them there, and invite a few more Brian. Looking forward to St. Mary's and surround, - pity about Cresswell, NWT need to get their act together. I think it's next week for the local meet.

Steve

[LSB]

Hi all
Curlew Sandpiper 3 at East chevington
Spotted Redshank at Druridge Pools View from screen hide on pond to the right
Red Necked Grebe Juv Cresswell pond
Black Tern adt at St Mary's Island also 6 Roseate Terns..
a cpl of dodgy shots I got..

[Brian Bullough]

St Mary's Island ,With the number of Roseate Terns increasing this has to be the place to see them post breeding,and there where five Black Terns mid evening tonight,whimbrel, and good number of Golden Plover,though the wetland does not seem to be pulling in the waders as yet.
Brian

[MH68]

Several confirmed sightings of Red Kites over Gosforth Park, plus a Common Buzzard last week.

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

St mary's today.

Nothing spectacular: a juvenile bar-tailed godwit posed nicely on the small beach north of the car park, a sparrow hawk put the fear of God into golden plovers in the fields between St Mary's and Seaton Sluice.

The highlight was the biggest mixed flock of finches I've ever seen, in the horse field in Seaton Sluice: I'd estimate 500+ birds - mainly linnets, greenfinches and goldfinches, but anything could've been in there...

Then I got caught in the electrical storm - my my, that was a bit wild!

[Keith Reeder]

There's a wilson's phalarope reported on the banks of the Coquet at Amble braid today - still there at 13:40...

[Keith Reeder]

Had a couple of hours in the fields near Blyth golf course- my local patch.

The warblers were very much conspicuous by their absence as you'd expect by now, but I found a nice female wheatear.

The highlight though was a willow tit - the first I've ever seen round here, and a complete surprise, being as it was in a small hawthorn hedge in a farm courtyard.

[MH68]

Had a wander round Gosforth Park with keith(Reeder) today....

distant view of a Red Kite, and Green Woodpecker before Keith arrived,but woods quiet birdwise.Plenty of Red Squirrels and Roe Deer active though.

Mark

[June Atkinson]

Several confirmed sightings of Red Kites over Gosforth Park, plus a Common Buzzard last week.

Mark

If you ever manage to read one of the wing tags, Mark, the Northern Kites Office would appreciate a call on 0191 4961555.
We have heard of sightings, but to have a definitive sighting would be great.
This year's youngsters seem more keen to disperse than last year's.
But, as I mentioned in our designated thread, we located 35 at Barlow/Barlow Burn last week. They seem to be roosting there, but exploring at greater distances during the day.

[MH68]

No problem June.Couldn`t say whether the bird I saw today had tags or not due to extreme distance.I know a friend saw a Kite over the reserve earlier this summer at fairly close range without any tags.

Mark

[Vipers]

I had two Marsh Harriers together at Cresswell this afternoon. Both females. Also five Curlew Sandpiper, two Ruff, four Knot, and a very young Water Rail.

[Alan G]

Had a canny morning today:

After an evening sea-watching at the Sluice on Friday evening (wet and windy) I thought I'd get out early this morning to see what the inclement weather would bring.

Was back on the Sluice for 6:30am having already spent 10 mins chasing some warbler (sp) across the dunes near the willows at St Marys.

On the Sluice, the first 2 birds I saw were (juv) Pied Fly and a Whinchat - looking knackered and not inclined to go too far, after a traumatic night I reckon?

Spent the next 3 hours sea-watching in the tower - a few Sootys, half a dozen Artics, several Manxs and a couple of RT Diver and a few flocks of Common Scoter & several flocks of Teal/wigoen but no sign of any Sabines for us unfortunately.

The day (was back home by 10:30am) was capped off with a couple of patch ticks in Blyth - another juv Pied Fly and a Green Sandpiper......

Alan

[cuddy]

Like you Alan i was at St Marys had the same birds on the sea and also Garden Warbler and Chiffchaff in the willows.

Linked up with Littlestintboy and it was of too Holy Island where we had cracking views of Icterine warbler and decent views of Greenish warbler, supporting cast consisted Redstart Pied Flycatcher Peregrine Sparrowhawk Wheatear and a large number of Whinchat.

We got back to St Marys late only to find that a Citrine wagtail had turned up on Alnmouth golf course, so along with another birding pal Bob we raced back up and managed to enjoy views of this lovely bird.

A smashing days birding from start to finish and between us managing lifers, Northumberland,patch, and year ticks .

[Alan G]

I'd actually planned a trip to Holy Island for yesterday myself but, at the time, the weather was looking ropey and it seemed a shame to travel so far when there was good stuff more locally.

Just wish I'd managed better views of this small passerine at St Marys first thing yesterday but a combination of the rain spattering my optics/specs and the fact it kept ducking into cover made it too difficult......and I never saw it again.

Also had several Black-Tailed Godwit in a flooded field at Blyth yesterday, but been past not more than 10 mins ago and the same pool was empty.

I'm heading to Holy Island tomorrow (Monday = less humans) so I'm hoping for some decent reports today but I suspect the better weather may have inspired any migrants to head off?

Alan

[salty]

reports of american golden plover at cresswell today as i pulled into the car park, turned out to be a grey plover though, still put on a decent show, even though it it was sleeping the whole time i was watching it.

good to see the water levels low for a change, plenty of waders out this evening.

[Barred Wobbler]

What a weekend! Birds I've seen since Saturday include Long tailed skua, Greenish warbler, Citrine wagtail, Rose-coloured starling, Icterine warbler, Baird's sandpiper and today, red-backed shrike.

Unreal!

Plus Arctic & great skuas, Manx & sooty shearwaters, white and yellow wagtails, peregrine, sparrowhawk & marsh harrier, ruff, curlew sands, greenshank, etc, etc.

[Stewart J.]

What a weekend! Birds I've seen since Saturday include Long tailed skua, Greenish warbler, Citrine wagtail, Rose-coloured starling, Icterine warbler, Baird's sandpiper and today, red-backed shrike.

Unreal!

Truly awesome, howsabout elaborating!

Stewart

|8.|

[Barred Wobbler]

Longtailed skua & greenish warbler, Newbiggin. Citrine wagtail, Alnmouth golf club. RC starling Low Newton, Icterine, Holy Island. Bairds, Boulmer, RB Shrike Newbiggin.

[Stewart J.]

Longtailed skua & greenish warbler, Newbiggin. Citrine wagtail, Alnmouth golf club. RC starling Low Newton, Icterine, Holy Island. Bairds, Boulmer, RB Shrike Newbiggin.

Nice one Alan, weekends like that don't happen often,.

Stewart

:bounce:

[Barred Wobbler]

It's a good job. I couldn't stand the excitement! B (:

The ones I DIDN'T see included wryneck, barred warbler and little bunting!

[Keith Reeder]

I spent a couple of hours at Newbiggin today.

The barred warbler was still about apparently (possibly more than one), but I didn't get any views myself.

Loads of stonechats and some whinchat, and wheatears all over.

A spotted redshank was on the beach, and I saw a garden warbler in "the mound".

The juvenile red-backed shrike was still on the scene too - record shot attached which would have been better, but the light was horrible this morning.

Oh - and thanks to Bob and Andy, two birders there today who gave me loads of tips and suggestions about how to make the most of the visit.

[Stewart J.]

Grindon Lough this evening, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, Wigeon numbers have been building up all week 200+ tonight. 2 Ravens flew over North. Boy was it cold, ended up wearing fleece and gloves!!

21.45hrs tonight big group of Greylags flew west over village honking loudly.

Thrushes soon?

Stewart

So Bulgaria tomorrow for 2 weeks

[salty]

Grindon Lough this evening, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, Wigeon numbers have been building up all week 200+ tonight. 2 Ravens flew over North. Boy was it cold, ended up wearing fleece and gloves!!

21.45hrs tonight big group of Greylags flew west over village honking loudly.

Thrushes soon?

Stewart

So Bulgaria tomorrow for 2 weeks

have a good hol mate, it will all be different when you get back! - i was wearing fleece and gloves myself today, and that was in the sunlight.......brrrr :eek!:

[Stewart J.]

have a good hol mate, it will all be different when you get back! - i was wearing fleece and gloves myself today, and that was in the sunlight.......brrrr :eek!:

Thanks marrow, you ever been? great place the Raptor migration is awesome as are the rest of the birds, booze is unbelievebly cheap as is food etc and the people are lovely, safe as houses even in the stix, our third visit in 2 years. (Probably all change when they join the ECM in the near future)

Flying out of Newcastle too!

Stewart

[salty]

Thanks marrow, you ever been? great place the Raptor migration is awesome as are the rest of the birds, booze is unbelievebly cheap as is food etc and the people are lovely, safe as houses even in the stix, our third visit in 2 years. (Probably all change when they join the ECM in the near future)

Flying out of Newcastle too!

Stewart

mate, i have never been out of the country! - only got my passport this summer :gn:

[Stewart J.]

mate, i have never been out of the country! - only got my passport this summer :gn:

In my younger days all my birding was in the UK, thoroughly enjoyed it and listened to friends tales of overseas birding for years without the inclination to try it. Major mistake!. Then I did, since I've wondered why I deprived myself of the joys of seeing so many species, countries and meeting people for so many years.

Go for it mate while your still young, don't make my mistake.

Stewart

[Keith Reeder]

I spent yesterday (Saturday) at Hulne Park - I fancied the wide variety of habitats available in a relatively small, easily walked area, and hoped for some good photo opportunities.

The weather put paid to the latter aspiration - brilliant sunshine on the way up, but I'd no sooner got there but it clouded over and started to rain...

An interesting day though.

The raptors were out in force: I saw several buzzards, three sparrowhawks, a peregrine, and a geet big female goshawk which came down the Aln valley chasing a mallard. I didn't see the outcome, because they hurtled round a bend in the river.

No eagle owls though... ;)

The buzzards were fun to watch: two of 'em in particular, mucking about in the updraughts over the treeline, playing a game of "fly up with something in your claws, drop it and see if you can catch it again before it hits the ground", which was really entertaining - for me as well as them.

In the woodland on the higher slopes, I saw an enormous mixed flock of tits, goldcrests and finches working through the canopy. There were hundreds of them, presumably feeding up for the winter. No hawfinches, but there were a few redpoll among the crowd.

There were dippers on the river, and I also saw two (very?) early redwing fly over.

Weirdest thing though, was watching a young pheasant indulging in some flagrant cannibalism. It was really getting stuck into a dead pheasant chick on the trail, clawing at it, and scarfing bits of the corpse down.

Who'd be a pheasant, eh?

[level seven]

A Black Redstart's been seen today on the farm buildings by Cresswell Pond. It's been there all day so should be worth looking out for if anyone's over that way.

[salty]

A Black Redstart's been seen today on the farm buildings by Cresswell Pond. It's been there all day so should be worth looking out for if anyone's over that way.

typical, i wont be able to ge tup there till friday - probaly been ate by the peregrine by then............... :news:

[johnmichael]

gosh,thats fantastic,ive never seen a female goshawk but i have been busting a gut this last 6 months to see one,centred mainly on hamsterley forest.
great bird once again...regards..john

[June Atkinson]

[QUOTE=Keith Reeder]I spent yesterday (Saturday) at Hulne Park - I fancied the wide variety of habitats available in a relatively small, easily walked area, and hoped for some good photo opportunities.


Keith,
Where is Hulne Park? How accessible is it for those with limited mobility i.e.walking sticks and short distances?

It sounds a very rewarding spot to be.

[Keith Reeder]

It isn't bad at all, June - a fair bit of it well-surfaced estate roads or gravelled bridleways.

It's actually a bit of the Duke of Northumberland's back garden (well, ye knaa), and it's literally just round the corner from Alnwick town centre (a five minute walk, but you can actually park right outside the entrance).

It's a bit up-and-down in places, but there's quite a lot available within a short walk of the entrance.

This isn't the best time of year, mind - in the colder months the little feeding station right at the entrance is a real gem, and it's probably the best place in Northumberland for hawfinches: but the truth is, you could see just about anything there.

Here's a Multimap link:
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=55.4196&lon=-1.7172&scale=25000&icon=x

The entrance is on the minor road in the middle of the map, between the words "mon" and "sch"!

Hi Johnmichael, the goshawk was a treat, but not entirely a surprise.

That part of Northumberland is actually pretty good for goshawk - more specifically, the Simonside hills, Harwood forest, Thrunton wood, etc. are all good sites for goshawk, and it's only a quick flap of the wings from them to Hulne Park, and the habitat seems really good for goshawk.

I wondered at the time if the bird I saw was a young bird sorting out a territory for itself...

[John Fleet]

It isn't bad at all, June - a fair bit of it well-surfaced estate roads or gravelled bridleways.

It's actually a bit of the Duke of Northumberland's back garden (well, ye knaa), and it's literally just round the corner from Alnwick town centre (a five minute walk, but you can actually park right outside the entrance).

Ilat=55.4196&lon=-1.7172&scale=25000&icon=x"]http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=55.4196&lon=-1.7172&scale=25000&icon=x[/url]

..

but note - no cars are allowed in the park so you do have to walk

John

[June Atkinson]

Keith and John,
Thank you for your swift response. I have saved the info and hopefully one fine day we might venture northwards from Ponteland - we're always looking for new sites and Hulne sounds very attractive in lots of ways.
Just have to get my husband more mobile........especially if cars are not allowed - not even if one has a disabled disk? Often there is a special dispensation to allow us to get a little nearer to the sites of interest or to hides etc.

[MH68]

Nice report Keith, might have to have a look up there soon....did you bus it up there?

Mark

[John Fleet]

Keith and John,

Just have to get my husband more mobile........especially if cars are not allowed - not even if one has a disabled disk? Often there is a special dispensation to allow us to get a little nearer to the sites of interest or to hides etc.

Don't know about that - why not give them a call on Tel: +44 (0) 1665 510777 and check it out - the Alnwick web site mention 'partial disabled access'

John

[Keith Reeder]

The thing is, June - it is private land, but you never know until you ask.

Certainly there were cars going on and off the site during the course of the day (there's a working farm there, and a stables), so it's definitely worth a call.

Notices on site also suggest that a call to the estate might allow visitors access to tracks which are not part of the normal itinerary, so it does seem like they're prepared to be flexible.

Mark,

yeah, I did jump on a bus on Saturday - there are a few which can be picked up from Gosforth High Street. Pretty painless, really.

[Mouldy]

[QUOTE=Keith Reeder] No hawfinches, but there were a few redpoll among the crowd.[QUOTE]


I keep hearing that Hulne is a great place for Hawfinch though I haven't yet ventured up there. As Hawfinch is top of my wanted list after many dips at supposed hotspots in Cheshire, Fountains Abbey and locally could anyone give me advice on best time of day, year and where to look for increased chances of seeing just one?

Thanks :flyaway:

[Keith Reeder]

Hi Mouldy,

in truth, my experience of hawfinches and Hulne is very limited.

Before this latest visit, I'd only been once before - 22 Jan this year - because late Autumn/Winter is the time to be there for hawfinches. Apparently.

They are, according to the scuttlebutt, seen most regularly (or most easily) at the gatehouse entrance to the park: there are some tallish trees either side of the gatehouse, and that's where the birds tend to be most often seen.

Certainly I didn't really expect much on the day when I was there, but - sure enough - I looked up and there was a female hawfinch, just where she was supposed to be.

Lucky thing too, because the park was closed that day for shooting or somesuch..!

This was about 10am, but I don't know if there's a "best" time.

It goes without saying that they aren't guaranteed, but that was the easiest "hard" bird I'd ever come across.

[johnmichael]

thanks for the info' on goshawks.I'm simply in awe of these birds,not least because i haven't reliably seen one yet!A few views of displaying female sparrowhawks has got the pulse racing once or twice but they always turn out too lightweight for goshawks,even males.Interestingly,there is a stuffed goshawk at Kielder castle and quite frankly its a disappointment,even if it was male and allowing for the fact that specimens can be underfilled.Right now i'm surveying hamsterley forest and will report any news{ A broad daylight LEO was a lifer for me there recently}!regards...john

[salty]

[QUOTE=Keith Reeder] No hawfinches, but there were a few redpoll among the crowd.[QUOTE]


I keep hearing that Hulne is a great place for Hawfinch though I haven't yet ventured up there. As Hawfinch is top of my wanted list after many dips at supposed hotspots in Cheshire, Fountains Abbey and locally could anyone give me advice on best time of day, year and where to look for increased chances of seeing just one?

Thanks :flyaway:

try the feeding station at washington WWT, i have had hawfinch there, really close views too!

[Mouldy]

Thanks Keith and Salty,

as a relative newcomer to the Forum I suppose I should just keep an eye on the threads this winter to see if any are about and act on info received.

Tried Chopwell Woods area loadsa times last winter, plenty o' Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll, but not a sniff of the elusive one....though I know at least one was seen in the area.

[Gill Osborne]

Nice report Keith, might have to have a look up there soon....did you bus it up there?

Mark

You cannot miss it Mark......get a bus up from Newcastle, get off at Alnwick Bus Station (nip into the Post Office to drag me out birding ;) ) and follow the road past Morrisons/bowling club and down the bank which is Northumberland Street ( FREE parking all day for anybody not wanting to pay the extortionate amounts AND avoid the red-hot traffic wardens - and it's just two minutes walk from the cetre of the town!). When you get to the bottom of the bank you'll have the Rainbow Nursery on your left and you turn left and go UP the bank - not the road leading to Eglingham & Wooler - which is Ratten Row (the other site which is FREE parking all day!) and the entrance to Hulne Park is at the top!

I've been told that the warden who lives in the Lodge at the gates regularly feeds Red Squirrels in his garden behind the house and these are easily seen from the path!
I've just 'discovered' the joys of Hulne Park after having an hour & a half to burn before a hairdressing appointment and nipping into the park to see what was about ( had a Nuthatch close to the gates) and can't wait to delve further in! Luckily I had set the alarm on my mobile to remind me to return to my car or I would have easily forgotten all about my appointment! :girl:

Gill

[MH68]

Cheers for that Gill, any idea how long it`ll take from Newcastle to Alnwick roughly? i`ll definitely have to have a visit soon....

Mark

[StevieEvans]

try the feeding station at washington WWT, i have had hawfinch there, really close views too!

Hi Richie
When was this..? Didnt know they'd been seen there.
SE.

The main driveway at Hulne is an easy & excellent walk, very good for Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Woodpeckers etc. Had a Fulmar circling over there one morning too.

[Keith Reeder]

Mark,

the journey on the 501/505 takes about 75 minutes from Gosforth High Street.

If you end up on the 518, it's a lot longer because it goes all over the place - handy for Alnmouth though..!

But if you catch the 501/505 from Morpeth, it's only about 35 minutes.

There's the Cramlington - Alnmouth train option too, of course.

[MH68]

Cheers Keith will look into timetables etc soon.

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

Check your emails, mate!

;)

[MH68]

Thanks Keith you`re a star!

Mark

[Keith Reeder]

It's true..!

;)

[salty]

Hi Richie
When was this..? Didnt know they'd been seen there.
SE.

it was sometime last year, in winter, cant remember if it was early 2004 or the back end of the year though, as i dont record sightings - yes i know i should.

only the one bird though. quite big too! - little bit smaller than a starling, i was shocked when it popped up!