Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park 2006

[IanF]

At less than a mile from home, things don't get much more local for a local patch.

With the best of intentions I thought I keep a list of species seen as the year progresses. No doubt there will be a 'same-ness' to the lists of species seen though new birds do turn up throughout the year.

Sometimes I just visit one area and sometimes trips cover the whole Park.

Park Information -

Located off the A1185 Seal Sands Road two kilometres east of the A689 Wolviston Roundabout junction on the north side of Billingham. Site facilities include a large metalled car park and several paths providing easy access for the disabled. There is a modern visitor centre, but opening times seem to vary and is geared more toward school visits and organised activities though they won't turn anyone away.

The main site covers approx one square kilometre of mainly grassland which also covers two small hills. There are varied habitats including still water ponds, a stream, reed beds, mixed woodland and several established hedge lines. The south side of Seal Sands Road is part of the park and is mainly recently planted woodland with numerous paths throughout.

Adjacent to the car park and access through a small chain link gate opposite the car park entrance is a bird feeding station which is kept going throughout Winter and early Spring attracting a very good head of birds with regular visitors including Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Redwing, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker. There is a second smaller feeding station behind the visitors centre used by ringers but access isn't as good as the main one with food only provided when ringing is in progress.

There is one large pond and several smaller ones dotted around the site attracting a good variety of water birds, both resident and migrant. There is a permanent head of Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Coot and Moorhen with Cormorants, Little Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Heron seen almost daily. Mute Swan and Canada Geese breed most years. Goldeneye, Red Crested Pochard, Kingfisher and Smew crop up each year. The pond can be accessed from three sides the fourth being a nature reserve. The surrounding bushes hold a good selection of the smaller birds. Whilst unsightly electricity pylons cross the site they provide perfect lookout points for numerous Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and the occasional Marsh and Hen Harriers which have been known to nest in the park.

Several of the smaller wetland areas attract a wide variety of Dragonfly and Damselfly in the Summer for which the site is noted.

The stream through the site attracts water birds and Kingfisher.

Facilities -
Months Open: All Year
Opening Hours: 9am-4pm. (Visitor Centre Closed Saturdays)
Car parking facilities: Yes
Coach parking facilities: Yes
Picnic area (uncovered): Yes
Wheelchair access: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Children's play area: Yes
Shop/gift centre: Yes
Coffee shop: Yes

Contact Details
Phone: 01642 415225
Fax: 01642 415225

Email:cowpenbewley.woodlandpark@stockton.gov.uk (cowpenbewley.woodlandpark@stockton.gov.uk)


I shall attempt to keep this thread going throughout the year with updates of what has been seen. Please feel free to chip in with any observations or add any birds you've seen if you've visit the park.

[IanF]

A dull overcast day but being the first one of the year a visit to the park was almost a must. It was fine and temperatures pretty mild around 6°C. A chill breeze from the south west but not too strong made it feel quite fresh.

Pauliev69 accompanied me on a visit c.10:30-12:30.

Parking in the car park there were c.20 birds on the tall trees mainly comprising Greenfinch, Goldfinch and a couple of Yellowhammer. A few Magpie and Crow and a Rook were on the various small trees around the picnic area. On the pond beside the car park were a pair of Mute Swan (resident) and some Mallard.

We headed along the hard core path to the filter bed and turned right through the five-bar gate and forked right so as to follow the hawthorn hedge beside the visitor centre. Usually a good spot for birds there was nothing to see today - not even on the small feeding station used by the ringers behind the visitor centre - despite being piled with food. No sign of the ringers either.

One reaching the railway line the path turns left through 20' high Alder trees. I'd just passed one when Paul called me back a few yards and pointed up into the tree. He'd heard Siskin and sure enough there were six of them feeding on the old catkins. A regular winter visitor but not always easy to find. We spent a few minutes watching them and trying to take a few photos in the dull light. They moved to another tree and we followed where we also saw three Goldfinch, two Goldcrest and a flock of Long-tailed Tit x12.

Following the path by the railway lines we could see large flocks of birds on a small embankment 150 yards away on the other side of the lines where there is no access. Too distant to ID the 150+ small birds flock for sure but Linnet sprung to mind. The flcoks of Crows and Feral Pigeons were easy enough to see numbering around 30 each.

As we reached the main pond we could see a different flock of birds which lept landing and taking off from bushes and trees on either side of the track. As we got closer we could see they were virtually all Linnet but also with Greenfinch, Goldfinch and a few Redwing mixed in. They made a remarkable sight almost as numerous as the leaves would have been. A photo of one such Linnet-tree is attached.

In the bushes on the edge of the pond were the odd Robin, Dunnock and Reed Bunting.

The pond itself was pretty quiet. It can be hit and miss from one visit to the next. Present were Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Pochard, Goldeneye (female), Mute Swan family, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Black-headed Gull.

We carried on around the pond completing the circuit back to the car park seeing very little else and went into the feeding station. I put out a few sunflower hearts which the birds love - though really there was plenty of food already put out by the park rangers and other visitors.

In the feeding station we saw Marsh Tit, Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird and Dunnock. As we left a Great Spotted Woodpecker landed in the silver birch trees above.

We drove home via Cowpen Bewley Road where we picked up a single Waxwing by the cemetry and then another small flock a few yards further on.

I made that 35 species - slightly below average for this location but the Linnet and Siskins were good finds.

[IanF]

Don't worry this isn't going to be a day by day account - it's just I was off work again today and no car to hand this location is a handy spot to walk to from home.

Visit 10:30-12:30.

Another dull day about the same as New Years Day.

Entering the park from the west corner you walk through what one day will be a nice mixed wood. It's a little boggy in places but the alder trees seem to like that though there are a good number of conifers, beech, oak and some open grassland with hawthorn bushes and gelder rose. A few Magpie, Crows and a Rook were the first birds seen. 100 yards further on were a pair of Lesser Redpoll feeding in a 25' high alder tree. They soon moved on and so did I. On passing through the gate in the chain link fence you reach a few mature trees 70-80' high. Here there were Goldcrests, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit and sat on the fence a pair of Mistle Thrush. The small ponds held Mallard. Teal and a few Pochard.

Following the path I came out beside the feeding station to enter the car park. I didn't stop for a look as I planned on calling in on the return journey. Noticeable though were the Greenfinch and Goldfinch in the tree tops and a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the same tree as yesterday which dropped down onto one of the nest boxes and started drumming. Not for long though as I was only 20 yards away and I'd guess it saw me and then flew off north. The bushes by the car park were alive with chirping birds. I could see Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Treesparrow and Yellowhammer but I dare say there were more species but being dense and in poor light they were hard to spot.

As I walked across the car park I could see a large flock of 40+ birds between me and the visitors centre by the picnic area. They were landing in the small trees and then disappearing into the grass. I decided to walk round that way and as I got closer I could see they were mainly Meadow Pipit. There were a few Greenfinch, Goldfinch, a Robin and a Dunnock but they were likely incidental rather than part of the flock. I watched them for a while until they once more disappeared into the grass - invisible until someone walked too close and they took off in an undulating mass.

I headed up alongside the hedge beside the visitors centre and once again there was very little to see until I reached the railway line. No sign of the Siskins today but a Yellowhammer was on the top of a bush by the lines - a usual spot for them.

On checking the electricity pylons I spotted a Kestrel sat high up - a regular perch for them as well.

On reaching the main pond a scan around the water revealed the same species as yesterday with a strange addition - a pair of Muscovy Duck! A first for me for this location. I think they were there yesterday as I saw a white head poking through the grass on the island but had assumed it was a white mallard/farm duck that turns up each year. Across the railway lines a flock of 100+ birds were on the bankside. They were swarming arund the sky and at one point passed overhead showing them to be the Linnets again. A few minutes later another flock passed over this time comprising 27x Goldfinch.

In the bushes by the NE corner of the pond were a few Treesparrow, Robin, Dunnock and Reed Bunting x4. The odd Chaffinch pair were in the bushes as I headed back to the car park, but very little else.

On leaving the car park I turned right down the track towards the sewage works. Usually within 300 yards you find Bullfinch - there was no sign yesterday but today it only took 30 yards to locate a pair.

At the feeding station things were very quiet with just a few birds visiting. Some well marked brightly coloured Yellowhammer brigthened things up as they fed on the gruond with the Chaffinches and Treesparrows. Most notable birds were Willow Tit and a flock of Long-tailed Tit x12 that took over all of the peanut feeders for a few minutes until the Great Tits bossed them out of the way.

New species for the day were - Lesser Redpoll, Mistle Thrush, Teal, Meadow Pipit, Kestrel, Bullfinch and Muscovy Duck. Muscovy Duck? - yep! if it's living wild having made it's own way there - it's good enough for me!

Species count to date 42!

[pauliev69]

Great idea Ian, looking forward to contributing, enjoyed the New Years Day report.
Looks like you had a good day today, well done on getting the pic of the LTT and the Muscovy! Recorded a strange looking duck on 07/12/05 at first I thought it was the same but looks like some type of Hybrid, any suggestions?

[IanF]

I think it's the same birds Paul - just a bit cleaner now or the plumage more advanced. 'Muscovy-type' duck maybe more accurate ;)

First time I've seen them there so they must be moving around the various ponds or even on the beck.

Looking forward to your contributions :t:

[cuddy]

Hi Ian and happy new year, i never realised the reserve spanned the road and as both marsh and willow tit are recorded i will certainly try and visit next time im down that way.

brian.

[Quacker]

Flying visit yesterday morning (2/1) for a very "subdued" feeding station. One lone tree sparrow, one Blackbird and two rather large rats!

The feeders/tables were full and fit for a king (or avian equivalent) - take note Low Barns!

There were many Greenfinch and several Siskin in the surrounding trees. No Yellowhammer, Bullfinch or Marsh Tit today.

There are one or two "oddments" on that pond as well as the Muscovy. There was one dabbling/diving duck with an orange tipped blue/black bill. No photo I'm afraid.

As Cuddy said, should check here more often instead of racing past it for the more illustrious pools.

[pauliev69]

Arrived at my local patch at 10.15, although it was frosty the sun was threatening to come out so it seemed a good day for some pics.
First bird of the day was a Mistle Thrush in the car park followed by good views of 25+ Greenfinch on the trees by the feeding station.
Headed down thwe back lane which was lacking in birdlife so I took a few shots of the winter scenery.
Heade off down to the big pond which was mostly covered with a thin layer of ice. I was delghted to see the Goosanders had returned 6 Male and 6 Female were swimming together were the ice had melted, of course it was in the middle of the pond so made pics difficult.
I next spotted Ians Muscovy's and strolled down to the bankside to see if they would come closer, they are obviously domestic because they came onto the bank and fed from my hand.
Then spotted a Female Goldeneye swimming with the Tufted Ducks, she came quite close so I got good views.
Also present on the pond were Pochard, Shelduck, Mallard, Mute Swan and100+ BH Gulls.
By now the sun had dissapeared anthe clouds were rolling in, decided to go back to the car for a coffee. On the way back I spotted 2 x Male Bullfinch and 1 x Female a first for me on this patch. further along the sream a Grey Wagtail made an appearance and I was able to take some pics.
After a refreshing brew I decided to go back down to the pond for another look at the Goosanders, on the way I say Tree Sparrow, a pair of Reed Buntings, Siskin, Goldfinch and a flock of Linnets on the other side of the railway track.Saw GSW and 5 Yellowhammer on the way back to the car park.
After taking more pics of the Goosanders I made my way home, happy with a good days birding ;)

[IanF]

It sounds like you had a good day Paul. Very good sightings for the Grey Wagtail, Goosander and getting such a good shot of the Goldeneye :t:

[pauliev69]

Red-necked Grebe reported at the pond today, also 10 Goosander and 3 Mealy Redpoll

[IanF]

Yep! The Red-necked Grebe was still there today and giving very good close views in front of the hide on the main pond. Only four Goosander today though I came across 9 Redpoll - a flock of three by the hedge behind the visitors centre and another six by the footbridge where the becks join at the north side of the Park.

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon having a having a wander around the reserve. Very dark skies and threatening rain but it managed to stay fine.

From the car park there were 40+ birds in the tops of the birches comprising Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Great Tit, Siskin.

Mute Swan and Mallard were on the small ponds beside the car park and a few Meadow Pipit where they were last week on the small trees and on the ground by the picnic areas. Blackbirds were in the trees along with three or four Goldcrest.

Heading up the hedge line beside the visitor centre brought 12+ Long-tailed Tits, Siskin x6, Tree Sparrow 12+, Goldcrest 6+, Goldfinch x7 and Lesser Redpoll x3. Meally were reported there yesterday but I wouldn't like to call the ones I saw today. Blue Tit, Great Tit, Greenfinch and Blackbird were on the ringers feeding tables.

The only birds on the hedge itself were Blackbird, Crow, Rook, Yellowhammer and occasionally the Redpoll and Siskin as the flitted from the alders to the hedge and back. Still no sign of the Blackcaps that can usually be found here.

On reaching the railway lines Robin and Yellowhammer were on the bushes and large a large flock of small birds were flitting about the skies 300+ easily and likely Linnet though never seen close up to be sure.

Reed Bunting, Hedge Accentor and Wren were in the bushes on the left on reaching the pond and the usual Robin. Mallard and the Muscovy's were on the bank by the seats cleaning up the bread someone had scattered.

On the pond itself were Pochard, Goldeneye (female), Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Mallard, Little Grebe, Goosander (3 male 1 female), Coot and Moorhen. 50-60 Black-headed Gulls. Best sighting though was of the Red-necked Grebe which spent most of the time in the corner in front of the hide (I should mention the hide is disused and locked - it can't be used for birdwatching).

Following the path to the north beside the hill there were several Chaffinch and Reed Bunting in the bushes and just before reaching the new bridge over the beck there were Yellowhammer x26 or thereabouts in the tops of the bushes on the left. As I went through the gate onto the bridge six more Redpoll landed on the same bush before taking flight again.

Following the stream towards Cloff Bridge there were plenty of Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow in the bushes alongside. Then just above the weir I spotted a Kingfisher. It's a good few months since I last saw one here. I don't think it saw me as it only flew 50 yards and then landed again. This time though as I drew near it took off heading up stream and out of sight.

On reaching the cycle way I turned left and headed back towards the car park. Apart from Great Tits there was little in the hedges - too busy a place on Saturday afternoons. In the Sewage Works through the fence I spotted a Grey Wagtail and a pair of Pied Wagtails.

After that I just headed back to the car - giving the feeding station a miss today.

Best birds of the day and new for me for the year this location were Kingfisher, Goosander, Grey Wagtail and Pied Wagtail.

Top bird was the Red-necked Grebe - a first ever for this location as far as I'm aware.

Photos more like record shots - I'll just blame the dull weather!

[pauliev69]

Hi Ian,
well done on the pics on such a miserable, dark day, hope the RNG and the Redpoll hang around untill tommorrow!
Nice to see a first on a local patch

[StevieEvans]

...Red-necked Grebe

Hi Ian
nice report, do you know is this the same bird as Rec Pond one ?
Steve

[IanF]

Hi Steve,

I can't say for sure, but I think it's a different one altogether. I've only had very distant views of the one on Rec Pond. This one seems to have far more colour on the neck.

[Larry Lade]

Ian, I enjoyed reading your ongoing saga of the bird life around Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park. I am not sure about the local geography, but when reading your account it certainly brought back memories of when Trevor took my friend and me over to the Barnes Wetland in London. (This was when we had a flight layover on our way over to Kenya in January, 2004.)

Thanks again, Trevor!

[pauliev69]

On a grey damp morning I entered the car park at 10.00 to be greeted by the usual Greenfinch and Tree Sparrows in the tall trees by the feeding station, always a welcome sight.
Headed straight to the big pond were a Red Necked Grebe had been seen and photographed by Ian yesterday, I was hoping for some decent pics myself.
On the way I was delighted to see a Roe Deer bounding up the hill, a first for me at this site.
The pond had agood number today including the resident Mute Swans, Mallard and Coot, a smaller number of BH Gulls than usual but the Red necked Grebe and Male and Female Goosander were showing well.
On the other side of the railway line the Linnet flock seemed to have increased to 200+ probably made up of mixed flock but too distant to ID.
By 12.00 it had started to drizzle, so made my way back to the car calling in at the feeding station for a quick look.
As I arrived a GSW flew in and settled on a branch, it was soon disturbed on flew off not to be seen again.
Good numbers of Tree Sparrow were feeding on the ground 15+ along with Dunnock and Chaffinch.
So two firsts for me today on my local patch the RNGrebe and the Roe Deer ;);)
Apologies for the pics, the lighting was poor

[IanF]

Congrats on getting to see the RN Grebe Paul :t: We could do with a brighter day really. The deer I've seen a few times but by no means regularly. Usually there are three together.

I never made it today. The afternoon was too dull so I just popped down to Saltholme and rec Pond for half an hour. The RN Grebe is still there so that's definitely two of them and possibly at least three as there was one at Hartlepool Headland last weekend.

[Quacker]

Hi Steve,

I can't say for sure, but I think it's a different one altogether. I've only had very distant views of the one on Rec Pond. This one seems to have far more colour on the neck.

I concur. Had very close (& scoped) views of the Rec Pond RNG - as you say this one showed more Red Neck for want of a better phrase.

Ian/Paul - i assume the remote house with the windmill is the visitors centre you refer too, any further info for us travellers? - been to CBCP several times as you know without visiting it.

On a similar didn't know thing, when we visited (2/1) with local RSPB group, they were aware of the park, but not the feeding station. Siskins were appreciated from outside.

[IanF]

Hi Steve,

The first post in this thread gives details of the park and the facilities and opening times for the visitors centre. I think they term it an 'activity centre' as really it's aimed at kids and families and school parties.

There are information boards around the site some with maps and leaflets.

The feeding station is through the small gate opposite the entrance to the car park. The gate has a sign on it saying 'Feeding Station' ;)

I've attached a DIY map with the main footpaths.

[pauliev69]

Just a few pics taken last week

[IanF]

I had another look around the Park this morning with my wife who wanted to see the Red-necked Grebe. Another gloomy day.

We bumped into StevieEvans with a couple of friends as they were just leaving - having seen the RN Grebe, Kingfisher and a flock of Redpoll.

Heading up the hedgeline beside the 'activity centre' we startled five Redwing from the hedge. We then came across 25+ Siskin on the alders by the railway lines along with a couple of Goldcrest and Goldfinches.

Approaching the pond a large flock 200+ birds were on the other side of the railways lines and wheeling overhead - mostly comprising Linnet. A few Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and a couple of Tree Sparrow were in the pond side bushes.

The pond itself held fewer birds than normal. The RN Grebe was present still giving good views mainly in front of the defunct hide and along towards the conservation area. There were two female Goosander but no sign of the males today. Other birds were Goldeneye (fem), Grey Heron, Pochard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen and a single Cormorant. The Muscovy were certainly approachable taking bread from the hand which encouraged a couple of Mallard to do likewise!

Along the path to the north from the hide there were several mixed flocks of 20-30 birds comprising Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Siskin, Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow and Chaffinch. I spotted six Redpoll either in pairs or singly.

Heading back towards the car park there was a flock of 25+ Meadow Pipit and in the trees above the car park a single Great Spotted Woodpecker though flocks of a dozen or so birds were repeatedly landing and taking off from the tree tops.

[pauliev69]

Well done with the RN Grebe pics Ian, best yet, hopefully the weather will change by Wed (my day off) for a chance of some good pics ;)

[StevieEvans]

Well done with the RN Grebe pics Ian, best yet, hopefully the weather will change by Wed (my day off) for a chance of some good pics ;)
Thanks for info Ian, our best ever views of RNG (other RNG was still on Rec 10mins later).
Our first visit to Cowpen Bewley & i cant believe how many times i passed it without hardlies a glance..... we'll be back. SE

[pauliev69]

A sunny day today, I was enthusiastic of getting some good photos.
The car park area had the usual Greenfinch, Goldfinchmand good numbers of Tree Sparrow.
The pond had 3 Female Goosander, Shovelor,Pochard, Tufted Duck and the RNGrebe, managed a few closer photos of the Grebe as it swam close to the bankside near the old hide.
The flock of Linnet were still present opposite the railway track, a fellow birder told me he had seen Twite in this area, possibly part of the linnet flock?
The feeding area was busy today sightings included:-
Willow Tit
Marsh Tit
Yellowhammer
Blue & Great Tit
Long tailed Tit
Greenfinch & Chaffinch
Dunnock
Tree Sparrow
Coal Tit
Blackbird
A Female GSW visited the feeding area on 5 seperate occasions.
And just an update On the " Muscovy Ducks", I spoke to the ranger today and she told me the Ducks were brought over from a nieghbouring pond Charltons, they were under threat from some malicious group, sad really, but they seem quite happy here!

[pauliev69]

Recorded sightings
Please update new sightings
(In no order)
1.BLACK HEADED GULL
2.BLACKBIRD
3.BLUE TIT
4.BULLFINCH
5.CHAFFINCH
6.COAL TIT
7.COOT
8.DUNNOCK
9.FERAL PIGEON
10.GADWALL
11.GOLDCREST
12.GOLDENEYE
13.GOOSANDER
14.GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
15.GREAT TIT
16.GREENFINCH
17.GREY WAGTAIL
18.KESTREL
19.LINNET
20.LONG TAILED TIT
21.MAGPIE
22.MALLARD
23.MOORHEN
24.MUTE SWAN
25.PHEASANT
26.PIED WAGTAIL
27.POCHARD
28.REDWING
29.REED BUNTING
30.ROOK
31.SHELDUCK
32.SISKIN
33.STARLING
34.TREE SPARROW
35.TUFTED DUCK
36.WAXWING
37.WILLOW TIT
38.WREN
39.YELLOWHAMMER
40.RED NECKED GREBE
41.MARSH TIT
42.CROW
43.SHOVELER
44.CORMORANT
45.LESSER REDPOLL
46.KINGFISHER
47.MEADOW PIPIT
48.SPARROWHAWK
49.LITTLE GREBE
50.GOLDFINCH
51.FIELDFARE
52.ROBIN
53.SANDERLING
54.SHORT EARED OWL
55.LITTLE EGRET
56.GREY PARTRIDGE
57.STONECHAT
58.GOLDEN PLOVER
59.OYSTERCATCHER
60.REDSHANK
61.GREY HERON
62.BLACKCAP
63.WOODCOCK
64.SKYLARK
65.SAND MARTIN
66.LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL
67.CHIFFCHAFF
68.BARN SWALLOW
69.WILLOW WARBLER
70.JACKDAW
71.NORTHERN WHEATEAR
72.COMMON WHITETHROAT
73.GRASSHOPPER WARBLER
74.SEDGE WARBLER
75.COMMON SANDPIPER

Updated as new species are seen.

[pauliev69]

44.CORMORANT

[IanF]

Good selection of birds there Paul. Lucky you getting to take advantage of a nice sunny day. Nice to see there's some Waxwing still around as well.

[IanF]

A visit this afternoon in bright but overcast conditions with a stiff breeze from the west 6° - 14:00-16:00 brought -

Car Park -

Treesparrow, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Paths -

In addition to above Bullfinch x2, Song thrush, Mistle Thrush x2, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Meadow Pipit x30, Linnet x250, Yellowhammer x25, Long-tailed Tit x6, Wren, Robin, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Goldcrest.

Main Pond -

Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Goosander x1 (fem), Goldeneye x1 (fem), Little Grebe, RN Grebe, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Muscovy Duck x2, Pochard.

Feeding station -

Nothing new there today though it was notable the GSW paid two visits whilst I was there, just the one Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow x12+, Yellowhammer x3.

Notable points from today -

No sign of Siskin or Redpoll which were regulars until this visit though they could have been in with the 250+ flock of Linnet on east side of railway lines.

Goldfinch x25 roosting in bushes beside car park entrance at 15:50.

Yellowhammer x25+ were roosting in the bushes by the stream by the outlet pipe.

Bullfinch pair were where the straight hedge meets the railway line.

Sparrowhawk flew over the main pond east to west 20' above water.

RN Grebe stuck to the north side of the pond tracking east and west as it fed. Goldeneye in the same area.

[Silvershark]

A visit this afternoon in bright but overcast conditions with a stiff breeze from the west 6° - 14:00-16:00 brought -

Car Park -

Treesparrow, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Paths -

In addition to above Bullfinch x2, Song thrush, Mistle Thrush x2, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Meadow Pipit x30, Linnet x250, Yellowhammer x25, Long-tailed Tit x6, Wren, Robin, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Goldcrest.

Main Pond -

Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Goosander x1 (fem), Goldeneye x1 (fem), Little Grebe, RN Grebe, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Muscovy Duck x2, Pochard.

Feeding station -

Nothing new there today though it was notable the GSW paid two visits whilst I was there, just the one Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow x12+, Yellowhammer x3.

Notable points from today -

No sign of Siskin or Redpoll which were regulars until this visit though they could have been in with the 250+ flock of Linnet on east side of railway lines.

Goldfinch x25 roosting in bushes beside car park entrance at 15:50.

Yellowhammer x25+ were roosting in the bushes by the stream by the outlet pipe.

Bullfinch pair were where the straight hedge meets the railway line.

Sparrowhawk flew over the main pond east to west 20' above water.

RN Grebe stuck to the north side of the pond tracking east and west as it fed. Goldeneye in the same area.

Nice review of the birding there Ian! I'm going there on Sunday if the weather is fine, hope to catch a few birds. I have some idea of what to look out for now as well ;) :t:

[DenBee]

Hi Ian
Like Cuddy I have passed this site on numerous occasions on my way to Salterholme ponds and North Gare and never gave it a second glance, after reading the various sightings from this park will have to definitely pay a visit soon.
Hoping to get down that area on Saturday for the tour of the prospective Salterholme Park area, sounds as though it could be a good prospect.

DenBee

[pauliev69]

44.CORMORANTUpdate of sightings for CBWP
45.LESSER REDPOLL
46.KINGFISHER
47.MEADOW PIPIT
Ian please list any I have missed ;)
Well done with the pics today

[IanF]

48 SPARROWHAWK
49 LITTLE GREBE
50 GOLDFINCH
51 FIELDFARE
52 ROBIN

[pauliev69]

A morning/afternoon visit 10.30-1.30, a dull overcast day though quite mild.
Firstly let me apologise for copying Ian's format, but it is a good template!

Todays sightings were:-

Car park area-
25+ Greenfinch,Yellowhammer,Treesparrow,Chaffinch,Grea t and Blue Tit and Female GSW

Paths-
Reed Bunting x 2,Goldcrest,Woodpigeon x 14,Wren,Robin,Linnet x 25,Redpoll,Siskin x 3 and a Kestrel

Main pond-
Notable sightings-
Goosander x 3 Female,RNGrebe,Gadwall,Shoveler and Goldeneye Female

Feeding station-
Not visited today

Summary-
The Linnet flock usually seen
near the railway line had broken into 20+ groups and were roosting around the bushes and trees North of the pond.
This is where I noted the single Redpoll and the 3 Siskins.
The RNGrebe tends to swim and feed into the corners of the pond, giving good views untill disturbed, usually by dogs.
Photographs today were only record shots due to the miserable weather.

[Silvershark]

Not a bad day scouting round CBWP today! Going back on wednesday if the weather is fine.

Just a note to add to the list, spotted a juvenile buzzard there in August/september 2004 (I think). Heard it long before it was spotted. ;)

[pauliev69]

Not a bad day scouting round CBWP today! Going back on wednesday if the weather is fine.

Just a note to add to the list, spotted a juvenile buzzard there in August/september 2004 (I think). Heard it long before it was spotted. ;)Hi Silvershark,
I was at the park today, I think I spotted you or I could be completely wrong, were you carrying a scope and tripod?
Anyway hope you had agood day!
Here is a report from today
Early start 9.00, a frosty but bright morning

Car park area-
Nothing really different to report, Greenfinch and Tree Sparrow were around in good numbers but no sign today of the GSW

Paths-
Reed Bunting Male & Female, Great and Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Yellowhammer. Grey Wagtail and LTT by the stream

Pond area-
The Linnet flock were roosting in the large trees to the North of the pond, and a flock of 8 Siskin were feeding in the Alder trees

Pond-
RNGrebe showing well along with 2 Female Goosander, Pochard and 8 Male 2 Female Shovelor

Feeding station-
Deserted due to lack of food!

Highlight of the day were the good views of the Siskin, I find a species you can approach fairly closely if you are carefull

[Silvershark]

Hi Silvershark,
I was at the park today, I think I spotted you or I could be completely wrong, were you carrying a scope and tripod?
Anyway hope you had agood day!
Here is a report from today
Early start 9.00, a frosty but bright morning

Car park area-
Nothing really different to report, Greenfinch and Tree Sparrow were around in good numbers but no sign today of the GSW

Paths-
Reed Bunting Male & Female, Great and Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Yellowhammer. Grey Wagtail and LTT by the stream

Pond area-
The Linnet flock were roosting in the large trees to the North of the pond, and a flock of 8 Siskin were feeding in the Alder trees

Pond-
RNGrebe showing well along with 2 Female Goosander, Pochard and 8 Male 2 Female Shovelor

Feeding station-
Deserted due to lack of food!

Highlight of the day were the good views of the Siskin, I find a species you can approach fairly closely if you are carefull

Nope, that wasn't me ;) I don't have a scope or tripod. I was there with my mum and our dog (border collie cross).

I got a good view of siskins in Faith Wood (If that can actually be called a wood yet!), didn't seem bothered about me being there at all!

[IanF]

Hi Silvershark,

Sounds like you had a good day out around the park :t:

I called in there this afternoon for a wander around. After an overcast morning the sun came out making it quite a pleasant second half to the day.

No food in the feeding station so it's just as well I took my own ;)

It was only a few minutes before the birds started returning. Over a 20 min period there were - Great Tit, Blue Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Robin, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Dunnock, Blackbird and Tree Sparrow.

Heading over to the main pond I passed Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Magpie, Starling, Dunnock, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer.

On the pond itself were Pochard, Shoveler c.18, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Muscovy Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Wagtail, Goosander x1 (fem), Gadwall, Goldeneye (fem), Black-headed Gull, Red-necked Grebe.

In the bushes around the pond were Robin, Dunnock, Reed Bunting x5, Linnet x40, Yellowhammer x14, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Geat Tit.

Mammal of the day was Fox - just behind the hide. I think it was walking towards me then realised I was there and turned back into the hedge. I have seen them before here, but certainly not a common sight.

I then followed the stream beside Faith Wood hoping for Siskin, Redpoll or even Kingfisher but struck out on all three. 20+ Yellowhammer, a few Goldfinch, Crow and Magpie were the only birds I saw.

[Silvershark]

Hi Silvershark,

Sounds like you had a good day out around the park :t:

I called in there this afternoon for a wander around. After an overcast morning the sun came out making it quite a pleasant second half to the day.

No food in the feeding station so it's just as well I took my own ;)

It was only a few minutes before the birds started returning. Over a 20 min period there were - Great Tit, Blue Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Robin, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Dunnock, Blackbird and Tree Sparrow.

Heading over to the main pond I passed Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Magpie, Starling, Dunnock, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer.

On the pond itself were Pochard, Shoveler c.18, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Muscovy Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Wagtail, Goosander x1 (fem), Gadwall, Goldeneye (fem), Black-headed Gull, Red-necked Grebe.

In the bushes around the pond were Robin, Dunnock, Reed Bunting x5, Linnet x40, Yellowhammer x14, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Geat Tit.

Mammal of the day was Fox - just behind the hide. I think it was walking towards me then realised I was there and turned back into the hedge. I have seen them before here, but certainly not a common sight.

I then followed the stream beside Faith Wood hoping for Siskin, Redpoll or even Kingfisher but struck out on all three. 20+ Yellowhammer, a few Goldfinch, Crow and Magpie were the only birds I saw.

Guess I'll need to remember to grab some seeds for the feeding station then ;) I'll try to keep a better record of what I see, but I'm not so good at making a list of the birds I spot! Hoping the sun will come out for a while ;)

[Silvershark]

Report from today's birding:

Entered the park at the West end - long-tailed tits, robin, great tit, blue tit and goldcrests present there but not in massive numbers.

Road by water treatment plant - two GSW

Carpark - tree sparrows

Trail near visitor centre - goldcrests, siskin, Linnet?, long-tailed tit

Over the railway line was the linnet flock

Pond - first ever sightings for me of the Red-Necked Grebe and Goosander, Muscovy ducks came over to say hello, shoveler, tufted duck, mallard, coot, moorhen, cormrant

And then I headed back because I was starting to freeze ;) On the way though, I spotted a kestral.

[Marmot]

Sounds like a good days birding, glad you got a look at the Grebe and Goosander and of course the Muscovy Ducks.. they are quite a canny little pair that seem to have taken up their new residence very well.

[IanF]

53 SANDERLING

An hour spent at the park after work brought the usual species and an unexpected one - Sanderling!

The park is a couple of miles from the shore to the east but this bird came in from the west over the main pond and landed on the mud bank beside where the Linnet flock hangs around by the railway lines.

[DenBee]

Hi Ian
Since this thread was started it is definitely starting gain a lot of interest from menbers, I for one keep a close eye on this thread along with Durham Birding they keep me in touch with what is around our area.
Keep up the good work and hope to meet you there one of these days.
Do you think that the muscovy are going to become resident as they seem to hanging around for a long period.

DenBee

[pauliev69]

Hi Ian
Since this thread was started it is definitely starting gain a lot of interest from menbers, I for one keep a close eye on this thread along with Durham Birding they keep me in touch with what is around our area.
Keep up the good work and hope to meet you there one of these days.
Do you think that the muscovy are going to become resident as they seem to hanging around for a long period.

DenBeeHi Den
hope you dont mind me butting in but I spoke to the Park Ranger a couple of weeks ago ref the Muscovys.
She explained they were brought over from another local pond Charltons were they were being abused by the local children, they are very tame they feed from the hand.
I first noticed them last year as younsters, they seem to be doing alright on the main pond, some pics on the next post ;)

[pauliev69]

Muscovys

[pauliev69]

53 SANDERLING

An hour spent at the park after work brought the usual species and an unexpected one - Sanderling!

The park is a couple of miles from the shore to the east but this bird came in from the west over the main pond and landed on the mud bank beside where the Linnet flock hangs around by the railway lines.Nice addition to the list Ian ;)

[Silvershark]

Hi Den
hope you dont mind me butting in but I spoke to the Park Ranger a couple of weeks ago ref the Muscovys.
She explained they were brought over from another local pond Charltons were they were being abused by the local children, they are very tame they feed from the hand.
I first noticed them last year as younsters, they seem to be doing alright on the main pond, some pics on the next post ;)

Those poor ducks! I hope they have much better lives at Cowpen! Evil kids...

[IanF]

Sunday afternoon 1:30pm - 3:30pm.

Following a sunny morning the afternoon clouded over with high but bright conditions. Temperatures were around 3°C but with no wind, it felt quite mild.

Starting from the car park, the usual Greenfinch and a few Goldfinch were in the trees above the feeding station. Tree Sparrow, Great and Blue Tit were in the bushes beside the car park. Taking the path through the gate stile a Robin was singing in the bushes on the right and a Wren was scolding from the reeds opposite.

As I went through the five barred gate things looked promising along the straight hedge by the Activity Centre as there were loads of birds flying into the tees. as I got a bit closer though I relaised why - they'd been diving for cover! A Sparrowhawk shot across 30 yards ahead of me striaght into the hedge with wings wide open. I thought it had got stuck but it saw me and flew off along the hedge line - scaring off all the small birds! Sure enough I saw three Great Tit along the whole length and that was it!

On reaching the railway lines and turning left I came across a Goldcrest and three Long-tailed Tits feeding in the alder trees. Three Goldfinch were a little further along with Yellowhammer and Blue Tit on the far side of the railway. The large flock of Linnet stll 200+ were wheeling around the sky above the grassy bank. The first bushes around the pond held half a dozen Reed Bunting and a group of 10 Siskin passed overhead - heading for Faith Wood area.

Around the pond I counted 12 birders, three with scopes. An unusually high number - mainly it's families and dog wakers. Sure enough they were watching the Red-necked Grebe and the two female Goosander - none of which were being very obliging - staying a good distance away.

The normal range of ducks were on the pond with Shoveler, Tufted, Mallard, Muscovy, Goldeneye (fem), Pochard, Coot and Moorhen. Loads of Black-headed Gulls as well.

I sat quietly hoping the RN Grebe would come close again, it didn't but the Goosanders did oblige - but only once the light had gone!

Come 3:30pm I headed back to the car park seeing just a few Goldfinches and Magpie. In the trees above along with the Greenfinches a GSW was calling from the very tops.

[pauliev69]

Nice report and pic, Ian
Had a similar experience to you on Sat afternoon with a Sparrowhawk, I had just crossed the new bridge and was trying for some pics of a group of Reed Buntings. I saw a flash of wings dissapear into the field and all hell broke lose! Reed Bunting,Goldfinch and Yellowhammer shot off in all directions, I forgot I had my camera in my hand as I followed the Sparrowhawk into the opposite bushes not to be seen again!
Had a similar list to you on Sat apart from a single Cormorant on the pond, I noticed like yourself very good numbers of Reed Bunting.
See you around ;)

[pauliev69]

Wednesday afternoon 2.00-3.30
Decided to leave the camera at home today due to the rather misty and murky weather, very cold today probably -1

Paths-
Very good numbers of Yellowhammer around today, I counted 50+ near the Beck, also in the same area good numbers of Reed Bunting 20+
The usual flock of Linnets were roosting near the pond 50+ other birds seen around the paths Greenfinch, Goldfinch, LTTit, Great and Blue Tit.

Main Pond-
Apart from the usual Mallard, Coot. Pochard, Tufted Duck, RNGrebe, Goosander(1x Female) today saw good numbers of Shoveler I counted at least 60, the most I have ever seen on the pond.

Feeding area-
Fairly quite today even though the tables were well stocked.
Notable were GSWoodpecker, Marsh Tit and Tree Sparrow, others included Great and Blue Tit, Dunnock, Chaffinch and Greenfinch.

Summary-
Nice to see the RNGrebe is still around and the large numbers of Shoveler were a good sight on a miserable day weather wise. ;)

[IanF]

Today 10:00am - 12:30pm. Weather quite mild (8°C), no wind, starting off overcast but after an hour cleared to blue skies and sunshine |=)|

I decided to take in the south side of Seal Sands road today. This is mainly a recently planted conifer wood around 5 yrs old with trees reaching 18'. There are a couple of ride grassed rides with a few deciduous trees planted of the same age but not as tall as the conifers. I often see the Siskin and Redpoll heading this direction but today there was no sign. Just Blackbirds, Crow and a Sparrowhawk that gave close views as it glided past 30 yards from me as I was in amongst the trees.

On reaching the car park I checked out the feeding station - very little food today and what the seed that was there was soggy. After putting out some sunflower hearts the birds soon returned. Just the normal selection of Blue, Great and Coal Tit and a single Willow Tit. Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Treesparrow, Blackbird, Robin and Dunnock. On heading back to the car park around 20 Goldfinch were on the bushes to the right of the gate - nomrally a roost for them late afternoon.

Heading over to the pond by the straight hedge beside the Activity Centre I saw Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinch, Siskin and a Wren. On reaching the railway line I thought I'd found my first Blackcap - which nomally over-winter here, but on closer inspection it turned out to be a Willow Tit - unringed this time. A few Yellowhammer and a Goldcrest were in the bushes and Alder trees along with four Goldfinch.

The pond itself seemed pretty quiet with mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Muscovy, Pochard, Little Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Shoveler, Goosander female (x1), Goldeneye (fem), Mallard, Mute Swan,

Far side of the railway lines held the Linnet (c.200) and a flock of Meadow Pipit (c.30) flew overhead across the pond. A Kestrel gave distant views as it hovered from a great height.

In the bushes north side of the pond were Reed Bunting (x5) a regular spot for them along with Goldfinch (x4) and a Wren. A little further along the cinder track was a small flock of Linnet in the bushes on the right on the hillside. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over heading north behind the hill.

I met up with a local birder at that point and completed the loop back to the car park via Faith Wood and the beck. We picked up a mixed flock of Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Siskin and a pair of Lesser Redpoll which were moving between and field on the far side of the beck to feed and then returning to the beck muddy margins for a drink. No sign of the Kingfisher today.

On reaching the cycle way we headed back to the car park but on reaching the beck my colleague spotted a flash of yellow in the muddy margins of the stream that is being cleaned out by an excavator and the sides regraded. We detoured along the path by the stream getting several views of three Grey Wagtail. We completed the circuit back to the car park taking in the feeding station again - but again it was very quiet with no new birds.

54. SHORT EARED OWL

I called in again this afternoon around 4:00pm having spent a couple of hours down a Dormans Pool. The flock of Goldfinch were still beside the gate to the car park and the feeidng station quiet - but most notable was a Short-eared Owl that flew in from the north behind what looks like a green gas storage cylinder, circled and headed back north - first of the year for this location for me.

Today brought the 54th species of the year - Short-eared Owl.

[pauliev69]

Well done on the SEO Ian, really like the Greenfinch pic, how come you get the sunny days and I get the miserable weather!!
See you around ;)

[IanF]

Yesterday afternoon the skies brightened following several dull days so I had a wander over to the park to have a look around. The sun lasted about an hour which long enough for a quick walk around before the clouds returned.

The feeding station was quite busy with Goldfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Yellowhammer, Treesparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Blackbird. It was also nice to see Siskin (x7) visiting the feeders and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker make a couple of brief visits and nicely posing on one occasion.

After a half hour I had a wander around the park which itself was very quiet - probably due to the strenghtening wind which reached almost gale force as I got to the top of the hill. It was a good vantage point to sit in the windbreak and view the earth works for the new ponds to the east. The hill will be a good place to view them from once completed. Quite a few Mallard flew in from the Greatham Creek area followed by Shelduck (x9) all of which landed on the main pond.

Other birds of note were Kestrel and a pair of Redwing.

[IanF]

After work I popped over to the Park for an hour. I had planned on a walk around the Park but I met one of the local ringers in the car park and spent too long chatting. I didn't mind in the end as we happened to look up and all of a sudden I picked up the 55th species of the year - Little Egret.

It looked as if it has been on the main pond and flew north-west over the car park towards Billingham. I checked out the smaller ponds in that direction but with so many ditches it was a near impossible task. I know that two and allegedly three are roosting in a park in Hartlepool each night.

Walking through the area behind the feeding station brought the 56th species of the year - Grey Partridge. A pair were in the field alongside the sewage works.

Apparently the Park species total is running at 110 historically so we've a bit to go yet this year - though at six weeks into the year we aren't doing badly with 56! Birds like Common Crane, Parakeet and Golden Oriole are looking a bit doubtful though for this year.

A visit to the feeding station brought the usual species. No sign of the Willow Tit today but it was nice to see the Long-tailed Tit and Siskin making use of the feeders. Even the Goldfinch were dining on sunflower hearts - normally they're just in the trees above.

55. LITTLE EGRET
56. GREY PARTRIDGE

[IanF]

After spending the day on Derwentside I called in at the feeding station for half an hour to see what was about. It was fairly quiet as it often is on an afternoon but some good species turned up even if just for a few minutes.

Great Tit
Blue Tit
Coal Tit
Long-tailed Tit x3
Yellowhammer x2
Treesparrow x5
Goldfinch
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Siskin x3
Robin
Blackbird
Dunnock

No sign of the Willow Tit today.

[pauliev69]

Very nice pics Ian, nice to see the Siskin and LTT on the feeders, next day off Sun, hope to get across then
See you around
Paul ;)

[IanF]

Another visit this afternoon. I had planned on venturing a little further afield but with the weather looking a bit dodgy I decided to stick closer to home - I'm glad I did as it brought a couple of new species for the location as well as the year for me.

From the car park the usual species were in the hawthorn hedge alongside - Great Tit, Blue, Tit, Treeesparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer and Chaffinch. They were all chattering away making quite a racket.

In the ponds beside the car park were Tufted Duck, Moorhen and Mute Swan.

Following the path alongside the straight hedge to the railway line things were very quiet with only Blackbird, Magpie, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Rook, Crow, Wren and Goldfinch. Even the stretch to the main pond beside the railway lines brought nothing at all.

On the pond were Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Muscovy, Shoveler, Mallard, Red-necked grebe, Goldeneye (fem), Goosander (fem), Pochard and a few Teal.

Heading alongside the stream to Cloff Bridge brought the usual mixed flock in the hawthorn bushes on the far side of the stream comprising Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Magpie and Crow - but also the field on the other side of the stream brought Grey Patridge and rather distant views of two birds sat in the open. At first I thought Stone Curlew??? - shows how far away they were and how bad my eyesight is but I live in hope ;) Getting a bit closer and my shoes a lot muddier I realised it was a pair of Golden Plover - a new tick for the year :t:

As I'd got so muddy I decided to back track down the other side of the stream to where the mixed flock had been sat. They kept dropping down into the field of mixed weed obviously to feed and I was hoping for Redpoll that I haven't seen for a few weeks now. I couldn't spot any though it seemed just about every weed held either a clinging bird or something on the ground nearby. The Linnet flock usually comprising 200+ birds was feeding there. meanwhile I'd disturbed a Pheasant which must have been sheltering from the wind in the long grass as it shot out from 6' ahead giving me quite a turn and headed over to the railway lines. However a pool which was nothing more than a flooded hollow held a single Oystercatcher and a single Redshank - two more new ticks for the year!

Even better as I plodged back to the path a pair of Stonechat were flitting along the fence posts - another new year tick!

Back on the cycle track I headed to the car park. By then it was 14:15 hrs. I'm sure the GSW's must have wrist watches as they're often turn up at bang on 14:15! It was nice to see a male and female Great Spotted Woodpeck side by side in the trees above the feeding station. I popped in for half an hour and both of them made fleeting visits. The male actually made three visits but it was too nervy to stay more than a few seconds with the passing traffic and reserve workers using the tool store nearby.

Birds in the feeding station were Siskin x6 (M x3, F x3), Treesparrow x8, Yellowhammer x3, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird,

All in all it was a very rewarding visit even though the skies were a bit gloomy.

One significant thing though was no Willow Tit for the 3rd visit in a row!

New birds for the year -

57.STONECHAT
58.GOLDEN PLOVER
59.OYSTERCATCHER
60.REDSHANK

[pauliev69]

Well done for the four new editions Ian, nice pics well worth getting muddy for!
See you around ;)

[IanF]

Saturday 25th February saw the first Bird Forum Bash in my area. The morning was spent at Cowpen Bewley WP. Despite the low temperatures of 3°C and strong winds we still managed a decent number of species. A glimpe of the sun every now and again was a welcome sight.

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park 10:00 - 12:30

We met in the car park for 10:00 or thereabouts and then headed over to the main pond. In the group were Marmot, Hutch & Jan, Pauliev69, Salty, DennisJ, RayL and of course me! We met up with June Atkinson and Leonard on our rturn to the car park.

The team photo was taken by Paul whilst on top of the hill half way round.

Most notable birds seen were the large flock of c.200 Linnet with a Sparrowhawk making repeated dives into them. Most notable by their absence were the Red-necked Grebe - first visit of the year it's not been there and no Goosander - both were present daily up until the pevious day. The birds we saw were -

Wren
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Coal Tit
Robin
Magpie
Yellowhammer
Siskin
Goldcrest
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dunnock
Blackbird
Crow
Linnet
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Tufted Duck
Pochard
Coot
Moorhen
Shoveler
Mallard
Goldeneye (female)
Muscovy Duck
Black Headed Gull
Herring Gull
Gadwall
Little Grebe
Reed Bunting

Team photo - left to right - IanF, Marmot, Jan, Hutch, Salty, DennisJ, RayL

[DenBee]

Hi Ian
Once again wish I could have made the bash yesterday, however the group photo has help me put face to name as I mentioned yesterday. You seem to have had a great time and quite a variety of species around, I hasten to add after viewing the photo I can understand all the comments that Hutch has to endure about his KEKs, poor lad.
Hope to get down your way at the weekend, so may catch you then.
Keep your reports on the site coming in as I find them very helpful as to whats around your area.

[IanF]

A short visit this afternoon of just an hour. At 2°C and a stiff breeze from the north it didn't feel too warm so I didn't hang around!

The feeding station was pretty active with the normal range of species. Seven Siskin dropped in and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker made a couple of short visits to the feeders.

The main pond itself was 80% frozen over with very few waterfowl left to see, just Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Goldeneye, Black-headed Gull and the two Muscovy Duck.

In the bushes around the pond were a few Goldfinch, Robin, Long-tailed-Tit and Reed Bunting. A Kestrel flew over and disappeared from sight behind the hill. I found it sheltering from the wind sat of one of the canes put in to support some of the new saplings. From it's smal size I thin it must have been the runt of the nest ;)

[Silvershark]

Took the dog out for a walk this afternoon around 3.30pm and saw my first ever SHORT-EARED OWL! It was in the fields at the other side of the railway line - took me a while before I figured out what it was! It was flying low and looked as if it was being followed by a small group of black-headed gulls but they soon went. Other sightings included a sparrowhawk over the field, ice-skating mallards and coots (the pond was frozen), poochard and all the other pond regulars!

A male and female shoveler were doing what I assume is some mating dance - going around in circles with their bills in the water - very fun to watch!

[IanF]

Hi Silvershark,

Congrats. on the SEO, they have been in short supply this winter. I've only seen one in the park so far this year.

I was there as well this afternoon but I only made it as far as the feeding station and left around 3.30pm. As I arrived a Grey Heron flew in alongisde Seal Sands Road to the small pond to the right of the gate to the activity centre. That pond was frozen solid as well but it seemed to find something of interest in the reeds. I've just realised that it is species 61 for the Park this year.

61. GREY HERON

Plenty of activity in the feeding station after putting some food out with loads of birds visting within minutes - Siskin x11, Treesparrow x9, Goldfinch 20+, Greenfinch x12, Yellowhammer x7, Long-tailed Tit x3, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Robin, Dunnock and Blackbird. A Sparrowhawk flew through south to north but missed everything!

[pauliev69]

Hi Silvershark,

Congrats. on the SEO, they have been in short supply this winter. I've only seen one in the park so far this year.

I was there as well this afternoon but I only made it as far as the feeding station and left around 3.30pm. As I arrived a Grey Heron flew in alongisde Seal Sands Road to the small pond to the right of the gate to the activity centre. That pond was frozen solid as well but it seemed to find something of interest in the reeds. I've just realised that it is species 61 for the Park this year.

61. GREY HERON

Plenty of activity in the feeding station after putting some food out with loads of birds visting within minutes - Siskin x11, Treesparrow x9, Goldfinch 20+, Greenfinch x12, Yellowhammer x7, Long-tailed Tit x3, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Robin, Dunnock and Blackbird. A Sparrowhawk flew through south to north but missed everything!Very nice pics Ian, really like the Siskin, will try to get over tommorrow on my day off.
See you around ;)

[pauliev69]

Took the dog out for a walk this afternoon around 3.30pm and saw my first ever SHORT-EARED OWL! It was in the fields at the other side of the railway line - took me a while before I figured out what it was! It was flying low and looked as if it was being followed by a small group of black-headed gulls but they soon went. Other sightings included a sparrowhawk over the field, ice-skating mallards and coots (the pond was frozen), poochard and all the other pond regulars!

A male and female shoveler were doing what I assume is some mating dance - going around in circles with their bills in the water - very fun to watch!Well done on the SEO Kat, thanks!
Ian, is the SEO on the list?

[IanF]

Yep! No. 54 :t:

[Silvershark]

I only knew it was an SEO because it was on the list - I use the list to help in figuring out what I see there! Amazing sight, and the first time I've ever seen a wild owl properly.

[pauliev69]

Yep! No. 54 :t:Sorry Ian, just found it in one of your posts ;)

[IanF]

Very nice pics Ian, really like the Siskin, will try to get over tommorrow on my day off.
See you around ;)
I popped over nice and early this morning to tidy up the feeding station a bit to make viewing better. Most benefit will be gained for viewing in the afternoon due to the angle of the sun.

I met two of the wardens as well, Francis and Fiona, who as usual were full of energy and enthusiasm. Two deer have been subject of road kill in the last couple of weeks, one on Seal Sands Road a half mile east of the Park and the other on Cowpen Bewley Road - the latter wrote off a small car. However a wander around this morning revealed three deer east of the railway lines seen from the hill where Francis had seen them earlier - he'd been out since 5.00am!

A Grey Heron was roosting on a dead tree over the pond where a Little Egret used to sometimes roost.

The hedge beside the Activity Centre was very quiet today with just Great Tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock and Blackbird. Likewise alongside the railway lines.

The main pond was still 95% frozen, but the ice free water was in front of the benches to make viewing pretty easy. Mostly Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard and around a dozen Shoveler. Last night come 5.00pm there were 20 Shoveler.

In the bushes around the pond were Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin and Greenfinch. A Kestrel pased over the hill and a Sparrowhawk was across the railway lines no doubt looking for the Linnet flock!

'Yellowhammer Corner' beside the new footbridge where two streams meet still held 20+ Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Linnet and Blue Tits. The field on the far side of the stream where they have been winter feeding on dead grasses and weeds has now been ploughed over. At first I thought the birds had moved on but it wasn't long before a flock of Meadow Pipit and Yellowhammer took off from amongst the ploughed ridges and furrows so there must still be seed there for them.

I was informed by two different dog walkers that this section through Faith Wood has held two SEO for the last two evenings giving very close views. Anywhere between 4.30pm-5.15pm so I'll have to have a look down one night.

On reaching the cycle way a single Grey Wagtail took off from beside the stream and headed west over the fields, it's a while since I saw one here. The bushes along the track back to the car park held plenty of singing birds, comprising Dunnock, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Yellowhammer.

Best sighting of the day though was a male Blackcap, first of the year for me. They usually do over winter here, but normally by the main pond or in the hedge by the Activity Centre. This one as opposite the first gate into the sewage works - ideal habitat really with plenty of brambles to get lost in amongst and a few semi-mature trees.

62. BLACKCAP

With spending so much time chatting with people and gleaning some useful info on the SEO's I didn't have time to revisit the feeding station. A quick look through the fence though showed quite a few birds in there including several Siskin, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer and Treesparrow.

[IanF]

A return visit this afternoon found the feeding station still very active with 20+ Treesparrow, Siskin 12+, Long-tailed Tit x6, BT, GT, CT, Yellowhammer, Robin, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Blackbird.

my main reason for the revisit though was for SEO. At 4.00pm I made my way over to the top of the hill and sat in the wind break. Straight away I spotted a SEO just the other side of the railway lines as it hunted and repeatedly dove into the rough grass. At 4.25pm it dived into the grass and didn't reappear for 15 minutes - a successful kill I think. By then I was growing numb and so headed down the back of the hill on the Greatham side. Half way down I spotted another SEO cross over the railway lines and head towards Greatham. I figured I'd turn round and head back to the top of the hill as it was long gone but as I turned around and looked back up the hill I saw another SEO glide by me no more than 30 yards away as it headed over to Faith Wood. If I'd stayed where I was another few minutes I'd have been looking down on it!!! It was likely the first one that had made the kill.

By the time I got to Faith Wood myself there was no sign so I headed back to the car park.

[Silvershark]

Some good sightings there Ian! I was down there myself this afternoon - since the SEO's seem to be a regular thing at that spot I'll have to see if I can get round there one afternoon! Nice to know there are two birds as well - hopefully that may mean that the park will be blessed with some little SEO's soon ;)

From my visit, nothing really to report that isn't the usual.

[pauliev69]

A return visit this afternoon found the feeding station still very active with 20+ Treesparrow, Siskin 12+, Long-tailed Tit x6, BT, GT, CT, Yellowhammer, Robin, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Blackbird.

my main reason for the revisit though was for SEO. At 4.00pm I made my way over to the top of the hill and sat in the wind break. Straight away I spotted a SEO just the other side of the railway lines as it hunted and repeatedly dove into the rough grass. At 4.25pm it dived into the grass and didn't reappear for 15 minutes - a successful kill I think. By then I was growing numb and so headed down the back of the hill on the Greatham side. Half way down I spotted another SEO cross over the railway lines and head towards Greatham. I figured I'd turn round and head back to the top of the hill as it was long gone but as I turned around and looked back up the hill I saw another SEO glide by me no more than 30 yards away as it headed over to Faith Wood. If I'd stayed where I was another few minutes I'd have been looking down on it!!! It was likely the first one that had made the kill.

By the time I got to Faith Wood myself there was no sign so I headed back to the car park.Hi Ian,
many thanks for the feeding station tidy up!
Got there about 12.00 and put a bit more food out, lots of Siskin, LTTit, Treesparrow, Greenfinch, Blue and Great Tit.
Spent about 2 hours there, the light was really good.
Wandered over to the pond, it was 80% frozen, hoping to see the SEO but was too early, glad you got them later in the day.
Noticed you have done a bit more DIY around the feeding station, lens and hood now fit through the gap!
See you around

[DenBee]

Hi Ian, Pauliev69 & Silvershark
Keep up the good work and reports from Cowpen Bewley C.P. As I have mentioned to Ian in a previous post, I watch your reports with great interest, I believe it will soon be up there with the Durham Birding thread.
I have no doubt that Stevie E will be watching these reports with great interest.
Once again keep up the reports, hope to see you down there soon.

[IanF]

A return visit this evening 4.20pm-5.45pm brought only a distant view from the hill of one SEO heading away along a ditch/fence towards the tip. Three deer were by the Creek the far side of the railway lines and a pair of Woodcock were disturbed by a group of poachers after rabbits along with several Pheasant, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard and Redshank. They flew from by the new scrape over the lines and into the park by the hedge and dropped down, that was dead on 5.30pm - another new species for the year. About the same time a single Grey Wagtail flew from the scrape over the park towards the beck.

63. WOODCOCK

Also a Kestrel was sat perched on the Kestrel box on the pole across the lines - hopefully it will remember the spot come breeding time ;)

Another birder/ex-ringer I met said the work on the new scrape/pond has come to a halt as the excavators have unearthed the rubble cap on an old ICI tip and now they're pondering what to do. We may not get the new lake after all!

By the pond 11x Fieldfare and 2x Redwing looked as if they'd arrived to roost for the night. The pond itself was still frozen over with very few birds in view.

[IanF]

Marmot and I had a wander around the park this morning for just over two hours on a changeable day. Snowing starting off settling to freezing winds and then turning quite warm and a rapid thaw as the 1" of snow totaly disappeared.

Starting off from the car park we were entertained by chirruping Goldfinch in the bushes nearby and entertained by the Reed Bunting below that remained within 20' as we got out of the car and put our boots on. It stayed long enough for a few photos.

We didn't see a great deal whilst heading over to the main pond along the hardcore track. A Great Tit and a Wren were in the busehs and trees by the first gate. the pond itself was pretty quiet as well with just Muscovy, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Pochard and Shoveler. It was nice to see the Little Grebe, Goldeneye and two female Goosander wer still around. The bushes arund the pond were the most productive with good numbers of Reed Bunting (20+), Goldfinch (20+), Treesparrow (12) and Linnet (200+) all of whihc were making quite a racket. They remained in the bushes for quite a while eventually spreading out to cover the bushes all around the pond. Also about were Goldcrest, Wren, Robin and Blackbird.

'Yellowhammer Corner' lived up to it's name with at least 30 of them in the bushes beside the stream or feeding in the field on the far side. A flock of 30+ Meadow Pipit flew up from the field heading towards the hill. A few Reed Bunting and Goldfinch with them.

The stream itself held very little however on reaching the cycleway back to the car park Marmot heard a Skylark singing. We waited a few minutes and sure enough at least six of them rose up from the fields as they started to soar before then chasing each other around the sky. I guess despite teh snow that Spring must definitely be on the way. I have seen them already this year, but checking back not noted them. Anyway it makse 64 species now so far this year.

64.Skylark.

We saw little on the way back to the car park just a few Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Magpie and Crow.

As we neared where I saw the Blackcap last visit, no sign today but a Song Thrush was siging full belt.

We then popped into the feeding station for twenty minutes. Not a grat deal of food provided so we added some sunflower hearts and soon noted Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Yeloowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Siskin.

[pauliev69]

A visit to the park this morning in bright sunny conditions though still cool enough for two jackets and gloves!
The car park area had the usuall but always nice to see Tree Sparrows and Goldfinch.
As the conditions were bright I started off in the Feeding Station, it looked like the feeders had just been filled, so there was plenty about.
Siskin were in good numbers along with LTTit, Blue and Great and a single Coal Tit.
At least 20+ Tree Sparrows fed on the ground along with Dunnock and Yellowhammer, good numbers of Greenfinch fed of the seed trays, managed to take a few pics then made my way to the pond using the track beside the visitor centre.
This area was rather quite today, Great Tit, Blackbird and a single Goldcrest were the only birds to see.
The pond looked much more inviting than my last visit when it was frozen, and as I sat down on the bench it was almost getting warm!
The pond had most of the usuall birds including Mute Swan, Pochard, Gadwall Tufted Duck and a Female Goosander.
I was really pleased to see a resplendant Male Goldeneye has joined the seemingly resident Female, hope he stays around.
Around the bushes near the pond were Reed Bunting and Goldfinch, but no sign today of the Linnet flock.
Made my way back to the car park calling in at the feeding station for a few more pics, all in all a good day.

[Marmot]

Sounds like you had a good day as well, we did a swop and went to Washington WWT. It looks as if a bomb has hit it due to all the ponds getting dug up but we had a rather cooperative Goldcrest which made my day.

[IanF]

An intended brief visit after work yesterday ended up being 3 hours - mainly though bumping into people. It's amazing how many visit the reserve on an afternoon, normally it's a morning I go.

There was nothing really of note to be found. My main reason was to see the male Goldeneye that Paul had found. Sure enough it was still present but staying well away from shore.

Starting off, the usual suspects were in the feeding station which still had food in the feeders - Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit. There were at least 19 Tree Sparrow and 6 Siskin (4 male 2 fem). Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Yellowhammer, Greenfinch and Goldfinch were all present. A GSW passed overhead but didn't call in.

Heading over to the pond Wren and Reed Bunting were beside the cinder track with Mute Swan, Moorhen and Coot on the small ponds.

The main pond held Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Goldeneye male and female (1 of each), Goosander female, Grey Heron, Little Grebe x2 which seem to have paired off, Shoveler, Shelduck, Mute Swan and Muscovy.

The bushes round the edges were pretty quiet though a Robin, a few Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer and two Linnet were present. No sign of the large Linnet flock for me either.

Come 5.00pm I was sat on top of the hill. There were flypasts of mainly Mallard, Coot and Shelduck heading over to Greatham Creek. The scrape to the east held Mallard, Lapwing and several Redshank. Magpie and Kestrel were sat in the bushes alongside the railway and a single SEO was hunting in the distance by Greatham Creek but came no closer.

Faith Wood held quite a few birds. A pair of Song thrush were present constantly singing as were good numbers of Goldfinch and Yellowhammer with the odd Reed Bunting.

Almost reaching the cycleway a pair of Grey Partridge burst from the tufted grass beside the path and strangley only flew 20 yards towards the sewage works before landing and staying visible. Normally they fly away much further. On reaching the cycleway the usual Goldfinch and Yellowhammer were in the Hawthorn bushes singing away. Heading back towards the car park it was mainly Blue and Great Tit that I saw.

I was on foot so I took the path to the right before crossing the stream which has bene pretty good for Grey Wagtail recently. No sign today, probably due to a guy flying his Harris Hawk. I'm not sure it should have been happening in a Nature Reserve, but it did have the advantiage of putting up everything that was around. This included Grey Heron, Fieldfare, Redwing and Blackbird.

[pauliev69]

A flying visit this afternoon was most productive as entering the car park a SEO flew across giving good views. I was hoping to get a look over near the railway track where they have been seen lately so it was a bonus to see one around the car park area.
Not a great deal more about, still the Male and Female Goldeneye on the pond along with Little Grebe, Tufted but no Goosander today.
On the new scape opposite the hill were a pair of Redshank, no sign of the SEO that area though.
Along the paths were the usuall LTTit, Blue and Great Tit, Wren, Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer

[Silvershark]

Had a sighting of the SEO today at around 3.40pm in the fields near the waterworks. The owl was hunting and stayed in view for at least 10 minutes soaring over the fields. Spotted the pair of golden eye at the pond, shoveler were absent though :-C

Got a few photos of the SEO:

[IanF]

Great photos Silvershark :t:

I've not seen them at all in the last week. Seems like evey tim I visit there's a guy exercising his Harris Hawk - mind you it got a shock when a Heron flew over on Tuesday!

[IanF]

A visit this afternoon on what turned out to be a pleasant sunny afternoon - if a little windy!

4:00 pm I arrived. A dozen Treesparrow and a Yellowhammer were in the bushes in the car park - flitting from one set of bushes to the next. Over the small ponds by the car park were seven Sand Martin - a year tick for the park though there's plenty of them around the area now.

65. SAND MARTIN

No food at all in the feeding station but a few sunflower hearts soon brought them in.

Yellowhammer x2
Treesparrow x23
Chaffinch x2
Wren x2
Dunnock x3
Blackbird x2
Siskin x1 (female)
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Goldfinch
Greenfinch

Pheasant were calling close by but I couldn't spot them.

I then followed the cycle way but saw very little. A pair of grey Partridge were in the field just after the sewage works which seems to be a regualr spot for them. Skylark were singing from the far side of the beck.

I followed the path alongisde the beck but only saw Magpie it's entire length. Goldfinch and Siskin were calling but I didn't see them.

As I reached the pond a Kestrel flew over and then from the benches by the railway line I sat for a while. On the pond were Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shoveler, Goosander (fem), Goldeneye (m&f), LBB Gull, Mallard, Muscovy, Coot, Gadwall x6, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Moorhen and Canada Goose.

A half dozen Sand Martin were chasing around over the pond as well. Possibly the ame ones as had been by the car park.

A Heron flew in trying to land on the dead tree where it sometimes roosts but the LBB Gulls took flight and chased it away before returning to their perch on the log/stones. Hard to believe but LBB are another new tick for the year - more likely I've ignored them before today - it was the yellow legs that caught my interest ;)

66. LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL.

Moving along to the next bench I sat for a while as the sun became obliterated by the clouds, but not before I caught the unmistakeable call of Chiffchaff from the bushes alongside the pond ahead and to the left often favoured by Blackcap. Another year tick!

67. CHIFFCHAFF

Come 5.00pm the rain was returning so I headed on back to the car park seeing very little.

[pauliev69]

Three good ticks Ian, well done, like the Wren pic, thanks ;)

[IanF]

I popped over for an hour after work this afternoon. It stayed fine and more or less sunny for an hour before the rain and sleet caught me out.

Feeding station was pretty quiet. Peanuts are still being provided so the birds are still visiting. Today there was just Treesparrow x10, Dunnock x2, Robin, Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Blackbird. A Long-tailed Tit made repeated visits. Unforutnately it looks like the rats have bred as there were two adults and four little ones scurrying around.

There was next to nothing between the car park and the main pond, just a few Magpie and Crow.

Over the pond it was nice to see a single Barn Swallow - first of the year - which headed off towards the sewage works after a few minutes.

68. BARN SWALLOW

The Heron dropped in and then straight out as the LBB Gulls once again chased it away. No sign of any Sand Martins today and no Chiffchaffs - a bit too cold for them maybe.

On the water were Shoveler x2, Tufted Duck, Pochard x4, Gadwall x2, Mallard, Mute Swan x2, Coot and Moorhen plus the pair of Muscovy.

[pauliev69]

At the park for a couple of hours on Wed, yes did notice the new Rat arrivals!
Noted 4 x Little Grebe on the Pond along with the Grey Heron

[IanF]

An early visit today 7:00am - 9:30am with clear blue skies, light winds and temperatures around 7°F.

Arriving at the car park the usual Treesparrow, Yellowhammer, Robin, Great and Blue Tits were sat in the hawthorn bushes. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the trees overhead.

I popped into the feeding station to add a little food, though there was a good deal already in place. Not many birds present though and few turned up in the 20 minutes I waited - Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Treesparrow, Chaffinch, Robin, Yellowhammer and Dunnock.

Walking through the car park I had fly overs of Curlew, Cormorant and Heron - all heading west. On the small ponds beside the car park were Moorhen, Coot, Mallard and Mute Swan. The field in front of the Activity Centre held several Rook and Jackdaw which I haven't noted before, at least not this year -

69. JACKDAW

Leaving the car park on the cinder track on the left the reeds and fence posts held Reed Bunting, Wren and Long-tailed Tit x2 whilst the bushes on the right held Robin, Wren and Reed Bunting.

The long hedge leading to the railway line held very few birds, but that may have been due to a Sparrowhawk being about. It shot from the hedge 20 yards in front of me and flew towards the railway before turning right over towards Seal Sands Road.

Alongside the railway most of the small hawthorn bushes held birds - mainly Yellowhammer but also Goldfinch and Dunnock. As I neared the main pond a pair of Linnet landed in the bushes a few yards away, the male singing merrily away with his back to me.

On the pond were a good number of birds including Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall, Muscovy, Little Grebe x2, Cormorant on the stone island, Heron x3 in the dead tree, Shoveler, Shelduck x2, Mute Swan x2 (nesting), Coot, Moorhen, Ruddy Duck (pair), LBB Gull and BH Gull.

As I walked up the hill there were plenty of birds in the bushes on the hillside and along the railway lines where they get little disturbed - mainly Yellowhammer and Goldfinch. A pair of Kestrel passed overhead though I did see another two singles later on - possibly the same birds.

By the hide (not in use) Blue Tits, Great Tits and Wren were collecting nesting material from the bullrush heads. A Dunnock and several Goldfinch were flitting about but I didn't see them collect anything.

Crossing the new bridge where the becks meet I heard my first Willow Warbler of the year - two actually, trying to outdo each other's singing. It didn't take long to locate them, though they seemed more nervy than I recall.

70. WILLOW WARBLER

Following the stream to the cycleway brought more Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer not to mention loads of Magpie. The only other birds of note were a pair of Pheasant exploding from the rough grass a few yards in front of me.

Nearing the sewage works a Heron circled overhead before heading off south. Shortly afterwards I spotted a single Swallow which was feeding over the sewage works itself.

Quite a pleasant couple of hours.

[pauliev69]

Well done on the two new additions Ian, nice to see the Warblers back, great pic of the Robin caught in full song
See you around
PaulV ;)

[IanF]

I've been across to the site a few times in the last week but nothing notable has been about, apart from seeing a slow increase in the numbers of Willow Warblers.

After work today I got dropped off at the car park and spent a couple of hours (15:30-17:30) having a wander around. it was hazy sunshine though high cloud with a cool breeze, though still one of the warmest days of the year so far.

I popped into the feeding station and saw no birds at all, no food put out and most of the feeders removed. I put out some sunflower hearts but after 20 minutes I'd seen three young rats, two Great Tit, a Blue Tit and a Wren passing through. As I left two Willow Warbler landed in the trees above the viewing screen.

Heading along the cycletrack apart from Swallows overhead a couple of Treesparrow, three Goldfinch, a Blackbird, a Robin and a whole lot of pigeons were the only birds seen/heard until reaching the first stream. Whilst stood there a few minutes Willlow Warbler, female Blackcap, Robin and Grey Wagtail all came to bathe from the muddy margins to the right of the bridge.

Carrying on passed the sewage works it remained quiet with just Robin and a pair of Reed Bunting until I reached the first open space on the right just before Faith Wood. The bushes from then on to the bridge held quite a few birds including Willow Warblers, Treesparrow, Wren, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Reed Bunting and rather unusual and a first of the year a single female Northern Wheatear - first time I've seen on in the park let alone a new species for the year. I hung around a while after it dropped down to the field on the left, but I didn't see it again - just Skylark and Meadow Pipit.

71. NORTHERN WHEATEAR

Having walked back down the track 100 yards I headed into Faith Wood trying to spot the numerous calling Willow Warblers. I thought I heard a Chiffchaff but if it was it soon fell silent as I only heard it the once. A Pheasant was making quite a racket but asn't seen.

On leaving Faith Wood and reaching the stream several Reed Bunting and yet more Willow Warblers were in the dense Hawthorn bushes alongside the stream. I turned right towards the 'new' bridge trying to pick out the small birds in the bushes. By now I'd seen 15 Willow Warblers in the bushes and 9 Reed Bunting flitting between the bullrushes and the bushes. It was nice to see three Blackcap in the bushes as well, with two males chasing each other, no doubt over the attentions of a single female. The just as I reached the bridge I heard what I thought was a Whitethroat calling and sure enough a pair were in the bushes beside the bridge - not quite posing long enough for a photo - but at least they're back.

72. COMMON WHITETHROAT

Having crossed the bridge and walked back down the other side of the stream apart from moe Willow Warblers and the usual Blue abd Great Tits, a Wren and Blackbirds were the only birds seen.

Next stop was the pond. It was very quiet as well with Tufted Duck, Mallard, Pochard, Mute Swan, Canada Goose (being repeatedly chased by said Swans), Grey Heron, Coot, Moorhen. I sat a while watching the numerous Swallows and House Martins and a couple of Sand Martins before having a close encounter with a Sparrowhawk which came shooting along the path from behind me - I guess we both got a shock as it made a dicey turn off the path in amongst the bushes clipping a few on the way.

Leaving the pond behind I came across yet more Willow Warblers, Greenfinch and Goldfinch as I made my way back towards the car park.

[IanF]

An early visit today at 6:00am as I was hoping to catch the birds in full song. however the heavy cloud and low temperatures put paid to that.

Just after arriving I met Francis one of the voluntary wardens who told me about a Grasshopper Warbler than had been sighted yesterday so I headed across the road for a look but no joy today. It would have been first for the site for me at least but I'll keep checking.

Still plenty of Willow Warblers, Treesparrows and Reed Bunting about with quite a few Robin and Wren singing away. I was hoping to locate the Whitethroat and Blackcaps in the same place as my plast visit but that area was devoid of birds apart from two Willow Warbler and a Blackbird.

The main pond was pretty quiet as well. A Grey Heron was in the corner by the railway lines and a female Sparrowhawk was in the corner diagonally opposite sat in the top of a Hawthorn bush with bulging crop. I had a walk around but couldn't locate any remains. Most notable birds on the pond were three Ruddy Duck and a pair of Little Grebe. Swallows were in good numbers as well.

Walking around to the railway lines side of the pond I sat a while feeding the Muscovy's and a few Mallard. Dunnock were in the bush beisde me along with a Whitethroat and a pair of Blackcaps which made their way along the bushes into the reserve area. Completing the loop around the pond I came across a pair of Linnet and Reed Bunting in their usual corner.

[pauliev69]

Nice pics of the Whitethroat Ian, shame the about the Grasshopper, hope its still around. Pleased to hear Francis is still around, we have had many conversations and cups of tea, he is very knowledgable.
See you around
PaulV ;)

[pauliev69]

A visit to the park tonight 6-7.30 proved fruitfull with a good variety of birds around.
Along the paths were:
Reed Bunting
Willow Warbler x4
Swallow
Chaffinch
Yellowhammer
Northern Wheatear (in the adjacent field)
Pheasant
Song Thrush
Blue Tit
Blackcap Male and Female
Whitethroat
The pond was rather quite with Tufted Duck, Mallard and Mute Swan

[IanF]

I chose today to do the BTO Breeding Bird Survey which for me happens to coincide with CBWP |:d|

It was a good day to choose as following overnight rain the morning was bright and sunny, quite mild and no wind to speak of. Soon as I arrived in the car park I could hear birds calling from every direction.

A 06:30 start from the pump house just south of Seal Sands Road was the the start of the first transect. The first few metres brought several Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, Wren, a Bullfinch pair and the best of the day Grasshopper Warbler, new for the year and not often found in the park. I actually came across two in the park today, but this first one for anyone visiting is around 30 metres east of the wooden footbridge just in front of the fence. I think this is the bird Francis Tasker one of the voluntary wardens told me about earlier in the week.

73. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

Crossing back over Seal Sands Road to the car park brought the usual Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Treesparrows along with Great Tit, Blue Tit and Chaffinch. Four Goldfinch flew over as well.

Passing through the car park the usual Mute Swans (nesting), Coot and Moorhen were on the small ponds. Two Swallow flew over as well. Instead of turning right through the gates as I normally do I carried straight ahead along the boardwalk and over the bridge passing Whitethroat, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Halfway between the two sets of pylons I heard a second Gropper just the other side of the stream to the left of the small brick building. It was in one of several small Hawthorn bushes.

Passing yet more Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats as I reached the bridge where the two streams meet, I heard the unmistakeable call of a Sedge Warbler - another first for the year, though the first of several located today. They must have just arrived as my last visit was just Friday and there was no sign of them.

74. SEDGE WARBLER

It was a nice find to end the first transect.

I then moved to the start of the next transect which was where the stream passes under the railway line. Another Sedge Warbler and a Whitethroat were awaiting me. The section over the hill held very little apart from flypasts of Shelduck and Mallard. A pair of Long-tailed Tit in the trees beside the railway were the only ones recorded today.

From the hill top it was a little disappointing to see no Swallow, Martins or Swifts over the pond. There seemed to be plenty of flies about as the Whitethroats were catching plenty. On the last few visits there have been up to around 20 over the pond.

Heading along the path by railway lines Pheasant could be heard on the far side. It was interesting to see the new scrape was being refilled - I wonder if that's an end to the new wetland site that was proposed? I think that when they removed the top soil they hit the old rubbish tip sooner than they thought.

Sitting by the pond there were plenty of birds on the water but nothing out of the ordinary. I counted the Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Mallard, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pochard and a pair of Little Grebe. The Muscovy's were there but of course don't count. The 11x Coot brought up an 'unusually high' marker on the BBS survey which seems odd as there's often far more than that especially in Winter.

The next section held Linnet, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat which led on to the final section running up to Seal Sands Road where the final birds in the count were a Skylark, Whitethroat and a Yellowhammer pair.

Over the last week Willow Warbler have been the most numerous species about, but today they were eclipsed by both Whitethroat and Blackcap.

[tedrick]

great images Ian, and thanks again for your help
cheers ted

[StevieEvans]

Hi Ian
nice reports.
whats your drake on post #81 ? (tuftxpoch?)
SteveE

[IanF]

Hi Ian
nice reports.
whats your drake on post #81 ? (tuftxpoch?)
SteveE
Yes, I call it 'tuftard' ;)

It's been around a couple of years now - I've never not seen it on a visit. It hangs around with the Tufted Duck rather than the 3-4 Pochard that are usually present. There was a second one, not as well marked but that seems to have moved on sometime last year.

[pauliev69]

Cracking pics Ian, well done on the Groppers, heard one last Wed, but as yet no sighting
See you around
PaulV
BTW has Francis joined yet?

[IanF]

If Francis has joined I haven't he hasn't posted yet. I thought I might have seen him today but there was no sign. He did say he was starting a new job though so I dare say he'll have less time to spend over there.

[pauliev69]

A couple of hours spent at the park this afternoon 12.00-2.00 in the May sunshine made up for the the dissapointment of missing the White Stork in Billingham earlier in the day.
Whitethroat and Willow Warbler were in good numbers along the cycle track althought difficult to photograph.
Following the path along the stream were four Geese in the adjacent field, not sure of the ID but presume domestic (pic attached)
Not much on the pond apart from Coot, Mallard and the Muscovy's
Sad to see the new scrape being filled in.

[Silvershark]

Had a trip down this evening, nothing much to report except I spotted what I think was a common sandpiper on the island at the main pond :bounce:

[IanF]

We had our first visit of the month yesterday morning. A pleasant sunny morning even if the temperatues were a bit low and the wind distinctly chilly.

A break of a couple of weeks certainly makes a difference this time of year. The trees and bushes are out in full leaf and quite dense as well as many being in full flower.

Form the car park we saw/heard Magpie, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Pigeon and Wren. Mute Swan, Coot and Moorhen were on the smalls ponds besdie the car park. The Swan was sill sitting on eggs.

Following the hedge to the railway lines thre were more Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Goldfinch and Blackbird. There was no sign of the Yellowhammers beside the railway lines nor the Long-tailed Tits that had been in that area. Pheasant could be heard in the field the other side of the railway lines. Crows were still nesting in the pylons.

On reaching the main pond we saw/heard Chaffinch, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat in the bushes. A Robin was in it's usual spot beside the benches. Swifts and Sand Martin were over the water.

On the pond itself there were Gadwall, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan (still nesting), Coot, Moorhen, LBB Gull and a pair of Little Grebe. At first the Canada Goose weren't in sight but as we walked around the pond the cob Mute Swan pointed the way. It's viscious brute that harrasses all the other birds, but especially the Canada Goose. It doesn't seem to deter them though as most years a pair turn up. Whilst one distracted the Swan the other took care of a newly hatched Gosling that looked as if it was no more than a few days old. I do wonder what happened to the rest of the clutch though??? We only saw one Muscovy, so I don't know what's happened to the other one?

Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Wwillow Warbler, Whitethroat and Tree Sparrow were in the bushes at the corner of the pond along with Blue Tit, Great Tit and Wren. A Kestrel was over the hill.

A pair of Grey Partridge were in a crop field beside the cycleway and Heron dropped down to the beck.

We made our way back to the car park seeing much the same species.

[Silvershark]

Nice report Ian, haven't been to the reserve for a couple of weeks because I've been away but I'll have to head down there sometime to see what's around! There are a few new birds on the list I've never seen to look out for now!

[IanF]

I had a walk over to the park this evening 20:20 - 22:20 hoping to see an Owl or two but no joy. It wasn't a wasted trip as I did come across a Green Woodpecker, the first of the year for me. I can't claim it for the park list though as it was more towards Greatham than the park.

In the first section from Seal Sands Road west entrance to the cycleway there were Swallow, Swift and House Martin overhead. A Sparrowhawk flew through as well. In the bushes were Robin, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, Linnet, Blackbird, pigeons, Crow. Two Grey Heron flew over as well.

The cycleway to Cloth Bridge held nothing at all - not surprising as there was a cross country run on the go with 40+ entrants tramping through. They were following the route I'd planned so instead I carried on along the cycleway taking the longer route via Greatham Village. There were plenty of birds in the hedges along that section most of them with young families comprising Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Linnet and Treesparrow. As I approached Greatham Wood a Green Woodpecker took off from a dead tree - a shame it saw me before I saw it. It headed off south in the direction I'd just come from - but was a good sighting. I lingered a while thinking it may come back if it was collecting for young but it never did. Meanwhile several grey Partridge were calling and venturing into the open. Rabbits and two Hare came out until they saw me and scarpered again.

I carried on to Greatham and turned right following the beck towards the railway lines. Mallard, Magpie, Shelduck, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler were along the beck. More Patridge were about here as were several Lapwing and a Pheasant on the dried up scrape. Skylark and Meadow Pipit were singing as well.

I turned right following the railwayline back to the park but saw little else with just pigeon and Whitethroat in the bushes. On reaching the park Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting and Whitethroat were calling.

I climbed the hill and sat a while and was joined Francis one of the voluntary wardens. We spent about an hour sat there but asw nothing much of note. Come 22:00 hrs we headed down the hill, but it was too dark by then to make out what was on the pond. The Mute Swan were still nesting but I think the eggs must be infertile as they've been sat on them over a month now - every other Swan on the park has young. Even the Canada Geese have raised their young now. I think the Mute Swan have been nesting for around 10 yrs now so perhaps they're past their best years. Other birds on the pond were Tufted Duck, Pochard and Little Grebe. Just the one Muscovy still so I think the other one has met it's demise - whether from the cob Mute Swan or some yob.

[StevieEvans]

I had a walk over to the park this eveing 20:20 - 22:20 hoping to see an Owl or two but no joy. It wasn't a wasted trip as I did come across a Green Woodpecker............

Hi Ian thats an interesting one, no Yaffles anywhere near there during our last breeding atlas, wonder if TBC have any records from there? There was one reported winter '05 from Hargreaves quarry of all places!
Steve

[mosstrooper]

The Mute Swan were still nesting but I think the eggs must be infertile as they've been sat on them over a month now - every other Swan on the park has young. Even the Canada Geese have raised their young now. I think the Mute Swan have been nesting for around 10 yrs now so perhaps they're past their best years.

Nice report Ian, don't give up on the Mute Swans yet as a pair i watch have hatched young-after almost seven weeks, perhaps the cold spring has slowed things down.

BWP gives the gestation period of 35-41 days.

Mossy.

[IanF]

It was certainly a surprise to find, though I've heard they used to breed around Greatham.

It's a good bit off my nornal route but I'll have a look back there this weekend.

[IanF]

Nice report Ian, don't give up on the Mute Swans yet as a pair i watch have hatched young-after almost seven weeks, perhaps the cold spring has slowed things down.

BWP gives the gestation period of 35-41 days.

Mossy.
There's hope for them yet then :t:

They've been nesting since at least 30th April when first saw them, so they're pushing that seven week period!

[IanF]

A visit this afternoon 3:50pm - 5:15pm - mild temperatures but a blustery wind and thickening overcast conditions.

On being dropped off at the car park the first birds I saw were four Magpies in the car park, young birds that seemd to be playing tag with each other. Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcap were singing from three sides. A few Swallows and House Martins were over the grass area towards the Activity Centre.

Heading along the track to the first gate Reed Bunting, Whitethroat and chaffinch were in the bushes and Tree Sparrow in the mature trees. I then forked right after the gate up the path beside the long hedge. There was just a single Blackbird singing though the presence of a Sparrowhawk that flew out of the hedge in front of me and along the lineof the path towards the railway lines may have been the reason. On reaching the railway, 20 yds after path bends left a single Grey Partridge was stood on the path. It saw me and burst upwards and to the left diving down into the rough grass of the small hill.

Yellowhammer, Linnet and Whitethroat were alongside the railway line and Swallow x8 were over the corn field the other side.

On reaching the pond, it was pretty quiet. Mallard were sat by the benches and the Muscovy soon appeared for a feed. There were several young Coot and Moorhen around. Tufted Duck being the only other birds on the water. Sand Martin were over the pond.

Walking to the other side there was nothing new,just more Whitethroat and Reed Bunting. I checked to see the other Swan was still sat on it's unhatched eggs. A pair of Ruddy Duck appeared from the reeds beside it.

I headed back to the bridge ad followed the stream past the blackthorn bushes to the next bridge with more Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and a single Sedge Warbler singing.

By the time I reached the confluence of the becks the wind was strong so it was head down as I made my way towards the cyclepath. The only birds I noticed were a few Blue Tits. On reaching the cyclepath though there were several Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer and Whitethroat singing from the dense hawthorns.

Walking along the cycleway straight into the wind there was nothing to see or hear apart from a few Blackbirds and a Robin. I trned right at the next stream as I headed towards Seal Sands Road. Nothing new was seen until I reached the main road when a 'V' of 16 Greylags passed overhead towards the North Tees Marshes.

[IanF]

I spent a couple of hours wandering around the park last night and then again today.

Loads of birds to be heard still and quite a few along the cycleway bushes mainly Yellowhammer, Linnet, Whitethroat and Reed Bunting.

I had both Sparrowhawk and Kestrel this evening and a fly over of two Curlew. I also had a very close encounter with a Grey Partridge - I'm sure I must have stood on it's tail as I physically felt it fly up as wellas the heart stopping moment!

The main pond was still pretty quiet. Noteworthy are the Mute Swan. She's still sitting on the nest - the eggs must surely be infertile. The young from the pair by the car park are living on the small streams now and getting quite large. Ohers on the pond were Tufted Duck, Muscovy, Moorhen, Coot. Swifts, Swallow and Sand Martins still over head.

Best find of the day though was Common Sandpiper. It was in the same place last night on the muddy margins of the main stream behind the hill where it passes beneath the railway line. I only came across it as I've been doing the Greatham circuit hoping for another Green Woodpecker sighting - no joy so far.

The Common Sandpiper is a new species for the year.

75 COMMON SANDPIPER

With birds being harder to spot this time of year I've started looking at butterflies and insects as well. Previous years there's bene a good selecetion. It's really a little late to be starting - but better late than never ;)

Last night and this evening the most numerous species were Ringlet. From the ID fourms it tunrs out one is quite a rarity as it has no circles on the lower wing - just white dots. I saw sevreal last night and two again tonight - though mainly the properly marked ones. Best place for Ringlets was alongside the railway lines though the unmarked ones were on the cycleway by the wooden bridge over the beck and in the wooded area by Seal Sands Road.

Other species noted were Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Comma, Painted Lady (on top of the big hill!), Large White, Small White, Orange Tip and Large Skipper.

[Geoff Pain]

What lens are you using for the butterfly shots Ian?

[IanF]

What lens are you using for the butterfly shots Ian?
It's the Canon 100-400 IS f4,5-f5,6. The minimum focus distance isn't brilliant but the lens performs quite nicely for this type of shot. They're all taken at 400mm f5,6 at 1/250 using the built in flash as conditions were quite cloudy and dull. The IS really comes into it's own at this speed.

I'm sure sharper photos will be possible if we get a sunny day and aperture can be increased.

[Silvershark]

Was there this afternoon doing some butterfly and moth spotting but stopped by the pond and the female swan has left the nest and there were no cygnets around. Her neck was looking a bit thin the poor girl, hopefully she'll be able to build herself up now. Also spotted a chiffchaff. Saw around 6 new species of butterfly and moth in the reserve too!

[IanF]

Was there this afternoon doing some butterfly and moth spotting but stopped by the pond and the female swan has left the nest and there were no cygnets around. Her neck was looking a bit thin the poor girl, hopefully she'll be able to build herself up now. Also spotted a chiffchaff. Saw around 6 new species of butterfly and moth in the reserve too!
We had another look over there this afternoon. Plenty of Whitethroat, Linnet and Yellowhammer singing away in the warm sunshine.

Several butterflies again though nothing new - Common Blue, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell. Plenty of Damsel flies around as well.

[Silvershark]

All my insect shots are up here: http://ktsilvershark.googlepages.com/insectphotography

Pleased with the numbers I've seen so far and I always get excited when I see something new (basically every trip out!). This time last year I wouldn't hang around to ID them or even go near them I was scared of them but now I can happily get just inches from them to take a shot. I'll have plenty of time to go butterfly spotting after next week until I move to Scotland, then I'll have to find a new place to go butterfly spotting!

[IanF]

All my insect shots are up here: http://ktsilvershark.googlepages.com/insectphotography

Pleased with the numbers I've seen so far and I always get excited when I see something new (basically every trip out!). This time last year I wouldn't hang around to ID them or even go near them I was scared of them but now I can happily get just inches from them to take a shot. I'll have plenty of time to go butterfly spotting after next week until I move to Scotland, then I'll have to find a new place to go butterfly spotting!
Great close up photos. I hope your move goes well. The insects are just hotting up now with more species appearing at the park. I'm sur you'll find plenty of new ones in Scotland once you're settled in.

After a week of being cooped up in the house I had a wander over to the park this evening. A lovely warm sunny evening it was as well. They've been few and far between the last few weeks.

The main feature again were the insects. Only a few Damsel flies in evidence today but bitterflies were out in good numbers. I'm still a novice at ID'ing them but I came across, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Ringlet, Large White, Small White and Small Heath.

There were plnty of birds around but mainly flitting from bush to bush giving the briefest of glimpses. Whilst waiting for insects to land, several times birds came out of hising for a few seconds until they realised I was still there before diving for cover. I think they were feeding on the insects I was looking at! I'd say most were young birds and included Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackcap, Witethroat, Yellowhammer, Wren, Goldfinch, Willow Warbler, Chifchaff, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Linnet and Tree Sparrow. Reed Bunting were everywhere. Most notable though was a young Willow Tit part of a group moving through the bushes. It landed 20' away and started feeding, totally ignoring me. I had an extension tube fitted for close photos, but luckily the bird was just to say in range to snap a few photos.

The main pond held the usual Moorhen, Coot, Tufted Duck, Ruddy Duck and Mute Swan. Loads of Black-headed Gulls as well.

Walking to the new bridge where the becks meet I disturbed a Common Sandpiper and a Redshank which were resting on the concrete drain outflow. With it being around high tide no mud was in view so I think they must have been roosting until the tide went out.

Around the rest of the site Magpies, Blackbirds and pigeons were much in evidence.

[pauliev69]

Very nice pics Ian, particullary the Tit
Good to see a nice selection of Butterflies at the park, I was over last Sat and found the Ringlets were most abundant
See you around
PaulV

[IanF]

A pleasant couple of hours wandering around the Park this morning. A little overdue in completing the BTO Breeding Birds Survey for one reason or another I figured I'd do it this morning.

It was the first time out birding this year that I didn't bother with taking the camera with me - just my binos and the survey forms - and boy did I regret it - though in the end nothing was lost.

I started the first transect at 06:45 from beside the gas depot on a lovely sunny morning with a very light cool breeze - perfect conditions.

The first transect held plenty of birds, most notable being a Grasshopper Warbler c.100 yds from where I recorded one in May. Other birds in the bushes alongside the hedge and stream included Blackcap, Wren, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler. A Grey Heron was a surprise in the stream beside the wooden hump-back bridge near the sewage works especially as it's on the dog walking route and a couple of cars were already in the car park. Right at the end of the transect a Redshank and a Common Sandpiper were on the beck by the concrete outflow which seems to be their favoured spot for the moment.

The second transect began where the beck passes below the railway line and follows the line back towards Seal Sands Road. There were very few birds at all in the first section, but on climbing up the back of the hill I came across not one, but three Grasshopper Warbler. Two were perched on Meadowsweet and Hogweed in full view 15 yds from the path - it was most annoying not having the camera until today I'd only had the briefest of glimpses. I put it down to experience and carried on.

The final straw though was on cresting the hill and seeing a Little Egret perched on the dead tree above the main pond that it's used in the past for occasional roosting. They're very infrequent visitors to the Park and even on the North Tees Marshes they've only been occasional sightings this year. It must have roosted there overnight and was now enjoying the sun as it stretched and preened. That was the final straw! I completed the rest of the survey and then dashed back to the car park. Luckily I'd come by car rather than walked over so I headed back home for the camera and then back to the Park.

Luckily the Little Egret was still in place and likewise one of the Grasshopper Warbler so I grabbed a few photos.

Bird list for the day -

Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Crow
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Willow Tit
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Sedge Warbler
Blackbird
Dunnock
Magpie
Wren
Goldfinch
Chaffinch
Mute Swan
Grey Heron
Mallard
Moorhen
Coot
Tufted Duck
Little Grebe
Pochard
Robin
Yellowhammer
Meadow Pipit
Grasshopper Warbler
Kestrel
Little Egret
Common Sandpiper
Redshank
Tree Sparrow
Swallow
BH Gull

36 species.

[pauliev69]

Superb Ian, its always the same when you leave the camera at home!!
Nice to see the Egret on the pond, great pics of the Gropper ;)

[IanF]

I paid another visit to the Park after work on Friday and spent three hours there as I took the longer route round by Greatham village - hoping for Green Woodpecker again but no joy. Maybe it was a bit too hot and sunny as there weren't that many birds around at all. Plenty of butterflies though with Comma, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, a few Ringlet still, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large White, Small White, Large Skipper, Peacock and Wall Brown.

Just a few Damsel flies around with Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly.

The only bird species of note was a single Grasshopper Warbler on the top of the hill still.

[IanF]

A bit of everything this morning with sun, cloud, showers and then a heavy downpour - just as we returned to the car.

Birding was very quiet again, most notable being a Yellowhammer singing and six cute signets with their father.

Even butterflies were few and far between, maybe the colder damp weather kept them down. Most obvious were Wall Brown followed by Green-veined White and Red Admiral. A couple of very tatty Painted Lady as well.

[IanF]

This evening I had a wander over to the park. Despite the forecast of cloud and rain we had a lovely sunny evening with clear blue skies and sunshine.

Despite the sunny conditions there were few birds to see between the car park and the main pond. The only birds I saw were two Magpies before reaching the pond and c.250 pigeons - obviously just disturbed from feeding in a field.

On reaching the bushes by the disused hide, there were several Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Willow Tit and Treesparrow. On the pond itself things were pretty quiet with just the usual Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Mute Swan (cob only), Tufted Duck and Pochard. The water was very green with weed and even bright blue in places! I don't know if it's algae or something else.

I had hoped for a few damselflies, dragonflies and hawkers. There were some about, but not many. The hawkers were too active, never landing so I never got a good look at them. There were quite a few Common Blue butterflies and the odd Wall Brown and Large White - all looking a bit tatty, not surprising after all the damp weather we've had.

As I made my way to the other side of the pond by the railway lines, I was suddenly inundated with birds. A large flock comprising Long-tailed Tits (30+) flew into the bushes beside me and gradually moved through the trees alongside the path. A marvellous sight to see so many together and a lovely moment to savour as I stood between the bushes and they were landing within a couple of feet still feeding. Half a dozen Willow Warbler were with them as well and a few BlueTit, Great Tit, Blackcap and Treesparrow. I still had extension tubes attached to the camera, so I managed a few 'close-ups'!

Once they'd drifted through headed back to the car park and through the wood alongside Seal Sands Road. More tits and sparrows and a single Kestrel was perched on a conifer.

Crossing over the road I came across around a dozen Swift and another dozen Swallow - the first Swift I'd seen in a week - so still a few around.

[IanF]

A few bugs from today as well.

[pauliev69]

A few bugs from today as well.Some very nice captures Ian
the last Butterfly looks like a Northern Brown Argus, what area did you see it?
Cheers
PaulV ;)

[pauliev69]

This evening I had a wander over to the park. Despite the forecast of cloud and rain we had a lovely sunny evening with clear blue skies and sunshine.

Despite the sunny conditions there were few birds to see between the car park and the main pond. The only birds I saw were two Magpies before reaching the pond and c.250 pigeons - obviously just disturbed from feeding in a field.

On reaching the bushes by the disused hide, there were several Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Willow Tit and Treesparrow. On the pond itself things were pretty quiet with just the usual Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Mute Swan (cob only), Tufted Duck and Pochard. The water was very green with weed and even bright blue in places! I don't know if it's algae or something else.

I had hoped for a few damselflies, dragonflies and hawkers. There were some about, but not many. The hawkers were too active, never landing so I never got a good look at them. There were quite a few Common Blue butterflies and the odd Wall Brown and Large White - all looking a bit tatty, not surprising after all the damp weather we've had.

As I made my way to the other side of the pond by the railway lines, I was suddenly inundated with birds. A large flock comprising Long-tailed Tits (30+) flew into the bushes beside me and gradually moved through the trees alongside the path. A marvellous sight to see so many together and a lovely moment to savour as I stood between the bushes and they were landing within a couple of feet still feeding. Half a dozen Willow Warbler were with them as well and a few BlueTit, Great Tit, Blackcap and Treesparrow. I still had extension tubes attached to the camera, so I managed a few 'close-ups'!

Once they'd drifted through headed back to the car park and through the wood alongside Seal Sands Road. More tits and sparrows and a single Kestrel was perched on a conifer.

Crossing over the road I came across around a dozen Swift and another dozen Swallow - the first Swift I'd seen in a week - so still a few around.Super photos Ian, finished work early today and was close to a walk "over the park" but went on the computer instead!
Must get out more often!
See you around
PaulV ;)

[IanF]

Some very nice captures Ian
the last Butterfly looks like a Northern Brown Argus, what area did you see it?
Cheers
PaulV ;)
Don't get your hopes up Paul, it's just a rather tatty female Common Blue - most of the blue has worn off.

Have you checked out the entrance to Castle Eden Dene for Brown Argus? I went about a month ago but I think it was too early. Loads of Rock Rose though which they favour. I'll no doubt pop back one day next week if the weather stays decent.

[pauliev69]

Don't get your hopes up Paul, it's just a rather tatty female Common Blue - mos tof the blue has worn off.

Have you checked out the entrance to Castle Eden Dene for Brown Argus? I went about a month ago but I think it was too early. Loads of Rock Rose though which they favour. I'll no doubt pop back one day next week if the weather stays decent.
Yes can see now, just hoping!
Seen plenty at Bishop Middleham this year

[IanF]

I needed a stress break after work yesterday so I had a wander around the reserve for a couple of hours last night.

There were a lot more birds on the main pond than the previous day. The water looked in better conditions - still greenish but at least no blue patches that I could see. Additional species today were Grey Heron, both Mute Swan, Muscovy Duck, Ruddy Duck and Little Grebe x3 - an adult and two young.

In these bushes alongside the railway lines today were a few Long-tailed Tit, Linnet, Goldfinch and Blackbird.

Hawkers were much more numerous today as were darters. A few Painted Lady were in the same areas as the Wall Brown.

Best sighting of the day though were a pair of Great Spotted Woodpcker juveniles in the trees by the car park/feeding station. They were making quite a racket. An adult flew off leaving the two juveniles looking for grubs. Its a few weeks since I last saw any Woodpeckers here and I thought the breeding must have failed this year - so it was a good find.

[IanF]

Marmot fancied a walk out today so we headed over to the Park for a look around. The weather was fine with thick high cloud but it was still fairly bright and there was a stiff wind.

A Kestrel took off from the trees beside the feeidng station as we entered the car park which itself held a few Goldfinch and Blue Tits which were calling from the bushes.
We walked up the long hedge towards the railway lines just seeing the odd Wren, Dunnock and Blackbird. There were quite a few Common Darters about and a few hawkers. Eventually one landed and I saw it was a Common Hawker.

On reaching the main pond it was covered with birds - just about everyone of them were Mallard. I've never seen as many here - there must have been around 150 of them. There were still the usual Tufted Duck, Muscovy, Mute Swan pair, Coot, Pochard, Moorhen and a pair of Little Grebe.

Across the railway lines on the raise ground was flock of around 40 Goldfinch with a few Reed Bunting and Linnet mixed in.

Walking to the other side of the pond to the boggy area we came across a few butterflies including Small White, Common Blue, Painted Lady and wall Brown. More Common Darter as well. By the boggy area we spotted a groups of five Blue Tit feeding on the Hawthorn along with a Common Whitethroat.

As we headed back to the car park through the dog running area the only other birds seen were a family of Mute Swan, two adults and five signet at the wooden hump back bridge.

[pauliev69]

Marmot fancied a walk out today so we headed over to the Park for a look around. The weather was fine with thick high cloud but it was still fairly bright and there was a stiff wind.

A Kestrel took off from the trees beside the feeidng station as we entered the car park which itself held a few Goldfinch and Blue Tits which were calling from the bushes.
We walked up the long hedge towards the railway lines just seeing the odd Wren, Dunnock and Blackbird. There were quite a few Common Darters about and a few hawkers. Eventually one landed and I saw it was a Common Hawker.

On reaching the main pond it was covered with birds - just about everyone of them were Mallard. I've never seen as many here - there must have been around 150 of them. There were still the usual Tufted Duck, Muscovy, Mute Swan pair, Coot, Pochard, Moorhen and a pair of Little Grebe.

Across the railway lines on the raise ground was flock of around 40 Goldfinch with a few Reed Bunting and Linnet mixed in.

Walking to the other side of the pond to the boggy area we came across a few butterflies including Small White, Common Blue, Painted Lady and wall Brown. More Common Darter as well. By the boggy area we spotted a groups of five Blue Tit feeding on the Hawthorn along with a Common Whitethroat.

As we headed back to the car park through the dog running area the only other birds seen were a family of Mute Swan, two adults and five signet at the wooden hump back bridge.Hi Ian
nice report and pics
On my way to work this morning travelling on the back road from Cowpen Bewley to Port there was aflock of at least 200+ Canada Geese sitting in the field amongst the the bales of hay. Wished I had my camera and landscape lens it would have made a good pic! still there tonight BTW
Cheers
PaulV ;)

[IanF]

We had a wander around the park this morning and boy was it quiet! Between the car park and the lake I noted only Magpie and pigeons. Even the lake was quiet with just a few mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan and two Little Grebe. The Muscovy was present as well.

On the way back to the car park we came across a couple of Blue and Great Tit, a few Goldfinch and a single Yellowhammer and one Kestrel which flew up to perch on one of the pylons.

Certainly one of the quietest days I can remember for birding.

[pauliev69]

A very pleasant couple of hours around the park today in the October sunshine
The feeding station is still closed, there still seems to be a lot of natural foods around at the moment so this area was quiet.
First birds seen today were Robin and Wren although not a lot more as I made my way to the pond
The pond a first glance looked empty and then I saw 10 Cormorants on the man made island, first time I have seen that many there I have only seen singles before.
Also on the pond were Muscovy,Mallard, Tufted and a single Grey Heron.
While sitting at the pond I saw Reed Bunting, Blue Tit and Wren and still good numbers of Hawker and Darter.
The walk back to the car park was unaventfull with a view of a single Kestrel being the only other sighted bird

[IanF]

Paul, it looks like you had better conditions than me on Monday. It was distinctly dull and grey skies with heavy cloud cover.

Walking from home and entering the park from Seal Sands Road near Wolviston back lane and walking down towards the feeding station the only birds I saw were magpies and pigeons. Looks like the feeding station has been cleared out of weeds but no food put out yet. I left some there but it wasn't touched whilst I was there.

From the car park and following the straight hedge up to the railway lines I saw Goldcrest x6, Robin x6, Wren, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Linnet 20+. Overhead were large flocks of Redwing numbering around 100.

On reaching the hawthorn bushes by the main pond Redwing c.50 were feeding on the berries along with Fieldfare x11.

On the pond itself a Kingfisher was feeding from the dead wood far left corner in the nature reserve - first time I'd seen it since April.

Cormorant x13 on the main pond - most I've ever seen there.

Other birds on the pond were Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Shoveler x7, Tufted Duck, Muscovy Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Heron.

[IanF]

November has so far being a pretty quiet month around the park. At the beginning of the month the feeding station was re-started and thankfully the rat problem of previous years so far seems under control as I've had several visits in the last few weeks and have yet to see one there.

I had a wander around the park this morning - just before the rain hit. It was sunny but quite chilly with a stiff wind from the west.

Starting off at the feeding station I put out some food for the birds - plenty of peanuts had been supplied but little else. As I entered I disturbed a Great Spotted Woodpecker which had been on the peanut feeder attached to the central sycamore tree. Within 20 minutes a good number of birds were visiting regularly. Most numerous were Treesparrow 12+ of them and being bolder than normal coming within 6' of the screen hide, some on the ground and others on the tables.

Other birds present were Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock and Robin.

In the bushes behind me and in the trees over head three Siskin made their way through the trees followed by several Goldfinch and then a few minutes later by a flock of 5+ Long-tailed Tit. The GSW passed through again but didn't stop.

I then headed over to the main pond. There were no birds at all in the trees and hedges heading to the pond and even once there, all I saw were Blackbirds and a single Robin. Even the bird numbers on the water were low comprising Tufted Duck, Pochard, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, 1x Grey Heron, 1x Goldeneye.

[pauliev69]

Good to see the Treesparrows still around in good numbers but hope the pond starts to get a bit busier soon, that seems to be the beauty of the park one day you can go and it will be full of birds! other days can be very quiet. Hopefully another month or so may see the return of the Waxwings ;)
Great pics BTW Ian ;)

[Shaggy2070]

Just found this Cowpen Bewley thread and have enjoyed reading what's been going on through the year.
Me and the wife popped into the feeding station for half an hour today (we were on our way to watch the Short-Eared Owls down the road) and there were about 15-20 chaffinches males & females, a Robin, couple of Dunnock, only three Tree Sparrows, a Wren and a quick visit from a Great-Spotted Woodpecker also Blue Tits and Great Tits.

And this Hairy little thing in the Pics below.

[IanF]

Dang! I thought we'd got rid of the 'hairy little things' this winter as I haven't seen one there since feeding started again.

Any joy with the SEO's? I've been going down to Greatham Creek/Holme Fleet area for them but haven't seen one since October. Last winter the Park itself was pretty good got them with often two over the hill, Hawtorn Wood and the grassed area by the pylons before you reach the main pond - maybe it's a little early yet.

[Shaggy2070]

Any joy with the SEO's? I've been going down to Greatham Creek/Holme Fleet area for them but haven't seen one since October.

Yes saw two flying about over the road from the Car Park a bit too far for pics as you can see from the first one below on the signpost, but saw three earlier in the month and four in October (second and third pic's were taken 9th-Oct')

[IanF]

Yes saw two flying about over the road from the Car Park a bit too far for pics as you can see from the first one below on the signpost, but saw three earlier in the month and four in October (second and third pic's were taken 9th-Oct')
I'd best keep trying then :t:

[pauliev69]

Spent a couple of hours at the park today, the weather was quite mild but the bright sunshine quickly dissapeared and it became overcast
Not an awfull lot around the car park Blue and Great Tit being the only birds seen
The feeding area was devoid of any food and lacking in any birds apart from a single Blue Tit and a Treesparrow, I normally have birdfood in the car but I had left it at home.
Made my way down the Greatham track spotting Blue Tit, Robin and Blackbird on the way, as I made my way along the stream I spotted 2 Redwing in the field but little else.
Making my way to the pond the sun made a fleeting appearance which made the Goldeneye stand out from the Tufted Duck it was swimming with.
Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Muscovy and a single Commerant made up the rest of the numbers.
Following the track by the railway line is usually quite productive but today was very quite the only birds seen were a flock of Blue Tit.
I had better luck further on when I noticed what I thought were a group of Siskin, but turned out to be Redpoll feeding in the trees, there were a group of 6 that moved around frequently so the pics I got were hurried.
Got back to the car park and decided to drive down to Hartlepool Headland to try my luck there, all in all not a bad couple of hours at the park ;)

[IanF]

Great find with the Redpoll Paul, I've not seen any there yet this winter. Look like Lesser Redpoll. I'll have to have a look down this weekend.

[IanF]

After seeing Paul entering the car park I called in as well as I headed back from the coast. We spent and hour or so wandering around - hoping to find the Redpoll again. We eventually did - 22 of them! They were in Faith Wood sat on the young birch trees near the cycletrack. I'd got half way through them with the binos (all Lesser Redpoll) when they took off, making counting easier. We gave chase but they proved pretty mobile and we didn't relocate them. At least they're still around.

The only other species of interest we came across were two Redwing also alongside the cycleway, feeding on hawthorn berries.

[IanF]

The skies cleared this morning so I popped over to the pond again. Still no food in the feeders so I put some out. Almost as soon as I left the feeders a Redpoll flock passed overhead but didn't hang around, after pausing on the tree tops they headed over Seal Sands Road. I'd say it was likely the same flock we saw yesterday. A Crow was busy mobbing a Kestrel chasing it over head and to the activity centre.

Entering the park I saw Mute Swan and Mallard on the small ponds. There was nothing in the hedge or on the alders until I reached the railway line when I came across 5 Siskin, a few Blue Tits and a small group of Long-tailed Tits. They were all pretty flighty.

Across the railway lines on the small mound was a large flock of Linnet - 200+ - which if anything is a larger than the one we had last winter.

Siskin, Wren and Goldfinch were in the bushes behind the main pond and on the water were Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Pochard x4, Shoveler x11, Teal, Muscovy, Goldeneye x1, Mallard, Coot and Moorhen.
Back-tracking a little I headed down the side of the pond by the berry bushes managing to disturb 20+ Redwing and a few Blackbird. Once behind the rocky island I came across a Great Spotted Woodpecker which was very vocal. Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Dunnock were in the same area.

I figured the Redwing must have gone behind the hill so I walked as far as the end of the hard core track. Sure enough they were there along with Blackbirds, Crow and Magpie. A nice sight were four Bullfinch as they aren't common in the park.

I then headed back upstream seeing nothing much apart from Mute Swan and tits, always checking for the Kingfisher. I did find it - at the same moment it saw me and it was off. It had been perched on a bush over the stream 50 yds down from the cycleway. It headed off up stream.

Just about then the skies darkened so I made my way back to the car park. A GS Woodpecker was feeding on the sunflower hearts I'd put out earlier. It was nice to see the other feeders had all been re-stocked by the wardens.

[pauliev69]

Another nice report Ian
you were brave heading out in that gale this morning!
Good to see the Linnet flock back, funny as we only mentioned them yesterday!
Great spot with the Bullfinch, I have yet to see them in the park
Lets hope the Redpoll stick around for some pics!
Like the flight shot of the GSW BTW
See you around ;)

[IanF]

Another visit this afternoon once the sun got out. I was determined to try for the Redpoll once again as it was my last day off work until next week.

I eventually came across 17 of them in the exact same tree Paul and I had seen them in two days ago. It was just as well I found them as there was little else about to see. On talking with one of the wardens it sound like the Siskin flocks have been mainly on the south side of Seal Sands Road which again today I saw a flock of around 15 heading over there from the area of the feeding station. The spot where I saw the Kingfisher 50' downstream from the cycleway bridge sounds like a hot spot for them as there have been several reports of seeing them there.

Anyway back to the Redpoll. They gave superb views on the young alder trees 20' above ground nicely lit by the afternoon sun, though getting thrown about in the strong gusty wind.

[pauliev69]

Hi Ian,
"persistance pays off!" well done with the Redpolls, I am pleased you caught up with them and got some cracking pics, the sunshine really shows off that nice red crown!
Hope they hang around for a while
See you around ;)

[IanF]

I called in around lunchtime today for a look around. Most activity was in the bushes around the feeding station and car park.

As I passed through the metal gate to visit the feeding station two Bullfinch flew out from the feeindg station to the bushes on the right. As I went for a lcoser look I saw 30+ birds in the alder trees whihc turned out to be a mixture of Siskin, Goldfinch and Redpoll. Great Tit, Treesparrow and Blue Tit were in the denser bushes alongside.

The feeding station was pretty quiet though food was out for the birds. Just Blue Tit, Great Tit, Dunnock, Treesparrow, Robin, Chaffinch and Greenfinch.

The Redpoll flock moved off along the cycleway so I headed that way but there was no further sign. A few Redwing were in the hawthorn bushes again towards the wooden footbridge.

The only other thing of note was the Linnet flock easily 200+ on the far side of the railway lines. Something was disturbing them as they kept splitting into three groups and them forming up again, constantly restless.

[IanF]

With an hour to spare this afternoon I had a wander around the park. Bright and sunny but cold and crisp with frost everywhere and the ponds frozen over. Even the main pod was mostly frozen with just two areas ice free.

Birding was generally quiet. No food in the feeding station and I had none with me either. Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Chaffinch and Geenfinch were still visiting the feeders. On the floor were four Yellowhammer and five Tree Sparrow. A great Spotted Woodpecker flew through but didn't stop. A single Long-tailed Tit briefly showed itself.

There were only Blackbirds following the hedge up past the Activity Centre to the railway line, but just as I reached the railway line seven Grey Partridge flew in from the north and dropped into the deep grass. On the same side the Linnet flock was well over towards Greatham Creek at least double the size it had been, prbably 400-500 birds now. Meanwhile a flock of 37 Skylark circled the mound the Linnet are usually over.

On the main pond birds were in low numbers. The Goldeneye was still present as were a pair of Shoveler and a single Cormorant.

Following the stream towards the cycle track I came across a flock of 17 Long-tailed Tit very active moving between the trees. As I followed them I came across a pair of Mistle Thrush and a pair of Bullfinch in Faith Wood.

A pair of Redwing were on the hawthorn bushes beside the cycle track.

Haeding back to the car park the Yellowhammer had moved into the bushes beside the car park as had 11 Tree Sparrow.

[pauliev69]

Hi Ian
spent this morning at the park and saw very much the same as you, the Grey Partridge and the Redwing being the days highlights plus a pair of Goldcrest.
The feeding station had plenty of food when I was there and there were plenty of birds feeding.
It was strange weather, when I arrived it was bright sunshine then the fog rolled in and changed the scene dramatically, had to content myself with some winter lanscape pics! ;)
See you around
PaulV

[IanF]

That is good news Paul, I wa a bit worried with the weather being so cold today that nothing had been put out for them. I guess it shows just how hungry the birds have been in this weather. When I was there the tables were all devoid of food, the hanging feeder in front of the screen held one peanut, one other had six peanuts left and apart from them there were two remanants of fat balls on the tree in the centre which the Tits were finishing off.

I forgot to mention there was a Goldcrest in the bushes behind the container by the car park.

That's a great looking landscape shot, very effective in B&W. 10m downstream from that fence/outlet there's a old wheel barrow in mid stream, visible at anything other than high tide. A Kingfisher has been using it as a perch whilst feeding - no sign of it today though.

[pauliev69]

Hi Ian,
thanks for the Kingfisher news, will keep my eyes peeled on the next visit!
See you around
PaulV ;)

[hutch]

love the photos of the birds in flight just so much goingon

[IanF]

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park feeding station and surrounding bushes were very active at lunchtime with Siskin x3, Lesser Redpoll x7, Yellowhammer x4, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Greenfinch x9, Goldfinch x7, Long-tailed Tit x7, Tree Sparrow x6, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Wren, Robin, Chaffinch and Dunnock.