birdman
Sunday 29th June 2003, 21:50
Like other members’ “Vacational Reports”, I’m going to split this down into manageable chunks. Also, I will include the final complete birdlist with the last report. As I do not have access to the latest digital technology, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for any photos – and hope, as I am, that they are sufficiently clear for posting!
Day One, and myself and Partnyorsha set off from Donny to Northumberland. To avoid the town centre traffic, we actually set of south, and skirted Doncaster, driving through some of the neighbouring villages before joining the A1(M) Northbound.
Even before reaching the Motorway, we saw a reasonable selection of birds, including Yellowhammer and Wood Pigeon, and also two leverets and a Roe Deer.
The motorway drive was not unpleasant, but was almost birdless except for the usual corvids. Just north of Scotch Corner, we turned onto the A68 to Corbridge, and from there on to Allenbanks, for our first birding walk of the break.
We arrived about 1pm, which is perhaps not the most lively time of day, and started by having lunch before setting off on the riverside walk from Ridley Hall, via Plankey Mill and back again.
The first birds were the bold, in both colour and character, Chaffinches, waiting for scraps, along with a couple of Blackbirds and a Pied Wagtail. A Chiffchaff could also be heard in the trees. As we set off alongside the river, we saw quite a few Grey Wagtails going about their business along the river rocks, and in the trees were Spotted Flycatchers – amongst other things, of course!
There were also a number of loud whistles from the trees in the riverside woods, which may have been Nuthatches (perhaps?), but none were seen.
Also of interest before reaching Plankey Mill was my first Chimney Sweeper Moth.
Returning to the car after Plankey Mill, we passed a field where Swallows were taking insects, and spotted a Blackcap in the trees.
We also sighted a Buzzard, and two Grey Heron landed in a field closeby.
As we returned to the car park, the Chaffinches were as bold as ever, and the Chiffchaff was still singing.
We now drove on to our B&B accommodation, but after getting settled in, it was necessary to take a short trip to Seahouses, to check the times for our Farne Islands trip the next day.
Whilst there, we took the chance to check out the birds in the harbour, which included a dozen or so Eider plus chicks.
Returning to the B&B, we stopped off at Embleton Bay at about 9pm. We crossed the Golf Course, where Larks, Pipits and Swallows were evident, and spent a short time on the beach. As we arrived, a Cormorant landed in the sea. There were also Oystercatchers and more Eider. Nine unidentified waders flew past, followed not long after by 6 Curlew, who split apart like the Red Arrows as they flew overhead. There were also terns, including Common Terns, plunge-diving for fish. Back over the Golf Course to the car, and Reed Buntings were singing in the shrubs.
Not a bad end to day one!
Day One, and myself and Partnyorsha set off from Donny to Northumberland. To avoid the town centre traffic, we actually set of south, and skirted Doncaster, driving through some of the neighbouring villages before joining the A1(M) Northbound.
Even before reaching the Motorway, we saw a reasonable selection of birds, including Yellowhammer and Wood Pigeon, and also two leverets and a Roe Deer.
The motorway drive was not unpleasant, but was almost birdless except for the usual corvids. Just north of Scotch Corner, we turned onto the A68 to Corbridge, and from there on to Allenbanks, for our first birding walk of the break.
We arrived about 1pm, which is perhaps not the most lively time of day, and started by having lunch before setting off on the riverside walk from Ridley Hall, via Plankey Mill and back again.
The first birds were the bold, in both colour and character, Chaffinches, waiting for scraps, along with a couple of Blackbirds and a Pied Wagtail. A Chiffchaff could also be heard in the trees. As we set off alongside the river, we saw quite a few Grey Wagtails going about their business along the river rocks, and in the trees were Spotted Flycatchers – amongst other things, of course!
There were also a number of loud whistles from the trees in the riverside woods, which may have been Nuthatches (perhaps?), but none were seen.
Also of interest before reaching Plankey Mill was my first Chimney Sweeper Moth.
Returning to the car after Plankey Mill, we passed a field where Swallows were taking insects, and spotted a Blackcap in the trees.
We also sighted a Buzzard, and two Grey Heron landed in a field closeby.
As we returned to the car park, the Chaffinches were as bold as ever, and the Chiffchaff was still singing.
We now drove on to our B&B accommodation, but after getting settled in, it was necessary to take a short trip to Seahouses, to check the times for our Farne Islands trip the next day.
Whilst there, we took the chance to check out the birds in the harbour, which included a dozen or so Eider plus chicks.
Returning to the B&B, we stopped off at Embleton Bay at about 9pm. We crossed the Golf Course, where Larks, Pipits and Swallows were evident, and spent a short time on the beach. As we arrived, a Cormorant landed in the sea. There were also Oystercatchers and more Eider. Nine unidentified waders flew past, followed not long after by 6 Curlew, who split apart like the Red Arrows as they flew overhead. There were also terns, including Common Terns, plunge-diving for fish. Back over the Golf Course to the car, and Reed Buntings were singing in the shrubs.
Not a bad end to day one!