Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, Cleveland. UK - 2007 [Archive]

IanF

Monday 1st January 2007, 19:58

Well it's a new year so I figured I start afresh to record the sightings seen at this location over the year. This is a follow on to the 2006 sightings thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=48573).

A sunny start to the year if a little chilly in the stiff wind - then again it is January after all!

Starting from the car park there were 50-60 birds in the big hedge sunning themselves.

Overhead were quite a few gulls.

I called into the feeding station and put some food out. It wasn't long before the place was inundated with birds with Great Tit, Blue Tit and Greenfinch into double figures. Around a half dozen Tree Sparrow came in and four Yellowhammer. A male Great Spotted Woodpecker landed on the tree in the centre but just for a few seconds before moving on.

As I headed back towards the gate to the car park I came across Lesser Redpoll x3 and Long-tailed Tit in the alder trees.

I then headed along the cycle path to Faith Wood and along the beck seeing very little on the way apart from a Kestrel on the pylons until I crossed the bridge by the outfall where a pair of Bullfinch flew from left to right.

As I reached the main pond the Linnet flock 150+ was moving through the trees around the edges of the pond.

As I reached the main pond the Linnet flock 150+ was moving through the trees around the edges of the pond.

Walking to the railway lines side of the pond something took off from one of the fence posts which I saw was a Merlin and shortly after the Linnet flock went up again from the gassy mound nearby.

I sat a while feeding the Tufted Duck, Mallard and Muscovy with sunflower hearts and two Robin came within a few feet to take some as well.

I then circled the pond hoping to catch the Goldeneye a bit closer to the edge but to no avail. Though I did come across a Sparrowhawk diving into a hedge after something.

Around about then Pauliev69 arrived so we had a wander around the park but didn't turn up anything new apart from the Mute Swan on the ponds by the car park which I'd forgotten to note earlier.

Nothing particularly exceptional to start the year, but not a bad start either. It was nice to see the Blackcap and Goldeneye and to see the Redpoll still about.

1. Chaffinch
2. Yellowhammer
3. Great Tit
4. Blue Tit
5. Tree Sparrow
6. Goldcrest
7. Goldfinch
8. Blackcap - female - a good find for here in winter
9. Greenfinch
10. Blackbird
11. Song Thrush
12. Wren
13. Dunnock
14. Magpie
15. Black-headed Gull
16. Common Gull
17. Great Spotted Woodpecker
18. Lesser Redpoll
19. Long-tailed Tit
20. Kestrel
21. Bullfinch
22. Linnet
23. Coot
24. Moorhen
25. Little Grebe
26. Shoveler
27. Pochard
28. Tufted Duck
29. Teal
30. Cormorant
31. Goldeneye - male and three female
32. Merlin
33. Robin
34. Sparrowhawk
35. Mute Swan
36. Redwing
37. Fieldfare
38. Collared Dove
39. Feral Pigeon
40. Song Thrush
41. Willow Tit
42. Goosander
43. Green Sandpiper
44. Grey Wagtail
45. Whooper Swan
46. Treecreeper
47. Mistle Thrush
48. SEO
49. Grey Patridge
50. Pheasant
51. Gadwall
52. Canada Goose
53. Chiffchaff
54. Willow Warbler
55. Sand Martin
56. House Martin
57. Barn Swallow
58. Swift
59. Common Whitethroat
60. Common Tern
61. Common Sandpiper
62. LLB Gull
63. Stonechat
64. Grasshopper Warbler
65. Spotted Flycatcher
66. Wigeon
67. Jay
68. Siskin
69. Water Rail
70. Pied Wagtail
71. Kingfisher
72. Reed Bunting
73. Stonechat
74. Grey Heron
75. Med Gull
76. Scaup
77. Little Gull

Last updated 22/12/2007

pauliev69

Monday 1st January 2007, 21:58

Not a bad start to 2007 Ian, in particullar the Blackcap one that I missed
Just another to add to the Park list for this year, as I entered the Park
36. Redwing
See you around
PaulV

IanF

Tuesday 2nd January 2007, 18:23

Oops! I missed out Redwing and Fieldfare. Redwing were on hawthorn bushes at several places around the park, on the cycleway, behind the hill and on the bushes beside the main pond which is where a few Fieldfare were as well as Blackbird and Song Thrush.

Also to add Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon

37. Fieldfare
38. Collared Dove
39. Feral Pigeon
40. Song Thrush

Julie10_10

Saturday 6th January 2007, 19:57

IanF

Saturday 6th January 2007, 21:32

I went for a walk around Cowpen Brewley this morning hoping to add Lesser Redpoll to my year list, but no luck. However, there was still a good selection of birds to be found.

Yellowhammer
Tree Sparrow
Great Tit
Dunnock
Redwing
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Treecreeper
Mute Swan
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Pochard
Goldeneye
Kestral
Black Headed Gull
Hi Julie,

The most reliable area at present for the Redpoll is in the younger trees between the gate to the feeding station and the first 40 yds along the cycle way. The bushes just the other side of the fence to the left of the first double gate often holds a mix of Redpoll, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch and the odd Siskin.

Shaggy2070

Monday 8th January 2007, 18:26

IanF

Monday 8th January 2007, 18:43

A quick visit in the rain today and the only bird in the Feeding Station was a female Great Spotted Woodpecker. Then walked along Cycle route Lots of Blue, Great Tits, a large flock of Goldfinch, couple of Magpies and Crows, lots of small Gulls flying about treatment works. Managed to get within about 4feet from a Goldcrest but the little bugger wouldn't stay still for me to get a picture.
Walked through Faith Wood (I think that's what it's called) towards the lake and saw Blackbirds and Redwing. On the Lake Mute Swans(2), Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Gulls, a few Pochard, Muscovy Duck on deep water sign and a Heron on a tree at the left hand side of lake.
On way back to the car got attacked by the three Swans near car Park.

No sign of Tree Sparrows, Yellowhammers, Siskin or Redpoll today.I was there c.1:00pm. It was still fine and bright when I arrived but you could see the clouds coming over. The other side of the small fence between the car park and sewage works were three Reed Bunting feeding in the grass.

I put some food out in the feeding station and within minutes it was a hive of activity - mostly Greenfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Dunnock and Chaffinch. A couple of Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer came in too as did the female GSW - though it didn't hang around for more than a second or two.

I headed down the cycle track as well but only got as far as the start of the sewage works when the rain started so I headed on back to the car park. There were three Redpoll to the left of the double gates by the blue storage tanks along with a few more Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and tits.

In the hedge in the car park behind the tyres a few Yellowhammer were skulking but no sign of the Blackcap that was there on my last visit.

As I got back in the car a flock of around a dozen birds flew over heading across Seal Sands Road - but I couldn't quite make them out - could have been Linnet, Redpoll or Skylark as there's flocks of each around at present.

IanF

Wednesday 17th January 2007, 20:44

I had a look over to the park early afternoon once the rain had stopped, though it remained quite windy.

There wasn't a great deal going on in the feeding station. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was present when I arrived feeding on the peanuts. Plenty of Great Tits and Blue Tits and after a while Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Dunnock and Robin arrived as well. Chaffinch and Greenfinch were also present.

Walking up the long hedge beside the Activity Centre I came across Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit and 30+ Redwing feeding on the Hawhorn berries. A Yellowhammer was sat on one of the fence posts beside the railway lines.

The main pond was very quiet. Maybe half a dozen Mallard and Tufted Duck, two Shoveler, three Pochard and a single Goldeneye and of course the Muscovy Duck.

The rain soon returned so I beat a hasty retreat to the car park.

IanF

Thursday 18th January 2007, 16:44

Following a wet miserable and very windy morning the sun got out at lunchtime so I headed over to the Park for an hour before the rain returned.

I only got as far as the Feeding Station which was pretty active today. The birds were pretty unsettled on my arrival, but after 20minutes became calmer hanging around the feeders rather than snatching something to eat and disappearing.

Birds seen - Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Great Spotted Woodpecker. A pair of Bullfinch and a few Redwing were in the bushes beside the feeding station as was a Goldcrest. A Kestrel passed overhead.

IanF

Saturday 27th January 2007, 19:08

I had a look around the Park this afternoon with sidwemn on a bright and sunny day. Before he arrived another birder told me where there were some Redpoll so I had a wander over to see them - four with a few Goldfinch.

Feeding Station - Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Willow Tit - spotted by sidwemn - Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Chaffinch. Goldfinch and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were overhead and were seen several times around the reserve.

41. Willow Tit

On the main pond we saw Pochard, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Pochard, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen and Muscovy. Best bird though was a female Goosander - first of the year.

42. Goosander

Around 20 Redwing were flitting between the berry bushes and were seen overhead several times which may have been different flocks.

whitburnmark

Saturday 27th January 2007, 20:09

Interesting looking hybrid duck Ian - presumably Tufted x Pochard. Do you think it's the same as was there last winter?

IanF

Saturday 27th January 2007, 21:43

Interesting looking hybrid duck Ian - presumably Tufted x Pochard. Do you think it's the same as was there last winter?
Yes, it's been there all year. I used to call it a 'Tuftard' ;)

The female Goldeneye is some sort of cross as well. It's another resident bird - check out the eye and dark bill tip - maybe not so clear on this photo - but it has a reddish tinge to the eye. A couple of weeks back we had half a dozen pure bred Goldeneye but they would have nothing to do with this one.

Quacker

Wednesday 31st January 2007, 18:14

I "wandered" into bandit territory this morning - knowing Ian and Paul would not be around to chase me off their patch ;-)

Nothing new to add to the site list but it was to belatedly start my list. No Redpoll of any description were around, and unusually no Linnet/mixed finch flock either - despite the walk around the pond/lake.

Treesparrow were the target birds and eventually located at the far end of the feeding station on the floor - not the usual spot. Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Wren, Blue, Coal, Great & long Tailed Tits followed. But Mr Rat seemed to eat more than the rest combined.

A blustery day, with fewer birds around than normal, the resident Mute Swans and numerous Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck - the resident Muscovy (sp?) & Pochard and a single Teal - no sign of any Sawbill or presumably departed Goldeneye. - The only thing of note being a pair of Little Grebe - indeed barely a handful of BH Gull in attendance.

Mind I must say there was a very close call for a Bittern which happened to be a bit of wood assuming the classic Bittern pose! - it needed a look through the scope to rule out the rarity - Not by me i hasten to add but a chap i met at the feeding station - we've all done it and mis-called I s'pose.

The chap later redeemed himself putting me onto the Parakeets in a Hartlepool park.

Little else of note save the odd Crow and Redwing, Blackbird, Dunnock.

No sign of the reported Mealy Redpoll - not even any mixed finch or Linnets as mentioned earlier. Still a nice place to visit.

Especially as everything was a year tick as my first birding day of the year - yes 31/1!!

IanF

Wednesday 31st January 2007, 18:55

I "wandered" into bandit territory this morning - knowing Ian and Paul would not be around to chase me off their patch ;-)

Nothing new to add to the site list but it was to belatedly start my list. No Redpoll of any description were around,.................
You were safe today as I was at work ;)

The last two days I've popped down for an hour late afternoon as I've been looking for the Common Redpoll as well - but no sign. There's been half a dozen Lesser Redpoll in the west end alongside Seal Sands Road and plenty of Redwing, Goldfinch - c.30 today, LTT and two GSW.

A female Goosander has been there the last two days, but it must be turning up early in the afternoon. A female Goldeneye - no quite pure bred - will be around as it's a resident bird, but it can be hard to spot sometimes.

The Linnet flock has for the moment split into smaller groups and are speread over the whole area.

No sign of the Green Sandpiper either that was mentioned on the Durham Birding thread.

A nice find was a pair of Blackcap and a Wren in the bramble patch opposite the first closed gate to the sewage works.

IanF

Tuesday 6th February 2007, 18:08

I spent a couple of hours wandering around the site this morning and had quite a good visit. It was a bright sunny morning with cloudless blue skies. The only niggle was the temperature at barely above freezing.

The hedge in the car park was full of birds as per usual with Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Magpie, Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Wren. As I left the car park to head over to the main pond a GSW flew into the trees by the sewage works pond and then as I headed up the hedge by the Activity Centre it followed me flying between the small alders. A Kestrel was perched on the roof of the Activity Centre. The hedge itself held 50-60 Redwing along with the usual tits and Blackbirds. LTT were in the alders.

Alongside the railway line the bushes were pretty quiet. A Kestrel, possibly the same one already seen landed on the pylon by the path.

As I reached the main pond the hawthorn hedge along the south side held 100+ Redwing along with a few Fieldfare feeding on the berries. 3-4 magpie were there as well. Every few minutes overhead another flock of 30+ Redwing flew over, mostly heading west.

The pond was 75%. Most numerous were Mallard, but a drake Goldeneye and two females were present along with the usual Muscovy, Pochard x3, Tufted Duck x9, Coot and Moorhen. A pair of Mute Swan were present as well.

Following the path around the pond I came across Dunnock, Robin, Linnet, Blackbird and Yellowhammer in the path side bushes, just the odd one of each. It was nice to see a Goldcrest there as well.

I followed the path behind the hill where there were yet more Redwing, again in groups of 20+ with a few Fieldfare. After crossing the bridge I followed the path along the stream to the cycleway seeing Redwing every few yards sat singly or in groups in the tops of the young trees.

Once at the cycleway I saw a group of 30+ Linnet sat in the sun so I took a few photos of them. Meanwhile I noticed that a flock of Redwing and Fieldfare were constantly moving between one hedge and another so I stood and watched for 30 minutes or so.

Rather than walk along the cycleway I decided to head back into the park and made my way over to the board walk where from the wooden hump back bridge a Green Sandpiper has ben reported recently. Sure enough it was there today waking backwards and forwards along the top of the small weir. The water level wa maybe a bit too high for it though as it eventually headed into the sewage works upstream. I'd just turned towards the car park when a Grey Wagtail flew from the filter bed ahead and across to the stream, but I couldn't see where it landed.

I headed back to the car park and then down to cycletrack to the stream to try to locate the grey wagtail and/or Green Sandpiper but no joy. I did come across a female Blackcap and then as I walked along the path towards Seal Sands Road I saw Lesser Redpoll x5.

No visit to the Feeding Station today, but I was happy with what I'd seen.

43. Green Sandpiper
44. Grey Wagtail

kim cooper

Tuesday 6th February 2007, 22:45

IanF

Wednesday 7th February 2007, 08:07

Hi Ted,

Tree Sparrow is a dead cert. The feeding station is the best bet for clear close views though they can be found just about anywhere with dense hawthorn bushes. In summer they can easily be found by the main pond where they breed.

Linnet can be in their hundreds this time of year. Best spot at present is 500yds along the cycleway where it crosses the creek. If not there then just turn right over the style and follow the stream. They're usually in the bushes on the opposite side - they breed this area. They can generally be found by the main pond as well.

IanF

Wednesday 7th February 2007, 13:53

A quick visit this morning of under an hour brought Grey Wagtail on the same filter bed and the Green Sandpiper was back on the weir. Still plenty of Redwing and Fieldfare but nothing like as many as yesterday.

The feeding station was pretty active with Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Coal Tit, Greenfinch and a Wren.

IanF

Friday 9th February 2007, 15:37

I spent an hour at the Park this morning mainly at the Feeding Station as I didn't make it there on my last visit, but I also checked to see if the Grey Wagtail and Green Sndpiper were around - they weren't |=(| - could have been due to my alte arrival and too many dog walkers disturbing them.

Just after I arrived as was getting out of the car a line of Whooper Swan x7 flew across the reserve heading north-west.

45. Whooper Swan

The feeding station was vrey busy once I'd put out some sunflower hearts. The usual species were there - including a female GSW that stayed for around 20 minutes feeding on the peanuts. It would have stayed longer if the male GSW hadn't come in chasing it. They seemed to be getting quite frisky chasing each other around the trees. A Willow Tit made two very brief visits as well. Tree Sparrow x6 and Yellowhammer x11 were present throughout the time I was there. Coal Tit are becoming more frequent visitors and LTT always seem to be around now.

IanF

Sunday 11th February 2007, 22:11

Following a dull miserable morning the afternoon brightened and the sun eventually got out. Today I decided to concentrate on the area around the main pond to see what may turn up if I hung around for a couple of hours.

The Pond held Pochard, Tufted Duck, Muscovy Duck, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen and four Goldeneye - a male and three females. After five minutes of standing at the hide screen both Pochard and Goldeneye came quite close - unusual for either species at this location.

Meanwhile the Linnet flock of 100+ was constantly on the move moving between the various bushes surrounding the pond. Redwing and Fieldfare were constantly overhead - not too surprising with so many people about on a nice sunny Sunday afternoon. No sooner had they landed and someone else disturbed them - maybe if they weren't such 'flighty' species they need not have moved.

I came across several mixed flocks of finches scattered between the alders trees comprising Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll. Still no joy with the Meally - everyone was Lesser. In total there were perhaps 20 of each.

pauliev69

Sunday 11th February 2007, 23:21

IanF

Saturday 17th February 2007, 19:27

A unexpected sunny day today so I had a look around the park this morning. Overall the birding was pretty quiet compared to the last week or two.

Starting off from the car park the hedge held a good few birds comprising Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow and various tits. No sign of the Grey Wagtail or the Green Sandpiper today though the water level was pretty high even over low tide.

Heading up the hedge by the Activity Centre there were just a few tits and the odd Blackbird and Magpie. On reaching the railway line I could hear Yellowhammer singing. Three LTT were the only birds I saw in the alders apart from one or two Blue Tits.

The main pond held at least nine Pochard, numerous Mallard and Tufted Duck. The Muscovy was present and three Goldeneye - a male and two female. This was another occasion when even the Pochard and Goldeneye gave very close views from the lower bench. As I fed the ducks with sunflower hearts the Pochard and Goldeneye came over to feed alongside the tufties. Coot and Moorhen were present as well.

Walking around the pond the bushes held a few Yellowhammer, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, two Song Thrush and around 30 Linnet. Magpie were scattered around in groups of four or five birds either perched up or flying together.

Crossing the bridge and heading back to the car park I came across a few Goldfinch along with Lesser Redpoll x2, Reed Bunting x4 and just one Redwing.

The feeding station was quite busy once I'd put out some food but nothing particularly special came in. Up to 9x Tree Sparrow and 8x Yellowhammer were present along with Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren, Robin and the various tits.

As I headed back up alongside Seal Sands Road I came across a Treecreeper, the first I've seen here this year. A GSW was busy drumming as well. A Mistle Thush was sat in the tall trees there and a pair of Bullfinch were calling from the same trees.

A late afternoon visit around 4.45pm as I returned home from Saltholme Ponds brought SEO. I'd heard one had been around on the small hill beside the Activity Centre so I viewed from there though it remained on the rough ground closer to the pond and headed off towards Faith Wood.

46. Treecreeper
47. Mistle Thrush
48. SEO

IanF

Friday 23rd February 2007, 21:56

Popped in this afternoon for an hour - hoping for SEO - but to no avail. Loads of birds around still, but nothing new apart from a pair of Grey Partridge on the hill behind the viewpoint and a Pheasant in the field by the sluice on the east side by the bridge.

49. Grey Patridge
50. Pheasant

white van man

Monday 26th February 2007, 21:40

had an hour to spend on sunday soon as i got out of the car could hear linnets overhead, goldeneye, tuffted ducks, widgeon on the lake mallards and mute swans on the bank. also seen two yellowhammers calling to each other on opposite sides of the train line a good hour spent.

IanF

Tuesday 6th March 2007, 19:14

I had a walk around the park this morning on a lovely sunny day. Wind was quite strong from the south and quite cold.

Starting from the car park I put out some food in the feeding station as there was none at all out. I figured by the time I returned the birds would be drawn in.

Walking along the board walk and over the bridge all I came across were a pair of Reed Bunting chasing each other around. For a change after crossing the bridge I headed left to the sewage works fence and followed it along - ther's quite a path developing here. I came across a pair of LTT and a Blackbird followed by a group of Goldfinch x7 and a Wren.

Still heading north and crossing Faith Wood to the stream and turning right to follow it to the hill I didn't see or hear one bird - the Redwing, Fieldfare, Redpoll and Siskin seem to have departed for good now. Actually there was nothing to see until I reached the pond by the hide when I disturbed LTT x2, Wren, Great Tit and Blue Tit from the hawthorn bushes by the hide.

The pond was pretty quiet too. Mallard and Tufted Duck were in good numbers. A drake and a female Goldeneye were still present. Also present were Pochard, Mute Swan, Muscovy Duck, Teal x2, Little Grebe x2, Coot, Mallard, Moorhen. Best find though was a pair of Gadwall - regulars each year but the first I've seen here this year.

51. Gadwall

Normally by the railway lines there are several Yellowhammer, but I suspect we've seen the last of them on this stretch as Railtrack workers were sawing down all of the bushes they use for breeding on the east side of the line and making wood chips of them! A few Yellow hammers were still in the corner by Seal Sands Road.

Back at the feeding station the food had all disappeared even from the hanging feeders! I put out some more and waited a while for the birds to return. Nothing special turned up, just the usual BT, GT, CT, LTT, Robin, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow x7, Yellowhammer x2, Wren, Dunnock x2 and one GSW. Mind you I think the Rats x7 must have accounted for the missing food from the tables.

IanF

Wednesday 21st March 2007, 12:06

A wander around the park this morning in the snow brought fewer birds than expected but a new species for the year albeit Canada Goose.

Plenty of food in the feeding station when I arrived mostly peanuts in the handing feeders. The seed had been all eaten. Bird wise it was pretty quiet when I arrived with Robin, Treesparrow, Yellowhammer, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren and Blackbird.

The hedge in the car park held Yellowhammer x9, Robin, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, pigeon and Blackbird.

Following the boardwalk - first person oft he day going by the virgin snow I disturbed Wren and Reed Bnting that were beneath the walk way. Crossing the hump back bridge I saw Gadwall x2, and Mallard on the weir. Surprisingly the Green Sandpiper was back on the weir. It's a few weeks since I last saw it and I thought it had moved on. Of course it saw me as I saw it! magpie were in the bushes either side of the stream.

Following the path through the wood I came across more Magpie, Blackbird and a few Goldfinch but nothing else. Rooks were roosting in the old tree by the five bar gate along with a few pigeons. A Mistle Thrush followed by a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew towards the main pond.

Making my way over to the pnd through Faith Wood, there were just a few Reed Bunting, Great Tit and Blue Tit and Goldfinch.

Even the pond was pretty quiet with a few Tufted Duck c.12, Little Grebe x1, Coot c.8, Moorhen x3, Mute Swan x2, Muscovy Duck x1, Pochard x2. New species for the year was Canada Goose x2 on the island where they usually nest. It was nice to see them back on the pond - hopefully the Mute Swan will let them breed in peace this year.

A Kestrel was hunting alongisde the railway lines, repeatedly diving into the grass.

Heading back to the car park, nothing new was seen.

Shaggy2070

Wednesday 21st March 2007, 19:42

The wife and I had a walk round your patch this afternoon and saw pretty much the same apart from the Green Sandpiper, which was a shame as I've only seen one once before.
Walking up the road passed the Treatment Works there was three Goldcrest flitting about in the bushes.
Quite a few Rats at the feeding station now at least 5, and a couple of Rabbits around by the lake.

New species for the year was Canada Goose x2 on the island where they usually nest. It was nice to see them back on the pond - hopefully the Mute Swan will let them breed in peace this year.

Things don't look too promising at the moment, when we were there one of the Swans was hissing and chasing one of the Canada Geese about the lake.

IanF

Wednesday 4th April 2007, 14:30

First visit of the month today. A lovely sunny morning with a light though cold breeze.

There was little to see in the car park area apart from a male Reed Bunting singing from one of the bushes between the reed bed and the sewage works. Waking towards and along the boardwalk there were several singing birds - Wren, Robin, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Great Tit and Blue Tit. A few Long tailed Tit were flitting about in the bushes by the stream. No sign of the Green Sandpiper from the hump back bridge.

We then headed left to the sewage works fence along what is becoming a well marked path. More singing Wrens and Robins and in the distance an Chiffchaff - first of the year here. We tracked down the Chiffchaff in Faith Wood still singing it's heart out - the only one we saw or heard. There were few other birds around until we reached the main pond.

53. Chiffchaff

In the bushes around the hide were Dunnock, Reed Bunting, various tits, Magpie and Robin.

The pond itself was pretty quiet with just Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Pochard, Mute Swan and Little Grebe. No sign of the Canada Goose today. The resident female Goldeneye was present but I was a little surpised to find a drake Goldeneye still present as well. Most other ones locally have headed north already. Plenty of Black headed Gulls on the pond.

Heading back to the car park we saw nothing new.

IanF

Friday 20th April 2007, 23:24

We had blanket cloud for much of the day and a chilly wind from the west and drizzly rain every now and again - not the best of conditions for singing birds. Few birds were singing and even those that braved the winds were singing from the centre of bushes rather than the tops - even the Willow Warblers. Whilst a good number of Willow Warbler about, I heard just one Chiffchaff.

Blackcaps were singing well - five males I came across spread over the park. Two were actually within yards of each other which was the only time I saw a female.

Goldfinch and Long-tailed Tit seem to be doing well with them spread over the park as were Yellowhammer.

The main pond held nesting Mute Swan, Coot and Moorhen. The pair of Canada Geese are back but no obvious nest. The male Mute Swan spent the whole time pursuing one of the Canadas around the pond.

Overhead were 50-60 hirundines. Mostly Sand Martin but with a good few Swallow and House Martin amongst them. First Swifts of the year as well with three circling for a while.

No sign of the Muscovy Duck today.

Plenty of Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Robin around.

On the smaller ponds Coots had several recently hatched chicks.

New species for the year -

54. Willow Warbler
55. Sand Martin
56. House Martin
57. Barn Swallow
58. Swift

IanF

Sunday 20th May 2007, 19:59

Oops! I've gotten a bit behind with updates and new species for the year.

It was a lovely sunny morning if a litle cool in the cold westerly wind. As it was the first decent morning we've had I went out first thing to do the first BTO BBS recording.

I haven't written up the records yet but overall there were good numbers of birds around, but nothing like as many as we had last year. Just one Gropper this time and a few species absent including Bullfinch, Little Egret. No Chiffchaff heard, though they've all but stopped singing now.

A Stonechat by the rail lines was a nice find as I haven't seen one there this year.

Very few Yellowhammer seen/heard though the 1/2 mile of bushes they usually use alongside the railway lines were ripped out by Railtrack a month ago.

Most numerous species was Common Whitethroat closely followed by Blackcap and then Willow Warbler.

It was interesting to see four Common Tern on the main pond - defending the stone island from LBB Gull and BH Gull. I can't see them nesting there, though a pair seem to have that in mind.

New species -

59. Common Whitethroat
60. Common Tern
61. Common Sandpiper
62. LLB Gull
63. Stonechat
64. Grasshopper Warbler

Bonsaibirder

Friday 1st June 2007, 10:24

... just Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Pochard, Mute Swan and Little Grebe ...

Hi Ian,

Just noticed this thread due to following links from chimp_choker's blog. I may be seeing things but your photo of a Tufted Duck looks remarkably like a hybrid to me. There is a brown colouration to the head, a bump rather than a crest and the back appears vermiculated like a Lesser Scaup. It is not a pure scaup because of the big black bill-tip. I have no idea what it could be - perhaps a tufted x pochard?

Perhaps the light is fooling me but it is such a good photo I don't think so. Maybe you have some more photos. There are some good guys on duck hybrids on this forum (Joern Lehmus in particular) and it might be interesting to throw it out for a discussion on an ID thread. If you do then please let me know!

Cheers,

IanF

Friday 1st June 2007, 22:11

Hi Ian,

Just noticed this thread due to following links from chimp_choker's blog. I may be seeing things but your photo of a Tufted Duck looks remarkably like a hybrid to me. There is a brown colouration to the head, a bump rather than a crest and the back appears vermiculated like a Lesser Scaup. It is not a pure scaup because of the big black bill-tip. I have no idea what it could be - perhaps a tufted x pochard?

Perhaps the light is fooling me but it is such a good photo I don't think so. Maybe you have some more photos. There are some good guys on duck hybrids on this forum (Joern Lehmus in particular) and it might be interesting to throw it out for a discussion on an ID thread. If you do then please let me know!

Cheers,

Definitely a hybrid - it's been resident here for a couple of years now. I'd always thought of it as being a Tuftie-Pochard hybrid (Tuftard) rather than Scaup due to the red ringed iris in the eye.

On checking back it was discussed in the ID threads back in 2003!!!
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=3725

No definitive answer though.

Bonsaibirder

Saturday 2nd June 2007, 16:18

Hi Ian,

Sorry, didn't realise it had been discussed previously. Its a cracker and seems like Pochard/Tufted explains all its features!

Cheers,

Steve

chimp_choker

Monday 18th June 2007, 00:52

I'm not 100% sure what I saw is what I saw today but heres the story of my afternoon, I look forward to your comments.

A warm sunny afternoon made a welcome change to the weather we've had this week, I took the opportunity to spend the latter part of the afternoon at CBWP. I headed down the cycle path towards Greatham where I took the walk on the left hand side just after the treatment works. About half way round I decided I would have to stop, and a bridge looked just as good a place as any, an let the birds come to me if I was going to see anything. So far all I'd managed to identify,that wasn't a Wood Pigeon, Crow or Magpie, as it flew away from me was a Great Tit and Goldfinch. I waited for five minutes or so for the birds to forget about me and start making some noise, there were hungry young Whitethroats in a bush just by me. A little further along something caught my eye landing on the edge of another bush, it was a "little brown job" and that's all it was, very brown, not streaky or spotted or speckled but plain dark brown with a slightly darker head. I had my pocket bird book with me and looked through it and the only photo I could find that matched it was a Savi's Warber, the bird sat there a while so I could keep checking, so what do you think? Could it have been or is there something else it might be?

The walk is circular and ends back at the car park, from there I headed past the pond, and the pair of Mute Swans with just two signets left, to the Lake.

On the way there I saw a Yellow Hammer on a post by the railway lines in almost the same place I seen one on a previous visit, when I reached the Lake I spotted a Grasshopper Warbler in a nearby bush. The usual suspects occupied the Lake, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, a Pair of Mute Swans, I'd only seen one on previous visits, and a Blacked back gull. There was also a Little Grebe present which seems the norm for every bit of water I stop and look on locally.

Stu
http://chimpchoker1969.spaces.live.com/

Bonsaibirder

Monday 18th June 2007, 08:41

Hi Chimp-choker,

Savi's Warbler would be exceptionally rare. Can't really tell what from your description. - do you have any more details?

Cheers,

IanF

Monday 18th June 2007, 18:03

Savi's does seem unlikely. If along the beck section Reed Warbler or Marsh Warbler are more likely.

I'll have to pop over for the Little Gull though. As you say there seem plenty around this year.

chimp_choker

Monday 18th June 2007, 18:38

Hi Steve and Ian

Thanks for the input, I've just been looking at some pictures of a Marsh Warbler particularly this one, http://www.birdguides.com/pictures/default.asp?search=1&mode=search&sp=136092&rty=0&v=0&off=142740I
called in again today for another look and spotted it again on the same bush singing, noticeable was the lighter patch below its mouth. Thanks for your help.
Also did anyone see the HUGE raptor over Cowpen Marsh this afternoon, I first spotted a car parked near one of the pools then caught sight of what he was watching, I pulled off the road beside the pool for a better look. Its wingspan was huge, but had a very short tail. It was being mobbed by gulls and it dwarfed them! It headed off towards the landfill site.The other chap suggested it may have been a young Osprey but he wasn't sure either.

Stu

Bonsaibirder

Tuesday 19th June 2007, 09:11

Hi Stu,

Can i just check, are you now saying this was a Marsh Warbler? This would also be a very rare bird in Durham, although not as rare as Savi's Warbler. What features have you used to separate it from Reed Warbler? A slightly unusual Reed Warbler is much more likely than a Marsh Warbler! On the other hand there are a few Marsh Warblers around this year in the country, but their identification is very tricky. Was it singing - as this might give a clue to its identity? Also, there are probably local birders who would like to know if there is a Marsh Warbler there.

Cheers,

Hi Steve and Ian
Thanks for the input, I've just been looking at some pictures of a Marsh Warbler particularly this one, http://www.birdguides.com/pictures/default.asp?search=1&mode=search&sp=136092&rty=0&v=0&off=142740I
called in again today for another look and spotted it again on the same bush singing, noticeable was the lighter patch below its mouth. Thanks for your help.
Stu

chimp_choker

Tuesday 19th June 2007, 23:21

Hi Stu,

Can i just check, are you now saying this was a Marsh Warbler? This would also be a very rare bird in Durham, although not as rare as Savi's Warbler. What features have you used to separate it from Reed Warbler? A slightly unusual Reed Warbler is much more likely than a Marsh Warbler! On the other hand there are a few Marsh Warblers around this year in the country, but their identification is very tricky. Was it singing - as this might give a clue to its identity? Also, there are probably local birders who would like to know if there is a Marsh Warbler there.

Cheers,

Are you kindin, I'm still not sure what it was!
It had an unstreaked brown back more like a reed warbler, a lighter coloured throat which was fluffed out and it was perched ontop of a bush singing, more like a marsh warbler, some write ups about them say its rare to hear a marsh warbler sing, others say thats just because marsh warblers are rare to start with. I've looked at loads of pics of the three birds and the variation in the same species can be greater than across the three as I'm sure you know.

Stu

Bonsaibirder

Wednesday 20th June 2007, 22:03

Hi Stu,

Yes, you're right. Marsh and Reed are very difficult to tell apart. If they are singing then it should help a bit though. The song should immediately rule out (or in) Savi's Warbler since they sing a bit like a Grasshopper Warbler and nothing like Reed or Marsh (from my recollection). Marsh generally has a more varied song than a Reed Warbler with quite a bit of mimicry, although there are occasions when Reed Warblers can do some impressive mimcry themselves.

Cheers,

Are you kindin, I'm still not sure what it was!
It had an unstreaked brown back more like a reed warbler, a lighter coloured throat which was fluffed out and it was perched ontop of a bush singing, more like a marsh warbler, some write ups about them say its rare to hear a marsh warbler sing, others say thats just because marsh warblers are rare to start with. I've looked at loads of pics of the three birds and the variation in the same species can be greater than across the three as I'm sure you know.

Stu

IanF

Sunday 8th July 2007, 12:54

I completed the second part of the BTO BBS this morning. One of the sunniest mornings we've had for a long while - though still a little chilly considering it's July! Plenty of birds about but nothing really of note amongst them.

There seemed to be an awful lot of Kestrels around - though I dare say they were the same ones seen over and again. It looks like they have nested in one of the pylons.

Little Grebe 2
Grey Heron 1
Mute Swan 4
Gadwall 4
Mallard 29
Tufted Duck 11
Goldeneye 1
Kestrel 6
Moorhen 11
Coot 22
Black-headed Gull 20
Common Gull 2
Woodpigeon 19
Collared Dove 4
Swift 12
Skylark 2
Sand Martin 4
Swallow 11
Meadow Pipit 2
Pied/White Wagtail 2
Wren 8
Dunnock 11
Robin 3
Blackbird 8
Song Thrush 1
Grasshopper Warbler 2
Sedge Warbler 9
Whitethroat 17
Blackcap 18
Willow Warbler 15
Blue Tit 4
Great Tit 1
Magpie 15
Carrion Crow 18
Tree Sparrow 4
Chaffinch 19
Greenfinch 2
Goldfinch 19
Linnet 4
Bullfinch 2
Yellowhammer 8
Reed Bunting 4
Feral Pigeon 10

IanF

Tuesday 17th July 2007, 21:54

We had a stroll around the main pond on a lovely sunny evening c.7:00pm. Plenty of young Whitethroat, Blackcap, Goldfinch and Swallow flitting about. On the pond were Moorhen chicks just a few days old and some young Little Grebe.

No sign of the Sparrowhawks tonight - they've successfully bred in two locations and were ringed last week.

Plenty of butterflies around mostly Meadow Brown but we also came across Small Heath, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet and Comma. Also Emerald Damselfly and Southern Hawker.

IanF

Monday 20th August 2007, 21:58

I had a look around the park this afternoon, a spur of the moment decision once the sun came out. It proved to be one of the best days this summer for both birds and insects.

Starting off from the west access where the blocked off section of Wolviston Back Lane meets Seal Sands Road I headed more or less north along the raised bank path. As soon as I entered the park I saw a Southern Hawker a few feet in from the gate - it seems to be a favourred area for them. It was constantly in flight and never settled.

Having crossed the stream by the first bridge I was amazed at the number of butterflies and damselflies. This year has been pretty poor for them so far, but today things looked back to normal. Red and green damselflies were along the path along with Wood Brown, Meadow Brown and Small Heath. Several Migrant Hawker were making use of the oak trees to rest up. The thistle patches held Green-veined White, Small White, Painted Lady, numerous Peacock and Comma.

On reaching the cycleway to Greatham I checked out the streamside bushes by the bridge which so often hold birds looking for a drink or to bathe. The only birds around were Goldfinch which were pretty active, flitting around.

I turned right and made my way along to the car park and then back into the park following the track to the board walk. I checked the sewage works for Grey Wagtail but no sign. The bushes along the hedge opposite held Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Dunnock and Wren. I only intended walking as far as the hump-back bridge to check for Sandpiper on the weir - no sign today but two adult Mute Swan were bathing there with two grey signets. Whilst watching them a Grey Wagtail flew from under the birdge and landed on a fallen weed, staying put for about ten minutes and giving the best views I've ever had of one here. If I'd seen nothing else this day I'd have gone home happy with having connected with the Grey Wagtail - but better was to come!

I retraced my steps to the sewage works and headed left through the gate following the long hedge up past the activity centre. There was little to see along this section - no birds and no insects. Once I reached the railway lines I came across two Bullfinch, several Goldfinch, Whitethroat, Linnet, Long-tailed Tit, Yellowhammer, Blackcap and Willow Warbler all in the young alder trees. A Kestrel was hunting across the lines.

The main pond was pretty quiet still with great swathes of green weed on the surface. Plenty of Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Tufted Duck. Two young Little Grebe were feeding with one of their parents. The pair of Mute Swan were present - their eggs having failed to hatch again this year. The bushes around the pond were quiet as well with just Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin and a single Tree Sparrow.

On leaving the pond I turned right behind the hill and then forked left over the bridge following the path beside the stream. I saw little else apart from a few Swllow and Sand Martin.

On reaching the cycleway I turned left and headed back towards the car park. This time by the stream the bushes were full of birds. The sun had been out a while and there were plenty of bugs about. Around a dozen Goldfinch were present with a similar number of both Willow Warbler and Long-tailed Tit. A few Blue Tit and Great Tit were feeding there as well. I stood a while admiring the way the Willow Warbler were behaving like Flycatchers flying up from the bush tops to snatch a fly and landing again when my eyes nearly popped out of my head - one of them was a Spotted Flyctacher! First one I've ever seen in the park. All of the birds were very confiding. With me stood on the track 8' away they completely ignored me as they sat preening and feeding. I took a few photos and even had to use an extension tube on my 400mm lens as they were so close.

Afterwards I retraced my steps to Seal Sands Road. The butterflies were still present though no sign of the Southern Hawker - however almost in the exact same spot I came across a Speckled Wood - another first for me in the Park and a great way to finish my visit.

IanF

Monday 20th August 2007, 22:01

A few insects from today -

IanF

Friday 24th August 2007, 22:06

I've been calling in here for an hour after work this week. The Grey Wagtail has been in the same place on the same perch the last three evenings but there was no further sign of the Spotted Flycatcher until today when I relocated it 50 yds away from where it was last seen - this time just sat quietly in the sun.

Two Southern Hawker and at least a dozen Migrant Hawker seen today - also Common Darter and Emerald Damselfly.

Quite a few Common Blue, Peacock, Wall Brown, Green-veined White and Comma butterflies around as well as a few Painted Lady.

IanF

Tuesday 28th August 2007, 15:22

I spent a couple of hours wandering around the Park this morning. It was quite dull with heavily overcast skies though it remained fine.

Not too many birds about at all. Goldfinch x20 were feeding on thistles by the car park when I arrived. Willow Warbler, Dunnock and Whitethroat were in the other bushes. The Grey Wagtail was on the beck on the cycleway side of the sewage works.

I saw little else until I reached the Pond. The usual Tufties, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and Little Grebe were present. A Heron was on the stone island. I spent a while watching a young Sparrowhawk making half hearted attempt at catching Woodpigeons. Some move onto the dead wood sticking out of the lake but others just sat still and ignored it. One refused to move at all and just left it to three Crows to take care of the Sparrowhawk. They eventually crowded it out. Three Kestrel passed over heading for the pylons.

I came across another Speckled Wood butterfly today this time on the railway embankment behind the hill - a few minutes later and the bushes it was on would have been strimmed by the wardens.

I walked around by Greatham but saw little else apart from a flock of Linnet c.60 and heard Grey Partridge calling from a yet to be harvested corn field. Two Pheasant exploded fom the field there as well.

Back at the car park I came across a Great Crested Newt crossing the path from one pond to another - first one I've seen here! There are several signs and a 'newt proof' fence to protect them from work on a new pipeline that was supposed to start in August but hasn't, but I did wonder if any were actually present - now I know ;)

IanF

Friday 7th September 2007, 22:11

10:30am-12:00pm today.

Not a great deal doing bird wise this morning. A shame as it was a lovely sunny morning.

Blue Tits and Goldfinches were in the bushes in the car park when I arrived, but I saw little else until I reached the main pond where a Kestrel tok off from low down on one of the pylons.

The pond itself held the usual Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Shoveller, Mute Swan, and Tufted Duck. I counted six Gadwall which haven't been here four a while and four Teal. Four Little Grebe were around - two adults and two young. A Heron was on the stone island. Quite a few buttterflies and dragonflies around the margins. With several Migrant Hawker, Common Darter and Blue and Emerald Damselfly. Is aw Small Tortoieshell, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Small White and Wall Brown.

IanF

Saturday 6th October 2007, 13:08

I had a wander around the park this morning - a lovely sunny morning c.10°C and no wind.

Starting from the car park I walked along to the boardwalk to check what was on the stream - just Moorhen and Mute Swan - two adults and two cygnets. Dunnock and Robin were singing from the bushes. I retraced my steps along the boardwalk and saw a Pied Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail fly into the filter beds and begin feeding on the sides on the black plastic liner.

Following the hedge alongside the Activity Centre to the railway lines I only came across Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock and Magpie. On reaching the railway lines a Sparrowhawk flew south across Seal Sands Road mobbed by four Crow.

Even the pond was pretty quiet. I sat on one of the seats to feed the ducks. Tufted Duck, Mallard, Coot and Moorhen came straight over to me. They were followed by a Pochard and a Canada Goose - most likely recent arrivals. Whilst I was sat I watched three young Sparrowhawks on the far side of the pond chasing each other around. If they weren't chasing each other they were chasing the Crows or the Crows were chasing them. Every now and again they had a go at a Wood Pigeon which flew a few yards away before settling again. They were favouring the dead tree which the Egrets and Herons use - sat out in the sun now doubt getting warmed after the chilly night.

Two Little Grebe, an adult and a youngster were feeding in the conservation area near to where a Gadwall was dozing. A Grey Heron flew in and landed on the stone island shortly followed by a pair of Shoveler. I walked around the pond the only addition being a Wigeon.

There wasn't a great deal on the beck towards the cycleway - just Mallard and Moorhen. A few Linnet, Greenfinch and Goldfinch were in the bushes. You can't reach the cycleway by following the beck at present as they've started on the new pipeline. In stead I followed the path back to the car park via the sewage works fence where I came across Redwing 12+ feeding on berries - hawthorn, sloe and elderberry. Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin and Blackcap were here as well.

On arriving back at the car park I checked the feeding station - it hasn't been cleared out yet - so no activity at all, though a Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the birches overhead. Following the path through the wood alongside Seal Sands Road I came across Dunnock and several Wren and a Speckled Wood butterfly.

I also came across several Common Damselfly and a couple of Migrant Hawker today - still a few around.

The Wigeon was a new year tick.

IanF

Saturday 13th October 2007, 22:37

A morning of dull overcast skies but pretty mild and next to no wind.

Most notable this morning were the number of winter thrushes passing overhead. I saw half a dozen flocks of Redwing passing over heading west above pylon height, most were c.30 birds but one was 150-200 birds. Only one flock of Fieldfare seen of 34 birds, mostly circling over the A1185 by the Activity Center. Around 30 Redwing seen in the bushes around the park and one or two Fiedfare. Loads of Blackbirds present though. Several flights of Geese passed over heading west but they were all Greaylag.

Other birds seen in flight passing over were Heron x2, Great Spotted Woodpecker x1, Curlew c.12 and Cormorant x27 which were also heading west. A flock number c.50 of small birds comprising mostly Linnet and Goldfinch were seen a few times.

Very few other birds seen in the bushes, most notable being 20+ Long-tailed Tit and Bullfinch x2.

Four Grey Partridge were on the back of the hill and another two seen later.

On the main pond were Mallard, Tufted Duck x12, Teal x7, Wigeon x5, Moorhen x9, Cootx11, Little Grebe x2, Cormorant x2, Mute Swan x2. A single Grey Wagtail was below the benches on the east side. Two young Sparrowhawk were on the dead tree on the west side. Quite a few BH Gulls and pigeons were about.

IanF

Saturday 20th October 2007, 17:01

A cold morning with the first decent frost of the Autumn, not that it lasted long before thawing leaving the grass cold but soggy.

After being dropped off at the car park at 8:30am I headed for the boardwalk. As I reached it a pair of Grey Wagtail took off from the sewage works and headed over towards the main pond. Overhead were several flights of Redwing 60-80 strong all heading west. Throughout my visits flocks passed over every 10-15minutes - probably totalling around 1,000 birds. At least one flock looked to be mostly Fieldfare. From the hump-backed bridge I could only see BH Gull and Moorhen on the stream. After the boardwalk I turned left and followed the fence line. The berry bushes were full of Redwing, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit and a few Fieldfare.

Walking over to the main pond there was nothing much of note. Even the pond was pretty quiet with fewer birds than of late - apart from Mallard and BH Gull. There were a few Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen and one pair of Pochard. A Grey Heron took off as I arrived followed by a Cormorant. The bushes by the dead tree held several Pigeon and Magpie and a pair of young Sparrowhawk were palying about again.

Whilst sat on a bench, Robin, Dunnock, Reed Bunting and Linnet were in the bushes with more Linnet passing overhead.

Heading back to the car park revealed nothing new.

I popped into the feeding station where it was good to see that it's been cleared out ready for winter. Still a few too many leaves on the trees at present making it pretty gloomy, but they're dropping freely now so it won't be long before it lightens up in there. Some mixed seed was on the tables and two hanging feeders of peanuts. I put out some seed and apples and moved to the viewing screen. It wasn't long before a Coal Tit appeared followed by a Robin and then Great Tit and Blue Tit. Chaffinch, Dunnock and Wren soon followed. Unfortunately so did the rats - three of them which took a fancy to the apple and carted most of it away before returning to tuck into the peanuts. Goldfinches and Greenfinches appeared in the trees overhead and several pigeons but none entered whilst I was there.

I continued along the path adjacent to Seal Sands Road and checked out the wood there was this time of year Goldcrest and Treecreeper are usually about, but I only found Great Tit, Blue Tit and Wren.

Next came the best sighting of the morning - a Jay - which took off from a sycamore tree and passed overhead heading south-east, but not carrying anything. I hung around 20 minutes hoping it was foraging, collecting food to bury, but it didn't return. First sighting of the year here.

67. Jay

Whilst hanging around I noticed several Common Darters still around and even a Hawker and a Speckled Wood.

IanF

Tuesday 30th October 2007, 16:16

A pleasant sunny morning today with a cold bite in the air.

Entering from the west corner off the A1185 first bird seen was a juvenile female Sparrowhawk that made several runs on flocks of Wood Pigeon feeding in the ploughed field. Probably down to inexperience as they're a little on the large side for it to handle.

Following the path alongside the stream and crossing the first bridge there's an alcove of bushes on the left which catch the early morning sun, some of them well berried hawthorn. The last week or so Redwings and Fieldfares have been feeding on the berries here. Today they were out numbered by the Goldfinch and Blackbird and even a few Greenfinch and tits. Also present were three Bullfinch - two males and a female.

Just after the second bridge I heard a flock of Siskin. There were initally six of them in a willow tree but as they flew off another four or five followed. Apart disturbing a female Sparrowhawk sat in a bush and a few scolding Wren there was little else to see before reaching the cycletrack. Here I turned left following the track towards Cloff Bridge. With Faith Wood being closed at present due to a new pipeline I think that few people are using the path at present. Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Robin, Dunnock and Blackbird were in the path side bushes. On reaching the bridge a Weasel popped out of the verge at my feet and scuttled off sharpish. Then another came onto the track 30yds ahead of me, staying in view long enoough to snatch a few photos. Meanwhile another female Sparrowhawk appeared and glided south towards the main pond circling lazily over the ploughed field.

Just as I was about to retrace my steps along the cycleway five Redpoll landed in the trees above the bridge. Unfortunately only for a few seconds before they headed into Faith Wood. At least they're back.

I followed the path back along to the car park and briefly called into the feeding station. It was pretty quiet, mostly with Robin, Chaffinch Great Tit, Blue Tit and Coal Tit. A few Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow briefly visited. A Great Spotted Woodpecker came in twice for a few seconds as did three Magpie. Siskin were calling from the trees above but didn't visit the feeders.

One leaving the feeding station I crossed over Seal Sand Road and entered the park. A Kestrel was perched on top a young ash tree but left on seeing me. As it flew off it disturbed a Jay which disppeared into the wood. I saw either it or another several more times before reaching the housing estate.

IanF

Tuesday 30th October 2007, 16:16

A few more photos from today

IanF

Saturday 10th November 2007, 12:03

A wander around yesterday morning brought very little. Maybe a bit too cold and windy despite nice sunny weather.

Most notable species were two recently arrived Goldeneye on the main pond.

Still not a great deal going on in the feeding station. Over a 30 minute period - Great Tit x4, Blue Tit x3, Robin x1, Yellowhammer x2. Great Spotted Woodpecker was in trees overhead but never came in.

A bit of an oddity is a Crow with white primaries on both wings that's been hanging around the car park area for a few weeks now. Looks a little strange when seen in flight.

IanF

Thursday 15th November 2007, 22:44

Just a quick visit today over to the main pond and back to the car park.

A GSW was in the trees above the car park when I arrived along with Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Yellowhammer x4. Goldfinch and more Chaffinch were in th thick hawthorn hedge. Two Grey Heron flew over towards the pond from the west.

I followed the long hedge up to the railway lines seeing just a few Dunnock, Wren and Chaffinch. Several Crow and Magpie were perched on the tree tops by the Activity Centre.

On the pond were Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Goldeneye x2, Cormorant and BH Gull 40+.

Dunnock, Wren x4, Robin and Blue Tit were in the low bushes by the edge of the pond.

In the trees behind the old hide was a flock of Siskin 8+ and a Bullfinch male.

Heading over to the water treatment works fence a flock of Redwing 9+ and Fieldfare 8+ flew in from the east and landed in the hawthorn bushes where Blackbird 10+ were feeding on the berries.

Upstream from the hump backed bridge were BH Gull x8 and a Moorhen. Whilst stood on the bridge a Grey Wagtail flew in from the weat and landed on the smaller water treatment compound towards the car park where it began feeding on the roof of the small building.

Back in the car park a male GSW was on one of the telegraph poles by the entrance. More finches were in the trees by the feeding station where on a quick visit I saw Yellowhammer x4, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Robin, Wren & Dunnock. Siskin were in the trees above as were a flock of Goldfinch.

IanF

Thursday 29th November 2007, 21:53

A lovely sunny morning to have a walk around my local patch.

I felt lazy today so I drove over in the car - though I couldn't enter the car park until a Moorhen got out of the way. Loads of birds in the big hedge in the car park. Mostly it was Goldfinch making all the noise, but others around were Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Robin and Blackbird. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling from the taller trees behind and it wasn't long before it flew over head. The white winged Crow was about as well.

On entering the park I followed the path to the boardwalk. Only Pied Wagtail x2 were in the filter bed. A few Redwing were in the Hawthorn hedge and Wrens scolding from the reeds. On reaching the humped bridge another Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling, possibly the sme one I'd seen earlier. It seemd strange to find it sat actually in a Hawthorn Bush rather than on one of the trees. As it took off I saw it was a male.

I followed the hdge along by the sewage works fence not seeing or hearing a great deal. Mostly it was Blackbirds 8+ in the hedges though towards it's end a male Blackcap was on the bramble patch. A few Redwing and Fieldfare were on a hawthorn bush over towards the new pipeline.

Passing through Faith Wood there were few birds around apart from a Kestrel overhead and a Blue Tit x3 in the alders. On the beck by the bridge and outfall was a Little Grebe. A few more singles of Redwing were flitting about.

On reaching the main pond I picked up calling Siskin straight way where 13 were feeding on an alder bush with two Goldfinch. The pond itself held Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Pochard, Cormorant, Mallard and Goldeneye x4 - two males and two females. Around 50 BH Gull were present.

Following the path by the railway lines I picked up more Goldfinch in alders. On reaching the long hedge leading down to the Activity Centre I disturb Bullfinch x3 just as I came across a flock of Long-tailed Tit 8-9 moving through the trees. Chafifnch and Goldfinch were with them.

On reaching the car park another GSW passed overhead towards the feeding station trees. I then came across Derek Clayton, local birder and ringer. I'd just mentioend not seeing any Treesparrow when one flew into the hedge behind us! We had a wander around together picking up Grey Wagtail and Sparrowhawk as extras for the day.`

IanF

Saturday 1st December 2007, 20:03

A better morning than expected both for weather and birds. The forecast was for high winds, cloud and heavy rain - turned out to be fine and quite a bit of sunshine and no winds to speak of!

A friend had told me about a flock of Siskin and some Mistle Thrushes on the south side of the Park earlier in the week so I had a walk around that area today. I don't venture to that area regularly due to it being mostly wooded with a very high proportion of birdless young conifers.

The first half mile along Wolviston Back Lane there was nothing much to see apart from a few Blue Tit, Blackbird and House Sparrow in the hawthorn hedges. Just after passing the junior school I saw three Siskin fly into an alder tree to feed. As I moved closer I passed by what I thought was a heavily leaved Alder (I was looking into the sun) but suddenly the leaves took off - not a murmur from them. It turned out to be a flock of 50-60 Siskin with a few Redpoll. I think they must have roosted there overnight.

Passing by Billingham Cemetery I spotted some Fieldfare and Redwing on the berry trees. On closer inspection I found 100+ birds. Around 60 were Fieldfare and 40 were Redwing. Best find of the day though was Waxwing x7! - first ones this winter. Also present were four Mistle Thrush. A GSW was in the young trees on the other side of Sewage Access Road - great road names around here!

I saw nothing new until I reached the north side of the A1185 and entered the car park. Looking into the feeding station I could see Treesparrow x12, Yellowhammer x6, GSW x1, Chaffinch 12+, Willow Tit, Greenfinch x6, Goldcrest and quite a few other tits. Even a flock of Long-tailed Tit passed through. It was good to see the Treeesparrow have returned.

I had a quick walk over to the main pond an back with nothing new seen from my last visit apart from Little Egret and an otter in the stream by an outfall - almost managed a photo as well, but I must have spooked it. First time I've seen one here, though a friend first saw one a week or so ago in the same spot.

IanF

Thursday 13th December 2007, 08:41

A fresh and frosty (3°C) sunny morning with cloudless blue skies and no wind at all.

Entering the Park from the SW corner and following the path alongside Seal Sands Road produced very little in the way of birds apart from pigeons and Crow.

Even the feeding station was quiet with just Great Tit and a Robin picking over the scraps on the empty tables.

The hedge in the car park though was packed with birds sitting on the sunny side facing into the car park - Tree Sparrow x7, Yellowhammer x5, Song Thrush x4, Blackbird x9, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Goldfinch, Robin, Greenfinch and a GSW in the trees above.

Following the boardwalk to the bridge there were several Blackbird in the hedges. On the stream which was pretty full with the weir barely visible was just Moorhen.

I followed the metal fence only coming across Blackbird until reaching just before it's end where a pair of Bullfinch were feeding. A wander around Faith Wood was also unproductive - just a few Blue Tit, pigeons and a Kestrel overhead. Several Magpie were perched about. Nor was there anything on the stream - also pretty full. A pair of Reed Bunting were flitting about in a frosty bush.

Heading over to the main pond I found it to be 90% frozen with a 30yds circular ice free patch between the stone island and the top benches. Not that many birds here either apart for 100+ gulls. Amongst the ducks I picked out Goldeneye m & f, Pochard x3, Tufted Duck x4, Coot x3, Moorhen x3, Mallard x12, Mute Swan x2 - all in all very poor. I checked out some bread and seed onto the ice which brought over the Mallard and Swans and many of the gulls. Amongst the gulls were two Med Gull - 2nd winter - a first for me here. They could have been here weeks as I've seldom checked out the gulls.

Following the fence by the railway through the alders I came across Siskin x8 and then another group x11. Long-tailed Tit x7 were in the trees by the Activity Centre. A pair white-winged Crow were about. Poor photos as it looks like the camera shutter is on the way out!

On returning to the car park I put some food out in the feeding station though by then some seed and peanuts had been put out. Fat balls and sunflower hearts seem to be the main thing at present as they were hardly touching the provided seed and peanuts. Birds seen Coal Tit x3, Tree Sparrow x9, Yellowhammer x3, Chaffinch 15+, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin x2, Dunnock and Greenfinch x5.

I crossed Seal Sands Road and headed over to the Cemetery. Fieldfare 40+, Mistle Thrush 7+ and Blackbird were feeding on what few berries remain. A GSW was in the small trees alongside Cowpen Bewley Road.

Heading back into the park on my way home I came across Jay x2, Magpie 7+, Long-taield Tit x12 and Siskin 30+.

IanF

Thursday 13th December 2007, 08:43

A few more photos from today

IanF

Thursday 13th December 2007, 08:50

A couple more

IanF

Thursday 13th December 2007, 18:10

I called back this morning for a quick wander around. Bright and sunny again but not as cold as the previous day.

Pretty quiet again all around the Park. On the main pond were gulls numbering 400+. Amongst them though was an adult Med Gull and one 2nd winter that gave very close views at times as it circled the pond with the rest of the gulls every so often. Also present were Goldeneye x4 (2m & 2f). A real strange one for here was a pair of Common Redshank which flew in and landed on the ice amongst the gulls. The only place in the Park you normally see them is on the tidal streams at low tide - the main pond has no where for them to wade!

Nothing else much of note seen. A few LTT were in the alders by the rail lines as were Goldfinch x7.

One of the best finds though was on the small frozen ponds by the car park when a Water Rail wandered out onto the ice before diving back into cover again - a seldom seen species here.

IanF

Sunday 16th December 2007, 15:06

An overcast morning but slightly milder than the last few days. The smaller ponds were frozen solid still, but the main pond was 50% ice free.

I've been putting out a few peanuts the last few days on the ponds byt he car park and this morning a Water Rail was there again.

No sign of any Med Gulls on the main pond this morning. Not many gulls at all today, possibly due to the tip being closed today. One pair of Goldeneye, two pairs of Gadwall and two Scaup - though one looks a tuftie hybird, Pochard x2, Tufty male x1, Mallard 20+. Mute Swan x2, Coot c.8, Moorhen 4+.

IanF

Saturday 22nd December 2007, 15:08

As the skies were a little brighter this morning I went for a wander around. A tad on the cool side at 1°C but with just a light breeze.

The bushes in the car park held the usual birds Blackbird, Yellowhammer, Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock, Wren, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and various tits.

No sign of the Water Rail in the ponds by the side of the car park but I threw down some peanuts anyway onto the partially frozen ponds. The Mute Swan pair and signet were present along with Moorhen x11! - all feeding in a small area on the grass. A pair of Mallard were in the ponds. On reaching the fence line a GSW was in the alders. Reed Bunting and Wren were in the reeds. Following the hedge to the railway lines I came across Yellowhammer, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch x7 and a pair of Bullfinch. Several Crow and Magpie were in the trees.

On the main pond just a few areas of the margins were frozen over, most of the water was ice free. There weren't great numbers of birds about. Around 50 gulls were on the water, mostly Black-headed. No sign of any Med Gulls but there was one Little Gull on the water. Mostly it stayed pretty distant but it did make one flight around the pond.

Also present were Goldeneye male & two female, Gadwall x7, Little Grebe x2, Scaup x2 staying pretty distant today, Tufted Duck x8, Pochard x6, Mallard 15+, Moorhen and Coot. Mute Swan x2.

Heading back to the car park via the Boardwalk the only other notable birds were Kestrel x1 and Grey Wagtail x1 which was on the weir above the bridge.