Durham Birding (13 Viewers)

Ray.Scott · Apr 27, 2010

Weardale yesterday in search of the elusive Ring Ouzel and eventually a bit of patience paid off around the Bollihope area where we managed to view a pair of them and also manage a few photo's:t:.
Other birds in the area were, meadow pipit, wheatear, red grouse, pied wagtail and the usual lapwings, BH gulls, jackdaws and crows.

Ray.Scott · Apr 27, 2010

Also from yesterday an interesting bit of behaviour from a pair of wheatear.

We were watching and photographing a pair of wheatear, which kept jumping, hovering & flying around an area above us, which we thought was some sort of display. Anyway when I got home and processed a few photos, it became evident what all the fuss was about.
If you look to the left of the first 4 pics, there’s a small adder visible.
Only wish I’d noticed It while we were there so I could have photographed the adder:C.
Also started to realise that, It wasn’t too long ago that I was sitting in the same area, having a coffee while looking for Ouzels:eek!:.

NeilF · Apr 27, 2010

It was my turn to go west today, visiting a couple of locations which provided some great birds.

1. Wood Warbler 2. Pied Flycatcher 3. Redstart 4. Ring Ouzel

birding maniac · Apr 27, 2010

Hi all, I was just wondering where abouts is Bollihope?
Also Neil, where did you see the Wood Warbler and the Pied Flycatcher?

Ray.Scott · Apr 27, 2010

A few from South Hetton today:

1 & 2 Willow Warbler
3 & 4 Linnet
5 Chiffchaff

NeilF · Apr 27, 2010

birding maniac said:
Hi all, I was just wondering where abouts is Bollihope?
Also Neil, where did you see the Wood Warbler and the Pied Flycatcher?

Did'nt I read somewhere your parents are birders, they should know where to see these species, but I'll send you a PM anyhow.

birding maniac · Apr 27, 2010

NeilF said:
Did'nt I read somewhere your parents are birders, they should know where to see these species, but I'll send you a PM anyhow.

Yes, thhey are but there not aware where many places are:-C
thanks.

Ray.Scott · Apr 27, 2010

birding maniac said:
Hi all, I was just wondering where abouts is Bollihope?
Also Neil, where did you see the Wood Warbler and the Pied Flycatcher?

See below link & O.S. grid.
If you leave Stanhope to go over the moors, you can't miss It, the quary is on both sides of the road.
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1747905

NeilF · Apr 27, 2010

Now I like Chaffinch and I like Wheatear, but which is best? There's only one way to find out.....FIGHT!!

IanF · Apr 28, 2010

Saltholme Hide was open from 8.00am this morning. A poor turn out though with just me present with the two guides Dave and Bob.

First highlight was three Common Terns passing over as I made my way to the hide, the first I've seen this year. There were several Yellow Wagtails along the path and a single Northern Wheatear plus Meadow Pipit and Skylark.

From the hide we soon picked up a Greenshank, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Little Gull, Common Tern x3, Pink-footed Goose x4 & Turnstone.

A little later I spotted a Black-headed Wagtail at distance feeding amongst the feet of the cattle that had been moved to west Saltholme last night but it soon disappeared from view heading over towards Paddy's Pool.

As I left the hide I spotted it again about half way back towards the visitor centre where it was feeding with a Blue-headed Wagtail. A little frustrating trying to view them due to the height of the tufted grass. Lots of other Yellow Wagtails doing the same.

I headed back to the hide when the Black-headed Wagtail was seen to move near the water's edge but I didn't see it again.

As I left the reserve three Little Tern flew over heading SE.

Mark Newsome · Apr 28, 2010

IanF said:
...A little later I spotted a Black-headed Wagtail at distance feeding amongst the feet of the cattle that had been moved to west Saltholme last night but it soon disappeared from view heading over towards Paddy's Pool.

Superb find Ian. A first for the county (assuming the bit of supercilium gets through BBRC OK...!) Hope it hangs around.

Boy Wonder · Apr 28, 2010

RSPB Saltholme will be staying open till 8pm this evening so everyone can get chance to see the wagtail. Access will be the path to Saltholme Pools Hide and the hide itself only. You will be directed after arrival on site. Please be aware that the front gate will be locked at 8pm.

IanF · Apr 28, 2010

Better views of the Black-headed Wagtail this afternoon in some better ligtht which showed more clearly a greyish nape to the neck, kicking off further discussion as to whether it's a pure Black-headed Wagtail - not to mention the faint supercillium as well.

All credit to the RSPB for keeping the reserve open until 8.00pm as well :t:

Also on the reserve as I left at 5.00pm on the Bottom Tank - Whimbrel, LRP pair and Black-tailed Godwit c.20.

Seen by others on the reserve today - Marsh Harrier female, Garganey x2 males and Wood Sandpiper.

Ray.Scott · Apr 28, 2010

Called at Dormans & the Saline Pool today:

Good number of sedge warbler at dormans, also at least 3 grass hopper warblers heard, only ever glimpsing one as it flew into the bush.
Also kestrel and the usual geese & ducks.

19 Avocets at the Saline Pool, 2 of which were mating, also mute swan, canada goose, redshank, 2 pied wagtail and single lapwing which was seen off by the 2 little ringed plover.

brianfm · Apr 28, 2010

IanF said:
Better views of the Black-headed Wagtail this afternoon in some better ligtht which showed more clearly a greyish nape to the neck, kicking off further discussion as to whether it's a pure Black-headed Wagtail - not to mention the faint supercillium as well.

All credit to the RSPB for keeping the reserve open until 8.00pm as well :t:

Also on the reserve as I left at 5.00pm on the Bottom Tank - Whimbrel, LRP pair and Black-tailed Godwit c.20.

Seen by others on the reserve today - Marsh Harrier female, Garganey x2 males and Wood Sandpiper.

Good to see the photos Ian as my mate and I were watching this bird this afternoon. Faint supercillium and all, it'll still do for me. We had sightings of the Garganey, Wood Sand, Little Ringed Plover, Little Gull and Black Tailed Godwits along with circa 20 Wheatears and Greenshank.

I see from your earlier post that the centre opened early which explains why the doors were open on our arrival at 9.40. We were a bit late, but think we did well getting down from Killingworth and Jesmond by bus for that time.

I'd just like to put in a word of thanks to the volunteer at the centre who helped us so much on arrival. Afraid I didn't catch his name.:t:

Boy Wonder · Apr 29, 2010

Due to their being no confirmed sightings since the report at lunchtime the reserve will be closing at 17:00 as usual.

IanF · Apr 30, 2010

Dormans Pool - yesterday morning - some great views of Marsh Harrier as it hunted from the track to the hide over Saltholme Pond east. A shame the heat haze was so bad. It was present 8.30-9.00am before soaring high until it disappeared from view. Another sighting later in the morning at Seaton Common of one heading south and the an hour later of one from RSPB Saltholme Wildlife Watchpoint.

In the brambles by the path -6-7 Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat x4, Wren x3, Linnet x5, Reed Bunting x5.

Good views of the Sand Martins by the visitor centre at Saltholme as well.

IanF · Apr 30, 2010

Dormans Pool - am - Marsh Harrier c.9.10 stayed at north end, Grasshopper Warbler x2 (one showing very well) along track to hide plus several Sedge Warbler, Linnet, Wren and Whitethroat. Also Blackcap and Willow Warbler in the willow hedge past the screen.

RSPB Saltholme - Peregrine over main pool seen from visitor centre c.10.30 headed off west after swooping on and missing a bird over the pond - I could only see Sand Martin at the time!

No sign of the Black-headed Wagtail but a Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail (thumbergi type with solid grey head and yellow throat/front) was on the left end of the fence by the cattle on Saltholme Pond west. From the hide - a few more Common Tern today, Common Sandpiper x3, Turnstone x3, Dunlin x7, LRP x4, Cormorant x2, Greenshank x1, Pink-footed Goose x4. A weasel was by the start of the track to the hide.

Hurworth Burn Reservoir - Channel Wagtail still present showing very well on the fence and first bush about opposite the bench 70m along the path north from car park.

The blackbird · May 2, 2010

Where is Bollihope

birding maniac said:
Hi all, I was just wondering where abouts is Bollihope?
Also Neil, where did you see the Wood Warbler and the Pied Flycatcher?

I frequently see questions like this on Forums. Usually at the top of most computer screens there is a little box that you can fill in and something called a search takes place. It might be marked with the word "google" or similar. I just put the word Bollihope into mine and amazingly when I clicked my mouse a OS Grid reference for Bollihope Quarry magically appeared.

Incidentally please give the Ouzels there a fighting chance. There are lots of other sites where one could find ones own Ouzel

Adam W · May 2, 2010

The blackbird said:
I frequently see questions like this on Forums. Usually at the top of most computer screens there is a little box that you can fill in and something called a search takes place. It might be marked with the word "google" or similar. I just put the word Bollihope into mine and amazingly when I clicked my mouse a OS Grid reference for Bollihope Quarry magically appeared.

Incidentally please give the Ouzels there a fighting chance. There are lots of other sites where one could find ones own Ouzel

What agrade A ***** you are, what the hell was the need for that, either answer the perfectly reasonable question or just ignore it.

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