[Bananafishbones]

I promised that I would not make the family endure hours and hours of birdwatching while on our holiday to Newcastle Co Down. I had already planned a few hours but nothing more....... oh how the location of our apartment changed all that.

We arrived and found the apartment overlooking the bay at Newcastle very close to the harbour. A veiw from the balcony would show the fantastic sandy and rocky habitat for waders. A very narrow stretch of sand would give great veiws when the tide was out and a great rocky outcrop very close to the harbour walls would bring the birds even closer when the tide was in.

My best chance of birdwatching without upsetting everyone else was going to be in the mornings. Up and out for the paper including a full circuit of the harbour then back to prepare breakfast would get me the most browny points, but also gave stunning views of the early waders. Grey Herons, 8 was the highest count, all stood statuesque in the rock pools and were always joined in the mornings by plenty of Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Oystercatchers. The odd Curlew made an appearance each morning but wouldnt come close enough if I was stood by the harbour wall. Just to let me know that it knew what it was doing it did often come in close if I was stood on the balcony looking down

Other morning visitors were plenty of Gulls, GBBG, LBBG, Black headed and Herring. The only raptor on show was a single Kestrel that seemed to be showing an intrest in some rather large water Rats that were taking cover in and around the larger rocks. A Squirrel made a few appearances on the rocks aswell. Plenty of Grey & Pied Wagtails, Swallows and Hooded Crows made for a lively harbour each morning.

Afternoon watching wasnt bad either the kids made this bit easy for me, after a long day out how many times do you get asked "how much longer till be get back..... I`m Hungry.... whats for tea" as regular as clockwork I knew I could catch the waders on the rocks at hightide. Even closer veiws in the evenings, 13 Sanderling made an appearance as did a single Knot and a Rock Pipit giving me my first holiday lifer.

3 Common Sandpiper often came and went during the week as did the Common and Arctic Terns diving in the bay. Guillimots and Cormorants never came too close to shore but were easily visible from my balcony.

Other great veiws were given to me by the Common Seals and a group of 8 Red Breasted Mergansers that swam across the bay as I was preparing breakfast, Cue me turning off the grill mid cooking time and running downstairs to take pictures

Out and about on trips plenty of other stuff was on show to keep me occupied, Lapwings and Bar Tailed Godwits in Dundrum bay.... while getting cash from the bank!!......... 2 Mandarin ducks while on a forest walk.... Yellowhammer while on a resrvoir walk........ Fulmar, Gannet, Raven and Eider at Giants Causeway

NOT TOO BAD FOR A WEEKS NON BIRDING HOLIDAY

Dave

[Luke_Herts]

sounds a good trip and the photos are nice too. Especially the common sand!!!

[Bananafishbones]

Originally Posted by Luke_Herts

sounds a good trip and the photos are nice too. Especially the common sand!!!

Thanks Luke, yes it was a good holiday, I guess if I had gone soley to birdwatch I could have had a field day. Dundrum looked superb for birding but I only spent 10 minutes there while passing. The coast around Newcastle and Strangford lough would be teeming with birds. And to watch the Eider fishing for crabs at Giants Causeway was superb, then for it to settle down on a rock to sunbath giving me great views was just brilliant.

I will certainly book myself a long weekend there on my own in the future.

Dave

[JeffMoh]

Glad you had a good trip, Dave. I wouldn't mind seeing a few of those birds over here.
Jeff
www.jeffincypress.blogspot.com

[Tree Sparrow]

Sounds like you had a lovely time Dave. Sometimes the family does have to come first but you certainly seem to have managed to get quite a bit of birding in. You'd certainly earn brownie point with me by getting the morning paper and cooking breakfast lol.

Love the photos especially the oyc with the wave behind.

TS

[Bananafishbones]

Cheers TS / Jeff

Jeff, just caught up with your latest few blog updates........ I scored...... "oh Dear"

Nice pictures though!
Dave

[Bananafishbones]

"Bumped up" the queue for Pam

[ChrisKten]

Sounds like you had a great time, Dave. Some good pictures of birds I've never seen.

I'm guessing you might be having some more "family holidays" soon.

[Disneynut1973]

ok found it! What a great place you picked to stay - keep the family happy and perfect for the birds Fantastic to see so much activity from your window!