Stewart J.
Well-known member
One of my favourite walks is along the bank of the river South Tyne downriver for a mile or even two from the tiny village where I live. My species list is not huge but we have many of the upland breeders (Dipper, Goosander, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper etc) and over the years have recorded the odd Osprey, Peregrine. Merlin etc and more unusually a Fulmar and an Arctic Skua. (single records for each of the latter two in the 15 years I've lived and birded here) For those who are not sure where I am its the narrowest east-west part of England with Carlisle 20+ miles to the west and Newcastle 30+ miles East so the latter are very unusal sightings.
Enough of the preamble, took a walk this afternoon and sat on the riverbank to watch two pairs of Buzzards trying to outdo each other in the display department. As I sat 2 scruffy looking juvenile Dippers flew onto the opposite river bank and started begging from an adult preening on a rock. As I watched 1 flew off and as it did a flash of blue chased it joined by another. Kingfishers! I was enthralled they gave up the chase after only a few yards and flew to a perch. I have only ever recorded Kingfishers over the years on a handfull of occasions always singles usually in late autumn. They are not common up here in Northumberland with only a few pairs breeding in the county so this was quite a find.
Both birds then started plunge diving and much to my astonishment one flew into a hole in bankside which was partially screened by tree roots, emerging a minute later. Then the second bird also flew into the hole with a fish. I moved further off and secreted myself and both birds continued to fish from perches occasionally disapearing behind the tree roots carrying a small fish.
I returned home absolutely ecstatic, it just reinforces how satisfying it is to have a local patch and shows how a suprise visitor could be just around the corner.
Apologies for the lengthy ramble, I'm so chuffed.
Stewart
B
B B
Enough of the preamble, took a walk this afternoon and sat on the riverbank to watch two pairs of Buzzards trying to outdo each other in the display department. As I sat 2 scruffy looking juvenile Dippers flew onto the opposite river bank and started begging from an adult preening on a rock. As I watched 1 flew off and as it did a flash of blue chased it joined by another. Kingfishers! I was enthralled they gave up the chase after only a few yards and flew to a perch. I have only ever recorded Kingfishers over the years on a handfull of occasions always singles usually in late autumn. They are not common up here in Northumberland with only a few pairs breeding in the county so this was quite a find.
Both birds then started plunge diving and much to my astonishment one flew into a hole in bankside which was partially screened by tree roots, emerging a minute later. Then the second bird also flew into the hole with a fish. I moved further off and secreted myself and both birds continued to fish from perches occasionally disapearing behind the tree roots carrying a small fish.
I returned home absolutely ecstatic, it just reinforces how satisfying it is to have a local patch and shows how a suprise visitor could be just around the corner.
Apologies for the lengthy ramble, I'm so chuffed.
Stewart
B
B B 
