brianfm
Botanical Birder
Tales of a Hatless Birder!!!
Brian without his hat on the north east coast in February, is rather like a beeber being without their ‘ex’. However summer had arrived, Skylarks were singing and buds opening so I decided to ditch my concerns about global warming for the day along with my hat and gloves and simply enjoy the sun on my head and neck. I was bare to the elements so to speak. Now before reading on just close your eyes and imagine me bare to the elements!!! You done that? Then I will begin. Went by Arriva bus today, and this included a drive through Ashington, known locally as the biggest pit village in the world and home town of the famous such as Bobby and Jackie Charlton and Jackie Millburn. No pits now of course and perhaps fewer world class footballers on the streets, but at least there was a couple of Mistle Thrush on the playing filed. Anyway once through Ashington stopping to pick up those doing the weekend shopping we soon reached Cresswell. I found that the bus stops very nicely beside the public conveniences and more importantly within a few yards of the cliffs giving a very good sea view. After popping into the former spent some time at the latter.
The tide was well out and thus the rocky shoreline provided some good views of waders including, Oystercatchers, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone and Dunlin. The calls of the Oystercatchers, Curlews and Redshanks were loud and clear. The sea looked deceptively calm until one took a good look with the telescope and found that the birds on the water where being thrown up and down behind the waves. There were lots of Eider Ducks about and a mixed selection of Gulls and as we stood there Robins , Wren, Starlings and House Sparrows made an appearance.
Then we walked the mile from the village to Cresswell Pool. As the sun came out I remembered back to last weekend when I was up there in the rain and cold with binoculars steaming up. Yes there is something to be said for fair weather birding. Soon came across pairs of Stonechats and at least five Snipe were disturbed as we past by. Would have missed them had we not been walking. The Stonechats were as pre normal not disturbed to much by our appearance and we had great views of them as they balanced nicely on the grasses and sedges. Two pairs of Reed Buntings too. The males looking splendid in summer plumage. As we had walked along the sands we had seen a large flock of geese in the distant sky and now we recognised them as Pink Footed Geese as they grazed in the field. I estimate at least 200. Before reaching the hide at the pool we stopped for lunch in the sun and watched the smaller pool and fields leading to the reserve. Another pair of Stonechats here too. Coots, Moorhens, Mallard and a few Teal on the small pool. We watched large flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Dunlin lift off several times from around the main pool and wondered if a raptor had disturbed them. They certainly seemed on edge.
When we got to the hide we saw that the Peregrine Falcon had been recorded earlier in the morning and perhaps that explained the edginess of the waders. I got my eye on a juvenile Whooper Swan almost immediately. Mute Swans were about too although took off as we watched. There was alarge flock of Wigeon on the water by far out numbering anything else. Also around were Mallards, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Little Grebes and large mixed flocks of waders including Oystercatchers, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Dunlin and Redshank. Also a fair number of Greylag Geese. The Peregrine was now no where to be seen and neither was the redhead Smew which I had hope to add to my year list. It appears to have moved to another pool. After some time in the hide we decided to take a walk to the area where I had seen Twite earlier in the year.
The walk was at least a mile I reckon and by this time even more clothing was coming off. I tell you summer is here! This part of the walk brought us Grey Partridge. First time I have seen one in this area although I know that they are around and about. I would have missed this one as well had I not been walking. I initially thought it to be a rabbit scurrying through the grass. It stopped and watched us watching it then disappeared into the dunes. Skylarks were singing all around and we had good sightings of a couple just a few yards away on the ground and close by a couple of Goldfinch. Other birders were around all searching for the Shore Lark which was in fact no where to be seen. I was surprised by the size of the flocks of Starlings that were about, not seen so many for sometime, and there were gatherings of Jackdaws and Rooks all making a din. We did eventually get to the flock of Linnets which still contained the odd Twite. The flock or I really should say flocks were very flighty today and not easy to watch.
We had intended to return to the pool and take the path that dissects the northern end and walk up to the wood and the area where flocks of swans are to be found. However the path was flooded and we were tired so rather than even think out how to get around this we simply made our way back to the hide. On the return walk we looked at the pool near the farm and found more Wigeon, Mallard , Shelduck and three Grey Herons. The pool was quiet on our return but there was now two adult Whooper Swans on the pool. I don’t know why but the Mute Swans definitely have to take a back seat in my eyes when these guys are about. I guess it is the wildness factor and I love the yellow markings on the bills. Then we were off back to the village to catch our bus.
Back in plenty of time we took another look out to sea. Complete change now as the tide was at its highest and very little shore remained dry. Large flocks of Black Headed Gulls were in shore on the water. I got a glimpse of a couple of Great Black Backed Gulls some distance out and the Eiders remained. Then to top off things nicely there were perhaps 20 to 30 Sanderling, some just yards away from our feet, feeding at the tide edge. By those legs do not half move! I was just thinking that an ice cream would go down nicely when the bus arrived. So no ice cream.
Got back to Newcastle for sunset. Looking over the open green space of the town moor, with the sun setting in the west, a still blue to turquoise sky in the north and light purple and light grey cloud over the city centre, St James Park standing out from the smaller buildings, was quite a sight. We were back to the hustle and bustle, but still relaxed. Well in truth almost asleep! 53 species for the day all within easy’ish walking distance of the bus stop! Whooper Swan was star bird and a new one for my year list along with Snipe. My hat remained in my bag! I am sue it will come in handy another day.
Best wishes
Brian without his hat on the north east coast in February, is rather like a beeber being without their ‘ex’. However summer had arrived, Skylarks were singing and buds opening so I decided to ditch my concerns about global warming for the day along with my hat and gloves and simply enjoy the sun on my head and neck. I was bare to the elements so to speak. Now before reading on just close your eyes and imagine me bare to the elements!!! You done that? Then I will begin. Went by Arriva bus today, and this included a drive through Ashington, known locally as the biggest pit village in the world and home town of the famous such as Bobby and Jackie Charlton and Jackie Millburn. No pits now of course and perhaps fewer world class footballers on the streets, but at least there was a couple of Mistle Thrush on the playing filed. Anyway once through Ashington stopping to pick up those doing the weekend shopping we soon reached Cresswell. I found that the bus stops very nicely beside the public conveniences and more importantly within a few yards of the cliffs giving a very good sea view. After popping into the former spent some time at the latter.
The tide was well out and thus the rocky shoreline provided some good views of waders including, Oystercatchers, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone and Dunlin. The calls of the Oystercatchers, Curlews and Redshanks were loud and clear. The sea looked deceptively calm until one took a good look with the telescope and found that the birds on the water where being thrown up and down behind the waves. There were lots of Eider Ducks about and a mixed selection of Gulls and as we stood there Robins , Wren, Starlings and House Sparrows made an appearance.
Then we walked the mile from the village to Cresswell Pool. As the sun came out I remembered back to last weekend when I was up there in the rain and cold with binoculars steaming up. Yes there is something to be said for fair weather birding. Soon came across pairs of Stonechats and at least five Snipe were disturbed as we past by. Would have missed them had we not been walking. The Stonechats were as pre normal not disturbed to much by our appearance and we had great views of them as they balanced nicely on the grasses and sedges. Two pairs of Reed Buntings too. The males looking splendid in summer plumage. As we had walked along the sands we had seen a large flock of geese in the distant sky and now we recognised them as Pink Footed Geese as they grazed in the field. I estimate at least 200. Before reaching the hide at the pool we stopped for lunch in the sun and watched the smaller pool and fields leading to the reserve. Another pair of Stonechats here too. Coots, Moorhens, Mallard and a few Teal on the small pool. We watched large flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Dunlin lift off several times from around the main pool and wondered if a raptor had disturbed them. They certainly seemed on edge.
When we got to the hide we saw that the Peregrine Falcon had been recorded earlier in the morning and perhaps that explained the edginess of the waders. I got my eye on a juvenile Whooper Swan almost immediately. Mute Swans were about too although took off as we watched. There was alarge flock of Wigeon on the water by far out numbering anything else. Also around were Mallards, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Little Grebes and large mixed flocks of waders including Oystercatchers, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Dunlin and Redshank. Also a fair number of Greylag Geese. The Peregrine was now no where to be seen and neither was the redhead Smew which I had hope to add to my year list. It appears to have moved to another pool. After some time in the hide we decided to take a walk to the area where I had seen Twite earlier in the year.
The walk was at least a mile I reckon and by this time even more clothing was coming off. I tell you summer is here! This part of the walk brought us Grey Partridge. First time I have seen one in this area although I know that they are around and about. I would have missed this one as well had I not been walking. I initially thought it to be a rabbit scurrying through the grass. It stopped and watched us watching it then disappeared into the dunes. Skylarks were singing all around and we had good sightings of a couple just a few yards away on the ground and close by a couple of Goldfinch. Other birders were around all searching for the Shore Lark which was in fact no where to be seen. I was surprised by the size of the flocks of Starlings that were about, not seen so many for sometime, and there were gatherings of Jackdaws and Rooks all making a din. We did eventually get to the flock of Linnets which still contained the odd Twite. The flock or I really should say flocks were very flighty today and not easy to watch.
We had intended to return to the pool and take the path that dissects the northern end and walk up to the wood and the area where flocks of swans are to be found. However the path was flooded and we were tired so rather than even think out how to get around this we simply made our way back to the hide. On the return walk we looked at the pool near the farm and found more Wigeon, Mallard , Shelduck and three Grey Herons. The pool was quiet on our return but there was now two adult Whooper Swans on the pool. I don’t know why but the Mute Swans definitely have to take a back seat in my eyes when these guys are about. I guess it is the wildness factor and I love the yellow markings on the bills. Then we were off back to the village to catch our bus.
Back in plenty of time we took another look out to sea. Complete change now as the tide was at its highest and very little shore remained dry. Large flocks of Black Headed Gulls were in shore on the water. I got a glimpse of a couple of Great Black Backed Gulls some distance out and the Eiders remained. Then to top off things nicely there were perhaps 20 to 30 Sanderling, some just yards away from our feet, feeding at the tide edge. By those legs do not half move! I was just thinking that an ice cream would go down nicely when the bus arrived. So no ice cream.
Got back to Newcastle for sunset. Looking over the open green space of the town moor, with the sun setting in the west, a still blue to turquoise sky in the north and light purple and light grey cloud over the city centre, St James Park standing out from the smaller buildings, was quite a sight. We were back to the hustle and bustle, but still relaxed. Well in truth almost asleep! 53 species for the day all within easy’ish walking distance of the bus stop! Whooper Swan was star bird and a new one for my year list along with Snipe. My hat remained in my bag! I am sue it will come in handy another day.
Best wishes
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