I have been planning another feeding station around the farm for a while and over the weekend bought some feeders etc to be put up when the wind dies down? I have a spot overlooking some trees and a pond & just before lunch we had magpie, tree sparrow, blue tit, great tit, G.S.W., and dozens of fieldfare & lots of crow plus. two or three blackbirds feeding on the Rowen berries. We did have lots of goldfinches on the thistle seed but not sen for a while. I have also noticed some owl pelets in one of the buildings but despite many late night observations have not seen any owls close up...yet.
-
BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!
Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Durham Birding (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Skelly
- Start date
DaveB
birding.daveb.co.uk
Croxdale
Two Hawfinches were seen, briefly at Croxdale Hall. Little Owl (1), Redwing (10+), Nuthatch (3), Mistle Thrush (2), Chaffinch (2), Blue Tit (20+), Great Tit (10+), Coal Tit (2) and Goldcrest (2) were also seen here.
A quick stop at Newfield tip produced good numers of Great Black–backed Gull (80+), Herring Gull (50+) and Black–headed Gull (50+). Two female Goosander, three Mallard and a Moorhen were seen at the Batts.
Two Hawfinches were seen, briefly at Croxdale Hall. Little Owl (1), Redwing (10+), Nuthatch (3), Mistle Thrush (2), Chaffinch (2), Blue Tit (20+), Great Tit (10+), Coal Tit (2) and Goldcrest (2) were also seen here.
A quick stop at Newfield tip produced good numers of Great Black–backed Gull (80+), Herring Gull (50+) and Black–headed Gull (50+). Two female Goosander, three Mallard and a Moorhen were seen at the Batts.
Bonsaibirder
http://mobro.co/saddinall
Adult Med Gull at Boldon Flats today along with the male Pintail, Shoveller and Shelduck. Also some of the Wigeon flock were very close to the layby, giving excellent views, along with quite a few Curlew.
Cheers,
Cheers,
JBee
Well-known member
Spent a full day today (7.30am - 15.30pm) trying to catch a shot of a dipper in a local stream. CW rang me yesterday morning to say he was standing looking at one - I rushed down - it had gone 
but we got a glimpse of it heading down stream later.
So I camo'd myself in 5 yards from stream and prepared for a long wait. Managed a couple of shots around mid day though bird decided to only appear under a fallen tree that spans stream so this is quite a big crop
Got a beautiful view of kingfisher flying up stream in full sunshine.
Where I was positioned gave me over 20 close up views of sparrohawk flying through gap in hedgerow - across stream and into woods. No chance of a photo as there was no way of knowing when it/they would fly through.
Highlight though has to be 4 sighting throughout the day within 20 yards of what I knew wasn't a sparrowhawk or kestrel flying past me.
Talking to and describing bird to 2 DBC members I bumped into on way home and to an elderly couple who are keen bird watchers, and CW later - concensus was that it was a goshawk, either juvenile or male.
Description (and I got a good clear view of the underside on all occassions) - very light/white underbelly and tail, black markings, tail looked shorter and broader than sparrowhawk, bird in general looked beefier than sparrohawk.
If it was goshawk it's the first time I have seen one.
but we got a glimpse of it heading down stream later.So I camo'd myself in 5 yards from stream and prepared for a long wait. Managed a couple of shots around mid day though bird decided to only appear under a fallen tree that spans stream so this is quite a big crop
Got a beautiful view of kingfisher flying up stream in full sunshine.
Where I was positioned gave me over 20 close up views of sparrohawk flying through gap in hedgerow - across stream and into woods. No chance of a photo as there was no way of knowing when it/they would fly through.
Highlight though has to be 4 sighting throughout the day within 20 yards of what I knew wasn't a sparrowhawk or kestrel flying past me.
Talking to and describing bird to 2 DBC members I bumped into on way home and to an elderly couple who are keen bird watchers, and CW later - concensus was that it was a goshawk, either juvenile or male.
Description (and I got a good clear view of the underside on all occassions) - very light/white underbelly and tail, black markings, tail looked shorter and broader than sparrowhawk, bird in general looked beefier than sparrohawk.
If it was goshawk it's the first time I have seen one.
Attachments
Last edited:
JBee
Well-known member
Help needed from a gull expert.
Going through and trying to organise the hundreds of gull shots I have I came across this bird I photographed at Rainton Meadows late last year.
Can anyone ID it for me please.
The colour isnt wrong so legs and beak are grey (beak has a black bar rather than black tip)
Really appreciate any help.
EDIT *** Answered my own question I think - Common gull (Winter)
Going through and trying to organise the hundreds of gull shots I have I came across this bird I photographed at Rainton Meadows late last year.
Can anyone ID it for me please.
The colour isnt wrong so legs and beak are grey (beak has a black bar rather than black tip)
Really appreciate any help.
EDIT *** Answered my own question I think - Common gull (Winter)
Attachments
Last edited:
Spent an hour at Herrington Country Park late afternoon. Among the hordes of black-headed gulls were six common gulls (4 adults and 2 first winters) and a 1st winter herring gull.
One greylag among the canada geese; 12 lapwings flying over main lake; single redshank; four pied wags; 2 carrion crows, 1 magpie; 2 juv cormorants (one flying over; one fishing on main lake).
Plenty of people chucking bread for the birds – and no model powerboat racers to disturb them. The cold and wind must have kept them away, so it was nice and peaceful for a change.
One greylag among the canada geese; 12 lapwings flying over main lake; single redshank; four pied wags; 2 carrion crows, 1 magpie; 2 juv cormorants (one flying over; one fishing on main lake).
Plenty of people chucking bread for the birds – and no model powerboat racers to disturb them. The cold and wind must have kept them away, so it was nice and peaceful for a change.
JWTodd
Well-known member
Field Trip, Sunday 21st Jan. 07, to Northumberland & Holy Island
There are now only a few places left for the clubs field trip to Northumberland and Holy Island this next Sunday (21st).
The trip cost is £13 for members and £15 for non-members. Under 15's at a reduced rate.
If you wish to go, please contact me either through the forum or via the normal email/phone method.
Please see the website for further information.
There are now only a few places left for the clubs field trip to Northumberland and Holy Island this next Sunday (21st).
The trip cost is £13 for members and £15 for non-members. Under 15's at a reduced rate.
If you wish to go, please contact me either through the forum or via the normal email/phone method.
Please see the website for further information.
StevieEvans
Well-known member
Bishop Middlehams CASTLE LAKE developments.
x8 Shovellers reported shovelling at Castle Lake today.......
Further details on what the shovellers were realy doing (with photos) on the DBC website in due course
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peregrine low over Elemore Hall today.
pr of Long-eared Owls in East Durham.
x8 Shovellers reported shovelling at Castle Lake today.......
Further details on what the shovellers were realy doing (with photos) on the DBC website in due course
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peregrine low over Elemore Hall today.
pr of Long-eared Owls in East Durham.
Mark Newsome
Born to seawatch...
I ventured over to the Gateshead area yesterday but the howling winds made things a little difficult. Sled Lane pond was a nice sheltered spot with 12 Goosanders showing very well along with 2 Wigeon and a Goldeneye. Several Red Kites were battling into the wind on top of Barlow Fell mid-afternoon with some drifting very close to the Black Horse PH and giving superb views. There was plenty of activity at Thornley Woods feeding station despite all bird food being blown horizontally into the woods! Two Marsh Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and a good number of Long-tailed Tits were the highlight.
Cal07vin
Weekend Darlo Birder
Funny Looking Duck
I was at Low Barns yesterday 14/01/07 and also spotted a unusual looking duck. I'm not sure if its the same one though, looked similar to a smew at first glance but not quite right. Duck mostly white with black/brown markings on head although the light was fading fast. Has any one else seen it and any ideas what it is? I'm sure this is also a hybrid.ALFIE TEMPLE said:
[email protected]
FATHER AND SON TEAM
hawfinch hunt
had 2 hours down Croxdale Hall this morning looking for the hawfinch but with no luck did see g s woodpecker,redwings(12) l t tits (5) jays(6)treecreeper heron(2) mistle thrush(2)
had 2 hours down Croxdale Hall this morning looking for the hawfinch but with no luck did see g s woodpecker,redwings(12) l t tits (5) jays(6)treecreeper heron(2) mistle thrush(2)
IanF
Moderator
I called in at the Tees Barrage on my way home from work this afternoon. Yellow-legged Gull still around and plenty of Cormorant feeding below the barrage. Not a lot else apart from a few Redwing on Portrack Marsh.
Attachments
Ross Ahmed
Well-known member
2nd-win Med Gull & 2 ad LBB Gulls in roost off Trow Rocks this evng, plus 4 Shelducks on sea there.
Well I got some new Bins for my birthday last week-- thanks to my lovely hubby, a nice compact pair which will be easier to carry around (and hopefully won't be forgotten lol) and this Sat Im off into town to get a smaller bird book. Think Ill get the Collins one that seems to be a popular choice? Haven't had much chance to test the new Bins out yet but took them to Barnes Park on Saturday, didnt really see much , I think it was a bit too windy. Saw my friends the Bullfinches when coming out of work today tho--they always make me smile
StevieEvans
Well-known member
Bo
One Barn Owl hunting late afternoon approx 1,000 metres north of here between Newbottle & Philedelphia. Also Woodcock over.
This takes my local patch list to 80 (on foot only)
with the combined Houghton area H.A.P.Y total now being 89.
SE
.StevieEvans said:
One Barn Owl hunting late afternoon approx 1,000 metres north of here between Newbottle & Philedelphia. Also Woodcock over.
This takes my local patch list to 80 (on foot only)
with the combined Houghton area H.A.P.Y total now being 89.
SE
Last edited:
StevieEvans
Well-known member
StevieEvans said:x8 Shovellers reported shovelling at Castle Lake today.......
Further details on what the shovellers were realy doing (with photos) on the DBC website in due course
The info is now on the DBC website......
see if you recognise anyone in the line up.....
StevieEvans
Well-known member
Long-eared Owls..... WOT
The World Owl Trust have written to us today reminding us about their (WOT & HOT (Hawk & Owl Trust) Leo Conservation Project & that their MOTLE survey takes place again in March.
Our DBC Leo Survey data will be forwarded to this organisation, whose aims are similar to our own, although on a national scale.
They also aim to design conservation management guidelines.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pair Leos watched in typical Hawthorn roost this morning, close to a busy path - birds not bothered in the least.
Picture taken from path & shows typical Hawthorn roost.
Sheltered from wind, with tangled vegetation keeping anyone/thing back.
Birds are just right of centre & visible with naked eye from the path.
Steve
PS.
We also had a Skylark in full song here.
The World Owl Trust have written to us today reminding us about their (WOT & HOT (Hawk & Owl Trust) Leo Conservation Project & that their MOTLE survey takes place again in March.
Our DBC Leo Survey data will be forwarded to this organisation, whose aims are similar to our own, although on a national scale.
They also aim to design conservation management guidelines.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pair Leos watched in typical Hawthorn roost this morning, close to a busy path - birds not bothered in the least.
Picture taken from path & shows typical Hawthorn roost.
Sheltered from wind, with tangled vegetation keeping anyone/thing back.
Birds are just right of centre & visible with naked eye from the path.
Steve
PS.
We also had a Skylark in full song here.
Attachments
Last edited:
[email protected]
FATHER AND SON TEAM
year count
Hi all after one whole year of birding I counted my total up. most were seen in north east but as far south as whitby. west to the lakes. north to fort William but only one bird seen there as it rained all week ( black guillemot ) and the most productive east to the coast but whitburn came out top with woodchat shrike , isabelline shrike grasshopper warbler, ring ouzel and wheatear all seen and this thread which was giving me lots of food for thought and new birding spots .
Total 164 I did not think it would be that many as I have 3 kids, full time job , and a understanding wife!!!! :C
2007 wanted list
waxwing
hawfinch
whinchat
nightjar
twite
bearded tit
thanks a lot
Hi all after one whole year of birding I counted my total up. most were seen in north east but as far south as whitby. west to the lakes. north to fort William but only one bird seen there as it rained all week ( black guillemot ) and the most productive east to the coast but whitburn came out top with woodchat shrike , isabelline shrike grasshopper warbler, ring ouzel and wheatear all seen and this thread which was giving me lots of food for thought and new birding spots .
Total 164 I did not think it would be that many as I have 3 kids, full time job , and a understanding wife!!!! :C
2007 wanted list
waxwing
hawfinch
whinchat
nightjar
twite
bearded tit
thanks a lot
Mark Newsome
Born to seawatch...
[email protected] said:
You can't complain too much at having a first year of birding like that, with Isabelline and Woodchat Shrikes nearly on your doorstep! Well done! This year's birds will probably be totally different to last years and I'm sure there'll be a bucket load of new birds to come for you. Wouldn't be surprised if young Hawk-eye Cook ends up pushing you hard for the most birds seen in 2007!
