Bonsaibirder
http://mobro.co/saddinall
Single Mute Swan on the sea on the north side of Seaham Harbour this morning! Must have been blown off course - a Seaham tick for me!
Cheers,
Cheers,
-
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Durham Birding (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Skelly
- Start date
JBee
Well-known member
CW and I had a ride to Greatham Creek hide today - for photography it is very poor and I didn't take a single photo. However Colin managed 4 ticks - Grey plover, black tailed and bar tailed godwits, red breasted merganser.
Left the hide, made the long walk back to the car against the wind and nipped up to Cowpen Bewley for 30 minutes.
Hardly any food on the feeders so a bit disappointing too.
Left the hide, made the long walk back to the car against the wind and nipped up to Cowpen Bewley for 30 minutes.
Hardly any food on the feeders so a bit disappointing too.
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hen harrier
Active member
Walking the dogs around the river Wear walk Fatfield bridge too Coxgreen a lovely surprise near the boat pontoon on the South side of the river after just crossing the Coxgreen bridge, a pair of Mandarin Ducks, not ringed. I allso checked with the WWT and all of their birds have been clipped. Both birds showing really well, I chatted to a local and he said they have been there for three weeks now. Allso seven Cormorants all with different plumage stages in a row on a boat pontoon cannot promise them to be there but the Mandarins should be a good bet. Good birding to everyone.
DaveB
birding.daveb.co.uk
Teesside Barrage & Saltholme Pools
The Yellow–legged Gull was still at Tees Barrage and a single Water Pipit was at the pipe line, near Haverton.
A single White–fronted Goose, four Pink–footed Geese and at least seven Barnacle Geese were amongst good numbers of Greylag Geese and Canada Geese. All the usual wildfowl were present, but no sign of any Ruddy Ducks.
DaveB
The Yellow–legged Gull was still at Tees Barrage and a single Water Pipit was at the pipe line, near Haverton.
A single White–fronted Goose, four Pink–footed Geese and at least seven Barnacle Geese were amongst good numbers of Greylag Geese and Canada Geese. All the usual wildfowl were present, but no sign of any Ruddy Ducks.
DaveB
Mark Newsome
Born to seawatch...
hen harrier said:
Good find, and shows how talking to the locals can provide useful info. There's building evidence that Mandarins could becoming more established in our area. Pairs are being seen at several sites in good potential breeding habitat. There's already breeding populations close to us (Northumberland and North Yorks - where 30-40 can be seen togther) so I wouldn't be surprised if the odd pair are nesting along the wooded stretches of our main rivers.
Mark Newsome
Born to seawatch...
I went out for a few hours from lunchtime, venturing down towards Wilson Country and had a great afternoon. The pair of Mandarin Ducks were still on the River Wear at Coxgreen, along with 4-5 Cormorants (at least 2 of which were sinensis). (Apparently there's also been a male Mandarin at Brasside Pond in the last day or so).
At Rainton Meadows, I eventually found the Redpoll flock but they were very flighty and I never confirmed anything other than Lesser (around 15 birds). There's an excellent number of other wintering birds around Joe's Pond, with 200+ Redwings and many Blackbirds and Goldfinches.
I also visited Hetton Bogs for the first time and found the photography screen excellent (a big thumbs up to CW et al). Two Water Rails showed after not too long a wait and 3+ Willow Tits were also nearly constantly in view. A Kingfisher was very vocal nearby but didn't show itself. Also a Chiffchaff was calling from the tangle of dense vegetation but again didn't show.
Also in the Houghton area, I came across a superb Long-eared Owl roosting in birch, alder and pine scrub. (but of course SteveE knew this one on personal terms!).
Nearer to home, a flock of 60 Greylag Geese were by West Pastures pond, but very other other birds are wintering in this area since it's been ruined.
At Rainton Meadows, I eventually found the Redpoll flock but they were very flighty and I never confirmed anything other than Lesser (around 15 birds). There's an excellent number of other wintering birds around Joe's Pond, with 200+ Redwings and many Blackbirds and Goldfinches.
I also visited Hetton Bogs for the first time and found the photography screen excellent (a big thumbs up to CW et al). Two Water Rails showed after not too long a wait and 3+ Willow Tits were also nearly constantly in view. A Kingfisher was very vocal nearby but didn't show itself. Also a Chiffchaff was calling from the tangle of dense vegetation but again didn't show.
Also in the Houghton area, I came across a superb Long-eared Owl roosting in birch, alder and pine scrub. (but of course SteveE knew this one on personal terms!).
Nearer to home, a flock of 60 Greylag Geese were by West Pastures pond, but very other other birds are wintering in this area since it's been ruined.
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seggs
Alrite!
had the other half out today around the usual south tyneside hotspots :-O
dipped on the black redstart and the l.e.owls....
dabchick still in the don by st.pauls jarrow..nowt else! except 9 herons in the reserve accross the water..
bolden flats had a pair of shoveler and a shelduck.. no geese! but 3 herons
best bit was getting the drake gadwall at the tilesheds !!! and if i ever figure out how to put photos on this site will show it!! :stuck:
dipped on the black redstart and the l.e.owls....
dabchick still in the don by st.pauls jarrow..nowt else! except 9 herons in the reserve accross the water..
bolden flats had a pair of shoveler and a shelduck.. no geese! but 3 herons
best bit was getting the drake gadwall at the tilesheds !!! and if i ever figure out how to put photos on this site will show it!! :stuck:
JBee
Well-known member
Mark I wish I had known you were coming.whitburnmark said:
I spent 4 hours sat camo'd in at the stream (just off the main path) waiting for a sparrowhawk to land in what appears to be a favourite perch for them.
If you entered via the Rainton bridge end of the Bogs you would have seen my green rover (I was there from 10am-2pm)
I almost came across to the feeding station bt decided on going for a local flock of fieldfare I have watched all week - unfortunately when I got to hedgerow there were moto-x bikes and 4 wheel buggies using the adjacent set aside field for circuit practice
Let me know next time you are popping down (I'll give you a season ticket
)As an aside I'll be at the feeding station most of tomorrow (Monday) Need to go up and fill the feeders.
So if anyone wants to pop along and say hello then your more than welcome.
Theres a big plastic bucket behind the screen if anyone wants to add a bit feed to it now and again
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Mark Newsome
Born to seawatch...
A late additional photo of the Boldon Flats Ruff - a poor shot but shows the distinctive head pattern should this bird turn up nearby.
Plus another Water Rail from today - couldn't resist!
JBee - I was there from about 2.30 - shame I just missed you. Next time I come down, I'll give you a ring (and maybe bring an extra upturned bucket to sit on!)
A couple of extra local bits of bird news reported:
Black Redstart still at north end of Marsden Bay, on cliffs by Camel's Island.
Great Northern Diver past Whitburn Obs this morning.
Plus another Water Rail from today - couldn't resist!
JBee - I was there from about 2.30 - shame I just missed you. Next time I come down, I'll give you a ring (and maybe bring an extra upturned bucket to sit on!)
A couple of extra local bits of bird news reported:
Black Redstart still at north end of Marsden Bay, on cliffs by Camel's Island.
Great Northern Diver past Whitburn Obs this morning.
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DaveB
birding.daveb.co.uk
Hartlepool Headland
Red Throated Diver (1), Eider (30+), Common Scoter (35+), Sanderling (20+), Oystercatcher (30+) and Common Redshank (10+) were seen from marine drive. A single Velvet Scoter was seen flying south at this location.
No fewer than forty eight Purple Sandpipers were between the first two breakwaters. Shag (1), Cormorant (2), Knot (30+), Turnstone (40+), Rock Pipit (1) and Pied Wagtail (2) were also there.
Gulls present included Black–headed Gull (100+), Common Gull (10+), Herring Gull (30+) and Great Black–backed Gull (30+).
DaveB
Red Throated Diver (1), Eider (30+), Common Scoter (35+), Sanderling (20+), Oystercatcher (30+) and Common Redshank (10+) were seen from marine drive. A single Velvet Scoter was seen flying south at this location.
No fewer than forty eight Purple Sandpipers were between the first two breakwaters. Shag (1), Cormorant (2), Knot (30+), Turnstone (40+), Rock Pipit (1) and Pied Wagtail (2) were also there.
Gulls present included Black–headed Gull (100+), Common Gull (10+), Herring Gull (30+) and Great Black–backed Gull (30+).
DaveB
Ross Ahmed
Well-known member
This mornings WeBS count along Shields seafront returned only low numbers of waders due to the low tide, but several other bits of interest were noted.
The Black Redstart was still on cliffs between Camel Island and Man Haven Bay at NZ 398 657. It again took a bit of finding though, so have patience if you venture down! Others included a Great Northern Diver N at Trow Rocks at 10.15am (bird at Whitburn Obs flew S 9.45am) and two Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2w).
The Black Redstart was still on cliffs between Camel Island and Man Haven Bay at NZ 398 657. It again took a bit of finding though, so have patience if you venture down! Others included a Great Northern Diver N at Trow Rocks at 10.15am (bird at Whitburn Obs flew S 9.45am) and two Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2w).
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StevieEvans
Well-known member
Local Patching - Visiting Houghton-le-Spring area
Nice report Mark, pics are great, owl pic is a smasher & it seems relatively relaxed too.
Wish i hadnt been busy at home today !
Glad you had a good visit to the original Wilsons triangle (Seaham / Ch-le-St / Durham City..... & beyond.... ! )
SE
Did my second Webs site at first light.
The only disadvantage about Herrington CPk at that time of day is, as its undisturbed the waterbirds are spread out all over the place.
I counted best i could, but special thanks to DBC member P.C who has provided me with a full list of all waterbirds he counted after walking right around there this afternoon.
Dont know exactly how todays Durham Bird Club Coach Trip to Northumberland went, but i had SMS texts mentioning Barn Owls seen at 2 sites.... hopefully it was another good one
Late Leo info in from last week of a male hooting from a well known breeding. site.
A contact in Eastern Europe tells me birds are already induldging in their wing clapping display , this is early activity, b'cos of the mild weather conditions.
Steve
whitburnmark said:
Nice report Mark, pics are great, owl pic is a smasher & it seems relatively relaxed too.
Wish i hadnt been busy at home today !
Glad you had a good visit to the original Wilsons triangle (Seaham / Ch-le-St / Durham City..... & beyond.... ! )
SE
Did my second Webs site at first light.
The only disadvantage about Herrington CPk at that time of day is, as its undisturbed the waterbirds are spread out all over the place.
I counted best i could, but special thanks to DBC member P.C who has provided me with a full list of all waterbirds he counted after walking right around there this afternoon.
Dont know exactly how todays Durham Bird Club Coach Trip to Northumberland went, but i had SMS texts mentioning Barn Owls seen at 2 sites.... hopefully it was another good one
Late Leo info in from last week of a male hooting from a well known breeding. site.
A contact in Eastern Europe tells me birds are already induldging in their wing clapping display , this is early activity, b'cos of the mild weather conditions.
Steve
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hen harrier
Active member
Afternoon out first stop Lamesly Meadows excellent new hide there well positioned, 1 Heron, 26 B.H. Gulls, 1 Curlew, 9 Jackdaws, 15 G.L.Geese over, 4M 3F Mallard, 12 Fieldfare in near by tree.
Next stop Shibdon Pond 28 Canada Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 6M 5f Goldeneye, 4 Shelduck, Cormorants, Tufted Ducks, Mallards.
Thornley woods hide 1 Treecreeper, 4 Yellowhammers, usual Tits not Marsh or Willow this time, 1 Bullfinch, 5 Robins together that won't last come spring, small flock of Redwing.
Last stop Sherburn Towers Estate Kite roost excellent light for viewing up to 25 Red Kites this evening as many as 10 at one time just over head very low great air show, with a special guest an exocet missile is the only way I can describe it (male Merlin) came in from the r.h.side made a right turn and homed in on a small starling flock and took one out what a sight I'd say the Starling would not know what hit it. If any body has not seen this roost yet it's worth making a special effort to go there.
Pleased you got the Mandarin Duck Mark nice photo to I expect it could be there for a while yet it seems quite content. Good Birding to everyone.
Next stop Shibdon Pond 28 Canada Geese, 1 Kingfisher, 6M 5f Goldeneye, 4 Shelduck, Cormorants, Tufted Ducks, Mallards.
Thornley woods hide 1 Treecreeper, 4 Yellowhammers, usual Tits not Marsh or Willow this time, 1 Bullfinch, 5 Robins together that won't last come spring, small flock of Redwing.
Last stop Sherburn Towers Estate Kite roost excellent light for viewing up to 25 Red Kites this evening as many as 10 at one time just over head very low great air show, with a special guest an exocet missile is the only way I can describe it (male Merlin) came in from the r.h.side made a right turn and homed in on a small starling flock and took one out what a sight I'd say the Starling would not know what hit it. If any body has not seen this roost yet it's worth making a special effort to go there.
Pleased you got the Mandarin Duck Mark nice photo to I expect it could be there for a while yet it seems quite content. Good Birding to everyone.
StevieEvans
Well-known member
JBee said:No need Mark - I take my own folding chair
AND do you have permission to photograph my pet rails
John
If we eventually get some winter weather, then you can be sure that activity at the station will increase.
I'd be very surprised if you dont get some shots of the Rails interacting with one another or who knows........maybe even making a try for a Wren or one of the Dunnocks....
When times are hard, W.Rails have been known to catch & eat smalll birds, they'll even chase after them in flight, crashing through the reeds like a mini sparhawk !!
SE
Mark Newsome
Born to seawatch...
The cold north-easterly wind did actually materialise and was a little stronger than predicted. A morning seawatch at Whitburn was well worth it with a much better passage than of the last 2-3 months. Highlights were nearly 300 Fulmars (including 2 Blue Fulmars), Great Northern Diver, 13 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Velvet Scoter, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, small numbers of Goldeneye and Eider, and increased numbers of Gannets, Kittiwakes and Guillemots. Also surprisingly, 5 Puffins - unusual for January. The northerly airstream is due to continue for next couple of days, so hopefully there'll be a bit more still to come.
Mark Newsome
Born to seawatch...
hen harrier said:
Did you watch from the bus stop on the edge of the estate (as shown on the map on the Northern Kites thread)? What time of the afternoon seemed best with most Kite activity? I'll have to get myself over again in the next week or two - sounds fantastic.
JWTodd
Well-known member
Birds of Teesmouth Film
The original film of the Birds of Teesmouth has been digitised, plus extra previously unseen footage. This 1970's film of Teesmouth was produced by Jimmy Munro a local film maker and was shown nationally via the RSPB film shows. Within the 40 minute film there is footage of Seal Sands and surrounding area before reclamation, plus a brief glimse of our famous Chilean Flamingo which used to visit the Reclamation Pool. See the Reclamation Pool at its best, covered in waders and then watch as 10,000+ Knot twist and turn through the air above the mud flats.
The film will be put on to DVD and will cost (to TBC & Durham Bird Club) approximately £10 (inc. UK postage) depending upon number of copies requested. It is a valuable archive for anyone who either enjoyed visiting the area in the past or for those who visit today.
If you would like to pre-book a copy of the film, contact Julie Mason, Honorary Secretary Teesmouth Field Centre. Please give contact details and number of copies requested.
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 07789 731429
Birds of Teesmouth Film
The original film of the Birds of Teesmouth has been digitised, plus extra previously unseen footage. This 1970's film of Teesmouth was produced by Jimmy Munro a local film maker and was shown nationally via the RSPB film shows. Within the 40 minute film there is footage of Seal Sands and surrounding area before reclamation, plus a brief glimse of our famous Chilean Flamingo which used to visit the Reclamation Pool. See the Reclamation Pool at its best, covered in waders and then watch as 10,000+ Knot twist and turn through the air above the mud flats.
The film will be put on to DVD and will cost (to TBC & Durham Bird Club) approximately £10 (inc. UK postage) depending upon number of copies requested. It is a valuable archive for anyone who either enjoyed visiting the area in the past or for those who visit today.
If you would like to pre-book a copy of the film, contact Julie Mason, Honorary Secretary Teesmouth Field Centre. Please give contact details and number of copies requested.
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 07789 731429
