Durham Birding (1 Viewer)

[The Liverbirder]

Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time

Thought I'd try and add to my Life and Year Lists so trolled from Cramlington to Low Barns for the RN Duck. Got there an unearthly hour and despite three hours of searching, got a full Katie Boyle (Nil Points). The only saving graces were the great weather, blissful peace and over 30 other species out and about. And so far, Birdguides does not have a report!

And imagine my surprise that at 2.25 pm today there is a report. It was NOT at that end of the lake this morning as that's where I spent most of my time looking today because of yesterday's report!!!!!! The early bird may catch the worm but the early birder appears to catch bot all!!!

Tried for the Hooded Crow at Houghton Tip. Followed the directions from this thread (and as I neared, followed my nose!) but true to (my) form, crow no show.

Oh well, there's always the South Tyneside LEOs. Well, perhaps for other there's the LEOs, but for me?

I am nothing if not consistent. At least another LEO hunter also failed to locate same so perhaps it's not my lack of observation after all. Or should I trade my scope for a fishing rod?

 

[Mark Newsome]

This is worrying news. What stage of planning are they at? Is there time for any objections to be made in a more formal/ official manner, by the DBC for example, who might carry more weight than any one individual? Malcolm.

I was a little shocked what I read in the NT newsletter. I was told of possible plans in December and advised that a meeting would be arranged with local interested people and DBC after the new year. I was assured all was just in a 'talking about possibilities' stage at the time. The article by the NT sounded a little more definite than talking, as it has now been sent out to x thousand NT members. I have no idea of any actual time scale. Hopefully once a few letters start reaching the NT, a few more questions may be answered. It will be far the best approach for individual letters to be sent; volume carries more weight. If anyone wants a copy of the article sending, PM me.
Unfortunately a shroud of mist surrounds much what is going on. I was told by NT that it was the council who were pushing for the field to be opened up more to the public (as the land is owned by council, leased to NT). The Countryside Officer for South Tyneside Council told us he knew nothing of what was happening as the development decisions were made by NT as leaseholders...
:storm:

 

[Mark Newsome]

Has another day off from work today and headed inland (I could get used to 4 day weeks....). The weather was nice for raptors and the Hamsterley area didn't disappoint with numerous sightings of Common Buzzards and Sparrowhawks displaying. Also 4 Brambling, good flocks of Fieldfare and Golden Plover overhead etc.
The Ring-necked Duck was showing well at Low Barns and getting amorous with any passing female Tufted. Also 10-12 Goldeneye still there (including the 'punk'), 12 Cormorants (at least 2 of which were sinensis) plus the usual woodland birds. All the Siskin and Redpoll seemed to have cleared off now though.
More Lesser Black-backed Gulls were dotted around than the last week or so (incl. 5 on Barmston Pond) and a Ruddy Duck was back at Herrington CP.

 

[johnmichael]

It was good to see you at Hamsterley Mark
and as you say a good raptor day with 8 buzzards.
I didn't hang around as i am completely full of the flu virus.

 

[DEREK.C.]

I also ended up over the west today.First stop smiddyshaw which was quiet 2-3 pair of oystercatcher and a buzzard . Down to stanhope where 500 fieldfare fed in the fields, no doubt preparing for the off.The moors over toward eggleston produced around 6 pair each of red grouse and golden plover and 3 red kites. Several buzzards around hamsterly, then a quick pop in low barnes to see the duck.
But the highlight for me belonged to the starling a massive flock at woodland fell of around 5000 birds, just like that advert on the telly.

 

[Mark Newsome]

...But the highlight for me belonged to the starling a massive flock at woodland fell of around 5000 birds, just like that advert on the telly.

Very impressive Derek. There are very few places left in the county where you can see those sort of numbers roosting (in common with many other areas in the UK). The highest number reported in the county last year was 2750 at Hetton in August, and no winter roosts of anything like this number (but of course, there's probably quite a few good counts which weren't sent in). Anyone know any different? (If so, send yer records in!)

 

[StevieEvans]

LEK - Reminder

Quick reminder that the LEK team are allways looking for written (& financial ! LOL) contributions.


We are keen to receive your contributions for the next LEK.

We are looking forward to any articles, letters, notes etc that you or any other members you know, may be able to contribute.

We are especially keen to continue to build up the numbers of Local Patch reports - we have received much feedback on these, as they are now very popular.

The accounts are intended to be your personal view of the birdlife of those places you enjoy visiting. They can be written in any style you wish & idealy approximately 600 words. Drawings &/or the odd photo are welcome.

Send your contributions in to the Editors :- by the end of March at the latest please.

Thanks on behalf of the Lek Team.
Steve E.

 

[StevieEvans]

TV prog

Very impressive Derek. There are very few places left in the county where you can see those sort of numbers roosting (in common with many other areas in the UK). The highest number reported in the county last year was 2750 at Hetton in August, and no winter roosts of anything like this number (but of course, there's probably quite a few good counts which weren't sent in). Anyone know any different? (If so, send yer records in!)

Who was it asking for local info on Starling flocks for a TV programme ?

My memory is sieve like at present... was it Teesdales, Egglestone Hall where there was a roost of 5,000 or so... Dereks 5,000 Woodland Fell birds arent far from there....

SE

 

[Mark Newsome]

Who was it asking for local info on Starling flocks for a TV programme ? My memory is sieve like at present... was it Teesdales, Egglestone Hall where there was a roost of 5,000 or so... Dereks 5,000 Woodland Fell birds arent far from there....SE

Adrian Pitches (from BBC) had asked for details in January, linked to a Look North feature. He mentioned Eggleston Hall as the only large Durham roost he knew about. No-one came back with any details on any other big roosts in the area. I wonder how recently the cities of our area had massive gatherings?

 

[DEREK.C.]

Back round my local patch today and got a nice suprise. Passing near the barn owl box me and steve erected exactly 1 month ago today i noticed something sitting at the entrance at first i thought it was a kestral but looking through my bins i saw it was a little owl, itook a photo but it may be a bit small as i didnt want to get to close.
At least 4 tawnys in territory througout elemore woods with males calling most afternoons now.

 

[white van man]

Just to let BF members know of National Trust plans for Whitburn CP. I was more than a little dismayed when I read in the NT newsletter that its been agreed that the nature reserve part of Whitburn CP will be opened up to the public, with a footpath through the middle, and facilities for pond dipping etc. This is the part of the CP between the carpark and the Obs, with the pond, reedbed and undisturbed grassland.
Basically, the plans are for a path to run diagonally through the middle of the field, past the pond. This will be for the public, with the intention to turn the existing path into a horse bridleway. So it'll be dogwalkers through the middle and horse riders round the edge. As to what will happen to the breeding pairs of Reed Buntings, Grasshopper Warblers, Meadow Pipits etc.....? Surely a 'nature reserve' should be managed primarily for nature? This is currently the only undisturbed part of the whole Leas/Whitburn CP area not open to dogs running through.
The NT article naively said visitors will be able to watch Tufted Ducks etc at the pond. When the pond was not fenced off in the past, it became a paddling pool for local kids and target practice area for empty beer cans.
I for one will be writing to the NT to express my concerns. Anyone with feelings for the area may want to do the same.

not only is this quite worrying but i feel this is a negative step for the n.t. this is the only peice of undisturbed land in the area for wildlife. If this plan does go ahead then it will be full of kids gangs on a weekend as it was a few years ago before it was fenced off. My views will be expressed to the n.t.

 

[marco b]

Castle Eden

Nice walk around Castle Eden Dene today - great weather, starting to feel nearly warm at times. Didn't see a lot at first - I find woods really hard to see stuff in, even though I can hear it all going on.
But, persistence paid off with three new birds for me at least - couple of nuthatches in the woods at the top end, and down at the dene mouth a male stonechat, and a wonderful short eared owl gliding around looking for its tea. Fantastic sight.

 

[[email protected]]

address

I was a little shocked what I read in the NT newsletter. I was told of possible plans in December and advised that a meeting would be arranged with local interested people and DBC after the new year. I was assured all was just in a 'talking about possibilities' stage at the time. The article by the NT sounded a little more definite than talking, as it has now been sent out to x thousand NT members. I have no idea of any actual time scale. Hopefully once a few letters start reaching the NT, a few more questions may be answered. It will be far the best approach for individual letters to be sent; volume carries more weight. If anyone wants a copy of the article sending, PM me.
Unfortunately a shroud of mist surrounds much what is going on. I was told by NT that it was the council who were pushing for the field to be opened up more to the public (as the land is owned by council, leased to NT). The Countryside Officer for South Tyneside Council told us he knew nothing of what was happening as the development decisions were made by NT as leaseholders...
:storm:

somebody put the address on this forum so we all can write in i am sure people outside the area will add weight to this outrage :-C

 

[seggs]

Back round my local patch today and got a nice suprise. Passing near the barn owl box me and steve erected exactly 1 month ago today i noticed something sitting at the entrance at first i thought it was a kestral but looking through my bins i saw it was a little owl, itook a photo but it may be a bit small as i didnt want to get to close.
At least 4 tawnys in territory througout elemore woods with males calling most afternoons now.

what a great pic!! derek... :clap: looks like the owl plans on moving into a tree top mansion! with ensuite...

 

[StevieEvans]

what a great pic!! derek... :clap: looks like the owl plans on moving into a tree top mansion! with ensuite...

we planned to move another BO box last week, as a new right of way has been created in close proximity to it.... upon opening the hatch it was choc full of Little Owl pellets, masses & masses of shiney purple/green beetle casings.... so the box remains in situ.
Hopefully the target species will be along in due course & turf 'em out
SE

 

[IanF]

I called into Dormans Pool for an hour on my way home from work as I needed to unwind a bit. A lovely sunny evening, though not too much about. Most notable were the Northern Pintail with at least 8 pairs, though I suspect there were trebble that as most were hidden in the reeds. A few came out into the open though to feed. Apart from them I could only spot Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Teal and Shoveler.

Reed Bunting, Pheasant and Stonechat were along the path to the hide, not to mention the resident Kestrel.

I missed the Smew drake and redhead that were later reported on Saltholme Ponds - moving between east and west ponds mid afternoon.

 

[seggs]

little fellows home

we planned to move another BO box last week, as a new right of way has been created in close proximity to it.... upon opening the hatch it was choc full of Little Owl pellets, masses & masses of shiney purple/green beetle casings.... so the box remains in situ.
Hopefully the target species will be along in due course & turf 'em out
SE

hi steve
hope another home has been put up elsewhere..
on the theme of pellets and owl food... been watching our local little fellow(s)
..often thought whats sustaining them?..the obvious beetles and grubs..
but have found lots of snail shells in a certain place over a long space of time along with empty fosters cans!..( and i know thrushes,but only one pair of blackies normally here.. not on the fosters!)..i wonder if they have a taste for snails? and have the thrushes technique for getting into them... not swallowing whole as some are too large..

 

[Paul Mc]

i wonder if they have a taste for snails? and have the thrushes technique for getting into them... not swallowing hole as some are too large..

Hi, I would be interested in views about the snails as I have uncovered a spot where loads of empty snail shells are present?

 

[craigthirlwell]

hi steve
hope another home has been put up elsewhere..
on the theme of pellets and owl food... been watching our local little fellow(s)
..often thought whats sustaining them?..the obvious beetles and grubs..
but have found lots of snail shells in a certain place over a long space of time along with empty fosters cans!..( and i know thrushes,but only one pair of blackies normally here.. not on the fosters!)..i wonder if they have a taste for snails? and have the thrushes technique for getting into them... not swallowing whole as some are too large..

I thought little owls came from China, it seems they are French/Australian hybrids!

(snails and fosters! Did you see what i did there? I'm wasted here. TAXI FOR CRAIG!!!)

 

[seggs]

I thought little owls came from China, it seems they are French/Australian hybrids!

(snails and fosters! Did you see what i did there? I'm wasted here. TAXI FOR CRAIG!!!)

hi craig
would have thought these little owls would have been on a better vintage than fosters( if french) or rice wine( if chinese)..but no just normal s.tynesiders!!!( with the love of the amber neckter) lol... :bounce: