Durham Birding (1 Viewer)

[craigthirlwell]

Hetton Bog Yesterday

Sorry it's a bit late.

The usual at the bogs. Including a robin which seemed to spend more time in and around the screen then in the feeding station. At one point it sat within about 6 inches of the camera. JBee's obviously finished training the waterails and started on the robins:t: (2 rails again showing really well)

The red bills of the rails seemed very vivid. Does the colour intensify as the come into breeding condition?

 

[rokermartin]

Sorry it's a bit late.

The usual at the bogs. Including a robin which seemed to spend more time in and around the screen then in the feeding station. At one point it sat within about 6 inches of the camera. JBee's obviously finished training the waterails and started on the robins:t: (2 rails again showing really well)

The red bills of the rails seemed very vivid. Does the colour intensify as the come into breeding condition?

Did you go up to Hamsterley to try and see Goshawk.

 

[craigthirlwell]

Did you go up to Hamsterley to try and see Goshawk.

No I didn’t Martin. I figured I would stand a better chance if I went mid week (less mountain bikes flying about). The forecast seems sent fair for a least the next couple of days so I’ll try then. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Cheers
Craig

 

[nellieberta]

Hetton Bogs this morning. Water Rail said hello albiet very quickly as you can see by the only decent picture I got! :t: Need to keep practising!

Off to Rainton Meadows this afternoon, not much but caught SEO flying low on the way out.

Then some beautiful Bullfinches at WWT Washington.

 

[rokermartin]

No I didn’t Martin. I figured I would stand a better chance if I went mid week (less mountain bikes flying about). The forecast seems sent fair for a least the next couple of days so I’ll try then. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Cheers
Craig

Well hope you are lucky ,yes i know what you are saying about weekends it can be full of mountain bikers and people walking about.Forecast is for the wind to get up a little bit by mid week and it is going to turn mild again.So that should hopefully get the Goshawks displaying nicely.

 

[JBee]

Sorry it's a bit late.

The usual at the bogs. Including a robin which seemed to spend more time in and around the screen then in the feeding station. At one point it sat within about 6 inches of the camera. JBee's obviously finished training the waterails and started on the robins

I've had wrens sitting on the end of my lens before

Hetton Bogs this morning. Water Rail said hello albiet very quickly as you can see by the only decent picture I got!

I'll have words - the rails know they have to perform for visitors and anything less than 100% co-operation won't be tolerated.

 

[nellieberta]

I've had wrens sitting on the end of my lens before



I'll have words - the rails know they have to perform for visitors and anything less than 100% co-operation won't be tolerated.

Well, the Moorhens more than made up for it with their ice skating attempts! It was my first visit with the camera (we called in late one afternoon a few weeks ago with Derek, just to find out where it was - Mick has been there since) and I'm off work this week so will hopefully be back again very shortly for act 2! :t:

Actually, we wanted to bring some seed/fat balls etc but thought better to speak to you first. We know you've had some bother with this. Could you maybe PM me & let me know how to get it to you?

 

[JBee]

I think it appropriate at this time (with so many people visiting the Bogs station from virtually all over the North) to thank people for their positive feedback to the station.
From starting off as a personal feeding station for my photography to what can only be described as a "popular" venue it has been a pleasure for me and Colin to see so may people enjoy the station and for so many people to get life ticks for a bird I don't even bother photographing now
A few days after Ross's article 30 people arrived at the station from as far away as Manchester. I mentioned to a couple of guys that the station had been quoted as one of the best venues in the NE for rail (IanF in Lek) - the two chaps said it was probably (in their opinion) one of the best venues in the country.
Long may you all continue to enjoy it.
PS - Don't be surprised if the locals of Rainton Bridge don't at some point start running up to your car offering hot meals, flask refills, local artifacts, pitures of water rails, car washes etc.
I don't think any of the locals ever remember the village having so much attention

 

[StevieEvans]

perils of birding the urban fringe

Yes it is disgraceful especially when birders are involved flushing owls,and chucking things into bushes and trees.Seriously if any DBC member is seen behaving like that anywhere in Durham they should be kicked out of the club for life.You cannot do much about visiting birders but someone should report the situation to birdline Northeast or Birdguides to ask them to put a message on pagers etc for visiting birders to Rainton Meadows to keep to the paths at all times.Birdguides and Birdline often put things like that on for certain sites.So that might help.Also i thought their was a warden at Rainton Meadows now who should be keeping his eye on what is going on.

Hi Martin,
this message went on last weekend :-

Sunday 10th February 2008
07:56 DURHAM : Short-eared Owl, Rainton Meadows DWT - 14 yesterday; visitors please keep to Public Rights of Way & view roosting birds from distance at all times (09/02 12:00) (BirdGuides)

It can be a frustrating place to visit at times - the perils or maybe even pitfalls ( you know what i mean - who put that hole there ? of birding the urban fringe...
Precedents have been set over the past 7-8 years - permissive pathways are long established, folks have doing what they like where they like, falconry, dog swimming, waterside picnics & swimming / sunbathing at the lakes, cutting sheep netting so they can continue on the routes they've always walked etc........
The site warden simply cannot be here 24/7

Although, you can come away from RM's feeling mildly irritated at times - imho several tricky problems have been more or less eradicated on the reserve itself - fishing, airguns & motobikes.
there are also several practical measures now in place to help wildlife & lessen disturbance - like blocking the access to the boggy pool 3 area

You could possibly try 3 things :-
grin & bare it :C
get involved & do something about it o
or
go birding in Northumberland....:smoke:....miles & miles of unspoilt, vast owl filled country up there

PS.
A just about perfect evening to watch displaying owls - got in place just right time, or maybe wrong time ... next 40 mins saw x2 trail bikers, x1 air gunner after roosting pheasants, raucous feral children...
Nevermind might try Northumberland tomorrow
Steve

 

[JBee]

imho several tricky problems have been more or less eradicated on the reserve itself - fishing, airguns & motobikes.

I have mentioned to Mark a few times that fishing should be allowed (to a recognised club etc) for one reason - it would be a built in, free security system for RM.
having fished for more than 40 years I am well aware that fishermen are (it's it in their interest to be so ) conservation minded.
If Rm could come to some agreement to a fishing club to fish under club licence many of the problems associated with youth on an evening would be eradicated.

 

[degsy_safc]

There appears as much off track activity at rainton than on track at the moment. Seen locals with rifles on railway lines, people galloping on horses along lower railway line, and watched a photographer successfully flush 4 SEO on Friday, just to have his pics :C..........Enjoy while you can:-C

What time did you see all of this as I was there on Friday afternoon and saw a group of 4 lads who had bagged rifles walking along the railway heading south to north. Didn't see the horses or photographer flushing owls, although the footpath that runs parallel to the railway line was really churned up - i suppose by the horses. There were a few birders on the railway who headed north to south, over the railway bridge and off into the distance but i couldn't tell if they were stone throwing or not.

 

[rokermartin]

Hi Martin,
this message went on last weekend :-


It can be a frustrating place to visit at times - the perils or maybe even pitfalls ( you know what i mean - who put that hole there ? of birding the urban fringe...
Precedents have been set over the past 7-8 years - permissive pathways are long established, folks have doing what they like where they like, falconry, dog swimming, waterside picnics & swimming / sunbathing at the lakes, cutting sheep netting so they can continue on the routes they've always walked etc........
The site warden simply cannot be here 24/7

Although, you can come away from RM's feeling mildly irritated at times - imho several tricky problems have been more or less eradicated on the reserve itself - fishing, airguns & motobikes.
there are also several practical measures now in place to help wildlife & lessen disturbance - like blocking the access to the boggy pool 3 area

You could possibly try 3 things :-
grin & bare it :C
get involved & do something about it o
or
go birding in Northumberland....:smoke:....miles & miles of unspoilt, vast owl filled country up there

PS.
A just about perfect evening to watch displaying owls - got in place just right time, or maybe wrong time ... next 40 mins saw x2 trail bikers, x1 air gunner after roosting pheasants, raucous feral children...
Nevermind might try Northumberland tomorrow
Steve

Hi Steve some of the west Yorkshire reserves have had similar problems to Rainton Meadows,even the RSPB Fairburn Ings has had its fair share of trouble over the years.Its had bike riders spoiling paths,hides getting smashed up all sorts of things like that .But i think quite a lot of that has a been stamped out now.I think they still have one or two problems to sort out with yobs now and again.The thing is there are more wardens and helpers at Fairburn Ings than Rainton Meadows as you say the warden cannot be there 24\ 7,but if he had more help from people quite a lot of the problems would be solved.

 

[rokermartin]

Just remember my friend Ray who is a birder said their was piece in the Northern Echo about Rainton Meadows saying birders are flocking to Rainton Meadows to see rare Owls.Rainton Meadows has certainly been put in the spot light .

 

[degsy_safc]

Just remember my friend Ray who is a birder said their was piece in the Northern Echo about Rainton Meadows saying birders are flocking to Rainton Meadows to see rare Owls.

Rokermartin - my wife told me there was also a bit on local BBC TV last week on Thursday or Wednesday morning (i think) explaining that this was one of the few places in the UK where all 5 resident UK owls could be seen.

 

[StevieEvans]

I have mentioned to Mark a few times that fishing should be allowed (to a recognised club etc) for one reason - it would be a built in, free security system for RM.
having fished for more than 40 years I am well aware that fishermen are (it's it in their interest to be so ) conservation minded.
If Rm could come to some agreement to a fishing club to fish under club licence many of the problems associated with youth on an evening would be eradicated.

Would agree with that at Joes Pond John - anglers presence wouldnt have much negative impact, provided pegs were limited to 2 sides - dont think it would work quite the same on RM's main pool due to its open nature / different raft of species.
A couple of blokes keen on Pike were fishing Joes Pond quite regularly 2 year ago ( saw their mob fone images of what looked good for an 18 - 20llb duckling snatcher! ) - these lads were in effect baillifs for the pond, very efficient & also cleared up all the litter, hooks & line left from any kids that managed to sneak in.
Bizarre sightings at Joes relatively recently have included x2 canoeists & x2 lads standing fishing from ontop of the hide roof !
Your tame Robin was just about in the wheelbarrow when we dropped the woodchips off - take a few mealworms & it'll be feeding out of someones hand....
Steve

 

[degsy_safc]

Would agree with that at Joes Pond John - anglers presence wouldnt have much negative impact, provided pegs were limited to 2 sides - dont think it would work quite the same on RM's main pool due to its open nature / different raft of species.
A couple of blokes keen on Pike were fishing Joes Pond quite regularly 2 year ago ( saw their mob fone images of what looked good for an 18 - 20llb duckling snatcher! ) - these lads were in effect baillifs for the pond, very efficient & also cleared up all the litter, hooks & line left from any kids that managed to sneak in.
Bizarre sightings at Joes relatively recently have included x2 canoeists & x2 lads standing fishing from ontop of the hide roof !
Your tame Robin was just about in the wheelbarrow when we dropped the woodchips off - take a few mealworms & it'll be feeding out of someones hand....
Steve

There are also monster perch in Joe's Pond, a little birdie once told me about 3 years ago - although i never fished it, i know a couple of lads who did - and yes they both had monster perch :eek!:

 

[great bustard]

What time did you see all of this as I was there on Friday afternoon and saw a group of 4 lads who had bagged rifles walking along the railway heading south to north. Didn't see the horses or photographer flushing owls, although the footpath that runs parallel to the railway line was really churned up - i suppose by the horses. There were a few birders on the railway who headed north to south, over the railway bridge and off into the distance but i couldn't tell if they were stone throwing or not.

Hello Mr Degsy

Just for the record and for legal reasons i was definatily at work between 14:30 and 17:00 on Friday 15th Feb and definitely not birdspotting at rainton meadows

However, if i had have gone in the above mentioned times i probably couldnt remember the exact times i probably saw the riflemen etc. I think they probably would have been walking south to north on railway, i reckon the horses would probably have gone up the embankment thro the roosting areas and as for the photographer, well i think i would have seen him walking the fields from pool IV to pool I and vice versa very close to railway line. I probably couldnt see this guy throwing stuff but he certainly flushed owls as he walked along(somehow, probably)

The above text is delibertely vaugue for legal reasons and I WAS DEFININTLY AT WORK on friday:t:

 

[StevieEvans]

.... birdspotting at rainton meadows

Staff are now on the case of The Beast of Rainton - lets hope it gets caught soon......

 

[Jonny Rankin]

Durham... I miss it!

My family are from Durham 7 returned for a b-day bash this weekend.

Keeping a close eye on me mothers garden proved very fruitful! With cracking view of bullfinch, goldfinch & greenfinch & even a male sparrowhawk that perched for a minuite.

I visited Rainton Meadows when I was up at Crimbo... cracking reserve.

I am gonna get back & hit up some old haunts at some point. Any favoured spots?

I remember Herworth Burn resevoir been a cracker!?:t:

 

[degsy_safc]

Hello Mr Degsy

Just for the record and for legal reasons i was definatily at work between 14:30 and 17:00 on Friday 15th Feb and definitely not birdspotting at rainton meadows

However, if i had have gone in the above mentioned times i probably couldnt remember the exact times i probably saw the riflemen etc. I think they probably would have been walking south to north on railway, i reckon the horses would probably have gone up the embankment thro the roosting areas and as for the photographer, well i think i would have seen him walking the fields from pool IV to pool I and vice versa very close to railway line. I probably couldnt see this guy throwing stuff but he certainly flushed owls as he walked along(somehow, probably)

The above text is delibertely vaugue for legal reasons and I WAS DEFININTLY AT WORK on friday:t:

Hello Great Bustard,

I was with a pal of mine (with our cameras) and think we followed those riflemen and a lone photographer, at approx 15.45. (didn't see the horses though) We also travelled in a South to North direction across the middle of 2 fields on the visitor centre side adjacent to the railway embankment.

Anyway if it was the same person, then he was definitely 'on track' as we watched him cross over the first style and head directly towards the second style where both are clearly marked with arrows on the posts signifying public right of way, this cuts straight through the middle of those fields. We actually followed the same track.

So why am i writing this - well we watched him through our lenses and he certainly wasn't throwing stuff. Plus if we had been about 10 mins ahead it would have been us disturbing Owls as we walked and we would have been accused.

There is a big difference in following a public right of way and spooking birds as you approach or pass by them, opposed to deliberately throwing stones to flush them, or letting dogs run off leads or racing motorbikes across nature reserves.