Return of a Wet Birder! (1 Viewer)

[Kezza]

Looks like I nearly missed your Ireland report Brian. It sounds like an excellent trip albeit a very cold one. Having looked at that first pic I might just have stayed in bed that day!
Eider ducks from the b&b doorstep, what a great start! I find it hard to imagine these birds on the sea and the large flocks of Scaup, Knot etc that you mention. Something I've never seen, must be an amazing sight.
Congratulations on the two lifers and in the first week of Jan too! There has been a Ring billed Gull in the roost at the mere near here recently, as well as an Iceland and a Glaucous, I've not seen any of them though.
An enjoyable read as usual Brian, thanks. Glad you had a good time and well done for 'getting out there' birding despite the weather.

 

[brianfm]

Thanks for the comments Kezza. To be honest I have to get Icelandic and Glaucous Gulls onto my list too. I am going down to North Sheilds later in the month specificlly to look at gulls so heres hoping.

Friday the 11th Jan saw a trip up to Alnwick and Hulne Park in particular. Despite the cold and cloud the light was fine and offered a good day for birding.

At least three Kestrels seen on route although we never did find the Hawfinches although at the end of the day the gatekeeper at the park confirmed that they are about, he having seen them briefly a few days before (also recorded on Birdguides the following day), so maybe our next visit may be productive. This particular spot is well watched for Hawfinch each winter although I am not aware of any birders having seen them this year and last year none were reported as far as I know. The feeder in the garden at the entrance of the park were active with Blue, Great and Coal Tit, Robin, Siskin, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Pheasant and Goldcrest nearby. Some of the Pheasants days will be numbered as there is shooting on the estate. Red Squirrels were about too and we had several close encounters with them.

The walk through the park was a good and lengthy one although the icy paths needed careful negotiation in places. Other birds seen on the walk were Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Shelduck, Wren (H), Dipper (where we stopped for lunch), Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, House Sparrow and Bullfinch. I must take time to gain a better knowledge of trees. Some very nice ones in the park including several introduced species no doubt.

I had kept a look out near the burns in the park for Grey Wagtail but it was not until later when we walked along the bank of the River Aln with the view of Alnwick Castle in the background that I spotted one. There were Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck and Moorhen on the river in some numbers and Grey Herons in the fields and on the river bank. A single Cormorant flew up river and Black Headed, Herring and Common Gulls were on the opposite bank as were a small number of Roe Deer which ran up the bank away from the river on opur approach. Unfortunately the pathway on the other side of the river is on the estate and private so our walk extended through the town of Alnwick.

On our return a Common Buzzard was seen by the roadside (not often these days that Common Buzzarda are not seen) and a flock of Lapwing flew in the now dim light. For sometime the sky in the west appeared to be on fire so intense was the colours of the sky during and after sunset.

Another 3 birds for the year list today and 40 species in total. Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Nuthatch.

Take care

 

[walt-m]

Great report a good start to 2008 list,Brian just be verry careful in Ireland as i have it on good authority most of the Coleens do read this forum.

All the best.

 

[Mabel]

Coleens!

Sounds like ya had a great trip, Brian! Awesome birds there. Glad you got the Goldeneye.

 

[Sue Wright]

Hi Bri,

It all sounds really brilliant and the Dipper would have crowned it for me, they always do. A great list total - so far, keep it up and keep dry.....if you're really THAT lucky!

Sue.

 

[Peewit]

hi Brian (and Graham)

Sorry I have posted a bit later here than TS. As you said that you where going to expand on your trip to us on BF, True to your word. you have dome exactly that.

Well done seeing all the birds that you have, and must be thrilled to have those Lifers under your belt as you have. I would love to have seem that many birds at one sitting throughout my holidays.

Sometimes wet weather brings out all the birds that you would not normally see, and that will be a plus for you. So the weather may have been in your favour after all. :-O

You mention that you saw a type of species of Buttercup. Was it a rare one?. Do you have a picture of it?

Like you, we both like birds. (Sounds like an advert LOL ) Other interests such as flowers and Trees come close to Birds. I love ID-ing Wild Flowers, and Trees. I have done that for a while now. What I find even if you do have a certain amount of knowledge about Flowers, you have to keep your practice going otherwise the species you do know start to fade.
One of my conservation friends us an expert in ID-ing flowers, and he always used to ID them by the type of leaves they had. He associated that as part of the plant family that they belonged too. He seemed to know at a wink of an eye what was what. I learned a lot from him. It is good to know someone like that. :t:


Your report about John Barrow was excellent and I enjoyed reading all about him. It is amazing what people have contributed towards nature. He is someone who I have not heard of. Thank you for your summary of his life. Another chunk of information to hang onto.

By the way your pictures are really good, and it shows the type of weather that you endured.. More to the point you enjoyed yourself that is the main thing and you have pointed out a place of interest that someone else may want to see, and enjoy. It is share and share alike with knowledge on BF.

Love to hear more about your travels in the near future. However you write your information by Blog or otherwise, I will enjoy reading it.

Thank you sharing your trip with us, along with other BF-ers

Regards
Kathy

 

[Quacker]

What's all this I read?

Just a cotton-picking minute Bri!

What's all this Big Year/ twitching malarkey? - looks like you've well and truly thrown the gauntlet down - and 90 in one trip - you've left me standing!

Of course my list - and my target of 200 species in a year for the first time will not include overseas jaunts8-P

I wonder if I am being kept off the RSPB trips to keep me away from catching you by Graham pretending they are fully booked? (that of course was a joke)

I'm sitting here typing and off work with the dreaded lurgy and really wanting to go out and catch up lol. Sadly there's no guarantee of Barrow's Goldeneye or Ring Bill Gull in Gateshead - so I will resist.

PS 26 year birds and 2 lifers on that list of yours.

Steve

 

[Kezza]

A lovely walk Brian! I was looking for Hawfinch in Dec at an apparantly good site in previous years, but no luck. Well done with the Dipper though, fascinating to watch I always think.

 

[brianfm]

Hiya all

Walt.........Coleens ........good heavens. Better watch what I say........although probably to late to bother now. Glad your enjoying the read.

Mabel..........That Barrows was certainly not eassy to pick up in all the Goldeneye. I reckone we had found at lest five before we got the actual one. Hope you have sticking power if I decide to continue this thread until 2009. What's all that moaning in the background?

Sue.....I seriously reckon that you would have enjoyed the N Ireland trip Sue. Your type of birding I think and lots of birds were very photographable for anyone with a decent camera. As I mentioned in my report (I think) I have never been so close to Pintails.

Kathy........The flower was the Lesser Celandine (as mentioned in the report). According to my book it seems have been out in flower very early. Other names have in the past included Spring messenger and pilewort......a herbal cure for haemorroids (oh just let me get comfortable). It was Wordsworth favourite flower it seems and it was meant to be carved on his tomb. Unfortunately there was some confusion with Greater Celandine, which is not related at all, and this is what appears on the monument in Grassmere. Sorry no photo. You can have a bit of Wordsworth poetry instead.........................................................

Soon as gentle breezes bring
News of winters vanishing,
And the children build their bowers,
Sticking 'kerchief-plots of mould
All about with full-blown flowers,
Thick as sheep in Shepherd's fold!
With the proudest thou art there,
Mantling in the the tiny square.
To the small Celandine/William Wordsworth

Twitcher.......err I mean Steve...........Not like you to be kept in doors with the sneezes! My money is on you being out and twitching very soon!

Hope I have not missed anyone.

take care

Addendum. Kezza........we were typing at same time I think. 'Tis a very good walk in the park. Unfortunately on our return the park will be closed for a Pheasant shoot, but we should still be able to look for the Hawfinches and at the feeding station, get down to the river Aln then move on to Stag Rock at Bamburgh for some (hopefully) good shore and sea watching. Hawfinches are always an allusive bird I think.

 

[George Garner]

Some photos to go with Brian's Northern Ireland report.

The first is a frozen scene from the RSPB centre at Belfast Lough

Second, Strangford from the ferry.

Third, on the ferry

Who 's who, on the ferry picture?
George

 

[chris3871]

Who 's who, on the ferry picture?
George

Well I know Bri's a fan of silly hats so...that doesn't narrow it down at all!
3

 

[level seven]

Who 's who, on the ferry picture?
George

Brian's nearest the camera, behind him is our friend and guide from Northern Ireland Derek Polley, and on the left another Derek, a friend from our RSPB group.

 

[Peewit]

Hiya all

Glad your enjoying the read.

Kathy........The flower was the Lesser Celandine (as mentioned in the report). According to my book it seems have been out in flower very early. Other names have in the past included Spring messenger and pilewort......a herbal cure for haemorroids (oh just let me get comfortable). It was Wordsworth favourite flower it seems and it was meant to be carved on his tomb. Unfortunately there was some confusion with Greater Celandine, which is not related at all, and this is what appears on the monument in Grassmere. Sorry no photo. You can have a bit of Wordsworth poetry instead.........................................................

Soon as gentle breezes bring
News of winters vanishing,
And the children build their bowers,
Sticking 'kerchief-plots of mould
All about with full-blown flowers,
Thick as sheep in Shepherd's fold!
With the proudest thou art there,
Mantling in the the tiny square.
To the small Celandine/William Wordsworth

Hi Brian

Thank you for your individual response. The history of flowers is always interesting to read.

You peom is beautiful and it is not everyday that I have one sent to me. It is lovely to read. Thank you for that. :gh:

 

[brianfm]

Well I know Bri's a fan of silly hats so...that doesn't narrow it down at all!
3

lol:-O Nice one Chris. That is my designer model btw.

Also folks please note the digi camera in my hands. Yes look closely.......after 3 years of pondering I bought one. Now it shall probably take me another 3 years to work out how out to upload them. Seems I have the wrong wiring sent to me.

 

[BazR]

Hiya Bonny Lad.
Another cracking report Brian, augmented by Graham's lovely pics. The bird list was terrific, and well done with the 'lifers'.

I was a bit disappointed that you didn't choose a black and white hat with the Magpie's badge on it. Obviously your skin's not very thick. LOL!! Don't you fancy the manager post?

All the best.
Baz.

 

[level seven]

I was a bit disappointed that you didn't choose a black and white hat with the Magpie's badge on it. Obviously your skin's not very thick. LOL!! Don't you fancy the manager post?

I was wearing one, as Brian's photos will show if he gets it sorted...

Any of us fans could do as good a job.

 

[brianfm]

Hiya Bonny Lad.
Another cracking report Brian, augmented by Graham's lovely pics. The bird list was terrific, and well done with the 'lifers'.

I was a bit disappointed that you didn't choose a black and white hat with the Magpie's badge on it. Obviously your skin's not very thick. LOL!! Don't you fancy the manager post?

All the best.
Baz.

Hiya donny Lad

Yes must get a Black and White one for the collection3

No worries about the Magpies. WE SHALL OVERCOME

Take care

Addendum........Keegans a Magpie!!!:t::t::t:

 

[seahawk]

Black and White hats are barred on the trip to Minsmere.Now if you would like to borrow a Red and White one......................................

__________________________

Les.

 

[brianfm]

Black and White hats are barred on the trip to Minsmere.Now if you would like to borrow a Red and White one......................................

__________________________

Les.

This sounds like a challenge I cannot resist Les! Magpie hat now on the shopping list. I'm sure the Mackems will be sharing our Geordie joy at the return of the King. :king: Keegaaaaan... Keegaaaaaaan...Keegaaaaaan:king:

Just a little diversion folks. I shall be back in wet birder guise soon

 

[brianfm]

Well, Tuesday 22nd January was not wet, at least not ‘raining’ wet, when I went for my local walk. Mind you it was at times grey and dismal and much many of the green areas were waterlogged after the heavy rains and sleet of late and in some places pools had formed. It was cold too! I made towards the old village and onwards to the open areas and where the narrow nature trail path leads down to the main road. The upper end of this area gives good views over the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, as well as providing good birding at times. Today I was after the Grey Partridges that congregate in the fields around this area. I never did find them!

There are nearly always numbers of Blackbirds feeding in the open grass area at the start of the nature walk and the odd patch of shrubbery and larger areas of trees gives them ample cover to dart into if disturbed. Today amongst the Blackbirds I found a lone Redwing and lone Song Thrush. I kept looking for the Willow Tit that I see in this area in winter but again no luck there, however there was no shortage of Great, Blue and Long Tailed Tits. I scoured the fields with my binoculars but al I could find were pigeons, in the main Woodpigeons feeding, a few corvids and Pheasants.

Half way down the pathway where it narrows between the hedges I found some birds feeding in the hedge to the right. It turned out that they were Siskin. Do you know I went although 2007 without seeing a single Siskin and so far in January 2008 I think I have seen more than a half dozen parties of them. Today I counted up to 15 but I think there was probably more. I stood for a while amongst the feeding Siskin as they were not disturbed at all as they busily went about feeding. In the corner of my eye I caught sight of a very small bird in the hedge to the left which I initially assumed to be a Goldcrest as I often see them here. On looking I felt immediately that there was something unusual. When I got my binoculars on the bird I saw that it was in fact a Firecrest. As well as the obvious white supercilium I felt the bird showed a more intense green colouring than the Goldcrest does although perhaps this was due to the lighting conditions. This is perhaps the best find I have had on my local walks and certainly a rarity around these parts. I watched it quite closely for a little while before two groups of dog walker met on the narrow path and barking dogs frightened of the Siskin and Firecrest. The dog walkers of course totally oblivious as to what I had been watching. My birding had not been at all spoilt however and I had added an unexpected bird to my year list and I had not been rained upon at all. I have only ever seen Firecrest once before in the UK and that was at Holkam Woods on the north Norfolk coast, and in Spain. To get one on my very local patch was fantastic.

I decided not to do the full walk up to the lake today, but rather take a U turn and take the pathway up through the field on the other side of the hedge. A strained back give me the excuse to cut my walk short and the chances of finding the Partridges in this field was an added attraction. Still no Partridges, however! I did find Wrens and eventually two Mistle Thrushes. Bending underneath the barbed wire at the end of the path assured me that my back was improving.

Anyway I took a mate (Level Seven) back with me today so as to see if we could find the Firecrest. Sods law of course meant that it was extremely quite bird wise and there was certainly no sign of the Firecrest. Never mind while I had waited in the village I had found a Nuthatch and I stayed dry again!

Take care