Down to Prudhoe today and success with the Rose-coloured Starling. It performed very well perching in the tree next to 9 Cheviot View. New county bird for me so well pleased. Walked the dog at Wylam and had a tame Jay.  Then had a walk at Prestwick Carr with the now expected Willow Tits coming to the seed feeder next to the new viewing platform ( 400 metres east of Mayfair House).    Recent days have seen a Black Scoter off Cheswick Sands but no luck with this yesterday as Scoter flock too far out. Still Stag Rocks was successful with single Black-throated & Great Northern Divers plus 6 Slavonian Grebes and 15 Long-tailed Ducks. The Black-necked Grebe is still showing very well in Seahouses harbour. Tuesday saw more specialities  with the 4 Tundra Bean Geese on fields at Druridge with the Pinkfeet and 2 male Scaup at Druridge Bay CP. TRD

A lunch-break at North Blyth provided superb,close views of the Snow Bunting flock. 19 birds lined up on a fence, dropping to feed on waste ground. I slowly approached and they were unconcerned at my presence,coming within a few metres. Taking flight later,they called to each other,circling several times at quite a height,before dropping to feed once more.

Adult Med.Gull at St. Mary’s too.

A.S.Jack

North shields Quay and the 2 Iceland and a single Glaucous Gull continued to show well.Last week,the incoming afternoon fishing fleet was accompanied each day by hundreds of hungry gulls,the “white-wingers” usually with them.(Up to seven in total have been seen by one observer,4 Iceland and three Glaucous,as well as the hybrid “Viking Gull”)!

Rough weather has kept the boats at the harbour though this weekend and the gull numbers have much reduced. Happily though, the scarce Northern species are still around. On the nearby cliffs at Tynemouth, 15 Fulmars put in a  winter visit and a female Stonechat noted with 2 Rock Pipits. Offshore, a Black Throated and 5 Red Throated Divers passed (per.SPP).

A.S.Jack

1st; A new year and a walk at the Holywell Pond area where a low flying Peregrine put up the gulls and ducks present. This was followed by the sight of a Barn Owl hunting over the reeds opposite the hide.Then a female Sparrowhawk hedge-hopping and completing a good raptor scene, two hovering Kestrels.  5-6 Reed Buntings noted and around 120 Linnets remained from last year’s large flock, but only a single Yellowhammer could be located. A pair of Great spotted Woodpeckers were at the feeding station,along with 65 Goldfinches in the trees above and a dozen Tree Sparrows.

2nd; North Shields Quay,where after two previously unsuccessful attempts , I managed very good views of the 2nd winter Iceland Gull and the Glaucous Gull,together with a hybrid Glaucous/Herring Gull.

3rd; a run up the coast,starting at Stag Rocks,Bamburgh where up to 7 Long tailed Duck males could be seen, along with a Great northern Diver,a few Common Scoter,Shag,3 fulmars and a Kittiwake. 3 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits and an unseen but calling Snow Bunting all noted. Several Purple Sandpipers on the rocks. Budle Bay next,where a Little Egret fished the shallows and a female Merganser did likewise. Around 700 Lapwings was a notable count,as was 22 Grey Plover,feeding spaced out as usual. Good numbers of Curlew,Dunlin,Knot,Bar tailed Godwits and Redshank,along with many Teal and Wigeon made for good viewing in the brilliant sunshine. 220 Grey Lags fed in an adjacent field.

Fenham le Moor revealed a high tide gathering of 918 Shelduck,which took a while to count! Only a handful of Pale bellied Brent Geese though at this site. A small flock of Linnets ,then two other birders saw a pair of Twite nearby.

Heading inland now, and near Chatton a feeding flock of 60-70 Fieldfares with a few Redwings seen. Several Buzzards and feeding Common Gulls in some recently ploughed fields. A male Bullfinch and several Siskin in this area too. With dusk falling, 4 roadside Kestrels hovered in search of supper.

4th; Killingworth Lake and 5 Gooseanders, 8 Shoveler, 11 Goldeneye,some displaying males , and around 90 Tufted Duck with several Pochard crowded onto what areas of water remained unfrozen.

A.S.Jack

Thursday, 1 January 2015. This morning there was a first-winter Glaucous Gull at North Shields Fish Quay. I watched it from 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. on the fish quay rooftop through telescope and binoculars. It had a rather bright pale pink bill with black tip, black eye and sported typical plumage for this species, but it was not the largest specimen I’ve ever seen. Several other excited birders also managed to see the bird. This may be the same individual I saw fleetingly on Tuesday 30 December as the light faded. I returned 15 minutes later (11:35 a.m.) and spotted an immature white-winged gull in flight, which I thought was the same bird. I quickly snapped some photographs, my camera was readied, during the brief minute it flew beside the quay – hoping for a nice Glaucous Gull flight shot. On returning home to examine the photos – it turned out the second bird was in fact a second-winter Iceland Gull! Do you agree? Both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls are arctic breeders. The 3 photos show: two distant shots of Glaucous Gull on roof [(1) facing left to the left of the adult blue-grey herring gull and (2) left of and below flag, facing right, head tucked in) plus Iceland Gull in flight. Dan Turner

      Finally managed to make it up to Seahouses Harbour and rewarded with close views of the Black-necked Grebe and even closer views of a Little Auk !  The Little Auk was feeding close to the harbour wall inside the harbour and totally unconcerned with my presence.  At one point within 3 feet !  After this excitement I moved north along the coast with highlights being a Puffin off Stag Rocks (Bamburgh) with 8 Long-tailed Ducks and  a few Purple Sandpiper, 600 Barnacle Geese in Budle Bay and a splendid Peregrine harassing the waders at Fenham Flats. TRD

Saturday 27 December, 2014. I called twice to North Shields fish quay and river mouth to scan the gulls and make surveys. A first-winter Iceland gull graced the scene, delightful to see in morning and afternoon, with dark eyes and barred pale biscuit-brown plumage. Several other birders came today to connect with it. I noted a distant adult herring gull of the northern race on the Black Middens amongst the usual offering of mid-winter gulls. The photograph shows a first-winter herring gull at the fish quay on 25 December 2007. Dan Turner

A third attempt came up trumps as the W. Hartford Great grey Shrike showed well searching for prey from it’s tree perches,frequently dropping to the ground. I watched from a few hundred metres away as a “non-birding ” long -lens chap approached  at close range. The Shrike flew off out of sight towards the trees bordering the river . A feeding flock of Meadow Pipits alighted from the rough grass- 18 in total, quite unusual in winter. During the recent hard winters, barely a single one remained in the county. One or two Kestrels hovered nearby. This declining species seems to have done well this year,with good numbers seen on each day out.

On up to Q.E. 2 lake,where the Black necked Grebe was allowing close approach for some photographers.

At Widdrington Moor , several birders were looking for the reported Hen Harrier,but all to be seen were 2 Buzzards and 3 Kestrels. At the roadside, a solitary Redwing  joined a feeding Mistle Thrush. I headed a little north to Maidens Hall Lake,where 2 more Buzzards and Kestrels hunted,then bingo, the Harrier , a ringtail was quartering the rough grass among newly planted trees. Good ‘scope views were had for 20 mins,before it drifted south towards West Chevington.

Now down to Druridge where a huge flock of Pink footed geese were on the wing between here and Chevington. I estimated 3,ooo.

At Cresswell a male Stonechat was noted and 20+ Tree Sparrows at the feeders. The pond held many Wigeon and 300 Lapwings in nearby fields. A few Snipe sat  near the hide. The 9 Whoopers remained at Warkworth Lane.

At Swallow Pond a mixed flock of Siskins and Redpolls were good to see.

A,S,Jack

Saturday 13th saw me up at Druridge Bay, starting at Cresswell where male Stonechats could be seen near the village and at the pond. The feeders on the way to the hide attracted a good number of Tree Sparrows, Green and Goldfinches,Blue and Great Tits,with Blackbirds foraging the ground below with 2 Robins,  2 Dunnocks and several Chaffinches. A Water Rail could be heard squealing from the reeds. In front of the hide, 9 Snipe sat motionless as many of the duck present moved away from the reeds,either swimming or taking flight as an unseen threat spooked them. No raptors appeared,so perhaps the threat came from an Otter? Wigeon made up the majority of the species present, with several hundred noted.110 Mallard were loafing on the small amount of exposed mud,with several Teal and Gadwall.3 Meadow Pipits were an uncommon sight in December. To the north the regular large flock of Pink footed Geese,took to the air and on approaching them,I picked out a pair of White fronted Geese feeding with them. Nearby, a few Twite in amongst a Linnet flock called in flight. On up to Widdrington Moor Lake next, and 2 Buzzards hovered over rough grass with a single Kestrel. A flock of 120 Goldfinches landed in nearby trees.

At West Chevington, 5 more Buzzards here,but little else of note. East Chevington pools held several Goldeneye, Shoveler,Gadwall,Teal,Wigeon and Mallard, and small groups of both Grey Lag  Geese and Pink Feet . Another wintering Meadow Pipit here.

Today,Sunday 14th and a tour of more local sites. Killingworth Lake , and 5 Gooseanders , 9 Goldeneye and plenty of Mute Swans here  on the unfrozen parts of water. Arcot Pond held  several Teal but was generally quiet. Holywell next, where 2 Water Rails could be heard. Around 600 Pink Feet in the air,appeared to land near Old Hartley. Several Tree Sparrows at the feeders. Finally down to St Mary’s and 55 Sanderling on the beach,350 Golden Plover in the air before settling on the rocks, and a good count of 11 Rock pipits and a single Meadow Pipit on the beaches.

A Bittern was seen at Swallow Pond,Wallsend today several times in the afternoon. The second recent winter  one has appeared here.

A.S.Jack

This wasn’t strictly, speaking a birding walk but the Monday Walkers, a group of short distance, lazy, ramblers, walked for 10km in a circular route starting from Seaton Sluice on Monday 8th November. Along the coast to St. Mary’s, west and then along the wagon-ways to finish via Holywell Dene at Seaton Sluice. It was a lovely, bright but cold day and we counted 40 species without trying too hard. There is a traditional sweep amongst the walkers for the number of bird species seen with big money (£1 a head) at stake so only ‘double sightings’ are allowed with rigorous verification procedures. 40 species is at the higher end of total species seen in our walks and was surprisingly high since the habitat was not particularly varied. I had forgotten how attractive these commonly visited places are. St Mary’s and Holywell Dene in particular looked splendid in the early Winter sunshine. The industrial heritage aspect of the walk is interesting too! The high spot for me was five Long-tailed Ducks flying fast N and a lone Little Egret fishing in the Dene marsh. A lone Guillemot was close in on St. Mary’s bay. 40 Teal, some Gadwall and a single Mute Swan were on St. Mary’s wetland. The non birding majority were, however, more interested in the Bullfinches, Long-tailed Tits and a cute Grey Wagtail. They were also impressed with the mixed flock of 300 Grey Geese just west of the Whitley Bay Cemetery. Interestingly there was a scarcity of sea birds, no Collared Doves, and no House Sparrows or Pheasants were seen. The resident Dippers weren’t on the Dene. The walk finished at The Astley Arms with the Carvery with bottomless ice cream to finish. Nothing startling but a canny day. SRB

A call yesterday(29th) from an excited S.Parnaby to tell me he was watching an adult Bonaparte’s Gull at Swallow Pond among the Black headed Gulls. A great find on his patch,it sadly took flight after only seven or eight minutes and failed to reappear. No doubt birders will be checking the site in hope this week? The likelyhood is, it is perhaps the bird regularly returning to Whitburn and Sunderland over the past few years,which was seen in a field down there a short while ago.

Myself,I was at a misty Holywell,enjoying again the good numbers of finches and buntings feeding in the stubble fields. 30 Yellowhammers took flight as a dog flushed them from the ground,calling to keep in contact as they spread along the nearby hedgerow. 10-12 Reed Buntings,and 20 Tree Sparrows with them.Last week’s Linnet flock remained,around 150 estimated. A flock of some 60-65 Goldfinches circled overhead.Near the dene, a large corvid flock noisily took to the air. Around 500 Jackdaws made up the bulk,with 200 Rooks .

At the pond, duck numbers were good,with Tufted,Pochard ,Teal,Wigeon and Mallard making up the majority.A few Shoveler and Goldeneye here too. 350 Pink Feet grazed the adjacent fields with 45 Grey Lags. 4 Grey Herons, a few Little Grebes and Black headed and Common Gulls made up the species. Two Kestrels hovered nearby.

At St Mary’s today, bright,sunny weather made for good viewing.Wader species included, 89 Sanderling,33 Ringed Plover,190 Redshank,5 Purple Sandpipers,37 Curlew,23 Turnstones,175 Golden Plover and 183 Lapwings. A pair of Sandwich Terns were spotted earlier( J. Bucknall) ,later seen down at Whitburn. A Little Grebe dived at the wetland and a Water Rail called. Along the main track,a male Stonechat was watched flycatching and a few Skylarks were in the field. An adult Med. Gull on the rocks with Black headed Gulls. Other  sightings here  this week include,Peregine,Snow Bunting and  Great crested Grebe.

A.S. Jack

Up to the Cheviots last saturday,with a first stop at Thrunton Woods where an area of the woods revealed a good selection of feeding birds. Crossbills fed above me in the pines,with 29 counted, a male in full song too. Below them were 50-60 Lesser Redpolls all busy feeding and 15 siskins with them. A mixed tit flock passed by, Long tails, Blue, Great and Coal Tits and several Goldcrests made up the flock. Many Blackbirds here too , a few Redwings and Fieldfares also noted,and a pair of Bullfinches . A pair of Jays moved noisily through the wood,then all the feeding birds scattered as a Sparrowhawk skimmed through the trees.

On up to Ingram,where a Dipper did his thing on the river, frequently submerging for food. A few Meadow Pipits remained in these uplands in the mild conditions. At the head of the valley,3 Common Buzzards could be seen hunting and 3 Kestrels too. Then to the north, a paler buzzard with much white on the tail hovered- a Rough legged! No doubt one of the few found in these hills recently.

On up to Harthope,where now on the other side of the hills from Ingram, a Rough Legged hunted the fellside – perhaps the same bird? Many Red Grouse could be seen and heard and 2 more Kestrels hovered.

The following day,closer to home and the Hume’s Warbler showed very well in the Briar Dene,Whitley Bay,calling frequently.A pair of Waxwings appeared feeding on berries near the dene,the male was pair bonding, feeding the female berries. Bullfinch,Redwing and a few Goldcrests here too and in the nearby cemetery, a Willow Tit.

A.S.Jack.

This weekend, birdwatchers flocked to Brier Dene, North Tyneside to catch up with a visiting Hume’s Warbler. On Sunday afternoon, I drove up myself, and after only five minutes, was able to find the bird. The bird was very active, flying from branch to branch. There is parking available close to Brier Dene and the bird is only a short walk away. The bird was present again on Monday.

Not far away, to the west of Brier Dene, close to the road and golf course, two Waxwings, were also present on the Sunday, which are always great to see and were a great addition to my year list. There are some bushes with berries to the right of the road, where apparently they have been seen over the past few days.

Finally up the road at St Mary’s, there has been reports of a Grey Phalarope close to the causeway, late afternoon/early evening on Monday 24^th November.

Paul Buskin

A walk around Holywell and the surrounding fields this morning revealed very encouraging numbers of farmland species. Birds were feeding in and below a large untouched hedgerow and in the adjacent stubble fields. The most numerous were Linnets, with around 200 present. This flock flew to a tree-top and constantly twittered to each other, before numbers gradually dropped once more to the ground to feed. Yellowhammers, always a favourite, numbered some 35,the males,still bright, looking splendid in the morning sunshine. With them were  at least 22 Reed Buntings gleaning seeds from the ground. Tree Sparrows too, here in numbers, around 30 noted ( 12 at the Pond too). Up from the stubble rose 20 Skylarks,calling as they took flight. One began to sing in the mild, still air as one Linnet sang from a bush-top. No winter conditions this year,as yet! A female Kestrel patrolled the nearby rough pasture, causing mld panic among the finches and buntings. Goldfinches and Chaffinches fed among the thistles and bramble bushes,perhaps 20-30 of each species. A single Grey Partridge called out of view.

 Over to the Pond,where 650 Pink footed Geese ,noisily flew from the pond to nearby fields,followed by 190 Lapwings-a good count. These had been bathing and preening in front of the public hide. 21 Tufted Duck, several Wigeon and Gadwall and an assortment of commoner gulls made up the species on the pond. A few more Reed Buntings here near the feeding station,with 10 Blackbirds and 2 Song Thrushes.

A.S.Jack

A drive over moors at Alnwick and Rothbury proved fairly quiet, with a few Buzzards and Kestrels the only raptors to be seen. Every valley was filled with thick fog but each ascent led to clear skies,but few birds. 10 Yellowhammers and a single Skylark joined a few Tree Sparrows in a crop field near Brizlee.

Heading down to the coast, 10 Whooper Swans were at Maiden’s Hall Lake,with a pair of Great crested Grebes. A tribe of Long tailed tits flew by me,one by one. Here the water level is quite a few metres lower than usual. At West Chevington, 4 Buzzards looked for prey from fence posts or trees and 3 Kestrels noted. At East Chevington,2 pairs of Stonechats were flycatching and a few Siskins flew south. Singles of Skylark  and Meadow Pipit seen too. The pools contained a selection of common duck species and 7 Little Grebes, 3-400 Lapwings and a single Black tailed Godwit, c. 200 Grey Lags and a few Pink Feet. A walk around the south pool produced 3 Water Rails, one seen in flight and 2 others calling, a few Reed Buntings and 4 Song  Thrushes feeding in the reedbeds. On the beach,22 Pied Wagtails chased insects. More Stonechats seen at Druridge, Cresswell and Snab Point.At least 2,000 Pink Feet took to the air west of Cresswell and 3 more Kestrels seen  here.

AS Jack

After a chilly start,a really nice day developed,with light winds,12 degrees and sunshine. Up to East Chevington, where the north pool was a hive of activity. On the islands were 3 Whooper Swans,one a juvenile, a single White fronted Goose with the Grey Lags and around 300 Lapwings. A flock of Golden Plover arrived from the south, perhaps 100 in number,then 6 Black tailed Godwits flew to the south pool,to be joined later by 3 more. A further group of 100 Lapwings arrived from the south.8 Little Grebes counted along with 19 Goldeneye and a Pintail. Teal, Mallard, Shoveler,Wigeon and Gadwall made up the duck species present. A Water Rail fed below the hide.  A Kestrel and Sparrowhawk noted. A pair of Stonechats were flycatching and several Skylarks and Meadow Pipits seen. A pair of Bearded Tits had earlier been heard and seen by Trevor Blake. Lets hope they are here once more for the winter.

Down to the burn mouth, and 2 Snow Buntings fed along the tide-line,to be joined by 12 more. Nice to see at close range. A flush of insects here attracted around 20 Pied Wagtails, 12 Meadow Pipits and several Linnets. In the nearby dunes and fields, a large mixed flock of Linnets,Goldfinches and Greenfinches foraged for seeds. 200 Goldfinches and  150 Linnets made up the bulk of the flock. Grey Partridge called out of sight.

A check of West Chevington revealed only 2 hunting Kestrels. 9 Tree Sparrows noted at Widdrington Lake and on the water, numerous Wigeon and a pair of Great crested Grebes.

At Druridge, 2 pairs of Stonechats noted and 3 Twite in the “cattle field” near Bell’s Farm. Here too,were 9 Reed Buntings feeding on seed heads. Another pair of Stonechats at Cresswell , with 120 Pink Feet grazing the fields. Yet more Stonechats south of Snab Point,with another pair flycatching. A Chiffchaff called at Lynemouth Power Station. A.S.Jack

A message today from S.Parnaby,who was birding at Tynemouth to tell me he had been amazed to see and hear a Raven overhead,sent me scurrying for my newly arrived,still boxed, new binoculars.No time to even fit their strap to them! Hoping to christen them with what would be a Tyneside “tick”, I arrived  to hear a Raven calling, even from inside the car. Not one,but two birds were flying from the Priory cliffs,low over my head,towards South Shields,calling to each other as they went. The first bird had flown through earlier,so incredibly, three were involved in total! Alerting South Shields birders,the three birds were seen soon after, across the river as they headed south. With a Raven being seen to pass here a few days ago,there has been an unprecedented southward movement of these birds,at this unlikely site. Representing,I believe, the first to fourth records for Tyneside . A great start for those new bins indeed!

On the rocks here, were 60 Redshanks,29 Ringed Plover,a Purple Sandpiper and 2 Rock Pipits. Kestrel at the Priory.

A.S.Jack

I couldn’t resist the chance to head up to the Holy Island area once again today. Staying on the island over the high tide,I avoided the usual crowds that seem to be a permanent feature here these days. Amazing temperatures for October and warm sun greeted the hundreds of incoming migrant Redwings which seemed to be everywhere on the island today.120 were feeding on the “football pitch” , an area of cut grass along the Straight Lonnen,more gorged on the abundant berries and flocks of 100,30,60 and 100 again headed off the island,over the flats towards the mainland,battling a fresh south westerly. Among them were 3 Ring Ousels,8 Song Thrushes and many Blackbirds,as well as migrant Starlings,watched arriving along the north shore. The total number of Redwings was around 550-600. Yellow Browed Warblers appear to have been present all this week,and 2 remained today in the village gardens,elusive in the wind. A Blackcap fed along the Straight Lonnen and Stonechats seen here and at The Snook. A late House Martin and Swallow were good to see around the village and a few Brambling heard and seen here too. At the Crooked Lonnen, up to 3 young Kestrels were playing together in the air,seeming to revel in the wind,when a Sparrowhawk took exception to their presence and stooped at one of them several times,the raptors scattering the many thrushes here. The Lough held 112 Teal,tucked in, in the lee of the reeds but was otherwise quiet. At Chare Ends, 3 or 4 Skylarks were singing,nice to hear this month, and around 50 noted in total. A Merlin sat atop a bush in the dunes.A Little Egret caught fish at the causeway.

At St. Cuthbert’s Island, a large roost of Knot and Bar tailed Godwits and on the mud flats, the Golden Plover flock seemed to have doubled in size in a week with at least 2,000 birds present. In the thousands too were the Brent Geese,now approaching 3,000 in number,a fine sight and sound.

At Beal Farm,the wires to the north held 4-500 Linnets.

Heading now around to Fenham Mill, where c 5,000 Wigeon gathered with many Shelduck, more Brents and numerous waders including several Grey Plover feeding on the exposed mud. Here another little Egret noted. A group of Long tailed Tits moved through the trees and a Common Buzzard caused brief panic among the duck and waders.

A.S.Jack

A weekend visit to Holy Island,started with 4 Whooper Swans on mudflats at Beal( mistakenly reported as 44). A Little Egret,now a regular feature fished the shallows here. A walk from Chare Ends to the village via the Lough and Lonnens, proved prouctive. The fields were alive with Linnets,Reed Buntings and Skylarks , all put to the air by a passing Merlin and two Kestrels. Perhaps 250 Linnets were present and easily, 60 Skylarks. A good number of House Sparrows here too. A flash pool contained 19 Teal,several Mallard and a Grey Heron.12 now seemingly resident island Roe Deer lay in the warm sun.

 At the Lough 5 splendid Bearded Tits were present,a rare county visitor,most often in winter and along the Straight Lonnen,among 25 migrant Blackbirds and 9 Song Thrushes, was a juvenile Ring Ousel-all feeding on the abundant berries. On what was a superb,warm,sunny day, the Lonnen was very busy with dog-walkers,ramblers and even mountain bikers,as I watched a flock of feeding Goldfinches,as they tried to settle.In the village, a Yellow browed Warbler showed well in the Vicar’s garden. A report of three  here earlier in the day. A single Brambling noted and several Goldcrests. A late Swallow was enjoyed as I lunched,as it hawked for insects up and down the road at the Straight Lonnen farm,where around 120 House Sparrows was a good count. Then a single House Martin over the village-plenty of flying prey for these late hirundines to enjoy today. A walk out over the Pilgrim’s Way area later, took me close to a flock of perhaps 1,500 Golden Plover,600 Knot,750 Bar tailed Godwits and numerous Dunlin and Redshanks. As the tide edged closer, it brought with it a large flock of Brent Geese,mainly of the usual pale bellied variety,but 20 dark bellied noted too.Feeding on the Eel Grass,there appeared to be well over 2,500 birds, many calling as they ate.

Down to Budle,where 250 Barnacle Geese grazed the fields at high tide and perhaps twice that number of Shelduck in the bay. A Peregrine spotted at what is a very reliable site in Autumn/winter for them. On to Stag Rocks,and a roost of 37-40 Purple Sandpipers,with 50 Oystercatchers was a good count. A Slavonian Grebe and several Red throated Divers offshore,then a pair of Sandwich Terns slowly drifted south. Gannets, Kittiwakes and Shags seen here and several Guillemots and a Puffin too.

A.S.Jack

This afternoon, I spent a couple of hours at the Rising Sun Country Park.  The weather was still unseasonably warm, however there were signs of autumn, with many of the trees starting to shred their summer coat of leaves.   After a relaxing walk around Swallow Pond, I sat for a while in the public hide.  I was rewarded with very close views of two Water Rails, feeding on the mud with some Mallards and Moorhens.  Elsewhere on the pond, there was Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck and a couple of Shovelers.  There was no sign of any Pochard or Geese today.

Next was a walk to the Pit heap, where I found a Grey Wagtail next to one of the pools, which was quite a surprise, as it is a bird I don’t often see at the Rising Sun.  There were also a couple of Comma’s, which happens to be my favorite butterfly.

Lots of exercise and some of my favourites.

Paul Buskin

Several visits to St. Marys over the past few days, in 20 degrees and warm sunshine,in the last throes of summer, provided some good birding, with migrating birds arriving from further north or departing for the south. Geese were again on the move ,with both Barnacles and Pink feet seen heading south,alongside Swallows and House Martins,Sandwich and Common Terns. Several Whinchats and a Stonechat seen on bush tops , before moving south. A family group of Stonechats were flycatching at Hartley.Each day, Skylarks very much in evidence, with a max. of 60 over the fields, with 30-40 Meadow Pipits,these too then moved south over the coast.

On the beach,the warm weather bringing out a large hatch of flying insects, attracted around 40 Pied Wagtails,2 Greys and 30 Meadow Pipits,with 5 Rock Pipits. 2 juvenile Wheatears with them. 2 other Wheatears seen near Hartley.  A Purple Sandpiper had arrived on the rocks,with a high tide roost of 111 Oystercatchers, 86 Sanderling and 2 Bar tailed Godwits. The Golden Plover flock has reached almost 2,000 now, a fine sight when they all took to the air as a Peregrine,which has been seen on 4 recent days,put in an appearance. It failed to find a meal. In the fields to the west, flocks of around 200 Lapwings , 500 Starlings and 350 Linnets and  also in the air as the Peregrine headed towards Holywell. Rooks , Carrion Crows and Jackdaws over the woods completed a sky full of birds.

On the wetland, a Water Rail briefly flew and 6 Reed Buntings fed in the reeds. In the bushes, a Lesser Whitethroat called,then showed well and several Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests noted,the former even singing in the sunshine. 50 Goldfinches fed here and on the water, Teal,Wigeon,Gadwall and Mallard noted.

A.S.Jack

This a.m. at St. Mary’s,migrating Barnacle Geese were on the move, my first of the Autumn,with a total of 7 Skiens seen,5 heading south and 2 north. Their calls a sure sign of the changing seasons.Over 800 in total.  One other observer reported 500 more in the afternoon. A flock of Pink Feet also headed south ,around 230 in number.

In the bushes of the wetland, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs,4 Goldcrests and then 4 Lesser Redpolls seen ,with a few Tree Sparrows. A Peregrine appeared over the fields to the west, putting up flocks of Linnets, Skylarks,Starlings and Lapwings ( 200+).  Kestrel and Sparrowhawk  also noted. 10 Swallows and 12 House Martins were hawking for insects over the wetland.

Butterflies seen in the warm sun,included 15 Speckled Woods,a few even on the rocks of the shore, Large White, Red Admirals and a dragonfly,a female Migrant Hawker .

A.S.Jack

In a great year for County ticks, another major blocker fell today when news broke of a Fea’s Petrel making it’s steady northward progress off  the Yorkshire coast and up past Cleveland and Durham into Northumberland. Various guesses as to it’s time of arrival at Tyneside proved pretty accurate, as this ocean wanderer lingered off Whitburn, then with an excited group gathering at St. Marys in anticipation,it came into view, being harried by a few gulls. It twisted and turned to escape the attention, before heading northward  once more past more delighted birders in the island hide. The petrel was then tracked at various county sites , such as Snab Point,Druridge Bay,Beadnell, Annstead and the Farnes, allowing a good few observers to connect and add it to their county lists.

Also noted at St Mary’s today were Long tailed Skua, 10 Sooty Shearwaters,several Manx Shearwaters and Red throated Divers. Large numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills, Common, Arctic and Sandwich Terns, and numerous Gannets and Kittiwakes.

A.S.Jack

  Forgot the Green Woodpecker photo !  (see below) TRD/JD

   Two weeks covering my son in his computer shop in Rothbury whilst he had an overdue break so keen to get out on Sunday. Down for the Blue-winged Teal at Castle Island & excellent views by the rowing club car park just west of the main railway bridge. There has been much discussion as to whether this is a hybrid but looks good to me and recently ok’d by a British expert as being a definite pure juvenile (see pics).  Had a look along coast at Cresswell & Druridge & a hunting Merlin by Bell’s Farm. Cresswell still in excellent condition with plenty of variety on offer. Little Egrets look very much at home here. On leaving Druridge we were rung by Iain Robson who had just found a Red-breasted Flycatcher in the pine plantation by the bend of the road at Druridge entrance. Drove back but no sign hence came down next morning and brief views at bottom of sycamore. Also on 15th had a Little Stint & Curlew Sandpiper at Cresswell Pond and Janet managed a Sooty Shearwater off Snab Pt which I never picked up !   On the 16th we had  a day on Holy  Island which worked out very well with superb views of the Greenish Warbler at Chare Ends (still present today apparently). Pleased with resultant pic. Also had close views & photos of a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher in Vicar’s garden  & a Pied Flycatcher at the Lough. First-winter Red-backed Shrike at the lough which Janet watched kill a Robin !  She also had brief close views of a Red-breasted Flycatcher at the end of the Crooked Lonnen. Yellow-browed Warbler in the Vicar’s garden. Today we covered Newton but quiet. Two Manx Shearwaters off the point and  a selection of waders on the Flash north of Newton Pool. Always interests me that one person’s efforts (Gary Woodburn) has resulted in excellent habitat being created whereas main Pool (supposedly a nature reserve) regularly has nothing due to the high water level. 12 Black-tailed Godwit & 20 Ruff plus many other common species present on flash. Also one Pintail briefly.  Back home and excellent views of a Green Woodpecker from kitchen window. Photo is taken through triple glazing ! P.S.   best view pics by clicking once then again to blow them up full size. TRD/JD