Whitley Birder

Happy Birding 2012 - Favourite Photos from 2011

2012-01-01T10:47:00.003Z

I thought I'd follow the trend of the 'final post' on the year with a summary of my favourite moments and photos from 2011:

To start, a photograph taken at sunset of 4 whooper swans coming into land at Marton Mere reserve at Blackpool.

Another of my favourites is this one, from mine and my dads annual Scotland visits, this time to the Uists, this short-eared owl was taken by the road on North Uist.

A photograph of a parent and juvenile tree sparrows at Big Waters. After spending so long without a decent photo of a tree sparrow, this opportunity came along.

A recent one, taken at the start of the month at the redeveloped Gosforth Park, fantastically cut back and allows views of birds like this secretive bittern, I was lucky enough to photograph this bird at about 10 metres.

Now for my favourite bird of all time, the kestrel. This female showed very little fear of me as I followed it around the car park at Big Waters watching it catch worms and mice in the wooded area next to the car park.

This bird has always been the one I couldn't not get, no matter how long I tried for, so I visited my local patch, St. Mary's, which provided me with an opportunity I couldn't refuse, a low-flying swift.

My only mammal pf the collection is this wood mouse photographed at Low Newton, again showing no fear whatsoever as this photo is taken with a 18-105mm lens, at 105mm this photo is uncropped, I had never seen a wood mouse so close which made the experience so special.

Another of my favourites from the year, taken at Northumberland Park was this beautiful drake mandarin, another bird that showed little fear of people.

For a lot of May, June and July, I was attempting to photograph this species in many different locations, including St. Mary's, Druridge Pools and finally where this photo was taken, Arcot Pond.

I thought it would be rude not to include this beauty in my collection, this desert wheatear at Newbiggin I have photographed on many occasions and never ceases to amaze me how approachable this bird is, such a stunning bird as well.

And finally my favourite image of 2011. We have had many rarities in Northumberland this year including, Greater Yellowlegs - Hauxley, Desert Wheatear - Newbiggin, Lesser Scaup - Marden Quarry, Eastern Black Redstart - Holy Island and many more but my favourite photograph of 2011 was taken 5 minutes from my house at St. Mary's Island. I felt that the colours, light and the pose of this stunning bar-tailed godwit couldn't be beaten...

Happy New Year and Good Birding to all in 2012!

Desert Wheatear 10/12/11

2011-12-10T18:38:00.006Z

Went up to Newbiggin again today to revisit the desert wheatear that has been hanging around, I saw it on Tuesday on the beach south of Beacon Point but today it was north of the point in the bay out of the wind. Met up with Kieran Lawrence on the way there, good to see you again mate. We set up on the bank overlooking the bay and within a couple of minutes of setting up, it flew onto a ledge about 15 feet away, this bird really seems to have little fear of people. After 10 minutes of watching it, it flew round the corner of the bay out of sight. I went round looking for it on the beach and didn't relocate it but saw 5 purple sandpipers and 4 grey plover which was a nice end to the day.

Desert Wheatear

Triple Vision 27/11/11

2011-11-29T15:54:00.018Z

Finally managed to get out after being engaged for so long, and I decided I ought to pay a visit to Big Waters to check out the two Bewick's Swans that have taken up residence there. Most importantly though, I was desperate to get all three British swans in the same photo. I knew there were whoopers there as well so we made straight for the right hand hide on arrival. We were greeted by the whooper swans right outside the hide, there was also a couple of mutes to the left but at first, no Bewick's. After 10 minutes of searching, I got my eye on one of the Bewick's Swans behind the island feeding, surprisingly small compared with the mutes. I soon got my eye on the other to the right of the hide and it wasn't long before the two met in the middle allowing me to get the all important shot!

Got it! Bewick's, Mute then Whooper (Top to Bottom)

The size comparison between mute and Bewick's.

Finally the comparison between Bewick's (Top) and Whooper (Bottom)

We watched them for half an hour before the light disappeared and were just shutting up the hide when the otter swam right past. On a second look, I noticed there were actually three otters together right outside the hide. Unfortunately the light had gone but I did get one shot with all 3 heads all up together, fantastic end to the day!

Yank with an icelandic sidekick 13/11/11

2011-11-15T22:02:00.004Z

After dipping on the Greater Yellowlegs at Chevy on Saturday, I got a report on my phone when I got home saying it was showing at Hauxley, damn. So after ringing on sunday morning, I went up to Hauxley to look for it. On arrival, we decided to try the wader hide on our way up to the Eric's hide, and completely unexpected, it was sitting just to the right of the hide. After waiting about an hour with the rest of the twitchers, the greater yellowlegs walked around right past the front of the hide, fantastic views, what a stunning wader as well. It then stopped and preened in front of the hide and in flew a smaller grey wader. Grey Phalarope. One of the best experiences I have ever had, two lifers in the same camera shot about 8 feet away. A also went back tonight to get another view of it, again wonderful views of the yellowlegs and a flypast from the phalarope. Hopefully they'll hang around a while until we get some better light for photos! Greater Yellowlegs Grey Phalarope The pair together.

Pomarine Skua 30/10/11

2011-10-30T18:50:00.009Z

Went to Sunderland today to see the pomarine skua on the north pier. When I first arrived there was no sign of it and I had missed it by 10 minutes, I was hoping for it to come back soon as the sun was dropping fast. 20 minutes later I spotted in flying in again in amongst the fishermen, about 30 or so, it dropped in the middle of them and fed off the scraps that were thrown to it. A great bird to watch and to see. It went up to the other end of the pier shortly after that and started hovering above 5 fishermen. Then I saw a guy about 20 on a bike with a red hoody on pick up a stone and he threw it at the skua. I spoke to one of the fishermen who was next to me about and he went over to sort him out, he left soon after. Why anyone would do that is completely beyond me, such a graceful bird in the air and so wonderful to watch.

Lovely Colours on this juvenile pom, a very approachable bird too.

St. Mary's Yellow-Browed 28/10/11

2011-10-28T13:18:00.007+01:00

I've been in Blackpool since Monday and got back yesterday so I haven't had a chance to get down to the patch to catch up with any of the beauties that have been there. I was gutted that I had missed 2 firecrest which would have been lifers for me, but today I caught up with a beautiful yellow-browed warbler. There was about 15 people there this morning, all great company. That is number 107 for my patch list and hope to increase it again this month if possible.

It only showed itself twice in 2 hours but the first time, I had a great view of this bird.

Wonderful Wheatears 3/10/11

2011-10-03T19:59:00.004+01:00

I went down to St. Mary's this evening to see if I could find any yellow-browed warblers but I was stopped halfway on the golf course by 3 wheatears. I lay in the grass for 30 minutes gradually edging closer to one of them but it flew before I got close so I thought I had missed my opportunity. However, I lay a little longer and about 10 minutes later, this beauty popped up in front of me, providing wonderful views. As I watched it I wondered whether it was a greenland race or not? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Wheatear

A colourful Northumberland Park 28/9/11

2011-09-29T16:12:00.009+01:00

Visited Northumberland Park on Tuesday to look for the mandarin, on this occasion I was unsuccessful but a visit back there yesterday produced a beautiful creature - a male mandarin at close range. It provided fantastic views and was happy enough for me to stand there and take photos of it for an hour. Eventually the mandarin flew north when a sparrowhawk flew through the area. There was also 2 grey wagtails dropped in as well.

Mandarin Drake

Rarity while ringing at Low Newton 25/9/11

2011-09-25T20:32:00.012+01:00

Got up at 5:30 this morning to go to the weekly ringing session up at Low Newton. It was going well with just under 20 birds caught within the hour. Then Stewart brought a bird back that was initially put down as a reed bunting until Chris noticed it had a short wing length for a reed bunting and on closer inspection, it turned out to be a delightful Little Bunting. It was a pleasure to see such a rarity at such close range, you don't often get life ticks while ringing (my last one was a pied flycatcher at Low Newton last year) so to see this bird in the hand was a privilege.

What a cracker, unfortunately I left my camera at home so this was taken with my iPhone, so the photo doesn't do the bird justice.

Long-Eared Owl again 19/9/11

2011-09-20T16:45:00.005+01:00

After Sunday's wonderful performance, I returned to Prestwick to see them again. This time the long-eared owl was there again and showing excellently well. Managed to see the whole bird with very little branches blocking the view, terrific!

Prestwick Carr Owls and a Strange Pintail 18/9/11

2011-09-18T20:41:00.008+01:00

After reading many blogs about the short-eared and long-eared owls at Prestwick Carr, I finally gave in and went to see them. On arrival, I was greeted by 3 short-eared owls hunting over the fields. A fantastic county tick for me, then I heard the words 'long-eared owl' and made for the group of birders huddled around one spot near the bushes and sure enough, there was a beautiful long-eared owl sitting in the bushes with only a few branches blocking my view. A wonderful second county tick! I met up with Cain, Stephen, Morgan, Venetia, John and a few other birders for St. Mary's which made the trip even better.

Short-Eared OwlLong-Eared Owl

I was at St. Mary's on Wednesday which produced some unusual sightings such as this male-eclipse pintail which amazingly took off from the sea and landed on the grass next to me very briefly before flying back out to see. A very nice bird to see on patch, only my second.

Pintail

Arcot and Killingworth 1/8/11

2011-08-02T10:18:00.006+01:00

After not going out for a while, I decided to pop down to Arcot to look for the grasshopper warbler after reading about it John's blog. As soon as we pulled up we could hear it reeling and sure enough, we saw it straight away sitting on top of the bush next to the track. As we got closer and closer, it continued reeling and let us get very close. Without disturbing the bird, I got plenty of photos and videos of it then left it to it's business. We looked for the little egrets that were reported as well but there was no sign of them. On our way back home, we stopped in at killingworth after seeing the little gulls last week, I went back with my camera. As we drove past, I could see both of them with the terns right next to the road so we parked the car and walked along. They provided excellent views I have never had of little gulls before. A successful day birding!

Grasshopper Warbler

Little Gulls

There's a storm brewin'...

2011-07-26T19:59:00.004+01:00

I've taken seawatching on as my new activity for the summer. I've just come back from St. Mary's in search of storm-petrels. I still had never seen any before today so was hoping to catch a glimpse of some. Caught up with the guys already in the hide, just managed to get a space between Simon and Tim just in time to see a flock of manx shearwater going past. Then within 20 seconds of setting up my scope, I saw a little black bird fly across and I lost it straight away again. After a few seconds it reappeared showing off it's white rump beautifully, then I knew I had my first storm-petrel. From 17:15 - 19:00, I saw 18 storm-petrels, 11 manx shearwater, 2 red-throated diver, 9 common scoter and a bar-tailed godwit. The storm-petrels, as well as being lifers can also go down on my patch list along with the red-throated diver which takes my St. Mary's total up to 106.

Autumn has come early! 19/7/11

2011-07-19T18:39:00.012+01:00

My first post for quite a while now so I thought I had to write about St. Mary's. I started in the south bay, watching plenty of juvenile sandwich terns on the rocks, still yet to add roseate tern to me life list so this year I am especially looking out for them. I went for a walk around the lighthouse and came across some very unexpected visitors. I was watching the golden plover through my scope when I spotted a bigger wader in amongst the very smart-looking dunlin and turnstone, it was a red knot in fantastic summer plumage! Much bigger than all the others and very unexpected. There was also some very early summer-plumaged sanderling on the rocks as well. Just the purple sandpipers to come now! I left the island as the tide was coming in and did my first proper sea-watching session from the car-park. From 17:00 to 17:30 I saw: 25 Manx Shearwater, 4 Gannet, 12 Kittiwake and 15+ Sandwich Tern. Not bad for my first time and still early in the year so more to come yet!

Dunlin Knot, Dunlin and Sanderling

Outer Hebrides and Highlands

2011-06-08T16:13:00.009+01:00

Just come back from Scotland on Saturday, we went to the Uists, Lewis and Harris and visited Skye on the last day. Fantastic trip, saw 120 species in total, including 69 buzzards and 26 short-eared owls. Including 6 I had never seen: Pomarine Skua, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Corncrake, Corn Bunting and Red-Necked Phalarope. Here is a selection of photos:

Short-Eared Owl Corn Bunting

Redshank

White-Tailed Eagle on Skye Golden Plover Buzzard

Corncrake

Sanderling Whimbrel

Dunlin Hooded Crow Common Sandpiper

Warblers at St. Mary's

2011-05-09T19:27:00.006+01:00

Went to St. Mary's yesterday after hearing grasshoppers warblers reeling a few days ago and they didn't disappoint. Fantastic views of a male reeling from the bush right next to me completely fine about me being there. I then went down to 'the gut' where there has been many whitethroats singing and they didn't disappoint either. After standing for a while, it popped up and sang for about 20 seconds and dipped down again. I also had a sedge warbler which is a new species for St. Mary's which takes the patch total to 95. A very successful evening.

Grasshopper Warbler

Whitethroat

Skylark

Harrier, Avocet and Grasshopper Warbler 15/4/11

2011-04-16T17:14:00.006+01:00

I decided to go to Cresswell area yesterday, to see the avocets that I still hadn't caught up with. When we got to Cresswell, we were greeted by stonechats on the wall on the way to hide. A wren was in full voice just next to hide and 2 chiffchaffs were singing in the trees near the entrance to the hide. On the pond there was 2 avocets, lapwings, dunlin, redshank and pink-footed geese. A heron was walking around in front of the hide when we first got there and walked right up on the reeds in front of the hide before flying off towards the road. Druridge Pools held the highlight of the day for me, the unmistakable call of the grasshopper warbler greeted us at the bottom of the road past all the hides, we were actually looking for the black redstart that was reported but no sign of it. The grasshopper warbler was in full voice in the grass but coudln't be seen. After hanging around for about 10 minutes, he appeared, sitting in the tree right in front of us, not bothered at all about us being there. As if that wasn't enough, we headed for East Chevington to check out the marsh harrier that was reported. From the hides, we couldn't see it so we were about to give up when it flew straight over the top of us and started hunting over a nearby field. A very successful day of birding, and after hearing the report of the wood warbler and grasshopper warbler at St. Mary's, I might be up for another one!

Grasshopper Warbler

Skylark

Wren

Marsh Harrier

I think the phrase is 'showing well'

2011-03-28T16:33:00.006+01:00

I am talking of course about the garganey at Gosforth Park. I was there on Saturday to see if they were still around and they were. They were about 30 feet away when we arrived but within about half a hour they were about 15 feet away providing fantastic views.

St. Mary's 22/3/11

2011-03-23T07:31:00.004Z

Lovely light yesterday morning so before school I headed down there. The south bay was full of waders like bar-tailed godwit, dunlin, turnstone, redshank and sanderling. The north bay had oystercatchers and curlew but not a lot else. All my photos are from the south bay. After St. Mary's I went along to the cliffs at Whitley Bay to check out the fulmar colony; they are coming along well. At least 18 pairs there now! Fulmar This Turnstone found a crab on the beach and spend about 15 minutes eating it. Dunlin Bar-Tailed Godwit

Some surprises at Killingworth and Big Waters 21/2/11

2011-02-22T08:48:00.011Z

Went to Big Waters and Killingworth Lake yesterday. Stuck for places to go at the moment with terrible light for photos. Big Waters was full of siskin, there was 30+ siskin around the feeders very close to the hide. There was over 20 more that I saw in the trees as well, I have never seen so many. There wasn't much else apart from as we were just leaving, a lesser redpoll dropped in to the feeders which was a lovely addition to the day. Onto Killingworth next to see what was around. At the end where the road is, there was 2 great-crested grebes displaying just past the island, shaking their heads and diving together. However, the car park end produced a lot more, there was a juvenile whooper swan in amongst the mutes which was very tame and was feeding on bread. There was also a male goosander that was swimming about 6 feet away from where I was standing, then it got out the water and walked across the path towards the grass. I have never seen a goosander so tame. Unfortunately, no sign of the nordic jackdaw, but hopefully I will see it sometime this week.

Goosander

Siskin Lesser RedpollWhooper Swan

Glaucous Gull at North Shields

2011-02-16T17:30:00.004Z

We have just come back from North Shields Fish Quay to see the glaucous gull. We saw it straight away, it was much lighter than the other gulls. After getting some photos, we went to speak to Mike Hodgson who said it was an Iceland Gull not a glaucous, but birdguides have reported it and said that my photos look like a glaucous gull. I think the beak suggests Glaucous Gull, but the colour suggests Iceland. I think it it a Glaucous Gull but I'm not sure. Help would be appreciated!

Waxwings

2011-01-31T17:34:00.005Z

Went to see the waxwings at Cramlington on Saturday. Luckily they were still there, but the tree they were in was in the shade quite a lot so I only managed one decent photo! The red-necked grebe wasn't at Blyth when I went to have a look and neither were the snow buntings so that was quite disappointing but the waxwings were good anyway! Waxwings

Birding Then Bird Ringing 23/1/11

2011-01-24T17:23:00.012Z

Went to St. Mary's on Saturday to check what was around, the north bay was very active. There was turnstone, sanderling, purple sandpiper, knot, rock pipit and an eider on the sea. No long-tailed ducks today so we moved on. A trip to gosforth park paid off brilliantly with a kingfisher coming right next to the hide and the bittern showing very well. The bittern was a magnificent bird to see, it flew from the far side of the pond into the reeds to the right of the hide and didn't show again.

Then to Cherryburn on Sunday for a ringing session. Quite a few good birds caught with greenfinch, bullfinch, 7 lesser redpoll and a treecreeper. Greenfinch and treecreeper both ringing ticks for me!

Treecreeper (Highlight of the day)

Lesser Redpoll

Bullfinch Rock Pipit SanderlingKingfisher

A good start to 2011

2011-01-03T19:40:00.007Z

I haven't been blogging recent as I have had absolutely no time but I will try to blog more in 2011. I was at St. Mary's today and yesterday and there was a lot of birds there. It started in the car park with a reed bunting and redshanks in the field in front of the second car park. Both providing good views. In the north bay there was waders galore: turnstone, dunlin, curlew, golden plover, lapwing, knot, ringed plover and purple sandpiper. But the highlight came in the north bay on the posts. On the end post sat 2 fantastic snow buntings and they were the tamest snow buntings in have ever seen letting me get within 6 feet of them. They really were lovely. Then as we were leaving we saw a black bird on the sea which at the first glance I thought it was a Slovenian grebe but then after looking at the photos when I got back it looked more like a red-necked grebe but I wasn't sure, if anyone could identify it, that would be great.

Snow Buntings in the North Bay

Red-Necked Grebe?

Knot

Lapwing Redshank Ringed Plover

Reed Bunting

Purple Sandpiper

A lifer weekend

2010-10-11T20:05:00.033+01:00

My weekend started on Friday at Tynemouth with the great grey shrike very fleetingly. It was on the priory for a couple of seconds then flew off and I didn't see it again. The goldcrests and other warblers were putting in a performance as well but nothing unusual.

On Saturday, we went to Hartlepool to see the woodchat shrike which was a new bird for me. A very handsome and approachable bird along with a lot of other things: redwings, goldcrests and a lot of other birds. Unfortunately I didn't get any birding in on Sunday because I was ringing all day which was also a success. 2 GS Woodpeckers, Redwings, Stonechat and a pied flycatcher were all ringed. There was a lot of other good birds ringed too. See the photos for details.

And yesterday, I was at St. Mary's getting my second lifer of the weekend, the red-flanked bluetail which was showing very well on the fence posts and stiles. There was plenty of other things too, goldcrest, redstart and a garden warbler which is a patch tick. I think it is a garden warbler but I have aphoto of it on this blog so feel free to tell me if it's not.

Overall, I think that is a pretty impressive weekend, shame about the light though.

Woodchat Shrike Garden WarblerRed-Flanked Bluetail

Redwing Meadow PipitGS Woodpecker Stonechat SiskinWillow Tit

A Dark-Bellied Day

2010-10-02T15:03:00.009+01:00

I've just come back from St. Mary's Island, there was quite a bit there. In the north bay there was a Dark-Bellied Brent Goose, 2 bar-tailed godwits and plenty of ther waders like redshank, dunlin, sanderling and ringed plover. The golden plover numbers were higher than I've ever seen. Then as I looked round, there was a merlin that I just caught sight of as it flew over the rocks and out of sight. I've never seen a merlin there before. That's about all really, the merlin was the highlight with the brent goose a close second!

Brent Goose Bar-Tailed Godwit

Yorkshire Trip 30/8/10 - 1/9/10

2010-09-10T20:38:00.011+01:00

I have been busy lately so I haven’t had time to do a blog of the holidays! But I do have time now.

Me and my dad went down to Yorkshire during the holidays to visit some of the reserves there. We left early on Monday and went straight down to Fairburn Ings RSPB. My membership had run out with the RSPB so I went and got it renewed while I was there. While we were waiting, the warden showed us some of the best sights on the reserve. The hides on the reserves didn’t produce a lot, so we went to the place where the warden had told us there had been some rare waders seen. We went along and just on the roadside was a pool, we stopped and got out. When we looked at the waders I saw a new bird for me, 3 curlew sandpipers, a ruff and greenshank. After a while, they flew over to our side, producing the best view I have ever had and some great photo opportunities. After spending an hour there, we went onto Far Ings. We went straight to the main hide which had had reports of water rail, bearded tit and marsh harrier. When we got there, we were told that the water rail had been out earlier but not seen since. But after about 20 minutes, we saw a little red beak pop out of the reeds, and soon it was walking around, brilliant photos again! It wasn’t long before the next bird showed up; a bearded tit appeared just under the reeds. Eventually showed a bit better but not great. Still good to add to the list though! The next hide was good too, another new bird, a lesser whitethroat in the trees next to the hide again, great views! So many great views on this trip! We were staying in South Cave, next to North Cave wetlands, so just before going the B&B, we went to see what was around. Not a lot on the reserve, although a first-winter male redstart in the trees was a bonus. Not such great views but not bad! We went to Blacktoft Sands for the last day. Not a lot here, spotted redshank was the highlight, 7 little egrets and a few ruffs. But the marsh harriers were out and there was a few, 6 in the air at a time! One came very close, never seen them that close before! A nice male showing off the grey wings! Fantastic! Spurn Point and Bempton Cliffs on the way home were good as well. Thousands of waders at Spurn, whimbrel was the highlight on the beach reasonably close, and grey plover flocks were around but very timid. There was also a nice roe deer on the hill quite close but was scared by a dog just as I was getting close. Bempton was just the usual really but some fulmar were coming close on their way past which was a very good end to the holiday. In total, 97 different species, well worth the visit! Curlew Sandpiper - The Highlight! Ruff Lesser Whitethroat Fulmar Cormorant from Far Ings Marsh Harrier Bearded Tit Whimbrel Water Rail

Redstart Roe Deer

Ginger Dunlin at Tynemouth

2010-07-24T18:39:00.004+01:00

We went looking for the mandarin at Tynemouth today. We didn't see it but we got another surprise. A dunlin flew in from the sea and landed on the grass. It had a lovely plumage and I had been looking forward to the dunlin returning. This marks the start of the wader season! Dunlin

2 surprises in 1 hour! 15/7/10

2010-07-16T07:56:00.009+01:00

The Med Gull at Brier Dene car park has returned after only being away for 3 months! I photographed it in March and then again yesterday after the breeding season. After photographing it for a while we went onto Gosforth Park reserve. Amazingly, as soon as we got to the hide, there was a kingfisher sitting just outside it about 5 metres away! The luck was definitely on our side! While we sat there watching the kingfisher and the tern colony, there was a reed warbler feeding chicks very near the hide which were very photogenic. Some nice surprises which some great pictures to show for them.

Kingfisher at Gosforth Park Med Gull at Brier Dene. Top - July 2010, Bottom - March 2010 Reed Warbler

Druridge Pools 24/6/10

2010-06-26T18:39:00.004+01:00

Yes, I'm still here! My school work has left me no time at all so this is my first blog for ages! Me and my dad went to Druridge Pools on Thursday to look for the male ruff that had been reported. After talking to someone who had just left the hide who said it was there, we were pretty confident. When we went in, we couldn't see it straight away so we waited and after 10 minutes it popped it's head out from behind the plants. It didn't move from there and it wasn't in a very good place for photos so I moved to the other side of the hide for a better view, but just as I did it began to walk out from behind the plants and it walked straight in front of us providing great views and photo opportunities. We watched it for 30 minutes before moving on. As we went past Cresswell, we stopped and watched a sedge warbler next to the road in the reeds. Again providing brilliant views. Last stop was St. Mary's. Very quiet at the moment with just sand martins providing any sign of life. However, it was a good day none the less. Ruff

Sedge Warbler

Black-Headed Med Gull and St. Mary's

2010-03-03T17:44:00.005Z

Because my school finishes early on a Tuesday, I went to St. Mary's with my dad after school. As soon as we arrived we spotted a kestrel sitting in a tree and went to see it. It let me get amazingly close to it to get decent photos of it (it must be used to people). We had the weather, we had the birds but we didn't have the most important thing... the tide! It was right in so no chance of knot but we did get two lovely rock pipits on the rocks on the path to the causeway. Unfortunately not much else so we went to Brier Dene to check on the Med Gull. Success! It now has half a black-head and because I don't think it will be here much longer, we got plenty of photos. Med Gull

Rock Pipit Kestrel

A bit of everything. Feb 10

2010-02-27T15:50:00.004Z

I have been away for a while so this is my first blog this month.

Here is a little update of the things I have seen this February:Nice Chaffinch in Kielder

Waxwings from Ashington

Sparrowhawk from Shiremoor Pochard from Killingworth Lake

Knot Flock Return 24/1/10

2010-01-24T18:23:00.005Z

Been all over today, we started at St. Mary's. On the rocks in the north bay, we had 3 oystercatcher, 1 redshank, 2 ringed plovers and 1 knot. When we went for a closer look at the knot, we saw a flock of 30 grey birds flew in which turned out to be knot as well. We were excited to see that the knot had returned to St. Mary's after we thought they weren't going to. After a good start, we headed for big waters. The feeders were packed with chaffinch, siskin, reed bunting, blue tit etc. The siskins were very happy to stay on the same feeder for almost a hour and a half. They were not letting the goldfinches on in a hurry! After spending a lot of time there, we moved to Killingworth Lake on the way home. 5 goosanders were present, along with 3 pochard and a goldeneye naming a few. The usual stuff was there too of course! A very good day birding!

Knot Goosander

Common Gull SiskinChaffinch

Grey Plover and Kingfisher at St. Mary's

2010-01-09T13:33:00.005Z

We popped down to St. Mary's for a hour this morning and got some nice surprises. The bay was full of waders. Ringed Plover in their numbers coming very close, dunlin and golden plover very close too. All the usual birds but there was 2 rarer ones. There was a bar-tailed godwit at the end of the bay. We also saw my favourite wader fly past us, Grey Plover. It flew around for a while before landing at the far end. We thought it wasn't going to come very close but if you just sit on a rock, it will come very close. We were very impressed! I was also impressed with the photos that the D90 takes in the dull weather. Just as we were leaving the bay, a kingfisher flew past us. A very rare sighting for St. Mary's!

Grey PloverGolden Plover

Ringed Plover Bar-Tailed Godwit

A few photos 8/1/10

2010-01-08T16:44:00.003Z

This is just a little update of what is around:

Fieldfare in my garden after throwing some apple out (thanks Tim!)

Blackbird in my Garden Golden Plover came surprisingly close at St. Mary's Skylarks still at St. Mary's. (Better light than yesterday)

5 inches of snow in my garden!

My first post of 2010

2010-01-07T08:49:00.005Z

We went to St. Mary's at the weekend (sorry haven't had time to post since then!) and the birds were nowhere to be seen. However, some of the scenes there were amazing, like the snow on the rocks etc. The only birds we saw of note where 3 skylarks in the carpark which was a little different. However, not much else to report except a garden tick. I thought this was quite unusual. I saw a grey wagtail in my garden. I haven't got a pond so I'm not sure why in came but it stayed for a couple of days then moved on. Another garden tick was a fieldfare. I know how unrare they are but I have never had one in the garden before Skylarks

Snow on the causewaySnow in my garden. Grey Wagtail (in my garden)

Big Waters (well a tiny bit!)

2009-12-26T14:59:00.005Z

Sorry about the lack of blogs, haven't been out much! Just arrive back from Big Waters. The pond is completely frozen apart from a tiny bit of water in the middle. There was a flock of fieldfare in the trees on ur way into the reserve which set us up for a good day birding. We made our way to the members hide after that. As we went in, Alan Johnson (the warden for Big Waters) told me to look at the top of a tree over in the corner of the pond and when I did, I saw that there was a female sparrowhawk sitting there! A good start. That would explain why there were no birds at the feeders. However, she soon left and the little birds returned in their numbers. There was 5 robins, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, blackbirds, a wren, chaffinches, greenfinches and goldfinches. As we sat and took many photos, the woodpecker dropped in. But very briefly. After that it went a bit quiet for a while until 2 nice surprises turned up. These were a male bullfinch and a male siskin. There was also 2 pheasants that strolled in towards the end just as we were leaving to watch Newcastle on the telly! A good day!

Robin Bullfinch Siskin Wren

A nice surprise at Killingworth Lake

2009-11-22T18:28:00.005Z

We went to Killingworth Lake and St. Mary's today. We went to look for the goosander at Killingworth and when we got there, we saw them straight away in all different places. As we were walking along to watch a male goosander at the other end of the lake, I was watching the ducks sitting on the bank next to the road and then a smaller duck left the bank and swam past us within 3 feet. I knew as soon as I saw it that it was a female mandarin duck. It was brilliant to watch it in the water then it climbed onto the bank again in front of us. After getting loads of photos of it, we went to see the goosander and then off to St. Mary's. The tide was nearly in at St. Mary's and there was very little rock but there was still quite a variety of waders. These included over 50 ringed plover, redshank, turnstone, curlew, oystercatcher and also 3 knot which were a little different. A nice end to the day!

Mandarin DuckGoosander Group of Waders: Top Left (Ringed Plover) Middle Top (Dunlin) Top Right (Redshank) Front (Knot)

A life tick day!

2009-11-15T17:41:00.006Z

Today we were looking for a life tick - snow goose. We started of the day at Holy Island for the bearded tit. We watched for about 30 minutes and after no luck we went back to the car to beat the tide. On the way back we saw 3 sparrowhawks, a kestrel and a peregrine which was lovely to see after no bearded tit! On the way off the island, we saw a baby seal lying in the sun on the sand really close to the causeway which was lovely to see. Next we headed to Budle Bay. Unfortunately, the tide was right in and everything was on the sandbanks miles away. That wasn't much good so we went onto the best place of all - Stag Rocks. First we went to the rock itself to see 60 purple sandpiper which was brilliant and very photogenic. Next we scanned the sea after being told there was 2 slavonian grebes. I scanned it with my scope and saw them straight away. Two birds birds which were slavonian grebes. While we were watching them, I saw a little black and white bird and when I showed my dad, we decided that was the black guillemot that had been around for a while. We also got told there was 3 red-throated divers. SO we looked for them and eventually I did see 1. And right at the end of the sea watch, I saw a duck with a black and white head flying in towards the shore and when it landed I identified it as my first long-tailed duck. A very good session of sea watching in a new spot! And on the way out we saw a Brent goose fly past the shore which was very close but I only saw it at the last minute so no photos but good purple sands! No snow goose but better!

167 - LT Duck

168 - Slavonian Grebe

Purple Sandpiper Grey Seal

Saturday's Shields Sabine's

2009-10-31T19:14:00.005Z

I went to North Shields Fish Quay in search of the juvenile Sabine's Gull. I had never seen one which gave me even more reason to go to see it! When we arrived we saw the group of birders looking around so we went and asked them and they pointed out my first ever Sabine's Gull. I took a few photos but unfortunately it didn't land but it was still great to see a new species and so close (about 10 feet away to be precise!)

166 - Sabine's Gull

Sabine's Gull

A Good Raptor Day

2009-10-30T18:35:00.005Z

Today I went to Druridge Pools, Cresswell and St. Mary’s. Cresswell didn’t produce much except 20 redshank and some snipe. There were a few Canada geese on the pond but not much else. We left the hide only to be greeted by a female kestrel hovering outside but it flew off as soon as we got there but only as far as a tree near the car so we crept up and got some photos before it flew off once again. Then we headed up to Druridge. When we arrived in the Oddie Hide, there was very little to see except 2 greenshank. We stayed for 15 minutes with nothing showing so we were just leaving when a female merlin flew across the pond and through the trees. We ran out and into the other hide next to the Oddie hide and scanned the posts on the far side and eventually, we found it sitting on a post quite far away but still a brilliant sighting. A first for the year! St. Mary’s produced 300+ golden plover, 2 purple sandpiper and a woodcock which we flushed from the rocks accidently but none the less it is a life tick!! A good end to a good day!!

Kestrel Merlin

Sanderling

Golden Plover

All Over The Place (Plus 1 Life Tick)

2009-10-17T19:10:00.008+01:00

We have been all around Northumberland today looking for birds. We started very locally at St. Mary’s to see if we could find the firecrest. After looking around for 30 mins we decided to give up and start on the waders. The North Bay produced 3 oystercatchers, 3 dunlin, 2 turnstone, 1 curlew, 17 redshank and a bar-tailed godwit (now in its 3rd week at St. Mary’s). Just as we started to leave, a peregrine flew over getting all the waders to fly. It soon landed somewhere near Seaton Sluice and not quite out of view. We left after that. However, on our way out, we saw a short-eared owl fly over the south bay sending all the gulls up. Not bad so far!! Then we went to Holywell for the guided tour. We went to the members hide first which didn’t give us anything until a report came in about a pectoral sandpiper at the public hide so we all left and went there. Just before we got there, Bob Dack (a friend of Holywell Pond) came out and gave the dreadful words of ‘it’s just flown that way’. We couldn’t believe it, just our luck but we went in the hide and waited. We saw 5 snipe, loads of geese and gulls, 50+ lapwing and eventually after 40 minutes, a pectoral sandpiper! Hooray!! We then went to Druridge Pools to finish the day with a glossy ibis. When we arrived in the Oddie Hide, everybody was around the windows to the right of the hide. The Ibis was there feeding. We watched that for a while before a heron flew in landed very close to the hide. It produced brilliant views without chasing the ibis! There was an amazing amount of shoveler at Druridge today but only females. Just as we were leaving, a greenshank flew over and landed on the mud. A very successful day! 164 – Pectoral Sandpiper (another life tick!) Pectoral Sandpiper Grey Heron

Glossy Ibis Greenshank

Shoveler

A good hour of birding 6/10/09

2009-10-06T21:01:00.009+01:00

Just come back from St. Mary’s. The tide was coming in fast so I just got 10 minutes but it was worth it. The North Bay contained a bar-tailed godwit, 2 curlews, 3 redshank, 24 sanderling, 9 turnstone, 3 ringed plover, 50 golden plover and a cormorant fishing. I tried to get photos of all of them in the short time that the tide let me have! I called into Briar Dene Car Park on the way back, no sign of med gull but there were 2 common gulls present. We also saw a grey wagtail fly over then land quite close to the car park down under the bridge in the little stream. As this was a first at St. Mary’s for me we went and got a few photos before moving on. After that we went to Tynemouth Boating Lake to see the barnacle goose. When we arrived there was only one goose there and it was the barnacle goose. Quite easy to spot! The wind picked up a bit while we were there but it soon settled letting me get some photos. A good hour of birding! Cormorant Curlew

Bar-Tailed GodwitRinged Plover Grey Wagtail

Common Gull

Barnacle Goose

A Glossy end to the day!

2009-09-28T08:01:00.007+01:00

Yesterday, we decided to go on a big journey today with my new lens. It is a 70-200mm with a 1.7 converter. We started at Thornley Woods where there wasn’t much at all except stock doves, squirrels, coal tits and nuthatches! I was a bit disappointed with the outcome of Thornley. Next we went to Big Waters. We got there and went straight to the main hide. It was very busy so I just got a spot at the feeders although I still had a view of the main pond. After watching the goldfinches, blue tits, great tits and greenfinches for a while, I saw 3 snipe out of the window. They were a bit far off for photos but within 10 minutes they were right underneath the window. I got some great photos of birds that I have never seen that close before! We left soon after that to go to Cresswell to see the Glossy Ibis via St. Mary’s. We arrived at St. Mary’s and sat in the North Bay for half an hour on the rocks. It was fantastic sitting watching the waders feed around us, the dunlin came especially close. They we within 7 feet of us producing great views and photos. There was a curlew that came very close as well and I got a photo of that too. After sitting for 30 minutes we went to Cresswell. When we got there, there were loads of people in the car park but they told us that we had just missed the ibis my 15 minutes. After a while, someone got a call to say it was near Bell’s Pool. The car park cleared within 2 minutes. Everyone went to Bell’s Pool. We followed everyone and when we got there, we immediately saw mine and my dad’s first Glossy Ibis. It was in the field just beyond the pool but it soon flew onto the pool giving us great views. A glossy end to the day!!

Snipe

Goldfinch Redshank Curlew Dunlin

Glossy Ibis

The St. Mary's Sparrowhawk

2009-09-20T15:20:00.006+01:00

Just got back from St. Mary's. Wanted to check out the waders and other birds. The tide was right out so the waders were quite far out as well. We saw redshank, dunlin, turnstone, curlew, ringed plover and a possible whimbrel. My dad also saw a manx shearwater out at sea but we only had one pair of bins, so I didn't see it! As we sat down to eat our chips, a massive flock of golden plover flew over glinting in the sun. The black-headed gulls and starlings ate most of my chips, but what's the seaside for?? We watched the red arrows fly over a couple of times as well while we were eating. On our way home, the highlight of the day arrived. I was scanning the waders when a big brown bird flew in front of my view at a massive speed sending all the birds up. I thought it might of been a peregrine until I watched it's hunting technique as it took out a starling and landed in the rocks. We searched for it and finally saw it flap it's wings and then discovered that it was a female sparrowhawk. I went down onto the rocks and walked along towards it. It let me get within 10 feet of it producing great views and photos before flying off about 100 feet with the starling still in it's grip. A brilliant end to the day! Sparrowhawk Starling Black-Headed GullRed Arrows

Big Waters

2009-09-15T20:30:00.005+01:00

Been to Big Waters this evening to see what was around. We went to the main hide first. The feeders were quiet with tree sparrows, robins, greenfinches and a goldfinch. The Great Spotted Woodpecker did show on the feeders but just very briefly. I still haven’t caught up with the sparrowhawk that lives there yet put hopefully I will soon! The pond had 2 Great Crested Grebes, Mallard, Teal, Cormorants and Mute Swans. Two moorhens were fighting on the other side of the pond so not much of interest. I had been the day before and seen the kingfisher but at the other hide. We wanted to see it in better light as it was a dull day last time we saw it. We went round to the other hide and I heard it call as soon as we got there. We opened the windows and it was sitting there with a fish. It gave us brilliant views both times we were there and if you haven’t seen it yet, it is well worth the journey! KingfisherRobin

Blacktoft Sands RSPB

2009-09-13T16:10:00.008+01:00

On the second day of the holiday we went to Blacktoft Sands RSPB. I wanted to see some rare waders and bearded tits. We were told to visit all hides by the wardens in the reception so we did. The first hide was quite good which produced a marsh harrier and some redshank. However, the second hide was the best. When we got there, we saw some waders in front of the hide which were ruff. I had never been that close to ruff before, so I got some photos. A bit later, we saw some bearded tits which I had never seen before. They were on the mud itself which I didn’t expect. I expected them to be on the reeds! They were very far off so no chance of a photo! They were lots of little grebes dotted around the ponds as well which was nice. One came really close, close enough for a good photo. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much more of interest except a single spotted redshank in amongst the common redshank and a green sandpiper. After that we went to Alkborough Flats. When we got there we saw there were waders there so we went to the hide. We immediately saw my favourite wader, the unmistakable avocet. I thought all the avocets had gone but I was wrong! We also saw a group of black-tailed godwits. We didn’t see much else until the end when a marsh harrier flew over and a hobby a bit later which I had never seen either. Just as we were leaving we saw 3 spoonbills fly on to the lake which was a great sight just as we left. A great end to a great holiday! Ruff Group of Avocets

Little Grebe Pair of Marsh Harrier

The Med Gull is back!

2009-09-06T16:21:00.004+01:00

Called in to the Brier Dene car park, after St. Mary's didn't produce much except turnstone and redshank, to find the med gull that has come back from last year. It was sitting in amongst the black-headed gulls when we got there but it moved around the car park and kept moving closer to us which was very nice. It's very tame and gives great opportunities for photos!

Birding Holiday - Bempton Cliffs RSPB

2009-09-01T14:56:00.007+01:00

Just come back from holiday in Beverley. We had been planning the trip for ages and finally did it! We were staying in Beverley Youth Hostel not far from Hull. We were planning to go to Bempton Cliffs RSPB then to Blacktoft Sands RSPB. So, on the first day we went to Bempton. We wanted to see the gannets really as I've never been close to gannets before. When we got there, we found out that there were just gannets on the cliffs and the rest of the seabirds had disappeared off to sea. We walked down to the cliffs and went to all 5 viewpoints. The best was the far left one because the gannets were closest to us. There were also a few fulmar nesting on the cliffs as well so it wasn't literally just gannets! I got the photos I wanted and it was a great start to the holiday!

Adult Gannets Juvenile Gannet

A rewarding trip to Wallington 25/8/09

2009-08-26T20:11:00.005+01:00

Went to Wallington Hall NT yesterday to see what we could find. Unfortunately, there wasn't much in the way of wildlife on the way to the hide but there was when we got there! As soon as we went in, we saw birds all over the feeders. I had a quick scan of the birds as we went in but there wasn't much of interest. After sitting for 10 minutes, it started to get good. A pair of nuthatches showed up with a lovely willow tit(?) - I am not sure whether this is a marsh tit. It stayed there for a while before flying into the trees behind. Just as I sat back down, it got better. We noticed a Jay had showed up for us in the trees. We thought it wasn't going to give us any good views, then it did. It flew down onto the ground giving us good photo opportunities. Apart from those two, there wasn't much else to see but still a good day!

Willow or Marsh? (Some people from birdguides thought this was a marsh tit but help would be appreciated!)

Chaffinch Great Tit

Jay Juvenile Blue Tit

Lancashire Holiday

2009-08-22T17:13:00.007+01:00

I have just got back from Lancashire today. We stayed in Riddlesdale Park in one of the lodges. It wasn't a birding holiday but we were planning on doing a little bit of birding! On Tuesday, we went to Martin Mere WWT. We had read about some recent sightings and we wanted to see a spotted redshank and a wood sandpiper - wishful thinking! However, we did see a spotted redshank - from the Ron Barker Hide which we were very happy about as it was my first ever spotshank. It was with 2 greenshank, a few duniln and loads of lapwing. I digiscoped it with the greenshank, then we moved on. The only other things of note at Martin Mere were 4 whooper swans in the field in front of us. We left Martin Mere and went a mile down the road to Mere Sands Wood to see if we could find the kingfisher. We walked round and into the redwing hide. After a while, we saw the kingfisher fly across the lake to the right so we went to the next hide - the rufford hide. When we arrived, we met a man called Brian Rafferty who puts his photos of birdguides. When we went in he told us to be quiet and when we looked out, we saw the kingfisher sitting on the branch in front of the hide! After about 30 minutes of photos, it flew off and we left happy! The only other thing of note of this holiday was a goose at Fountains Abbey in East Yorkshire. At first I thought it was a white-fronted goose, but now I'm not so sure. Anyone know?

White Fronted Goose??2 Greenshank with lapwing

Spotshank with 3 lapwing Whooper Swans Common Kingfisher

Saltholme RSPB 5/8/09

2009-08-06T10:00:00.005+01:00

Went to Saltholme yesterday to look for the curlew and pectoral sandpipers. When we got there, we saw a grey wagtail in the car park. When we got to the reception hide we went over to the window to see what there was. The big colony of sand martins was busy, the terns were noisy and there was a cormorant diving all over the lake. We moved on to the wildlife watch point. Except it wasn't! There was only swans and coots. The feeders had nothing on them at all so we moved on to the second hide quite quickly! From that hide we saw 9 little egrets, 2 shoveler and lots of common terns. We wandered on to the next hide where the pectoral sandpiper was being seen from. When we went in and sat down, we saw some waders on the far side of the pond. We scanned them and a warden told us that there was 2 ruff which I saw because they were bigger than the redshank and dunlin. But we also saw a tiny wader which was my first ever little stint. No sign of the curlew or pectoral sandpipers. I asked the warden where they were and he said we had justed missed them and they were there yesterday morning. Typical! We went to the surrounding pools after Saltholme. However, there wasn't much anywhere except 10 black-tailed godwits at Calor Gas Pool.

Common Tern Small White? Not sure about the insects. Can anyone help?

Grey Seals at Seal Sands

A great end to a great day! 23/7/09

2009-07-23T16:25:00.010+01:00

Been out and about today. First, we went to Big Waters then St. Mary's. We actually started at St. Mary's but the tide was too far out to see any waders. We decided to come back after Big Waters to see if the tide had come in any more. So we went to Big Waters. When we arrived, we went to the main hide to see what there was on the feeders. There was a lot more than I expected. When we first had look there wasn't much but it got better. Soon a male bullfinch showed up closely followed by the female 5 minutes later. We watched them for 10 minutes before they left the feeders again. We sat for another 15 minutes without seeing much on the pond or the feeders. There was 6 ducklings and 7 cygnets in front of the hide and 2 little grebes further across. Not much more on the pond however. But soon after, a yellowhammer showed up on the feeders with 3 stock doves. A juvenile GS Woodpecker made an appearance as well. There was also baby great, blue and coal tits as well as a wren. Plenty of chaffinches and greenfinches too. At 2pm, we went to St. Mary's. The tide had come in, so we went to the North bay to see the waders. We noticed the sand martin colony too on the way round. Unfortunately, there wasn't many waders even at low tide so we called it a day. However, on the way back to the car, we did see 2 waders fly in towards the shore, so I went down to see them and got some photos. I think they are curlew sandpiper, what does everyone think? Bullfinch

Tree Sparrow Wren

Pair of Bullfinches Yellowhammer Stock Dove

Goldfinches Dunlin

Farne Islands 18/7/09

2009-07-18T09:37:00.015+01:00

I have just returned from the farnes today. I love the Farnes. It's one of my favourite places to go so I have been wanting to go for weeks. Anyway, we got the 10am ferry across to Staple Island then to Inner Farne. We returned at 4:30pm. We spent 3 and a half hours on each island. The bad weather didn't stop us! We arrived in Seahouses at 9:30(ish) to have a look on the rocks. Not much around so we went straight to the ferry. It left prompt on 10 and we made our way to Staple Island. We saw the usual creatures on the way over such as: puffin, guillemot, razorbill, gannet, Arctic, common and sandwich terns and seals. When we arrived on Staple Island, we saw the big colony of guillemots on the way in which was astonishing to see that many (although I saw them last year it was still amazing!) I spent the first 30 minutes standing at the entrance of the island taking puffins in flight! After many attempts, I got a good one. We walked round the island and as we wandered round, we noticed that a few guillemots had white eye stripes but most of them didn't. We thought this was strange and don't know why that is. There was colonies everywhere such as: puffin, fulmar, razorbill, shag, guillemot... the list could nearly go on forever! When we got back to the boat and went to Inner Farne, we saw 2 whimbrel as we past Brownsman which was quite nice. Inner Farne was much the same but with a difference. The Terns. Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns. As soon as we got onto the island we got attacked from everywhere by the arctic terns. Luckily, we had hats so they didn't hurt but their peck hurts if you don't have a hat. Most of them had young but a couple still had eggs. It is quite late in year for eggs, we only saw 3 nests with them. On the journey back to Seahouses, we saw loads of gannets. I was interested in seeing little terns, so I asked the warden where to see them and he suggested Long Nanny. So, we went there. When we got there, we saw loads of arctic terns and after looking carefully I managed to see 5 pairs of Little Terns. I had never seen little terns before and it was nice to them nesting. On the way back home, we saw a hare run off the road to the side where we took some photos. Puffins Galore! Babies Everywhere: Grey Seal Shag, Kittiwake and Arctic Tern Razorbill

Brown Hare

Sparrowhawk

2009-06-18T19:57:00.006+01:00

My Great Uncle Bob, who died 6 years ago, was a very keen birdwatcher with a big video camera.We were going through his videos a couple of days ago and came across this footage of a sparrowhawk at a song thrushes nest - amazing isn't it?

Me and my dad went to Holywell Pond yesterday with the other wardens for a guided birdwatching event organised by NWT. It was a really good evening and a big thank you to Mike and the other birders for hosting it and keeping everyone right on their birds - fantastic.

DAY THREE OF MULL

2009-06-15T19:21:00.006+01:00

DAY THREE OF MULL – EXPLORING THE ISLAND On the third day of this fantastic trip, we toured the island by ourselves without a guide. We did the route we had done the day before with some extras. We started the day by driving towards Craignure. We didn’t see anything on the way so we carried on our route. We got to the spot where the hen harrier was but no sign of it then. We carried on down the road until we got to a junction and we left the normal route to go down a road that eventually led to Loch Buie where we were hoping to see red-throated divers. On the way there, we saw a brown wader fly out of the grass to our right. We soon found out it was a snipe. After getting some photos, we moved on. We soon got to the coast. There were lots of little rocks for waders to sit on. We kept looking to see which waders we could see. We saw 3 common sandpipers, 10+ oystercatchers and 4 redshanks. Not much there but a lot more to come. When we arrived at the loch, we had lunch straight away on the beach next to a tree. As we ate, a pair of chaffinches came down and starting eating the crumbs. They were very tame and we soon found out why. It kept the food in its beak so we knew it must have had a nest somewhere. We watched where it went and soon found out; the nest was in the tree we were sitting under! It was hidden in the tree so no photos but we could see the babies quite well. That wasn’t the only nest we found however. When we went further along the bay, we saw a pair of oystercatchers calling loudly at us so we got back in the car and watched where they went. After 10 minutes, we saw the oystercatcher walk back towards us and sit on the pebbles. Obviously, it was a nest that we had missed so when it left the nest again, we went over to have a look. 2 eggs were there in amongst the stones and it was very well camouflaged. But what we had really hoped to see were RT Divers. After moving away from the oystercatcher’s nest, we set the scope up and scanned the loch. After 10 minutes of scanning, we eventually saw them, a pair of them in the middle of the loch. They didn’t come any closer so we moved on. Next onto the sea eagles nest. On the way there, we past some mudflats. There was a ringed plover, lots of redshank, oystercatchers, common gulls and a heron. Further down the road we saw a hooded crow and a pair of curlew before reaching the sea eagles nest. When we arrived, the female was on the nest but it soon left the nest and flew out of sight. They are really massive! After that we went back to Tobermory. We did our normal routine. Fish and Chips then to the pub! On our way back from the pub. We were told that the otter was around. We couldn’t find it so we went back. We sat down to Britain’s Got Talent the 5 minutes later someone burst in and said: “The Otter’s out!” so everyone scrambled out and sure enough there it was and this time, I had the camera! It was quite dark but I still got some shots. It was climbing in people’s boats then it began to swim towards the bridge. Everyone ran round then it swam under the bridge we were standing on so we got some magnificent views. As we were walking back a peregrine flew over to just finish off a great day! Unfortunately the trip was nearly over as we had to go the next day. But the journey home also contained some good sightings...

Adult Oystercatcher and the nest

Friendly Chaffy SandpiperCommon Snipe

Otter PeregrineSea Eagle Hooded Crow

DAY TWO OF MULL

2009-06-08T18:22:00.002+01:00

DAY 2 OF MULL - The Safari On the first proper day of the trip, we went on a wildlife safari in hope to see golden and sea eagles, otters and hen harriers. We left the hostel at 9:30 for Craignure where we were getting picked up. The tour began at 10:30 but we left enough time to go to have a look for the black guillemots on the old pier. We did see them although they were flying in the distance. As we walked back to the car from the pier we saw some house martins drinking from a puddle with a greenfinch. Then we went back to the ferry landing to start the tour. Just as the tour started someone said “what’s that!?” and we all looked up to see a sea eagle flying along with the van. We started to go fast to try and get in front of it to get some photos but just as we got out, it flew behind the trees and out of sight. So we went on. Our next stop was a lake to look for otters. I don’t know the name of the loch but there were houses next to it. Anyway, we did see some otters but they must have been ¼ mile away! On the way back to the van we heard a cuckoo. So we all got back in the car to look for it. Then when we turned a corner, we saw it on a telegraph wire. It took flight when we came but then it came back to the wire. After watching that for 10 minutes, we went on. A bit further down the road we saw a bird of prey flying across the field, it was grey. Say no more, Hen Harrier. We all scrambled out of the car to see it and get photos. As it drifted away into the distance, we all got back in and went further along to try and see it again. While we were looking we spotted a whinchat and a willow warbler. We didn’t see it anymore sadly so we went on to see the sea eagles chicks in the nest. We got there and everyone got there scopes out to have a look. The male was sitting next to 2 chicks in the nest. We wanted to see the female come to the nest but it never did so we got back in and went to see some golden eagles. We got some distant views of some goldies but not close enough for a photo. That concluded the tour and we got dropped back at Craignure. The main highlight of the day for me was the hen harrier although the day still wasn’t over. In Craignure, we saw some house martins building nests under the eaves of houses We drove back and saw a buzzard sitting on a post eating what looks like a frog? As we drive further down the road, we saw over 6 wheatear on rocks or on posts. Just as we were nearly back, we saw a sea eagle fly over the car with some great views with some good photos. A very special day!

Buzzard on a post eating a frog? House Martin Building Nest

Hen Harrier WT Sea Eagle Willow Warbler Wheatear

Male Greenfinch

Isle of Mull Trip 28/5/09 - 31/5/09 DAY ONE

2009-06-02T16:18:00.010+01:00

DAY ONE: The Journey to Mull

We left the house in Whitley Bay at 8:45am on Thursday morning. We arrived in Oban harbour at 2:30pm so we had time to go and look for black guillemots. On the sea there was 2 RB mergansers, 2 mallards and 30+ herring gulls. Just when we thought there was going to be no black guillemots, a pair floated straight in front of us giving

us opportunities for photos. There were quite a distance away although still a pleasure to see. When we got on the ferry 45 minutes later, we went up on deck and saw a great black-backed gull flying along with the ship. People were feeding it crisps etc. Sadly, nothing else was seen from the deck and we didn't see a Manx shearwater like we had wanted. But never mind! When we arrived in Craignure, we looked for the pair of black guillemots there but there was no sign of them. On the way to the hostel in Tobermory we saw 3 buzzards and a few hooded crows but not much else. A bit later on that night when we were returning from the pub at 8pm(!), we saw an otter swimming under the bridge we were standing on. It sat on a rock for 20 secs about 10ft away from us. Unfortunately I didn't have the camera as we had just been to the pub but it was still a very special view!

One of the many gulls in Oban Harbour

The friendly great black-backed gull on the ferry.

Black Guillemot

Recent Sightings 24/5/09 - 27/5/09

2009-05-27T10:03:00.007+01:00

These are a few sightings that I have seen lately:

Lapwing and White Wagtail? (not sure) at Druridge Pools.

Does anyone know what type of caterpillar this is because I am not sure? (Also taken at Druridge Pools)

Lapwing Chick at Cresswell Little Egret at Hauxley NR (Had to wait about 15 minutes before it walked in front of the Eric's Hide)

Sparrowhawk, Song Thrush and Starling Chick taken in my garden.

Warblers all around

2009-05-20T16:28:00.013+01:00

On Sunday, we went on a dawn chorus walk arranged by the NWT in Plessey Woods. On our way round we heard lots of common birds like chiffchaff, willow warbler, robin, blue tit etc. We also saw a male blackcap singing but it soon moved when we got close. We also saw a grey wagtail on the river. Just as we were nearly back, we saw a juvenile mistle thrush flap into the bushes and when we passed this is what we saw:

What you lookin' at?

After the walk we went to Cresswell to see if we could find any sedge warblers. Sure enough when we got there, we saw a sedge warbler fly into the reeds in front of the car. It sat there for quite a while until it decided it had had enough and left. We went onto Druridge to find some whitethroats on our way to the hide and some waders on the pond. We didn't see any whitethroats on the way but from the open hide, we saw the spoonbill. There was also a yellow wagtail calling from the grass but we couldn't locate it. The spoonbill was on the far side so I had some attempts at digiscoping it. However, that is all there was so we went to Hauxley. On our way to the Eric's hide we saw a willow warbler singing it's heart out. Not much from the Eric's hide but the wader hide was a lot better. When we went in, we heard two sandpipers calling but we couldn't locate them until they flew straight in front of us and landed on the rocks to the left. Seconds later, 2 grey partridges flew in front disappearing into the distance. There was also the resident redshank in front of the hide that is always there. Unfortunately there was nothing else except for this whitethroat on the way home on the beehive road:

The Warblers we saw:

Sedge Warbler

Willow Warbler

Whitethroat

Blackcap

Chiffchaff

Common Sandpiper

Willow Warbler

Spoonbill Sedge Warbler

Hauxley, Druridge, East Chev and Cresswell.

2009-05-14T20:38:00.003+01:00

On Sunday we went to Cresswell to see these wagtails that we can never find! As always, they weren't there and there wasn't much on the pond so we went to Druridge. We went to the mini-pond first which produced 3 black-wits, 6 dunlin and not much else. So we moved on to the bigger pond. On our way, we saw a whitethroat on our way to the hides. It just flew as we saw it so no picture unfortunately. From the first hide we saw 10 dunlin, 6 ringed plover and 2 nesting greylags. There was nothing at all on the main pond so we went to East Chev. On our way in, as we walked across the bridge, we saw a sedge warbler fly into the reeds. After 20 mins of looking, it never showed again. Just then it started to rain - heavily!! We ran to the hide and dived in. Not much on the pond and if it hadn't been for the 3 wheatears to the right side of the hide, we would have had nothing to watch! After it stopped raining we left the hide and went to Hauxley. On the board, in the reception hide there had been a marsh harrier seen 1 hour before we got there. As we walked round we saw 2 muscovy ducks on the little pond near the Eric's Hide. There were 2 gadwall in front of the hide but nothing else unusual expect a bar-wit on the far side. Not a bad day although not excellent. Wheatear Muscovy Ducks Gadwall

A little extra!: This year I set myself a challenge - to get a half-decent photo of a swift. This is what I came out with:

Bits and Pieces from the last month 2/5/09

2009-05-02T08:40:00.005+01:00

Here are a few photos that I have taken over the past month that didn't posted: Avocet at Washington WWTWillow Tit at Washington WWTBuzzard at Elsdon Moors Otter at Druridge Pools Waxwing at Shiremoor Metro Station (My first ever waxwing. At last!!) Nuthatch, Stock Dove and Yellowhammer at Thornley Woods. (The Yellowhammer just turned away as I was taking it's photo!)

Cresswell and Hauxley 27/4/09

2009-04-28T17:25:00.003+01:00

After reading about everything that was at Cresswell such as the blue-headed wagtail, we went down to have a look. When we got there, nobody was looking in the field and we couldn't see anything on our way past so we went straight to the hide. As we parked our car, we noticed a hare in the field. On our way to the hide, we saw the pair of stonechats that live there and a robin. When we got to the hide, the mudflats were there but there was no waders. The rarest bird we saw was a male garganey in the corner of the pond. There were also a pair of herons that flew straight towards the hide before turning and flying over the field next to the hide. We left soon after to go to Hauxley. When we got there, we went straight to the feeding station. Unfortunately we couldn't get in the hide because a wren was nesting in it! So, we went to the first hide (Eric's Hide). When we got there we saw some big orange waders and brownish-white waders. We identified them as bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits. As we were watching them we noticed a duck with a long tail, and then saw that it was a pintail with it's head under it's wing. After watching these for quite a while we went to the wader hide. There wasn't much except a pair of gadwall and a redshank. On our way back we noticed the bar-headed goose in the field. We walked all the way round to the furthest hide because we saw some more godwits over there right outside the hide. And when we got there, sure enough they were there. Both types. As we were watching them, a crow flew in and stood in the water for a while. Then all of a sudden it starting pecking very hard into the ground and that was when we noticed it had a flatfish in it's beak!! A very successful day.

Redshank

Canada Goose Crow with Flatfish

Group of GodwitsBlack-Tailed Godwit

Birding in Budapest

2009-04-22T09:32:00.007+01:00

This week I have been in Budapest since Friday. It's not a birding holiday but I couldn't resist a little bit! Unfortunately, I haven't got the camera with me so I can't take photos but I will still be looking! On the first day we got here, from the balcony that we have, I heard a sharp call that I had never heard before and after looking for it, I discovered that there were 2 black redstarts singing on the roof of the hotel. I have never seen black redstarts before so it was even better. A bit later on in the day, We heard woodpeckers calling and when we went to have a look there were 3 green woodpeckers feeding on the ground. As we were watching the green woodpeckers, a biggish bird caught my eye flying to a tree on the far side of the garden. It landed on the tree and gripped the trunk so we knew it was another woodpecker. Then we saw the red under it's wing an we knew that it was a Great Spotted Woodpecker. A very good woodpecker day! P.S: When we go round sightseeing in Budapest I often notice that they don't have carrion crows here but all over the city centre are hooded crows.

Saltholme RSPB 14/4/09

2009-04-15T09:17:00.006+01:00

Yesterday, me and my dad decided to go and try out the new reserve - Saltholme. When we got there we found out that there were 3 hides so we went to the first one which had a feeding station. On the feeders there were loads of goldfinches and 3 reed buntings but not much else so we went to the next hide. Unfortunately there wasn't much except a great-crested grebe so we went to the last hide which was the very best. When we went in we noticed a black-tailed godwit next to 4 wigeon. We weren't sure what type it was until it turned it's tail and we saw it was black. Then someone pointed out a wader on the far side which was a ruff. I tried to digiscope it but it didn't turn out very well. Just as we were about to leave the hide, a white-fronted goose flew over too fast for me to get the camera out. Unlucky!

After Saltholme we went to Greatham Creek to see the avocets. We got to the first little bit of metal which was the hide that the avocets were in and sure enough there were 8 avocets - 1 of which was sitting on eggs. We went to the hide that overlooked the sea and we saw 2 seals. Not much else though so we went back to the avocets. My dad noticed a little wader to the right of the avocet nest and after looking hard at it we decided it was a little ringed plover. A lovely end to the day!

Avocet Pair Avocet Nest Little Ringed Plover

Digiscoped Ruff Goldfinch

A good day in the hills 10/4/09

2009-04-11T09:18:00.008+01:00

My dad told me about a peregrine nest site that he had come across with his dad over 30 years ago high up in the Cheviots - he's never been back since. I asked him if he would take me to see if it was still being used today. We parked the car and walked for an hour into the hills until we came to a cliff face, it was raining slighting so we sheltered under a tree which gave us good views of the cliff. At first there appeared to be nothing there and we thought we had wasted our time when suddenly a female peregrine appeared overhead and flew onto a ledge high up on the cliff. She sat there watching and preening for 10 minutes before settling down until only her head was visible. After a while the male flew over and the female flew up to greet him before returning to the ledge. We watched for about an hour before quietly sneaking away so we didn't disturb them. I have read that some nest sites have been used for 100 years and we now know that this one has been used for at least 30 years. It occured to me that the next generation of our family was watching the next generation of the peregrine family. I wonder if I'll be showing my kids this wonderful sight in 30 years time!!

On the drive up there we drove through Elsdon where we saw a pair of dippers under the bridge and as we were watching them a pair of sand martins flew over. Other sightings were 100+ fieldfare, 6 red-legged partridges, 5 wheatear and lots of buzzards. Spectacular views of the peregrine LapwingRL Partridge Fieldfare

Hauxley, Druridge and Cresswell 8/4/09

2009-04-11T08:11:00.005+01:00

For a little day out on Wednesday, my grandma took me to Hauxley, Druridge and Cresswell. We arrived at Hauxley first and went into the reception. The warden in the hide said that there was a bar-headed goose in the fields to the right. We couldn't see it so we waited for it to come. After 30 mins it still didn't show so we left. We went to the feeders which produced 3 pheasants, 6 tree sparrows and 4 chaffinches. So we moved on to the first hide. From there we saw 2 gadwall feeding just in front of us. Also, the teal numbers were good and two sailed just in front of us next to the gadwall. The other hides sadly didn't produce much except to lapwing in courtship so we went back to reception. The warden said that we had missed the bar-headed goose by 2 minutes. It flew across the pond just before we got there. Damn!! After that we went to Druridge Pools to see if we could see the little egret and garganey. When we got to the main pond, we saw a pair of mergansers and a Great Crested Grebe. The GCG was quite far away but not a bad photo either. We saw the little egret from the other hide but no garganey and the egret was in the reeds miles away! Cresswell, unfortunately was the worst reserve which is very rare. Nothing except a whooper swan on the far bank. Very dissapointing but the other reserves were good and produced some nice birds and photos.

Gadwall GC Grebe Pheasant Lapwing Courtship

Teal

A weeks worth of birding

2009-04-06T19:33:00.006+01:00

I've had some interesting sightings during my travels this week starting with a pair of buzzards over the Snowy Owl pub in Cramlington. A fairly unsuccessful visit to St. Mary's resulted in a pair of greylags on the pond and a reed bunting. No sign of the garganey this time. Driving through Killingworth on Saturday morning we saw the short-eared owl hunting over it's usual field but when we went later, it wasn't there.

I visited Washington WWT today with my grandparents hoping to see the avocets. And sure enough there they were along with 20+ shelduck and a heron with a chick. A visit to the feeders revealed the usual birds such as bullfinches, chaffinches and blue tits although I was surprised to see a reed bunting on the feeder. Also there was a chiffchaff as we were walking around the reserve but it was too far off for a photo.

Avocet Chaffinch

Shelducks

Reed Bunting

Lapwing

St. Mary's Garganey

2009-04-01T19:01:00.003+01:00

After school tonight I went down to St. Mary's to see the garganey that was on the wetland. As soon as we got there, it was showing well near the reeds. We got some snaps but as it was to far away for anything decentwe went to the north bay but nothing to be seen expect 2 rock pipits, 2 oystercatchers and a redshank. When we went back to the wetland, I counted 60 redshank on the far bank along with 5 black-headed gulls and 2 snipe. The garganey had moved to the far side but soon flew off with the other ducks out to sea. I think they will probably be back soon though.

Garganey

Some good sightings at Wallington Hall 29/3/09

2009-03-29T18:38:00.007+01:00

Today, all the family decided to go out to Wallington. As we parked the car and went to pay to get in, a nuthatch was feeding right at our feet. Got some shots and then moved to the feeding station. When we arrived at the hide, we knew that we wouldn't be able to see much as there were about 15 people in the hide. Luckily, after 5 mins, some people moved off so we grabbed a spot. There was 30+ chaffinches in front of us. 10+ greenfinches, 2 coal tits, and 6-7 blue tits. As the time moved on, a GS Woodpecker came and starting feeding. It was a lovely sight so close to us, but it soon went back to the trees. Just as it left, a buzzard flew over the hide so I ran out to get some photos. A bit later on, we had a fantastic surprise. A pair of brambling came out of the trees and starting feeding. The male on the ground and the female on the seed feeder. After those lovely spots, we left the hide and went over to the gardens to see if we could see the kingfisher. No luck, however a robin was feeding about a metre away from me so I couldn't resist some photos!!

GS Woodpecker Brambling: Top - Male. Bottom - Female Robin Common Buzzard

NuthatchChaffinch

GreenfinchCoal Tit

St. Mary's and Holywell Ponds 24/3/09

2009-03-26T18:11:00.005Z

Went to St. Mary's on Tuesday to see what waders were down there. We got down to the north bay I noticed a group of white waders on the point. I went in for a loser look. There was: 20 dunlin, 30 sanderling, 5 redshank, 5 turnstone and 10 knot. On our way back to the sand, we came saw 2 purple sandpipers right in front of us which was a good opportunity for a photo. Back on the bay there were 20 sanderling running with the waves and also 3 turnstone. As we pushed on further along the bay, a fulmar flew over which is a new sighting at St. Mary's. I was very surprised to see no pipits what so ever in the bay. There are usually rock pipits at the least. Anyway onto Holywell. When we got in the hide there were plenty of greenfinches on the feeders, mallards and tufties on the pond and a great spotted woodpecker in the feeding station. Later on a little grebe popped up in front of the hide but it soon went away. No sign of the water rail unfortunately but some nice views of the woodpecker.

Purple Sandpiper The group of waders Sanderling GS Woodpecker Fulmar

Pipits at St. Mary's 19/3/09

2009-03-19T19:36:00.003Z

After school, we went down to St. Mary's to see what was there. On the bay we saw lots of pipits flying around but I managed to get photos of two different pipits and think one of them could be the water pipit. Has anyone got any ideas on it?

Water Pipit?

Bothal, East Chevington, Druridge and Cresswell 14/3/09

2009-03-15T09:43:00.005Z

We decided that we would visit all the ponds today. First stop was Bothal. After scanning the water for 15 minutes, we gave up as there was no sign of the green-winged teal despite a report on Birdguides that it was there - we must be looking in the wrong place. However, there were 4 whooper swans along with the ducks on the far side of the pond. Next was East Chevington for the Glauc. When we went into the first hide, a gadwall swam straight in front of us but too quick for a photo. While we were there we saw: 2 shelduck, 3 more whooper swans, and 4 gadwall. Unfortunately, that was all of interest so we set off for Druridge. However, we soon stopped again as there was a common toad in the middle of the road risking life and limb! I went back and took a photo of it then we went to Druridge. As it was so windy, we couldn't really see what was on the ponds but we did manage to see a heron and 20+ whooper swans (yet again!) in the field on the far side of the pond. Then off to Cresswell. We sat in the car for 10 mins waiting for the barn owl but due to the wind, we decided that it wasn't going to come out so we went to the hide. But on the way on the smaller pond there was 2 shelduck with another heron. In the hide, there was lots of ducks on the pond but not much of interest. On the way out we saw a pair of stonechats on the wall.

Whooper Swans at Bothal

Pair of Stonechats at Cresswell Common Toad at Druridge

Killingworth Lake

2009-03-12T19:48:00.003Z

Today after school, we went to Killingworth Lake to look for the Barnacle Goose at the far end. As soon as we arrived, I saw it straight away because of the head colouring and it was much smaller than the Canadian geese although it was grazing with them. After searching the lake for any rare ducks we left after finding none. It was still light so we called into Swallow Ponds for a quick 20 minutes. When we got to the hide, we saw a little grebe straight away in front of the hide. There were many ducks such as pochard, teal, wigeon and mallard. Later on, we saw a great-crested grebe crossing the pond but it was to far away for a photo.

Barnacle Goose

Some unusual sightings at Blyth Harbour 10/3/09

2009-03-11T19:27:00.005Z

At 5 o'clock we went to Blyth Harbour for the glauc that is meant to be there. On our way in on the path there was some little birds which turned out to be linnet. Further on, we saw the two Iceland Gulls straight away on the pier again. As we went on we saw many black-headed, herring and great black-backed gulls but no glauc. We went to the very end of the far pier looking for the glauc. We had two unexpected sightings of creatures in the sea. The first we saw was two common porpoise jumping up. While we were watching them, a seal popped it's head out the water for a look but we didn't see it again when it went back down. They were good sightings and some relatively good photos as well. Blyth Lighthouse

Seal Linnet

Common Porpoise

Glaucous or Iceland?

2009-03-08T16:48:00.004Z

I am now thinking this is a Glaucous gull because of the colouring of the bill and the shape of the head. It certainly looks different to the Iceland gull photos that I took in January. Here are the two for comparison.

Iceland Gull

Glaucous Gull?

Black Lough for the Shrike

2009-03-07T16:08:00.005Z

Today we decided to go to Black Lough to see the Great Grey Shrike. On our way there we called in at Bothal Pond for the GW Teal but nothing to be seen except mallards, coots, tufted ducks and pochard. So we went to black lough. After a mile walk (which felt like 5 miles!) we got to the lough and met another birder who pointed us in the right direction for the shrike. Sure enough the Great Grey Shrike was there! It was sitting on a fence-post about 300m away but then it came for a closer look. I digiscoped it and got some reasonable shots. After that we headed back home and on the way home we saw a red-legged partridge and 3 buzzards on a hedge. We called in to Blyth Harbour after to see the Iceland Gull. I wanted to see it standing so we went to have a look. I was lucky because as soon as we went in to the harbour we saw it standing on the first pier you come to. Excellent views!

Iceland Gull

Great Grey Shrike digiscoped

Green Sandpiper?

2009-03-05T18:54:00.004Z

I was flicking through some old photos when I came across this one taken at Washington Wildfowl Centre in July 08. I think it is a green sandpiper. Can anyone confirm this? Just been out for half a hour around Red House pond in search of the kingfisher but no sign of it although we did see a goldcrest and some long-tailed tits.

Short-Eared Owl 27/2/09

2009-02-27T18:46:00.008Z

Yesterday we were driving past the fields between Backworth and Killingworth when we saw a brown bird hunting in the field at 5-30pm. We guessed it was a short-eared owl but we didn't have time to stop because we had to get to Killingworth for 5-45. So today we went back a couple of hours ago (5pm) and sure enough it was there hunting over the field in the same place. It flew off to a different field and that is when we took the chance. We got out the car and went down the track and hid behind some bushes. 10 minutes later, it was back in our field and it was flying towards us. We thought it would see us but it didn't until I took a photo of it when it was level with us flying 10 metres away! It then went back to the centre of the field and starting hunting again. Some lovely views of it on a lovely night! Short-Eared Owl

A variety of birds all over Northumberland 20-22/2/09

2009-02-23T20:12:00.009Z

As the end of the holidays drew closer, we decided to take a family trip out to Gibside on Friday. We were expecting to see kites straight away and sure enough a red kite flew over as we were getting ready. After that we walked to the feeding station but when we went in there was nothing there at all. However, 5 minutes later it improved. 4 treecreepers, 10+ coal tits, 4 blue tits, a great tit and nuthatch were all there. Satisfied, we left the hide and on the way back, we saw 2 more kites flying over. A good day out there! On Saturday, I promised to take my friend out birding. First we went to the Briar Dene Carpark to show him the Med Gull. It was there as usual. Then off to the lighthouse. When we got there, we had a look on the fresh water lagoon, loads of mallard, teal, wigeon and 4 gadwall which was quite good. Next, down to the north bay for the water pipit. We got there and the usual waders were kicking around: sanderling (100+), dunlin (40+), knot (15+), a redshank and a purple sandpiper. We moved on to see the water pipit. We did see it flash off to the north of the bay so we moved to there. On our way we flushed out the grey wagtail that hangs around there too. We tried to get closer to the pipit but it flew up to the cliffs where we lost sight of it. So another good day!

Just yesterday, we went to look for the mandarin at Killingworth Lake but no sign of it. We did get a good view of some goosander while we were there but not as good a day as the other two.

Med Gull

Nuthatch

Redshank Treecreeper Rock Pipit Goosander Goosander arguing with a coot!

Holywell Pond 18/2/09

2009-02-19T09:08:00.008Z

We went to Holywell Pond really to make a bird box but when the area to make them was full, we went to the hide to see what was in the feeding station and on the pond. In the feeding station there was just the normal stuff: greenfinches, robin, blue tits and a wren appeared. On the pond, after a few minutes watching mute swans, teal, wigeon and canada goose, 2 great-crested grebes came out of the reeds and swam to the other side of the pond. A lovely view of them!

WrenGreat-Crested Grebes

Lakes and The Sea 15/2/09

2009-02-16T14:34:00.016Z

In the morning, we decided that we would go to Colt Crag to view the male smew that was there. On the way there, we were scanning the fields for fieldfare as I was dying to see some. I hadn't seen any before so I was pleased when we got to a field very close to Colt Crag and we saw a group of them. After that, we headed to Clot Crag but didn't see it as the ducks were miles away. So we went to Bolam Lake and on our way there, we saw a little roe deer watching us just at the side of the road which was nice to see. When we got to Bolam, we saw a feeding station just in front of us with a nuthatch hanging off a feeder right in front of our eyes. We went to the lakeside but no sign of the smew so we starting making our way around the lake. When we got to the far side, we saw it in the middle of the pond through the scope. It was a female but we thought it was near to the other bank so we ran around just to see that it was in the middle and it was the same distance away! After seeing it, we left and when we got to the car, 2 long-tailed tits were at the feeding station which was good before we left. After that we went to St. Mary's for the Water Pipit and we saw it as soon as we walked onto the bay but we saw something else next to it on the bank which was identified later as a female stonechat, I got a photo of both which just topped of the day! Stonechat

Water Pipit

Long-Tailed Tit Nuthatch

Roe Deer

A Canny Weekend! 7/2/09

2009-02-11T21:09:00.008Z

After seeing the bird north east blog with an Iceland gull at QE2, we decided to try there on our way to Linton Ponds to look for the one gull I have been dying to see. The Glaucous Gull. When we arrived there must have been 200 gulls there and half of them were black-headed gulls. As we pulled up into the car park we saw a wigeon grazing right in front of the car but because of the bad weather conditions, I didn't get any great shots but they weren't bad. We scanned the gulls on the frozen pond but no sign of it so we left for Linton. When we got there, we opened the window and we saw 1000+ gulls on the pond. I have never seen so many in my life. We had no chance of seeing the glauc here but we did see some ducks. A female pochard was just in front of the hide diving and 5 shoveler crossed the pond in front of the hide also which was a nice sight. After that we decided that Cresswell was our next plan so we moved to there. As soon as we got in, a little grebe greeted us in front of the hide and the barn owl 5 minutes later. If we had arrived 5 minutes later, we would have seen it sitting on the wall next to the cars but still a nice view. Later on a flock of 50+ teal flew in and I scanned them for anything rare and there was 4 pintail in the middle of them which was a new one for me. Also, speaking of ducks there was 2 scaup in the middle of the pond and 3 shelduck on the far bank. Later on, a bittern was spotted in the reeds on the bend halfway over the pond. Nothing else though, so we went to the Briar Dene car park on our way home to see the med gull and we saw it but it didn't come close enough for a photo. There was some starlings having a bath and a redshank on the golf course so not bad, eh?!

Starlings Barn Owl

Little Grebe Shoveler Wigeon

31/1/09 White Winged Gulls at last!

2009-02-01T17:41:00.005Z

Today, we finally said we are going to find the Mediterranean and Iceland gulls. So off to Briar Dene Car park which is 400 yards from where we live. As soon as we arrived we saw a gull sitting by itself and we knew it was the med gull. It was too far away for a photo but we threw some bread out and it soon came over. I love the flight shot I got! Anyway, next onto Blyth to see if we could find the Iceland gull. When we got there we had a look over the side and couldn't see it. So we asked someone who said there were 2 around and took us back to the place we were standing and we looked over further and there it was! However, no sign of the other one but I was delighted to see both types of gull. We still had a lot of time so we went to Holywell Ponds. When we got into the hide, everyone was looking out with binoculars and there was a female brambling. But then everything flew away and a sparrowhawk flew across the water. To finish we went to St. Mary's for the water pipit but no sign of it today.

Iceland Gull, Blyth Harbour

Common Gull, Briar Dene

Med Gull, Briar Dene Sparrowhawk, Holywell

25/1/09 Holywell, Linton and Cresswell Ponds

2009-01-28T18:54:00.005Z

Woke up this morning and looked outside and was welcomed by 4 long-tailed tits in my garden. We decided to go to Holywell Ponds first and see what was there then move on so that's where we went. When we got out of the car, a kestrel flew over our heads and onto the grass right in front of us. Then it took off again but came back flying right towards us and I got some photos. When we went into Holywell, we found out that it was a special day and we got given a booklet of what birds we might see. In the feeding station, there was greenfinches, chaffinches, robins, a great-spotted woodpecker and a water rail. After a while we left for Linton. When we got there we went right to the first hide which had nothing of interest. The other hide was much better. When we went in, I scanned the gulls for the glaucous but no sign. However the ducks were better. The rare ones contained a shoveler, pochard and a female scaup. There were loads of teal and Canadian geese but no wigeon which was surprising. Next onto Cresswell. On the way in we looked for the barn owl but it wasn't there. In the hide the red-breasted mergansers were in front of the hide and I got some photos. Nothing else of interest until we got outside the hide when we saw 2 stock doves which was a nice sighting.

Red-Breasted Mergansers

Shoveler

Kestrel

Tits and Finches at Big Waters 18/1/09

2009-01-20T18:27:00.009Z

I have noticed that long-tailed tits are becoming more common. I saw 4 in my garden, 5 at Big Waters and 1 in my garden yesterday. Also, I went to Big Waters (again) and saw a goldfinch at the feeding station. On numerous occasions, I have seen siskin at Big Waters and today I saw a goosander from the hide but it dived to quick for a photo. Also there was 7 snipe, 34 greylags, loads of teal, wigeon, mallard and tree sparrows. Unfortunately, no sign of the sparrowhawk or woodpecker but, although we missed it, a man said that there had been a kingfisher right in front of the hide.

Siskin

Goldfinch

Long-Tailed Tit

Thornley Wood 4-1-09

2009-01-15T18:49:00.009Z

We were going to go to Cragside but it was shut so we went to Thornley Wood instead. When we got there, I noticed there was a mini feeding station with mostly great tits and 1 nuthatch. When we had finished lunch, we went and had a look at the map of the reserve. We saw there was a hide with a big feeding station so we went there. When we got in, we saw loads of little birds flying around such as robins, great tits and blue tits. After just a few minutes, a red kite flew over being chased by a crow. Not long after that, my dad noticed a bird in a tree which was a bullfinch. It was too far away for a photo but then 2 flew down and sat right in front of the hide when I got a photo. I noticed there was no coal tits and I wondered why but then I thought I'd seen one and got a photo. When I looked closer at the photo, I saw it was a willow tit! Shortly after, I saw a brown bird climbing a tree, quite far away and I realised it was a treecreeper. It was quite far away but it came and sat on a tree right next to us when I got the photo.

Willow Tit

Treecreeper

Bullfinches

29-12-08 Big Waters

2009-01-02T17:36:00.005Z

We decided to go to Big Waters because I wanted to see the little birds at the feeding station with my new Northumberland Wildlife Trust key that I got for Christmas. First, we went into the smaller hide and had a look on the lake. There were plenty of ducks and geese (Mostly greylag geese, wigeon and teal) but that was all. Then we went to the main hide that overlooks the feeding station. When I got there, there was blue tits, great tits, robins, chaffinches and tree sparrow and about 5 siskin. Later a great spotted woodpecker dropped in as well. I got plenty of photos and I liked the siskin because I haven't seen many of them so that was an advantage.

Male Siskin

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Robin

Also I saw a blackcap in my garden on 31/12/08. Here is the photo:

The Buntings at Blyth

2008-12-19T18:22:00.009Z

Me and my dad decided to go and look for the Iceland gull in Blyth Harbour. We knew that it hung around with the great black-backed gulls so we went to see them. After a good search through lots of great black-backed gulls, cormorants and eider ducks we decided there was no Iceland gull. We were on our way to the car to go to Whitley Bay golf course to try and find the Mediterranean Gull, when we asked someone what they had seen and they said the snow bunting was on the post and we looked on the little pier and it was sitting there. I got a photo but not a very good one. Then it flew and joined it's partner and I got some photos then. Great Black-Backed Gull Eider DuckSnow Bunting

7-12-08 Back to Cresswell

2008-12-14T19:15:00.009Z

A nice day for it... but very cold! After reading about the Merlin and the bittern at Cresswell, I decided to go and look for them again. When we got there, we noticed that the little pond was frozen and there was a pied wagtail on it. We hoped that Cresswell wasn't frozen. Luckily it wasn't and we scanned the water for any rare species. Sad to see, no waders there execpt 10 sanderling and 1 curlew. There was 2 Red-Breasted Mergansers to the left of the hide and in the middle there was some ducks and there was 10 teal, 10 mallard, 2 wigeon, 2 shoveler and 1 goldeneye. After that nothing of major interest for a while... that was until, I noticed a big brown bird flying in and I asked my dad if it was the bittern and sure enough it was but it flew in too quick for a photo and went in the reeds. Unfortunately, there was no Merlin so after an hour we left. On our way back to the car we saw the famous Cresswell barn owl! I got some shots of it and we left for back home. On the whole, a good day birding!

Barn Owl Curlew calling

Photo Competitions

2008-12-11T20:28:00.005Z

I entered 3 competitions: Chronicle Extra Competition, Wetlands Trust Competition and a British Waterways Competition. I found out recently that I had won 2 of them. The Chronicle Extra and the Waterways. My winning photo for the chronicle was a wren which is a the top of my blog. I won a pair of binoculars, a wildlife in Britain book, a toy frog and a trophy for a year. I haven't got a prize for the Waterways one but here is my photo of a mallard duck that won that one.

Wren

Mallard

Big Waters and St. Mary's Lighthouse

2008-11-28T18:42:00.007Z

Today I went to Big waters then to St. Mary's. What a day! At big waters we went in and wandered around and we flushed out a fox in the field and it ran away. I got a photo of it as it looked at us. After that we looked on the lake. There was some wigeon and some teal but they were miles away so I couldn't see how many. As we were looking a kestrel flew over the top of us. We cracked on to the bird feeders and saw chaffinches (6), blue tits (4) and a great tit. We left there and on the way back we noticed some little birds in the trees and there were 3 Siskin. There was also female reed bunting and a sparrowhawk being chased by crows. After that we left and went to the lighthouse. We started by going to the lagoon but only the teal and wigeon again... or so we thought. As we moved around the lagoon, out flew the Brent goose! We decided to follow it but it flew out to sea and out of sight. Then we went down to the beach and found some extraordinary waders such as: turnstone (10+), sanderling (20+), redshank (2), oystercatcher (1), dunlin (10+) and 1 amazing purple sandpiper. Nearby, on the rocks, we saw a big black thing which was the brent goose and it was very close. I managed to get really close and got some amazing photos. On the way out we saw 2 bar-tailed godwits and 20 sanderling and the beach. So a fantastic day!

Brent Goose looking at the camera!

Brent Goose looking for food

Purple Sandpiper Great Tit at Big Waters

Kestrel Rescue at Budle Bay

2008-11-20T18:30:00.009Z

Today, after reading about the waders at Budle Bay, we went to check it out. On the way in we saw a kestrel lying in the middle of the field which we thought was dead. So we just carried on and had a look in the bay. There we saw shelduck (20+), oystercatcher (20+), Lapwing (100+), Redwing (4),redshank (10+), dunlin (5+), a dunnock and a robin. While we were watching the waders, a flock of geese flew over but we are not sure what type they are! After that we came back and noticed the Kestrel again. In got the binoculars on it and noticed that it's eye moved so I went into the field and saw that it's beak was moving. I shouted to my dad that it was alive and he came over and picked it up and wrapped it in a blanket in the back of the car. I tried to think of a place with a warden to take him and ask him what to do and I thought of Hauxley! When we got there, Kelly, as I called the Kestrel!, looked much better and was awake and looking around. We went in and asked what to do and he said take him to Ulgham Bird Reserve. We had a look around Hauxley while we were there but nothing except 5 tree sparrows. Since we were near we decided to head for Cresswell to see if the mud was back for the waders. When we got there Kelly was opening her beak and called a "kee-kee" shout. I thought she was hungry. We went to the hide and sure enough the mud was back and there was golden plover (70+), lapwings (70+), a curlew, sanderling (10+), Whooper Swans (7) and redshank (3). We also saw a beautiful water rail in the reeds as well. Then we left back for the car and I saw a worm and I thought Kelly might like it saw I picked it up. However, we drove to Ulgham and she hadn't eaten it but luckily they took her in and are going to look after her and she should live hopefully!

Kelly in the back of our car

Kelly in the middle of the field

Shelduck Flying

Cresswell Mud Flats

Harrier Delight at St. Mary's

2008-11-16T19:46:00.010Z

Today we went to the lighthouse again to see if we could see the Brent goose for the first time and the sanderling again. As soon as we got there we were greeted by rock pipits (4), starling (10+), turnstone (5+) and a pied wagtail all on the beach. As we ventured further on we saw a curlew, a redshank and some oystercatcher (5+). That was all however down on the beach. So we left and we noticed a big black goose on a bank at the opposite end and it turned out to be the Brent goose we were looking for!

So we left the beach and had a look on the lagoon. There was loads of different ducks such as: Teal (40+), Mallard (40+), Wigeon (5) and one rare duck... a gadwall. We looked away from the lagoon and had a look across a field where we had seen a kestrel flying overhead and hovering so we went and look. No sign of it today. But, we looked across the field and noticed a bird of prey which at first had us baffled. It was about the size and shape of a red kite but without the forked-tail. I took a picture as it came closer and when we got home and had a look on the RSPB website we found out we had been watching a female Hen Harrier!

Gadwall

Teal

Rock PipitHen Harrier

St. Mary's Lighthouse

2008-11-12T17:28:00.007Z

Tonight, I decided to go to the lighthouse to see if I could find some waders. I like waders and I was looking for a curlew which is my favourite. However I found something much better down on the sand. I saw turnstone (5+) and next to them was some sanderling (15+). It was dark and on the photo it looks like it could be 9pm but it was only 5pm! However that is all there was exciting.

Sanderling Sanderling in a group

Wallington Hall

2008-10-29T17:26:00.020Z

As it was such a nice day, we decided to have a day out. After remembering that there was a feeding station there I said that I would like to see some little birds. So when we got there we asked someone what there was to see. She said that there was blue tits, coal tits and things like that. So we went to the hide and sure enough there was a feeding station. We went in a sat down and there was blue tits (10+), coal tits (15+), chaffinches (5+), great tits (2), a nuthatch, a greenfinch, a bullfinch and a robin. Also there was a red squirrel. There was quite a selection of birds until they all scattered. Me and my dad knew something was bothering them and alarm calls were being made. And sure enough, 10 seconds later a sparrowhawk flew right between the feeders but it was unsuccessful in seeing anything.

10 minutes later we left the hide and headed for the gardens. On the way back we saw a bird fly across the path and when we looked up there was long-tailed tits (5+). We left there and went into the garden where was nothing of interest. Moorhens (10+) but nothing else except on the way out when we saw a flash of blue and there was a kingfisher flying away.

Greenfinch on feeder

Great Tit on the ground