Birding St Mary's
Island
April 09
25/4/08 Mostly Sunny 14c
Well I'm taking a break from updating this website for awhile.
A big thanks to North Tyneside Council parking control for the
£50 parking ticket today. The money grabbing B******s even
tried to ticket me outside my own house the other week too.
So I'm spitting my dummy out and not giving them another penny
and as St Mary's is a paid car park, they can go take a flying f....
Looks like it's the Brierdene for me now on..
22/4/09 Partly Cloudy 17c Wind SW 7 Mph
Another cracking spring day, the sun was shining, the birds were singing
and the locals were chatting..
2 Whitethroats, Grasshopper Warbler, Dunnock, Reed Buntings, Linnets
Meadow Pipits, Skylarks all in song.
2 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 2 Shelducks and a few Moorhens
on the Wetland. A few Sandwich Terns on the point and Sand Martins
and 2 Swallows about.
Linnet
20/4/09 Fair 15c Wind WNW 7 Mph
A smashing spring morning today made a refreshing change from
last weeks dismal fog. I managed to add 3 new patch year ticks today
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the scrub at the North of the Wetland, also
a Lesser Whitethroat here before flitting off into the top willows.
A Willow Warbler was in song nearby being joined at times by a
Chiffchaff, Wren, Dunnock, Reed Buntings and Linnets.
The Wetland held 2 Mute Swan, Grey Lag Goose, a pair of Shelduck
and a few Moorhens. 100+ Sanderling, Fulmar, Cormorants, Redshanks
in the North Bay.2 Swallows and 3 Sand Martins over.
The dipping pool was jammed packed with Tadpoles as the water level is
dropping. Their easy pickings for any passing predator.
Tadpoles
Linnet
11/4/09 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind Var 3 Mph
At last got my first Swallow of the year today, it was over the wetland along with
a Sand Martin. Also Pheasant, Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 4 Mute Swan
4 Teal, 2 Moorhen, Linnets and Meadow Pipits here.
AC reported a Grasshopper Warbler in the Willows at the North of the Wetland
but I missed it as pushed for time.........
5/4/09 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind WSW 13 Mph
Not much on the Wetland today with.....
6 Moorhens, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Grey lag Geese, 2 Mallard
2 Sand Martin. The Mute Swans didn't take to kindly to the Grey Lags which
it chased around the Wetland.
A Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were hunting over the
west field, also 4-500 Golden Plover and 45+ Curlew here.
Loads of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks about and smaller numbers of
Linnets and Reed buntings noted. A Fox was on the Wetland and a Grey Seal offshore.
Grey Lag Goose
2/4/09 Mostly Sunny 12c Wind ESE 6 Mph
A few Sand Martins through today, another patch year tick.
The Water Pipit was showing again but still stayed out of camera range,
and a Water Rail showed well at times.
Other than that the resident species seen.
March 09
31/3/09 Fair 16c Wind W 9 Mph
The Garganey was showing again on the wetland but distant,
the Water Rail put in a brief appearance till a light aircraft scared it
back into the reeds. 6 Gadwall, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Common Snipe
and 6 Grey Lag Geese also. The long staying Water Pipit dropped
onto the Wetland for a while, but stayed at the far side away from the
multiple cameras present..
The Sea was the star of the day producing 2 patch year ticks...
3 Goldeneye and a cracking female Marsh Harrier flew North low over
the water. I usually see Marsh Harrier in summer when they quarter
the west fields, making this my first Spring migration record.
A Red Throated Diver, Guillemot and 10 Eiders offshore too...
Grey Lag Goose
24/3/09 Partly Cloudy 8c Wind W 16 Mph
Picked up my first ever March record of House martin today, it was seen
over most of the patch, but disappeared at times.
A few hundred Gannets moving North offshore along with Razorbill and Common Gulls
and 16+ Eider.2 Grey Seals also mooching about.
The Wetland held 2 Common Snipe, 2 Mute Swan, 8 frisky Gadwall, Moorhens,
Mallards. Grey Heron and Meadow Pipits.
Golden Plover, Sanderling, Redshanks, 16 Curlew, Turnstones, GBB Gulls,
Black Head Gulls, Starlings, Blackbird, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Rock Pipit
and Pied Wagtails noted today...
20/3/09 Sunny 13c Wind VAR 2 Mph
A visit to the Brierdene today added a few new patch year ticks.
Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit added...
Looks like Spring is here with a few Bumblebees and a couple of
Peacock butterfly's noted.
Dunnock
Out of Focus Long Tailed Tit
Redshank
15/3/09 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind W 13 Mph
A very quick visit this morning as the place was absolutely swarming with
punters, the words fly's on shit spring to mind. That's the pitfall of having
a public place as a local patch. My first Toad of the year was sunning itself
along the top willow track.
Birds noted
4-500 Golden Plover
15 Gadwall
4 Moorhen
Reed Buntings
Skylarks and Meadow Pipits displaying
Magpie
Carrion Crows
Teal
Mallard
Mute Swan 2
Starlings
Wood Pigeons
Turnstone
Black Headed Gulls
Herring Gulls
Great Black Backed Gulls
11/3/09 Partly Cloudy 11c Wind SE 8 Mph
Not much on the Wetland today 50+ Redshanks were roosting on the islands
and most of the Teal and Gadwall sitting on the sea.
The North Bay was a bit more productive with a few Littoralis race
Rock Pipits in Spring plumage. I also witnessed 2 Littoralis Pipits
displaying to each other before having an almighty mid air scrap.
A Water Rail seen briefly next to the dipping pool as I was snapping
the Frogs, well taking photos of them anyway......
Littoralis Rock Pipit
Frogs
4/3/09 Partly Sunny 6c Wind SW 10 Mph
Well what can I say the usual crowd on the Wetland again,
with the addition of 2 Grey Lag Geese and the fox was back.
It scattered as I lifted my camera and dissapeared into the top willows.
The Golden Plovers have just about left and numbers of Sanderling
and Dunlin have dropped. 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Purple Sandpipers,
Rock Pipits and a few Redshank in the North Bay.
Looks like the long staying Water Pipit has F F F flown off.
Offshore was a Grey Seal and a Porpoise Sp headed South
and I saw my first Frog of the year, shame it was 2D on the pavement though....
The quick brown fox.................
Guess...........Yep more space fillers..
28/2/09 Partly Cloudy 11c Wind SW 8 Mph
Another late afternoon visit saw the place crowded with day trippers
so I didnt stay long hence the short list........
Curlew 20+
Oystercathers
Lapwing 200+
Redshanks 20+
Teal 25-30
Mute Swan 2
Black Headed Gulls 150+
Sanderlings and a few Knot in the North Bay
Also a Sparrowhawk trying it's look at 300+ Starlings, it chased one for ages before
it headed over the wetland empty taloned...
Piss poor flight shot of a Sparrowhawk
Febuary 09
23/2/09 Partly Cloudy 10c Wind WNW 13 Mph
A quick waddle around the North Bay this morning produced
110+ Dunlin, 36+ Knot, 70+ Sanderling, Redshanks, Turnstones
4 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Rock Pipits, Oystercatchers and Curlew.
A few more Fulmars on Hartley Cliffs and plenty of Skylarks singing.
Knots in flight shows their Jizz well here I thought.
Rock Pipit
21/2/09 Partly Cloudy 8c Wind W 26 Mph
Dribs and Drabs
Highlights for the past week here have been 14 Gadwall on the Wetland
a peak count for me here. 4 Wigeon, 20+ Mallard and 60-100 Teal seen here.
Waders have included 2-6 Purple Sandpipers, 11-30 Knot, Dunlins, 30+ Sanderling,
300-2000 Golden Plovers including a few birds moulting into summer plumage.
30+ Oystercacthers, 20+ Curlew, Turnstones and 20-100 Redshank.
And Today a trip to the seaward side of the Brierdene looking for the
Med gull, produced a nice find of a Kingfisher along the stream before it flew
over the road towards the main dene.Also 46 Pink Footed Geese and 5 Skylarks
flew overhead.
Pink Footed Geese
Curlew
Knot and Dunlin
11/2/09 Mostly Sunny Wind NE 15 Mph
Not much around at the min but thats Febuary for you.
A couple of Mallard were getting "jiggy" on the Wetland as were
a few of the Teal. Also seen were 2 Mute Swan, Common Snipe 3,
Redshanks and 9 Gadwall. I spent awhile watching these smart looking
ducks. I heard on the grapevine that there had been 240-270 Sanderling
here the other day, now I'd have liked to have seen that. A local Birder
took a photo of a colour ringed Sanderling in January and has found out
it came all the way from Iceland..................
Gadwall Drake
Gadwall Female with Female Mallard
7/2/09 Partly cloudy some showers 2c Wind NNW 15 Mph
The Wetland mainly frozen over, birds noted today
Gadwall 10 mainly drakes, 60+ Teal, 20+ Mallard, 2 Mute Swan,
Moorhens, 10+ Redshank and a few Black Headed Gulls Bathing.
More Redshnaks and Curlew on the point with a couple of Greater Black
Backed Gulls and Cormorants.
The North Bay held the usual mixed wader flock of Redshank,Turnstones,
30+ Sanderling and a few Rock Pipits.
Star bird of the day was a juvvy Glaucous Gull flying North. It glided close inshore before
dissapearing over the cliffs.
4/2/09 Parly Cloudy 1c
2 drake Gadwall, 56 Teal, 20+ Mallard, 4 Common Gull, 2 Mute Swan and 5+ Moorhen on the wetland,
Red Throated diver and a cpl of Guillemots on the sea.
No sign of yesterdays reported Iceland Gull.
January 09
28/1/09 Mostly Sunny 7c Wind SE 6 Mph
No sign of the Water Pipit or the Brent Geese for a few days.
I did manage to pick up Meadow Pipit and Tufted Duck for the year.
The Wetland held 2 pair of Tufted Duck, 60+ Teal, 20+ Mallard, Moorhens
and 2 Mute Swan.
The usual crowd of waders in the North bay including a colour ringed Sanderling
and a few Fulmar back on Hartley cliffs again.
Rock Pipit
Sanderling with leg warmers.
Black Headed Gull
26/1/09 Light Fog 6c Wind Var 2 Mph
The Water Pipit still mooching around the North Bay with about
6 Rock Pipits. A few new additions to my patch year list in the shape of
Rook 3, Greenfinch 2, Dunnock, Song Thrush, makes around 56 for the
year so far.
On the Wetland were 2 Grey Heron, 60+ Teal,6 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan
20+ Mallard and a Coot. The usual waders and gulls on the point.....
21/1/09 Partly Cloudy 4c Wind SSW 14 Mph
The Wetland today.
60+ Teal, 2 Mute Swan, 8 Moorhen, Pintail Female, 20+ Mallard, Grey Heron
2 Grey Lag Geese and a Grey Wagtail flew over.
North Bay
Purple Sandpiper, 2 Brent Geese, 60+ Sanderling
Turnstones, Water Pipit, 6 Rock Pipits, 90+ Pink Footed Geese,1500+ Golden Plover
Curlew, Carrion Crows, Oystercatchers and Redshanks.
Water Pipit
Brent Goose
19/1/08 Light Rain 4c Wind S 9 Mph
Late posting again, can anyone see a pattern here? lol
Bright and Sunny yesterday with a chilly wind.
A couple of Guillemots, 40+ Teal and a Red Throated Diver offshore.
The Water Pipit was showing in the North Bay along with 8+ Rock Pipits,
30+ Sanderlinmg, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Knot and numerous Turnstone and Redshanks.
2 Brent Geese, Grey Heron, 20+ Teal, 15+ Mallard, 2 Mute Swan and 9 Moorhen
on the Wetland....
Water Pipit still out of range for a decent photo.......
Rock Pipit.. Now why cant the Water Pipit pose like this????
17/1/09 Partly Cloudy 6c Wind W 22 Mph
Yet another late posting this time from yesterday....................
The wetland held 6 Grey Heron, 20+ Mallard, 30+ Teal, 9 Moorhen and BR had the coot
but I missed it. 300+ Golden Plover overhead and Black Headed Gulls were nicking chips
from the hoard of Starlings in carpark.
5 Bar Tailed Godwits were activly feeding in the North Bay before flying off North.
30+ Curlew, Redshanks, Turnstones, Dunlin and 6 Rock Pipits noted.
Bar Tailed Godwit
13/1/09 Partly Cloudy 5c Wind Calm
Another late update from Saturday and Monday.
Saturdays highlights 27 Knot, Water Pipit, Kestrel, 4 Purple Sandpiper
Mondays highlights 8 Rock Pipits, 2 Curlew, 40+ Sanderling, 4 Fulmar back at Hartley Cliffs.
And of course the usual suspects seen both days.
Knot
Sanderling
Water Pipit.. well a bad photo of one anyway..
7/1/09 Mostly Cloudy 3c Wind NNW 7 Mph
The Wetland was partly frozen today with only a few birds on including 122 + Teal
2 Mute Swan, Wigeon M, 4 Moorhen, 18 Mallard and a Grey Heron.
4 Purple Sandpiper, 30+ Sanderling, numerous Redshanks and Turnstones feeding on the
tide wrack in the North Bay. 3-400 Golden Plover,29 Ringed Plover and a few Dunlin roosting
on the lighthouse rocks. A pair of Eider and the resident Brent Geese were bobbing about on the
sea here, and a Red Thraoted Diver flew North.
A Grey Seal pup was snoozing in the North Bay so I grabbed a few quick snaps from a distance
and left it in peace,
Teal on ice
Brent Goose
Seal Pup
5/1/09 Partly Cloudy some Hail Showers 3c Wind e 5 Mph
The Wetland today had 76 Teal, F Pintail, 28+ Mallard, 2 Mute Swans and 6 Moorhen.
The 2 Brent Geese were on the sea in the South Bay along with 5+ Cormorants.
In the North Bay were 6+ Rock Pipits, Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail and the Water Pipit
showed briefly. Turnstones, Purple Sandpiper, 6 Dunlin, Curlew and 30+ Redshanks also here.
Finished 2008 on 131 for patch.... A F***ing disgrace compared to previous years...................
2/1/09 Mostly Cloudy 4c Wind ESE 3 Mph
Highlights
Teal 60+
10 Moorhen
Med Gull in BrierDene Carpark
Brent Goose 2
Water Pipit in the North Bay
8-10+ Rock Pipits
Purple Sandpiper
Golden Plover 3-400
22 Species seen today and a late Happy New Year to you all.
December 08
29/12/08 Mostly Cloudy 3c Wind SE 6 Mph
No sign of the Med Gull in Briardene Car park but a Water Rail on the seaward side of the dene
was a nice late addition to my patch year list.
The Wetland was very quiet with 2 Mute Swans and a few Teal noted.
The Brent Geese made a brief appearance in the North Bay accompanied by the usual mixed wader flock.
23/12/08 Mostly Cloudy 7c Wind W 6 Mph
Highlights
Water Pipit in the North Bay
Red Throated Diver, Guillemots, Gannets and Razorbill offshore.
Teal, Mallards, etc still on the Wetland.
3 Purple Sandpiper, Knot, Sanderling, 100+ Redshanks on the rocks......
22/12/08 Partly Cloudy 9c Wind W 7 Mph
As it was Yule yesterday a late posting due to last nights celebration (hic)
The highlights for 21st were.. 2 Red Throated Divers South, The Wetland still pretty busy
with Teal, Mallard 2 Mute Swans and 10 Moorhen. 100+ Redshank, 6 Purple Sandpiper,50+ Oystercatcher
Ringed Plover, 23 Knot, 40+ Sanderling and 2 Brent Geese were scattered about the rocks
A Iceland Gull was reported here on the 20th but failed to put in an appearance...
15/12/08 Partly Cloudy 0c Wind WSW 2 Mph
A brief visit late yesterday morning produced a Grey Heron on the rocks scaring the hell out of the
Lapwing and Golden Plover flocks. Still plenty of Mallard and Teal on the Wetland, also Gadwall
2 Mute Swan, Moorhens and Black Headed Gulls. The tide was out so the North Bay was pretty quiet.
No sign of the 2 Brent Geese or Water Pipit that have been showing well here for the past few weeks.
Spread out over the rocks were Sanderling, Redshank, Oystercatchers and Curlew. Nothing seen in
the top Willows at all but that's was down to lack of available time.......
13/12/08 Rain 5c Wind S 13 Mph
Really an update of what I saw here yesterday.......
On the Wetland was an all time high count of Teal with about 300 present, also a new high count of 11 Gadwall.
Not much compared to some inland sites but the wetland is relatively small.
28 Mallard,10 Moorhen, Common Snipe and a Kestrel was seen overhead, before I nipped to the Briardene
Car park for the Med Gull that was reported there. It showed OK for a few minutes before being flushed by a couple of
radio controlled cars, boy those things can shift (the cars not the Med Gull).
Water Pipit and 2 Brent Geese reported in the North Bay also.
Med Gull
7/12/08 Partly Cloudy 6c Wind W 9 Mph
The Wetland was full of life today with 150+ Teal, 20+ Mallard, 10 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, Shovelar M
7 Gadwall, Grey Heron, 4 Snipe, 10+ Wigeon plus Black Headed Gulls bathing.
The surrounding rocks held 2 Purple Sandpiper, Bar Tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plover, 20+ Oystercatchers,
Redshanks, Turnstones, Rock Pipits, Dunlin, 2 Brent Geese and 40+ Sanderling.
A few Robins, Magpie, Blackbird and Linnets in the top willows with a Kestrel, 30+ Grey Lag Geese, lapwings
Wood Pigeons and Carrion Crows in the West Field.
Purple Sandpiper
November 08
17/11/08 Light Rain 5c Wind S 5 Mph
Another round up as I've been stuck in with Man Flu..
I caught up with the Hume's Warbler last week which was in company with a Yellow Browed Warbler.
The Hume;s has caused a bit of a stir but it's on my list till proven otherwise.(Its a full patch tick..
)I've dipped on Long Eared Owls, Short Eared Owl ,Firecrest in the last week.
No sign of the Hume's yesterday but I did manage to catch up with the Water Pipit, which showed
well on the rocks below the prom. 28-30 Pink Feet flew South, 40+ Teal.15+ Mallard, Moorhen
and 2 Mute Swan on the Wetland and a natter with a couple of the local lads finished off my first
visit for about a week.
3/11/08 Mostly Cloudy 8c Wind NNE 5 Mph
A brief round up of the weekend.....
Seawatching on Saturday produced 2 Great Northern Divers*, 4 Red Throated Divers, 2 Little Auks*
Common Scoter, Wigeon, female Long Tailed Duck* and a distant Phalarope SP whizzing North.
It was too far out to clinch the ID but it looked liked a Grey Phalarope. A bummer as this would be a
new addition to my patch list.
Sundays seawatch produced Velvet Scoter*, 20+ Common Scoter, 4 male Long Tailed Ducks, Woodcock*,
3 Wigeon, Eiders, Gannets, Kittiwakes.
A nice imm male Black Redstart* was showing well in the cemetery. Which rounded off a canny weekends birding
with 6 new Year ticks.
October 08
22/10/08 Partly Sunny 7c Wind W 7 Mph
I haven't had a chance to get out lately but , I missed a Black Throated Diver
in the South Bay the other day...Bugger. Cheers SP for the info.
Come on winds swing to the North or East it's nearly Little Auk time.
The REV D Duck was on the Wetland the other day... Looks like its got a bit of Pintail in it to me.
Answers on a postcard to
Norfolk Inchance
999 LetsBe Avenue
Po Box 1BBUpdate
I managed to drag my lazy arse out today but only as far as the wetland, which held.....
2 Mallard, 2 Shovelar, 4 Teal, 8 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, 26 Snipe and a Kestrel over.
Curlew
Mallard
14/10/08 Fair 8c Wind Calm
No sign of Sunday's Yellow Browed Warbler yesterday but a juv female Pergrine Falcon made a nice
addition to my patch year list. A few Goldcrest, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Robins in the top willows.
I also heard that the Wetland will be drained to get rid of two types of invasive weed, one which can
be seen in the Wigeon photo below which is believed to have been dumped from someone's tropical fish tank.
Its nearly covered the whole of the wetland and the other kind has blocked the left hand side off.
Brent Goose from the other day
Wigeon
7/10/08 Mostly Cloudy 13c Wind S 10 Mph
Yesterdays visit to the South Bay was cut short by F*****G dog walkers, letting their mutts flush all the waders off.
I gave up after the third time it happened when some tosser let their four dogs jump all over me........................
Some grim news reported http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7654685.stm . Thanks to everyone who posted me
info on the oiled birds and to Keith R for the link. Its a crying shame what's happening to these wonderful creatures..........
Right back to yesterday saw 10+ Dunlin, 20-30 Sanderling, Grey Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, Oystercatchers
Redshanks, Turnstones and a couple of Curlew feeding in the South bay. The usual mixed Larus flock on the point
and the wetland remains very quiet. Dam n blast it looks like I've lost a few photos as mentioned in broken links post.......
Grey Plover
Oystercatcher
Ringed Plover
September 08
22/9/08 Mostly Cloudy 12c Wind N 7 Mph
An hours seawatching mid morning produced....
Sooty Shearwater N *
Velvet Scoter *
9 Common Scoter
3 Red Throated Divers S
Arctic Skua LP
40-50 Wigeon
2 Teal
and loads of Gannets.
* = patch year tick
18/9/08 Partly Cloudy 19c Wind WSW 10 Mph
The West field this morning held about 10+ Whinchat. A few Meadow Pipits and Skylarks seen heading through.
In the North Bay were 26 Dunlin, 10-15 Ringed Plovers, Knot, 2 Grey Plover, Redshanks, Oystercatchers,
20+ Sanderling, 2 Eider, Black Headed Gulls, Common Gull, Grey Heron, Wheatear, and a Sparrowhawk landed
on the rocks putting everything up in a panic.
Sparrowhawk
Dunlin
10/9/08 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind SSE 6 Mph
A few new additions to my patch year list today with..
Ruff 2
Curlew Sandpiper 2 ( Ruff + Curlew Sand in the North Bay )
Gooseander
A few migrants still around with Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Willow Warblers, Robins, Goldcrests
and a few Wheatear's scattered about the place.
Sanderling + Curlew Sandpiper
8/9/08 Mostly Cloudy 13c Wind WNW 5 Mph
I arrived yesterday full of anticipation of what was around after yesterdays weather, needless to say I wasn't disappointed.
On my up the West track was a Spotted Flycatcher, then a phone call to tell me a Red Backed Shrike was showing in
the lighthouse garden sent me toddling onto the Island. The Shrike showed well perching on and off between the washing line
and the bushes.Only my 3rd record of this species here.
Then as chatting to a few of the regular birders here, we were told about a Wryneck, Red Breasted Flycatcher
Wood Warbler and a Icterine warbler in Whitley bay Cemetery. So next stop the cem....
The Wryneck was showing almost as soon as we entered low down on a gravestone before flying off.
It kept disappearing for shot spells before giving good views at times.
Corker a new addition to my patch list.
I did fail to see the 3 other reported birds so I headed back to the top willows which held
Redstarts, Willow Warblers, Spotted Flycatchers, Pied Flycatchers, Garden Warbler.
Loads of Wheatears about everywhere and 2 Brent Geese North and 27 Long Tailed Ducks on the sea made for a great day.
Wryneck
Red Backed Shrike
6/9/08 Rain 14c Wind NNE 15 Mph
A brief sea watch today was a wash out with a DP Arctic Skua, Gannets, Kittiwakes and a few Fulmar.
One of the locals lads had had a couple of Pomerine Skuas earlier on today.
Some migrants around the lighthouse garden with Redstart, Wheatears and Garden Warbler noted.
I missed out of 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 more Redstarts and I bet there was more hiding from the rain.
I'm nipping back there in the morning to pick up the leftovers, after the other birders will have found the goodies before me.
3/9/08 Partly Cloudy 14c Wind SW 9 Mph
The South Bay held some returning waders this morning with...
Redshanks, 10+ Dunlin 15+ Ringed Plover, Turnstones, 8 Curlew a partial summer plumage Knot and 15+ Sanderling all actively
feeding as the tide receded. A Rock Pipit and Pied Wagtail put in a brief apperance before a Carrion Crow chased everything off.
Numerous Black Headed , Greater Black Backed and Herring Gulls loafing about the rocks.A couple of Cormorants noted feeding offshore.
The Wetland is rubbish at the moment as it's overgrown with weed and some sort of water reed. Which has almost cut one part of the Wetland off
. I believe some of the local Birders will be doing something about this later on in the year.
August 08
25/8/08 Light Rain 17c Wind WSW 15 Mph
Just uploading a few photos from Saturdays visit as I havn't had a chance to visit since.
4 Whimbrel were the highlights for Sat and the Buddleia was dripping with Butterflies with...
Small Tortoiseshell
Large White
Small White
Green Veined White
Peacock
Red Admiral
Wall Brown and Meadow Brown nearby.
A Silver Y moth was also feeding and I spotted a Mother of Pearl Moth which is a new Moth for me.
(Thanks go to Marge for the prompt ID on this.one )
Green Veined White
Red Admiral
Small Tortoiseshell
14/8/08 Light Rain 14c Wind E 3 mph
I started in the North Bay today which held, 12-14 Pied Wagtails(mostly juveniles), 8 Sanderling and a few summer plumage Turnstone.
Including one having a feast on the body of a dead Shore Crab.
The Point produced a nice surprise in the shape of an adult Roseate Tern in with 2 Common Terns and 8+ Sandwich Terns.
2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 50+ Redshank, 5+ Cormorant, 30+ Great Black Backed Gulls, more Turnstone and 300+ Golden Plover
Oystercatchers, Black Headed Gulls and Lapwings also here.
The North Bay only produced 9 Bar Tailed Godwits flying around before heading off North and a single juv Guillemot in the surf.
I know 3 missing......
A quick look in the Mast Field saw 300+ Lapwings, 100+ Jackdaws, 20+Carrion Crows, Golden Plovers(same birds from the point)
Rooks and a few Wood Pigeons all up in the air like a huge swarm. I scanned through them and saw a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by
about 5 Carrion Crows, they didn't half give it some stick as it flew off.
4/8/08 Mostly Cloudy 18c Wind Calm
A gentle wander around the wetland today saw from the stone view point, 2 Mute Swan, 8 Moorhen, 2 Adults with a fresh brood of 3 and
the 3 from the first brood now independent. Nothing out of the ordinary on the point or in the North bay. A Willow Warbler was heard calling
along the footpath, with a few House Sparrows and Linnets noted. The middle view point produced the star bird of today with a Whinchat
fly catching from various reed tops.
After a while spent watching this little cracker my eye was drawn to a movement nearby, and well blow me down there was another Whinchat
and up pops another. Making 3 seen in total. A nice patch and year tick.
July 08
26/7/08 Foggy 18c Wind
More talking than birdwatching went on todays brief visit, although I did manage to add Arctic Skua to my year list.
A few Common Scoter, Gannets, Guillemots, 2 Teal past. 100+ Golden Plover on the point along with the usual
Larus gull flock, 6 Turnstones, 2 Arctic Terns and 5 Cormorants noted before fog stopped play.
19/7/08 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind W 7m/s
A few returning waders seen today in the South Bay with about 25 Dunlin, 15 Sanderling, 4 Ringed Plovers feeding along the tide line.
A Single Curlew was amongst the resident Redshanks and 200+ Starlings on the rotting seaweed, including one bird mimicking a Bar Tailed Godwit.
6 Pied Wagtails were catching insects along the foot of the cliff with a male still feeding one of its young.
8/7/08 Mostly Sunny 17c Wind W 6m/s
A wander around the wetland this afternoon produced...............wait for it.....
The usual crowd of mixed gull species on the point along with 5 cormorants, Eider and a few Carrion Crows. A few Kittiwakes and Sandwich Terns offshore. The North Bay was full of school kids so no waders along the tide line and only a few Black Headed Gulls bumming chips. The top bushes held singing Chaffinch, Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Linnets and now and again a Wren would pipe in.
The wetland was nearly empty of bird life apart from the resident Mute Swans, Moorhens and a few House Sparrow fledglings.
For me the best bit of the visit was watching loads of Wall butterflies, Burnet Moths, Large White butterfly and a jumping spider sp.
Mystery flower any clues anyone???
These brave souls were giving the lighthouse a lick of paint. You'd never get me in that.....
4/7/08 Partly Sunny 16c Wind SW 4m/s
A few returning waders today with , Golden Plover, Curlew, Redshank and a (Greenshank rpt'd am). Common Terns and Sandwich Terns
actively fishing offshore, guess it's all those hungry mouths to feed.
Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat singing along the car park edge, whilst on the wetland were 3 Moorhen.2 Mute Swan, 3 lapwings and a few
Reed Buntings in the top bushes. Also noted were Blue Tailed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly and a Drone-Fly(a first for me here).
Drone Fly
Blue Tailed Damselfly
Blue Tailed again....
June 08
28/6/08 Partly Sunny 18c Wind WSW 7 m/s
The wetland today had 12 Redshanks, Moorhen & 3 young, pair of Mallard, pair of Mute Swan, House Martins, Sand Martins, Swallows and a few Black Headed Gulls. 2 juvvy Pied Wagtails on the rocks along with 8 Cormorants, GBB Gulls, Herring Gulls. A few Gulliemots, Sandwich Terns, Eider offshore and about 500+ Starlings in the North Car park. I also saw this butterfly which I cant ID, any Idea's anyone???
It turned out to be a Latticed Heath Moth so not even a butterfly......
Poor photo of Latticed Heath Moth
23/6/08 Partly Sunny 14c Wind W 6 m/s
A brief round up.....
LBB Gull GBB Gull 30+, Herring Gull 20+, Moorhen 3 + 3 young, Mute Swan pair, Shelduck pair,Grey Heron, Whitethroat, Reed Bunting 5 pair, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Swifts, House Martins, Sand Martins, Swallows,Fulmars, BH Gulls, Gannets 2, Cormorant 7, Starlings, Magpies, Linnets,Curlew, Redshank 6, Oystercatcher 8, Eider 35-40, Sandwich Terns, Carrion Crow 10-15, Jackdaws.
16/6/08 Partly Cloudy 14c Wind SE 6 Mph
I wandered round the patch today looking for lil beasties rather than birds. Here is a few of the snaps I took.
There's loads of variety about insect wise if you take time to look downwards...........Wish I'd looked before.
10/6/08 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind W 13 Mph
Loads
of Swifts about over the West Fields and a couple of Pheasants calling.
Dunnock ,Wren and Great Tit seen with beaks full of
grubs along the track. A bit of House Sparrow on House Sparrow action near the top bushes. Bugger all but Sand Martins, Carrion
Crows and 2 Jackdaws on the wetland. Basically Fuck all about again............
6/6/08 Partly Cloudy 14c Wind VAR 3 Mph
Well
June has arrived and its typical crappy weather. so not much about
today. A pair of Tufted Ducks , 3 Mallards, 2 Mute Swans
Sand Martins, House Martins, Swallows and a few Swift hawking over the wetland. A Grey Heron was trying his luck in the reeds
but as far as I saw it was unsuccessful.
A Song Thrush was giving it all in the top bushes, a few Linnets, Wren, Blackbirds and Reed Buntings also noted.
Bugger all on the rocks except school kids and winkle pickers so I came home for a bash on Halo2.
May 08
29/5/08 Partly Cloudy 20c Wind Var 3 Mph
At last I caught up with yesterdays Icterine warbler. It showed briefly this morning
then again this afternoon, it was in the top bushes at the North end of the wetland.
A very nice addition to my patch life list.
Also Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat 2, Wren, Blackbirds
Reed Buntings, Linnets and Dunnocks all trying to confuse me as they hopped about
the bushes. Spotty Fly and Garden Warbler( seen yesterday) both patch year ticks.
27/5/08 Mostly Cloudy 13c Wind ENE 22 Mph
A mini sea watch late morning produced.....
Arctic Tern (patch year tick)
5 Manx Shearwater N
Guillemots
Razorbills both numerous.
100+ Gannets
300+ Kittiwakes
21 Cormorants
6 Eiders and loads of Fulmars
Reed Bunting from Saturday
20/5/08 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind E 9 Mph
Drake Garganey was quite showy on the wetland before the Mute Swans chased it off.
A Fox was hunting rabbits in the top bushes today otherwise pretty much the same as usual.
15/5/08 Mostly Cloudy 11c Wind ENE 10 Mph
Just spent a bit of time in the south bay this morning with the camera
25+ Sanderling, 3 Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones, B H Gulls, G BB Gulls, Sandwich Terns noted.
10/5/08 Sunny 23c Wind ENE 8 Mph
At last a House Martin for the year here.It was hawking for insects over the wetland
along with loads of Swallows and Sand Martins. Willow and Sedge Warblers were singing
their little hearts out today. A small gathering of Sandwich Terns on the point, 30+ Sanderling
still in the South Bay inc 40+ Turnstones and a couple of Purple Sandpipers noted.
Peacock, Small White, Large white and Green veined White butterflies seen today.
Green Veined White
7/5/08 Fair 19c Wind E 10 Mph
Twig Day
Every bird I tried to take a photo of today hid behind twigs the bastards!!!!
Groppa reeling near the mounds again and a couple of Whitethroat about other wise deed
Dunnock
Mipit
Whitethroat
6/5/08 Fair 16c Wind ESE 9 Mph
Natures Prozac
A Grasshopper Warbler reeling away in the scrub between the mounds today was
another patch year tick. It was sitting right in the open but was too far away for my 300mm lens
for me to get a decent photo, still was a joy to watch and gave me my best views yet of a Groppa.
I'd never noticed before that when they "reel" their tails look like their vibrating.
4 Pair of Reed Buntings seen including 2 pair"getting it on", what a way to spend a few minutes
"dogging" Reed Buntings....
2 Whitethroats, Swallows,Sand Martins and a few Sandwich Terns about.
A male Kestrel nabbed a small vole from the top scrub. Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were
displaying away in the West Field. The good weather made todays visit very pleasant.
Sometimes the small things in life can really cheer you up..
Heavily Cropped Groppa...
Birds seen today
Whitethroat 2
Shelduck 4
House Sparrows
Wren
Blackbird
Sedge Warbler ( in top Bushes)
Sandwich Terns
Common Tern
Grey lag Geese
Mute Swan 2
Moorhens
Tufted Duck 8
Dunlin 2
Ringed Plover
Eiders
Great Black Backed Gulls
Herring Gulls
Black Headed Gulls
Cormorants
Carrion Crows
Rooks
Jackdaws
Wood Pigeons
Skylarks
Meadow Pipits
Pied Wagtail
Sand Martins
Swallow
Linnets
Reed Buntings
Lapwings
Willow Warbler
Goldfinch
Starlings..........
April 08
30/4/08 Mostly Cloudy 10c Wind SE 8 Mph
After yesterdays dip on the Red Rumped Swallow at Swallow Pond Wallsend. I thought a visit to my
patch would cheer me up. No sign of any new arrivals in the willows or top bushes, a Whitethroat
4 Linnets, Wren, Reed Buntings, Blackbird, Meadow Pipit seen. 22 Grey lag Geese in the west field
along with Rooks, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws. 15 Common Terns roosting near the lighthouse were
another patch year tick, 5 Purple Sandpipers, 14 Eiders and loads of Kittiwakes nearby.
27/4/08 Fog and Light Rain
A quick visit today to try and catch up with 2 Yellow Wagtails reported on the wetland.
No luck as they'd flown South by the time I arrived. A Singing Willow Warbler was another year tick.
4 White Wagtails were on the wetland along with loads of Swallows and Sand Martins.
A pair of Shelduck, Snipe, 3 Dunlin, 5 Moorhen and 2 Tufted Duck also seen.
24/4/08 Mostly Sunny Wind S 12 Mph
A nice female Wheatear in the mast field today was my first of the year. A few Sand Martins and Swallows about
and 3 Sandwich Terns offshore. Plenty of Reed Buntings and Meadow Pipits about, and Skylarks were in full song.
Not much on the wetland again just the usual suspects and a White Wagtail.
Two heed the balls with lurchers were hunting the west field and managed to flush a bloke out of the bushes
which was strange, perish the thought what he was up too. Chatted to a few of the locals birders today
which made for a pleasant visit.
21/4/08 Partly Cloudy 10c Wind ENE 14 Mph
Not much on the wetland again today due to the resident fox prowling around. Its always a pleasure
seeing such a beautiful creature, but I cant help thinking about the negative effect it has on the breeding
birds on the wetland. Lapwing and Moorhen numbers were way down last year and I haven't had a sniff of
a Grey Partridge here for about 8 months.
6 Sand Martins and a Swallow hawking over the wetland, a pair of Mute Swan nest building, 2 pair of Teal
pair of Shelduck. 2 pair of Tufted Duck, 50+ Turnstone and 20 + Redshank. In the surrounding bushes
a single Goldcrest, Dunnock, Wren and my first Whitethroat of the year.
Goldcrest
Nest Building
17/4/08 Mostly Cloudy 6c Wind NNE 16 Mph
A brief visit today produced 2 Sandwich Terns, Whimbrel calling as it flew North,
The usual crowd on the wetland being bugged by the local fox. The Leucistic Carrion Crow showed well.
The Briardene area yielded 3 Chiffchaff, Male Blackcap, singing Song Thrush, loads of
Blue and Coal Tits, Greenfinch, Wood Pigeons, Wrens, Great Tits, 4 Dunnocks having a scrap.
and a Pheasant. Whimbrel, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Pheasant additions to 2008 patch list.
Whimbrel
Partly Leucistic Carrion Crow
Rabbit Muncher
16/4/08 Mostly Sunny 8c Wind E 14 Mph
My first Sand Martin of year here today, I always enjoy seeing these when they arrive
after their long journey. 2 Sandwich Terns North and loads of Kittiwakes offshore.
The Wetland had a pair of Shelduck, 3 Pairs of Tufted Ducks, Drake Mallard, 100+ Redshank
20 Turnstone, 4 Moorhen 200+ Starlings, 8 Carrion Crows and a pair of Grey Lag Geese.
The ploughed field was the busiest with 30+ Wood Pigeon, Turnstones, Ringed Plovers, Lapwings
Rooks, Jackdaws, Black Headed Gulls, 20+ Skylarks and 15+ Meadow Pipits.
12/4/08 Rain 5c Wind WNW 17 Mph
The Wetland today held 10 Tufted Ducks, Gadwall Pair, Shovelar Pair, Teal 2 Pair, Moorhens,
Juv Mute Swan , 2 Snipe, 100+ Redshanks.
Plenty of Kittiwakes passing offshore with Puffin, Razorbill, Sandwich Tern, 10 Eiders, 9 Common Scoter
Gannets, 3 Tufted Duck and 2 Teal noted.
I then nipped down to Swallow Pond for the reported Pallas's Warbler but no luck for me Sand Martin and Blackcap
added to my year list thou.The Pallas's Warbler was seen near the screen hide and along the main track by a few lucky punters.
4 patch year ticks today, Puffin, Sandwich Tern and Tufted Duck, Common Scoter
5/4/08 Partly Cloudy 7c Wind N 21 Mph
The Garganey were showing well on the wetland today, best viewed from the stone view point.
Also a fox was sitting in the middle of a group of about 20 Carrion Crows, it didn't seem bothered by them
even when they mobbed it now and again.10 Grey lag Geese, 4 Teal, 5 Moorhen and 4 Snipe also.
A steady passage of Gannets today with Guillemots and a few Razorbills.A Manx Shearwater flew north close
inshore but when I called it 4 other Birders didnt get onto it. Well after that they kept looking down their noses at
me, and made me feel as welcome as a fart in a spacesuit on my own patch!!.Its strange that you only see these people
when something is on the wetland or in the willows. I must stress that it wasnt any of the usual crowd, who are always
happy to help. Manxie and Razorbill nice additions to my patch year list.
Garganey M
"Am I bovvered "
3/4/08 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind W 16 Mph
Highlights (wetland only)
5 Teal
Pair Gadwall
5 Grey Lag Geese
Moorhen 6
Herring Gull pair
Meadow Pipits
Skylarks
Carrion Crow 20 Inc one showing white on its wings.
Starlings
Redshank 150+
Turnstone 20+
Snipe 5
Mallard pair
Curlew 5
Reed Buntings 3 pair
And two Foxes fighting and scaring the heck out of the Grey Lags on the wetland.
Long Distance shot
Carrion Crow this bird shows a lot more white in flight.
"You aint seen me right!"
March 08
29/3/08 Partly Cloudy 10c Wind S 17 Mph
A quick visit to catch up with yesterdays reported Firecrest. After about 15-20mins hanging about the top
willows a whistle from another birder alerted me to the fact it was showing in the mixed bushes at the North
end of the Wetland. What a little cracker as it showed really well as it flitted back and forth feeding.A nice
addition to my patch year list. The Wetland was pretty quiet today with 6 Grey lag Geese, 5 Teal, Moorhen.
Firecrest
27/3/08 Mostly Cloudy 8c Wind Calm
The Wetland today held 7 Grey Lag Geese, 7 Snipe, 6 Moorhen, 2 Grey Heron, Teal, Pied Wagtail
100+ Redshank and a Dunlin and the long staying Water Pipit put in a brief appearance.
Offshore were Eiders, Cormorants, Great Black Backed Gulls, Black Headed Gulls, 2 Kittiwakes
Herring Gulls, whilst the usual mix of waders were on the point. A Chiiffchaff was reported in the Briardene
today up by the Golf Club end (M&N). This is the first of the spring migrants I've had reported here so far......
19/3/08 Partly Cloudy 8c Wind NNW 9 Mph
Only a brief round up today as I forgot my bins (I know what a dozy twat) so I only had my camera with me.
In the South Bay were 40+ Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, Redshanks, Turnstones, 6 Rock Pipits, Common Gull and 8 Eider.
The Wetland held, Teal, 2 Mute Swan, 200+ Redshank, 6 Moorhen, Grey Heron, 500+ Starlings
30+ Curlew, Meadow Pipits, Snipe, Lapwings, 2 Reed Bunting and a few Carrion Crows....
Sanderling
Common Gull
13/3/08 Partly Cloudy 9c Wind W 16 Mph
Highlights
I picked up 4 patch year ticks today , House Sparrow ( I know) Collared Dove, Stock Dove
and Meadow Pipit. A Med Gull and Iceland Gull also reported here today shame I missed them.
The Female Pintail was still on the Wetland along with 6-7 Snipe, Grey Lag Goose 2, Teal 11, Mallard 2
6 Moorhen, Common Gull and a few Black Headed Gulls.
Offshore a few Eider were about along with a Red Throated Diver, Greater Black Backed Gulls, Cormorants
and Herring Gulls.
The Cemetery had Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Magpies, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove 3, Greenfinch, Carrion Crows.
Grey Lag Goose
6/3/08 Mostly Cloudy 10c Wind W 20 Mph
Yes you can believe your eyes its an update so here goes.......
The Wetland held 15 Curlew, 6 Moorhen, Mallards, Grey Lag Goose 2, 8 Teal, Lapwings
Grey Heron, Starlings and 16 Redshank..
A single Pink Footed Goose was in the South Bay next to 2 Eider with 50+ Black Headed Gulls,
Common Gull and the usual mix of waders.
The rocks near the lighthouse were the most productive today with 15 Purple Sandpipers, 30+ Turnstone,
5 Dunlin, 20+ Redshank, Greater Black Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Black Headed Gulls, 4 Cormorant.
Tons of frog spawn in the dipping pond but no sign of any frogs. A pleasant visit overall.
Dunlin
February 08
28/2/08 Partly Cloudy 8c Wind W 18 Mph
I did the Southern and Western boundaries of the patch today which resulted in 4 patch year ticks.
The Briardene held Chaffinchs*, Great Tits*, GoldFinches, Wrens, Blackbirds, Magpies, 3 Song Thrushes,
Linnets, Wood Pigeons, Long Tailed Tits, Blue Tits,*, Greenfinch *,Dunnocks and my first Bumblebee of 2008.
The whole place was teaming with birds including some carrying nesting material.
The Old Bridge area today had, Robin, Chaffinch, more Wrens, Golden Plover, Rooks, Jackdaws,
Black Headed Gulls, Great Tits and I watched a Carrion Crow and female Sparrowhawk having
an ariel dogfight.
18/2/08 Mostly Sunny 6c Wind Calm
I concentrated on the North end of my patch today which paid off in the shape of 2 Great Crested Grebes
in Collywell Bay(patch year tick) along with 10+ Eider. A few Fulmars again on Hartley Cliffs and nearby
10 Jackdaw and 10+ Feral Pigeon were also on the cliff face. A single Female Stonechat and 2 Meadow Pipits
showed in the Donkey Field. The usual mixed bag of waders were scattered about including 2 Purple Sandpiper,
50+ Redshank, 30+ Oystercatchers, 60+ Curlew and about 20 Sanderling.
The Wetland today held.. 50+ Lapwing, 20+ Teal, pair of Mute Swan, Mallards, 7+ Snipe, 100+ Black Headed
Gulls, 3 Common Gull, Pair of Stonechat and 9 Moorhen. In the Heron field were 20+ Grey Lag Geese, Rooks,
Wood Pigeons and strangely for here no Grey Herons. The field gained its nickname due to anything up to 10-20 Herons
roosting here.
17/2/08 Mostly Sunny 6c Wind WSW 3 Mph
A quick visit to the wetland today so not much to report, but here goes...
82+ Curlew, 100+ Black Headed Gulls, 8 Moorhen, 2 Snipe, 20+ Teal, 10+ Mallard
30 Redshank. A Sparrowhawk being mobbed by Carrion Crows, Stonechat, Reed Bunting
and Linnets in the top bushes and 80+ Pink Footed Geese flying North just offshore.
13/2/08 Fair 10c Wind Calm
Highlights
Just like a spring morning here today with 20 Skylarks singing their heads off in the west field,
also 6+ Reed Buntins, Robin and Dunnock joining in. The Wetland had 15+ Mallard, 20+ Teal,
9 Moorhen and 7 Snipe whilst 10 Fulmar, OysterCatchers, Rnged Plovers and Redshank were
hanging about the Hartley Cliff's area. 40 Curlew, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons
100+ lapwing and a Sparrowhawk in the fields here. A single Long Tailed Tit and Shag added
2 more to my patch year list total.
02/02/08 Partly Cloudy 4c Wind SW 12 Mph
A text message this morning dragged me out of the house as a Glaucous Gull was reported
on the point. It was still there when I arrived but flew South shortly afterwards. A single Guillemot
bobbing about in the surf provided another patch year tick. I finally caught up with the Water Pipit
in the North Bay, it was knocking about with Rock Pipits feeding on the tide wrack. A few Ringed Plover,
Redshank, Sanderling and 2 Purple Sandpipers also here. Heading back to the car myself and 2 fellow
birders had an adult Yellow Legged Gull on the point before it too flew South. Corker a new addition
to my patch list.
.
On the Wetland today were 10 Snipe, 18 Teal, 4 Mallard, 8 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Common Gull
40+ Black Headed Gulls and a stunning looking Fox chasing the Teal in and out of the reeds. Pure Magic......
Glaucous Gull
Black Headed Gulls
Januaury 08
26/01/08 Mostly Cloudy 10c Wind W 18 Mph
The Wetland today had on it 100 Black Headed Gulls bathing including 1 bird in full summer plumage,
5 Common Gulls, 5 Moorhen, 3 Teal. In the South Bay feeding along the tide line were 17 Sanderling,
Turnstones, Redshanks, Bar Tailed Godwit ( year tick) and Curlew.5 Rock Pipits were flycatching
at the bottom of the prom and about 3000+ Golden Plover overhead. I'm almost certain I had the
Water Pipit in the North Bay but it was flushed by people walking and I couldn't relocate it.
3 Purple Sandpiper, Redshanks, Oystercatchers and Carrion Crows completed my visit.
23/01/08 Mostly Cloudy 12c Wind SW 16 Mph
Highlights
2000+ Golden Plover along with 500+ Lapwing, 20+ Sanderling, 4 Purple Sandpiper,
Turnstones, Pied Wagtail and 5+ Rock pipits in the North Bay area. 300+ Black Headed Gulls
and a few Herring Gulls feeding close inshore. 30+ Curlew in the West Field and the usual mob
on the Wetland.
19/01/08 Partly Cloudy 7c Wind W 10 mph
At last I'm back out after a bout of man flu, birds seen today
Little Grebe, 6 Snipe, 2 Mute Swan, 20+ Teal and a pair of Shovelar on the Wetland,
2500-3000 Golden Plover along with 500+ Lapwing overhead.
No sign of the Water Pipit in the North Bay but 10 Rock Pipits, 6 Purple Sandpiper,Knot
Turnstone and 200+ Redshank were roosting on the Island. A single Pintail flew past
and 5 Reed Bunting in the top willows finished the morning off.
09/01/08 Partly Cloudy 5c Wind WSW 31 Mph
A flying visit today due to the strong winds. I even got blown sideways which is no mean feet
as I'm no stranger to a pie or three. the Wetland had 20+ Teal ,Little Grebe, Mallards, Moorhen
Drake Shovelar and a couple of Common Snipe. A few Great Black Backed Gulls on the point
and the usual crowd of waders spread about as the tide was out.
04/01/08 Partly Cloudy 3c Wind S 7 Mph
A quick walk round the Wetland with 2 fellow Birders(BR AB) today saw
Gadwall M&F, Mallards 10+, Little Grebe, 20+ Teal, 3 Mute Swan, 4 Moorhen
2500-3000+ Golden Plover overhead, 9 Purple Sandpipers in the North Bay with
Sanderling, Dunlin, 200+ Redshank and 500+ Lapwing on the point. 6+ Rock Pipit
20+ Curlew ,5 Fulmar and Song Thrush also seen.
January 07
28/1/07 Partly Cloudy 8c Wind W 13 Mph
Highlights
The long staying Little Grebe still on the Wetland again today. Normally they only stay a day or too this one's been here
about 3 weeks now. 5 Gadwall (3 M 2 F) were feeding over the back amongst 30+ Teal and 8 Moorhens.
The North Bay held 100+ Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, Redshanks, 2 Purple Sandpiper and 50+ Ringed Plover all
busy feeding on the waters edge.
The Black Redstart was reported again on the cliffs at Hartley so I decided to check for it. After about 5 mins something
caught my eye amongst the rocks, it turned out to be a Wren. Followed by 6-8 Rock Pipits all taking turns to pop out
of hiding to tease me. I gave up after awhile without seeing it. It's also been here about 3 weeks now.
Overall no new Patch year ticks but I always enjoy watching the Sanderling.......
25/1/07 Mostly Cloudy 5c Wind W 11 Mph
Just the Wetland checked today which had, 3 Tufted Duck (2 M 1 F), Little Grebe, Teal 30+, Mallard 25+, Moorhen 10
Common Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull 10+, 3 Mute Swan ( M+F+ Imm), 3 Grey Lag Geese, 300+ Grey Lags flew over
towards Hollywell Pond and 30+ Curlew nearby. A pair of Pintail reported here today too.On the way home I did see 6 Grey heron in the far west field.
23/1/07 Mostly Sunny 2c Wind NW 7 Mph
Highlights
I had a mini sea watch this afternoon hoping to pick up Red Throated Diver. I managed to see 2 Red Throated Divers,
a Great Northern Diver, 2 Drake Long Tailed Ducks, 4 Brent Geese, Guillemot and a Tufted Duck all heading North.
Which all but the Guillemot were patch year ticks.
On the Wetland today were 3 Wigeon (2 M 1 F) Shelduck (another 2 patch year ticks) 30+ Mallard, 20+ Teal
7 Moorhen, Drake Pintail and a Grey Heron. 7 Snipe were reported on here this morning.
The North Bay held 7 Purple Sandpiper, 3-4 Dunlin, Redshanks, Turnstones and a couple of Ringed Plover
all feeding on the tide wrack. Further up the beach the Black Redstart was showing well on the cliffs below the mast field.
At times it was chased by a couple of Robins and a Wren. A single Fulmar was on the cliffs here and a single Grey Wagtail was heard calling.
Overall 42 species seen today.
22/1/07 Parlty Cloudy Wind NW 15 Mph
Not much about today...
20/1/07 Partly Sunny 7c Wind W 25 Mph
Highlights
The Drake Pintail is still on the wetland. The longest staying record I have for this species. 34 Mallard and 30+
Teal were battling the wind and waves trying to feed. 4 Moorhen ,3 Mute Swans and a Grey Heron also here.
30+ Curlew were feeding in the west field and 500+ Golden Plover and 400+ Lapwings in the mast field.
The North bay was quiet with 10 Rock Pipits, 1 Purple Sandpiper, and a few Turnstones.
The eastern shore was teaming with over 1000 Gulls, mainly Black Headed Gulls.100 Redshank, 60+ Ringed Plover
20+ Sanderling,12+ Dunlin and 30+ Oystercatchers were roosting before a Carrion Crow mobbed them .
16/1/07 Mostly Sunny 7c Wind CLM
Highlights
I picked up 3 patch year ticks today whislt having a Twitch "N" Bitch (chatting) with some of the regulars .
I missed Red Throated Diver and Wigeon here also......
Todays List
1. Fulmar 10 *
2. Guillemot 5 *
3. Stock Dove *
4. Goldeneye 2 M
5. Shag 2
6. Carrion Crows
7. Curlew 70+
8. Lapwing 4-500
9. Golden Plover 1000+
10. Eider 5+
11. Common Scoter
12. Black Headed Gulls
13. Herring Gulls
14. Pintail M
15.Little Grebe
16. Gadwall
17.Mallards
18. Mute Swan pair
19.Grey Lag goose 2
20. Sparrowhawk M
21.Turnstones
22. Pied Wagtail 3
23. Meadow Pipit
24. Rock Pipit 6
25.Great Black Backed Gulls
26. Jackdaws
27. Oystercatchers
28.Cormorant
29. Reed Bunting pair
30. Robin 2
31. Wren
32. Stonechat pair.
14/1/07 Partly Sunny 8c Wind W 25 Mph
Highlights
Windy and wild today, even 30+ Pink Footed Goose struggled to fly in off the sea.
2 Purple Sandpipers were feeding with Turnstones in the North Bay, I tried some photos but was getting sandblasted
so I gave up and checked the Wetland. The drake Pintail was still on so was the Little Grebe. 30+ Teal ,3 Gadwall,
2 Mute Swans and 3 Moorhens also on today.
There was around 1000 Gulls spread about the patch today mainly Black Headed Gulls and Herring Gulls with smaller
numbers of Common and Great Black Backed Gulls. Sadly no sign of any white winged gulls.. When's this wind going to end??
13/1/07 Partly Sunny 11c Wind SW 20 Mph
Just had a quick look on the wetland today so not much to report.
The Drake Pintail showed well in front of the view point before it swam past and disappeared in to the reeds.
25-30 Teal were splashing about over the back of the wetland and a single Grey Heron was sheltering from the wind
against the middle reed bed. A pair of Mute Swans were nibbling the grass close up whilst a few Moorhen squabbled on the main island.
8/1/07 Mostly Cloudy 6C Wind S 9 Mph
Highlights
Just went to Hartley Cliffs today looking for the Black Redstart. I wasn’t disappointed as it showed soon as I reached
the bottom of the stairs by the mast field. It was being harassed by 2 Robins and a Wren so was a bit flighty.
I managed to get these poor shots as the light was bad.
6/1/07 Rainshowers 7c Wind W 4 Mph
Picked up 14 Patch Year ticks today with a wander through Whitley Bay Cemetery and a quick look on the Wetland
Todays full list....
1.Great Tit 10+
2. Blue Tit 10+
3. Chaffinch 2
4. House Sparrow 15+
5. Blackbird 15-20
6. Mistle Thrush 5 (more than I had the whole of 2006 here )
7. Collared Dove 4
8. Starlings
9. Wren 2
10. Dunnock
11. Robin 2
12. Carrion Crows
13.Sparrowhawk F
14. Magpie 4
15. Wood Pigeons
16. Feral Pigeons
17. Lapwing 3-400
18. Little Grebe
19. Gadwall 7 (5 M 2 F)
20. Teal 25+
21. Herring Gulls
22. Great Black Backed Gulls
23. Moorhen 3
24. Black Headed Gulls
25. Redshanks
26.Grey Lag Goose 3
27. Curlew 10+
28. Golden Plover 50+
29. Stonechat F
30. Shovelar M
31.Rooks
32. Kestrel
4/1/07 Mostly Sunny 7c Wind W 25 Mph
Full List of species seen today.
1. Teal 20+
2. Curlew 24
3. Black Headed Gulls 500+
4.Common Gull
5. Lapwing 100+
6. Starlings
7. Golden Plover 60+
8. Jackdaws
9.Oystercatchers
10. Eider 24
11. Purple Sandpiper 4
12. Turnstones
13. Herring Gulls
14. Rock Pipits 5+
15. Pied Wagtail 2
16. Black Redstart showing on cliffs below the mast field
17. Cormorant
18. Feral Pigeon 20+
19. Redshanks
20. Common Scoter 2 F
21. Sanderlings
22. Pintail M
23. Gadwall 5 (3 M 2 F)
24. Great Black Back Gulls
25.Carrion Crows
26. Dunlin
2/1/07 Partly Cloudy 6c Wind NW 4 Mph
Highlights
Starting out with the Wetland today saw 5 Gadwall (3 M 2 F ) feeding amongst 30+ Teal.
6 Moorhen were scattered about the wetlandand some Black Headed Gulls and 2 Common Gulls were roosting here
The drake Pintail was reported again today but I didn’t see it.
4 Purple Sandpiper, a single Knot and 20+ Turnstones were feeding on the tide wrack along the East promenade
with Sanderling,Redshanks, Turnstones and 4 Rock Pipits doing the same in the North Bay.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was a surprise addition today as there not common here. I also managed to pick up Gannet heading north which is my earliest recorded sighting here. A few Birders I know were also here so must of my time was spent chin wagging..
Overall a pleasant visit with a few year ticks picked up..
1/1/07 Partly Sunny 5c Wind W 13 Mph
Highlights
A quick visit today (nipped up the coast year listing) with 100+ Ringed Plover, 4 Purple Sandpiper, Sanderling, Oystercatchers
5+ Rock Pipit in the North Bay. I finally caught up with the drake Pintail which had been reported over the past couple of days.
30+ Teal, Moorhen, 3 pair of Gadwall, Grey Lag Goose 2, Grey Heron, 3 Common Gulls on the wetland.
300+ Lapwing and 200+ Golden Plover in the west field.
Highlights
The long staying Little Grebe still on the Wetland again today. Normally they only stay a day or too this one's been here
about 3 weeks now. 5 Gadwall (3 M 2 F) were feeding over the back amongst 30+ Teal and 8 Moorhens.
The North Bay held 100+ Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, Redshanks, 2 Purple Sandpiper and 50+ Ringed Plover all
busy feeding on the waters edge.
The Black Redstart was reported again on the cliffs at Hartley so I decided to check for it. After about 5 mins something
caught my eye amongst the rocks, it turned out to be a Wren. Followed by 6-8 Rock Pipits all taking turns to pop out
of hiding to tease me. I gave up after awhile without seeing it. It's also been here about 3 weeks now.
Overall no new Patch year ticks but I always enjoy watching the Sanderling.......
25/1/07 Mostly Cloudy 5c Wind W 11 Mph
Just the Wetland checked today which had, 3 Tufted Duck (2 M 1 F), Little Grebe, Teal 30+, Mallard 25+, Moorhen 10
Common Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull 10+, 3 Mute Swan ( M+F+ Imm), 3 Grey Lag Geese, 300+ Grey Lags flew over
towards Hollywell Pond and 30+ Curlew nearby. A pair of Pintail reported here today too.On the way home I did see 6 Grey heron in the far west field.
23/1/07 Mostly Sunny 2c Wind NW 7 Mph
Highlights
I had a mini sea watch this afternoon hoping to pick up Red Throated Diver. I managed to see 2 Red Throated Divers,
a Great Northern Diver, 2 Drake Long Tailed Ducks, 4 Brent Geese, Guillemot and a Tufted Duck all heading North.
Which all but the Guillemot were patch year ticks.
On the Wetland today were 3 Wigeon (2 M 1 F) Shelduck (another 2 patch year ticks) 30+ Mallard, 20+ Teal
7 Moorhen, Drake Pintail and a Grey Heron. 7 Snipe were reported on here this morning.
The North Bay held 7 Purple Sandpiper, 3-4 Dunlin, Redshanks, Turnstones and a couple of Ringed Plover
all feeding on the tide wrack. Further up the beach the Black Redstart was showing well on the cliffs below the mast field.
At times it was chased by a couple of Robins and a Wren. A single Fulmar was on the cliffs here and a single Grey Wagtail was heard calling.
Overall 42 species seen today.
22/1/07 Parlty Cloudy Wind NW 15 Mph
Not much about today...
20/1/07 Partly Sunny 7c Wind W 25 Mph
Highlights
The Drake Pintail is still on the wetland. The longest staying record I have for this species. 34 Mallard and 30+
Teal were battling the wind and waves trying to feed. 4 Moorhen ,3 Mute Swans and a Grey Heron also here.
30+ Curlew were feeding in the west field and 500+ Golden Plover and 400+ Lapwings in the mast field.
The North bay was quiet with 10 Rock Pipits, 1 Purple Sandpiper, and a few Turnstones.
The eastern shore was teaming with over 1000 Gulls, mainly Black Headed Gulls.100 Redshank, 60+ Ringed Plover
20+ Sanderling,12+ Dunlin and 30+ Oystercatchers were roosting before a Carrion Crow mobbed them .
16/1/07 Mostly Sunny 7c Wind CLM
Highlights
I picked up 3 patch year ticks today whislt having a Twitch "N" Bitch (chatting) with some of the regulars .
I missed Red Throated Diver and Wigeon here also......
Todays List
1. Fulmar 10 *
2. Guillemot 5 *
3. Stock Dove *
4. Goldeneye 2 M
5. Shag 2
6. Carrion Crows
7. Curlew 70+
8. Lapwing 4-500
9. Golden Plover 1000+
10. Eider 5+
11. Common Scoter
12. Black Headed Gulls
13. Herring Gulls
14. Pintail M
15.Little Grebe
16. Gadwall
17.Mallards
18. Mute Swan pair
19.Grey Lag goose 2
20. Sparrowhawk M
21.Turnstones
22. Pied Wagtail 3
23. Meadow Pipit
24. Rock Pipit 6
25.Great Black Backed Gulls
26. Jackdaws
27. Oystercatchers
28.Cormorant
29. Reed Bunting pair
30. Robin 2
31. Wren
32. Stonechat pair.
14/1/07 Partly Sunny 8c Wind W 25 Mph
Highlights
Windy and wild today, even 30+ Pink Footed Goose struggled to fly in off the sea.
2 Purple Sandpipers were feeding with Turnstones in the North Bay, I tried some photos but was getting sandblasted
so I gave up and checked the Wetland. The drake Pintail was still on so was the Little Grebe. 30+ Teal ,3 Gadwall,
2 Mute Swans and 3 Moorhens also on today.
There was around 1000 Gulls spread about the patch today mainly Black Headed Gulls and Herring Gulls with smaller
numbers of Common and Great Black Backed Gulls. Sadly no sign of any white winged gulls.. When's this wind going to end??
13/1/07 Partly Sunny 11c Wind SW 20 Mph
Just had a quick look on the wetland today so not much to report.
The Drake Pintail showed well in front of the view point before it swam past and disappeared in to the reeds.
25-30 Teal were splashing about over the back of the wetland and a single Grey Heron was sheltering from the wind
against the middle reed bed. A pair of Mute Swans were nibbling the grass close up whilst a few Moorhen squabbled on the main island.
8/1/07 Mostly Cloudy 6C Wind S 9 Mph
Highlights
Just went to Hartley Cliffs today looking for the Black Redstart. I wasn’t disappointed as it showed soon as I reached
the bottom of the stairs by the mast field. It was being harassed by 2 Robins and a Wren so was a bit flighty.
I managed to get these poor shots as the light was bad.
6/1/07 Rainshowers 7c Wind W 4 Mph
Picked up 14 Patch Year ticks today with a wander through Whitley Bay Cemetery and a quick look on the Wetland
Todays full list....
1.Great Tit 10+
2. Blue Tit 10+
3. Chaffinch 2
4. House Sparrow 15+
5. Blackbird 15-20
6. Mistle Thrush 5 (more than I had the whole of 2006 here )
7. Collared Dove 4
8. Starlings
9. Wren 2
10. Dunnock
11. Robin 2
12. Carrion Crows
13.Sparrowhawk F
14. Magpie 4
15. Wood Pigeons
16. Feral Pigeons
17. Lapwing 3-400
18. Little Grebe
19. Gadwall 7 (5 M 2 F)
20. Teal 25+
21. Herring Gulls
22. Great Black Backed Gulls
23. Moorhen 3
24. Black Headed Gulls
25. Redshanks
26.Grey Lag Goose 3
27. Curlew 10+
28. Golden Plover 50+
29. Stonechat F
30. Shovelar M
31.Rooks
32. Kestrel
4/1/07 Mostly Sunny 7c Wind W 25 Mph
Full List of species seen today.
1. Teal 20+
2. Curlew 24
3. Black Headed Gulls 500+
4.Common Gull
5. Lapwing 100+
6. Starlings
7. Golden Plover 60+
8. Jackdaws
9.Oystercatchers
10. Eider 24
11. Purple Sandpiper 4
12. Turnstones
13. Herring Gulls
14. Rock Pipits 5+
15. Pied Wagtail 2
16. Black Redstart showing on cliffs below the mast field
17. Cormorant
18. Feral Pigeon 20+
19. Redshanks
20. Common Scoter 2 F
21. Sanderlings
22. Pintail M
23. Gadwall 5 (3 M 2 F)
24. Great Black Back Gulls
25.Carrion Crows
26. Dunlin
2/1/07 Partly Cloudy 6c Wind NW 4 Mph
Highlights
Starting out with the Wetland today saw 5 Gadwall (3 M 2 F ) feeding amongst 30+ Teal.
6 Moorhen were scattered about the wetlandand some Black Headed Gulls and 2 Common Gulls were roosting here
The drake Pintail was reported again today but I didn’t see it.
4 Purple Sandpiper, a single Knot and 20+ Turnstones were feeding on the tide wrack along the East promenade
with Sanderling,Redshanks, Turnstones and 4 Rock Pipits doing the same in the North Bay.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was a surprise addition today as there not common here. I also managed to pick up Gannet heading north which is my earliest recorded sighting here. A few Birders I know were also here so must of my time was spent chin wagging..
Overall a pleasant visit with a few year ticks picked up..
1/1/07 Partly Sunny 5c Wind W 13 Mph
Highlights
A quick visit today (nipped up the coast year listing) with 100+ Ringed Plover, 4 Purple Sandpiper, Sanderling, Oystercatchers
5+ Rock Pipit in the North Bay. I finally caught up with the drake Pintail which had been reported over the past couple of days.
30+ Teal, Moorhen, 3 pair of Gadwall, Grey Lag Goose 2, Grey Heron, 3 Common Gulls on the wetland.
300+ Lapwing and 200+ Golden Plover in the west field.
February 07
21/2/07 Mostly Cloudy 8c Wind W 1 Mph
Highlights
A walk around patch today produced some nice surprises in the shape of 2 patch year ticks.
The first were 2 Red Breasted Mergansers flying North close inshore, and I've been looking for Linnet
here since Jan 1st and finally found not just 1 but 42 of them over the West Field.
Typical just like a bus you wait for 1 then they all come along at once. I also got my highest ever count of Curlew here
with about 211 of them mostly feeding next to the mast field. 2500-3000 Golden Plover overhead here and 2-300 lapwings .
The water level on the Wetland is very high at the moment, birds on here today were...
Common Snipe, Pintail Pair, Mallard 2 Pair, Grey Lag Goose 7, Teal 20+, Moorhen5+.
Not much in the North Bay again today apart from 3 Knot, 10+ Ringed Plover, 100+ Redshanks,
Turnstones, Oystercatchers and a Female Eider in the bay.
No sign of the Black Redstart today for me anyway. 6+ Rock Pipits , Wren and 14 + Fulmar were all I found.
A Male Kestrel was hunting in the mast field and in the distance were 200+ Goose Sp to far away for me to ID..
Overall 33 species seen
18/2/07 Mostly Sunny 10c Wind ESE 2 Mph
Highlights
At Last I managed to get down to patch today, it only took an hours walk. Which was both pleasant and a torture at
the same time. I arrived at the Wetland to see it almost empty with only a few Teal, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 5 Moorhen
and the Drake Pintail showing. I bet £20 somebody had been on and flushed everything off, as the whole of patch was
swarming with people today. The tide was in so nothing in the North Bay but a few waders were roosting on the Island
30+ Curlew, 100+ Redshank, 20+ Sanderling and a few Dunlin. 12+ Eider were bobbing about in the bay and 20+ Fulmar
on the sea opposite Hartley Cliffs. 1000+ Golden Plover and 2-300+ Lapwings in the West Field with a Male Stonechat.
3-5 Skylarks singing here which with the warm weather made it feel like a spring day. Overall 35 Species seen today.
12/2/07 Mostly Cloudy 7c Wind NW 4 Mph
Highlights
At last another patch year tick.. Picked up 5 Fieldfare in the far west field whilst dipping on Waxwings which had
been reported here. 10 Greenfinch, 8 + Great Tits, 12 Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Chaffinchs and Robin in the hedgerow
alongside the far west field. The Wetland today was flooded with 20+ Teal ,23 Grey Lag Geese, 3 Mute Swans,
20+ Mallard, Drake Shovelar and the Drake Pintail still present. A single Knot was feeding on the short grass opposite
the brick hide and 100+ Redshank,1000+ Golden Plover, 400+ Lapwing nearby..
6/2/07 Partly Sunny 1c Wind WNW 2 Mph
Nothing much around today due to the weather.
I was surprised to find the Black Redstart still at the bottom of the Mast Field cliffs today. It soon flitted round the corner
towards Seaton Sluice and I couldn’t re-find it. A Grey Wagtail and a cpl of Wrens and Robins hopping about the cliffs.
I did spend some time trying to photograph some Ringed Plovers, which was an absolute pleasure being allowed to watch them
at such close range. Don’t worry I didn’t flush them I used an old lazy mans trick I know. Plonk your butt on a rock and wait
for them to come to you.
4/2/07 Partly Sunny 3c Wind WNW 11 Mph
Highlights
A passage of 500+ Pink Footed Geese in 4 Skeins North, 1000+ Golden Plover, 600+ Lapwings
40+ Curlew, 10 Grey Heron, 100+ Rooks and Jackdaws in the North West field.
The Drake Pintail has now got himself a Mrs. They were swimming about happily on the Wetland
along with 3 Gadwall, 20 + Teal, 3 Mute Swan ( M F + Juv) 15+ Mallard. The Little Grebe was still here today also.
Wader numbers were down today but the tide was out so they were scattered about the place making them hard to find.
Yesterdays Skylarks were singing again in the same place. Overall 40 species seen today, still need Linnet !!!!!!!!
3/2/07 Sunny 7c Wind W 7 Mph
Highlights
A nice mild and sunny day today but it also brought the dog walkers out so not much in either the North or South Bays
20+ Ringed Plovers, 10+ Dunlin, 10+ Sanderling were seen .
1000+ Golden Plover, 4-500 Lapwing and 60+ Curlew in the West Field. I was surprised to see 3 Skylarks here
including 1 singing, a much needed year tick.
I also tried for the Black Redstart again but no sign. 20+ Fulmars on the cliffs, some were pair bonding. A single Wren
, Robin and Pied Wagtail here.
1/2/07 Partly Sunny 10c Wind WNW 7 Mph
Not much about today with 6 Purple Sandpiper, 10+ Sanderling, 68 Curlew, 3 Gadwall, 20+ Teal
6 Common Gulls...........
Highlights
A walk around patch today produced some nice surprises in the shape of 2 patch year ticks.
The first were 2 Red Breasted Mergansers flying North close inshore, and I've been looking for Linnet
here since Jan 1st and finally found not just 1 but 42 of them over the West Field.
Typical just like a bus you wait for 1 then they all come along at once. I also got my highest ever count of Curlew here
with about 211 of them mostly feeding next to the mast field. 2500-3000 Golden Plover overhead here and 2-300 lapwings .
The water level on the Wetland is very high at the moment, birds on here today were...
Common Snipe, Pintail Pair, Mallard 2 Pair, Grey Lag Goose 7, Teal 20+, Moorhen5+.
Not much in the North Bay again today apart from 3 Knot, 10+ Ringed Plover, 100+ Redshanks,
Turnstones, Oystercatchers and a Female Eider in the bay.
No sign of the Black Redstart today for me anyway. 6+ Rock Pipits , Wren and 14 + Fulmar were all I found.
A Male Kestrel was hunting in the mast field and in the distance were 200+ Goose Sp to far away for me to ID..
Overall 33 species seen
18/2/07 Mostly Sunny 10c Wind ESE 2 Mph
Highlights
At Last I managed to get down to patch today, it only took an hours walk. Which was both pleasant and a torture at
the same time. I arrived at the Wetland to see it almost empty with only a few Teal, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 5 Moorhen
and the Drake Pintail showing. I bet £20 somebody had been on and flushed everything off, as the whole of patch was
swarming with people today. The tide was in so nothing in the North Bay but a few waders were roosting on the Island
30+ Curlew, 100+ Redshank, 20+ Sanderling and a few Dunlin. 12+ Eider were bobbing about in the bay and 20+ Fulmar
on the sea opposite Hartley Cliffs. 1000+ Golden Plover and 2-300+ Lapwings in the West Field with a Male Stonechat.
3-5 Skylarks singing here which with the warm weather made it feel like a spring day. Overall 35 Species seen today.
12/2/07 Mostly Cloudy 7c Wind NW 4 Mph
Highlights
At last another patch year tick.. Picked up 5 Fieldfare in the far west field whilst dipping on Waxwings which had
been reported here. 10 Greenfinch, 8 + Great Tits, 12 Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Chaffinchs and Robin in the hedgerow
alongside the far west field. The Wetland today was flooded with 20+ Teal ,23 Grey Lag Geese, 3 Mute Swans,
20+ Mallard, Drake Shovelar and the Drake Pintail still present. A single Knot was feeding on the short grass opposite
the brick hide and 100+ Redshank,1000+ Golden Plover, 400+ Lapwing nearby..
6/2/07 Partly Sunny 1c Wind WNW 2 Mph
Nothing much around today due to the weather.
I was surprised to find the Black Redstart still at the bottom of the Mast Field cliffs today. It soon flitted round the corner
towards Seaton Sluice and I couldn’t re-find it. A Grey Wagtail and a cpl of Wrens and Robins hopping about the cliffs.
I did spend some time trying to photograph some Ringed Plovers, which was an absolute pleasure being allowed to watch them
at such close range. Don’t worry I didn’t flush them I used an old lazy mans trick I know. Plonk your butt on a rock and wait
for them to come to you.
4/2/07 Partly Sunny 3c Wind WNW 11 Mph
Highlights
A passage of 500+ Pink Footed Geese in 4 Skeins North, 1000+ Golden Plover, 600+ Lapwings
40+ Curlew, 10 Grey Heron, 100+ Rooks and Jackdaws in the North West field.
The Drake Pintail has now got himself a Mrs. They were swimming about happily on the Wetland
along with 3 Gadwall, 20 + Teal, 3 Mute Swan ( M F + Juv) 15+ Mallard. The Little Grebe was still here today also.
Wader numbers were down today but the tide was out so they were scattered about the place making them hard to find.
Yesterdays Skylarks were singing again in the same place. Overall 40 species seen today, still need Linnet !!!!!!!!
3/2/07 Sunny 7c Wind W 7 Mph
Highlights
A nice mild and sunny day today but it also brought the dog walkers out so not much in either the North or South Bays
20+ Ringed Plovers, 10+ Dunlin, 10+ Sanderling were seen .
1000+ Golden Plover, 4-500 Lapwing and 60+ Curlew in the West Field. I was surprised to see 3 Skylarks here
including 1 singing, a much needed year tick.
I also tried for the Black Redstart again but no sign. 20+ Fulmars on the cliffs, some were pair bonding. A single Wren
, Robin and Pied Wagtail here.
1/2/07 Partly Sunny 10c Wind WNW 7 Mph
Not much about today with 6 Purple Sandpiper, 10+ Sanderling, 68 Curlew, 3 Gadwall, 20+ Teal
6 Common Gulls...........
March 07
29/3/07 Foggy 7c Wind NNE 7 Mph
Highlights
At last my first spring migrant for 2007.. A Chiffchaff in the top willows, also 3 Blackbirds,
Dunnock,Robin, and a Wren . A drake Wigeon still on the Wetland along with 10 Teal, 150-200 Redshank,
3 Mallard, Grey Lag Goose and 4 Moorhen. 30 Golden Plover and 5 Godcrests along the cycle track.
The North Bay was quiet with 25-30 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin and singles of Ringed Plover and Rock pipit.
A 5 min seawatch produced 9 Gannets and a Red Throated Diver heading North. I'm just glad I'm not
a Brass Monkey, Id be needing a welder about now......
26/3/07 Partly Sunny 10c Wind E 4 Mph
Highlights
The Wetland was full of life today with a Wigeon Drake, 100+ Redshanks, 15 Curlew, 4-6 Moorhens,
Teal 10+, Tufted Duck 3, Grey lag Goose, Dunlin and a few Mallards. No sign of any migrants but
the resident birds were in full song, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits displaying , Song Thrush, Robin,
10 Reed Buntings, Wren, 50 Curlew, 2 Stonechat and a Pheasant in the West Field. 12+ Fulmars at Hartley with
a small Grebe SP just offshore. Trust me to have left my scope at home so I was unable to positively ID it.
Small numbers of waders in the North Bay including 35 Sanderling, 4 Ringed Plover, Oystercatchers, Turnstone's
and Redsanks. 10 Eiders and a Grey Seal were feeding just offshore here, and my first Bumble Bee for the patch
this year. Overall 35 species seen and a very pleasant visit.
21/3/07 Partly Sunny 6c Wind W 2Mph
Highlights
12, Teal, Gadwall pair, Mallard pair, 6 Moorhen, 2 Grey Lag Geese ,14 Redshanks and a few Black Headed Gulls
on the Wetland today. 3 Mute Swan still in the West field with 3 Dunnock singing nearby. A few Skylarks were
in full song and a male Reed Bunting was also singing. It felt more like a true spring day after yesterdays snow.
14/3/07 Partly Sunny 12c Wind WSW 7 Mph
Highlights
The water level is a bit lower on the Wetland so a few waders on today, with 4-5 Common Snipe, 2 Redshank,
14 Curlew. A pair of Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 10+ Mallards, 4 Moorhen and 3 Grey Lag Geese also on today.
The North Bay was slightly better with, Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Sanderlings, Oystercatchers, Turnstones noted.
15-20 Rock Pipits were feeding on the tide wrack including a Littoralis race bird which was very well marked.
No sign of any early Wheatear's yet and the Frogs were still "at it" in the dipping pool.
11/3/07 Partly Sunny 11c Wind SW 9 Mph
Very quiet here today with only small numbers of duck on the wetland. 6-8 Teal (inc pair mating)
Pintail Drake, 6 Mallards, Tufted Duck Pair and 2 Grey Lag Geese circled the pond then flew off.
A single Red Throated Diver South was the only bird of note on the sea. A Sparrowhawk unsuccessfully
chased a Linnet through the top willows. 800+ Golden Plover and 2 Mute Swans in the West field.
There was also about 20 Frogs spawning in the dipping pool...
Frog 11/3/07 Teal 11/3/07
7/3/07 Partly Cloudy 8c Wind W 7 Mph
Highlights
A quick visit today produced..
Skylarks 10+ (singing)
Stonechat M
Pintail M
Gadwall pair
Mallard 2 Pair
Teal 10+
Mute Swan pair + Imm
Reed Bunting 6 (singing)
Pied Wagtail 2
Fulmar 15-20
Wren 3
Blackbird M
Dunnock (singing)
Linnets 4
Eider 6+
Black Headed Gulls
Great Black Backed Gulls
Herring Gulls
Cormorant
Golden Plover 1000+
Lapwings
Turnstones
Curlew 50+
Magpie 2
Jackdaw 8+
Carrion Crows
Rock Pipits 4+
Skylark
1/3/07 Partly Cloudy 7c Wind NW 15 Mph
Highlights
On the Wetland today were, 3 Mute Swans, 3 Grey Lag Geese, 100+ Curlew, 30 Redshank, Pintail pair.
Mallards, Grey Heron, 20+ Teal and a few Moorhens. The North Bay today had, 10 Purple Sandpipers,
50+ Redshank. 10+ Sanderling, 30+ Turnstone, Common Gull 5, Black Headed Gulls and 5 Eider.
Not much about today but my first visit since getting mobile again
.April 07
29/4/07 Partly Sunny 8c Wind E 4 Mph
Highlights
3 House Martin over the Wetland, a few mins seawatch produced a Common Tern North, 50+ Kittiwakes, 5 Sandwich Terns,
Guillemots, Gannets and a Red Throated Diver. Willow and Sedge Warblers still in the top bushes otherwise very quiet.
House Martin and Common Tern both patch year ticks.
Willow Warbler 29/4/07
26/4/07 Mostly Sunny 12c Wind ENE 7 Mph
A gorgeous spring day today produced another addition to my year list in the shape of a female Whinchat ,fly catching along the back fence by the ploughed square in the West Field. There was also 8 Wheatears here including a Greenland race male.
With a further 4-5 on the cliffs made the total to 12-13. The Top Willows were busy with 2 Willow Warblers singing, 10+ Reed Buntings,2 Dunnock, Blackbird, 10+ Linnets and the resident Song Thrush giving it some welly.The Garganey pair still on the Wetland today along with 10 Grey Lag Geese and the 9 Gosling's. 5 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin dropped in briefly for a feed next to 10+ Turnstone. A single Golden Plover in summer plumage flew overhead also 2 Swallows and a Sand Martin past.
25/4/07 Mostly Sunny 12c Wind WSW 13 Mph
At last nailed the 100th patch tick for 2007 with a Lesser Whitethroat along the West Track. 7-8 Wheatears in the fields here.
The Garganey Pair still on the Wetland today showing from the second wooden screen. A Black Tailed Godwit was feeding
along the edge of the Wetland, nearby were 3 Grey Lag Geese with 8 Gosling's. One down but it may have been tucked up out of the wind. A Willow Warbler and Song Thrush were in full song in the Top Bushes, also 6 Swallows overhead.
23 Species noted today in a quick visit.
A view of the Lighthouse
22/4/07 Partly Sunny 15c Wind WSW 7 Mph
A few more migrants around today with a singing Sedge Warbler in the top bushes( Missed Lesser Whitethroat here).
A Grasshopper Warbler Reeling in the set aside field and showed briefly at a distance low done in the scrub.
3 Whimbrel past and around 12-15 Wheatears scattered about the place. A Puffin and a few Sandwich terns on the sea.
The Gargany pair were still on the Wetland also a new brood of 4 Grey Lag Goose gosling's, taking total up to 9( 5 + 4).
2 Canada Geese on the Wetland and a Yellow Wagtail flyover were other additions to my year list for patch.
97 species so far this year.
21/4/07 Mostly Cloudy 13c Wind SW 4 Mph
Just did the Wetland today and the Garganey pair are still present. A summer plumage Dunlin was feeding amongst the
Grey Lag Geese (9+5y).A few Mallard and Teal were feeding over the back of the Wetland, a Grey Heron was being mobbed
by Herring Gulls and a Carrion Crow.
Other birds noted were a single Swallow, 4 Moorhen, Meadow Pipits, Magpie 2, Wood Pigeon 3 and 2 Whimbrel flew North.
.Garganey 21/4/07
19/4/07 Mostly Sunny 12c Wind W 18 Mph
Highlights
The pair of Garganey still on the the Wetland today but mostly staying in cover due to the strong wind. A Willow Warbler was singing in the Top Willows and a Swallow over. A White Wagtail again in the North Bay and 3 Sandwich Terns North.
The rest of the supporting cast were still present and 10 Grey Lag Geese with 5 young on the Wetland.
Garganey F and Garganey M+F
14/4/07 Light Fog 12c Wind CLM
Highlights
On the Wetland today (before some one flushed everything off) were a pair of Shelduck, 3 pairs pf Grey Lag Geese,
8 Teal, 4 Moorhen and a Common Snipe all busy feeding. Whilst roosting were 110+ Redshank, 26 Oystercatcher, 9 Dunlin, 10 Turnstone and about 10 Herring Gulls mostly juveniles. A Fox was chasing Rabbits and ran right past me at one point, Magic!
The Top Willows and surrounding area were busy, with singles of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. 4 Dunnocks,
5 Blackbirds, Wren, 8 Reed Buntings, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Song Thrush and a pair of Stonechats.
I added another year tick today with 5 Swallows over, that makes 2 years in a row Ive had Swallow before Sand Martin.
Blackbird and Chiffchaff
13/4/07 Light Fog 7c Wind E 1 Mph
At last some migrants today, with 2 Willow Warblers calling, 1-2 Chiffchaff, White Wagtail (confirmed by one of the local birders)
5 Whimbrel on the point before they headed North followed a few minuets later by 3 Sandwich Terns close inshore.
The Grey Lags have been robbed on the Wetland again as they were all off the nests and the gate was open. That makes 2 years in a row now they have been had.Bastards!!!!!!
No sign of any Wheatears but with Willow Warbler, Whimbrel and Sandwich Tern takes me up to 91 for the patch this year .
12/4/07 Mostly Sunny 16c Wind E 2 Mph
Highlights
Still 1-2 of yesterdays Wheatears in the ploughed section next to the Mast Field.otherwise very quiet.
A Pink footed Goose was on the Wetland till chased off by a Grey Lag Goose. No Sand Martins or Sandwich Terns seen yet ( Late Morning visit)...........
11/4/07 Partly Cloudy 15c Wind WSW 2 Mph
It never rains but it pours...After searching unsuccessfully all week for Wheatears. I found 2 on the cliffs below the
second mound. Happy with this find I headed back along the cycle track and checked the small ploughed section
of the West Field. A couple of Linnets and a few Skylarks were spotted first, then up pops a stunning male Wheater,
then another and another. In all I counted 8 here (4 Males and 4 Females), so including the cliff birds(M+F) made 10
in total. I got the feeling there was more as they kept popping up between the furrows but I was pushed for time..
Dodgy shot of the day.
Wheatear F 11/4/07
7/4/07 Mostly Sunny 15c Wind WSW 7 Mph
Very quiet today due to preparation work going on for tomorrows fun run. I did however manage to catch up with yesterdays
reported Jack Snipe. Its was showing well at the far side of the Wetland as seen from the main stone view point. Till a Moorhen
deiced to chase it and I didn't see it again after that. Still no Wheatear or Sand Martins seen here yet (be me any way).
The usual cast were in full song again, lets see what the Bank Holiday weekend turns up (fingers crossed).
2007 patch list now up to 87 with Jack Snipe.
3/4/07 Mostly Cloudy 6c Wind N 16 Mph
Highlights
Roughly an hours sea watching late morning produced 265 Gannets, 45-50 Kittiwakes, 5 Guillemots, 2 Razorbill
Puffin and a Red Throated Diver in summer plumage. The Pufffin, Razorbill and Kittiwake were both additions to my 2007 patch list.
The Wetland was very quiet with only a pair of Shoveler being the only new birds amongst the regular cast.
No sign of any migrants again today...
1/4/07 Mostly Cloudy 7C Wind NE 12 Mph
Highlights
Stonechat F
Reed Buntings
Teal 10+
Gadwall pair
Grey Lag Goose 2
Mallard 6
Moorhen 3
Wigeon M
Redshank 150-200
Oystercatcher 25+
Herring Gulls
Great Black Backed Gulls
Black Headed Gulls
Rock Pipits
Carrion Crows
Goldcrests
Red Throated Diver
Eider 10 +
Skylarks
Meadow Pipits
Starlings
Lapwings
Pheasant M
Kestrel
Grey Seal offshore and what a first glance I thought was a White Wagtail but after having another look at my
photos. I'm leaning more to an intermediate Pied Wagtail.
MAY 07
28/5/07 Partly Cloudy 9c Wind N 15 Mph
An hours seawatching around 18.30 produced a dark morph Arctic Skua, 5 Manx Shearwater, 150+ Gannets,
22 Eider and 100's of Kittiwake, Guillemots and Razorbills. Arctic Skua was a nice addition to my year list.
27/5/07 Partly Cloudy 9c Wind NNE 17 Mph
Not much about today but the Grey Lag Family doing well. Loads of Gannets and Guillemots offshore, along with
Kittwakes and Fulmars, Sedge Warbler still singing near the Wetland and it seems the shoutbox is offline.
Hope it gets repaired soon.
20/5/07 Partly Sunny 14c Wind W 10 Mph
Highlights
The drake Garganey still on the Wetland, the longest Ive had one stay here before. A pair of Shovelar, 3 Mute Swans,
The Grey Lag Family (3 adt 9 Goslings) 3 Moorhen, House Martins,Sand Martins, Swallows and Swifts all busy feeding.
The Top Willows held singing Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler and Dunnock.
Near the Lighthouse was a Starling feeding its young 'un on chips....
18/5/07 Partly Cloudy 15c Wind WSW 21 Mph
A couple of photos from the past week as quiet here...
Stonechat
Not a bird but first time I've seen this type of Snail here.
17/5/07 Mostly Cloudy 14c Wind w 12 Mph
Not much to report today. Common Swift over the Wetland was an addition to my patch year list. A few Sandwich Terns were
roosting on the rocks below the prom. Willow Warbler still calling in the Top Willows and 20- 30 + House Martins about.
Was so quiet I nipped inland for a few year ticks, shame on me.......
11/5/07 Mostly Cloudy 8c Wind E 5 Mph
Highlights
Roughly an hour of sea watching around 15.00 produced,
29 Manx Shearwaters
100+ Gannets
300+ Kittiwakes
1000's of Auks mainly Guillemots, with smaller numbers of Razorbill and Puffin mixed in.
20+ Fulmars
6 Eiders
8 Cormorants
The South Bay held 60+ Sanderling, 10+ Dunlin, 20+ Turnstone, 2 Purple Sandpipers and 2 Ringed Plover.
Whilst the Wetland was very quiet with 3 adt Grey Lag Geese with 9 Gosling's. 2 Mute Swans, 10 Swallows,
Sand Martin and House Martin. No sign of the Garganey(well when I checked anyway)
10/5/07 Mostly Sunny 11C Wind WSW 17 Mph
Highlights
The Drake Garganey still on the Wetland today, showing in front of the stone view point. 10+ House Martins and 3 Sand Martins were whizzing about also. A single summer plumaged Dunlin was feeding next to 2 Moorhens and the Grey Lag Family still doing well. A few Gannets and Fulmars offshore and 10 Cormorants feeding close in.
Otherwise very quiet here today.
6/5/07 Iceland Gull
Had this photo e-mailed to me today by Stu Fenwick.Thanks again Stu.
4/5/07 Partly Sunny 8c Wind NE 3 Mph
A brief sea watch late afternoon produced my first Manx Shearwater of 2007 flying North. A single Red Throated Diver also North. A Steady passage of Guillemots and Kittiwakes with a few Gannets and Fulmars mixed in.
I did see an amusing sight of 15-20 Guillemots jockeying for position on a piece of drift wood. After about 10-12 birds had settled it would roll over when an extra Guillemot hopped on.
The Wetland today held 2 Pink Footed Geese, 15+ Swallows, Sand Martins and the Grey Lag Gosling's doing well.
Lets hope they dont get poached this year...
1/5/07 Mostly Sunny 11C Wind ENE 4 Mph
At last I managed to catch up with the Glaucous Gull thats been hanging around the past few days.
Its the first one Ive seen in about 4 years now. Opps forgot it was a 1st Summer bird.
It was roosting on the far rocks in the North Bay before it lifted and flew off North into the morning fog.
I also added Lesser Black Backed Gull for 2007 patch list. Otherwise very quiet here today.
JUNE 07
30/6/07 Light Rain 14c Wind SE 5 Mph
The Wetland today had 2 pair of Tufted Duck . A Garganey , Redshanks, Shovelar F, Shelduck M,
Sand Martins, Swallows, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, House Sparrows, Blackbird, 2 Magpie, Reed Buntings, Meadow Pipit,
3 Mute Swan, 6 Mallard, 2 Moorhen. Seabirds passing today , Guillemots, Razorbill, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Sandwich Terns,
Eiders. An adult Fox showed briefly on the Wetland again today otherwise quiet.
27/6/07 Mostly Cloudy 11c Wind Calm
An hour seawatching around 1pm today went something like this, Gannets, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Gannets, Guillemots,
Gannets, Razorbills,Puffins,Gannets,Kittiwakes,Kittiwakes more Gannets etc etc.Till a nice addition to my patch year list in the shape of a Storm Petrel flew past. It always amazes me how something so small can survive at sea. A few Manx Shearwaters flew North giving good views.
Whilst on the Wetland were 4 Wigeon (3 m 1 F) 10 Redshanks, 10 Grey Lag Geese (this years young can now fly),
Black Headed Gulls,2 Mute Swan and a Grey Heron. No sign of Med Gull report this morning.
24/6/07 Mostly Cloudy 16c Wind E 7 Mph
Today was spent mainly watching the large rafts of mixed Auks and Gulls offshore.
The Guillemots and Razorbills had a few young with them, a few Puffins also passing. Plenty of Sandwich Terns
and Kittiwakes roosting on the point, with the odd Common Tern dropping in. A single Golden Plover, Curlew
and a Whimbrel flew over.The Wetland was dead as a door nail again.3 Tufted Duck, a few Mallard and the Gray Lags on.
A surprise find by Cuddy was a dead sheep floating past. It floated past the point until caught by the current and deposited on the island. Where it attracted the attention of the Public, well It makes a change from rock pooling..
We decided to call it Bob as it was bobbing past us.(Groan)..
23/6/07 Showers 16c Wind ESE 3 Mph
The Wetland today was errm wet and quiet with a pair of Tufted Duck, 3 Mallards, 3 Mute Swan and a few Swallows.
Again today offshore but on a much bigger scale were, Guillemots, Puffin, Herring Gulls, Cormorants, Gannets, Kittiwakes
There must have been about a 1000 Guillemots and about the same amount of Gulls.
There was also about 500+ Kittiwakes roosting on the point and in the North Bay. Other birds roosting on the point
were hundreds of Black Headed Gulls, a few Sandwich Terns, 5 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, Common Gull,
Great Black Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls. No sign of yesterdays Black Redstart on the Island but was raining so may have been
sheltering in the bushes. A close in Puffin showed well with a beak full of Sand Eels shame I'd left the camera at home!
22/6/07 Partly Cloudy 19c Wind E 8 Mph
Highlights
No sign of the Fox family on the Wetland today. They must have moved on after yesterdays invasion of the Public.
Offshore there were hundreds of Gulls and Guillemots stretched for about a mile on the sea. http://www.boulmerbirder.blogspot.com/
reported a much bigger similar sighting this week at Boulmer
.A few returning waders noted this week with Curlew, Golden Plover and Redshank..
Reed Buntings, House Sparrows, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Dunnock, Skylark, Kestrel, Meadow Pipits noted.
Also seen today were plenty of Red Admiral , Small Copper, Painted Lady, Large White butterflies about and had
these caterpillars pointed out to me by Cuddy, anybody any idea's which species they are?
Mystery Caterpillars on Willows 22/6/07 and Fox Cub 17/6/07
16/6/07 Haze 14c Wind E 7 Mph
Highlights
A Balearic Shearwater flew North close inshore here around 15.00. It was followed by a Manx Shearwater so I was able
to compare them both against each other. An Arctic Skua,Gannets,Kittiwakes and about 20 Sandwich Terns also noted.
On the Wetland (which is full and is more of a Pond now) were a pair of Pochard, a pair of Tufted Duck, Moorhen,
10 Grey Lag Geese ( 2adt 8 juv), House Martins, 2 Swift and 9 Mallard ( 7 M 2 F). In the top willows were a Wren,
Whitethroat, Blackbird 2, Linnet 2, Willow Warbler singing and 3 Reed Buntings (2 M 1 F). Overall 37 species seen.
Balearic Shearwater and Pochard being patch year ticks.
10/6/07 Mostly Cloudy 17c Wind NNE 2 Mph
I only checked the Wetland this afternoon, which held a pair of Tufted Ducks, 3 Mallards, Black Headed Gulls,
Herring Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 3 Moorhen, 200+ Starlings, 3 House Sparrows, Skylarks, Meadow Pipit, Mute Swan
20+ House Martins and Sand Martins. The Grey Lag Goose family were dashing about the Wetland as the young practiced
flying.And a quick look seaward produced some Gannets close inshore, Fulmars, Cormorants, Sandwich Terns, Kittiwakes
8/6/07 Mostly Sunny 18c Wind E 6 Mph
Highlights
A drake Garganey showing from the stone view point this afternoon.The Grey Lag family has lost one of its young,
bringing the total down to 8 which are looking well. 30 Sandwich Terns roosting on the point with a few Kittiwakes.
And a Whitethroat and Great Tits feeding their young near my patch boundry.
3/6/07 Partly Cloudy 17c Wind ESE 7 Mph
A much better day here today bird wise, with the star bird being a Marsh Harrier (imm/Fem) over the West part of my patch.
Seen from the old bridge up the footpath by the cemetery, this is only my 3rd record of this species here.
3 Whitethroat seen including a pair having a song contest on opposite Hawthorns. A Wren was feeding it's young nearby.
The resident Willow Warbler was again singing , 6 Reed Bunting and 2 pair of Stonechat ( one male has unusual white wing bars) 3 Blackbirds, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits all active today.
Overall 38 species seen..
Dodgy Marsh Harrier shots 3/6/07
1/8/07 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind SE 3 Mph
Foggy this afternoon when I popped down so birds seen....
Teal 3
Moorhen 2
Black Headed Gulls 50+
Herring Gulls
Common Gull
Sandwich Terns
Cormorants
Greater Black Backed Gulls
Starling 200+
Swallows
Sand Martins
Reed Buntings
Whitethroat
Willow Warbler 2
Wren
Blackbird
Rook
Magpie
Jackdaws
Carrion Crows
Eider
Grey Lag Goose (usual family)
Mallards
House Sparrows
Linnet
The Wetland today had 2 pair of Tufted Duck . A Garganey , Redshanks, Shovelar F, Shelduck M,
Sand Martins, Swallows, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, House Sparrows, Blackbird, 2 Magpie, Reed Buntings, Meadow Pipit,
3 Mute Swan, 6 Mallard, 2 Moorhen. Seabirds passing today , Guillemots, Razorbill, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Sandwich Terns,
Eiders. An adult Fox showed briefly on the Wetland again today otherwise quiet.
27/6/07 Mostly Cloudy 11c Wind Calm
An hour seawatching around 1pm today went something like this, Gannets, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Gannets, Guillemots,
Gannets, Razorbills,Puffins,Gannets,Kittiwakes,Kittiwakes more Gannets etc etc.Till a nice addition to my patch year list in the shape of a Storm Petrel flew past. It always amazes me how something so small can survive at sea. A few Manx Shearwaters flew North giving good views.
Whilst on the Wetland were 4 Wigeon (3 m 1 F) 10 Redshanks, 10 Grey Lag Geese (this years young can now fly),
Black Headed Gulls,2 Mute Swan and a Grey Heron. No sign of Med Gull report this morning.
24/6/07 Mostly Cloudy 16c Wind E 7 Mph
Today was spent mainly watching the large rafts of mixed Auks and Gulls offshore.
The Guillemots and Razorbills had a few young with them, a few Puffins also passing. Plenty of Sandwich Terns
and Kittiwakes roosting on the point, with the odd Common Tern dropping in. A single Golden Plover, Curlew
and a Whimbrel flew over.The Wetland was dead as a door nail again.3 Tufted Duck, a few Mallard and the Gray Lags on.
A surprise find by Cuddy was a dead sheep floating past. It floated past the point until caught by the current and deposited on the island. Where it attracted the attention of the Public, well It makes a change from rock pooling..
We decided to call it Bob as it was bobbing past us.(Groan)..
23/6/07 Showers 16c Wind ESE 3 Mph
The Wetland today was errm wet and quiet with a pair of Tufted Duck, 3 Mallards, 3 Mute Swan and a few Swallows.
Again today offshore but on a much bigger scale were, Guillemots, Puffin, Herring Gulls, Cormorants, Gannets, Kittiwakes
There must have been about a 1000 Guillemots and about the same amount of Gulls.
There was also about 500+ Kittiwakes roosting on the point and in the North Bay. Other birds roosting on the point
were hundreds of Black Headed Gulls, a few Sandwich Terns, 5 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, Common Gull,
Great Black Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls. No sign of yesterdays Black Redstart on the Island but was raining so may have been
sheltering in the bushes. A close in Puffin showed well with a beak full of Sand Eels shame I'd left the camera at home!
22/6/07 Partly Cloudy 19c Wind E 8 Mph
Highlights
No sign of the Fox family on the Wetland today. They must have moved on after yesterdays invasion of the Public.
Offshore there were hundreds of Gulls and Guillemots stretched for about a mile on the sea. http://www.boulmerbirder.blogspot.com/
reported a much bigger similar sighting this week at Boulmer
.A few returning waders noted this week with Curlew, Golden Plover and Redshank..
Reed Buntings, House Sparrows, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Dunnock, Skylark, Kestrel, Meadow Pipits noted.
Also seen today were plenty of Red Admiral , Small Copper, Painted Lady, Large White butterflies about and had
these caterpillars pointed out to me by Cuddy, anybody any idea's which species they are?
Mystery Caterpillars on Willows 22/6/07 and Fox Cub 17/6/07
16/6/07 Haze 14c Wind E 7 Mph
Highlights
A Balearic Shearwater flew North close inshore here around 15.00. It was followed by a Manx Shearwater so I was able
to compare them both against each other. An Arctic Skua,Gannets,Kittiwakes and about 20 Sandwich Terns also noted.
On the Wetland (which is full and is more of a Pond now) were a pair of Pochard, a pair of Tufted Duck, Moorhen,
10 Grey Lag Geese ( 2adt 8 juv), House Martins, 2 Swift and 9 Mallard ( 7 M 2 F). In the top willows were a Wren,
Whitethroat, Blackbird 2, Linnet 2, Willow Warbler singing and 3 Reed Buntings (2 M 1 F). Overall 37 species seen.
Balearic Shearwater and Pochard being patch year ticks.
10/6/07 Mostly Cloudy 17c Wind NNE 2 Mph
I only checked the Wetland this afternoon, which held a pair of Tufted Ducks, 3 Mallards, Black Headed Gulls,
Herring Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 3 Moorhen, 200+ Starlings, 3 House Sparrows, Skylarks, Meadow Pipit, Mute Swan
20+ House Martins and Sand Martins. The Grey Lag Goose family were dashing about the Wetland as the young practiced
flying.And a quick look seaward produced some Gannets close inshore, Fulmars, Cormorants, Sandwich Terns, Kittiwakes
8/6/07 Mostly Sunny 18c Wind E 6 Mph
Highlights
A drake Garganey showing from the stone view point this afternoon.The Grey Lag family has lost one of its young,
bringing the total down to 8 which are looking well. 30 Sandwich Terns roosting on the point with a few Kittiwakes.
And a Whitethroat and Great Tits feeding their young near my patch boundry.
3/6/07 Partly Cloudy 17c Wind ESE 7 Mph
A much better day here today bird wise, with the star bird being a Marsh Harrier (imm/Fem) over the West part of my patch.
Seen from the old bridge up the footpath by the cemetery, this is only my 3rd record of this species here.
3 Whitethroat seen including a pair having a song contest on opposite Hawthorns. A Wren was feeding it's young nearby.
The resident Willow Warbler was again singing , 6 Reed Bunting and 2 pair of Stonechat ( one male has unusual white wing bars) 3 Blackbirds, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits all active today.
Overall 38 species seen..
Dodgy Marsh Harrier shots 3/6/07
1/8/07 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind SE 3 Mph
Foggy this afternoon when I popped down so birds seen....
Teal 3
Moorhen 2
Black Headed Gulls 50+
Herring Gulls
Common Gull
Sandwich Terns
Cormorants
Greater Black Backed Gulls
Starling 200+
Swallows
Sand Martins
Reed Buntings
Whitethroat
Willow Warbler 2
Wren
Blackbird
Rook
Magpie
Jackdaws
Carrion Crows
Eider
Grey Lag Goose (usual family)
Mallards
House Sparrows
Linnet
July 07
24/7/07 Partly Cloudy 18c
Midday visit so deed as a door nail. The highlight was watching a Swallow feed its young.Johnny Kingdom eat your heart out
19/7/07 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind E 9 Mph
Seawatching today produced, 2 Little Terns S, Roseate Tern S, Arctic Skua 3, Manx Shearwater 6, 2000+ Gannets
Kittiwakes, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns and a few Arctic terns. Black Tailed Godwit ,3 Whimbrel, Puffins
Guillemots, Razorbills.
Waders on the point today were Redshanks 20+, 3 Dunlin, 6 Turnstone, 5 Curlew, Ringed Plover Juv.
Little Tern and Roseate Tern both patch year ticks. Total 120 species seen so far.
16/7/07 Partly Cloudy 20c Wind SW 8 Mph
Highlights
The Wetland was quiet again today with 3 Mute Swan and 7 Moorhen. When out of the long grass appeared a Fox,
followed by 3 others ( 1 Adt 3 cubs), they vanished for a few seconds before dashing out across the Wetland.
An absolute joy to watch as they chased each other about,( its the most Fox's Ive seen together). To top it all off
a male Kestrel hunted close by and dropped onto its prey about 6ft away from me...
The Point had some returning waders with, 5-7 Common Sandpipers (patch year tick) 48 Redshanks, 20+ Oystercatchers, 2 Whimbrel,
3 Curlew,Turnstone and 4 Golden Plover(100+ over the West Field ) Grey Heron, Sandwich Terns, Arctic Tern.Yellow Wagtail.
Whilst Offshore were Gannets, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Eider and an Arctic Skua.
That will teach me to call my patch boring...
Kestrel and Dunlin
12/7/07 Partly Cloudy 19c Wind W 12 Mph
Boring Boring Boring, Roll on Autumn
Young Swallows and House Sparrow
Carrion Crow
7/7/07 Partly Cloudy 17C Wind W 16 Mph
Highlights
2 Whimbrel North, a steady passage of Puffins, Common, Arctic and Sandwich Terns.A few Gannets about also.
A welcome addition to my St Mary's patch list came in the form of a Cuckoo. It showed briefly in the top willows
as it flew out of one side and into the other. The Wetland held 3 Mute Swan, 2 Mallard, Grey Heron and a Moorhen.
Roosting on the Lightouse Island were , 10+ Eider, Black Headed Gulls, Oystercatcher.
1/7/07 Partly Cloudy 18c Wind S 5 Mph
Highlights
Cormorant 15
Gannets
Kittiwakes
Sandwich Terns
Black Headed Gulls
Tufted Duck 2 Pair
Moorhen 3 + 5 Y
Shelduck
Garganey
Herring Gulls
House Martins
Swifts
Sand Martin 4
Mallard 4
Blackbird
House Sparrows
Meadow Pipit
Skylarks
Wren
Oystercatcher
Curlew 2
Golden Plover 10
Starlings 150+
Fox cub on Wetland again today.
August 07
29/8/07 Partly Cloudy 15c Wind E 3 Mph
A quick visit this morning so quiet with 3, Grey Heron, 20+ Swallows, House Martins,3 Mute Swan, Moorhens,
Sanderlings, Redshanks, Oystercatchers and a young Fox on the Wetland. Some Sooty and Manx Shearwaters
reported passing this morning with a few 1st summer Little Gulls offshore.
Fox Cub
Swallow
23/8/07 Fair 18c Wind NE 9 Mph
Not much movement on the sea late morning with a few Common Scoter , single Velvet Scoter, 4 Wigeon, 2 Manx Shearwater
then a juvenile Pomerine Skua headed North and about 20 mins later a cracking dark morph adt Pomerine Skua past even
closer inshore giving stunning views. Belter!!!
22/8/07 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind N 14 Mph
Another better bit of seawatching today (10.00 14.00) produced 24 Sooty Shearwaters, 27 Manx Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater,
9 Grey Plover, 14 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 15 Fulmar,Great Skua 5 N 3 S , 2 Velvet Scoter, 24 Common Scoter, Arctic Skua,Kittiwakes,
Guillemots, Arctic Terns, Sandwich Terns, 200+ Common Tern. Absolutely 1000's of Gannets seen over the past two days
The weather conditions look good for some more passage tonight.
21/8/07 Mostly Cloudy 16c Wind NNE 13 Mph
A bit more seabird passage today(10.00-14.00) with , 10 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Velvet Scoter, Red Necked Grebe, 3 Grey Plover,
7 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, 25+ Manx Shearwater, 40+ Wigeon, 151 Teal, Tufted Duck, 20+ Common Scoter,
Guillemots, Razorbill, Puffin, Kittiwakes. 35 Sanderling, 20 + Ringed Plover, Purple Sandpiper, Whimbrel and
6-700 Golden plover on the Island.
Sooty Shearwater, Velvet Scoter and Red Necked Grebe additions to patch year list..
20/8/07 Mostly Cloudy 14c Wind NNE 10 Mph
A couple of hours seawatching late morning produced, A Bonxie, Grey Plover (both year and patch year ticks).
110+ Teal, 7 Wigeon, 19 Common Scoter, I missed a few Sooty Shearwaters as I turned up to late...
16/8/07 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind W 20 Mph
Well it was as exciting as an episode of Eastenders today. The Wetland had 3 Mute Swan, 3 Moorhen,
20 Black Headed Gulls and a Sparrowhawk. A few Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Oystercatchers and Curlew
in the North Bay. I'm off to find some wet paint to watch it dry.
9/8/07 Cloudy 22c Wind E 6 Mph
Adt Roseate Tern , Arctic Skua, Whimbrel were the only birds of note today, the usual cast still present.
A lifer today in the shape of a Comma Butterfly, which is a new addition to my Insect list. And a few Common Darters about.
7/8/07 Partly Cloudy 17c Wind W 13 Mph
At last two more additions to this years patch list with Bar Tailed Godwit and an Adt Mediterranean Gull.
Nothing much on the Wetland today with 2 Mute Swan and 4 Moorhen. The Med Gull was on the rocks
below the Wetland with Black Headed Gulls. Waders here were 40+ Redshank,15-20 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover,
5 Golden Plover, 30+ Oystercatchers. Nearby were 10+ Swallow juvs being fed by a few Adt Swallows.
A few Common Terns, 1 Arctic and loads of Sandwich Terns but no sign of any Roseate Terns today.
Adt Med Gull and Sandwich Tern Juv
Sand Martin and St Mary's Lighthouse
4/8/07 Mostly Cloudy 22c Wind WSW 9 Mph
Oooops been a bit quiet here lately (well when I visit anyway).
An Adult Roseate Tern on the rocks the other day.Also my first ever Emperor Dragonfly was present on the Wetland.
A quick visit this morning so quiet with 3, Grey Heron, 20+ Swallows, House Martins,3 Mute Swan, Moorhens,
Sanderlings, Redshanks, Oystercatchers and a young Fox on the Wetland. Some Sooty and Manx Shearwaters
reported passing this morning with a few 1st summer Little Gulls offshore.
Fox Cub
Swallow
23/8/07 Fair 18c Wind NE 9 Mph
Not much movement on the sea late morning with a few Common Scoter , single Velvet Scoter, 4 Wigeon, 2 Manx Shearwater
then a juvenile Pomerine Skua headed North and about 20 mins later a cracking dark morph adt Pomerine Skua past even
closer inshore giving stunning views. Belter!!!
22/8/07 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind N 14 Mph
Another better bit of seawatching today (10.00 14.00) produced 24 Sooty Shearwaters, 27 Manx Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater,
9 Grey Plover, 14 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 15 Fulmar,Great Skua 5 N 3 S , 2 Velvet Scoter, 24 Common Scoter, Arctic Skua,Kittiwakes,
Guillemots, Arctic Terns, Sandwich Terns, 200+ Common Tern. Absolutely 1000's of Gannets seen over the past two days
The weather conditions look good for some more passage tonight.
21/8/07 Mostly Cloudy 16c Wind NNE 13 Mph
A bit more seabird passage today(10.00-14.00) with , 10 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Velvet Scoter, Red Necked Grebe, 3 Grey Plover,
7 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, 25+ Manx Shearwater, 40+ Wigeon, 151 Teal, Tufted Duck, 20+ Common Scoter,
Guillemots, Razorbill, Puffin, Kittiwakes. 35 Sanderling, 20 + Ringed Plover, Purple Sandpiper, Whimbrel and
6-700 Golden plover on the Island.
Sooty Shearwater, Velvet Scoter and Red Necked Grebe additions to patch year list..
20/8/07 Mostly Cloudy 14c Wind NNE 10 Mph
A couple of hours seawatching late morning produced, A Bonxie, Grey Plover (both year and patch year ticks).
110+ Teal, 7 Wigeon, 19 Common Scoter, I missed a few Sooty Shearwaters as I turned up to late...
16/8/07 Partly Cloudy 16c Wind W 20 Mph
Well it was as exciting as an episode of Eastenders today. The Wetland had 3 Mute Swan, 3 Moorhen,
20 Black Headed Gulls and a Sparrowhawk. A few Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Oystercatchers and Curlew
in the North Bay. I'm off to find some wet paint to watch it dry.
9/8/07 Cloudy 22c Wind E 6 Mph
Adt Roseate Tern , Arctic Skua, Whimbrel were the only birds of note today, the usual cast still present.
A lifer today in the shape of a Comma Butterfly, which is a new addition to my Insect list. And a few Common Darters about.
7/8/07 Partly Cloudy 17c Wind W 13 Mph
At last two more additions to this years patch list with Bar Tailed Godwit and an Adt Mediterranean Gull.
Nothing much on the Wetland today with 2 Mute Swan and 4 Moorhen. The Med Gull was on the rocks
below the Wetland with Black Headed Gulls. Waders here were 40+ Redshank,15-20 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover,
5 Golden Plover, 30+ Oystercatchers. Nearby were 10+ Swallow juvs being fed by a few Adt Swallows.
A few Common Terns, 1 Arctic and loads of Sandwich Terns but no sign of any Roseate Terns today.
Adt Med Gull and Sandwich Tern Juv
Sand Martin and St Mary's Lighthouse
4/8/07 Mostly Cloudy 22c Wind WSW 9 Mph
Oooops been a bit quiet here lately (well when I visit anyway).
An Adult Roseate Tern on the rocks the other day.Also my first ever Emperor Dragonfly was present on the Wetland.
September 07
28/9/07 Mostly Cloudy 11c Wind NE 14 Mph
Seawatching again today (10.00-13.00)
Sabines Gull 2 Juv (yeah a full patch tick at last, Ive waited years to get one here.)
Sooty Shearwater 10
Manx Shearwater 2
Arctic Skua 13
Great Skua 8
Red Breasted Merganser 2
Black Throated Diver 5
Red Throated Diver 5-7
Velvet Scoter 5 N 4 S
Common Scoter 43
Wigeon 180-200+
Teal 100+
Tufted Duck
Mallard 2
Little Gull
Shelduck
27/9/07 Mostly Cloudy 10c Wind NNE 15 Mph
Another bit of seawatching this afternoon granted me 2 patch year ticks.
Black Throated Diver *
Scaup 8-9 *
Sooty Shearwater 15+
Manx Shearwater 2
Red Throated Diver
Wigeon 210+
Teal 160+
Tufted Duck 2
Red Breasted Merganser F
Velvet Scoter 2
Common Scoter 100+
Brent Goose 30-40
Little Gull 3
26/9/07 Showers 5c Wind N 21 Mph
A bit of a seawatch between 09.30-10.30 produced....
Manx Shearwater
Arctic Skua 2 N
Wigeon 30 N
Teal 31 N
Common Scoter 36
Brent Goose 31 N (Dark Bellied)
Red Throated Diver N
Arctic Tern 10
And loads of Guillemots, Razorbills, Gannets.
19/9/07 Partly Cloudy 17c Wind W 15 Mph
Escaped for the day today so spent a few hours on patch chatting to Brian R. During which I managed 50 Species.
My highest total for a long while here,this doesn't included the cemetery or the Top Willows. If I'd done these I'd have
reached over 60-70 species.
Todays Species.......
Dunlin 3
Mute Swan 3
Moorhen 6
Teal 25-30
Blackbird 2
Robin
Goldfinch 20-30
Linnet 10+
Greenfinch
Reed Bunting 6+
Carrion Crows
Rooks
Jackdaws
Swallows 15+
House Martins
Stonechat 3 pair
Meadow Pipits
Skylarks
Lapwing 20+
Curlew 20+
Starlings
Wood Pigeons
Ferrel Pigeons
Pied Wagtail 2
Oystercatchers
Kestrel
Cormorants 10
Sanderlings
Turnstones
Grey Heron 2
Black Headed Gulls
Common Gull
Kittiwakes
Herring Gulls
Great Black Backed Gulls
Knot 4
Redshank 12
Golden Plover 1200-1500
Red Breasted Merganser 3 N
Ringed Plover 2
Common Tern
Arctic Tern
Sandwich Terns
Gannets
Razorbill
Eider 3
Rock Pipit
Brent Goose 11 N
Dunnock
Wigeon
10/9/07 Partly Cloudy 14c Wind NE 8 Mph
A good bit of seawatching this evening (16.45-18.30) produced, Pomerine Skua N, 6 Wigeon, 7-8 Red Throated Divers N
Manx Shearwaters, 3 Sooty Shearwater. Another patch year tick in the shape of 2 Great Shearwaters N, was the highlight.
And 2 Possible Long Tailed Skuas flew South as I was tracking the 2nd Great Skua so only seen briefly. Another Birder present
was almost sure they were Long Tailed Skuas. Guess thats another one that got away this year.
8/9/07 Partly Cloudy 20c Wind N 3 Mph
Highlights
At last another addition to my patch year list in the shape of 11 Brent Geese North. A couple of Sooty Shearwaters
and a Dark Morph Arctic Skua headed N, whilst a Pale Morph Arctic Skua flew South. Offshore were a few Guillemots
and Cormorants. The usaul mix of Waders and Gulls on the point and a few Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern noted.
Yesterday 7/8/9 saw 20+ Whimbrel South and of note was a male Kestrel coming in off the sea. The first time I've seen
a migrant Kestrel.
Not much about this afternoon but f*** did it feel hot!!
5/9/07 Partly Cloudy 17c Wind W 20 Mph
A 30min seawatch 9.30-10.00am produced 3 Great Northern Divers North close inshore. single Red Throated Diver
South. 80-100 Teal, 8 Wigeon,7 Dunlin, Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns.
A single Wheatear was in the Car Park and 2 Dunlin on the Wetland.
October 07
31/10/07 Partly Cloudy 14c Wind W 18 Mph
A cracking Wheatear in the North Bay today along with 10 Pied Wagtails, 6 Rock Pipits, Curlew, Ringed Plovers,
Sanderling, Redshanks,Stonechat pair, 10 Linnets, Oystercatchers, Wren.Robin and a Fieldfare in off the sea.
The Wetland held 42-44 Teal, Wigeon, 14 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan , Moorhen and 2 Snipe.
139. Fieldfare
27/10/07 Partly Cloudy 15c Wind SSW 7 Mph
Well well well a nice addition to me patch list today, when 9 Twite flew over the Wetland towards the Caravan
park. I was standing having a chat with a couple of the local birders when they flew over calling.
No sign of the long staying Barred Warbler again today, but 5 Stonechat put on a nice show as they
flycatched The Wetland was pretty much the same as reported yesterday.. Otherwise quiet
2007 138 species seen. Only 2 more needed for 200 species seen here since I started this as area as
a patch. Come on Autumn drop me a rarity or two....
.
26/10/07 Partly Cloudy 11c Wind SW 6 Mph
The Barred Warbler still hanging around again today. It was showing in the bushes at the NW corner of the Wetland
where the cycle track meets the Wetland track. Its a shame I ever managed to get to see it myself( Missed it by 2mins)
it was seen by one of the Northumberland lads. A few Redwing were coming in off the sea and a increase in Blackbird
numbers was noted. On the Wetland today were 40+ Teal, 3 Mute Swan, Mallards, Grey Heron and Starlings.......
18/10/07 Fair 7c Wind SW 1 Mph
A brief visit today spent mainly photographing the waders in the North Bay produced..
Sanderling 30+
Ringed Plover 5
Dunlin 3
Oystercatchers
Redshanks
Rock Pipits
Black Headed Gulls
Eider
Cormorants
The Wetland today...
42 Teal
10+ Mallard
3 Mute Swan
Moorhen
No sign of yesterdays Barred Warbler in the time spent looking.
And of a sadder note I found one of this years Fox cubs dead on the beach. It had been shot by the look of things
and some sicko had put a cigarette in its mouth. (Fucking Sad Bastards!!!!!!!)
17/10/07 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind NW 15 Mph
A Barred Warbler was showing well at times this morning in the bushes at the North end of the Wetland.
Its the bushes near the Telegraph pole opposite the toilet block.(11am)
Along with 10 Greenfinch, 5 Reed Buntings, Robin, Goldfinches, Blackbirds, Wren and a Willow Warbler.
I'm almost certain I heard a Brambling overhead but I didn't see it so not counting it.
Also I'm proud to bring you the NE premier of the Fiat 500. Some bloke was posing as his photo was being taken with it.
13/10/07 Mostly Cloudy 17c Wind S 5 Mph
A bit of movement on the sea today with
Black Throated Diver S
Red Throated Diver 3-5
Common Scoter 30+ N
Teal 60+ N and a few Blackbirds being mobbed by G BB Gulls as they headed inland.
The Wetland today....
Wigeon 6
Mallard 15+
Teal 10+
Blackbird 8+
Linnet 60-100
Goldfinch's
Redwing
Snipe 2
Black Headed Gulls.
10/10/07 Mostly Cloudy 12c Wind Calm
The top bushes around the wetland today were teaming with LBJ's, sadly no rarity's seen.
10 + Blackbirds
20+ Linnets
20+ Goldfinches
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
Robin 5+
Wrens
Reed Buntings 6+
Dunnocks
Chiff/Willow Warbler 2-3
Goldcrests etc.....
14 Barnacle Geese heading South were a nice addition to my year list, and a few Skylarks and Meadow Pipits
about in the West field.On the Wetland were 18 Mallard, 3 Mute Swan and 14-20 Teal.
2/10/07 Partly Cloudy 14c Wind S 5 Mph
After being stuck in this weekend with a Barred Warbler and Yellow Browed Warbler being reported here
I checked the Willows to the right of the second view point and well blow me down but the Yellow Browed Warbler
was still present. Another patch year tick under my belt.Sadly there was no sign of the Barred Warbler...
In the North Bay were 30+ Ringed Plover, Sanderling's, 1000+ Golden Plover and a Sparrowhawk looking for breakfast.
A cracking Wheatear in the North Bay today along with 10 Pied Wagtails, 6 Rock Pipits, Curlew, Ringed Plovers,
Sanderling, Redshanks,Stonechat pair, 10 Linnets, Oystercatchers, Wren.Robin and a Fieldfare in off the sea.
The Wetland held 42-44 Teal, Wigeon, 14 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan , Moorhen and 2 Snipe.
139. Fieldfare
27/10/07 Partly Cloudy 15c Wind SSW 7 Mph
Well well well a nice addition to me patch list today, when 9 Twite flew over the Wetland towards the Caravan
park. I was standing having a chat with a couple of the local birders when they flew over calling.
No sign of the long staying Barred Warbler again today, but 5 Stonechat put on a nice show as they
flycatched The Wetland was pretty much the same as reported yesterday.. Otherwise quiet
2007 138 species seen. Only 2 more needed for 200 species seen here since I started this as area as
a patch. Come on Autumn drop me a rarity or two....
.
26/10/07 Partly Cloudy 11c Wind SW 6 Mph
The Barred Warbler still hanging around again today. It was showing in the bushes at the NW corner of the Wetland
where the cycle track meets the Wetland track. Its a shame I ever managed to get to see it myself( Missed it by 2mins)
it was seen by one of the Northumberland lads. A few Redwing were coming in off the sea and a increase in Blackbird
numbers was noted. On the Wetland today were 40+ Teal, 3 Mute Swan, Mallards, Grey Heron and Starlings.......
18/10/07 Fair 7c Wind SW 1 Mph
A brief visit today spent mainly photographing the waders in the North Bay produced..
Sanderling 30+
Ringed Plover 5
Dunlin 3
Oystercatchers
Redshanks
Rock Pipits
Black Headed Gulls
Eider
Cormorants
The Wetland today...
42 Teal
10+ Mallard
3 Mute Swan
Moorhen
No sign of yesterdays Barred Warbler in the time spent looking.
And of a sadder note I found one of this years Fox cubs dead on the beach. It had been shot by the look of things
and some sicko had put a cigarette in its mouth. (Fucking Sad Bastards!!!!!!!)
17/10/07 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind NW 15 Mph
A Barred Warbler was showing well at times this morning in the bushes at the North end of the Wetland.
Its the bushes near the Telegraph pole opposite the toilet block.(11am)
Along with 10 Greenfinch, 5 Reed Buntings, Robin, Goldfinches, Blackbirds, Wren and a Willow Warbler.
I'm almost certain I heard a Brambling overhead but I didn't see it so not counting it.
Also I'm proud to bring you the NE premier of the Fiat 500. Some bloke was posing as his photo was being taken with it.
13/10/07 Mostly Cloudy 17c Wind S 5 Mph
A bit of movement on the sea today with
Black Throated Diver S
Red Throated Diver 3-5
Common Scoter 30+ N
Teal 60+ N and a few Blackbirds being mobbed by G BB Gulls as they headed inland.
The Wetland today....
Wigeon 6
Mallard 15+
Teal 10+
Blackbird 8+
Linnet 60-100
Goldfinch's
Redwing
Snipe 2
Black Headed Gulls.
10/10/07 Mostly Cloudy 12c Wind Calm
The top bushes around the wetland today were teaming with LBJ's, sadly no rarity's seen.
10 + Blackbirds
20+ Linnets
20+ Goldfinches
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
Robin 5+
Wrens
Reed Buntings 6+
Dunnocks
Chiff/Willow Warbler 2-3
Goldcrests etc.....
14 Barnacle Geese heading South were a nice addition to my year list, and a few Skylarks and Meadow Pipits
about in the West field.On the Wetland were 18 Mallard, 3 Mute Swan and 14-20 Teal.
2/10/07 Partly Cloudy 14c Wind S 5 Mph
After being stuck in this weekend with a Barred Warbler and Yellow Browed Warbler being reported here
I checked the Willows to the right of the second view point and well blow me down but the Yellow Browed Warbler
was still present. Another patch year tick under my belt.Sadly there was no sign of the Barred Warbler...
In the North Bay were 30+ Ringed Plover, Sanderling's, 1000+ Golden Plover and a Sparrowhawk looking for breakfast.
November 07
29/11/07 Partly Cloudy 10c Wind W 9 Mph
On the Wetland today were 73 Teal. 7 Wigeon, 3 Snipe, 10+ Mallard, Pintail F, 3 Mute Swans.
40+ Sanderling were busying feeding along the tide line in the South Bay, along with Turnstones, Redshanks
and a few Dunlin. Meanwhile in the North Bay were Curlew, Oystercatchers and 6 Ringed Plover. With
a few hundred Golden Plover and Lapwings nearby.A single Grey Wagtail flew North and the usual mixed
gull flock hanging around on the point.
27/11/07 Partly Cloudy 9c Wind S 1 Mph
Highlights for today.
3 Purple Sandpiper
15-20 Rock Pipits
77 Pink Footed Geese flew S and the usual motley crew hanging around the shoreline and wetland.
Redshank
22/11/07 Mostly Cloudy 4c Wind N 17 Mph
Wet windy and wild today so not much about
Wigeon 3,
Teal 10
Mallard 15+
Sanderling 40+
Turnstone 20+
Dunlin 7
Redshanks
Lapwings 300+
Golden Plover 300+
Purple Sandpiper and 500+ Mixed Gull Flock
16/11/07 Mostly Cloudy 9c Wind SSW 2 Mph
At last I've reached 200 species for my life patch list. The 200th bird was a cracking Kingfisher over the Wetland.
I have missed this species on a number of occasions here.
Other birds seen today, 7 Wigeon, 50 Teal, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Red Throated Diver, 80 Sanderling
3 Purple Sandpiper, Kestrel M and a Female Snow Bunting.
12/11/07 Partly Cloudy 4c Wind WNW 5 Mph
A brief visit today due to having Man Flu (common cold) saw.
9 Little Auks, 7 Goldeneye, 11 Wigeon, 1000's of Gulls about mainly Black Headed and Herring Gulls. Pied wagtail,
Teal, 3 Mute Swan, Robin, Mallards and the 2 Snow Buntings nearby at the rendezvous cafe were showing well,
until some old fart with his Poodle flushed them off. I had them as close as 5ft just before he showed up.
Female and Male Snow bunting
Little Auk Tynemouth 11/11/07
8/11/07 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind WNW 26 Mph
Blowing a hoolie today so deed.. Wigeon 14, Snipe 9-10, Teal 20+, Grey Heron, No sign of any Little Auks( only had my bins)
Nearby a single Snow Bunting on the Beehive flash.
Wheatear F
Twite 2-3
Pink Footed Goose 14 in off the sea
Sanderling 20+
Ringed Plovers
Oystercatcher 10+
Golden Plover 500+
Rock Pipit 2
Pied Wagtails
Kestrel M
15-20 other species seen.
December 07
31/12/07 Mostly Cloudy 8c Wind S 5 Mph
Highlights ( Coz I'm lazy)
21 Snipe, 18 Mallard, M&F Wigeon , Little Grebe, 2 M & 1 F Shovelar, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Moorhen
20+ Teal and a rather chubby Fox on the Wetland. The North Bay held 20+ Sanderling, Dunlin,
400+ Lapwing, 5-700 Golden Plover. A Male Kestrel was hunting the Wetland banks and
I received a text message off SP saying he'd had a Pomerine Skua flying South.
Happy Birding in 2008
Kestrel and Whitley Bay 31/12/07
28/12/07 Partly Cloudy 12c Wind SW 18 Mph
At last I final got out after all the madness of crimbo and I don't even celebrate it. (Pagan and Proud)
20+ Mallard, 15+ Teal, Mute Swan, 2 Moorhen, 4 Common Gulls ,40+ Black
Headed Gulls and 3 Snipe on the Wetland. A mixed bag of waders were feeding in the South Bay
20+ Sanderling, Redshanks, Turnstones, Oystercatchers and a few Curlew noted.
About 2000 Golden Plover on the point ,10+ Rock Pipits in the North Bay and a Kestrel
hunting the banks of the Wetland made up the rest of todays birds.
All the best for 2008 and try not to get too pissed.....
13/12/07 Fair 6c Wind S 12 Mph
Highlights
There were 19 Snipe on the Wetland ( 30 seen by one of the local birders SP) 5 Wigeon, 35 Mallard,
50 Teal and a few Moorhen.The water level is very high at the moment.
A Great Northern Diver flew South closely followed by a Red Throated Diver and in the North Bay
26 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Curlews, Oystercatchers, Eider and 5 Knot were
busy feeding along the foreshore. A few Linnets and Rock Pipits flew overhead and 3 Carrion Crows
patrolled the car park. Blimey it didn't half feel cold today....
Rock Pipit
" Who me? "
The obligatory light house shot
11/12/07 Partly Cloudy 6c Wind W 3 Mph
A very quick visit today produced....
16 Snipe, 50-60 Teal, 3 Mute Swan, 4 Moorhen, 70+ Black Headed Gulls, Mallards
Stonechat F, 3 Common Gull and a Grey Heron on the Wetland.
The North Bay had the usual mix of Ringed Plovers, Sanderling, Redshanks, Rock Pipits
5 Skylarks flew overhead and about 10 Curlew were feeding close to the road in the west field.
Curlew
The Likely Lads
9/12/07 Partly Cloudy 6c Wind W 5 Mph
In the North Bay today were 5 Knot, 6 Purple Sandpipers, 10+ Ringed Plover, 30+ Sanderling
6 Rock Pipits including a Littoralis race bird. These are more streaked, with a white belly and an obvious
eyebrow stripe when compared to Rock Pipit.
In the West Field were 1000-1500 Golden Plover, 100+ Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crows, 200+ Lapwing.
Whilst along the top end of the Wetland a few Blackbirds, Robins and Wrens could be heard.
The Wetland itself held 50+ Teal, 5 Wigeon, 3 Mute Swan, Mallards, Moorhen and an assortment of gulls.
Black Headed Gull
" Whats that big black bird mister?"
December 06
30/12/06 Partly Suny 7c Wind WSW 9 Mph
Highlights
A pair of Gadwall, Drake Shovelar, Grey Heron, 5 Moorhens and 30+ Teal on the Wetland today.
30+ Curlew, 150+ Lapwing, 100+ Golden plover in the West Field .Also a pair of Stonechat here.
And I was surprised to see a Toad on the footpath. Otherwise quiet here today.
23/12/06 Partly Sunny 6C Wind WSW 2 Mph
Highlights
The Mast Field today was busy today with 53 Curlew,4 Magpies, a pair of Stonechat ,100+ Jackdaws (my highest count here)
100+ Rooks and 50+ Carrion Crow. I was surprised to see 11 Fulmar back on the cliffs at Hartley today including some which had paired off.
The top bushes had 3 Wrens, Robin, Blackbird, Reed Bunting and a Song Thrush with 6 Wigeon North over here The Wetland had 50 Teal,
Grey Heron, Moorhens, Mallards, Grey Lag Goose and there were 2 Grey Lags feeding close to the footpath in the West Field.
21/12/06 Partly Sunny 7c Wind W 9 Mph
Highlights
The wetland today had 40 Teal, 2 Mute Swan (adt), Grey Lag Goose, Grey Heron 2, Moorhen 6, Stonechat M, Robin 3,
Wren 2, Blackbird 3 M, Fieldfare, Reed Bunting, 25-30 Meadow Pipits and a Sparrowhawk chasing a Skylark which just got away.
The North Bay had 3 Purple Sandpiper, Bar Tailed Godwit, Curlew, Dunlin 3, Ringed Plover 5, 10+ Rock Pipits,
4 Carrion Crows, 2 Jackdaws, Oystercatchers, Turnstones, Redshanks, Black Headed Gulls, Common Gull 3, and nearby on
the links were 30+ Oystercatchers and a Grey Wagtail..
19/12/06 Partly Sunny 2c Wind W 4 Mph
Highlights
A quick round up of today.....
Grey Heron 5, Grey Lag Goose, Shovelar Pair, Moorhen 5, Teal 25+, Mallard 10+, Common Gull 4,
Black Headed Gull 400+, Lapwing 100+, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail 2, Starling 100+, Curlew 13, Carrion Crow 4,
Redshank 6, Turnstone 40+, Sanderling 125+, Greater Black Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Wood Pigeon 12+,
Oystercatcher 20+....
17/12/06 Partly Sunny 6c Wind W 4 Mph
Highlights
I got a text message this morning telling me I'd missed a White Billed Diver flying South close inshore.. *****R!!!!!!!
Well that had put the damper on things as it would have been a lifer for me. I then bumped into two of the local birders
so off we went for a wander round the patch whilst chin wagging. A Single Grey Heron and 40+ Teal was
about all on the Wetland. The North Bay was quiet with only a few Turnstone about and 30+ Redshank roosting on the Island.
2 Purple Sandpipers were on the rocks under the East Prom500+ Golden Plover and 200+ Lapwings overhead here too
On the way to the South Bay we were stopped by someone and asked what was the little bird swimming close inshore?
It turned out to be a Little Grebe which was only my second record for the year here. And a nice surprise.
It was actively feeding close inshore slowly heading south and showed well. shame none of my photos came out.
The South Bay today was busy with 120+ Sanderling a peak count for the year and 40+ Turnstone feeding on the tide wrack.
15/12/06 Mostly Cloudy 7c Wind w 2 Mph
Highlights
I managed my first ever pre dawn visit today (Toothache kept me awake). Still not much around but what was around was very active with 40+ Teal, 20+ Mallard, 5 Moorhen busily feeding on the Wetland. No sign of the Mute Swan family for the past few days. 4-500 Black Headed Gulls in both car parks feeding on the grass banks, 11 Carrion Crows here too. In The North Bay were a few Curlew, Turnstone, Redshank and Oystercatchers.Last of all were 2 Pied Wagtails N over the South car park.
9/12/06 Mostly Sunny 7c Wind W 7 Mph
Highlights
Quiet here today so a brief wander of the patch produced... 3 Stonechat (2 M 1 F ) Shovelar (M) Grey Lag Goose 2,
Gadwall (M) Mute Swan 6 (2 ady 4 imm) Grey Heron 3, Common Gull 5, Red Throated Diver 4 North, Razorbill, 3-400 Lapwings, Carrion Crows
Black Heded Gulls, Herring Gulls, Curlew 14, Wren 2, Blackbird( M) Starlings, Magpie, Great Black Backed Gulls ( inc an injured 1st winter bird
on the wetland,) Wood Pigeon, Rooks 20+, Oystercatchers 20+, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstones,Mallards, Teal 30+, Moorhen 5.
Overall a typical winters day here..
6/12/06 Partly Sunny 7c Wind W 9 Mph
Highlights
Had a look at my patch boundary(mixed Farmland) today looking for wintering Buntings. No luck but did
see a large Female Sparrowhawk which was so big I had to look twice as my first impression was Goshawk..
The Wetland pretty much the same again apart from 6 Gadwall ( 3 pair) and a Grey Heron . I managed to miss a Female Peregrine as I was looking the other way!!!! ( was shown some nice photos by a local Birder later on) The North Bay again held the majority of activity with 50+ Sanderling , 4-3 Purple Sandpiper, 7 Dunlin, Turnstones and Redshanks and Carrion Crows.
The Sanderling played ball today and came with 7ft of me and at last I managed some better photos than yesterday, well till another smaller Female Sparrowhawk came looking for lunch.. A single Great Northern Diver flew North and a single Probably White Fronted Goose overhead in off the sea.....
5/12/06 Partly Cloudy 6c Wind S 2 Mph
Highlights
A film crew were here today and the road was blocked off so only managed the Wetland and North Bay.
The Wetland water level is very high at the mo so quiet with 4 Common Snipe, 10+ Teal, Moorhen 4, Mallards
Mute Swan 4. The North Bay was busy with about 250+ Black Headed Gulls feeding on the high tide line, 20+ Redshanks
Purple Sandpiper , Dunlins, 20+ Sanderling and 20+ Turnstones here also. Roosting on the Island were 400 + Lapwings,
1000 (roughly) Golden Plover, 30+ Oystercatchers, more Redshank and 2 drake Eiders lazing about on the water.
Just a few poor photos of some of todays Birds ( I blame the bad light)....
1/12/06 Partly Sunny 11c Wind S 2 Mph
Highlights
Not a bad start to the month with a few birds about today. Starting with the Wetland which had on 35-40 Teal, 7 Moorhen,
5 Mute Swam (2 adt 3 imm) Mallards and a few Black Headed Gulls bathing. Not much in the Top Willows today but
I enjoyed good views of 3 Reed Bunting feeding and a Stonechat. Nearby 2 Robins were having a scrap which flushed a Blackbird.
The tide was on the turn in the North Bay so a few waders were about Waders noted were
50+ Sanderling, 20+ Ringed Plover, 150+ Redshank, 700+ Lapwing, 2000+ Golden Plover, 2 Knot, 30+ Oystercatcher
30+ Turnstone. 12 Eider flew south past here and the place was full of Starlings feeding on the tide wrack and about 10+ Rock Pipits.
November 06
30/11/06 Mostly Cloudy 10c Wind S 9 Mph
Highlights
2500+ Golden Plover,400+ Lapwing, 30+ Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 2 Pied Wagtails, 16+ Teal
7 Moorhen, 8+ Carrion Crow, 600+ Starling, 2 Ringed Plover, 30 + Turnstone, 20 GBB Gulls.
25/1/06 Partly Sunny 10c Wind sw 4 Mph
Highlights
Only Looked at the wetland today as pushed for time. A little bit more life on with 4 Gadwall (3 M 1 F)
3 Common Snipe, 6 Mute Swans (2 Adt 4 Juv) the juv continuing to flex their wings more.. 20+ Teal most of them actively feeding
15+ Mallards, 5 Moorhen. A Kestrel was hunting along the bank side and was mobbed by a Meadow Pipit, 4 Grey Lag Geese were feeding nearby.
Overhead about 400+ Lapwings and 700+ Golden Plover.
And something was going on out to sea as 3 Sea King Helicopters were hovering over a DFDS Ferry
and the Tynemouth Lifeboat was standing by....
24/11/06 Mostly Cloudy 7c Wind SSE 2 Mph
Highlights
Not much around today but I did manage to miss a Short Eared Owl here this morning (Bugger!!)
3 Whooper Swans flying South were a nice surprise and patch year tick. (151)
20 Teal on the Wetland accompanied by 4 Mute Swans(2 Adt 2 Juv) Mallards and a couple of Moorhens.
Was so quiet here today I nipped up to Woodhorn Flash to see the Richardson's Canada Goose. I know not patch related
but hey was a much better view than last years dot in the distance at Beal..
19/11/06 Partly Sunny 7C Wind SSW 7Mph
Highlights
Starting with the North Bay area today had 20+ Sanderling, 2 Bar tailed Godwits one was coming close till some
idiot chucks a ball into the water directly in front of me which was swiftly followed by his mutt. Its just a shame it wasn’t followed by him!!
Small numbers of Ringed Plover and Dunlin feeding amongst the Sanderling and 30+ Turnstones on the Tide Wrack.
A single Purple Sandpiper was feeding on the rocks nearby accompanied by 30+ Black Headed Gulls fighting over a chip.
3 Red Throated Divers and 2 Common Scoter flew south, whilst 40+ Pink Footed Geese and 2 Wigeon flew North past
the lighthouse. A Shag was back feeding in roughly the same spot as yesterday in the South Bay.
The Wetland had about the same as yesterday on apart from a single Common Snipe and 2 Grey Herons
with a Wren making a racket next to the concrete view point. About 22 species seen in total today.
18/11/06 Partly Sunny 7c Wind W 16Mph
Highlights
The Wetland today had about 20+ Mallard, 12+ Teal. 2 Mute Swans on. A Shag was feeding close inshore
in the South Bay amongst large numbers of Black Headed Gulls. The North Bay was the busiest bit of the patch
with 25-30+ Sanderling, 10+ Ringed Plover, Purple Sandpiper, Turnstones, Redshanks, 6+ Rock Pipits,
Bar Tailed Godwit, 500+ Golden Plover overhead and 100+ Lapwings headed to the West Field.. I don’t
know if anything was in the willows today as I didn’t look, and to top it off I picked up the flat batteries for my camera
so I took a few shots on low res before they gave up completely. Overall a typical November day at St Mary's
14/11/06 PARTLY SUNNY 10c WIND WSW 7MPH
Just checked the wetland today as pushed for time. Not a great deal on today but 7 Snipe were the highest count I've had here
for awhile. 2 Grey Lag Geese and 20 Teal were actively feeding near the waters edge. A few Mallard snoozing on the Island and about 20 Black Headed Gulls bathing.
With 500+ Golden Plover overhead and the usual assortment of Gulls passing..
12/11/06 PARTLY SUNNY 10c WIND W 2MPH
Highlights
Just a quick round up today due to high numbers of people about disturbing the birds and
one bloke was even trying to put his dog on the wetland.. Cant print what I thought of that.!!!!!!!
So down to the birds.. 20 Mallard, 15+ Teal. 5 Mute Swans on Wetland.
20 Ringed Plover, Bar Tailed Godwit, 10+ Rock Pipits, Pied Wagtail, Turnstones in North Bay
with 200+ Goose Sp NW but distant. 10+ Dunlin, 20+ Sanderling and Large Gull Numbers in South Bay.
In the top willows were 6+ Long Tailed Tits, 2 Blue Tits, 2 Stonechat, 3 Reed Bunting ,2 Blackbirds and 2 Wrens.
8/11/06 RAIN 12c WIND W 13MPH
Highlights
A quick visit today as I got soaked in heavy rain.
The Wetland had about 30 Mallard, 20 Teal, Common Snipe and 30+ Black Headed Gulls on,
with the Juv Mute Swans practicing flying watched by their Parents. The usual Curlew (30 + )
feeding quite close to the footpath in the west field until I raised my camera and they flew onto the far side..
From the far field 2000+ Golden Plover and 300+ Lapwings rose in a panic but I didn’t manage to see what had put them up.
Then the heavens opened so I called it a day..
3/11/06 SUNNY 8c WIND W 4MPH
Highlights
The Wetland today had 2 Drake Shovelar , 10+ Teal, Mute Swan 6, Black Headed Gulls 40+,
Common Gull 3, 6 Moorhens and a few Mallard. 35 Curlew were feeding in the West Field with about 10 Carrion Crows.
A couple of Reed Bunting in the Top Willows but not much else there.
The tide was well in the North Bay so not many waders, only a few Turnstone and Redshanks feeding. There were about 30
Rock Pipits here and at one point I had about 6 of them around me at about 6ft away....Magic!!!!
Still a few Little Auks reported passing again today. Including 4 on the sea next to the Lighthouse.
2/11/06 PARTLY CLOUDY 5c WIND W
Highlights
Loads of Little Auks about today with about 60+ seen by me around 3-4 pm.
Including some giving good views over the car park. A friend of mine had about 400 past today here.
Single Red Throated Diver seen in the South Bay and a single Wigeon on the Wetland. A steady passage of
Kittiwakes today otherwise quiet
October 06
29/10/06 PARTLY SUNNY 13c WIND W 1MPH
Highlights
Started with the Wetland again today which was fairly busy with a male Shovelar, 15+ Teal, 10+Mallards,
Common Snipe, Black Headed Gulls, 6 Moorhen, 5+ Common Gulls and 6 Mute Swans.
The willows were quiet with only a few birds showing, 4 Robin , 2 Blackbird, 8 Greenfinch, Wren and a pair of
Stonechat with Reed Buntings. The North Bay held today 5+ Rock Pipits, Bar Tailed Godwit, 8+ Ringed Plover,
Redshanks. Onto the Point which had the majority of birds seen today with 2000+ Golden Plover, 200+ Lapwings,
500+ Starlings, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 40+ Great Black Backed Gull, Oystercatchers and Turnstones.
Very mild weather for this time of year there was even Red Admirals still about.
26/10/06 PARTLY CLOUDY 12c WIND W 25MPH
Highlights
An hours sea watching late morning produced Little Auk 6, Long Tailed Duck 8, Common Scoter 4,
Gannets, Fulmars and hundreds of very distant Auk SP North. The Wetland water level is very high again
so quite, with only 4 Moorhen, 10+ Teal and a few Mallard on today. Large Numbers of Black Headed ,
Herring, and Great - Black Backed Gulls about today inc a 2nd winter Great Black Backed struggling with a Pipe
Fish which was wrapped around its neck like a snake. Little Auk and LT Duck were patch year ticks . I haven’t
updated total in a while but rough guess is about 150 for 2006 well down on last years total
25/10/06 RAIN 10c WIND ESE 4 MPH
Highlights
A Common Rosefinch was reported here this morning, which after half the Northumberland Birders
turned up to see. It turned out it had only been heard by one person and wasn’t seen.....
Still 4 Brambling were a nice year and patch year tick. A few Thrushes were coming in off the sea ,
mainly Song Thrushes and Blackbirds.10+Reed Bunting , Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, and a few Robins
were in the top willows. A Jack Snipe and Little Auk were reported here today also. I had a quick look for Little Auks
passing on the sea. Red Throated Diver N, Eiders, Kittiwakes, Common Gulls, Gannets seen but no Little Auks for me...
Hopefully there will be some in the next couple of days..
22/10/06 PARTLY SUNNY 12c WIND WSW 9 MPH
Highlights
Not much around today due to weather being rubbish for Autumn migration this year.
Did manage to see 2 Northern Wheatears being chased by a Sparrowhawk, they escaped...Just
I also had a brief glimpse of a raptor in the distance which I'm sure was a Red Kite but it vanished
before I could nail it. Golden Plover numbered around 1500 today and at one point lifted en mass
as if a predator was about, didn’t notice anything in the sky but may have been the Sparrowhawk low over the rocks.
The Wetland is full to the brim but still quiet with about 20 Mallard , 4-6 Moorhen, and the Mute Swan Family
which are doing well. The South Bay had the usual waders and a few Rock Pipits feeding on the tide wrack..
21/10/06 PARTLY SUNNY 15c WIND SW 1MPH
Highlights
A cracking summer plumaged Red Throated Diver with a Juv Red Throated Diver close inshore in
the South Bay. 1000+ Golden Plovers roosting near the Lighthouse with about 500 Lapwings.
32 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, Bar Tailed Godwit and a few Sanderling in the North Bay.
A few Goldcrests about today and a charm of 10+ Goldfinch overhead.
The Wetland water level is very high so quiet. Only a few Black Headed Gulls and Mallard on today...
16/10/06 MOSTLY CLOUDY 12c WIND SSE 3MPH
Highlights
A lighting visit today produced 2 Blackcaps, 5 + Robins, Blackbirds,
Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipit, app 2000 Golden Plover, 100 + Redshank
10+ Ringed Plover, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, 25+ Curlew, Sanderlings, Dunlins, Turnstones,
2 Sandwich Terns (adt and juv). Mallards, Moorhen 6, Teal 5+ and 2 Wigeon .
No sign of the Yellow Browed Warbler (for me anyway). There was a few LBJ's in the top bushes
but flitting about too quick for me to get anything on them. 25 Species seen today.
12/10/06 PARLTY SUNNY 17c WIND WSW 7MPH
Highlights
A few of yesterdays Song Thrushes still around today. Star find of the day was a Yellow Browed Warbler
showing well at first in the Willows at the North end of the Wetland. It disappeared into the bushes for a while
so a few of us went looking down the footpath on the West of the Wetland , when another birder informed us he'd
just had a Yellow Browed Warbler along the track. I managed to see this bird and was surprised to find it had a
much more pronounced wing bar than the first one of the day, that made 2 Y B Warblers on patch today..
Plus there's a good chance yesterdays one in the Cemetery is still there...
Quite a few Stonechats and Reed Buntings about today and a Mandarin reported on the Wetland this morning.
11/10/06 LIGHT FOG AND RAIN 13c WIND SE 7MPH
A canny day for migrants today with large numbers of Thrushes seen coming in off the sea.
In groups ranging from 2- 20+ mostly Song Thrushes with smaller numbers of Redwings mixed in.
2 Patch year ticks today with Ring Ouzel and Redwing. Missed Brambling and Redstart....Bugger!!
30-40 Blackbirds, 10+ Robins and about half a dozen Goldcrests also seen today.
About 100 Wigeon on the sea in the North Bay today. 5 Snipe over the wetland which was busy
with 40+ Mallards ,2 Teal, 40+ Redshanks and loads of Black Headed Gulls. Also some of the Wigeon flew on later.
A Yellow Browed Warbler reported in Whitley Bay Cemetery this morning, seen briefly.
Nothing Rare noted today but fantastic watching the Thrushes come in off the sea.And close views of a well marked
Northern Wheatear .
9/10/06 PARTLY SUNNY 13c WIND W 9 MPH
A Black Guillemot was reported in the North Bay this morning. Which I didn’t get to see.
On the patch today were 1200+ Golden Plover, 4 Red Throated Divers, Gannets, Razorbills,
Guillemots, 500-600 Starlings. Rock Pipits, 2 Grey heron and on the wetland 10+ Mallards, 6 Moorhen
and a juv Mute Swan. Just a quick round up as was looking for the Black Guillemot.
5/10/06 RAIN 11c WIND SSE 3 MPH
A hunt for migrants today in the rain. So off I went checking every bit of cover on patch. An hour and a half
later I got back to the car cold and soaked and year tick less....To top it off I had just dried off when I got a Text
saying there was a Yellow Browed Warbler reported in SW corner of the Cemetery. So off I dashed again.
Another soaking later and yep you’ve guessed it no Yellow Browed Warbler for me, another dip !!!
.Here's a round of what I saw today..
In the ploughed field was a single Northern Wheatear (F/Juv type). 2 Stonechats and 5 Skylarks.
Top Willow area produced. 3 Robins, Blackbird, Reed Bunting, Wren, Dunnock and 2 Goldcrests.
Also on patch today were 100+ Goldfinches in 2 Charms, Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipit 4, Linnets,
and the usual supporting cast of Gulls and Waders. Loads of Large Black Slugs about today, it looked
like someone had dropped a load of novelty moustaches everywhere...
3/10/06 MOSTLY CLOUDY 12c WIND NW 9 MPH
Highlights
The Wetland had a few birds on today, with a Greylag Goose roosting on the far bank. 20+ Mallards dotted about the Wetland.
2 Wigeon feeding next to 3 Teal at the back along with a few Moorhens. A juvenile Mute Swan sitting away from the main Swan
family. This one is from another brood and was seen arriving on Sunday afternoon.
Onto the North Bay which was very quiet with only a single Rock Pipit and Turnstone noted apart from a few Eider and
Black Headed Gulls offshore. Roosting on the Island today were 50+ Oystercatchers, 2-300 Lapwings, 200+ Golden Plover
and a few Black Headed Gulls and Redshanks.
The South Bay held the star attraction, a Red Throated Diver fishing very close inshore. It showed very well but could I get a decent photo???
Another Red Throated Diver was seen heading South also. 30+ Sanderling, 20 + Turnstones and a Ruff were feeding on the Tide Wrack often coming very close to me. Its always a pleasure when they do this.
September 06
30/9/06 SUNNY 21c SE 4 MPH
Highlights
Wetland very quiet today with only a few birds on, 4 Teal, 6 Moorhens, Mute Swan 2 Adt 3 juv, and a Sparrowhawk
hunting over the top end of the wetland. A number of Razorbills and Guillemots were passing on the sea South today,
with a rough estimate of 1200+ seen over a few hours. About 150 Geese flew south miles out ( Pink Feet at a guess )
3 Red Throated Divers also South. One of the local birders had just checked the willows and I was told there was no sign of
any migrants (that saved me a walk) but he had had 24 Sanderling and 10-15 Ringed Plover in the North Bay. Spent the rest of the afternoon
chin wagging with some of the local birders. Not many species seen but a good natter was had today.
24/9/06 FOG 16c WIND SE 1 MPH
Highlights
A couple of hours sea watching mid afternoon in a right pea souper saw 2 Sooty Shearwaters North,
3 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Arctic Skuas South and a Great Skua also South. 10 Red Throated Divers past today
4 North and 6 South. Large numbers of Gannets, Razorbills and Guillemots past both directions and Kittiwake numbers
were on the increase as I was leaving. Waders here today , 100+ Oystercatcher, 75+ Redshank, 30+ Sanderling,
30+ Turnstone small numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plover. With a single Purple Sandpiper noted.
There was a Northern Wheatear in the North Bay fly catching on the rocks. A Robin, 2 Pied Wagtails
and a Rock Pipit also fly catching as large numbers of flies about still.
A quick "thrash" of the Top Willows produced Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Robin, Blackbird, 3 Greenfinch
and a Wren. No sign of any Migrants but I got the feeling there were some about. Just couldn’t find the little swine’s.
23/9/06 PARTLY SUNNY 17c WIND SE 2 MPH
Highlights
About a Hour and half sea watch today saw 6 Brent Geese North, 2 Red Throated Divers South,
Loads of Razorbills and Guillemots, 100+ Gannets, 8 Sandwich Terns and Kittiwakes.
On the Point today before the incoming tide flushed everything off were. 40+ Oystercatchers, 17 Curlew,
30+ Lapwings, Turnstones 15+ and a few Ringed Plover and Sanderling past.
The Wetland was quiet again today with 2 Wigeon and 4 Mallards feeding. 2 Pied Wagtails bathing next to
the Mute Swan family ( a pair and 3 large cygnets ) and a couple of Moorhen.
21/9/06 MOSTLY SUNNY 22c WIND S 7 MPH
Highlights
Quiet again today due to loads of tourists about enjoying the warm weather.
The wetland water level has dropped a bit but still no waders on today. The Mute
Swan family still doing well, 6 Teal, 10+ Mallards and a Grey Heron on today.
2 Swallows over heading South. With another 2 Grey Heron also seen .
10 Pied Wagtails flitting about the place.
400+ Golden Plover roosting near the lighthouse and a Bar Tailed Godwit in the
South Bay. Otherwise just the usual suspects. There were still a few Common Darters
on the path today including a couple of mating pairs .
16/9/06 LIGHT FOG 16c WIND NE 2 MPH
Highlights
A check of the top willows today for migrants produced a single Willow Warbler,
Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird and Reed Bunting. not much considering the weather conditions.
The North Bay was quiet with a Bar Tailed Godwit feeding and a few Dunlin past. 3 Red Throated
Divers past close in here giving reasonable views. There was also smallish gull with a Black Head offshore.
Ahh Bonaparte's Gull I thought (as there is one at Newbiggen which is very close).
But it flew off before I could ID it so will have to forget about it.
Stood a while watching about 5-600 Golden Plover on the rocks, when one of the local birders spotted
a Curlew Sandpiper in with the Plover flock. It didn’t stay long as it flew North soon afterwards.
My first sighting of 2006 of this species here.
Plenty of Gannets were heading North out to sea with 9 Wigeon North, and a few Guillemots about.
Also 6 Common Terns and 9 Sandwich Terns past and a small Passage of Swallows South.
The Point today was busy with about 2-300 Black Headed Gulls, Kittiwakes, Herring Gulls,
Great Black Backed Gulls all mixed together. 120+ Redshanks and 40+ Oystercatchers also noted.
30 species seen in total today,
13/9/06 MOSTLY SUNNY 12c WIND S 7MPH
Highlights
A rare morning visit today 8am-9am saw 30 species seen in total.
The wetland had pretty much the same as usual on. With 20+ Mallards,
5 Teal a drake Wigeon feeding. A Grey Heron was also here today.
A single Snipe flew over along with 10 Swallows and 5 House Martins heading South.
5 Curlew were roosting in the West Field and a Male Stonechat was sitting on the fence.
The bushes at the top of the wetland had a few common birds darting about.
3 Greenfinch, 2 Robins, 2 Blackbirds on the Dog Roses. 2 Reed Buntings and a Dunnock
in the scrub. 20+ Linnets and 30+ Goldfinches overhead and about 30-40 Jackdaws
and Carrion Crows too. High Tide this morning so North Bay quiet. 4 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling and a few Turnstones
on the tide line. With 2-3 Rock Pipits and 10 Pied Wagtails feeding on the seaweed.
Roosting on St Mary's Island were about 20 Redshank, 17 Oystercatchers, Lapwings and 2 Cormorants.
18 Sandwich Terns South past the Lighthouse mixed in with the usual gull flock.
11/9/06 MOSTLY SUNNY 22c WIND SSE 1 MPH
Highlights
A quick visit this afternoon due to the heat. Wetland water level still high.
Present today were 72 Teal (my Highest count for the wetland in 2006) 30+ Mallards and a Shovelar drake.
10 Wood Pigeon were feeding in the short grass at the back of the wetland.
A Grey Heron was roosting on the island and 2 Moorhen were fighting on the waters edge.
Nearby the Mute Swan family were dozing in the sun.
A RAF Nimrod flew low over here which caused most of the birds to fly off.
Onto the West Field I first saw a couple of Meadow Pipits overhead and a large charm
of about 100 Goldfinches were in the willows. As I walked up the path to the top willows which were empty,
I counted 17 Common Darters sunbathing on the ground and a Red Admiral.
The tide was out so the North Bay and surrounding rocks held the usual mix of common waders and gulls.
With Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Black Headed Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull
also around 200+ Golden Plover being seen.
Overall pretty quiet but like a summers day rather than September.
7/9/06 MOSTLY SUNNY 16C WIND N 9MPH
Highlights
A Brief Sea watch Today around Midday produced, a Great Northern Diver,
4 Wigeon, 3 Common Scoter and 5 Teal all heading North. 3 Shags and a few Guillemots were feeding
just offshore along with 3 Eider in eclipsed plumage. Around 150-200+ Gannets past with a few close inshore giving good views.
3 Common Terns and 5 Sandwich Terns North also 10+ Fulmar and a couple of Kittiwakes about.
Waders past included 10 Knot, 30+ Lapwings and singles of both Ringed Plover and Dunlin.
On the Point a Few Herring Gulls and Greater Black Backed Gulls were roosting. A 2W Herring Gull was
struggling to eat a Pipe Fish. Turnstones and Oystercatchers in small numbers present too.
The Wetland pretty much the same as usual with the Mute Swan Family showing well, 26 Mallards, 3 Teal
2 Moorhen and a Grey Heron. Whilst 8 Wood pigeon were feeding at the far side a Single Swallow Flew North.
20 Species seen today in total..
5/9/06 MOSTLY SUNNY 20c WIND WSW 9MPH
Highlights
Starting off with the wetland again today, (water lever very high)were 18 Mallard, 9 Teal and 7 Moorhen
with 3 Golden Plovers and a Fulmar flying overhead and 3 rather soggy looking Carrion Crows.
25 Curlew roosting again in the West Field along with 10-15 Carrion Crows feeding,
2 Magpies feeding next to a single Wood Pigeon and a small charm of about 10 Goldfinch flew over.
The North Bay held few waders today due to High Tide ,
but there were 6 Dunlin and a Sanderling 7 Pied Wagtails and a few Turnstone feeding on the washed up seaweed.
St Mary's Island itself held larger numbers of roosting birds, 150+ Lapwings,
35 Redshanks, Ringed Plover, 15+ Oystercatchers. A few Gannets and Kittiwakes flew South
followed by 13 Common Terns (mostly Juv birds). Large Numbers of Starlings fly-catching overhead
and a couple of Black Headed Gulls trying their luck also .
Pretty quiet today overall but a pleasant visit.
2/9/06 RAIN 12c WIND S 4MPH
Highlights
A Brief visit today around midday due to it peeing down.
The wetland is now back to full water level after nearly drying out during the summer.
The resident Mute Swan Family are still present and doing well, also 17-18 Mallard here today.
8 Teal were busying feeding whilst 2 Curlew popped in for a quick drink next to 3 Moorhens.
Another 15 Curlew were in the west field roosting along with a couple of Carrion Crows.
No sign of any Migrants in the willows around the wetland,
The North Bay had a selection of waders feeding at the waters edge. With 40+ Sanderling
25+ Dunlin and about 15 Ringed Plovers. 300+ Golden plovers were roosting nearby and about 5 Eider just offshore.
A quick scan of the point produced 40+ Great Black-Backed Gulls, a single Kittiwake, 8 Sandwich Terns,
Black Headed Gulls and 4 Cormorants. 2 Pied Wagtails and a Rock Pipit flew over the car-park. About 20 species seen today in total
