Druridge Bay Archives - James Common

Botany at East Chevington

A not so quick account of a brilliant two days spent botanising Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s East Chevington reserve.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust‘s reserve at East Chevington has to be one of my favourite places. Not only does it support an incredible diversity of insect and bird life – we saw a Hobby, woo – but also an incredible array of wildflowers. Sympathetic management by the Trust made a huge difference and alongside a mix of habitats ranging from sandy shores and dunes to wetland, woodland and calcareous meadows, has created a veritable goldmine for passing botanists. You can imagine my delight then at being able to visit not once but twice this week as part of an NHSN course I’m leading. I’ll be combining two trips into one with this post but hopefully will give a flavour of what a fantastic place this is in high summer.

East Chevington’s calcareous grasslands are perhaps some of the best in Northumberland. Visiting these first, we were immediately struck by the abundance of Bloody Crane’s-bill (Geranium sanguineum) and Burnet Rose (Rosa spinosissima), two species characteristic of the coast here. Looking closer, there was much more to see with Lesser Meadow-rue (Thalictrum minus), Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Quaking Grass (Briza media) and plenty of delightful Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea). All species I don’t see too often living where I do in the city.

Bloody Crane’s-bill (*Geranium sanguineum*)

When walking here, it is easy to get drawn in by the more vibrant species growing on site. To counteract this, at least some of our time was spent exploring the less showy species found on site. Grasses were interesting with Yellow Oat-grass (Trisetum flavescens) and Heath-grass (Danthonia decumbens) both noted and several sedges were observed including Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea) and Sand Sedge (Carex arenaria). Far more obvious that these, the devilsome yellow composites were blooming en masse and a little searching revealed Smooth Hawk’s-beard (Crepis capillaris), Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus) and Mouse-ear-hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum). These failed to hold our attention long, however, and soon it was back to the more blousy things.

Orchids turned out to be a real ‘flavour of the day’ during our visit. In drier areas of the grassland, dozens of Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) were seen while Common Spotted-orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) were present in abundance. More interesting perhaps was a fantastic example of a Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis), the only one noted during both visits. This species is numerous elsewhere along the county’s coastline but is strangely lacking from South Northumberland.

Topping off our grassland explorations nicely, one of our attendees was quick to draw attention to an ‘attractive bindweed’ growing on an area of exposed sand – Sea Bindweed (Calystegia soldanella)! This species is only known from two sites in VC67, East Chevington being one of them. That said, it appears not to have been recorded on site since 1988 and thus, was a very exciting find.

Departing the grassland, our next point of call was the mouth of the Chevington Burn where a small area of beach is notable for the abundance of shoreline species. Sure enough, we observed Sea Sandwort (Honckenya peploides) and Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima), as well as an abundance of Frosted Orache (Atriplex laciniata) glistening in the sun. While this was clearly the dominant atriplex, it was nice to note and compare Spear-leaved Orache (Atriplex prostrata) in addition. Perhaps the most interesting plant here was the curious-looking Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kali) shown below. A Rare Plant Register species in South Northumberland, I was surprised to see so much of it.

Not travelling far from the burn, a poke about the margins of a pond in the dunes turned up Sea Club-rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus), Hop Trefoil (Trifolium campestre) and Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) among other more common species.

Having explored the coastal areas of the site, all that remained was a walk along the coast path which bisects the reserve. Towards the South of the site, the pools came up trumps with the delightful flowers of Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre), yet more Common Spotted-orchids and several examples of the hybrid between this and Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza x venusta). There was also the opportunity to compare Hemlock (Conium maculatum) with its namesake Hemlock Water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata). They may look quite different but both are rather toxic.

Veering off slightly to explore a particularly exciting damp flush, the group were pleased to see the delicate flowers of Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) growing where the cattle used for conservation grazing had kindly disturbed the ground. Here too, one of the day’s target species was found in the form of several blooming Marsh Helleborines (Epipactis palustris). East Chevington appears to be the last bastion of this orchid in the vice-county though even here, it is far from numerous.

Marsh Helleborine (*Epipactis palustris*)

Having had our fill of the flush, it was back to the path for dash to a secluded corner of the reserve and something a little special, though not before pausing to admire the abundance of Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium) and Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) growing in ranker areas. The latter is a particularly scarce plant locally and a real beauty.

Reaching our destination, everyone present was soon elated with the sight of the seventh and final orchid of the outing – the Lesser Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera bifolia). This species has declined horribly across much of the UK and is now present at only a handful of sites locally. Here, however, it is doing well, thanks in no small part to targeted management by the Trust.

Lesser Butterfly Orchid (*Platanthera bifolia*)

And there we have it, a not-so-short round-up of a great series of trips to East Chevington. Of course, there was plenty more plantlife to see and enjoy, some of the more interesting of which I have included below for reference. All that remains to be said here is that East Chevington is a wonderful site for a whole manner of interesting plants. I wonder what else will pop up in the near future?

Additional species

Slender St. John’s-wort (Hypericum pulchrum), Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum), Long-headed Poppy (Papaver dubium), False Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae), Lesser Pond-sedge (Carex acutiformis), Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca), Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major), Common Restharrow (Ononis repens), Goat’s-beard (Tragopogon pratensis), Wild Thyme (Thymus drucei), Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus), Ampthbious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia) & Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre).

Wild respite

In dire need of a break from thesis writing, yesterday I set off for Druridge Bay in search of a little wild respite. The proceeding three hours, mercifully, filled with no end of fantastic wildlife – just what the doctor ordered to cure my current mood.

Starting off at Cresswell Pond and the highlight here came in the form of three Spoonbill feeding on the flood just North of the causeway – always a nice species to see in the North. With these, two Avocets did their best to defend their rather small chicks from a marauding heron and a Grey Partridge wandered across the road in front of a passing car. The best of the rest at the pond coming in the form of two Common Sandpiper, a female Marsh Harrier and a Stock Dove trying and failing to blend in with the farmyard pigeons. A lone Wheatear was observed in the dunes as I made my way elsewhere.

Taking a leisurely wander South along the beach, the first thing that struck me upon arrival was the sheer number of terns feeding in the bay. Mostly Sandwich Tern, as is the norm here; though Common and Arctic were by no means scarce. A single Roseate feeding close in behind the breakers was a tad more surprising – not a bird to be scoffed at and only my second of the year! Also here, a large raft of perhaps eight hundred Common Scoter fed – diving and rising in perfect unison – and a pair of Summer plumage Red-Throated Diver were also seen. Add to these a good haul of Kittiwake, Gannet, Puffin, Guillemot and Shag, and things were looking rather positive by the time I reached Druridge Pools.

Plodding up to the Budge Screen where a cast of familiar local faces had assembled to ogle the visiting Pectoral Sandpiper, it wasn’t long before I laid eyes on the bird itself – namesake markings clearly visible as it fed in the glorious Summer sunshine. Alongside the vagrant, a selection of more regular waders were also seen, including a splendid Ruff, singles of each Wood and Green Sandpiper, one Whimbrel and fifty-eight Black-Tailed Godwit. Most of the latter still clad in their delightful, auburn garb. Waders aside, the rest of my time at Druridge was split between admiring the resident Little Owl perched in the usual spot along the farm wall, and photographing a few of the sites smaller residents: Five-spot Burnets, Blue-Tailed Damselflies and numerous Red Admirals providing a welcome touch of colour to conclude the trip.

Five-spot Burnets

Back home and another night of garden moth trapping turned up a few pleasant odds and ends. A female Ghost Moth and a dapper Buff Arches the stand our individuals of a catch that also included Purple Clay, Buff Ermine, Straw Dot, Light Emerald, Clay and Bright-line Brown-eye. The only new species for my slowly increasing garden list comprised three Yellow-spot Tortrix and a lone Single-dotted Wave.

Buff Ermine, Ghost Moth and Buff Arches

The floodgates are opening, at last

Migration really is a wonderful thing: one minute you can be gazing forlornly at a decrepit stand of brambles, hoping against hope to hear the faintest hweet from an elusive Chiffchaff; and next, you can be dashing around like a lunatic wholly surrounded by birds. Such is the nature of Spring, as the frustrating trickle of new arrivals that coincides with late March soon gives way to an exhilarating flood of colour as the season advances.

The floodgates appear to be opening here in Northumberland, with the few intrepid warblers and martins now joined by many and more familiar faces. And a few more unusual characters too. Druridge, as ever, continues to prove its value as a hotspot for weird and wonderful bird life with the past two days alone providing two standout species. With yesterday’s Common Crane – a species I have wanted to see in the UK ever since I was able to make out the words in my childhood bird book – a definitive highlight; though one outshone, on this occasion, by an altogether unexpected treasure today: a Red-Rumped Swallow. The latter, having been unearthed five minutes before at East Chevington, careering overhead as I stood, entranced, on the coastal path. A wonderful bird which, by merit alone, eclipsed the aforementioned crane entirely. Though both left me equally giddy.

Glaring rarities aside, today alone provided a host of other goodies; with a Spoonbill at Druridge Pools foremost among them. This being only my third of these lethargic waders in the county, and a most welcome addition to this years county list challenge to boot. Visiting Druridge Pools early this morning, I was also lucky enough to pick up a Red Kite flying south above the floods. A reasonably common bird elsewhere in Britain (where they are not ruthlessly persecuted or fed KFC to such an extent that they do not spread) though one that, for some unknown reason, remains scarce in Northumberland. The raptor sailing overhead just as my attention turned to the call of a likely Sedge Warbler emanating from the South corner of the deep pool. I missed the warbler, but kite and Spoonbill provided more than fair recompense.

Elsewhere, common migrants were abundant throughout Druridge Bay. Wheatear being particularly apparent – at Cresswell, Hemscott Hill and Chevington – and a beautiful Yellow Wagtail picked out in the company of a lone Alba Wagtail in a nearby field. Sand Martins were the most numerous new arrival on show, with around 120 birds seen throughout the day, while 14 Swallow and a single House Martin were also observed. The best of the rest, at least in terms of migrants, consisting of a male Marsh Harrier, 2 Sandwich Tern, 14 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff and 11 Avocet at Cresswell Pond. No Grasshopper Warblers to be heard yet, and no chance encounters with the likes of Ring Ouzel or Cuckoo, but there is plenty time for that.

Spring visitors aside, there was plenty to keep me entertained elsewhere today. With some highlights including two Grey Partridge, a male Yellowhammer and 15 Tree Sparrow at Cresswell. Where a good-sized flock of 22 Linnet and loose gathering of 7 Shoveler were also seen. Druridge Pools held the usual variety of wildfowl, alongside the added bonus of both European White-Fronted Goose and Whooper Swan – the latter being constantly terrorised by the resident Mute cob during the duration of my stay – while 10 Twite fed in one of the nearby paddocks. Finally, at Chevington, a Water Rail was heard giving its best stuck-pig impression from the Northern reedbed and a Kestrel hunted the dunes, much to the alarm of the plentiful Meadow Pipits and Skylark who temporarily abandoned their vocal antics to hassle it.

As you can tell, lots to see and hear of late, and I, for one, have had a marvellous time. This week looks set to centre around planning for my upcoming Masters thesis though, given the way of things of late, I can see myself being drawn out of hiding again in the very near future.

Cover image: Tero Laakso, Flickr CC, http://www.flickr.com/photos/talaakso/3775104351/

Snatching some wild respite

The last few weeks have been manic; jam-packed with university assignments and other, more menial, tasks. All of which, combined, have greatly impacted upon my ability to get outside and enjoy the sort of things I usually do at this time of year. It has all been rather frustrating in truth, and may well have proved somewhat depressing had it not been for a spontaneous outing this weekend past. A scarce free morning finding myself and the significant other darting off to Druridge Bay for a morning of wild respite.

The morning started well, the sounds of Spring filling our ears as we wandered aimlessly about the woodland that fringes Ladyburn lake; robin, great tit, greenfinch and goldfinch in full song from their respective, denuded perches. The experience here amplified by the sharp, chortling, call of a nearby willow tit and, better still, the sight of two kingfisher perched in close proximity amid the branches of a haggard waterside alder. Sapphire tones alive in the late Winter sun and content to watch as we ambled by. A good start.

Moving on to the lake itself and the usual suspects – tufted duck, coot and goldeneye – were starkly apparent; the sight of a small group of pochard amid the flotilla uplifting given their rapid and glaring decline in the county. The red-headed ones taking a backseat, on this occasion, however, as a familiar figure surfaced amid their ranks: the pacific diver. Not the target of todays venture following numerous visits over the past month but nice to see regardless. The close views obtained more than sufficient to highlight the various ID features of the rather delightful bird; one which we enjoyed in solitude for twenty minutes before it flew off South. Only to emerge moments later on East Chevington.

The feeders at the visitor centre were typically busy; with eight tree sparrows the highlight here amid the assembled ranks of the local tits and finches. Our pitstop proceeded by a leisurely stroll to Chevington where a small flock of scaup amused on the North pool. Further scanning later revealing a slavonian grebe – always a pleasure – as well as a further eight pochard. The seasonal feel continuing here too; with eighteen black-tailed godwit passing speedily overhead (on route to their breeding grounds, perhaps) and the near constant passage of pink-footed geese; all heading North with some haste. Our time here accompanied the whole time by the sound of singing reed bunting which, in the weeks to come, will surely be joined by grasshopper warblers, sedgies and cuckoo fresh from Africa. I cannot wait.

Heading home; the beach at the burn mouth thronged with Twite – 95 to be precise – each making use of the grain supplied by some kindly local birders. The shorelarks were present too, albeit a little further out, and a total of eight skylarks ascended from the sand dunes to sing their merry tune above our heads. A sound which evokes warmer days, blooming wildflowers and emergent insects, and one that I hold incredibly close to heart.

Excluding a rather painful (and comical) encounter with some brambles towards the end of our trip, we enjoyed a nice day at Druridge. Now back to those pesky assignments…

Another week in Northumberland

This week has been a jolly good one; one jam-packed with exquisite encounters, cold fingers, early mornings and, of course, some brilliant birds. Each day taking me somewhere new in the local area as I attempt to get the year list off to a decent start and reacquaint myself with the local wilds from which I have been woefully far removed of late. I blame university and the general tedium of life at present.

Where to start? Well, the obvious highlight of the week has to be the Pacific Diver currently languishing on Ladyburn Lake – a little further up the coast from me. This individual, a juvenile, representing a county first; expertly identified by Alan Curry after a few days spent touring various coastal sites, including my own local patch at Blyth. I won’t live that one down in a hurry.

The diver itself really is a sight to behold: ridiculously obliging, distinctively marked and generally rather lovely. A visit to Druridge Bay earlier today providing the perfect opportunity to scrutinise the bird in greater detail. A welcome occurence given my first encounter with the bird a few days past at East Chevington; where I, along with others viewing it that day, wrongly labelled it as a Black-Throated Diver. Enjoying it and moving on absent much thought. The differences between the two species becoming much clearer today, with better views. My second visit, while conducted solely for educational purposes, also providing opportunity to silence the disparaging Twitter grumblers quick to pick up and comment on my misidentification. An added bonus, though the bird itself was well worth the trip and I even caught sight of the chin-strap! Just look at these pictures.

On a more familiar note, my earlier trip to Chevington also came up trumps with delightful views of the seven Shorelark currently wintering near the burn mouth. A lovely species and always one to be savoured. The experience here made all the better by the appearance of 35 Twite, 19 Pied Wagtail and numerous Sanderling; all of whom seemed equally keen to exploit the festering piles of Bladderwrack here. A scan offshore here, a little later, providing a pleasant surprise in the form of 5 Scaup – four females and a rather dapper drake – as well as 13 Red-Throated Diver and a good haul of other winter goodies. The only “new” bird for the year here consisting of a Water Rail doing its bestsquealingg stuck pig impression from the Southern reedbed.

Shorelark – East Chevington

Further south; Druridge Pools held the usual suspects – Shoveler, Tree Sparrow, Red-Breasted Merganser and some c2100 Pink-Footed Geese the best to be seen here. Though I am 99% sure I had a Tundra Bean Goose at one point too. Cresswell was quiet, the best bit coming in the shape of a female Peregrine harassing Woodpigeons in view of the Drift Cafe. Viewed and enjoyed while sampling some mighty fine carrot cake and a large Latte. A soggy trip around a flooded Stobswood later on producing little: a few Snipe, Fieldfare, Redwing and five Whooper Swans the best to be seen, while the walk home from the country park this morning yielded two separate Willow Tits and a large flock of some 100 Siskin.

Further afield, yesterday found me roaming around inner city Newcastle in the company of the significant other. Attempting to shake off a port-induced hangover with a trip around first, Jesmond Dene – where we failed to unearth the hoped for Parakeets but contented ourselves with nice views of Dipper and Jay, and, later, the housing estates of Heaton. Where perseverance paid off and we found ourselves gazing briefly at a very mobile flock of Waxwings. I do believe I am gradually converting Matt to birds…

Back home on the local patch, the winter continues to provide. Three visits proving incredibly enjoyable despite missing Glaucous Gull, Slavonian Grebe and, of course, the diver. A half hour stint at North Blyth coming up trumps with nice views of the wintering Black Redstart – at long last – in the company of a few Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail and Linnet. And a seawatch proving enjoyable, despite the biting wind and resulting rosy cheeks. Common Scoter, Red-Throated Diver, Gannet, Eider, Razorbill, Guillemot and others all helping build this years Patchwork Challenge tally. Which reminds me, PWC have a cool new website which is well worth a visit. See here.

The estuary remained busy on Thursday: new species here for 2017 including Wigeon, Knot, Little Egret and Black-Tailed Godwit. A count of 19 Grey Plover representing a personal record, the plover ogled breifly before the birds (alongside everything else for that matter) fled upon the arrival of a male Peregrine. The outskirts of the site, later, providing nice views of Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, in addition to a wealth of common yet no less interesting passerines. The vibrant tones of Yellowhammer, Bullfinch and Greenfinch a welcome balm for eyes wearied by grey onslaught of winter.

A little further back but un-blogged, as of yet, and a trip out with Jack culminated in convincing views of the Goswick Black Scoter – at long last – with a drake Long-Tailed duck also welcome. Our journey home broken up by a trip to Prestwick Carr; where the Great Grey Shrike showed well at the top of a forlorn looking Beech and at least four Willow Tits were seen.

As you can see, I have had a whale of a time of late.

Cover image: Pacific Diver http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/pacific-loon

Additional species

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