Tag: Northumberland

Is It Winter I feel?

Today was exquisite: somewhat underwhelming in the rarity stakes, not outlandish in the volume of species seen and bitterly cold, but exquisite nonetheless. A day off from my studies providing the perfect opportunity for an excursion to the coast, to my local patch, where the wildlife to be recorded, observed and of course, enjoyed, appears to have taken on a distinctly wintery feel.

The day started well, though on a somewhat startling note. A short walk through a stand of now naked Whitebeams resulting in near cardiac arrest as a Woodcock burst forth from the leaf litter in a typically startled fashion, right in my direction. This marking the first of these cryptic waders to grace my patch in quite some time.  My nerves rattled once again – as I departed the grove – where a covey of Grey Partridge promptly followed suit, rising frantically from the patch of rank grass in which they fed before my arrival. Both delightful birds and both species suffering woeful declines at present. I am glad to harbour them both here.

Onwards, into my favoured stretch of waste ground and yet more signs of the shifting season became plain to see. A charm of Goldfinch, perhaps forty or so, calling as they dropped into the denuded branches of an Alder, promptly joined by a handsome male Siskin – another Winter visitor here. Bullfinch could be seen, as could Lesser Redpoll, while a lone Willow Tit issued its characteristic – and somewhat unmelodic – call from a nearby hidden place. Secreted amid the scrub. The real treat coming later, my attention transfixed by movement in some nearby Hawthorns. Waxwings, I hoped, though proper examination soon dispelled my expectations. And here no less than five species of thrush fed in close quarters, tossing back the quickly diminishing berries with gusto. The best of which, in my humble opinion, comprising a pair of Fieldfare – both of which offered my best views of the species so far this year.

Sorry to be stereotypical but it is almost Winter…

Onwards to sea, my arrival delayed somewhat as skein of Pink-Footed Geese passed overhead followed, seconds later, by an altogether more exciting sight. A female Peregrine gliding into view, overhead and beyond, soon carried out of sight by her powerful wingbeats. Another winter visitor to the patch, endearing yet unfortunately breif. Said raptor contributing greatly to my soaring expectations as I took up my favoured spot in the dunes and set about scanning the undulating water of the bay before me. The usual characters, those that fish close to shore, soon becoming apparent. A Red-Throated Diver, two Red-Breasted Mergansers, a Guillemot and a Razorbill. The latter two species diving side by side, synchronised almost, allowing for excellent scrutiny of their contrasting yet superficially similar winter plumage.

An hour later and things picked up, abolishing my desire to leave. Many and more species now passing North and South in loose flocks, bisecting each other’s paths like determined motorists at a T-junction. Ducks were numerous – Teal and Wigeon the most so, followed by smaller numbers of dabber Common Scoter, Mallard and some twenty-five Goldeneye. Gannets too passed by, mostly dull juveniles but also an adult, its yellow head alive in the growing sun. These followed in turn by tapering lines of Cormorant and the odd Shag, Kittiwake and Fulmar. The highlight, however, coming moments before departure – a final scan of the water before me revealing a conspicuous silhouette tagged to the back of migrating group of Scoter. Quick wingbeats, minute size and monochrome appearance immediately giving away its identity – a Little Auk. One of the most sought after winter visitors (after Waxwings, of course) and the underlying reason for today’s excursion. Sometimes it pays to have expectations.

Oh yes, and yesterday on my way to university I FINALLY caught up with some Waxwings. The below photo was taken last year but you get the picture.

Avian Indicators Of The Shifting Season

Sadly, I have not been able to get outside half as much as I would have liked to over the past week. Largely due to Masters commitments (it is proving slightly more difficult than expected) and other, more menial tasks. I have, however, managed a few brief ventures into the great outdoors and what I have seen has delighted – comprising a smorgasbord of seasonal delights. With the vestiges of Summer now banished entirely and Autumn advancing towards Winter full throttle. It has all been rather lovely in truth, though it is the birds which given the greatest cause for celebration.

The most obvious sign of the shifting season has been the resurgence of waterfowl around my local patch. Wigeon, Gadwall and Teal – absent from the estuary during the warmer months now beginning to return in small numbers. With them, a handful of delightfully iridescent Goldeneye – all drakes so far – and a noticeable increase in the number of Mallard. Indeed, I sometimes forget that, like other ducks, Mallard move in winter. Geese too have been a firm fixture of the past week and barely a day goes by now absent sight of racuous skein of Pink-Feet passing high overhead. Though there have been Barnacle Geese too, fresh from Svalbard perhaps, and a handful of Brent Geese heading South with some haste. I am still awaiting my first Whooper Swans of the Autumn however…

Change is certainly afoot elsewhere in the avian world too and it has been almost a fortnight since I noted my last Summer migrant. The Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps that combed the hedgerows and thickets a short time ago now replaced by a ceaseless torrent of Goldcrests and, of course, Winter thrushes. With Redwing in particular, proving numerous over the past few days: tossing back the plentiful Hawthorn berries that, at present, stain the hedgerows a pleasing glossy red. These “seeping“ flocks interspersed, occasionally, with a few Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush. All very nice to see though perhaps the most enjoyable sight this week came from a mixed flock of thrushes, as no less than five species descended on a local growth of Spindle. Polishing off the petite pink berries with glee, rendering the area much less appealing to my prophecised Waxwings. A species which is missed here only last week. Though who knows, given the sheer number of the crested beauties spilling into the country at present I would be very suprised not to see one soon.

What else? Well, as ever, finches have proven a good indicator of the season. The Brambling that first descended in early October dispersing, except for a few individuals, only to be replaced by a great deal of Siskin and Redpoll. In the wood, in my garden and even on the beach – noted as passed overhead on route to their favoured wintering grounds. Flocks of Linnet and Goldfinch are swelling too, feasting on Thistles in dunes and wasteland areas, and Greenfinch have become much more conspicuous, much to my delight. Their chlorophyllic hue a welcome sight given the woeful state of the British population at present.

Finches, thushes, dabblers and geese, however, have not provided the only indicators as to the advancing calander. And this week has seen my first Red-Breasted Mergansers back on the River, as well as the first returning Little and Great Crested Grebes. The local Kingfishers appear to have set sail downstream, as often they do in Autumn, and are now in residence amid the harbour, while the resident Dippers too appear to have moved. Yielding their favoured spot upstream in favour of more saline reaches towards the coast. Elsewhere, tit flocks have formed, Jays continue their hourly acorn-fueled flights across my town and my first Little Gull of the season was observed from my favoured seat in the dunes – dainty wingbeats and sooty underwings leaving it plain to see among the countless bodies of its much more numerous kin.

Summer has gone, Autumn is here and, if the birds are anything to go by, Winter will soon be upon us. I look forward to the sight of Little Auks bobbing in the surf, Long-Tailed Ducks, Divers and, of course, Waxwings. Though, for now, I am happy to watch, wait and engross myself in the finery of the season.

Waxwing from earlier in the year 

The Autumn Deluge Begins

Last week I wrote of the subtle passage of migrants along the Northumbrian coast – of large flocks of swallows, meadow pipits and skylarks all heading south – the respective heralds of the changing season. Following on from that, and with the aid of some persistent easterly winds, the autumn floodgates have well and truly opened it now seems. And the past few days have been spent enjoying some of the very best wild spectacles I have ever had the pleasure to observe. From falls of migrant thrushes and eye-catching local rarities to vast skeins of jet-lagged geese inbound from the North. It has been truly wonderful.

Yellow-Browed Warbler (from last Autumn)

Wednesday morning began with more of a trickle than a flood, in truth, and 6am found me languishing amid the gravestones of a local cemetery in the dark. Listening to the constant “seep” of Redwings passing overhead as they breached the transitional boundary between surf and soil. A sound which, to me, epitomises the changing season, and, on this occasion, provided a fitting precursor of the joys to come. Further explorations around the local area revealing a few more treats. A male Brambling secreted amid a mobile charm of Goldfinches, a Woodcock hunched in a damp depression and innumerable Goldcrest uttering shrill cries from the many coastal thickets. Migrants each and all. My building optimism only amplified by the sheer number of Song Thrush and Blackbird dropping in as the morning progressed – much to the delight of the local Sparrowhawks. Three of which could be seen harrying the small flocks as they touched down, doubtlessly exhausted.

A few hours later and, quite frankly, sated for the day, I was ready to up stakes and leave when word broke of a monster autumn rarity on Lindisfarne – a short way up the coast. The day taking an exciting turn following a desperate plea to some local birders and culminating in me racing to get a look at the rather special bird. A bird which, since childhood, I had always stared at longingly in field guides, but due to their tendency to turn up on far-flung islands – Shetland and the like – had come to the conclusion I would never see. How wrong I was, the bird – a White’s Thrush – showing immaculately in a small stand of willows for the duration of my stay. It’s characteristic and rather beautiful scaled plumage alive in the Autumn sunshine as the thrush made a series of brief flights to and from its chosen perch. Seriously, if you do not know what a White’s Thrush is, Google one. They really are outstanding. (Or you can check out this photo by a friend of mine)

Lindisfarne is a place I seldom visit – just out of reach of my usual haunts and too far to travel absent a car. This day, however, satisfied with a touch of exotic glamour, I soon set about enjoying the bounty of autumn in full swing elsewhere on the island, making the most of my limited time here. The various sites visited alive with migrants, with each and every bush holding at least one bird, and more dropping out of the sky with each passing minute. Truly, before now I had not quite experienced a true “fall” of migrants, and what was to come proved nothing short of mesmerising. Even if most of the species seen were rather common.

Song Thrush were by far the most numerous species on the island, their sharp, single-note calls heard almost every minute, with some 111 birds noted during the course of the day. Their numbers rivaled only by the many Robins, Blackbirds and, to a lesser extent, Redwings, similarly fresh-in. Goldcrests were seen and heard with a similar degree of frequency while summer migrants too were prevalent. Chiffchaffs flycatching, Blackcaps squabbling over the few sparse berries not yet pilfered by the Thrushes and Wheatear hopping too and throw in the field margins. Sights rivaled only my the addition of Whinchat – a personal favourite – and later, another touch of scarcity in the form of a Yellow-Browed Warbler. A spritely little bird that breeds in Siberia, yet has flocked to the East coast in record numbers again this year. Beautiful, by any set of standards.

Of course the signs of Autumn abounding on Holy Island were not just limited to passerines, and during my time here, no less than three species of goose were observed on the move. Pink-Footed Geese inbound from the sea, flying with some haste towards their wintering quarters, and smaller flocks of wonderfully monochrome Barnacles. Their numbers matched only by the Light-Bellied Brent Geese which have, it seems, already made it back to the flats that surround the island. Feeding in a tight clump of some two-hundred or so bodies not far from the causeway. Later, ducks also began to move – with Wigeon, Teal, Goosander and Red-Breasted Merganser all passing high overhead, while wading birds too provided a welcome change of pace. Golden Plover by far the most numerous, with some 1500 roosting up in one particular field among a smaller number of Lapwing. The day concluding nicely with the whistling call of a Greenshank – another visitor – and a second Yellow-Browed Warbler, seen breifly in the canopy of yellowed Sycamore.

Lindisfarne and its bounty of birds certainly stands as the unrivaled highlight of the week, so far, though back at home yesterday the Autumn deluge continued. With Blackcap numbers increasing to almost a dozen in one now depleted stand of Elders and yet more thrushes plummeting from the sky as I watched, enthralled. A breif stroll along my local stretch of coastline providing another Brambling, a female this time, and a good haul of Lesser Redpoll, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Skylark and more Brent Geese heading South. A breif spell of seawatching later culmuating in yet more geese, as well as a number of Common Scoter passing by with some haste. Alongside the winter vistors that remain here for the duration of the season – Red-Throated Divers, Great Crested Grebes and Sanderling.

Autumn is, without a doubt, my favourite season. And one never knows what you may see given the right mixture of luck and favourable weather. The last few days have been marvelous, and the productive trend of arrivals looks set to continue well into next week if the Met Office forecast is anything to go by. I will try to squeeze in a few more outings in between monotanous spells of university work but, if the worst comes to frutition, I stand happy already. White’s Thrush and a plethora of more common migrants, more than enough to keep me happy for another season.

Eyes on the skies guys, you never know what may be arriving in the next few days and weeks.

Lesser Redpoll – pretty in pink!

Autumnwatch without taking a step

Sometimes it is necessary to simply sit back and wait for wildlife to come to you. To forsake the tendency to travel, far and wide, in search of wildlife, and simply wait in one place and allow nature to spring forth around you. This is what I have done on a number of occasions this week – choosing to test the “patience pays off” approach to things, and opting for some much more laid back birding around my local patch. My regular seat in the sand dunes that sprawl out along my small stretch of the Northumbrian coast, the perfect setting from which to enjoy the wonders of Autumn migration without taking a step. It really did work…

Perched amid the Marram fronds this week, coffee in hand, I found myself treated to a pleasant spell of migration watching. More of a trickle than a flood, by my own admission, but more than enough to keep me sated. The day beginning early with the familiar call of Meadow Pipits raining down from within the gloom. Innumerable birds passing overhead before the darkness finally lifted and a further 350 zipped over during the course of the day. Each and all heading South with some haste; in loose groups of ten or less at a time, often with another species secreted among their ranks. A Grey Wagtail, yellow tones and protruding tail standing out like a sore thumb amid the dulcet hue of the pipits; a few Pied Wagtail and, later, a small party of Siskin – all bound for more hospitable climes no doubt.

Waiting, the hours ticked by and the pipit passage gradually stilled, though other migrants soon took on their mantle. A dozen Skylarks, their melodic tones gradually fading as they too moved out of sight and next, a Great Spotted Woodpecker rising and falling above the beach. It’s undulating flight a clear giveaway, despite the distance between us. With these, a number of species I seldom see on passage. Species more often observed in my garden, within the local wood or patches of farmland. A Dunnock, four Bullfinch, a Reed Bunting and a Snipe: again, all heading South, followed promptly by the classic winter sight of a small flock of Mistle Thrush flying low about the waves – their machine gun rattle audible upon making landfall.

Speaking of the waves; with the passerine passage overhead soon wavering, my attentions inevitably turned to the sea. And, scope in hand, I soon set about observing the annual pilgrimage of some far larger characters. The first of which, a skein of fifty or so Pink-Footed Geese were quickly noted high above the surf. Followed, in quick succession, by yet more precursors to the forthcoming chill – ducks. Wigeon streamed south, some two-hundred of them to give a rough estimate. Most still looking somewhat drab, clearly moulting out of their less-appealing Summer garb. Later, a few dozen Teal, a female Pintail and two score Common Scoter, followed, finally, by ten Goosander trailing in their wake. Each and all resident species yes, but ones that increase tenfold during Winter. Visitors from Iceland, Scotland or the continent, though their origins matter not and all made for an interesting wait.

Gazing at the the white horses rolling, with some force, towards the beach, it was not just wildfowl on show, however. And species often associated with the more palatable climes of Summer and Autumn were also clear to see. Two Whimbrel headed South later in the day, as did a number of Sandwich Terns, and later, a large mixed flock of Hirundines – Swallows and House Martins – moving with purpose across the sea. Their numbers at the local roost sites – along the telephone lines of the nearby towns – having dwindled considerably in recent days. A pleasure to see, as always.

As the hours ticked by, my supply of coffee diminished and I began to fight the urge to depart, yet more migrants became apparent. Red-Throated Divers – not really a migrant, per say, yet a visitor to my patch nonetheless – came sporadically, one still bearing the vestiges of its crimson finery. Followed by a Great Crested Grebe and drawn-out string of Golden Plover – species which, like the divers, move on mass towards the coast in Winter. Though the real treat came in the dunes. A short stint admiring the local Stonechats – perched in somewhat stereotypical fashion on the yellowing stems of hog weed – revealing a less familiar character. A Whinchat, the first I have seen here no less, doing its best to blend it amid the aggregation of its commoner cousins. Not a sight that would set most birders hearts to racing, but good enough for me.

Wheatear

Departing, around midday, the steady stream of fleeing summer visitors, and arriving winter ones having ground to a halt, a few more titbits lay in store as I moved. A pair of Wheatear (not the one pictured above, that was taken a few weeks back) fed on the nearby footpath during a pause in the human traffic, and a Blackcap “tacked” from the brambles along the railway lines. A quick pitstop here revealing no less than eight birds, tossing back the now overly-ripe berries with a clear sense of urgency. Building up their fat reserves I suspect. With these, a few Chiffchaff and Whitethroat, and a Willow Warbler – potentially my last of the year – singing a half-hearted autumnal song from a nearby Willow. Perhaps the first time I have actually seen this species warbling from a Willow?

All in all, this weekend provided a welcome break from the normal, and somewhat monotonous travelling so often associated with my chosen hobby. Slowing down has its perks, and it was nice to witness the joys of migration first hand. Nothing overly rare, and as such many may scoff at my excitement, but all in all, a very enjoyable morning. And a welcome slice of avian respite before beginning my Masters degree this week.

A Vison for a #WilderNE

Wilder, the new grassroots activism group, is gaining momentum at present, largely due to the hard work and determination of the passionate young people at its helm. Of late, we have successfully launched our first campaign (#LawsOfTheLand), have featured in a number of media outlets, and have build a substantial following on social media. Successes which look set to continue long into the future. As such, following the successful launch of the Wilder Dorest group, We have decided to create a regional branch right here in the North-East.

The ultimate aim of Wilder, as a whole, is to support wildlife conservation and raise awareness of important environmental issues – something we hope to do via a variety of means, utilising the individual talents of members to make a difference for nature. It is a community born of necessity, of the concerns of the young people behind it and the need for unified action. More than just a group of conservationists clamouring for change, Wilder, we hope, will become a movement – towards a greener and more enlightened Britain. No small task, but something we hope to achieve through a variety of means:

  • By promoting and publicising just causes, on both a local and national scale – making the public aware of any decisions made to the detriment of our wildlife and, hopefully, encouraging positive action to reverse them.
  • By facilitating the campaign efforts of those working to protect wildlife. Something we hope to achieve through a variety of means but not least by; encouraging dialogue with local MPs, by organising events/talks to raise political awareness and by emphasising the power of petitions and social media.
  • And, most importantly of all, by stressing that each and every one of us, young and old, urban, rural or otherwise, has the potential to influence the decisions that impact our wildlife.

When applied to Wilder North-East however, I have decided that these aims are not enough. And despite the fact that we live in an altogether beautiful region, bursting with wildlife, I have reached the sorry conclusion that not enough people care for our local environment. This is something I would like to change and as such, WilderNE will adopt some additional objectives in addition to those listed above:

  • To promote a wider interest in the natural world, and thus inspire action to protect it. Something we hope to do through everything from school visits and youth engagement to “wildlife walks” making use of talented local naturalists to invoke interest in the natural treasures of the North-East.
  • To encourage people to dedicate their time to protecting, studying and conserving nature. Something we hope to achieve through work with local NGO’s to promote volunteer work, while at the same time, encouraging wider participation in everything from beach cleans to citizen science schemes.

The North-East is, in my opinion, the jewel in the crown of wild Britain. Though, like any other place in our day of human ignorance and growing detachment from nature, it faces its fair share of problems. Its landscape and wildlife subject to the same threats as anywhere else in Britain. Because of this, I believe the time has come to give nature in our region a unified, strong and independent voice. And sincerely hope, that WilderNE can accomplish this.

Of course, given the magnitude of the proposed task, I cannot do this alone, and desperately need people from all walks of life to get involved. As such I am hoping, over the coming weeks, to piece together a team of dedicated environmentalists to operate the day to day running of the group. Something which could involve anything, from building our social media presence or writing articles, to promoting Wilder at events. Or, in the future, visiting schools and leading walks to stress the value of nature. The possibilities are endless.

It is not going to be easy, not by a long shot, but if you wish to get involved, please join the Facebook group here or contact me directly. We will need all the help we can get! You can also find us on Twitter for updates and more information.

#PatchChat: Back on the Blyth…

The last week has been spent getting well and truly reacquainted with my local patch – the Blyth Estuary. The lowlands of coastal Northumberland a far cry from the precipices of the Cairngorms and Banffshire where I had been stationed until quite recently, and the wildlife a welcome change to iconic, yet limited cast of creatures present around my former haunts. Simply put, it has been great – with warm days and a fantastic assortment of wild titbits to ogle and enjoy as late summer gives way to early Autumn. And usual spectacles associated with this transitional period begin to unfold once more.

There has definitely been a noticeable movement of passerines of late, mainly at the coast, with migration and more localised dispersal evidence right across the patch. The coastal thickets are now teeming with warblers, with Chiffchaff, of course, the most numerous, closely followed by Blackcap. Many of which seem to have descended, true to form, on the plump Blackberries now bejeweling the various shrubby places. Whitethroat have been less numerous, but present nonetheless, while a number of Willow Warblers have begun to sing once more – somewhat more half-hearted that their Spring melodies. Likewise a Grasshopper Warbler in song yesterday provided a welcome surprise, reeling from the small reedbed that straddles the Southern bank of the estuary – my first here for quite some time. While each day now sees a steady passage of Hirundines heading South over most areas of the Blyth and the few remaining Swifts have now well and truly departed.

Elsewhere resident birds are also on the move, with the most notable trend observed in the local Goldfinch population which, with numerous juveniles in toe, have assembled into enormous charms in the sand dunes. With c250 observed on a recent foray, and few Linnet tagging along for good measure. Great Spotted Woodpeckers have begun to turn up in funny places, including at the coast, and juvenile Stonechats – doubtless the result of breeding in the dunes – have begun to move inland. With similar small-scale movements noted in both the local Dippers and Kingfishers too. As the fledged young of both, doubtless forced out by their parents, have now taken up residence downstream towards the estuary. With the latter, in particular, showing marvellously of late, and brightening up no end of morning walks.

The estuary itself has also seen its fair share of visitors of, with wader passage continuing at a steady pace. At least two Greenshank are now in residence, standing out like a sore thumb amid the ranks of the much more familiar Redshank which have arrived on mass back from their breeding territories. Black-Tailed Godwit numbers have increased also, to around forty birds, with some still clad in their delightfully crimson summer garb, while for a touch of scarcity, a lone Whimbrel and, more impressively, eight Ruff were also seen. The latter comprising my first record for the estuary, ever! Birds which, coupled with the usual assortment of Turnstone, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover, have made the Blyth an exciting place to be of late. Especially if, like me, you are fond of leggy birds.

Also in residence on the estuary at the minute are at least five Little Egrets, a jolly good count for the site, and something which would have seemed impossible in my childhood. Likewise, Goosander numbers are building nicely, with around twenty now fishing the river and the first of the “winter wildfowl” have arrived back in the form of a few Teal, Shelduck and Wigeon. With Eider numbers swelling just off-shore and a number of Common Scoter moving past in addition. The sea providing a real bounty of late, with Terns in particular rising to prominence. Monday’s seaward venture revealing no less than a hundred fishing close to the beach, with four species picked out from the fray. The best of which was a diminutive Little Tern which, like the Ruff, marked a patch-first for me. Here too Guillemots remain in evidence, with a number of growing chicks at hand, and other interesting sightings including Shag, Kittiwake, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Red-Throated Diver and two more Whimbrel. Surely it cannot be long before an interesting Skua graces me with its presence?

What else? Well, moving away from the avian world and butterflies continue to dazzle. With a late “Big Butterfly Count” along the estuary providing an exciting variety of critters. Including, best of all, a few Common Blue and Small Copper looking altogether dishevelled as the Autumn draws in. Painted Lady and Red Admiral were also numerous here, as were Peacock, while elsewhere Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Comma, Large White and Small Tortoiseshell ensured that I was not left wanting. Speckled Wood have been incredibly numerous this year, cropping up everywhere from my urban garden in nearby Bedlington, to the small ornamental plantations that line coastal dunes. Representative of wider national trends I suspect? But we will have to wait for the results of the count to see just who the winners and losers this year have been.

Peacock and Red Admiral

As you can see, things have been far from boring at Blyth of late and it will be interesting to see what appears as Autumn migration enters full swing. A few wayward Pied Flycatcher would be expected but this year I have set my sights a little higher and have predicted the occurrence of both Wryneck and Pallas’s Warbler. It doesn’t hurt to aim high right?

#PatchChat: No Place Like Home

There really is no place like home. Having arrived back for some much needed TLC following two months surveying in the Highlands, this week I set about reacquainting myself with the local patch. My how things have changed since I departed at the back-end of Spring.

The Blyth is certainly in bloom at present, the meadows (verges left to grow wild by the local council) alive with resplendent purple and radiant yellow. The blooms of Black Knapweed, Yellow Rattle, Trefoil and Common Spotted Orchid too numerous to count. Elsewhere the areas of waste-ground are looking similarly kaleidoscopic, Biting Stonecrop and Viper’s Bugloss two of the more impressive finds over the last few days. The towering, sapphire blue blooms of the latter providing a real draw to bumblebees with no less than six species noted today alone. Elsewhere, the wood has begun to resemble somewhat of a tropical rainforest, overgrown and very, very green. Bramble, Balsam and some truly colossal Butterbur leaves rendering some areas totally impassable. Perhaps I should invest in a machete?

(From the top) Dog Rose, Yellow Rattle, Common Spotted Orchid & Viper’s Bugloss

The various leafy areas of the patch have, of course, proven irresistible to insects, with butterflies a particular delight this week. Ringlet and Meadow Brown two of the more common species but augmented, in some places, by a healthy dose of Speckled Wood, Green-Veined White, Common Blue and Large Skipper – a real favourite of mine with their vibrant orange/gold wings and short energetic flights. As ever though, it has been the birds that have enthralled the most and, at present, the Blyth and her surroundings are positively bursting with avian life.

Each bush it seems now plays host to fledged young of some description: juvenile Blue Tits with their delightful yellow tinge, immature Stonechats, Robins, Wrens and thrushes. Warblers too are numerous at present, with the area brimming with newly liberated Chiffchaffs. Most of the adult warblers are now singing again, hoping to attract a mate and raise a second brood. Of these, a handful of Grasshopper Warblers reeling from the riverside scrub were perhaps most exciting, with the exception of the years first Reed Warbler emitting its characteristic scratchy chords from the outflow pools. Add to them a plethora of amorous Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Chiff and you have the makings of a true summer spectacular. Only Garden Warbler continues to elude me..

Speckled Wood, Ringlet and Cheilosia illustrata

Down on the estuary – where I spend most of my time – wader passage has started again, though with more of a fizzle than a bang. A smart looking Greenshank has been in residence for the last few days, feeding on the flats and then retiring to roost alongside the fifty or so Redshank already back. Likewise, each day this week has provided sightings of Whimbrel and a nice mixed flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover is already accumulating. Presumably, most of these will be failed breeders, returning early after having their nests pilfered by a predator on their breeding sights. Though not in all cases it seems, a juvenile Ringed Plover observed yesterday – its washed out sandy hue contrasting nicely with the more vibrant shades of the adults surrounding it. Elsewhere eleven Turnstone were noted, some of which clad in their ruddy summer finery and three Black-Tailed Godwit were seen. Alongside, of course, an ample supply of Curlew and Lapwing. One only hopes that upon my return in August, something a little scarcer may be found..

The waterfowl of the Blyth, are looking a tad less impressive at present – befitting the summer season when most ducks enter their gloomy eclipse phase. Eider are back in force, some females boasting small broods of wonderfully fluffy ducklings, a trend apparent in the Mallards and Shelducks too. Seventeen Goosander have now built up in the estuary, fishing amid the broken piers of Blyth Harbour most days while elsewhere other aquatic bits and pieces include Teal, Gadwall, a record count of six Canada Goose (unusual, I know) and the odd Mute Swan. Though this does not take into consideration all of the goodies seen on the sea of late. The highlight comprising a single Manx Shearwater heading North yesterday. Closer to shore a feeding frenzy of Gannets was nice to see while a mixed bag of Arctic, Common and Sandwhich Tern, Guillemot, Common Scoter and Shag soon resulted in me losing track of time and spending hours rooted in the sand dunes.

What else? Well a short walk down the road on Monday yielded a welcome touch rarity in the form of the long-staying Bonaparte’s Gull on the Wansbeck Estuary. A new species for me and an educational one if that – half way in between a Black-Headed Gull and a Little. Closer to home, a few hours spent roaming the reaches of the wood produced all the typical characters: Nuthatches transporting food to their nest hole, fledged Treecreepers (another first for me), drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Buzzard. The latter traversing a branch with what looked to be a vole clasped in its talons. Feeding young perhaps? I have suspected that they breed here for a few years now but have always failed to turn up definitive proof. Perhaps that is best. Elsewhere the Dipper pair continue to feed their ever growing chicks and a particularly confiding Grey Wagtail left me grinning like a Cheshire cat. Lovely birds.

Oh, I forgot to mention a brief glimpse of a Harbour Porpoise on Tuesday..

This will no doubt be the last patch update for a while, duty calls and come Tuesday I will be back off to the uplands. Hopefully to enjoy more tantalising encounters like those shown below, all taken during my ventures over the past few weeks.

Ptarmgain

 

 

 

 

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has finally sprung over my little patch of coastal Northumberland it seems. Bees, buds, butterflies and a whole host of interesting birds making the last week or so an entirely enjoyable affair. Despite the resurgence of some much loved species, the weather has left rather a lot to be desired; hale, rain, sleet, strong winds and occasional bouts of sun triggering a number of mad dashes and homeward sprints. Perhaps I should simply use the term variable? Anyways, below is an account of the last weeks wanderings, the counts of species seen representing the peak number observed during any one outing. As you can see, I have been spoiled for choice of late..

Uncharacteristically, I thought I would start this entry on a brief entomological note. As ever, as winter transitions into spring, invertebrates begin to emerge from hibernation. This year I have endeavored to keep track of my “first sightings” in much the same way as I do, each year, with birds. The first winged beastie to reappear at Blyth was a Common Wasp on the 26th of March followed closely by a Buff-Tailed Bumblebee queen on the 28th. Next came Common Carder Bee and Peacock butterfly on the 30th and now, on the 1st of April, a delightful queen Red-Tailed Bumblebee. The latter at first appearing somewhat moribund by the roadside – something which prompted me to take the critter into a the house for a spot of TLC. A few spoonfuls of sugar water (50/50 mix as recommended) and the damsel in distress was soon fighting fit and off on her merry way in the garden. Hopefully to start a colony somewhere nearby.

 Elsewhere this week the other noticeable indicator of the changing season has been the birds, namely – the large scale arrival of Chiffchaff into the area. Indeed, quite a few of these returning migrants have been noted this week, most heard as opposed to seen as they voice their monotonous call high in the canopy. Four individuals were heard singing in Ha’Penny Woods followed by more birds at Cambois, Sleekburn, Bedlington and Blyth. It’s great to have them back even if they are the only migrants to make it back to the patch thus far – the hirundines and Wheatears seen locally largely avoiding me. Drat.

Aside from the aforementioned little brown jobs, the areas additional bird-life has also delighted. Ha’Penny woods, now bursting into leaf and rife with the smell of Ramsons, throwing up a nice bag of atypical woodland species. Here Great Spotted Woodpeckers are knocking near constantly while the local Nuthatches have also proven somewhat vocal. Long-Tailed Tits (Lollipop Badger-Birds, according to a recent RSPB meme) remain equally numerous this week, scattered troops seen on various corners of the patch. They have in fact been rather numerous all winter, no doubt the mild temperatures leading to reduced mortality – in keeping with the recent findings of the Big Garden Birdwatch. Won’t catch me complaining!

Aside from these; Ha’Penny also came up trumps with Siskin, Bullfinch, Song Thrush, Treecreeper and Goldcrest among an array of more run of the mill odds and ends though the highlight here has to be the pair of Grey Wagtails that appear to have taken up residence around one the sides woodland pools. Both birds foriging, each day, amid the blooming Marsh Marigolds – a pleasant sight if ever there was one.

Moving on and as ever, the majority of my time has been spent around the estuary – the centerpiece of the patch. Here things remain fairly stable although wader numbers have plummeted astronomically – birds no doubt heading back off to their breeding grounds. The remaining birds have not disappointed however, two Avocet still in residence alongside a peak count of 8 Black-Tailed Godwit, some of which now fully kitted out in their delightfully rustic breeding attire. Three Knot were also seen, all be it distantly while the usual cast of Turnstone, Curlew, Oystercatcher and Redshank helped kill some time during quieter spells. Contrasting with the waders, wildfowl numbers have not yet tailed off on the Blyth. The only exception to this being the noticeable absence of the three wintering Wigeon and a slight drop in Goldeneye numbers – only two of the latter now remaining. Shelduck remain numerous, some 65-75 now apparent alongside a similar number of Teal and 14 Gadwall. With these, and bypassing the ever present Mallards and Mute Swans, 35 Eider, a female Goosander and two splendid drake Red-Breasted Merganser. Some “fly over” additions to this list being a few skeins of Pink-Footed Geese heading North and flock of 14 Whooper Swans passing low over the nearby industrial estate.

Spending some time on the coast, snuggled in my adopted hide at Cambois similarly yielded some good birds this week though these were few and far between. A handful of Red-Throated Diver remain, one of which now actually sporting a red-throat (ooft). With these a nice mix of Guillemot, Razorbill, Shag and more Red-Breasted Merganser, all of which will surely depart for more favourable climes in the coming days. An adult Gannet flying south today provided a breath of fresh air, as did the presence of some 25 Kittiwakes feeding quite far out with another, an immature individual complete with characteristic black “w” markings, flying overhead as I rambled along the beach. These aside other tidbits  here included; 4 Fulmar, 3 Lesser Black-Backed Gull and, this morning, a superb Mediterranean Gull – the latter my first Patchwork Challenge tick of the month.

What else? Well, the walk between the coast and home proved fruitful. Meadow Pipit and Skylark singing in various locations and an alba “White” Wagtail foraging in the dunes. The same dunes also held 3 Stonechat, all of which proved as confiding as ever. Further inland, picking my way back through the various sections of farmland contained within the patch boundary turned up Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Kestrel and, perhaps best of all, a Grey Partridge singing from the cover of a thicket – if indeed you can all the peculiar croaking noise they make a song. A single Red-Legged Partridge was also seen, standing idle on a roadside verge, while passing back over the Sleek Burn two Little Egrets lifted before dropping back onto the mud to feed. These, alongside the resident pair of Water Rail – both of which have been showing impeccably of late – conclude this weeks avian offerings. Not a bad haul eh?

Before I depart for the summer come late April I hope to catch up with a few more returning migrants. Surely a Swallow or two should be on the cards? Followed (I hope) by House Martin, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel and Willow Warbler. Of course, the possibility of an early Cuckoo, an Osprey or Whinchat will also keep me out and about and I intend to make the very best of my time at Blyth before my upcoming hiatus.

The Redpoll Triumvirate

Plenty to report on from the home county over recent days, some localized twitching throwing up a good array of birds on Friday. First up a gander up the coast with the lovely Natalie Welden (@NatalieACWelden) who had traveled up from York in an effort to catch up with the reported Black Scoter at Stag Rocks. Not long after arriving at Stag we managed to pick out a prime candidate feeding away from the main Common Scoter flock in a small group of three. This immediately lead to a lot of excited flapping as we scoured the Collins app in an effort to confirm whether or not this was indeed the American vagrant. For a good half we toyed with the idea, finally deciding it was indeed “the duck” with a little help from a birder who had been watching the individual for most of the morning. This said, we probably should have paid more attention as today photos of the bird revealed that it was in fact an aberrant Common Scoter, all be it one with a rather impressive bill! – There’s a life lesson in there somewhere I guess, don’t jump to conclusions and don’t take the word of others as law. Given our poor scopes and non-existent experience with Black Scoter however I do not feel too bad!

Alongside the aforementioned dodgy duck, Stag Rock held a good array of other interesting species. A drake Velvet Scoter heading North only my third record of the year and a total of 14 Long-Tailed Duck putting on a good show relatively close to shore. Two Red-Throated Diver were also seen here as were a number of Shag and Guillemot while a scattering of Fulmar, Kittiwake and 50 Common Scoter comprised the best of the rest. Natalie also had a presumed Little Auk heading North far out though I was rather slow off the mark on this occasion and failed to pick it up. A brief pitt-stop at Howick later produced nice views of a Brambling amid a large flock of Chaffinch and Linnet while a Merlin was noted hunting the roadside fields nearby.

Not counting the Scoter, our little adventure up the coast did however produce two lifers in the form of both Cou’s Arctic Redpoll and Mealy Redpoll at Birling Carrs, Warkworth. Having dipped these on a number of occasions now it was nice to finally be able to catch up with the flock, which unlike my last visit, had positioned itself within ideal viewing range. Picking through the chattering mass of Lesser Redpoll a larger, pale bird stood out like a sore thumb as the they perched on a nearby fence. Mealy, though this almost went down as Arctic until of course the true Arctic Redpoll emerged from the game crop. I had expected picking out the bird to be somewhat difficult but this individual stood out like a beacon, considerably paler than even the Mealy that conveniently sat alongside it preening for a short while. Victory, though with all Redpoll species likely to be lumped together by the forces that be, this may be somewhat short lived.

 

 

Nabbing Whooper Swan at Warkworth and after a brief stop at Hauxley where a scan through a flock of 650+ Pink-Footed Geese failed to produce anything other than two Greylag Geese we next found ourselves at Cresswell in the hope of ‘year ticking’ the long-staying Long-Billed Dowitcher. Alas this was not to be however though a Marsh Harrier put on a fine show as it proceeded to catch, kill and pluck an unlucky Teal on the far shore. Unable to take off with its impressive catch the Harrier simply dragged the corpse around for a few minutes before relinquishing it to a pair of Carrion Crows. Eye’s bigger than its belly perhaps? Anyways, a Water Rail at Cresswell provided a rather belated year tick while the sand bar held 11 Snipe, a few hundred Lapwing and a lone Curlew. Picking through the mass of ducks here proved useless, Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck and, of course, Mallard all to be seen while c1000 Pink-Footed Geese dropped into a distant field. Departing the hide, 15 Tree Sparrow showed characteristically well in the hedgerow, this time in the company of 4 superb Yellowhammer and a scattering of Greenfinch and other common goodies.

Our final stop, QEII Country Park failed to produce the hoped for Caspian or Iceland Gulls, the best to be seen comprising a rather pale Herring Gull and a pair of showy Goldeneye. I did however manage to life tick David Dinsley (@NatureNorthEast) who helped kill the tedium of scouring the gull flock. All in all, not a bad day! The Redpoll flock was certainly nice to see, as was the ‘Black Scoter’ even if it turned out to be nothing other than an odd Common. A clear indication that I need to invest in better viewing equipment and perhaps a tad more patience!