Sightings
30th August, 2010
(Escomb)
Six Mute Swan, three Wigeon, nine Mallard, five Coot and a single Tufted Duck were on Escomb Lake. Five ChiffChaff were in the bushes on the waters edge.
At least ten Swallows were over the small pond. Three Blackbird, two Wren, a male Blackcap, two Common Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler, ten Goldfinch, a Linnet and a Yellowhammer were in the bushes at this location.
A Kingfisher, three Mallard and two Moorhen were on the River Wear. A Green Woodpecker was heard and two Great–spotted Woodpeckers were seen whilst walking back to the car.
29th August, 2010
(Low Barns)
A Kingfisher was on the West Pond. Two Tufted Ducks, several Moorhen, two Coot and a Common Snipe were also there.
A Grey Heron, two Grey Wagtails, a Dipper and a Kingfisher were seen on the River Wear. At least 100 House Martins and 20 Swallows passed over just before one of two heavy rainfalls.
Two Little Grebe, five Mute Swan, a Common Teal, four Tufted Duck and at least ten Mallard were on Marston Lake. A single female Sparrowhawk was seen from the South Hide.
The feeding station was reasonably active with Nuthatch (2), Great Tit (10+), Blue Tit (10+), Coal Tit (2), Marsh Tit (2) and Chaffinch being seen during a quick five minute watch. At least two Great–spotted Woodpeckers were heard.
19th – 28th August, 2010
(Boston & Great Yarmouth)
A family holiday to Great Yarmouth provided me with the opportunity to visit a selection of locations in the areas of Boston and Great Yarmouth.
The first two nights of the holiday was spent at a certified location on the outskirts of Boston, which produced Collared Dove (10+), Woodpigeon (20+), Blackbird (2), House Sparrow (10+), Greenfinch (4), Goldfinch (6), Linnet (20) and Dunnock (1).
Evening (19th) and early morning (20th) visits to Freiston Shore produced Little Grebe (5), Little Egret (10+), Cormorant (2), Brent Goose (1), Canada Goose (20+), Tufted Duck (2), Mallard (5), Cape Teal (2 escapees), Marsh Harrier (1), Kestrel (1), Green Sandpiper (2), Common Sandpiper (1), Avocet (1), Black–tailed Godwit (10+), Curlew (20+), Whimbrel (1), Greenshank (1), Common Redshank (10+), Dunlin (100+), Ringed Plover (5), Grey Plover (50+), Golden Plover (100+), Lapwing (20+), Pheasant (4), Grey Partridge (2), Great Black–backed Gull (1), Lesser Black–backed Gull (2), Herring Gull (1), Black–headed Gull (10+), Tree Sparrow (2), House Sparrow (10+), House Martin (10+), Sand Martin (2), Swallow (10+), Mistle Thrush (2), Blackbird (5), Meadow Pipit (2) and Yellow Wagtail (4+).
A quick stop at Gibraltar Point (20th) produced Spoonbill (12), Little Egret (1), Grey Heron (1), Bar–tailed Godwit (10+), Avocet (1), Dunlin (10+), Greenshank (1), Green Sandpiper (1), Little Ringed Plover (2), Grey Plover (1), Sparrowhawk (1) and Common Tern (3).
A mid–morning visit to Breydon Water at high tide (22nd) produced Avocet (100+), Black–tailed Godwit (100+), Curlew (30+), Whimbrel (1), Ringed Plover (20+), Dunlin (20+), Greenshank (8), Common Redshank (10+), Golden Plover (50+), Little Egret (3), Grey Heron (1), Great Black–backed Gull (2), Lesser Black–backed Gull (10+), Herring Gull (2), Black–headed Gull (50+), Mediterranean Gull (2), Carrion Crow (2), Shelduck (10+) and Common Tern (3).
A visit to the cemetery on the 23rd was poor with only Chiffchaff (1 heard), Wren (1), Blue Tit (6), Robin (1) and Blackbird (2) being the only birds found in a 30 minute stay.
Two additional visits to Breydon Water (23rd & 24th) added Sparrowhawk (1), Sandwich Tern (1), Pintail (2), Mallard (5) Grey Plover (1), Dunlin (100+), Knot (5) and Bar–tailed Godwit (4) to the list of birds seen on the 22nd.
Five Mediterranean Gulls were on Great Yarmouth Beach (24th) before viewing a selection of Darters and Hawkers at Vauxhaul Caravan Park.
16th August, 2010
(Shibdon Pond)
I was unable to go to see the reported Sykes’s Warbler in Northumberland, but did manage to get good views of the reported Spotted Crake at Shibdon Pond. Water Rail (2), Common Tern (3) and Little Egret (1) were also there.
15th August, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
Tree Sparrow (7+), House Sparrow (20+), Starling (10+), Woodpigeon (2+), Collared Dove (2) and Magpie (2+) are regularly visiting the feeding station. Two Yellowhammers are still in the area, but no sign of the Corn Buntings (last seen on 9th July).
15th August, 2010
(Teesside)
A visit to Hartlepool Headland for the reported Wryneck proved to be frustrating (13th and 14th). I didn’t manage to see the Wryneck, but Pied Flycatcher (1), Willow Warbler (3+) and ChiffChaff (1) were seen whilst waiting.
A sixty minute seawatch was also poor with Arctic Skua (1), Gannet (10+), Common Scoter (7) and Guillimot (5) being the only birds of note.
A quick visit to saltholme pools produced a Black–necked Grebe and the long staying Whiskered Tern (both seen on the east pool). At least one Ruff was on the west pool.
3rd August, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
The Tree Sparrows have succesfully fledged five broods out of two nest boxes this year. Two Yellowhammers, two Greenfinches and two Coal Tits have been amongst the regular visitors to the feeding station. Three Magpies have been attacking the feeders and todays finding of the scattered remains of a sparrow was a reminder of their flesh eating habits.
30th July, 2010
(Saltholme Pools)
The reported Whiskered Tern and Little Gull (both juveniles) were seen on the West Saltholme causeway soon after arrival. Several Grey Herons, a Little Egret, three Ruff, two Black–tailed Godwits and at least six Dunlin were also there. A Barn Owl was seen over East saltholme / Dormans, working its way towards the tip. A Peregrine Falcon also put in a brief appearance over Back saltholme. Two Greenshanks were on the calor gas pool.
25th July, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
Plenty of young Tree Sparrows, House Sparrows and Dunnocks visiting the feeders. Two Greenfinches have been visiting most days. A female Sparrowhawk has been seen twice during the past week. The regular Corn Bunting has not been seen or heard for over a week and may have departed.
25th July, 2010
(Bishops Park)
Garden Warbler (2), Willow Warbler (2), ChiffChaff (3+), Goldcrest (1), Dipper (1) and Common Redstart (1) were the pick of the birds during this short visit to the park.
24th July, 2010
(Hartlepool Headland)
A two hour seawatch produced Razorbill (10+), Guillimot (10+), Gannet (10+) and Whimbrel (15+). No Shearwaters or Skua’s during my visit.
9th July, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
The Tree Sparrows are now in the process of starting their third brood (two nestboxes) and a Corn Bunting is still being seen and heard most mornings and evenings.
9th July, 2010
(Low Barns)
Three female Tufted Ducks, two Coots and at least eight Mallards were on the West Pond. Two Swifts and at least five Swallows were seen over the West Pasture.
Three Willow Warblers, one ChiffChaff (heard), two Reed Warblers (heard), one Sedge Warbler (heard) and two Reed Buntings were in the area of the board walk.
Four Common Sandpipers were on the River Wear. A fifth Common Sandpiper, a family of Mute Swans and two Coots were on the Marston Lake islands. Little Grebe (2), Tufted Duck (1 female) and several Mallards were on the lake.
Dunnock (1), Robin (1), Treecreeper (1), Blue Tit (10+), Great Tit (10+), Coal Tit (10+), Garden Warbler (2), Blackcap (4 males), Nuthatch (1 heard), Great–spotted Woodpecker (1 heard), Green Woodpecker (1 heard) and Song Thrush were also seen. Butterflies included Speckled Wood (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Meadow Brown (10+) and Ringlet (2).
8th July, 2010
(Crimdon Dene)
The reported female Dotterel was seen approximately 100yds north of the tern colony soon after arrival. Two adult Roseate Terns, a Common Tern and a juvenile Arctic Tern were amongst approximately 100 Little Terns close to the waters edge. A handfull of Ringed Plovers were the only waders seen.
Sandwich Tern (10+), Gannet (10+) and Herring Gull (2+) were the only birds seen over the sea. The walk back to the car produced Stonechat (2), Common Whitethroat (2), Swallow (5+), Swift (2+), Linnet (6+) and Yellowhammer (1 calling).
A quick stop at RSPB Saltholme’s Bottom Tank for the reported Temminck’s Stint proved worthwhile, as the bird showed well for the 5 – 10 minutes I was there. Avocet (2), Ruff (1), Common Tern (2), Moorhen (1), Swallow (2+) and Sand Martin (5+) were also seen.
20th June, 2010
(Bishop Middleham Quarry)
An afternoon visit to the quarry looking for butterflies and orchids. Very few orchids seen, but there was a good selection of butterflies on display.
Butterflies included Common Blue (10+), Brown Argus (10+, 3 sub–species), Dingy Skipper (10+), Small Skipper (2+), Large Skipper (10+), Small White (4+), Orange Tip (2), Wall Brown (1) and Small Heath (10+).
Highlight of the afternoon was a Broad–bodied Chaser that was seen close to the quarry entrance. Several Silver Y moths, a Common Whitethroat and at least three Sand Martins were also seen.
4th June, 2010
(Knitsley Fell & Bollihope)
A quick stop at Knitsley Fell produced Kestrel (1), Meadow Pipit (6+), Tree Pipit (2), Skylark (1 heard), Willow Warbler (1) and a single Green Hairstreak butterfly.
A very good visit to Bollihope. At least three Ring Ouzels, six Mistle Thrushes, four Northern Wheatears and one Cuckoo were seen in the quarry (3 others heard). Bonus birds here included Dipper (1 juvenile), Grey Wagtail (first of the year) and Spotted Flycatcher (1).
Other birds included Lapwing (2+), Curlew (4+), Grey Heron (1), Swallow (4+), Willow Warbler (1) and Chaffinch (2).
3rd June, 2010
(Escomb)
A very quiet visit with Willow Warbler (1 heard), Chiffchaff (1 heard), Sedge Warbler (1 heard), Common Whitthroat (2), Garden Warbler (1 heard), Chaffinch (1) being seen or heard from the hedgerows.
Mute Swan (5), Tufted Duck (2), Coot (3), Moorhen (2) and Great Crested Grebe (1) were on the lake / pond.
Plenty of damselflies / dragonflies around with Four–spotted Chaser (4+) being a site first for me. Not many butterflies out today with only Speckled Wood (1), Green–veigned White (3+), Small Copper (2+) and Orange Tip being seen.
2nd June, 2010
(Norfolk)
Arrived at Walsey Hills, Cley shortly before daybreak. No sign of yesterdays Thrush Nightingale, but Willow Warbler (2), Common Whitethroat (2), Sedge Warbler (2+), Reed Warbler (2+), Chiffchaff (1), Dunnock (2), Goldfinch (2), Greenfinch (2), Chaffinch (1), Coal Tit (1), Long–tailed Tit (2), Blue Tit (2) and Wren (4+) were heard and seen. Two Roe Deers and several Pheasants were in surrounding fields. A Little Egret and a Grey Heron flew over and a Barn Owl was seen hunting the marshes.
Two Marsh Harriers were seen before finding the reported Trumpeter Finch (the bird appeared to be very flighty, so I decided not to get too close for photography. A male Red–backed Shrike, two Egyptian Geese, two Grey Partridges and a very vocal Nightingale were also in the area. A quick search for yesterdays Marsh Warbler was unsuccesfull.
By now it was 0830am, so I decided to try for Honey Buzzards at Great Ryburgh (Montagues Harrier and Dartford Warbler were seen on my last visit). Honey Buzzard (1), Common Buzzard (6+), Hobby (2+) and Sparrowhawk (2) were seen during a 90 minute watch.
I then decided to visit the areas of Weeting and Lakenheath (a Little Owl was seen en–route). Nothing much at Weeting, but two Stone Curlews were found at a site close to the reserve. Lakenheath proved to be most enjoyable with Golden Oriole (2 heard and 1 seen), Bittern (1 seen landing in the reeds), Hobby (6+), Marsh Harrier (6+), Turtle Dove (2), Bearded Tit (2+), Garganey (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1) and a Cetti’s Warbler being the pick of the birds. A Grass Snake was also seen.
.1st June, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
Three Corn Buntings seen on the wires this evening (another was singing from the tree above the feeders).
30th May, 2010
(Straws Bridge NR, Derbyshire)
The reported Great Reed Warbler was heard on arrival. The bird was then seen in the open providing superb views for approximately ten minutes, but was unfortunately out of reach of the camera. The following three hours proved to be very frustrating as the bird remained very vocal, but only showed itself for a few seconds on only 2 – 3 occasions. Common Buzzard (1) and Osprey (1) were seen shortly before arriving at the reserve.
23rd May, 2010
(Teesside)
A Marsh Harrier and a Cuckoo were at Dormans. Common Whitethroat (2+), Sedge Warbler (2+) and Reed Warbler (10+) were also in the area (very vocal).
A very good day for butterflies at Dormans. Dingy Skipper (10+), Large Skipper (4+), Common Blue (10+), Small Heath (4+), Small Copper (6+), Wall Brown (10+), Peacock (2), Large White (2+) and Orange Tip (2+) were seen on the path to the old hide at Dormans.
Large Red Damselfly (10+), Common Blue Damselfly (10+) and Blue–tailed Damselfly (10+) were also seen.
23rd May, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
Two Swifts, four House Martins and a Sparrowhawk were seen over Croftside. The Corn Bunting has been on the wires and trees very close to the feeding station. Tree Sparrows are now feding young in both nest boxes. House Sparrows and Starlings are also feedng young.
16th May, 2010
(Etherley Moor)
Two House Martins have returned. A Corn Bunting has been on the wires every other day for the last week or two (two were seen approximately 3 weeks ago). Tree Sparrows are nesting in two of our nest boxes.
16th May, 2010
(Bishops Park)
A Common Sandpiper and a Dipper were on the River Wear. Two more Dippers were on the Gaunless. Still no Grey Wagtails this year (Bishops Park, Escomb or Low Barns)?
Two Common Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler, three Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff, five Linnets and a Yellowhammer were seen whilst walking round the area.
Swift (5+), Swallow (8+) and Sand Martin (5+) and House Martin (5+) were in the air.
15th May, 2010
(Escomb)
A Great Crested Grebe and two Coots were the only birds on Escomb Lake. Two Tufted Ducks, a Black–headed Gull and a Moorhen were on the small pond. Two Common Sandpipers, two Oystercatchers and two Pied Wagtails were on the River Wear.
Sparrowhawk (1), Swift (5+), Swallow (10+) and Sand Martin (20+) were in the air.
Sedge Warbler (1), Common Whitethroat (1), Garden Warbler (1), Willow Warbler (4+) and Chiffchaff (3+) were amongst the usual birds to be found whilst walking round the lake & river areas.
14th May, 2010
(Low Barns)
The west pond was quite quiet with Mute Swan (1), Tufted Duck (2), Coot (1) and Mallard (2) being the only birds seen. A Pink–footed Goose was on the west pasture with three Canada Geese. Two Greylag Geese were also there.
A Grey Heron, two female Goosanders, a Mallard and a Pied Wagtail were on the river. Marston Lake was very quiet with the only dird of note being an Oystercatcher on the floating island.
Curlew (1 over), Linnet (2), Sedge Warbler (2+), Reed Warbler (1+), Reed Bunting (3), Common Kestrel (1), Treecreeper (2), Song Thrush (2), Sand Martin (1), Green Woodpecker (1), Chiffchaff (4), Willow Warbler (3), Common Whitethroat (1), Blackcap (1), Garden Warbler (2), Chaffinch (2) and Bullfinch (2) were seen whilst walking round the reserve.
13th May, 2010
(Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire)
The reported Oriental Pratincole at Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve was seen hunting the wetland and meadow for approximtely ten minutes, before eventually settled on one of the islands. It could be viewed from the east hide, offering good views to anyone who was lucky enough to visit the reserve, but the colours it showed in flight will not be forgotten for a long time. Unfortunately, it did not present a photo opportunity for me.
A total of fifty three different species of birds were seen during a three hour stay at the reserve. Barn Owl (1), Brent Goose (16c), Little Gull (2), Greenshank (1), Little Ringed Plover (10+), Avocet (20+), Curlew Sandpiper (5, 3 in full summer plumage), Ruff (6+, 2 in full summer plumage going through courtship displays), Yellow Wagtail (1+) and Corn Bunting (3) being the pick of the birds.
The rest of the day was spent in Norfolk. The first target bird was Montagu’s Harrier, which again did not disappoint. After a short–ish wait, the male flew in from the south carrying some prey, which was passed to the female soon after arriving at the breeding ground. The second target bird was Dartford Warbler, which was also seen after a short wait. No sign of Nightingale and I surprisingly could not locate any Stone Curlews at their usual locations. By now the light was beginning to fade and the Golden Orioles were also not seen or heard, but a Hobby gave very good views as it roosted for the night.
Two female Marsh Harriers and the second Barn Owl of the day were seen before departing for home.
9th May, 2010
(Tunstall)
A Cuckoo, a Meadow Pipit and two Linnets were the only birds seen during a quick stop at Blackbank Wood (en–route to Tunstall).
A Grey Heron, three Common Sandpipers, two Oystercatchers, several Swallows and two Pied Wagtails were seen from the dam. The second Cuckoo of the day was also heard.
The wood was quite quiet and finding the target birds proved to be quite hard. A pair of Pied Flycatchers were found after hearing their distinctive call. A further two hours passed before eventually seeing a pair of Common Redstarts (not heard). A single Wood Warbler was seen soon after (not heard).
Other birds in the wood included Sparrowhawk (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1+), Wren (1), Robin (2), Mistle Thrush (2), Blackbird (3+), Nuthatch (2), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (4+), Long–tailed Tit (4), Great Tit (2), Blue Tit (4), Coal Tit (1), Chaffinch (3) and Bullfinch (2).
2nd May, 2010
(Bassenthwaite)
Two Ospreys, five Ravens and the first House Martins of the year were the highlights of this family weekend in Bassenthwaite.
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