Sightings – November 2007
28th November, 2007
(Croxdale)
Not too much happening here today. Highlight being at least a 150 Redwing covering the tree tops and fields around Croxdale Hall.
At least one Hawfinch was reported as being seen here today.
25th November, 2007
(Long Nanny, Northumberland)
A Sparrowhawk visited the Etherley Moor feeding station shortly before departing for the Short–toed Lark that had been reported in Northumberland.
At least five Stonechat were seen on the walk to the location where the bird was last seen (footbidge at Long Nanny). A group of Twite (20+) showed well, but there was no sign of the lark in a 30 minute wait. A Grey Heron and a selection of the usual gulls and waders were seen whilst scanning for the lark.
The Short–toed Lark was relocated to the south–east of the bridge and showed well enough for a few record shots before it was disturbed by three other photographers who wouldn’t stop stalking the bird.
A quick stop in High Newton for a Firecrest that had been seen earlier proved difficult. The Firecrest was not seen, but Sparrowhawk (1), Kestrel (1 seen catching a small mammal), Blackbird (2), Great Tit (5+), Blue Tit (3+), Robin (2), Dunnock (2+), Chaffinch (1), Wren (3) and Goldcrest (2+) were present.
24th November, 2007
(Etherley Moor)
Two Fieldfares visited the bushes behind the feeding station.
23rd November, 2007
(Escomb)
Eight Goosanders were on the main lake, four males and four females. Two Pochard and two Mute Swans were also there on this late afternoon view from the top road.
10th November, 2007
(South Tyneside)
A very quiet visit to Far Pasture produced a single Little Grebe and four Teal. Several Redwing and two Red Kites were seen flying over Thornley Wood.
Thornley Wood car park and feeding station proved much more rewarding. Excellent views of Jay (5+) and the usual woodland birds including Nuthatch (2+), Bullfinch (2+), Chaffinch (10+), Wren (1), Robin (2), Dunnock (2), Blue Tit (3+), Great Tit (2+), Long–tailed Tit (3+) and Coal Tit (5+). Carrion Crow (1), Magpie (1), Woodpigeon (5+) and Stock Dove (3+) were other birds seen. A Fox put in a brief appearance before departing.
A quick stop at Hetton Bogs produced at least three seperate Water Rails. At least ten Moorhens, two Willow Tits, eight Siskins, two Reed Buntings, two Mallards and Sparrowhawk (1) were also seen here. A Kingfisher was heard but not seen.
6th November, 2007
(Bishops Park, The Batts)
A Little Grebe was on the River Wear. Several Redwing, three Blackbirds and a Song Thrush were close–by.
A group of at least ten Tree Sparrows were found at a new site, situated to the north of Binchester Roman Fort.
3rd & 4th November, 2007
(Local & Teesside)
The Etherley Moor feeding station is busy, with good numbers of House Sparrow (40+) visiting regularly. Tree Sparrow numbers are down, with only a maximum of four visiting. Starling numbers have also reduced from the 350+ to approximately 50. At least one Sparrowhawk is still attacking the feeders on a daily basis.
A morning visit to Witton Castle (Saturday, 3rd) produced Redwing (5+), Blackbird (2), Chaffinch (10+), Bullfinch (2), Goldfinch (5+), Robin (2), Wren (1), Siskin (10+), Blue Tit (1), Pheasant (1) and Grey Wagtail (1 over).
An afternoon visit to Tees Barrage produced the regular Yellow–legged Gull and a single Cormorant.
On Sunday, a visit to Hartlepool Headland proved to be very relaxing and rewarding. Approximately nine Pomarine Skuas were seen off the Headland, along with at least five Little Auks. At least one White–fronted Goose was seen amongst a group of Pink–footed Geese (80c) heading south. Great Northern Diver (3 south), Puffin (1 close in–shore) and Velvet Scoter (2) were a small selection of the other birds seen here. No sign of the Mediterranean Gull on the rocks, but there was at least twenty Purple Sandpiper and a single Rock Pipit there.
At least twenty Twite were at Seaton Snook. Female Merlin, four Brent Geese, a Great Northern Diver and at least three Razorbill were also in the area. A juvenile Merlin was seen to the north of Zinc Road.
Female Scaup was amongst the usual wildfowl on East Saltholme.
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