Sightings – February 2007
28th February, 2007
(Low Barns)
A drake Ring–necked Duck was on the main lake. At least thirteen Cormorants, ten Herring Gulls and two Oystercatchers were on the raft. Several Tufted Duck, nine Goldeneye (2 copulating), four Mallard and a single female Teal were also there.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker, one Grey Heron, a hybrid Hooded Crow and at least sixty Siskin were seen whilst walking round the reserve.
The feeding station was busy with all the usual birds, with Long–tailed Tit (5), Blue Tit (10+), Great Tit (3+), Chaffinch (10+), Dunnock (1) and Blackbird (1) all recorded during a 2 – 3 minute watch.
24th February, 2007
(Escomb)
Twenty three different species this afternoon. Two drake Goosanders were on the main lake and 2 – 3 Willow Tits were in the small wooded area by the River Wear. One of three Great Spotted Woodpeckers was busy excavating a nest hole.
23rd February, 2007
(Low Barns)
Thirty three different species of bird this morning.
Seven Jays flew over the west pond, which held no fewer than nine Moorhen. Seven Teal, five Mallard, a male Pochard and a semi–lucistic female Goldeneye were also there.
A female Reed Bunting was by the board walk, eight Cormorant were on the platform and two Oystercatchers were busy looking for suitable nesting ground.
The feeding station was busy, with Long–tailed Tit (2), Blue Tit (10+), Great Tit (4+), Coal Tit (1), Marsh Tit (1), Willow Tit (1 probable), Nuthatch (2), Great–spotted Woodpecker (2), Chaffinch (10+), Dunnock (1) and Blackbird (2) all visiting regularly. A small group of Siskin made a brief appearance before we departed.
Up to four Song Thrush were recorded at three seperate locations. At least two Green Woodpecker and a Tawny Owl were heard, but not seen.
20th February, 2007
(Bishops Park)
A single Green Sandpiper was seen at it’s usual location (first time this year). Fifteen other species were seen, which included Green Woodpecker (1 heard calling), Curlew (1, back on breeding ground), Song Thrush (1, possibly 2) and Yellowhammer (1).
18th February, 2007
(The Dales)
A single Red Kite and two Common Buzzards were close to Kinninvie.
Two female Black Grouse were seen, along with three groups of males (15, 6 & 3). Several Red Grouse were seen close to Rookhope.
Five Curlew and very good numbers of Lapwing (400+) were seen. Fieldfare (100+) and Common Gull (100+) were also in the area.
17th February, 2007
(Low Barns)
Thirty four different species of birds were recorded during a quick visit to the reserve.
Two Common Gulls were amongst approximately 150 Black–headed Gulls. Five Goldeneye (2m & 3f), four Tufted Duck, four Mallard, a single Pochard and eleven Cormorants were on the main lake. A Grey Heron and three Teal were on the West Pond.
A male Siskin, two Long–tailed Tits, two Nuthatch and a Marsh Tit were amongst the usual visitors to the feeding station.
A Great–spotted Woodpecker, at least forty Redwing and a single Song Thrush were also there. A Green Woodpecker and a Tawny Owl were heard, but not seen.
14th February, 2007
(Tyneside)
At least three Common (Mealy) Redpoll were amongst a group of Lesser Redpoll (25+) at Newburn. A single Lesser Black–backed Gull was seen with the numerous Great Black–backed Gull (50+), Herring Gull (100+), Common Gull (10+) and Black–headed Gull (400+). No sign of any hite winged gulls this morning.
A single Red Kite was seen close to Barlow. Eleven Common Snipe were at Far Pasture.
9th February, 2007
(Gaunless Flats)
At least 200 Fieldfare were at Gaunless Flats. Seven Mute Swans were on the fishing lake, which was almost completely frozen over. Redwing (1) and Blackbird (3) were also there.
5th February, 2007
Two Barn Owls were seen on the way to a teaching session this evening. The first was seen at it’s usual location on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland and the second was at a new site near Barnard Castle.
4th February, 2007
(Etherley Moor & Low Barns)
There has been plenty of activity on our Etherley Moor feeding station with pairs of Tree Sparrow, Great Tit (3+) and Blue Tit all visiting nest boxes. A pair of Long–tailed Tit have also been visiting the feeders more often than usual.
A telephone call meant that I had to down tools and head for Low Barns. The Night Heron was seen from the west hide at a distance just out of range for any decent photographs. A site first, thanks!
A Grey Heron, at least ten Teal, several Moorhen, two Mallards and a Tufted Duck were also there.
2nd February, 2007
(Bishops Park & Escomb)
A Willow Tit was on the outskirts of Bishops Park. Long–tailed Tit (3+), Blue Tit (10+), Great Tit (5+), Goldcrest (1), Mallard (5), Goosander (1 female), Redwing (20+), Blackbird (10+), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), wren (2) and Robin (1) were also there.
Three Goosander were on Escomb main lake (1 male and 2 female and a single drake flew downstream. Six Moorhens were on the River Wear.
A single Skylark, singing at Etherley Moor.
1st February, 2007
(Teesside)
Three Ring–necked Parakeets were at Ward Jacksons Park, Hartlepool.
At Saltholme, a Short–eared Owl was seen opposite the fire station. Several Pintail were on the pools, along with at least one Great Crested Grebe. Greylag Goose (50+), Canada Goose (50+), Pink–footed Goose (6) and Barnacle Goose (7+) were at Back Saltholme. Good numbers of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveller, Lapwing and Golden Plover were also in the area.
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