Sightings – May 2008
31st May, 2008
(Teesside)
Before departure, a Corn Bunting was seen from our feeding station at Etherley Moor and a Common Whitethroat was heard calling from the back field.
First stop was Hartlepool Headland, which was very quiet. No sign of any migrants, but Goldfinch (4+), Greenfinch (2), Linnet (3) and House Martin (2) were seen amongst the usual residents.
Next was North Gare, where a female Red–backed Shrike was found after being flushed by dog walkers. A search along the golf course found Linnet (10+), Meadow Pipit (10+), Skylark (4+) and House Sparrow (20+).
The Red–backed Shrike was relocated on the walk to Zinc Road, before accidentally flushing a possible Great Snipe whilst returning to the car. After almost standing on it, the bird flew towards North Gare car park at a hieght of approximately 10 - 12 ft off the ground, setting in the meadow before the car park. It was slightly larger than Common Snipe and not as big as Woodcock. Slightly paler upperwing, with white markings on not only the upper wing, but also the tail. Unfortunately, I didn't see the underwing or the size of the bill and I was the only person present (hence only the possible sighting). A quick report and search by local birders proved unsuccessful.
30th May, 2008
(Bishops Park)
An excellent half hour by the River Wear watching Swift (50+), House Martin (10+), Sand Martin (10+) and Swallow (4). Not much else seen, other than a single Yellowhammer.
29th May, 2008
(Teesside)
A late afternoon visit to Hartlepol Headland and Seaton Common to hopeful connect with recent sightings of Subalpine Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Red–backed Shrike or Common Rosefinch resulted in failure. None seen by me and no reports from any other birders. The only bird of note was a single Spotted Flycatcher, which was on Seaton Common.
26th May, 2008
(Low Barns)
Pied Wagtail (2 feeding young), Swallows (at least three) and a single Wren were in and around the observation tower. Two Grey Herons were on the west pond. Two Sedge Warblers and at least three Reed Buntings were close to the board walk.
Chiffchaff (3c), Willow Warbler (7+), Blackcap (5+) and Garden Warblers (3+) were singing well and a Green Woodpecker was also heard.
A Kingfisher was seen flying up the River Wear. Black–headed Gull (1), Jay (1), Swift (6+) and House Martin (7+) were also there.
Azure Damselfly (1), Common Blue Damselfly (1), Blue–tailed Damselfly (10+) and Large Red Damselfly (10+) were showing well. Butterflies included Speckled Wood (1), Peacock (1), Wall Brown (1), Small White (3) and Orange Tip (10+).
25th May, 2008
(Bishops Park)
A very quiet visit to the park this morning. Two Dippers and two Grey Wagtails were on the Gaunless. No sign of any Kingfishers raises questions on the quality of the water (once a regular, but none seen here for 3 years).
24th May, 2008
(Teesside)
A summer plumaged Great Northern Diver, at least three Red–throated Divers and upto sixteen Common Scoters were seen from the marine drive at Hartlepool Headland. Fulmar (2), Kittiwake (20+), Sandwich Tern (4+) and Little Tern (10+) were also seen. A Pied Flycatcher was in a nearby garden.
A male Whinchat was at Greenabella, two Avocets were at Greatham Creak and yesterdays Spotted Redshank was still at Back Saltholme.
24th May, 2008
(Backstone Bank Woods, Tunstall)
Not the good weather that the forecast promised, but I still arrived at 0730am with high expectations.
The walk over the dam was very quiet, with Oystercatcher (2), House Sparrow (5+), Blackbird (1), Magpie (1) and Carrion Crow being the only birds seen
Once in the woods, it soon became apparent that the morning was going to be a good one, with bird song coming from all directions.
A female Common Redstart was the first bird seen, with a noisy Garden Warbler soon after. A Wood Warbler was calling and singing nicely and showed superbly providing the opportunity to get some good record shots. Very nice to watch and listen to what is my favourite species of warbler.
Pied Flcatcher (2), Spotted Flycatcher (2), Blackcap (1), Willow Warbler (3), Chiffchaff (2), Nuthatch (2), Treecreeper (1), Blue Tit (2) and Great Tit were also seen. A Tawny Owl was heard whilst watching the Wood Warbler.
23rd May, 2008
(Teesside)
Yesterdays summer plumaged Spotted Redshank was found on Back Saltholme, showing superbly in the early morning sun (unfortunately, just out of range for any decent photograph).
At least two drake Garganey (possibly a third) were also seen, but there was no sign of yesterdays Little Stint. A Pink–footed Goose, two Pintail, a Wigeon, a Black–tailed Godwit, two Dunlin and several Ringed Plovers were also there.
Reed Warblers were showing and calling from all directions at Dormans. Sedge Warbler (5+), Common Whitethroat (2) and Chiffchaff (1 heard) were also there.
19th May, 2008
(Muggleswick)
Decided to stop off at Muggleswick on the way back from a photo shoot in Gateshead. No sign of any Spotted Flycatchers or Wood Warblers, but six Common Redstarts (3 males & 3 females), a Pied Flycatcher and a single Tree Pipit were amongst the regular woodland birds.
18th May, 2008
(Bedburn & Etherley Moor)
A Common Whitethroat and a Corn Bunting were in the field to the rear of the feeding station. Common Swift (6), House Martin (4+) and Swallow (4+) were hunting insects.
Tree Sparrows and Song Thrushes are feeding young, but it looks as though the Blue Tits have failed for the second year running. Goldfinches are now sitting on the nest (unsure of quantity of eggs as I haven't looked).
Other visitors to the feeding station include Robin (2+), Dunnock (2+), Wren (1), Blackbird (2+), Great Tit (2), Magpie (1), Collared Dove (2) and Woodpigeon (2).
Bedburn produced it's usual variety of birds, but no Pied Flycatcher or Wood Warbler present on this visit.
17th May, 2008
(South Durham)
A single Turtle Dove and two pairs of Red–legged Partridge.
13th May, 2008
(Teesside)
After a teaching session, I decided to stop off at a well known site for Little Terns and I was not disappointed with at least forty gathering on the beach and in the protected area. Hopefully, they will have a good year. Other birds present included Kestrel (1), Blackbird (2), Swallow (2), Common Whitethroat (2), Chiffchaff (1 heard), Linnet (10+) and Yellowhammer (2).
10th May, 2008
(Low Barns)
An afternoon visit to the reserve pond dipping, resulted in a good variety of warblers being heard with Reed Warbler (2), Sedge warbler (2+), Common Whitethroat (3), Blackcap (3+), Garden Warbler (2+), Willow Warbler (3+) and Chiffchaff all being heard / seen. A Green Woodpecker and three Common Swifts put in a brief appearance. Otherwise, very quiet.
10th May, 2008
(Danby Beacon & Teesside)
An early morning visit to Danby Beacon in North Yorkshire resulted in finding two groups of Dotterel (a group of six, followed by another ten). Other birds in the immediate area included Golden Plover (4+), Common Snipe (1), Meadow Pipit (10+), Stonechat (4+) and Curlew (1). A Bean Goose and a Cuckoo were amongst the regular birds at nearby Scaling Dam.
A drake Garganey, a Ruff, two Knots, a Northern Wheatear, at least four Little Gulls (1 adult) and a Spoonbill were on Back Saltholme. Two Common Sandpipers were on West Saltholme. Sedge Warbler (2), Reed Warbler (5+), Common Whitethroat (2+) and Reed Bunting (2+) were singing at Dormans.
Two Avocets were at Greatham Creek, a Whinchat was on Greenabella and a Temminck’s Stint was to the north of the road leading to North Gare.
9th May, 2008
(Bishop Middleham)
A rare visit to Bishop Middleham returned no fewer than eight Black Terns (at times, all in the scope at the same time), a single Greenshank and at least two Yellow Wagtails.
Other birds around the Castle Lake area of Bishop Middleham included Little Grebe (1), Grey Heron (1), Mute Swan (1), Lapwing (3), Oystercatcher (2), Rnged Plover (3), Little–ringed Plover (5+), Dunlin (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Mallard (10+), Tufted Duck (4+), Pochard (10+), Shoveller (2), Shelduck (1), Gadwall (4), Teal (4+), Coot (10+), Pied Wagtail (1), Blue Tit (1), Great Tit (3), Chaffinch (4+), Woodpigeon (3), Starling (10+), Jackdaw (10+) and Carrion Crow (4+).
8th May, 2008
(Deepdale & Bollihope)
A male Pied Flycatcher and at least two (possibly three) Spotted Flycatchers were in Deepdale Wood. At least three male Blackcaps were also seen.
A quick drive over to Bollihope in Weardale proved to be well worthwhile. Northern Wheatear (5+), Golden Plover (2+), Lapwing (2), Curlew (1), Cuckoo (1) and Meadow Pipit (10+) were calling from all directions. A Woodcock and a Common Snipe were seen before finding two Ring Ouzels towards the top end of the quarry. At least five Red Grouse, two Greylag Geese (over), several Swallows and a Chaffinch were also seen.
8th May, 2008
(Cleasby)
The reported Lesser Scaup was seen amongst several Tufted Duck. Goldeneye (1 female), Great Crested Grebe (1) and approximately twenty Lesser Black–backed Gulls were the other birds on the lake.
6th May, 2008
(Bishops Park)
The first serious sunshine of the year meant a quick stop at The Batts on the way home from work was in order. It proved excellent for butterfles with Small White (10+), Orange Tip (10+), Peacock (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1) and Comma (2) butterflies all on the wing. Common Whitethroat (2), Chiffchaff (1), Willow Warbler (2) and Blackcap (1) were all singing from their usual locations.
5th May, 2008
(Bedburn & Knitsley Fell)
First stop was Bedburn Beck. The pick of the birds here were Pied Flycatcher (1 male) and Grey Wagtail (1).
Other birds at Bedburn included Greylag Goose (4 adults with several young), Moorhen (1), Treecreeper (1), Nuthatch (1), Song Thrush (2), Mistle Thrush (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Robin (1), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (3+), Long–tailed Tit (2), Blue Tit (2+), Marsh Tit (2), Greenfinch (5+), Chaffinch (3+), Swallow (5) and Pied Wagtail (1). No sign of any Wood Warblers.
Next was a quick visit to Knitsley Fell where the target bird of Tree Pipit was quickly found. A single Cuckoo was heard and then seen.
A Dipper was seen on the River Wear at Witton Gate (again, no Wood warblers) and at Etherley Moor, a Corn Bunting was seen close to the feeding station. Best view of the year.
4th May, 2008
(Tunstall & Etherley Moor)
Three Common Sandpipers, two Oystercatchers and two Common Redshanks were seen whilst walking to the wooded area on the eastern side of the reservoir.
At least two Pied Flycatchers and a single Common Redstart were found in the woods. Tawny Owl (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Nuthatch (2), Treecreeper (1), Great Tit (4+), Blue Tit (10+), Coal Tit (2), Long–tailed Tit (2), Chaffinch (4+), Robin (2), Willow Warbler (4+), Chiffchaff (2+) and Blackbird (1) were also seen.
Quick stops at Blackbank Wood and Bedburn Beck resulted in very few birds being seen. Very wet and not a nice day weather wise.
Back on Etherley Moor, the Song Thrushes are now feeding young and Goldfinches are nest building. Tree Sparrows (upto 4), Chaffinch (2), Greenfinch (4+), Robin (2), Dunnock (4), Woodpigeon (2), Collared Dove (2), House Sparrow (10+), Starling (6+), Blackbird (2+), Magpie (2+), Carrion Crow (4) are all visiting the feeding station on a daily basis. Curlews (2+), Lapwing (2+) and Skylark (1+) are calling from surrounding fields. Corn Bunting (1) seen only twice.
3rd May, 2008
(Brotton & Teesside)
At Brotton, the reported Subalpine Warbler was seen almost straight away (thanks to the birders who were already viewing the bird). Stonechat (1), Swallow (10+), House Martin (1), Skylark (2), Chiffchaff (1), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and Mistle Thrush (1) were seen whilst walking to and from the cliff face.
No sign of the wintering Black Redstart at Skinningrove, but managed to get excellent views of Northern Wheatear (1 male & 2 females), Pied Wagtail (6+), White Wagtail (2), Grey Wagtail (1), Rock Pipit (2), Stonechat (2) and Sparrowhawk (1). At least twenty Fulmars were on the cliff face.
A Spoonbill, two Ruff and a Wood Sandpiper were on Back Saltholme. A Whinchat, a Grey Plover, two Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, a Black–tailed Godwit and several Whimbrel were on Greenabella. At least six Avocets, two Little–ringed Plovers and a calling Cuckoo (not seen) were on Greatham Creek.
2nd May, 2008
(Escomb)
Plenty of Warblers calling from all sides of Escomb lake but surprisingly, no Blackcaps. Highlight this evening was a pair of Marsh Tits seen by the River Wear.
1st May, 2008
(Low Barns)
Two Common Swifts were seen whilst driving over Bishop Auckland viaduct.
A good variety of warblers were back on territory with Blackcap (4+), Willow Warbler (8+), Chiffchaff (10+) and Garden Warbler (1) calling from all around the reserve.
Several Swallows and a handfull of Sand Martins were seen over Marston Lake, where Little Grebe (1), Great–crested Grebe (2), Goldeneye (2), Oystercatcher (2 on the floating raft), Cormorant (3) and Common Sandpiper (1) were to be found. Two more Common Sandpipers and a Dipper were seen on the River Wear.
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