Sightings for July 2009
31st July, 2009
(Saltholme Pools)
Greenshank (1), Ruff (3+), Dunlin (7+) and Little Egret (10+) were the pick of the birds during this very short stop at the pools (10 minutes). No sign of the reported Little Stint.
25th – 29th July, 2009
(Sawdon, North Yorkshire)
A family trip to Sawdon Heights gave me the opportunity to visit the raptor watchpoint for approximatelt 1 hour each morning. In the short space of time spent there each morning I managed to see Common Buzzard (6+, 2 of which were seen daily), Honey Buzzard (1 probable seen too briefly at a distance), Goshawk (2), Hobby (1), Sparrowhawk (3), Kestrel (1), Turtle Dove (3+), Common Crossbill (7+) and Siskin (5+). At least three Nightjars were seen at a location not far from the raptor watchpoint.
The farm where we stopped had plenty of Linnet (20+), Goldfinches (30+), House Sparrows (10+) and Greenfinches (10+). Other birds seen at the farm included Moorhen (2 with at least four young), Swallow (4+), House Martin (1), Swift (4+), Woodpigeon (10+), Collared Dove (2), Tree Sparrow (1), Garden Warbler (1), Chiffchaff (1), Wren (1), Robin (1), Blackbird (4), Song Thrush (3), Chaffinch (2), Greenfinch (4+), Pied Wagtail (2), Carrion Crow (3+) and Yellowhammer (10+).
This trip didn’t offer too much in the way of photography, but it was a very nice few days at one of the better Caravan Club CL’s.
21st July, 2009
(Teesside)
At least two Common Crossbills were seen at the Headland. Kittiwake (1), Gannet (1) were the only birds of note during a thirty minute seawatch.
Kestrel (1), Linnet (6+) and Goldfinch (4) were seen from Zinc Road. A Whinchat was on Greenabella. No sign of the reported Pectoral Sandpiper whilst I was there, but several Avocets, five Common Redshank, five Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper were on the tidal pools.
Little Gull (1), Ruff (3), Little Egret (1), Grey Heron (6) and Mute Swan (15+) were at Back Saltholme.
12th July, 2009
(Bishop Middleham)
A rare visit to Bishop Middleham was a nice change, but the restrictions to the access of the site reminded me why I stopped going.
Seven Common Redshanks and two Little–ringed Plovers were by the water station. Why is DBC trying to remove the rights of people accessing what used to be an excellent vantage point (I personally never disturbed the birds when viewing from the old gate)?
Greenshank (1), Pectoral Sandpiper (1), Green Sandpiper (2+), Common Sandpiper (2+), Ringed Plover (2), Little–ringed Plover (2+), Lapwing (10+), Grey Wagtail (2), Yellow Wagtail (3+) and Pied Wagtail (10+) were seen from outside the new hide. Great Crested Grebe (4), Little Grebe (3), Canada Goose (20+), Mute Swan (7), Mallard (10+), Tufted Duck (10+), Pochard (2+), Teal (2) and Coot (4+) were also there.
The quarry was very quiet bird wise, but the aim of the visit was to view the orchids, wild flowers and butterflies to be found here. Butterflies included Northern Brown Argus (2+), Common Blue (6+), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Small Heath (10+), Ringlet (10+), Meadow Brown (10+), Large Skipper (2) and Small Skipper (6+). Loads of Burnet moths and a fairly large group of Peacock Caterpillars.
DBC has responded with a good explanation on the restrictions at Castle Lake (27th July 2009), stating that dog walkers and individuals are walking around the edge of the lake disturbing the wildlife to be found here. I do realise that this is not good for the birds, but I can only feel that the restrictions may have only fueled the situation. The volunteers have done a good job at Castle Lake and I can only wish them luck, ‘I know I’ve stopped visiting as often as I used to’.
9th July, 2009
(Crookfoot & Hurworth)
An Osprey circled over Crookfoot Reservoir at 1320pm before heading north (seen for no longer than a minute). Five Common Sandpipers, two Ringed Plovers, three Oystercatchers, six Lapwings, a Common Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler and a single Pink–footed Goose (with Greylag and Canada Geese) were at Hurworth Burn Reservoir (no sign of any Green Sandpipers).
8th July, 2009
(Etherley Moor)
A Corn Bunting has been calling from tree tops behind the feeding station for three days. A Tawny Owl was seen on roadside wires. A second brood of Tree Sparrows have now fledged from one of our nestboxes.
4th July, 2009
(Crookfoot)
Decided to pop along to Crookfoot Reservoir to see if the Osprey would show for me, which unfortunately did not show. The best birds during this two hour stay were Kingfisher (1) and a totally unexpected appearance of eleven Little Terns.
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