Sightings for June 2009
28th June, 2009
(Low Barns)
A late morning visit to the reserve, hoping to photograph kingfishers was slightly frustrating, but at the same time rewarding.
The first fifteen minutes was very quiet with only Grey Heron (1), Mute Swan (2), Coot (1) and Mallard (2) seen in that time. Another Mallard came out of the reeds with seven ducklings. Several Swift and at least one Swallow were hunting insects over the pasture, where two Reed Buntings were seen calling from the tops of the bushes. A single Kingfisher was seen flying across the pond twice, but not landing in front of the hide (still nice to see though).
After an hour I decided to see if could photograph warblers from the boardwalk. At least five Sedge Warblers, two Reed Warblers, three Reed Buntings, two Common Whitethroats, five Linnets were seen and heard. One Reed Warbler and at least three Sedge warblers visited the top of the reeds regularly, but only long enough to get (what I would call) good record shots.
A Common Sandpiper was on the River Wear before deciding to return the same way I came. This time, the Kingfisher did decide to put in an appearance in front of the hide, but only as I walked through the door and flying off before I could approach the window.
25th June, 2009
(Etherley Moor)
At least two Corn Buntings on roadside wires and a Barn Owl in its usual tree.
22nd June, 2009
(Etherley Moor)
Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers visited the feeders late afternoon (1 female on the nut feeders and another heard).
21st June, 2009
(Herrington Country Park)
Two Marsh Warblers were by the small fishing lake towards the west side of the park. One of which was very vocal, calling almost continuosly from 0645 to 0915.
Three Common Whitethroats, two Willow Warblers, two Blackbirds, two Linnets, two Great Tits, a Robin and a Wren were also in the area. A family of Mute Swans (2 adults with 6 cygnets), a Moorhen and several Mallards were also there. The songs / calls of most of these birds were heard in the Marsh Warblers singing.
The main lake held all the usual wildfowl. Grey Heron (1), Common Swift (10+), Swallow (10+), Sand Martin (2+), House Martin (2+) and a second family of Mute Swans were also there.
20th June, 2009
(Etherley Moor)
A Corn Bunting was calling from roadside wires and a Barn Owl was in it’s usual tree (3rd time this week).
14th June, 2009
(Low Barns)
At last, some time to get out and about. Enjoyed a relaxing couple of hours at the reserve, hoping to photograph the Kingfishers that appear in front of the west hide. No joy with the kingfishers, but there was still plenty to see elsewhere with most of the regular birds seen. Highlight was two Common Sandpipers on the river wear.
Three Four–spotted Chasers were on the West Pond and a Banded Demoiselle was by the River Wear. Plenty of Damselflies throughout the reserve.
2nd June, 2009
(Crimdon Dene)
Working close to the area, I decided to have my lunch break at Crimdon Dene. Surprise find here were three Red–throated Divers (1 juvenile). Sandwich Tern (8+) and Common Tern were also seen.
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