Sightings for November 2008
30th November, 2008
(Northumberland)
We arrived at Cresswell soon after daybreak and found a half frozen pond containing it’s usual variety of birds.
A Jack Snipe and at least three Water Rail were soon found whilst scanning the reeds and a Common Buzzard was observed sitting on a fence post to the west of the hide. A Bittern was seen coming out of the reeds and sunning itself for a few minutes before flying into the ditch to the west of the hide. Grey Heron (5), Mute Swan (2), Whooper Swan (6), Greylag Goose (10+), Canada Goose (10), Pink–footed Goose (1500c flying in from the north & landing in surrounding fields), Wigeon (30+), Common Teal (30+), Mallard (20+), Tufted Duck (10+), Golden Plover (50+), Lapwing (50+), Common Redshank (3), Common Snipe (8+) and Dunlin (7) were also seen.
We then went to East Chevington where a Snow Goose (white morph) was seen with good numbers of Greylag Goose (100c), Pink–footed Goose (80c) and Whooper Swan (25+). The second Bittern of the day was found whilst scanning the north pool, which held all the usual wildfowl including several Goldeneye.
On the return journey we visited Blyth Harbour where we found a 1st winter Iceland Gull (reported yesterday) and a male Black Redstart was at Seaham Harbour (reported at lunchtime).
29th November, 2008
(Teesside)
First stop was a second try for both Firecrest and Black Redstart, both of which were unsuccesfull. The next stop was Jacksons Landing where Great Northern Diver (2), Red–breasted Merganser (3 males and 2 females), Shag (1 juvenile) and Cormorant (3+) were seen.
A quick drive along the road to North Gare produced Wigeon (30+), Mallard (4), Teal (4), Grey Partridge (7), Pheasant (1), Lapwing (10+), Golden Plover (10+), Common Redshank (3+), Curlew (50+), Black–tailed Godwit (1), Kestrel (1), Goldfinch (2) and the usual crows, gulls & starlings.
28th November, 2008
(Hartlepool)
The reported Great Northern Divers (2) were seen at Jacksons Landing. Three Red–breasted Mergansers (1 male and 2 females), a juvenile Shag and a female Eider were also there.
Seven Ring–necked Parakeets were at Ward Jacksons Park. Plenty of the usual garden birds, but there was no sign of the reported Firecrest.
26th November, 2008
(Lanchester)
At least five Waxwings were seen whilst driving through Lanchester.
23rd November, 2008
(Low Barns)
The feeding station provided good views of Nuthatch (2+), Robin (3+), Blue Tit (2), Great Tit (4), Coal Tit (2), Marsh Tit (2), Willow Tit (1) and Blackbird (2).
At least ten Mallards, five Common Teal, one Wigeon, one Tufted Duck and three Common Snipe were seen from the west hide (no sign of any Kingfishers). Herring Gull (1), Black–headed Gull (10+), Tufted Duck (2), Mallard (2) and Goldeneye (1 female) were on Marston Lake.
Two brief visits to Bondgate car park for yesterdays Waxwings proved unsuccessful, although one birder has stated that sixteen were there today (local sightings page). Still the same amount of berries?
22nd November, 2008
(Bishop Auckland)
A recent influx of waxwings prompted me to check a selection of local sites. No joy at the first two locations, but at least fifteen Waxwings were seen commuting between the rowans at the front of the car park and the taller trees towards the rear of the car park.
A quick visit late afternoon found several Blackbirds, but no sign of any Waxwings. There were still plenty of berries on the trees, so it may be worth another look tomorrow.
A male Sparrowhawk was seen at our feeding station (twice this morning), probably explaining the lack of birds over the past few days.
16th November, 2008
(Teesside)
First stop this morning was Saltholme Pools where there was a good variety of wildfowl, including Wigeon (100c), Common Teal (50c (no sign of yesterdays Blue–winged Teal)), Pochard (20), Tufted Duck (10+), Gadwall (10c), Mallard (4) and Shoveller (6). Two Little Egrets were on Back Saltholme, but there was no sign of yesterdays Cattle Egret. At least three Grey Herons were seen on West Saltholme.
A Short–eared Owl, at least two Little Egrets and approximately fifty Twite were seen on Greenabella. Seal Sands held it’s usual selection of waders with Grey Plover (10+), Little–ringed Plover (40+), Dunlin (20+), Curlew (20+), Black–tailed Godwit (15+), Common Redshank (50+), Oystercatcher (1) being seen. A single Brent Goose was seen whilst returning to the car.
Approximately fifty Snow Buntings were seen at North Gare and the regular wintering Mediterranean Gull was at Newburn Car Park.
15th November, 2008
(Northumberland Twitch)
The reported Red–flanked Bluetail didn’t show during this short visit to Holy Island (had been showing very well during the past week), but still managed to do some half decent birdwatching as there were still a few bits and pieces around.
Up to three Chiffchaffs and several Goldcrests were seen in the area where the Bluetail was last seen. House Sparrows (50+) and Collared Doves (10+) appear to be doing well on the island. Peregrine (1), Greenfinch (1), Chaffinch (2), Robin (4), Dunnock (2), Wren (1), Starling (10+), Blue Tit (4), Great Tit (1) and Jackdaw (2) were in the surrounding area.
Plenty of Brent Geese (50+) and waders seen from the causeway before visiting Budle Bay, where Mute Swan (6), Grey Heron (3), Redshank (30+), Bar–tailed Godwit (7), Black–tailed Godwit (2), Curlew (20+), Grey Plover (3), Golden Plover (100+), Lapwing (150+), Dunlin (3), Oystercatcher (20+), Shelduck (20+), Wigeon (50+), Teal (50+), Eider (2) and Mallard (4) were seen.
Next was Stag Rocks which had Red–throated Diver (7), Great Crested Grebe (2), Common Scoter (50+), Eider (100+), Mallard (2), Cormorant (4), Shag (2), Redshank (50+), Turnstone (10+), Purple Sandpiper (50+, which is the most I have seen here), Knot (10+) and Rock Pipit (3).
9th November, 2008
(North Yorkshire Twitch)
The reported Two–barred Crossbill showed nicely during this mornings visit to Bilsdale.
We had to wait at least an hour before the male showed itself for 2 – 3 minutes. Once the bird departed, so did many of the twitchers, which provided me with the opportunity to settle a bit closer to the feeding station for some decent birdwatching and photography.
Greenfinch (5+), Chaffinch (3+), Coal Tit (2+), Blue Tit (4+), Great Tit (2+), Robin (1), Dunnock (1) and Blackbird (1) were seen before the Two–barred Crossbill showed itself for a second time. The bird stayed for several minutes on this occasion giving good views (shame about the light being the wrong side of the bird). Pheasants (20+) and Red–legged Partridges (10+) were in the surrounding area.
8th November, 2008
(Lincolnshire Twitch)
The reported Steppe Grey Shrike was seen and photographed as soon as I got out the car at Grainthorpe Haven, Lincolnshire (not very often that happens). The shrike came within reaching distance of one lucky individual and at one point, I was forced to take three steps back to get the bird in the frame.
I watched the shrike for 20 – 30 minutes before heading off to Nosterfield, where a drake Canvasback was seen with a Pochard and at least ten Coots. Two Great Crested Grebes and a Little Grebe were seen whilst watching the Canvasback.
A Red Kite was seen whilst heading for Nosterfield (junction 47, A1).
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