Patch and Park

Lakeside

18^th Mar. Having met Sam near the lake we spotted three Oystercatchers flying over as we approached the smaller of the lakes. One of the Great Crested Grebes was near to the nest and another further towards the centre of the lake. The light wasn’t too good at this point so we decided to do a little exploration and return later.

At least one pair of Goldeneye remains on the larger lake. Only one Great Crested Grebe was found here. We wondered if the pair had been put off by the demise of the floating reed bed. Both Pied and Grey Wagtail were briefly seen on the edge of the lake.

The last time I had been down to the lake (12^th Mar) I had watched the Great Crested Grebes mating on two occasions on the nest platform. Today they seemed to be adding material to the nest, after which the female lay on the nest platform, neck out- stretched and mating took place again, followed by the usual face to face head shaking and bill pointing.

I knew the Chiffchaffs were due to appear in Killingworth as I first heard them here on 19^th March last year, so we made off to listen for them. Initially nothing was heard from them and we settled for a non appearance today. Chaffinch and Robin song seemed to dominate. Then whilst checking out another area we did finally hear the unmistakeable call of a Chiffchaff. I reckon there will be several more around tomorrow. Shortly after this we made off to Gosforth Park.

We met Paul Drummond, the warden at the entrance and he told us that he had slightly earlier watched the Green Woodpecker so we kept our eyes and ears open for this, but with no luck today. Having seen the number of cars parked outside of the reserve I assumed that the hide at the feeding station was going to be busy. In fact it was very quiet and we found that the cars in the main belonged to the volunteer working party. Whilst we are all basking in sunshine this dry weather is not good for the birds or reserve. Paul told us that in twenty-two years of having been at the reserve he has never known it so dry at this time of year. This week is of course forecast to be another dry one. The concern is that the rain will eventually arrive at the wrong time. On a purely selfish note I have to say I’m enjoying the dry weather.

Species seen at the feeding station were Stock Dove, Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Reed Bunting. A Song Thrush was heard and seen nearby.

Altogether now.....

Win or lose, sink or swim
One thing is certain well never give in
Side by side, hand in hand
We all stand together

Lyrics courtesy of Paul McCartney and the frog of course.

We had an enjoyable walk around the reserve and found numbers of frogs and frogs spawn near one of the lake viewing areas. The light was showing the reserve at its best and the sun offered some warmth after what had been a chilly start to the day. No Bittern was seen today. We’d have been pushing our luck expecting more good sightings. This was the Sam’s third visit to the reserve and the first time he hadn’t had good sightings of these birds



Nice atmosphere. no Bittern!

A Cormorant perched in the tree on the far side of the lake as a number of Grey Herons flew around the area. Greylag Geese, Shoveller, Wigeon and Pochard were amongst birds on the water. Small flocks of Wigeon flew overhead and the whistling from this species was very noticeable today. At least two Common Snipe rose from the reed-beds and flew across the pond. The flash outside of the reserve held Oystercatchers and I wondered if these may have been the ones we had seen at Killingworth earlier in the day. A patch of Coltsfoot added some colour and there were numbers of bees about today.

In one of the hides we noticed a swastika had been scratched on the back wall. I couldn’t help wonder if the NHSN had been taken over by some right wing organisation, or if it was simply the work of local yobs entering the reserve to do what ever they do in there. I felt it would be the latter. As we prepared to leave the area four Greylag Geese flew off towards Killingworth and that Song Thrush continued to sing near to the lodge.

It had been a really nice and relaxing day, offering some good local birding and giving our first Chiffchaff of 2012. It was nice to reflect on looking over the fields next to the NHSN reserve that they are to remain fields for at least the foreseeable future! It would have been a criminal act if they had not. Good to see that people do have power at times when they act with a common cause.

Return to Washington WWT/Photos

Smew

Is it a frog or is it a toad? Whatever it is, it escaped the Smew’s bill after a struggle. I was concentrating so much on getting the photograph, that I wasn’t sure what happened next. I must learn not to let the camera distract me from what is really important, and that is watching the wildlife. Sam tells me a clean break was made. Recently watched a redhead Smew at QE11. I thought it looked more attractive than this one. I’m not sure why there was no drake Smew at Washington WWT. Maybe there is an obvious answer to that. The drake is a favourite of mine.

Chilean Flamingo

I’ve seen the Greater Flamingo in Coto Donana, Spain and both Greater and Lesser Flamingo in southern Africa, but I’ve never seen the Chilean Flamingo in the wild. One of my birding/natural history highlights was flying in a Cesena aircraft, just above a flock of flying flamingos on the Skeleton Coast, Namibia.

Ruddy Shelduck

I’ve spotted one on Killy Lake a few years ago, and at Prestwick Carr. It was the same bird. I’ve also seen a pair on the Humber. A beautiful bird. If I can’t convince anyone at least the Humber birds were wild, I have seen the real thing in Romania.

The dad of the friend and ex work colleague of mine that I walked with at Holywell recently has I understand started to follow my blog. I’ve put this one up for him. Hoping he keeps following.:-)

Common Crane

Have you got my best side there? At least I’ve seen a few Common Cranes in Norfolk. Belonging to a very interesting family of birds. If I was to concentrate on seeing all the individuals of a family, the cranes would be at or near the top of my list for such an attempt. It would certainly take me too some interesting places. I’d recommend a reading of Peter Mathieson’s book, Birds of Paradise, in which he tours the world in search of cranes. As well as the Common Crane, I have the Grey (Southern) Crowned Crane, Blue Crane and Wattled Crane on my life list. I can’t really count the Sandhill Crane as I’m far from convinced that it was a wild bird, even though the tour leader was suggesting it might be!

Mandarin Duck

As I’ve said before, far too flashy a bird for my liking. Never the less it does help make a nice photograph as this drake admires its own reflection in the water. I hear we have more Mandarin Ducks in the UK than in China. I got the impression most of them are at Washington WWT!
Sick as a Red-Breasted Goose

‘Oh no, not more flippin seed. Go away I just want to have a kip.’ Sam had more success in force feeding the Hawaiian Goose.



Wood Duck

This one gives the Mandarin a run for its money in the flashy bird stakes. I’ve seen one in British Columbia, Canada.

Red-breasted Goose

I’ve not been lucky enough to sight any of the occasional Red-breasted Geese wild in the UK. No doubt most are escapes anyway. A very attractive bird that I really would like to see in the wild, and if necessary I may have to book myself a European trip.

Hawaiian Goose

The WWT did much good work in ensuring the survival of the Hawaiian Goose. I hope that they meet with as much success with the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper. Now that is one I would love to see in the wild! The presentation at the Hancock on Tuesday evening was a very interesting one and included some video footage of the expedition to Eastern Russia. It won’t be an easy task breeding these birds in captivity, but I shall follow progress with interest. Good to see several familiar faces at the talk, although I was surprised that there wasn’t a few more there from the bird clubs.

Frogs, Toads, Birders and Photographers!

Colourful boy

Loving couple









Two of seven





Food developing for the herons!

Thanks for saving me!

11^th Mar. It has to be some years since I visited Washington WWT so it was nice to make a return visit accompanied by Sam and his dad Malcolm. The later really seems to be getting the birding bug! :-) It was nice also that it was almost like a summer’s day. It was an ideal day for me to get in some practice with the camera. I enjoyed looking at some of the captive birds in close up, several of which I have seen in the wild, but generally not at such close quarters. I will probably put some of the shots taken of them in a separate post.

The wild birds were given attention, and star attractions were the numbers of Grey Herons and seven Avocets. The latter hopefully returning to breed again. We found seven of them on or near to the island. I believe eight have been seen up to now, but the eighth bird eluded us. It’s great to have these birds breeding so far north now and hopefully again at Cresswell this year. When I was much younger the Avocet was a bird I looked at in books and found so unusual and exotic. At the time I never really thought about sighting any. Other birds in this league were Waxwing, Hoopoe and Dartford Warbler. I can even remember a time when I longed to see a Great Crested Grebe! Anyway, birds on the water along with the Grey Herons and Avocets included gulls, Teal, Shelduck and Redshank. We read the notice in one of the hides apologising for the mess left by the Barn Owl which seems to roost in there. I never mind mess left by birds. I only object to rubbish left by humans, and the world is full of it!

The feeding station gave some opportunity for some photographs with the likes of Bullfinch, Great, Coal, Blue and Long Tailed Tit, Goldfinch Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Dunnock and Pheasant showing up. This bird photography is not as easy as it looks with all these branches getting in the way and the damn birds keep moving. I kept trying though! I had a bit better luck with the Long Tailed Tits this time around.

The amphibians drew our attention as much as the birds and I have to say that there are some wonderful small pools at the centre now. You would think that by now I would know the difference between Frogs and Toads, but I confess I still struggle in that area. In theory I know the difference dryness, wartyness and length of back legs, but in practice……errrr! I do know frogspawn when I see it however and I can’t ever remember seeing quite as much of this as I did today. One Toad in particular was a perfect model for us and Sam rewarded it by taking it back to the pool and out of the way of big feet! It seemed happy enough. I was hoping it hadn’t just left this pool to seek romance somewhere else, but at least it was saved from being squashed. I believe Malcolm spotted a Newt. I’m going to read up and remind myself of the things learnt as a youngster about amphibians, that I have now forgotten.

I’d kept a look out all day fro the Green Woodpecker which on arrival Sam had told me had been spotted. It was when we left I cottoned on that it had been spotted several days before! I’m not having much luck with Green Woodpeckers.

I really enjoyed the day and before it was over I had some good shots of a Common Cranes head and Sam had some bird seed to feed the waterfowl. I suspect there was a little self interest behind this in that he was enticing them closer for better photo opportunities.:-) As it happens they all seemed extremely well fed and lethargic by now and most turned their bills up to even more feed. I thought at one point Sam was going to resort to force feeding, that is until a Hawaiian Goose gave in and took some seed from him simply to get Sam to go away and leave it in peace I think.:-)

It had been a great day. Thanks Sam and Malcolm. An appropriate visit too, in that we are off to a talk on Tuesday about the conservation of the Spoon-Billed Sandpiper that the WWT are very much involved in.

‘Make the boy interested in natural history if you can……..’ Written in a letter from Capt Scott to his wife and found in the tent in which he died in Antarctica. The boy of course was the Late Peter Scott, founder of the WWT. Thanks for reminding me of this Sam.

Spoon-Billed Sandpiper/Event

Just thought I'd put this link up in case anyone out there still doesn't know.
As you'll see places must be booked.

http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum/thingstoseeanddo/event/2012/03/13/saving-the-spoon-billed-sandpiper/

Northumberland Goose Fest

7^th Mar. It’s been a busy week for me birding wise and yesterday I met up with an old friend who I rarely have the opportunity to go birding with these days, but who knew me when my interest first began and who in fact had a large part to play in me becoming so interested in birds.

First stop was Holywell, although this was somewhat of a flying visit and we arrived just as the clouds burst and the wind got up. By the time we were watching the Egyptian Goose in amongst Greylag and Pink-footed Geese in the west field, the sun was shining again. The bird was quite distant, but showed well. I also had the chance to count at least six Tree Sparrows. Canada Geese were also about the area.

Next stop was Bassington. I wasn’t sure if the Green Woodpecker was still about, but in any event on arrival we had no idea where to look, so quickly left for Maiden Hall Lake. I’d never been here and was impressed. It looks to have the potential for a premier birding site. We were after the Bewick’s Swans of course.

We found no Bewick’s Swans, but did find lots of geese, including well over one hundred White-fronted Geese in amongst the flocks of Greylag and Pink-footed Geese. Near to the water, my friend picked up what he thought to be two Tundra Bean Geese and sure enough, a quick look through the scope confirmed that they were. Their orange legs standing out clearly and I was more than confident that they weren’t Pink-footed Geese. I picked up waders which included flocks of Oystercatchers and Lapwings. I may have missed other waders as we concentrated on the geese.

I left very happy to have seen the flocks of geese but a little disappointed that we had missed the Bewick’s Swans. The disappointment soon disappeared when very soon back on the main road we picked up the swans in a field to the left of us amongst a smaller flock of geese. We stopped for what was quite a close look at the adult and juvenile Bewick’s Swans, but we could tell that the they and the geese were probably made a little restless by our presence so we quickly moved on and headed for East Chevington. We stayed here long enough to see that the large numbers of Goldeneye remain and to see more geese! Next stop was to be Cresswell.

There were more flocks of geese on the journey and we stopped at the causeway thinking that we might pick up an Avocet, but we didn’t.

A final stop was made at the Q E 11 where we found the redhead Smew diving regularly within a short distance of us. One of the best sightings I’ve had of Smew. Pity the drake wasn’t there, but I’m not complaining. There were many more Goldeneyes.

The Bewick’s Swans and Smew were year ticks for me and the Egyptian Goose a new one for my Holywell to coast walk. I’d never seen this number of White-fronted Geese in Northumberland before. I see the NTBC site suggests that there were over one hundred and fifty. It had been an excellent day with the geese, having found six species!

On Patch and Under the Hood

The productive pairing take a break.

This lonesome guy seems to have been joined by a mate now.

A cooperating model




Two of many. although I know that some would just say 'too many'!

Popular with the ladies!

6^th Mar. I met up with Sam (Under the Hood) at the lake primarily to take a look at how the Great Crested Grebes were progressing and possibly grab some photos. It’s nice to be sharing an interest in the patch with someone so keen. The sun made it look like summer, but there was still that winter chill in the air. We were the only people watching but I suspect that won’t last for long. In fact I know it won’t as I’m aware of photographers preparing to visit. I over heard a conversation the other day when someone expressed surprise that Great Crested Grebes were breeding on ‘a boating lake’. They obviously don’t know the lake well as this small area is no boating lake. I was a little surprised to pick up that someone interested in the Great Crested Grebes didn't know that they have been regular breeders on the lake and have been very productive in recent years. Watching this area is one of the benefits of being a patch birder. You find things that are surprising, but usually only if you keep a regular watch. Killingworth Lake, boating lake or not, has a decent history of attracting birds and you make a mistake if you fall into the trap of thinking it holds only swans and hybrids waiting to be fed bread! There were a few of these being fed bread today mind!

We found the pair of Great Crested Grebes on the smaller lake seemed to be having a break between shifts. There was little action as both birds floated around heads under wings. One eventually stretched its head. A little later both birds showed quite well, but swam away from us around the lake, at least one of them making an occasional dive. That was all of the action seen. In the meantime I did manage a rather nice shot of a Coot. Big and close is how I like them at the moment.

It wasn’t long before Sam and I realised that the lone Great Crested Grebe on the larger lake has now been joined by another. This is the exact same pattern as last year. Unlike the two birds on the small lake which are well into mating now, this pair was at separate ends of the large lake and seeming to have no contact as yet.

There are at least six Goosanders remaining on the lake and a number of Goldeneye still remain. As we watched Sam saw a calling Grey Wagtail fly past. I missed it. Being beside water, and Sam seeing the bird and me missing it is becoming a habit. I have yet to live down the Kingfisher I missed.:-) At least I heard the call this time! The two Oystercatchers were found amongst the Canada Geese.

We decided to take a walk on part of the patch. Passing the old Nuthatch nesting hole we found that there is still no sign of Nuthatches this year. A Sparrowhawk was chased off by a corvid and flew over the village area. We later took a look at last years Sparrowhawk nesting site. The area we walked through will soon be echoing to the sound of Chiffchaff song, but today it was mainly Robin, Dunnock and Wren calls and song. A Wood Pigeon was found sitting on a nest.

Thanks Sam.

A Warbler, a Killy and a Shrike!

More 'Hides With a View'. Shibdon and Clara Vale.





Atmosphere at the Carr

5^th Mar. It was a raw morning when I arrived at the lake with a little time to spare before meeting Sedgedunum Warbler for a days birding. I took the opportunity to watch the pair of Great Crested Grebes on the smaller lake. Initially one of the birds, the female I assumed, was adding to what may have been the base of last years nest. The male was in close proximity seeming to want to ensure all was well. After a while the female climbed onto the nest and after a little hesitation was mounted by the male for all of three seconds. Previously his facial tufts had been spread widely. I couldn’t see the neck and head of the female as they were hidden by reeds, but I expect she had these out-stretched in typical mating fashion. This mating sequence took place twice as I looked on and on each occasion was followed by both birds facing one another closely, shaking heads and bill pointing. The female then continued to add items collected nearby to the nest with the male continuing to look on in close proximity. The pair then swam close to the nest area. It had been a privilege to watch on. I shall of course continue to watch progress as the days and weeks move on.

Having found John near the larger lake where Goosanders and Goldeneye remain, we left for Shibdon Pond, Gateshead. It’s a long time since I visited this pond and I was surprised to see how much work had recently been carried out on cutting down trees and removing reeds. There were areas showing that I had never seen before. On arrival we spotted a Sparrowhawk flying overhead. We then had a walk around the reed-bed areas before spending sometime in the hide. It was fairly quiet, but I did find two Lesser Black Backed Gulls (my first of the year), a single Ruff, Shelduck, Teal and Wigeon.

After a while we made for Clara Vale, stopping of at the very atmospheric Sled Pond. By now it was warm whilst in the sun, but bitingly cold when out of it. There were more Teal and quite a number of Wigeon on Sled Pond. Other birds included a pair of Little Grebe calling often. We had suspicions there may be another pair in the reeds. There was also a lone female Goldeneye.

Lunch was taken in the comfort of the hide at Clara Vale where we had just missed the appearance of a Kingfisher over the pond. There was a good selection of birds at or near the feeding stations. I seem to remember the list was as follows, Pheasant, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jay (H), Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Bullfinch. The Bullfinches stealing the limelight! Two Goosanders were seen in the distance, flying up the Tyne. Skylark was also heard in the area.

Prestwick Carr was to be the next stop and the ending to the day. I said to John that a sighting of the Great Grey Shrike would be a good ending. Neither of us expected to see it. Whilst I had spotted it last year shortly after its arrival the shrike has eluded me in 2012 and I had though like everyone else had, that this bird had now left the area, but no it is being recorded again.

Arriving to find there was little show from the Short Eared Owls, John suggested that we walk up past the sentry box and take a look for the shrike. In doing so, we found at least six Common Buzzards, five in flight over the trees and one perched in a tree, a pair of Kestrels, I believe we found at least two pairs on this visit, and four Grey Partridges. The hedges were quiet but did hold Long Tailed Tits, of which we saw numbers today.

It was on our return to ‘the bumpy road’, that someone put us onto the Great Grey Shrike (thanks for that) to the south and way off in the distance, but still giving a reasonable scope sighting. Fieldfare and MistleThrush were seen way off in the distance. The shrike moved along the hedge occasionally, initially away from us but then it flew northwards and was much closer. When it flew across the road and seemed to drop again we walked to near where we thought it had come down. This gave me my best ever sighting of Great Grey Shrike as it perched on the fence. The scope wasn’t needed, but never the less it did give the chance to see this bird in fine detail before it eventually took off and flew into the hedges of the fields east of the sentry box road. We watched it at distance again until it finally disappeared. It had replaced the Bullfinch as bird of the day. Then we found the Short Eared Owls and the Bullfinches dropped to number three!

We ended the day watching the Short eared Owls. There seemed to be a consensus of opinion that six separate birds had been seen. Certainly at least six. They were flying over a wide area although sometimes coming quite close to us. It seemed to me that once again a few photographers had left the area a little too early! I heard Willow Tit calling and saw more Long Tailed Tits! The sun came down to give a good sunset over the Carr. Sorry John I may not need you photograph after all! :-) We left soon after sunset. I was feeling as though I had been hung in a freezer for a while! John’s car registered that it was 1.5 degrees outside. It hadn’t felt that warm to me! The day’s list came to fifty-seven species. I was delighted to finally get that Great Grey Shrike on the year list. Thanks John.