Little Terns to Nightjars, Coast to Forest.

Despite an unusually windy June evening we took the decision to travel north to Long Nanny to watch Little Terns.  The walk along to the bay was indeed windy, but I was surprised to see so few folk out on what was otherwise a fine evening.  The dunes were colourfully carpeted in the purple and white hues of Bloody Cranesbill and Campion.  Skylarks appeared all along our route and Meadow Pipits dropped as if by parachute.

Bloody Cranesbill

We were soon at the bridge, and found the boxes holding the Little Tern nesting area somewhat distant.  We headed for the warden’s hut, but that was blocked off because of covid, so we found a comfortable spot on the edge of the dunes which gave shelter from the gusting wind.  The long stretch of sandy coastline was deserted and we felt we had the whole area to ourselves.  The sand formed a myriad of patterns on the beach as the light conditions constantly changed, and the wind blew the small dry grains of sand in varying directions, resembling twisting dust clouds on the move.   We had some good sightings of Little Terns over the sea and flying along the tidal edge, whilst one of them landed on the sea-soaked sand and stayed there some minutes.  Perhaps the best sighting was of the Little Tern flying erratically along the tide line and appearing to fly through the brightly lit surf, with a turquoise sea as a backdrop.

Along with the Little Terns were both Sandwich and Arctic Terns, and perhaps best of all two sunlit Gannets continually diving like pointed missiles close to shore, in an area obviously providing good feeding.  Sam got his eye on a Manx Shearwater flying north in the distance and waders seen included Oystercatcher, a small flock of Dunlin, Curlew and Bar tailed Godwits.  The white broken cloud to the south contrasted to the rain filled darkness of the cloud to the north, which thankfully kept its distance.

As we walked back via the dunes a small Pyramidal Orchid was found, but the best and least expected sighting was a family of Stoats crossing the path ahead of us.   All three quickly aware of our approach, they disappeared stealthily into the dunes.  Not good news for the Little Tern colony, but an excellent sighting for us, but just not quite enough time for photographs.  Around the same area Stonechats and Linnets were seen.  The male Stonechat looking at its best perched with the blue sky as background.  Kestrels were added to our list.

Stonechat

Once back at the car we decided to visit the scrape at Low Newton.  I remember that a lot of work was put into this scrape and those responsible must be incredibly pleased to see it bearing results especially having attracted breeding Avocet, and we saw the young birds this evening.  Ringed Plover was among other birds seen here.  Two Brown Hares were seen in the fields, looking as they often do when still, like mounds of earth, and a male Sparrrowhawk gave a good sighting as it glided along the hedge-

line.

Pyramidal Orchid

We travelled back by the scenic route and called at Cresswell and listed four Spoonbills and more Avocet.  A nice evening at the coast despite the wind.  The roads were ghostly quiet on our journey back home.

We had plans for a trip to Slaley Forest for Nightjar the following evening, but the forecast ranged from showers all evening, to heavy rain all evening.  We ignored the forecast and set off anyway aiming to make the most of it.  It would not be the first time I’ve been soaked to the skin in Slaley Forest.  Our first stop was at Whittle Dene Reservoir where the highlights were Yellow Wagtail, two pairs of Great Crested Grebe, a family of Kestrels, Common Buzzard and Swifts,  Swallows and Sand Martins swooping low over the water.   A Red Fox showed in the distance and then slowly trotted down by the side of the reservoir before disappearing behind the hedge-line.  Brown Hare was seen again too.  There were some interesting plants to examine including Common Spotted Orchid. 

Having walked back across the Military Road, a great stretch of road for driving and viewing, but not so good for crossing if a pedestrian, we made off towards Corbridge where a break was taken for tea.  The waters of the River Tyne seemed higher than on previous visits and the stony ground under the bridge was under water.  We walked a good way along the riverbank, being on our guard not to fall into the river where the sandy pathway has in places collapsed.  The call of Common Sandpiper was heard before the bird was seen, but it was the plant life including the invasive Himalayan Balsam that took the interest.  Our return walk took us past the stones from the old bridge with its information board which has seen better days.  Long tail Tit was among birds seen.

As I stepped out of the car at Slaley Forest, having spotted several Brown Hares as we approached, I knew right away that it was going to be a battle between us and the midges, so out came the Avon skin so soft, not for the last time this evening.  Calling Crossbills flew overhead, as did soon afterwards, Siskin.  It was to be an evening where the sense of hearing would bring such good rewards.  Seldom in this cacophonous world do you find complete peace and quiet, but as we walked onto the moor the silence and stillness were intense.  That state was we believed so noticeable, as it so seldom occurs and it didn’t last long, soon broken by squawking Jays, the hum of bees and eventually an off-road four-wheel drive coming in our direction.  However there was little sound from birds, as very few were about, but we did hear the occasional Meadow Pipit, a lifting Common Snipe, the Black Headed Gull colony in the distance and the chat of Stonechats, a youngster being fed by the parent bird at one point.  We also had a good sighting of a Cuckoo being mobbed by a Meadow Pipit on the edge of the forest, before each bird disappeared into the trees.

As we walked along the forest road the smell of pine was intense the thump of Woodcock wings was heard as it took off and flew across the road ahead of us.  It was now time for a five-minute break, more skin so soft and then a walk deeper into the forest where we passed a mass of Northern Marsh Orchids, and the occasional Common and Heath Spotted Orchid.  We’ve been along this path numerous times, but have never seen a display of orchids so fine and densely placed.  By now the air was in places a fog of midges and they got everywhere, including up the nose.  We eventually found an excellent viewing spot where there was a small passage of cool air which seemed to lessen the onslaught by these devils in the air.

The weather forecast had been completely wrong and it was a perfect night for our vigil.  The cloud had broken up somewhat by now, so we had to be patient in our wait for darkness.  The sky to the north and west was a mix of blue streaks, flaming orange areas and purple cloud.  The orange areas slowly decreased as darkness neared.  The cloud far off in the west appeared as if an ocean.  A few Woodcock flew over the area in that unmistakable manner of flight that they have, and one landed close by us as I poured on more insect deterrent.  A Tawny Owl hooted from far in the distance and then as darkness fell the churring of Nightjars began.   Initially it seemed a distant quiet churring, but the sound gradually increased in volume.  This must be one of nature’s greatest sound effects.  We then heard wing clapping so knew the Nightjars were now in flight over the open area before us.

We walked further along the narrow path and soon we were almost standing under the trees where the churring was coming from.  Bat species were flying to and fro, and then Sam got his eye on a Nightjar flying out of the trees into the darkness.  I then picked up a Nightjar out in the open area and we watched a fine display of fight before it dropped to the ground.  I would have been happy with the sounds of churring, but as always the sighting was the icing on the cake.  We eventually returned to the car and escaped the attacking insect hoards.  I felt and smelt wonderful!

As we set off homeward bound a Roe Deer walked nonchalantly across the road in front of the car as if it hadn’t become aware of our approach, its eyes shining brightly in the darkness.  Further on a flock of gulls where lit by the car headlights as they lifted in a field, giving the effect of a ghostly apparition.   Sam then entertained with ghost stories as we proceeded towards home.

As I crossed the threshold of home at two minutes past twelve I realised I had become a year older.  Yes, it was my birthday and a better gift I could not have had than the evening’s experience just undertaken.  I walked in the kitchen and found the bin lid in the centre of the floor.  I’m convinced it wasn’t there before I left.  I had a coffee and made off to bed, but not before checking all rooms!  Nightjarring is always a highlight of the birding year, tonight was exceptionally good!   I reckoned up and found we had been on the go for seven and a half hours and that we must have walked several miles.  I slept well, but had a very odd dream!