Evening Coastal Nature Walk

Trips far afield are not necessary to enjoy nature, and this evening’s meander around the area of Hartley and surrounds is proof of that.  On reflection I feel had I the need to introduce an individual to the rewards of showing an interest in Natural History, this evening would have been a perfect beginning.  There was just sufficient entomological, mammalian, avian and botanical interest so as not to blow the mind with numbers and confusion, yet sufficient to allow real interest, excitement, and time to watch, study and take in the surrounding flora and fauna in a relaxing manner.  Very often less is more when it comes to studying nature.  The North Sea appeared flat and still, the air pellucid, the temperature controlled by cooling sea air, and there was a feeling of peace and calm.

Fulmars

We initially walked a little way north to see the Fulmars and ended up spending a relaxing time in the company of these wonderfully evolved long distance travelling seabirds.  They obviously felt very safe on the cliff and were not at all phased by our proximity.  As well as the birds close by us on the cliff we watched as numbers of other Fulmars flew on straight and stiff wings above the edge of the cliff.  The pinkness of the Thrift was already fading, but it still formed a carpet in places forward of a background of rock, sea and sky.

On the way to the Fulmar site a pair of mating Seven Spot Ladybirds, a Soldier Beetle and a large patch of I think Common Fumitory had been found.  As we turned to walk southwards a Carpet Moth, that give no sign of moving, was an ideal subject for photography.  The colour of the ladybirds was striking and of course a warning to possible predators of the poisons these insects contain.  The ladybirds can release foul tasting fluids from their legs.  A voracious eater of aphids, this species of Ladybird, our most common, has been imported on occasions into the USA to act as on insectivore on valuable crops.  Each wing casing, the elytra, has three spots and another spot which overlaps both casings.  This is one of the larger ladybirds and it can travel 1,000 metres in search of food and suitable habitat.  It may surprise some folk that there are 47 different species of Ladybird in the UK and Ireland.

Mating Seven Spot Ladybirds

Soldier Beetle

Silver-ground Carpet Moth

I remembered that whilst living his latter years in an asylum John Clare wrote many poems including (not one of his best) Clock-a-Clay, an alternative name for Ladybird.  This stems from an old Northamptonshire belief that you can tell time from the number of taps on the ground it takes to make a ladybird flyaway.

As we checked out plants along the cliff and grassland we also watched seven Bottled Nosed Dolphins  on the flat calm sea as they travelled north in two groupings.  The conditions were ideal for watching, and this was one of the highlights of the evening.  Birds were never forgotten and perhaps the finest bird sighting of the evening was three Manx Shearwaters skirting the water as they flew south.  Other seabirds seen included small flocks of calling Oystercatcher, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Guillemots, Common Scoter and a raft of Eider Ducks.

I never tire of the view towards St Mary’s Island and this evening showed it at its best, with the lighthouse reflected across the water and large ships in the background making towards the entrance of the River Tyne.

As we passed by one of the mounds we bumped into Ray, who it turned out was not only a regular reader of this blog but also, almost a neighbour of mine, living on the same estate.  Having had a long chat, we said our farewells and I said I would give him a mention and so I keep my word.  As we chatted we watched a Common Whitethroat displaying, and later found out the pair had young and we eventually saw the entire family.  This pair was of one of two or three in the immediate area.  Reed Bunting, Skylark and Meadow Pipit were among other species seen and heard.   

By now the evening atmosphere was one of tranquillity and stillness which clearly encourage a buck and doe Roe Deer to feel relaxed out in the exposed field.  Both seemed in peak condition which was reflected in the condition of their colourful coat.  By the way the buck was scent tasting and approaching a none too keen doe, it appeared that the doe was in heat.  It is not often one can watch Roe Deer so well.  We agreed whilst watching these small deer that there is a tendency to imagine them larger than in fact they are.

Common (??) Fumitory

Three plants that in particular caught the attention were Common Fumitory (or was it Common-ramping Fumitory), White Campion and Sea Plantain.  The former plant took my interest because I had recently wondered why I had never seen fumitories.  The latter plant, and plantains in general, are easy to pass by, but I do find them incredibly attractive plants.  Sea Plantain is adapted to stand up to harsh coastal conditions and can survive short periods under water.  The taproot extends deep into the ground acting as an anchor and the narrow slightly waxy leaves can survive the constant sea spray.  The White Campion's  calyx is formed by fused sepals.

Sea Plantain

White Campion

As we made off towards home, the calm evening was still warm and bright.  The journey was broken by a stop to listen for Quail.  None were heard on this occasion, but what a wonderful evening it had been. 

Ninety-nine and Lifer Ends Day

 It had been a long day in the field, so some refreshment in the shape of a ninety-nine ice cream was most welcome before we made off to our last stop of the day at Newbiggin.  I can recommend the ice cream parlour at Cresswell, which my father visited with his cycling club in the 1930s.  Cresswell must have had a vastly different feel to it all those years ago.  I learned from the owner that the parlour first opened in 1932 but that he had been owner a mere ten years.  After a refreshing few minutes we made off on what is the nearest to twitching I ever do in the hope of seeing the Rose-coloured Starling.  This twitching lark is amazingly easy I reckon, as no sooner had we parked the car we found our target bird perched and waiting for us.  Giving a little time we had excellent sightings as the bird came out into the open.  A lifer for Sam and a UK tick for me.  I have seen the species more distantly only once before and that was in Romania within the bird’s more natural range.  It seemed content to be alone until eventually joining the small Starling flock.  I have some empathy, as in general I too feel happier away from the flock, especially when enjoying nature.

Rose Coloured Staring courtesy of Samuel Hood

We had begun the day close to home at Gosforth Park Nature Reserve.  Oh, how the reserve is changing, with the work done to improve a meadowland area paying great dividends, walkways repaired and work going on for a new centre which will have some empathise on encouraging youngsters’ interest in nature.  I would guess that there are many more visitors to the reserve than in past years, but it has lost none of its atmosphere and I would encourage anyone local, with the slightest interest in Natural History, to join the Natural History Society of Northumbria.  Botanical interest was the primary reason for the visit and in particular a wish to photograph Coralroot Orchid.  Sadly, it has been another poor year for this orchid and we were unable to find any, although we did find a developing Broad Leave Helleborine, Early Purple Orchid, Northern Marsh Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid and what we think were hybrids.  It could be argued all of these are more attractive than the insipid Coralroot Orchid, but to a large extent what attracts us is the rarity and the fact that it is largely dependent on nutrients it obtains from the fungi associated with the surrounding trees.  This orchid gives nothing in return so is therefore parasitic.

At the reserve we we greeted by the manager, volunteers and a posing spider.

Along the pathway

Yellow Flag Iris

Many other plants took our interest as did Orange Tip Butterfly, Common Blue, Blue-tailed and Large Red Damselfly, Grey Squirrel and birds seen and heard included Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch and Grey Heron.  Admittedly, we gave little attention to the birds in general whilst in the reserve.

Emerging Broad Leaved Helleborine

Having spent longer than planned at the reserve we made off for Amble where we watched over the sea towards Coquet Island and we were able to add Roseate Tern, Gannet, and Puffin to the bird list.  Grey Seals were also seen.

Next stop was East Chevington where we spent an enjoyable time watching a female Hen Harrier hunting over the reedbed before spending time watching and listening to the Great Reed Warbler.  This latter bird was another UK tick for me and brought back happy memories of having watched these birds in Europe.  Because of the distance the full effect of the sound that this large warbler can make could not be fully appreciated.  The North Pool was quiet but it was enjoyable seeing two pairs of Great Crested Grebes, one of the pair carrying young.  A Little Grebe was heard and Sandwich Terns were bathing and large numbers of Cormorants were on the island.

Pignut

Dovesfoot Cranesbill

A walk was taken to Chevington Burn as we searched for more botanical interest.  The Bloody Cranesbill, Northumberland’s county flower was especially numerous and attractive.  We were studiously watched by the Belted Galloway cattle as we returned vis the dunes, and we assumed that these were being used to aid conservation.

Belted Galloway

Bloody Cranesbill

Bloody Cranesbill

Druridge Pools were quiet but we enjoyed the stop here and watched birds such as Avocet, Little Ringed Plover and Black Tailed Godwit.  The Willow Warblers and Sedge Warblers provided a nice sound scape and we found some attractive Vipers Bugloss along the path to the hides, and not far away from it a Small Skipper Butterfly.

Bladder Campion

Mouse-ear Hawkweed

By the time we reached Cresswell Pond the sea breezes were adding not a little coolness to the air.  Unusually the water was exceptionally low.  Birdlife initially looked minimal but our watch was rewarded by nice sightings of a Spoonbill which on this occasion was not asleep but feeding, a Little Gull and more Avocets.  The Avocet certainly must be one of our most attractive waders.

Then we were off with fingers crossed that the ice cream parlour was still open, before going for our mini twitch and the sighting of the Rose-Coloured Starling, which was a great way to end a long day.  I have not included all the birds seen today, and mention only a few of the plants.  A wonderful day of natural history.

 

Slaley Forest. Nightjars and Atmosphere.

 Welcome sweet eve thy gently sloping sky

& softly whispering wind that breaths of rest

& clouds unlike what daylight galloped bye

Now stopt as weary huddling in the west

Each by the farewell of days closing eye

Left with the smiles of heaven on its breast

From Sunset by John Clare

 Halfway to Hexham on a glorious sunny evening and I realise I had forgotten to change into my boots.  Am I losing my mind or was it the prospect of a great evening that had me focussed?  I like to think it was the latter.  Anyway, there was no turning back, so I was going to have to cope.  We began with a walk along the tree lined River Tyne at Hexham checking out trees and a few plants.  Tree species included Oak, Elm, Lime, Horse Chestnut, Ash, Sycamore, Swedish Whitebeam, Crack Willow and Silver Birch.  From under the shade of the trees we looked out onto a sunlit parkland that had a hint of the African savannah.  Nuthatch and Wren took our eye, Willow Warblers sang, a distant Great Spotted Woodpecker drummed out a beat and a passing sighting of Common Sandpiper was made.  There was a lack of Hirundines, but the occasional Swallow was seen. Mallards were on the river.

By the time we reached Slaley Forest the temperature had dropped by several degrees and there was a chill in the air.  Before setting off we had a bite to eat and I sprayed myself with Avon Skin So Soft to ward of the dreaded insects.  As it turned out the drenching was unnecessary, as few insects were on the wing this evening, but at least I smelt desirable, well I thought so!  We had the forest to ourselves for the evening apart from the accompanying flora and fauna.

Several Song Thrushes sang as we set off along the aromatic forest ride where the grasses were thick and verdant, with yet no sign of the many orchids we had seen last year.  We are usually at least a month later in making this trip.  A Cuckoo called continuously and we spotted it atop of one of the taller trees where it was accompanied by Meadow Pipits.  The calling continued into the evening, but from further and further within the forest.  More Willow Warblers sang and Siskin were heard briefly.

Laid back birders vigil begins.  Travelling light, so all images courtesy of Samuel and his phone.

We were soon at our place of vigil, a perfect spot that we had found last year.  We were able to overlook an open area of the forest with its low dense arid ground cover and the occasional remaining tree stumps of various height.  The anticipation and the view took my mind off how bracing the still air was.  The rounded hills of the Cheviots were to the north of us and edged by a carmine sky.  An occasional and distinctly shaped Woodcock was picked up as the light faded, flying over the treeline to the south of us.  The sky above us was a cerulean blue, changing to turquoise colouring towards the horizon and sunset.  A thin strip of white cloud gradually changed to rouge hue before gradually disappearing as the sun dipped below the horizon.  A lone and silent Curlew flew across the open area from the direction of the moorland and a nearby Tawny Owl give a fleeting ethereal call.  The flaming sky on the horizon gradually changed to more subdued hues of grey and had I not known better I would have thought it had merged into a sea.  A sea which in places appeared calm and flat and in other places having waves thrown high, all an illusion of course, all the greater when viewed through binoculars.   Water appeared to flow towards the Cheviots.  What was not an illusion was the pillow of white smoke lifting from the industrial area in Hexham.

Nightjar Churring

At times, the only sound was the sound of silence, broken only by the occasional bird call and our own quiet chatter.  Then suddenly from the distance and before darkness had fallen came the mechanical and distinctive churring of Nightjar.  Looking at the distant lights from the outskirts of Newcastle City we wondered how many folks sat beside televisions and computer screens this evening would even know that these birds of the night existed in the area.

Hark! There’s that churring noise we heard

And thought it some wild frolic boy;

‘Tis sure enough an unknown bird,

I’ve seldom heard so strange a cry.

From The Fern Owl by John Clare

 

The churring gradually become louder and louder and it became apparent that a Nightjar was close by.  We found it perched and calling from the top of the highest dead tree stump.  I watched it intently whist I waited for it to fly.  The Nightjar did lift, but seemed to have no wish to hunt insects of which there were so few, and quickly dropped to the ground and out of sight.  Sam was on rather higher ground than I was and watched both a Badger and Roe Deer in the vicinity of where the Nightjar had landed.  From this point on there was little to no more churring.  We found this unusual as we usually make home with a churring accompaniment.  Was it the cold, lack of insects or simply the earlier visit we had made?  We were in no way disappointed as we began our return walk as the evening had been a great success.  The plan is to revisit in July.

The torch had been forgotten, but we had no concern as the evening remained clear and light, although by habit I occasionally looked behind in the eerie atmosphere.  Before we were back to the car we heard a Roe Deer barking, watched another Woodcock fly by and enjoyed the company of Common Pipistrelle Bats.  As we prepared to enter the car a Tawny Owl gave some shrieks from almost directly above our heads.

The heater was turned on and our journey home was without incident apart from sightings of a Brown Rat and Rabbit at the roadside, and a fleeting sighting of an owl, probably a Barn Owl.

Once home I made myself a coffee and was soon nodding off with thoughts of what is always one of the year’s birding highlights.

Addendum

Some local names for the Nightjar.  fen owl, fern owl, jar-owl, churn-owl, goat-owl, goatsucker, nighthawk, dorhawk, moth-hawk, wheelbird, eve-chur, eve-jar, puckeridge, puck-bird, gabble-ratch, litch fowl and jenny-spinner.  (The Nightjar-Yesterday and Today/Margaret Grainger and Richard Williamson 1988).    

Ancient Yews and Calaminarian Grasslands

 The early morning rain had ceased as we drove towards St Cuthbert’s Church, Beltingham.  This Northumbrian church is of historical importance, but the reason for our visit was primarily to view the Ancient Yews in the grounds.  There are three Yews of considerable age and it was the Yew on the north side of the church that most drew our attention, an estimate of age most often given as 900-950 years, with other mind-boggling estimates of around 1,500 years and even 2,000+ years.  Even if the lower estimate is nearer the truth, this would make the Yew the oldest in Northumberland.  The younger Yews south of the church, whilst magnificent specimens in themselves, are thought to be about 500 – 600 years old.  I understand that in the recent past there were plans to examine scientifically all three Yews to attempt to prove or disprove a relationship between the three.

Ancient Yew and a not so ancient Sam.

We entered the grounds via the Lych-Gate after having noted numbers of Swifts and listening to the song of Song Thrush.  Lych stemming from the Old English or Saxon word lic, meaning corpse.  Prior to mortuaries existing and when most people died at home, the body would be taken to the Lych-gate and would be guarded by vigil watchers so that body snatchers were unable to approach and interfere before burial.  In more recent times the funeral possession would await at the lych-gate until the arrival of the priest.  We made for the most ancient of the Yews, passing on the way a Commonwealth War Grave and several sandstone tombstones which had been heavily eroded over many years.

Weathered Sandstone Grave

Ancient Yew

The ancient and hollow Yew is most impressive.   Yews contain poisons of course which  can be hallucinogenic and I warned Sam that I had read in Fred Hageneder’s book Yew A History that people have reported funny things happening as they stood under a Yew.  I breathed in heavily, but on this occasion nothing occurred.  We did think and discuss our thoughts about our place in time and what the surrounding area of Northumberland may have looked like when this tree was a mere sapling.  The tree is supported by at least three iron collars, and Hageneder expressed mixed feelings about the use of these implements.  Having taken in the atmosphere of the Yews we looked around the church grounds and checked out plants such as the area of Bluebells, a Flowering Currant, Wild Garlic, Marsh Marigold and Green Alkanet.  Sadly, the church remains locked and so a future visit is planned for further exploration.

Ancient Yew

Remains of Celtic Cross

Flowering Currant

We kept to our plan and next visited 2 areas along the South Tyne that include Calaminarian Grassland.  At our first stop we checked out plants along the roadside and then through woodland along the bank of the river before looking at the small area of the grassland which was our primary target.  The dull rather subdued lighting conditions seemed to increase the intensity of the botanical colour, and the air was filled with the honey like scent of Crosswort and other accompanying plants.   The song of Blackcap was especially noted and many more Swifts were counted.  The land was sodden following weeks of May showers, but the atmosphere was that of a spring day post rain, and we had the area to ourselves apart from meeting a local villager walking her patch.  Examination of the verges and woodland meant that the walk was taken at a slow pace.

Crosswort

Bluebells

Green Longhorn Moth

A male Orange Tip Butterfly seemed almost intoxicated whilst feeding on Forget-me-not and so allowed a photographic opportunity as did a rather stunning Green Longhorn Moth found on the information signage.  A Common Sandpiper was heard calling by the river.

Orange Tip Butterfly on Forgetmenot

I must confess that Calaminarian Grassland is something I had no knowledge of until Sam mentioned it recently and I have since read quite a lot about this unusual and rare habitat and have learnt much about it.  Calaminarian grassland is named after Viola calaminaria which grows on such metal rich soils in Europe although the plant is not found in the UK.  However about 30 percent of this European grassland is found here.  This type of grassland in Northumberland has developed on nutrient poor soils with high levels of toxic heavy metals associated with mine workings and where metals from mine wash have accumulated on river beaches and terraces.

Mountain Pansy

Although the vegetation is usually sparse in these areas there are specialist plants that have adapted and thrive here.  Plants we found in the two area we visited included Mountain Pansy, Thrift (thought to be a type adapted to the metals), Alpine Pennycress and Pyrenean Scurvy- grass all able to tolerate the conditions and are known as metallophytes.  Now that mining in the area has ceased the habitat is very much at risk and is shrinking due to leaching of the metals and changes in land use.  Some of the areas are now managed and often rely on grazing by rabbits and sheep to prevent scrub taking over.

Alpine Pennycress

Pyrenean Scurvygrass

Some years ago I visited the Keen of Hamar which is a calaminarian grass land on the Island of Unst, Shetland, which was a very stony area.  I didn't relise its significance at the time,  although I enjoyed its variety of plant life.  In the case of Keen of Hammer it is an area containing serpentine rock containing heavy metals so is not caused in the same manner as the Northumberland grassland.  I remember seeing a rare plant called Edmonston's Chickweed here, which I believe grows only on the island.  This was named after a local Scottish botanist, Thomas Edmonston of Unst, who was said to have great knowledge.  Sadly he died in his early twenties having mistakenly discharged a gun during a field expedition, and cutting short what could have been a great career.  Note to self...read more about him.

Having examined the areas we decided to revisit at a latter date as there are other plants that we wish to find but our day was not over yet as we called in on my brother for a coffee and a chat before visiting Grindon Lough and surrounding area.

Scots Pine

Red Campion

By now bright light lit the wild countryside and a Skylark was in full song and ascending as I stepped out of the car at the Lough.  After so much rain this month I was surprised to see the water level of the Lough so low.  The most interesting bird finds here were calling Dunlin and Little Ringed Plover.

We also stopped at the old, renovated Lime Kiln to take some landscape images.  We found another interesting area for plants and have noted this for a later visit.  Water Avens grew nicely near the road and young Jackdaws called from a nest in the Lime Kiln wall.  We noticed the adult bird anxious to return to the hungry chicks so we did not hang around too long.  As soon as we were back in the car the adult Jackdaw came to the nest.  A Kestrel was seen close by in the trees.

Water Avens

We drove home along on what was a wonderful spring evening, clear light showing the area at its best and with the distant verdant fields occasionally broken by the brilliant yellow of Oil Seed Rape and the roadside also yellow with the flowering Gorse.

Evening Light

On arrival home we realised we had been out for nine and a half hours on what had been a most interesting and informative trip taken at a leisurely pace in great habitat.

 

Desert Island Bird Sounds

 It is more years than I care to remember since I wrote a blog entitled Desert Island Books.  In any event, I have read a great many books since then so my chosen eight would be rather different now.  I must give the idea a reprise, but not just yet.  Instead, I have chosen eight bird sounds I would take along with me.  Now, getting this choice down to eight sounds was no easy task.  I decided on some tight criteria to help in the choosing.  In short only local birds would be included so that ruled out some memorable experiences on foreign trips, not least being perhaps the most memorable, a Thrush Nightingale of an evening in Scandinavia.  Each sound had to really mean something to me personally and if not a commonly heard sound, at least it’s not to be a rarely heard one.   I decided also to rule out seabirds as I’m hoping that my desert island will be surrounded with such birds anyway.

If you are not a Radio Four listener, and surely many of my erudite readers will be, and have not listened to Desert Island Discs, this blog title may not mean a great deal to you.  I hope you continue to read and enjoy anyway.

Blackbird

1.  My first choice is the melodic song of the Blackbird.  I have known this song since childhood when even in the East End Newcastle there was a significant dawn chorus in the 1950s, which in truth was rather annoying at the time, as I tried to get extra shut eye before getting up for school.  I am happy to say that even now I rarely go a day without seeing and hearing Blackbirds, whether it be song or alarm calls.  I have wonderful memories of listening to Blackbird song on atmospheric walks as dawn broke and light replaced semi-darkness.  Even more clearly in mind is the song I hear at home in early spring in the morning, but more especially the evening as the bright light is slowly replaced by the dimness of dusk and late evening.

Pink footed Geese

2.  I love bright winter days because of the sharpness and clarity of the light, and perhaps the most evocative sound of winter is that of calling Pink footed Geese, as skeins of them paint letters in the clear azure sky.  There is little better on a winters day than standing on frost coated hard ground, layered up to protect from the biting cold and listening to geese as they fly overhead and across wide open landscapes.  My greatest memories are local ones in Northumberland, and in Dumfries and Galloway.

Baldric the Buzzard, once resident at Muncaster Castle, Cumbria.

3.  Places of wild look and open space are my favourite and I associate the Common Buzzard with such areas.  Although quite commonly seen now this bird will never fail to excite me and the melancholic mewing of these birds is a sound I would not want to miss.

4.  I have rarely missed a visit to Slaley Forest over a good number of years since my first visit with a group of local Bird Forum members some years ago.  Whatever happened to such gatherings?  I remember one memorable evening when a female group member, who will remain anonymous, offered to remove her bra and wave it to attract the birds.  Perhaps the prospect of midge bites made her have second thoughts! The visit was made to find Nightjars, and we had success, and I rarely have I failed to find the birds since.  There is something special about the almost mechanical churring which begins as the darkness of the night sets in and silence takes over.  I have experienced wonderful evenings with special friends being attacked by insects on balmy summer evenings, and one or two cold wet ones too, listening for the churring to begin and eventually being rewarded by the sight of a Nightjar hunting.  I would always be happy to accept no sighting, as it is the sound that excites me, and the wonderful view across Northumberland and into Cumbria as the sun disappears below the horizon that I so much enjoy.

Bullfinch

5.  Another melancholic sound to my ears is that of the Bullfinch.  This song is so easy to miss and is best heard very early in the year when there is little competition from other species.  At this time of year, it signals the spring is not far away even if the conditions of winter still predominate.  A beautiful, quiet and almost mournful song.

6.  It is not easy attempting to choose the sound of a warbler but I decided that it is the simple and short song of the Willow Warbler that I would most like with me.  For many years I have listened for the Willow Warblers song on patch, a sign that spring is truly with us.  It is another sound that I also associate with walking in our wilder areas.

7.  Alone on a desert island would I think require me to have something which would give an uplift to the spirit and I can think of nothing better than the song of the Skylark.  Mentioned in poems by such great poets as Shelley, Meredith, Hughes and Clare and the subject of The Lark Ascending, music by Ralph Vaughn Williams makes it good enough for me.

8.  Thankfully we still have a few Curlews in Northumberland, although it is a bird very much at risk.  Its haunting call would remind me of my home birding area, and I would not want to be without it.

Now I could think of another eight birds sounds and then another eight quite easily, but these are my top choice.

My book choice is just as difficult, but will be the complete works of the poet John Clare which would give me a wealth of pleasure and discovery.  My special item would of course be my binoculars.

If a giant wave came along and washed away all but one of the sounds, without any question the one I would rescue would be the song of the Blackbird.   

 

                                           

Birding South East Northumberland

 We never tire of visiting the coastal area of South East Northumberland as there is so much on offer to those interested in nature, and fortunately the area is generally not overcrowded.  The favourable conditions today did see folk around in some number and several of them were bird watchers.  Our first short stop was at the Queen Elizabeth 11 Country Park to look at the reported Whooper Swan.  We thought it would be an inured or sick bird and it did seem to lack some balance on the water.  The morning air and wind carried a chill and we were soon back into the car and off.

Next stop was at Widdrington Pool where it is rarely warm.  Oddly enough, today it was warm and without wind.  The birding highlights here were two Ruddy Shelduck, two pairs of Great Crested Grebe, one of the pair displaying, Common Buzzard overhead and a distant high Sparrowhawk.  Numbers of Reed Warblers were singing, and their song was to be with us throughout our visit.  Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were also present.  A Water Rail was heard.  Ruddy Shelduck are especially attractive birds in my opinion.  I well remember watching one of these birds at Prestwick Carr.  This bird was even discussed on the BBC Bird Forum which has not existed for years, so this sighting must have been at least sixteen years ago.  Time flies as well as Ruddy Shelducks.   This bird was recorded at various sites in the region and spent some time on Killingworth Lake before disappearing south into Durham.  I wonder if any readers remember seeing it?  Ruddy Shelducks are of course more often as not, escapes from captivity when seen in western Europe.  Very nice birds all the same, and I am pleased to have recorded truly wild birds in Romania.  To return to the BBC Forum, it was a very disorganised affair and although attracting some very keen naturalists who were keen to learn, it also attracted it fair share of keyboard warriors simply out to wind folk up.    It was an introduction in my case to this type of media and where I learned quickly how to deal with troublemakers on the internet.  Social media in the main is not my thing.  Give me personal face to face chat or a good book anytime.

Proud Parents of Druridge Pools

As our birding had been rained off on a previous visit to the area, we next made for East Chevington.  The northern pool was quiet, but still held an odd Goldeneye.  There were plenty of warblers about and the unmistakeable burst of a call from a Cetti’s Warbler was the highlight.  We managed to see the bird briefly as it flew into the reedbed and eventually back again, continuing to call from different areas.  There were few terns about during our visit but we did see Common Tern and eventually Sandwich Tern.  We walked to Chevington Burn and enjoyed a brief sighting of Marsh Harrier and enjoyed the song from Skylarks.  A nice male Stonechat was seen along the way as was Reed Bunting.  We took note of botanical interest and returned via the dunes which we have down for a later visit when more botanical interest will be on show.   A short break was taken at the car for lunch.  I had remembered the sandwiches this time!

I wanna Exmoor Pony!

Our next stop was Druridge Pools.  We were noticing during our trip a general lack of Hirundines, although a few Swallows were seen.  Highlights at Druridge Pools were Egyptian Goose, Avocet, Dunlin, a white semi ruffed Ruff and a sighting of Grasshopper Warbler.  Sam Had been picking up the distant reeling of the latter species throughout the day, but my now less sensitive ears had missed that.  It is always nice to see the Exmoor Ponies at Druridge.  I have asked Sam to ensure that if he ever buys me a pony, that it is an Exmoor Pony.  Curlews were heard.

Distant Avocet at Druridge Pools

We made a brief stop at Cresswell where it was incredibly quiet.  We didn’t bother walking to the hide on this occasion, but noted the Avocets and a few other species before we made off towards home.  A planned stop at Newbiggin was postponed until a later date.

A particularly good day in good conditions, and with some unexpected sightings.