Frozen!

17^th Jan. A non birding day, but I took a look at the lake as I came past on my return from Forest Hall. I wanted to track down the Grey Wagtail seen by Sedgedunum Warbler. I failed. Most of the lake is frozen and all of the Goosanders appear to have fled. The gull flock on the ice was made up primarily of Black Headed and Common Gulls along with a few Herring Gulls.

To my surprise I found a pair of Shoveller at the far end of the lake. Believe it or not that is a patch tick for me! I had been alerted by Sam that they had been around at some point last year. At least one pair of Goldeneye remains and Pochard numbers appear to have grown. The Mute Swans, Canada Geese and Greylag Geese were tightly flocked at the far end of the lake.

Owls Aplenty

Not a Dipper on patch, but one from Jesmond dene yesterday.

16^th Jan. With a very hard frost overnight and temperatures not seeming to rise very much as the day went on it was a time to leave your brass monkeys wrapped up at home and next to the central heating. Cold though it might be, it was another wonderful winter’s day with clear skies and clear light. The past few days have been fantastic and if all winter days could be like this I’d gladly pass on the wet damp days of a British summer. I felt I ought to get out and about this afternoon. Harry Potter can wait. I’m well into the third volume now anyway so well on target to finish the lot before the end of spring.

Alerted yesterday to the fact that a couple of Short Eared Owls were still about I made for the frosty paths of the wagon-ways wrapped up for Arctic conditions. How some people manage to wander round in light jackets and tee shirts in weather like this beats me. Maybe its years of practice of a Friday night in the Bigg Market.

All was quiet until I came across a small flock of Yellowhammers and then my first Short Eared Owl seen on patch this year (I’ve not been looking). I watched it at length until it dropped behind a hedge. I moved on and further down the wagon-way passing only a couple of Great Tits, Dunnocks and Pheasants. I looked back across to where I had seen the Short Eared Owl and it had been joined by another. I watched them meet in the air. One was distinctly pale in colour. The light was perfect for watching these birds. Then I found another Short Eared Owl, although it was becoming difficult to count them as they were hunting over a wide area, I was sure I had three owls. Then I got my eye on another and found that they seemed to be staying in two pairs. One of the birds eventually flew very close and almost over my head, and it was clearly watching me. It flew off into the more distant fields and into the sun. Three Short Eared Owls remained in the air to my left. I’d watched at least four Short Eared Owls then, and I just don’t know if there were more in the distant fields. I accept that it doesn’t match the show that has been put on at Prestwick Carr this winter, but for me, to find these birds on patch and watch them like this is every bit as exciting and rewarding. I’m surprised, although not overly concerned, that more people aren’t out watching them. It’s good to have the place almost to myself. As the light began to dim a flock of circa thirty Golden Plover flew towards the east and Mute Swans seemed to be returning to the lake in the opposite direction.

So I left for my return home very pleased with myself. By the time I approached the village the sun was a ball of fire in a colourful sky. The clear skies have led to some wonderful sunsets of late as well as minus degree temperatures. As I left the village behind and approached home the Jackdaws flew overhead and give their unmistakeable calls, underlining that the day was not quite over yet

Fisher, Dipper and Rail

A frosty walk

15^th Jan. I’m reliably informed it was minus five degrees early this morning. It certainly felt bitterly cold as I left for Heaton Park and Jesmond Dene. The frost was still thick in places in the dene at noon and despite being wrapped up like a Christmas parcel, I never felt warm at any point during my walk. A thin layer of ice was forming along the side of the burn that was the most shaded.

Unusually there were few birds near the entrance to Heaton Park but I did eventually find a male Blackcap along with the tits and Blackbirds. A little further in to the park and at least two Nuthatches were found, heard before seen, along with the first Treecreeper of the day and Great, Coal, Blue and Long Tailed Tits. Quite a few Stock Doves were around, but I saw no sign of woodpeckers. Three Mistle Thrushes flew from the tops of the taller trees.

The first Dipper of the day was found under the road bridge next to Armstrong Bridge before entering the dene proper. I watched the white of the blinking nictitating membrane as the bird dipped on a rock. At least three Goldcrest were found near to Pets Corner, as was the next Treecreeper and flock of Long Tailed Tits, but after that apart from Mallards, of which there were many, and a couple of Moorhens things went very quiet.

It wasn’t until approaching the South Gosforth area that the Kingfisher was seen and then at least one more Dipper showed very well. The surprise bird of the day was a Water Rail which showed really well before running along the bank of the burn and disappearing. I went most of last year without finding Water Rail, and so far this month I’ve had two fine sightings.

As I say, the dene was very cold, but picturesque in the frosty atmosphere. I perhaps ended the walk a little earlier than I have in the past. The cold and thoughts of the match on TV quickened the footsteps I think. I was back in time for kick off and the score warmed me up even if the match itself had not been too hot.

Bittern X Two

Another room with a view. This time with sunny, frozen outlook and Bitterns!



I can remember when you rarely saw anyone in this area!

Wonderful habitat

14^th Jan. More great sightings of a Bittern today. This time initially half hidden on the edge of the reeds (a sighting at anytime I would be very pleased to have recorded) then fully exposing itself on the frozen pond at Gosforth Park N R. As this Bittern was being watched another flew across the pond from the far reeds. I hadn’t been able to pick this one up in my binoculars as it too had apparently been standing at the edge of the reedbed. I’ll let Sam’s photo’s (up in the next day or two) say the rest. Not a bad sighting for your first Bittern Sam!? All of this when the Common Snipe seemed to have remained in the exact same position that I saw it two days ago! A Reed Bunting was seen in the reeds. Attention taken by the Bitterns, I didn’t spend to much time looking at the ducks but most were once again Wigeon, which had been heard whistling as we approached the pond

Whilst watching the Bittern I was asked by a fellow birder who joined us, everyone else had left, if I had lost my wallet. My first reaction was to say no. Then I felt my pocket and realised I had lost the wallet! Thanks to reserve warden Paul Drummond for taking this to my home. I’m very grateful.

The reserve was at it best today. An icy but sunny day with clear skies. The feeding station was busy with birds and bird watchers. We were all asked to show our membership cards this morning and I guess that was when the wallet went. It seems non-members have been filling the hide at the feeding station and members have not been able to get in. Cheek of it! Joining the NHSoc is quite easy, as is paying the subs! I actually had a conversation with someone a while back who told me that he had every right to enter the reserve and enjoy nature without becoming a member of the society. Sadly attitudes like that are not unusual in society.

Anyway once the wallet business had been sorted a trip was made to Prestwick Carr. That damn Great Grey Shrike eluded me again. I apparently missed it by minutes if not seconds. Not to worry, as the show put on by the Short Eared Owls more than made up for it. Once again flying north, south and east of the bumpy road. I remain in love with the Bittern, but those Short Eared Owls know how to pull at my heart strings.

Bittern By Love!

My thanks to Cain Scrimgeour (Holywell Birding) for allowing me to use his images.

12^th Jan. I visited Gosforth Park today with Cain (Holywell Birding). It had been a long time since we had the chance to take in a days birding together (and quite some time since I had been to the reserve), but today was well worth waiting for. The previous nights wind had departed and the heavy shower of this morning had soon passed over to leave sunshine and clear skies.

The new feeding station was quiet on our arrival, but soon picked up and several Nuthatches were seen. Other birds visiting included Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Blackbird Robin, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Magpie, and Stock Dove. I reckon the cost of seed must be quite substantial! It’s an excellent station though with a nice view through the woodland. God forbid that Newcastle City Council allows planning permission for houses on the land next to this reserve. It would be an absolute disgrace if such a plan is allowed to go through and ruin this reserve!

We next headed to the pond and hide with thoughts of Bittern on our minds. I remember when you walked through this reserve and never saw a soul. It seems that the long needed modernisation of the Natural History Society has brought with it many new members who now visit the reserve. We arrived at the hide having negotiated the very muddy pathway. A Common Buzzard was quickly found in the bordering tree line and I thin k I caught a fleeting sighting of a Sparrowhawk before it dropped into the reeds. A Common Snipe was picked up along one of the channels, although not showing well. Wigeon had overtaken the pond although a few Teal were there, along with five Shoveller.

Patience eventually paid off and the Bittern made a momentary appearance at it flew out and then straight back into the reedbed. It was only a few yards from the hide. I wanted more, but settled my mind to the fact that at least I had taken in the briefest of sightings and had myself a year tick of one species I rarely see. After some time the Bittern reappeared and gave a far better sighting as it stood at the edge of the reedbed in typical Bittern posture with neck stretched. It eventually came further out of the reeds although it was very much on guard and nervous. We had several minutes watching before the bird took off and flew to the other side of the pond. This is without any doubt what so ever my best ever sighting of a Bittern both on the ground and in flight. A guy who had joined us in the hide told us he had been a casual birder for forty years and had never seen a Bittern. He had not realised that Bitterns were in the reserve, so the sighting had come as a complete surprise. He was over the moon and delighted that we had initially pointed the bird out to him. I was over the moon too and very pleased for him. You could almost feel the delight within the hide. Already this year I have another top birding experience for 2012. Great to share it with Cain and others.

We completed the circuit of the reserve, ‘plodging’ through the mud, during which we found Jays and a number of relaxed Roe Deer which watched us through the trees as we watched them. Unfortunately the only squirrel we found was of the grey variety.

Next stop was Prestwick Carr. The sun was bright by now and the area had again attracted numerous birders. We’d hoped for the Great Grey Shrike and did do a careful search for it up and down the bumpy road. We chatted to PCW and a number of other birders. The shrike was being seen, but it was one of those days when we arrived just a few minutes too late. The sun didn’t help when scanning the area and like a number of other people we just had no luck in finding this bird at all. We did find at least six Common Buzzards, too many Kestrels to remember, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit and Mistle Thrush.

The Short Eared Owls were what had attracted most people of course and they did put on a wonderful showing on both sides of the road, both perched and in flight. We reckoned that we had seen ten birds by the time it was going home time. Another Roe Deer appeared in the tall grass. It had been a really grand day. Great stuff! I’m now in love with a Bittern

Cresswell Walk

Photos taken my walk participant

Atmospheric Day

7^th Jan. I’d had my fingers crossed since arranging this RSPB walk, as I had hoped we would avoid the icy conditions of last year. Not that I would have minded too much, but I think participation may have been limited. In the event we had twenty-one participants come along on a rather breezy, but otherwise wonderful January day. A day which offered very good lighting conditions. After we had picked up our youngest participant Sam we headed for Cresswell, catching a glimpse of a Sparrowhawk as we left Killingworth. Sam is a keen photographer and also gaining a keen interest in birds and nature and has provided some good photographs from the day on his blog, which is well worth following. We met everyone in the car-park at Cresswell and before beginning the walk enjoyed coffees, cakes and mince pies provided by members. It was a very nice way to begin what was to be a good days birding and I thank those who contributed the goodies and their time.

Sam has provided a report on his blog so I’ll keep mine short. Well short in a relative sense. :-) We picked up divers auks and waders as we walked along the beach, but got back onto the road as I felt the inlets about to flood with the incoming tide. I was pleased to have found a small flock of Twite even though they were very flighty in the windy conditions. Tree Sparrows were found at Bells Farm as were four Grey Partridges.

The birds of the day were undoubtedly the three Short Eared Owls. I initially caught site of one in the dunes as we returned towards the pond hide. Three Short Eared Owls went on to perform for us for about ninety minutes. This gave me some of my best ever sightings of this species and was a grand way to end the day. They were certainly catching the attention of passing motorists some of whom stopped to ask what species they were. A Kingfisher also put in an appearance and at one point circled in front of the hide. The pair of Stonechats also entertained us as we watched the Short Eared Owls as the sun began to set. With several hundred Pink-footed Geese keep taking to the air and flocks of Wigeon and Teal on and over the sea the day could not have worked out better. It provided fifty-four species. After my trip to Norfolk and this walk I was cream crackered on Saturday night.

My all weather birder mate Tom is back in Yorkshire for the time being at least. His blog is another that I reckon is going to be well worth following in the longer term so I hope you’ll consider following if you don’t already do so.

Postcard from (a Golden) Norfolk

Photo Provided by Andrew Kinghorn (The Fog). The Golden Pheasants were seen remarkably well and at length.

What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song,
And I’ll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm,I get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.

Beatles Lyrics

5^th and 6^th Jan. Military manoeuvres began at 2.00am on the 5^th when I was picked up by Andrew (The Fog) and we set of for Sheffield to meet Tom (Flat Cap Birder). Tom took over as driver and we headed for Norfolk with a stop at the Wolferton Triangle shortly after light had appeared. It wasn’t too long before we were watching two Golden Pheasants. A great start and highlight of the trip which brought me a lifer. Having visited once before and never having had a sniff of these birds I hadn’t been overly confident that they would appear let along give the long and stunning showing that they did. A Muntjac Deer was also seen. A return was made to Kings Lynn railway station to pick up Oliver who had been slightly delayed by falling wires on the rails as he had travelled from London. We then set off from Buckenham Marshes.

I remember the last time I visited Buckenham Marshes, it was windy and cold. This time it was windy and cold and wet. I didn’t let this nor the fact that for a time I felt I was about to throw up at any second take my mind off why we were here. The main objective was the Lesser White Fronted Goose and it was eventually seen. I’m told the one I saw here last year was in fact a hybrid so I’ve made sure that I now have this species legitimately on my life list. Pink-footed Geese had been seen on the journey and I’m now pleased that I have seen Taiga Bean Geese and in some number, if somewhat distant. There were numbers of Egyptian Geese around with a few Barnacle and Canada Geese too. In between watching the geese we were entertained by flocks of waders and ducks, the large flocks Golden Plovers being the highlight. I’d like to say they looked good in the sun but there wasn’t too much of that, although it did appear eventually!

It was onward to Hickling Broad and Stubbs Mill. The entry fee into Hickling Broad Reserve began to make me think that Norfolk birding doesn’t come cheaply. As it happens the spectacle that was to come later was a birding treat that I would have paid a great deal more to see. The reserve itself was quiet with only the odd Marsh Harrier to be seen so we made off towards the raptor roost viewing point. I remembered the area vaguely from a visit some years ago. We soon picked up the three Common Cranes on the ground as another two flew in. Then the Marsh Harriers began to arrive in numbers. They just kept on coming and I thought they were never going to stop. Thirty plus were counted up in the air at one time and we reckoned in total that there were more than fifty of these birds. Two ringtail Hen Harriers put in an appearance along with two Merlin. I had not anticipated how fantastic an experience this would be and it is one of my top birding experiences in the UK. If I have anything like this again during 2012 I’ll be well pleased. By now I had shaken of the earlier feelings of sickness and enjoyed the walk back to the car in the fading light. A great way to end the day before heading to accommodation in Great Yarmouth, some fish and chips and a well earned pint before sleep came at last.

Off after a good breakfast on day two we had hope to find the Great Northern Diver, but that wasn’t to be although Andrew picked up a Kingfisher whilst we were looking for the diver. A Harris Hawk flew over head, but no guys I haven’t put it on the list. The Bewick’s Swans at Ludham had disappeared too but we did find a flock of Whooper Swans and watched a Merlin chasing a bird up in the air.

Snow Buntings were found in the car park before we moved on for what was to be the big one, the Western Sandpiper at Cley. Tom and Andrew had watched this bird last year and I wasn’t able to join them, so I was anxious to get it on my UK list. Having shelled out more cash, we entered the busy reserve. I had been confident of seeing this bird but the confidence began to drain quite quickly. I’m patient when watching for birds, but the general atmosphere was suggesting to me that this bird was not going to show easily. I found the behaviour of some birders in the hide completely out of order and the type that gets birding a bad image. I nearly had my eye pushed into my eye piece on one occasion, I was stood on and pushed around and have felt safer in the crowd at a football match. Never mind, my thanks to Tom for getting me onto Western Sandpiper. I had a very acceptable sighting of the bird which is a UK tick for me. I sure I would have felt a bit down if I’d missed this one. By now we had seen many waders and added Brent Geese to the list also. Cetti’s Warbler was heard. It was time to leave.

We moved on to Holkham where the fields held thousands of geese and a Barn Owl appeared content sitting out in the open. In places the flocks were packed closely together. On the whole they were Pink-footed Geese, but we picked up two Ross’s Geese, and Barnacles and Greylags were also easily picked up. We parked at St Annes Drive and walked into Holkham Gap hoping for Shore Lark, but had no luck with them. Flocks of Skylark were on the marsh. When we returned we heard Jay and then had a rather nice sighting of one of them. Oliver especially wanted to find the Rough Legged Buzzards which would be a lifer for him. It was good that it was he who eventually picked the first bird up. We saw two Rough Legged Buzzards really well. One of them an especially pale bird. Then it was off to Titchwell.

The Coue's Arctic Redpoll was quickly found along with Lesser Redpoll. I’m still struggling with these Arctic Redpolls! Also had a close sighting of a Water Rail at this time. We found a number of waders near to the sea including a group of circa forty Grey Plover. Long Tailed Duck and Red-Breasted Merganser were also amongst birds seen. The sun was almost gone by now on what had been a far less windy day with really good light. On return walk to the centre a pair of Pintail was seen on the marsh and two Avocets were on the pool. As our second day was ending a ring tailed Hen Harrier flew over the marsh and passed over our heads.

It was time to head for home now at the end of two great days in equally great company. Good birding is always made even better if the company is good too. I want to thank Tom for the driving throughout the birding days and Andrew for getting me to and from Sheffield. The bird list for the trip came to 103 on my reckoning. I’ve certainly never started a years birding so well as in 2012. My mission has begun. All this after the Magpies walloping the Reds of Manchester!

The following day I led an RSPB walk and that was pretty good too. More of that later.