Muddy Waters

Oh, so cold up north that the birds can't hardly fly
So cold up north that the birds can't hardly fly
I'm going back south
And let this winter pass on by
And let this winter pass on by
And let this winter pass on by
Let this winter pass on by, yeah

Lyrics by Muddy Waters
 

10^th Jan.  Well the Met Office almost got things right, but mixed the days up so Sam and I were soaked again as we walked from St Mary’s Island to Seaton Sluice in the wind and rain.  The dry weather forecast actually came the following day when it had been forecast to be heavy rain!  It was good to see clear blue skies.

On the 10^th we had started our walk at Brier Dene where there was a complete lack of birds showing apart from a few tits and Goldfinches.  At least the walk South Bay brought us sightings of several Rock Pipits and a single Purple Sandpiper amongst the flocks of waders.  These were both new to the year list as was Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Redshank and Curlew.  Our lists are coming along fine considering as yet we have barely been out of North Tyneside, apart from reaching Holywell and Seaton Sluice.  We are still in laid back mode but may progress further north to Druridge Bay next week.

A pair of Stonechat were the highlight as we walked to Seaton Sluice and I kept an eye open for early prospecting Fulmars, but saw none, although I know a couple have been seen in the area.

We were cold, damp and muddy and saw little action on or over the sea.  A few auks were seen as were three Common Scoter and the Eiders.  The tide was high ensuring that there was no Knot to be seen on the rocks.  It wasn’t too long before we were making for home.  Walking in places had been quite difficult because of mud and water.  Think I’m gonna be forced to clean my gear!

You may want to keep and eye open for Sam’s annual blog.  Yes it’s COMING SOON @ Sam 

All Weather Birders Rewarded with Slavonian Grebe

9^th Jan.  Sam had been out yesterday and found some decent birds whilst getting soaked to the skin.  We went out today with me hoping for some of the former and as little as possible of the latter.

We began at Backworth and soon had the Green-winged Teal in our sights as we stood surrounded by flooded ground.  The type of day that could produce something special I thought.  Our plan was to walk to Holywell and so we set off under a dark misty sky which was threatening rain.  The threat soon became reality as we listened to calling Linnets.  I’m told skin is water-proof and it seemed that this was going to be tested today, as my coat seems to have lost its powers to keep the rain out.

Initially we had found no White-fronted Geese (Sam had found them yesterday), but keeping an eye on the fields and the flashes we soon spotted a large flock of Greylag Geese in the distance.  Although mist hampered the view we had soon picked out three White-Fronted Geese through the telescope and also one Barnacle Goose.  The rain continued, but at least it wasn’t torrential and a little further along the path we were soon watching a Mediterranean Gull amongst Common and Black-headed Gulls beside another flash.  Three female Bullfinches had led the way.

Such was the chat along the way we seemed to reach Holywell quite quickly, and as we walked along side the mud coloured burn we picked up a number of woodland species including Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker.  As the rain eased and allowed time for some drying we approached the path which led towards the pond and found our first Kestrel of the year.  After a chat with a good friend of ours we headed for the private hide from which we soon picked up Slavonian Grebe at the east end of the pond.  We were thrown into some confusion when we found that this grebe had been reported as Black-necked Grebe.  After a double take we confirmed our own identification, as it turns out it pays to believe your own eyes.  A Mandarin Drake was also soon in our sights, but even this bird didn’t look quite as flashy as usual under such grey skies, and I’m afraid took a back seat to the Slavonian Grebe today.

At different points during the day we found Song Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush and Blackbird, the Fieldfares being heard before seen on each occasion we found them.  Reed Bunting was seen from the hide and we watched Tree Sparrows at the feeding station along with a friendly Brown Rat and finches and tits.  We chatted to AS and JD in the public hide as a Short Eared Owl flew slowly past the hide, and as we watched more closely the Slavonian Grebe and other birds such as Grey Heron, Goosander and Goldeneye.  By now the Mandarin Drake was on the island and it had stopped raining.

We decided to walk down to the dene through mud and water.  Along the way we heard Golden Plover and watched three Stock Doves and a covey of ten Grey Partridges.

We walked through the fields and eventually doubled back into the dene where the burn was deep and running at great speed.  I didn’t think there would be much chance of seeing a Dipper today, but I was wrong and we had sight of one flying down the burn before we headed back towards the pond, finding at least two Goldcrest near the pathway.

The pond was fairly quite on our return.  We walked back along to the private hide chatting to friends as we watched a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers above the feeding station, as likely a place to find them as anywhere.

I took a stop off at the hedge as Sam entered the hide.  Once I caught up and entered the door he was taking photographs and suggested I keep quiet.  The Slavonian Grebe was right outside and so watching and photographing this bird took up most of the rest of our stay.  Neither of us have ever had such a good sighting of Slavonian Grebe.  To top things off a Kingfisher flew past on a couple of occasions, on one such occasion perching on a nearby object.  Well what can one say?  A great way to end a great days birding and I’d really forgotten how damp I was by now!  The Slavonian Grebe was put on edge by the sound of gunshot and then chased off by Mute Swans.

The day could have ended in disaster as I somehow caught my foot in the strap of my camera (don’t ask) and sent it and my new lens crashing to the floor with a very loud bang.  Thankfully it seems intact and there were no tears.  Much to be said for good old Canon equipment.  It won’t leave my neck in future!

We left for home as a large flock of  Lapwing flew overhead.  A quick count shows that we had found sixty-five species on our walk, twenty-seven of them being new to the year list.  Bird of what was a great day was undoubtedly the Slavonian Grebe, although a number of others follow closely behind.

Remember………. it’s good to walk!

All Weather Birders Blown Dry on a Headland

7^th Jan.  It’s rarely stopped raining since our dry walk on patch last Saturday, but the weather forecast suggested brightness as the day went on today, so we agreed that a walk from Seaton Sluice to St Mary’s Island would be a good way to spend a few hours.  The weather forecast was wrong and the rain, murkiness, chill and rough sea that greeted us on arrival at Seaton Sluice headland only worsened as the day went on.  We got no further than the headland, but nevertheless made some good sightings as we lived up to our all weather birder titles.  On our journey to the coast sightings included a flock of Lapwing and Great Black-backed Gull near temporary flashes (or perhaps better to say mini lakes, such were the conditions).

 First birds of note at Seaton Sluice were three Velvet Scoters showing wonderfully well flying south past and fairly close to the headland.  A single Little Gull appeared close to the headland as it also flew south under the cliff and then we had a Little Auk appearing just as close before it disappeared underwater having been dive bombed by one of the many Great Black-backed Gulls.  As the Little Auk appeared, so too did Gannet and Eider Ducks.

Other birds noted included Red-throated Diver (SH only) Cormorant (hugging the shoreline), Shag (SH only), a single Wigeon flying south, Common Scoters flying north (BM only), Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Dunlin (all in flight close to the headland), Kittiwakes, Guillemots and two Razorbills.

We broke for lunch and on return found the area ever more gloomy and bird passage negligible although as we spoke with another birder out walking his dog another Little Auk flew south and again close to the headland.

 

As we left after our first sea-watch of 2016, the rain continued to fall, the burn appeared a muddy grey/brown, shipping rolled on the waves, the waves continued to pound the shoreline, the sands and dunes of the beach to the north was shrouded in mist and Blyth was barely visible.  As we approached home the cloud was breaking up somewhat, but rather latter than forecast.  As for the forecast for tomorrow?  Well surprisingly it’s going to rain!

RSPB Walk on Patch

Once upon a time in the land of misty satin dreams there stood a house
And a man who painted nature scenes
He painted trees
And fields and animals and streams
And he stayed and he didn't hear the falling of the rain
No, he didn't hear the falling of the rain

Billy Joel lyrics

2^nd Jan.  Sodden Killingworth was still attracting a number of birders hoping to find the redhead Smew.  I’m afraid this bird had flown, along with the Scaup, Gadwalls and Shoveller.

The rain had fallen heavily early morning, but I’m pleased to say that the Met Office forecast had been correct and whilst the light remained murky the rain had stopped about an hour prior to our walk beginning at 11.00am.  The ten brave souls who had ignored the weather were to be rewarded with a dry period throughout our time out on the patch.  Although they didn’t say so I suspect at least some were there through loyalty, which Sam and I appreciate.  Our patch can’t match the delights of Spindlestone and Budle Bay where we held our 2015 New Year Walk, but it had been requested, so someone else is aware that the area is interesting and worth watching.   Having had our hot drink and mince pie as way of greeting we set off.  As I say, the Smew and some other species we had hoped for (Sam and I having watched them yesterday), were gone, but there was enough to birds on the lake to keep interest going.  Some of these species taken for granted at times I think and anyone who does so, I think needs to remember some of these birds are disappearing.

The rain kept off as we eventually headed for the village area where we found a couple of Fieldfare.  A rather oddly shaped Oak Tree which Sam and I have being taken note of drew the attention and discussion.  Sam I believe is going to seek specialist advice about it and will feed this back to participants in the future.  The female Sparrowhawk made an appearance overhead once again as we watched what was a generally quiet area today.  Participants did enjoy the rather large flock of Long-tailed Tits.

We decided to call off the walk we had planned around the area of Killingworth Moor such was the forecast and rain cloud closing in around us.  As it happens it didn’t rain heavily until much later in the day.  Still, I think everyone was satisfied with the 2.5 hours we were out, it certainly beats sitting at home and we didn’t get wet!  I said farewell to the group as Sam guided them back to the car-park, so I missed the Great Spotted Woodpecker.  The walk list came to thirty-seven species and had included Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Fieldfare and Coal Tit which had not been seen yesterday.  It had been good to have a non member quite new to birding along today, and who left I think surprised at just what the Killingworth area offers.  Killingworth is not just a Township with a boating lake although, I suspect that even many of the people who live here don’t realise that.

Still no House Sparrow, but I haven’t gone out of my way to find them.  Still in laid back mode.

3^rd Jan.  I decided to take the opportunity to watch the garden today and was rewarded with my first House Sparrows of the year at 13:00 precisely.  I’ve never seen the garden so busy for some time.  Birds which made an appearance where (in no particular order) Song Thrush which hung around to give a song, Blackbird, Carrion Crow (unusual for these to land in my small garden), Jackdaw, Magpie, Starling, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Robin, Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch (at least 6), Greenfinch (7+), Goldfinch (2), Sparrowhawk (OK it didn’t land, but it was over the garden so I’m counting it) and of course the House Sparrows.  Now I can’t compare this to those who have large gardens, but as mine is about as small as they get I’m pleased with such numbers.  Missing were the Coal Tits and Wren.  Numbers are no doubt related to the non appearance of the killer cats for much of the time.  When they did appear I did also and they left swiftly.

Lots of rain forecast for this coming week so I may be watching the garden quite a bit more!

Smew Beauty...2016 Begins on Patch

1^st Jan.  As we are leading a walk in Killingworth tomorrow planned to cover several miles, Sam and I decided to confine ourselves to the area around the lake and village today and follow a laid back approach to beginning our 2016 lists.  Whilst down at the lake we began to feel that the area had become the place to be such was the number of birders about (good to see familiar faces and enjoy a chat).  Had everyone learned of the wonderful conservation management that has gone on in Killingworth (that’s a joke by the way) and decided to start there New Year in style.  Nah, it soon became apparent that it was the redhead Smew that was attracting folk.  This is a bird I have never seen on patch and I understand that there has been no sighting of one on the lake for years.  Does anyone know when that was?  Well, what a way to begin the year.  A great sighting of a beautiful bird, and seen in flight too.  When it flew to the far end of the larger lake it give even better sightings to the three of us who bothered to walk down there in fading light.  The lighting conditions were very poor this afternoon and the balmy days that we have enjoyed during December seem to be at an end.  New patch tick for me on day one and a lifer for Sam.

I'm telling you, there was a Smew there!

My day had begun fairly late with some garden watching.  Starling, Collared Dove and Blue Tit being the first three birds seen in 2016.  Numbers of Greenfinch soon arrived at the seed and it has been good to see numbers of this species seeming to increase on patch recently.  Are they recovering from the disease which inflicted them in recent years (I’m not going to try to spell it)?  Not at all surprised to see Starlings as there are still a fair number in Killingworth as anyone who shops at Morrison’s would be able to confirm.  Sadly no House Sparrows seen at all today.  A year list beginning with no House Sparrow on it is sad indeed.

A little later it was down to the lake to meet with Sam.  It seemed that perhaps the dropping temperatures had brought some birds to the lake.  There was certainly more Goosanders about and numbers of Goldeneye may well have increased too.  Gadwall remain and a female Shoveller was picked up.  A Scaup too, a species we added to the list early last year.  Only one Pochard was seen!  Coot numbers are well down and have been for sometime.  The usual wildfowl was present amongst them two Greylag Geese.  A number of Pied Wagtails were heard and seen.

Distant Smew

We wandered through what was in general quiet woodland near the new housing development.  This allowed us to pick up a small flock of Redwing, Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush.  We eventually wandered over to the village area where the church grounds were almost silent, in total contrast to our previous visit.  The rest of the area was especially quiet too, although we did find a flock of Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tit and Great Tit.

Although still fairly early, the cloud build up meant that the light was already dimming, so as we doubled back towards the lake I picked up the telescope from home.  Well yes, we determined to have a good look at this Smew while we had the chance and having watched it at length I have to say it’s the best sighting of a Smew I’ve ever had.

Keeping its distance!

 

So having said goodbye to Sam I marched off home with telescope and binoculars, well satisfied with the few hours on patch and dreaming of what wonders 2016 has in store.  Just before arriving home as darkness was creeping in I listened to the song from a Song Thrush.  I later found that I had recorded forty species in a rather small area of the patch.  As I say, laid back birding has a lot to recommend it and the many other species will I’m sure oblige as the  year moves on, but in any event it’s quality wot counts and the Smew was definitely a quality sighting.

Happy New Year.

Smew Mergellus albellus

Etymology: albellus diminutive of albus, L. for white, in reference to drake plumage.  Mergellus diminutive of mergus meaning little merganser.  Common name, known since 1668, derives from Smee Duck and refers to kurr-rik or krr-eck call of drake.

(Info taken from B Fs of the W, Ducks, Geese and Swans/Janet Kear)

2015...A Year in the Life (plus awards)

Where have all the Bloggers Gone?  This year seems to have seen several local bloggers disappear, or at least almost disappear.  I think this warrants a song!

Where have all the bloggers gone,
Long time passing,
Where have all the bloggers gone,
Long time ago,
Where have all the bloggers gone,
Enticed by Twitter every one,
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

  As you see I remain (despite a recent short disappearance) and continue to enjoy the blogs that do appear so hope you keep them coming folks.

The Curate’s Egg.  This year of 2015 has seen me enter my eleventh year of volunteering with the RSPB (an experience analogous to the curate’s egg), although my only input of late has been leading walks. In recent years these have been alongside Samuel Hood and we began 2015 with a well attended New Year Walk at Spindlestone and Budle Bay.  This coming year we begin on patch at Killingworth which is perhaps less picturesque, but equally interesting.  I hope a few attend and catch the area before it is almost completely covered in concrete and brick as per North Tyneside Council plans!  I’ve made some good friends along the way during my volunteering, met a few interesting people and hopefully inspired a few folk to take a keener interest in nature and conservation.  As someone who supports RSPB ideals, I do wish that the organisation would make itself more visible to the public in this area, although I wish to take nothing away from the great work done at places like Coquet Island, Geltsdale and Saltholme etc.

Killy’s Organisation of the Year Award.  This award once again goes to the Natural History Society of Northumbria which does such a great job in involving and informing the public about natural history and conservation.  This is an organisation that I am proud to be a member of.

Short Eared Owls.  I mention Sam above.  Most of my birding adventures include Sam and early in the year a birding highlight was watching three Short Eared Owls at Warkworth.  It was through Short Eared Owls that Sam and I became such good friends and it is a species that is close to top of both our lists of favourite species.  One of my real rewards has been following Sam’s progress and development as a photographer and naturalist and he has done himself proud this year especially, and my own year seems a tad boring in comparison.  Incidentally Sam has won and been highly commended once again in December in the RSPCA Photography Awards and I include an image here from his highly commended portfolio.  I won’t list all the other achievements of this young man’s in 2015, as I’m hoping that Sam will get round to writing up his adventures himself at some point. :-)  We have of course watched the Short Eared Owls more recently at St Mary’s Island, although sadly there have been none on patch this year.

Killy’s Personality of the Year Award goes to none other than… hushed silence…drum roll…….yes… Samuel Hood!

By courtesy of Samuel Hood.

 

The Patch.  To use a line from Bob Dylan, the patch it is a changing!  This was noticeable when Sam and I made a recce on 29th for our New Year Walk.  The lake has been quiet much of the year, and most unusual was the lack of Pochard recently, a species that we know is facing problems on a wider scale.  Is it the weather, the water and eco-system or down to plain old poor management?  Building work has been completed near my favourite insect area and although not yet encroaching upon that area, works traffic  led to spoiling of the area, and work has begun on a large area planned for housing along the road.  We watched Goosanders and Goldeneye on the lake, found the likes of Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpeckers in their favoured area, and best of all had a great sighting of a Sparrowhawk in display flight in the sun.  Fox and Grey Squirrel were also seen.  Early in the year we spent a few evenings on a newly explored are of the patch where we found a large flock of Golden Plover, and displaying Lapwings with the likes of Grey Partridge and Brown Hares nearby.  The Mute Swan numbers are now right down, but happily a pair produced young for the second year running after no successful breeding on the lake for a few years.  Sadly despite having five Great Crested Grebes on the lake earlier in the year, lots of display and nesting attempts, there was no success in producing young.  That’s the first failure for several years.  Some possible reasons have been mentioned in my blog over the year.  Killy’s Idiot of the Year Award goes jointly to the couple who deliberately spent time ramming the Great Crested Grebe nest with a remote controlled toy boat whilst the adult bird sat on eggs at a late stage of incubation.  When I approached this pair (not children, but a pair of 30+) I was told by them they didn’t realise that there was a bird on a nest.  Polite words fail me!

I was able to add three new species to my patch list this year.  Not uncommon birds by any means, but good sightings all the same.  These were Stonechat, Jay would you believe, and very recently Gadwall.  There are presently two male and a female Gadwall on the lake and we hope that this may herald more Gadwall on the lake over time.  The likes of Shoveller and Oystercatcher are now often seen.  Oh and I mustn’t forget that family of four Whooper Swans seen resting on the lake before we watched them take off and continue their journey.

Orange Tip Butterfly at Holywell.

 

Butterflies.  I’ve watched butterflies locally and a few other areas including Smardale and the Bishop Middleham Old Quarry.  The most frequent butterfly seen on patch, including my garden is undoubtedly the Speckled Wood which wasn’t to be seen at all in the area only a matter of a few years ago.  I’ve again had Holy Blue Butterflies appearing in the garden and I believe that they are laying eggs on the Holly Trees here.  The most significant find by Sam and I were both Holy Blue and White-letter Hairstreak in Holywell Dene.  We believe that Holy Blue would be uncommon here and we know of no one who has seen White-letter Hairstreak.  These were of course reported to the relevant agency, but unfortunately no response was made to our request for information!

Holy Blue in the garden

 Raven and chuff(ed).  Sam and I were very, very chuffed to record a Raven at Prestwick Carr on 27^th January.

Migrant Waders.  Holywell Pond and surrounds certainly delivered the migrant waders this year and I’m pleased that Sam and I were first to find at least some of them.  We acquired quite a list over a period of a few days in August.  These included Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper (at least a dozen on the fence at one point), Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Ruff and Pectoral Sandpiper along with other more common waders.  Soon over, but a feast indeed and one of the years highlights.  That close up Green Sandpiper with Water Rail on a quiet sunny and warm evening was one of the best sightings of the year.  I was accompanied by Sam and Tom on that occasion.

You’ve Been Framed…Bird of the Year.  Always a difficult one and it might change tomorrow, but I’m going for the Lapland Bunting seen on the path at St Mary’s Island and mark my word it has been framed!  Bird of the year, perhaps because it give me and Sam so much opportunity to study it and it is certainly the best sighting I’ve had of Lapland Bunting and for Sam it was a lifer.  Afterwards I saw a wonderful painting of this bird by City Birding on his blog and Dick very kindly come to arrangement which allowed me to have it.  It looks excellent framed Dick and it will soon be on Sam’s wall (if it isn’t already).  Many thanks Dick and you have Killy’s 2015 Award for Kindness.

Mammal of the Year.  Think it has to go to the adult with calf Minke Whales seen at Druridge Bay by Sam and me.  We have it on good authority that to see a Minke with calf off the coast of Northumberland is very uncommon.  Sadly I missed several things this year due to illness and one of the best of Martin Kitching’s Whale Watching trips was amongst them.  Happily Sam was able to go and provide details of what I had missed and I know Martin will remind me too every time he bumps into me! :-)

RSPB Walk of the Year.  As I mentioned above, Sam and I lead walks.  The best one without doubt this year was at one of my favourite areas of Northumberland, Harthope Valley.  The fact that only one other person joined us perhaps says a lot, but in fact led us to having a very special day.  We had sightings of all the birds we would have expected including Ring Ouzel, Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Whinchat, Dipper, Red Grouse etc etc and an unexpected sighting later in the day on our return of Hen Harrier.  The latter sightings whereabouts was reported to the RSPB only.

Harthope Valley

  

It’s a Good Read.  I’ve gotten through much reading this year, but three books in particular spring to mind.  The content of Common Ground by Rob Cowen reminded me very much of my experiences on my own patch, its history, future, problems and wildlife.  The Invention of Nature, the biography of Alexander Humboldt by Andrea Wulf was a good read, but if you’re after lots of details and the excitement of his travels you’re far better I think reading Humboldt’s own works.  The Biography very much focuses on his influence upon others such as Charles Darwin, and how these individuals took forward ideas based on Humboldt’s thinking.  My read of the year was the Poyser Bird Observatories of Britain and Ireland and this wins Killy’s Book of the Year Award.  I’d often thought this book from the title sounded boring, but having read it found I was wrong.  It deals with details of all of the current recognised observatories, history, birds and other wildlife, personalities etc.  I came across mention of a few people I knew.  An excellent read and each observatoryis given individual attention from different authors. So a wide range of styles.

Other Good Experiences.  Guess I could go on at length here but I don’t want you yawning your way into 2016 so I’ll keep it short.  Some things that spring to mind are the trips to Bass Rock (NHSN) and Northern Pennines (NEWT).  The former offering Gannets, other seabirds and Velvet Scoters at Aberlady, and the latter including the Black Grouse Lek plus lots of other great birds.  I have to say that this year I have never felt as cold as when I stepped out of the car and spent a few minutes in the cold air of the uplands.  I’m feeling cold now thinking of it!  Druridge Bay has certainly delivered this year too.  Great sighting of an unexpected Osprey at East Chevington to add to the one over the sea at Seaton Sluice.  Then there was the annual pilgrimage to Slaley for the Nightjars and on and on.

Bass Rock

 

Best Christmas Present Ever.  Keith Brockie print of the Isle of May given to me by Sam.

Killy’s 2015 Award for Loyal Follower.  Sedgedunum Warbler has followed me for years so…………oh damn I’ve run out of awards.  Sorry John maybe next year!  Pity as they were good ones this year too.

All the Best to everyone for 2016 and may you keep your heads above water and not suffer from wind!

A Christmas Appeal from Santa Claus

Santa Claus has asked if I would place a message on my blog as a matter of urgency.  He tells me that in all his many Christmas’s he has never known it be so warm in December and this has meant that he is now having a crisis concerning clothing for himself and his many little helpers during there round of deliveries.  Santa feels they will all over heat never get the work done if they dress as they have in the past and therefore they have an urgent need for tee shirts and wellies (wellies for the many flooded areas they have to visit).  Now this is where your help is required.  Do you have any unwanted tee shirts (good condition only) that you could send to Santa?  Now Santa requires an extra large tee shirt as he has eaten so many mince pies and drank so much over the years (he guessing some readers will have similar problems), although his little helpers are in fact little so would require tee shirts and wellies in small sizes.  Santa’s wellies would need to be size 14.5.  Santa sends his thanks in anticipation and asks that you simply send to Mr S Claus, Santa’s Grotto, Lapland or simply stick ‘em up your chimney.  Any cash donations would be gratefully received too.

I’m wondering if the number of climate change doubters has fallen in recent times or if there are still many with their heads in the sand or under water.  Interestingly I’m reading The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf with outlines the adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt.  It seems that Humboldt forecast man made climate change as early as 1800!  I’ve only ever been vaguely aware of Humboldt so I’m enjoying reading about a man who inspired not only Charles Darwin (who had a set of Humboldt’s books on his shelves on The Beagle), but someone as well known as Simon Bolivar.  Humboldt has more things named after him than any other person.  I will have the book finished before 2016 and be ready to start a new year of reading.

I decided to have a short break from blogging, but in any event circumstances meant I had little choice really.  My outings have been restricted to a trip to Druridge some weeks ago with Sam and Lee where I failed narrowly to catch sight of the Long Billed Dowitcher, but nevertheless enjoyed the skeins of Pink-footed Geese which put a fine show on during the time we were there.  Red-throated Divers into double figures showed well, with some of them very close to shore and we found at least three pairs of Stonechat.  So warm was it that we had a butterfly over the dunes, probably a Small Tortoiseshell.

A female Gadwall appeared on the lake on the 17^th and was first seen by Sam.  This gave us both our first Gadwall on patch.  Today it has been joined by two males.  A significant sighting.  Incidentally, it is not known where the term Gadwall is derived from and its meaning is unknown.

The garden has brought me sightings of a Great Spotted Woodpecker, the first one seen by me there for some years, a fleeting visit from the Sparrowhawk yesterday and growing numbers of Greenfinch and thankfully a few House Sparrows have returned to feed but sadly no longer roost at the bottom of the garden and who can blame them with those damn prowling ‘moggies’ about!

Merry Christmas to all.