Walking Northwards

18^th Jan.  I decided to brave the cold again and take a walk northwards, thus covering an area that is perhaps the least visited part of the patch by me.

Initially walking through the estates I found large numbers of finches, tits and House Sparrows.  I don’t recall seeing so many Chaffinches in the area before, and Greenfinch was represented too.  Greenfinches continue to visit my garden in good numbers.  Probably garden feeding was attracting the birds and once I was out onto the open farmland there was quite a difference.  The hedgerows were virtually silent and the open fields too were free of much life.

I was initially accompanied only by corvids, gulls and pigeons.  Eventually I found at least three Wrens, a lone Dunnock, and six Pheasants.  Two Brown Hares were seen, keeping their distance from the pathways.  As I passed by the site of tall trees I found in them a flock of twenty plus Fieldfare which took off and called as I walked underneath them.

Any blue sky was now being quickly covered by grey cloud approaching from north, east and west and by the time I’d reached the frozen flashes and the area that I had hoped to see Yellowhammers (but didn’t) I could feel the odd spot of rain on my hands and face.  I didn’t feel like being caught out here in heavy rainfall, so I began to head back.  A handful of Golden Plover flew overhead. 

The return walk brought me a single Reed Bunting which flew off the open field into the hedge that lined the pathway, and an excellent sighting of the Fieldfares now on the ground.  These really are wonderfully marked thrushes.

By now most of the frozen pathways are clearing, but the frozen flashes are testimony to the still low temperatures, so my over heating can only be accounted for by the power walking, the layers of clothing and perhaps the heat emanating from the sweet smelling silage that I passed along the way.  I’d enjoyed the walk, the open spaces, the changing sky and the solitude.  The only words spoken in two hours were ‘you alright’ and ‘hi’ to the infrequent passers by.  Thirty to forty Starlings greeted me with their calling as I approached home and I was under lighter skies again.

Smew Begins Day and Ice Brings it to an End

16^th. I had been informed by Sam yesterday that he had re-found the redhead Smew on its return to patch so dressed in multi-layers I braved the icy paths down to the lake and met up with Sam before a trip to Gosforth Park Nature Reserve.

Icy Patch

 It took me a few minutes to find the Smew, but find it I did and it gave a good sighting if you avoided facing directly into the sun on this bright crisp and icy cold morning.  If anything it was a better sighting than in the poor light of New Years Day, but unfortunately it wasn’t good light for photography at that time of day, such was the direction of the sunlight.  Good to talk to a couple of old friends, and especially good to see BR making it down to the lake.

Smew. (bad light)  

 

There were a couple of contenders for being Scaup.  Sam and I are confident that one of them actually was a Scaup.  Sedgedunum Warbler had found three Wigeon on the larger lake before we had arrived and we soon had those in view along with the likes of Goldeneye and Goosander.  Sam had managed to take some excellent images of Goosander yesterday.  I’d been occupied with more mundane tasks such as shopping!

It wasn’t too long before we were off to Gosforth Park.  No longer flooded, but very icy and/or muddy in places, and much of the pond under ice.  Some of the pathways are closed because of ongoing work, which ought to be noted if you’re a member and planning a visit.  Apparently the Smew had been here yesterday but had naturally been drawn to the delights of Killingworth Lake.  There’s certainly plenty of fish for it there.  I’d been so careful on the ice I perhaps overlooked the other obstacles and caught my foot in the vegetation and fell flat on my face.  There wasn’t too much blood and I survived to continue the day, perhaps protected by all my many layers of clothing.  The feeding station was unusually quiet for such a cold day, although we heard Great Spotted Woodpecker.  The rest of the reserve that we were able to visit was equally quiet.  The pond held Wigeon, Teal, Mallard and Shoveller.  I added Common Snipe to the year list and a little later Jay also, when it flew over the pond.

Our next stop was Prestwick Carr.  I hadn’t (perhaps foolishly) expected conditions to be quite so bad, but it proved impossible (at least it would have been dangerous) to advance very far along the bumpy road.  Sheet ice here was lethal and where the ice had broken up was fairly deep water with in places ice underneath it.  A recipe for disaster, but we did very carefully plodge through the water as it reached almost half way up the Wellington Boots.  I refrained from taking a photo of Sam in the water, remembering my fall earlier.  I didn’t want my day to end with me and camera equipment flat out in icy water.   Surprisingly I wasn’t feeling too cold.  We’d seen a couple of Kestrels on arrival and Common Buzzard was heard before being seen perched (another new one for the year for me).  Again things were very quiet as far as bird life was concerned, but we did have decent sightings of two hunting and calling Short-eared Owls which alone made the trip up there worthwhile.  After a bite to eat we decided that it would be wise to make an exit and return home so the day was cut rather short.  The Willow Tits can wait another opportunity.  As we made off we watched as fifteen plus Pied Wagtails wandered across the frozen flash to the right of us.  We checked for Grey Wagtail but found none.  Unsurprisingly there were few folk about, but we did see three or four.

Not the worst part of the walk.

 

On arrival back on patch we both got an eye on a Grey Wagtail as it flew across near my home so with that one added to the year list I’m giving Sam a good run for his money, not that we ever take numbers seriously!

So I was home in time to listen to the match.  Two good performances in a week.  Can I be dreaming, and it is really the height of summer?

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)