Killingworth Lake comes alive in the winter with Goosander and Goldeneye entertaining local birders. Numbers of Goosander have been particularly high this winter, with up to 26 noted so far this month.
Many birders have enjoyed great views of the visiting Smew. There has also been amongst the Tufted Duck and handful of Pochard a few Scaup over the past few weeks. Some have been adults, some immature males, but there have also been a couple of hybrids. Their parentage is open to debate.
Reports of a Black Scoter towards the end of January/early February at Stag Rocks, Bamburgh are now thought to relate to a bird which is more likely to be a hybrid individual. As the weather calmed the bird opted to come closer to the shoreline and birders were lucky to secure better views.
A full comprehensive round-up of member’s records during the last two months can be found in the club bulletins. If you are not a member, and you would like to benefit from regular indoor meetings, field trips, access to the NTBC Seawatching hide at Seaton Sluice and the flagship annual report which is free to members each year please visit our Join Page.
An Immature female Scaup at Killingworth Lake on the 10th February by M.P.Frankis
