At last a chance to “unblock” a Mega County rarity. Apart from a single observer sighting a couple of years ago, the last Northumberland twitchable Bridled Tern was missed by your’s truly, by one minute, at Hauxley 25 years ago!  So when news broke ,last night of one lingering on Inner Farne,I was distraught when unable to get away from work. However, a sleepless night saw me en-route at 4. 30 a.m. to catch the 6a.m. boat. Around 70-80 guys were assembled at Seahouses harbour,some having driven from as far as  London, Birmingham and Glasgow,such is the pull of this species. A sigh of relief ran around ,as news came that the Tern was showing well near the jetty on Inner Farne. Half an hour later ,we were all enjoying cracking views of this Tropical wanderer,as it flew with the Arctic Terns and landed on nearby rocks. What a bird! Of course,the Farnes were alive with thousands of seabirds ,but on this occasion they were relegated to also-rans.

Back on the mainland, a look at Monk’s House Pool revealed a sad sight, as a Common Tern hung dead on a barbed wire fence,caught by it’s foot!

Budle Bay held over 300 Shelduck, and a pair of Common Sandpipers. Sandwich Terns fished the inlets.

At Maidens Hall around 500 Swifts and 100 Sand Martins fed over the lake, a fine sight.

Down the coast to East Chevington,where some 400 -500 Terns loafed in the shallows. A mix of Sandwich, Common and Arctics. A female Marsh Harrier also seen. At Cresswell, 2 Avocets fed ,as did 2 Black tailed Godwits and a single Little Gull.

A.S.Jack

One of those magical days in Northumberland !  Having been notified via text from Birdguides that a Bridled Tern had been seen briefly on the Farne Islands I was convinced after no further reports that it had moved on. A phone call though from Alan Tilmouth followed and agreed that a speculative boat trip out in the evening to look for it was a fine plan. So a trip was arranged for 18:30 and 20 of the keenest Northumberland birders assembled. Just before departing we were informed that the bird was back !  Cue a mad rush by several people who had previously not booked !  Out to the islands and there it was sitting unconcerned in amongst the terns assembled near the quay on Inner Farne. Didn’t even have to get out of the boat. After the initial adrenaline rush people did decamp to the quay where further views were available both on the rocks & in flight. The Bridled then decided to wander for a while and an hour passed without ant further views before it came back onto the rocks. We left it quite content having undoubtedly traveled thousands of miles for a happy band to view & then sail back to Seahouses in the evening sunshine. Many thanks to Gary Woodburn & Serenity Tours for organizing the trip. The fifth record for the county. TRD

An adult Bridled Tern was found this afternoon by one of the Farnes Warden Team (Will Smith) and may have been present since yesterday. An evening special boat allowed 21 birders almost all from Northumberland/Durham to connect with this the fifth record (if accepted by the CRC) for Northumberland.

The first of two bike rides along the leafy lanes of south Northumberland ,saw me heading from Ponteland to Ingoe Moor,via Blackheddon, Wallridge and Kirkheaton and Stamforham. Eyes and especially ears open to detect the many birds along the way. Birdsong still going strong in what is the final month before many birds quieten down until next Spring. Always a time tinged with regret, for this is without doubt,one of my favourite aspects of birding.

Skylarks and Yellowhammers buck this trend, however and continue well into the summer. On this ride, the latter outnumbered the former 24 to 15 singing males. Sedge Warblers rattled their tunes from hedgerows and rape fields, with 7 heard and seen, and Whitethroats numbered well over double this total. Some seen feeding young.Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs both sang in good numbers,but no Redstarts sang this time,  3 males were seen  though.

Four Reed Buntings noted and Tree Sparrows seemed to be present along hedges near many farms. Linnets and Chaffinches  too,were encouragingly common and males sang ,usually from wires . Three Song Thrushes sang in woods and 2 pairs of Spotted Flycatchers seen.Family parties of Great and Long tailed Tits could be heard in hedges and woodland edge, of  2 each of Kestrel and Buzzard  and a few Lapwings and Curlews completed a good ride list.

My next ride took me over Berwick Hill to Ogle ,Whalton ,Shilvington , Tranwell, Gubeon and Saltwick hill, and back to Berwick Hill. Again , Yellowhammer and Skylark were the most commonly heard species, followed by Chaffinch and Linniet-15 plus of all these heard. Young Swallows being fed on the wing and a dozen Sand Martins, Yellow and Grey Wagtail. A flock of 50 Lapwings and Sedge Warbler all noted at the river near Whalton. A Buzzard carried prey to it’s young in a tree nest and a female Kestrel seen. A Tree Pipit and Redstart noted at Tranwell,where Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs again heard in numbers. 2 families of Bullfinches and 3 of long tailed Tits , Great spotted Woodpecker,several Meadow Pipits and Spotted Flycatcher also seen.

All in all, these areas appear to have a healthy population of farmland and woodland edge birds ,which is very pleasing to see.

A S Jack

Excellent conditions for Friday evening’s pelagic www.northernexperiencepelagics.co.uk in the North Sea off southeast Northumberland. Good movement of Gannets, 14 Manx Shearwaters, 39 Common Scoters, plenty of Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Puffins and the highlight of the trip was discovered sleeping on a small floating patch of seaweed 2nm E of Lynemouth 🙂 We’ve still got spaces on some of our pelagic trips planned for the remainder of 2013; NTBC members should call me on 01670 827465 or e-mail martin@newtltd.co.uk for further details or to book.

A splendidly hot summer morning to accompany a visitor from London in the Harthope Valley. Highlights of several hours spent were five Ring Ouzels two adults and three juveniles all in the same general area; one adult had two juveniles in attendance and a second adult with a single juvenile.

Between six-eight Whinchats were noted and a single male Stonechat. Up to six Spotted Flycatchers, mostly singles were noted in the wooded sections whilst three-four singing and displaying Tree Pipits, were mostly up-valley from Langleeford Farm.  A single male Cuckoo sanf briefly from the tall pines just north of there as we moved up the valley. Several pairs of Lesser Redpoll were noted including a pair at a nest and flight calls of individuals moving up-valley were noted every few minutes late morning.

Other species encountered included Red Grouse, Curlew, Buzzard (2-4), Sparrowhawk 1, Dipper, Grey Wagtails (4), Willow Warblers.

A Tilmouth

Just to add, whilst in the Ingram Valley,a Hooded Crow was seen landing to feed. Having recently seen the Whitley Bay bird , this was something of a suprise to see another .

A.S.Jack

Ingram Valley was my destination today and I virtually had the valley to myself and the birds. Sunny,  warm conditions meant many birds were very active feeding young on what looked like an abundance of insect prey. The growth of Bracken and other ground vegetation, however is still very retarded,with Bracken very thin and only 3ft high at most, leaving far less cover than usual for ground nesting birds. My main target was Whinchat ,which maintains a healthy population in the valley and I was easily able to find several nests containing small young. The worry is, predators will too.

16 singing males and 4 females were located in less than 2km of the valley. One male mimicking a Sedge Warbler song very well. Another male picked insects from rocks in the river, looking a little out of place. Using the car as a hide where I could , allowed close approach to several pairs and some nice photo opportunities.

Other birds in the valley included, 4 pairs of  Reed Buntings, 9 Willow Warblers ,3 Chiffchaffs, Grey and Pied Wagtails, and  many Linnets . 6 singing Yellowhammers and Redpoll and Siskin. A fledged Dipper was nice to see and Chaffinches were very common, some males practically eating out of my hand as I had lunch!

As a few Skylarks sang, a pair of Curlews noisily mobbed a passing Buzzard ,rising with it to quite an altidude. a second Buzzard seen and a female Kestrel.

On the way home , a visit to Chevington revealed 3 Little Gulls and a Black tailed Godwit and at Cresswell a pair of Stonechats in the dunes.

A S Jack

Mornings at Newbiggin and Beacon Point over the last two days have provided the following:

13th

Red-throated Diver 1, Common Scoter 42, Wigeon 5 (all flew south)

Turnstone 6, Sanderlings 12, Arctic Tern 2 immatures

14th

Little Tern feeding and generally moving south, Whimbrel 1 flew north calling

Turnstones 15, Sanderlings 4, Grey Plover 1, Golden Plover 1

As the good weather continues, I found myself once again drawn to one of my favourite areas of the county,the Simonside Hills, having visited this area since the age of 5 or 6 . I won’t reveal when exactly that was !

The G S Woodpecker nest found last week, now saw the noisy young poking heads out of the tree-hole and the parents bringing in good amounts of food. Nearby a Cuckoo called frequently and 2 others answered from woods close by. A 4th bird seen too. A pair Redpolls were feeding a group of fledged young in conifers and several others seen nearby.A Spotted Flycatcher called quietly from within the wood. 3 Redstarts were seen and heard, and on a fell a pair of fledged young Skylarks called for food. At least ten Skylarks were singing.

Raptors seen were Kestrels at 2 sites, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard.

A few Red Grouse noted in heather and Meadow Pipits in good numbers fed young. No sign of any Wheatears this time. Siskins were  noted displaying in the conifers.
On the drive to Simonside,Redstarts were seen/heard at several sites and a pair of Spotted flycatchers were lining their nest with wool at Nunnykirk. Also here were Garden Warbler and 4 Pied flycatchers,Treecreeper,Goldcrest and Green Woodpecker.

A.S. Jack

At Cresswell today all was quiet apart from the usual Reed,and Sedge Warblers,Reed Buntings and Tree Sparrows which were engrossed in much display. At Druridge Pools 5 Little Gulls were still present,all 1st summer birds and 2 were at East Chevington. 40-50 Swifts fed over Druridge .

The Marsh Harrier pair were again on the wing at Chevington.

Near Hauxley, a pair of  Stonechats fed 2 fledged young, and hundreds of Puffins were feeding offshore.

Alan S. Jack

A couple of hours around the south end this morning with the dog. mostly spent watching a family party of Stonechats though a couple of Reed Warblers also put in brief appearances.

I had seen a male Marsh Harrier a couple of miles to  west and presumably the same individual was seen again briefly interacting with a female as the morning wore on.

A late female-type Wheatear was the only other notable bird of a fairly quiet morning.

ATilmouth

A lovely warm,sunny morning and a bike ride to Holywell Pond along the old Waggonways. The many Whitethroats are quieter now ,as most are feeding young ,most singing taking place early in the day. A male scolding me as I got a little too close to a nest containing 4 young. 5 or 6 Yellowhammers were singing along the bush lined track. Linnets are encouragingly common here and a nice young male Wheatear fed in a field. 5 singing Skylarks heard but only 1 pair of Lapwings was disappointing. A pair of  Bullfinches called quietly from cover and a family group of Long tailed Tits was seen. 4 Song Thrushes and 3 Blackcaps heard singing, as was a Treecreeper. 2 young Dippers  and a Grey Wagtail were on the river .

At the Pond , 3 pairs of Common Terns were settling down on the island,harrassed though, by a persistant Magpie after any unguarded eggs. 3 Sedge Warblers and 3 Reed Buntings singing. Gadwall, Shoveler and Teal noted on the pond, as were 4 Grey Herons. Swifts and Swallows feeding and several House Martins were gathering mud at the pond edge.

Butterflies included around 20 Speckled Woods, and 2 Orange Tips and 1 Peacock.

Alan S.Jack

A great way to see and hear many roadside birds .  And a good bird provides a handy excuse to stop and rest! Starting at Brenkley, the fishing pond there held several Sedge and Willow Warblers and Reed Buntings . Two male Yellowhammers sang from bushtops as Skylarks did from on high. The hedgerow along the Bellasis road was alive with a  good number of Linnets,  Goldfinches,Yellowhammers, Whitethroats and 3 singing Lesser Whitethroats. A tree held a noisey nest of young Buzzards ,with the adult soaring above . More singing Skylarks were enjoyed ,with 15 noted during the ride. Several farms had Tree Sparrows in decent numbers and Swallows were common. 7 Sand Martins were at the bridge. While there, a flash of blue as a Kingfisher sped past.

2 Curlews called at Tranwell airfield and another Buzzard here. At least 15 Willow Warblers were singing in the woods and 2 Orange Tip butterflies seen ,unusual for June ,but not in this late Spring. Swifts fed in good numbers over the woods.

A S Jack

At Cresswell this morning, Reed Warbler, 7 Sedge Warblers and 12 Reed Buntings noted as well as 26 Tree Sparrows feeding at the farm. No sign of the unfortunate Avocets. What a shame the Trust could do nothing to help these birds as they attempt to colonise the Pond.  A male Stonechat seen in the dunes.

Up to Druridge where 6 or 7 Little Gulls present ,feeding between the main pool and the flooded fields. A good count of 26 Gadwall and 9-10 pairs of Lapwings made. A Yellow Wagtail flew over and Swallows nesting in the hides. 5 Black tailed Godwits rested on the marsh. Snipe and Redshank displayed above. In the trees,which are still lacking in leaf, were Willow Warblers, and Whitethroats a Garden Warbler and Blackcaps.

Up to Chevington ,where a single Little gull noted with Common and Sandwich Terns on the North Pool. Here too were 2 Pairs of Great crested Grebes ,one pair mating and the other building a nest on an island. A walk around the reedbeds revealed at least 20 Reed Warblers, 12 Sedge and 26 Reed Buntings,with several pairs of Whitethroats feeding young in the bushes.

The Marsh Harrier pair were active ,with several food passes seen,as the male hunted ,bringing in prey to the calling female. Another male Stonechat seen here.

At Woodhorn, around 120 Swifts were feeding,with Sand and House Martins. Whitethroats fed young here and in the fields/pond edge were  several groups of Grey Lag goslings, Coot, Moorhen and Lapwing all  with young .

Alan S. Jack.

The ever-resourceful team of NT wardens over on The Farnes, placed a video camera close to a seeded area during the short stay of yesterday’s female  Black-headed Bunting, check out the results.

On our way back from a relaxing couple of days on Holy Island, we stopped off at Cresswell Pond, where there was a Temminck’s Stint, not far from the ‘Causeway’ and showing well.  Other birds present included a Little Gull.

We also visited Hauxley Nature Reserve, where there was an attractive Spoonbill, which could be seen easily from ‘Eric’s Hide’.

Paul & Adriana Buskin

At last a day came this Spring that was worthy of the name. A rare warm, sunny day, with almost cloudless skies with very light breezes. I headed for Beacon Hill which is only now beginning to look green and the foliage seemed to be growing before my eyes. Around 15  Willow Warblers were singing, a Redstart, Garden Warbler and Marsh Tit noted. Several displaying Redpolls overhead.Two Roe Deer and three Hares seen, including a pair in the woods at close range. Only now do the Willow Warblers appear to be showing any signs of begining nesting activity, having been on territory for six weeks now.

As I headed north, more Willow Warblers could be heard and the rookery near Blackpool Farm was in full swing.  Two Garden Warblers and many Whitethroats were at Wingates, with three Buzzards in the air ,calling. Two then began a series of climbs and stoops ,one after the other displaying. Several male Redstarts noted from the car.

A walk over the fells and lunch halt in the Simonsides, where three Cuckoos called and a pair of Great spotted Woodpeckers fed young in a tree hole. Around ten Redpolls here , singing Skylarks and a few Red Grouse noted. Then a female Ring Ousel flew past and landed in a Rowan,not a common species here. A Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit,Redstart and Siskins and Meadow Pipits also noted. Swallows look to be in very good numbers at all the farms . The House Martin colony at Gt . Tosson was a hive of activity.

On to Hepple,where Common Sandpipers lived up to their name and two colonies of Sand Martins were very active.

At Holystone Grange, two Garden Warblers, Tree Pipit, Redstart ,Treecreeper and Swift were among the species seen. Then a walk up to Holystone North Wood, produced a nice Wood Warbler, seven Tree Pipits, four Redstarts and four G.S.Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Heron and at least six pairs of Mistle Thrush and three of Song Thrush. I set off for home ,sorry to end what was a perfect Spring day.

Alan S. Jack

Two Avocets fed in a small roadside flash on the south side of the main road to Linton just west of the roundabout this morning, though they had departed when we made the return journey around 1.5 hours later.

A Tilmouth

A morning visit to East Chevington in hope of hearing the Great Reed Warbler at the beach pool and a few brief notes managed. Seemed reluctant to sing in the cold northerly wind. Janet had a better rendition with Andy Mclevy whilst I was taking the dog around S pool. He cycled off after receiving news of the Ortolan at Spittal (S of Newbiggin). Also at N Pool there was an adult & 1st Winter Little Gull.  I had to get back to cover the shop so we just managed a brief look at Druridge , 24 Black-tailed Godwits from Budge Screen were notable. Also had a quick look at Cresswell Pond where a Little Gull was also present.

In evening I received a text about a Slavonian Grebe on Nellys Moss lake (south). A fine bird on our local patch so soon off & glorious views obtained & a few pics in full summer plumage. Had the full set of Grebes now locally with a Red-necked at Caistron & Black-necked at Branton. TRD/JD

In a brief seawatch this afternoon at 5pm, I was pleased to see a female velvet scoter in with a flock of 14 common scoter about 200m off the point.   Nick

Promising weather conditions made us head up to Holy Island yesterday. First to Chare Ends where we found a male Red-backed Shrike. Also in the dunes at Chare Ends there was a Pied Flycatcher, numerous Lesser Whitethroats and a Tree Pipit. At the Lough there was another Lesser Whitethroat and a Garden Warbler. A walk down the Crooked Lonnen produced nothing out of the ordinary and the Straight Lonnen held at least one Redstart and a Pied Flycatcher. It was then we received news of a possible Lesser Grey Shrike from the main car park. After a short wait the Shrike perched up on a fence before gradually moving further away. After a bite to eat we decided to have a look in the Vicar’s Garden, where we found an Icterine Warbler. Both Pied and Spotted Flycatchers were also present in the garden. We then got a text to say the Rustic Bunting had been seen again at the Snook. Despite thoroughly searching the area where it had last been seen we only found a Tree Pipit and a pair of Red-backed Shrikes perched together on a hawthorn.

On the way home we called in at Chevington where we heard the Great Reed Warbler several times and got one short view of it.

T & J Farooqi

Up to Holy Island today in search of the Rustic Bunting at the Snook. Nothing much seen there so on to main car park where a fine Lesser Grey Shrike had been seen. Long distance views obtained along the wall leading from corner of car park. Also perched in large bush there. Not as obliging as the Long Nanny bird in 2008 but we weren’t complaining. Had a look at Chare Ends then Straight Lonnen & Crooked Lonnen.

Obvious small fall of warblers with 3 Lesser Whitethroats. 3 Garden Warblers , 2 Spotted Flycatchers, several Whitethroats, one female Common Redstart by Straight Lonnen. Managed more views of the Lesser Grey Shrike from end of Straight Lonnen along the fence line. At Crooked Lonnen Janet picked up the female Red-backed  Shrike in the garden and it was seen well along the wall. On to the Vicar’s Garden and no sign of the Icterine Warbler but a showy male Pied Flycatcher there. Although reported twice there we never met anyone who had actually seen the Icterine ! Also just missed the Common Rosefinch found by Roger Forster !

Decided on a last look at the Snook and a fortuitous stop as I for once picked up a male Black Redstart on edge of car park. First one we have seen this year. Showed very well for a short while. On walking down to Half Moon Slack past Snook House I scoped the male Red-backed Shrike briefly and then Janet found a Wood Warbler at Half Moon Slack. Always unusual to see on passage. The Rustic eluded us though it was reported mid afternoon here briefly again.   What next for Northumberland I wonder as a definite purple patch this Spring. TRD/JD

This morning,on the way to Holy Island,news broke of a singing Great Reed Warbler at East Chevington. I diverted there and joined the crowd of one listening to and trying to see the warbler. It gave fleeting views and sang often.A good number of Reed and Sedge Warblers could be seen and heard too.A migrant Tree Pipit was on a fence post nearby.

I was alerted to the presence of a county mega, in the form of a Lesser Grey Shrike up on Holy Island, as well as a good few other rare and scarce migrants up there, so a car full of us headed off.

On arrival, the shrike could be seen feeding along the wall running north from the main visitor car park. Although always quite distant and in foggy conditions , decent ‘scope views were obtained. Later in the day , we again saw it from the Straight Lonnen.  In the village ,at the Vicar’s garden, a good selection of spring migrants could be seen, including Pied and Spotted Flycatchers,Tree Pipit, 4 Garden Warblers, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff ,and 3 Siskins. We failed to see the reported Icterine Warbler, but a cracking Common Rosefinch alighted in a tree not 10 ft away,a nice find! It sang briefly before flying towards the Priory. Down to the Crooked Lonnen ,where a female Red backed Shrike  was feeding from the fences at the cottage here. Also seen was another Spotted Flycatcher and a Lesser Whitethroat.

To the Snook now ,where another female Red Backed Shrike and Lesser Whitethroat seen,but no sign of the Rustic Bunting.

A.S Jack.

Red-backed Shrike – 1 female, showing well from 2:15 pm, only 5 mins from Bird Club Sea-watching Tower.

Also present 2 Whitethroat.

Paul & Adriana Buskin and MP Frankis