Animals Insects Flora Sites News & Gossip

Little Grebe- Pair at Far Pasture NR all month with others at Watergate and Stargate Ponds.

Grey Heron - One on flooded area at former mineral workings, Bradley Fell on the 2nd. Birds performed well for visitors at Clar Vale and Far Pasture.

Grey Heron watching the photographer [Photo: Iain Thompson] and with its catch [Steven Fryer]

Mute Swan - The pair at Shibdon Pond, started to nest on the 1st. Other pairs at Stargate Ponds, Sled Lane and Watergate

Whooper Swan - 50 Whooper Swan flew over heading NW over Rowlands Gill on 21st. The juvenile bird at Sled Lane remained until at least the 6th, by which time it was noted that is rapidly losing it's grey juvenile feathers and is now sporting its yellow and black bill.

What a difference a month makes! The Whooper Swan at Sled Lane, rapidly becoming an adult bird [Photo: Steven Fryer and Alan Mould]

Grey Lag- 2 feral birds at Shibdon Pond on 6th and at LamesleyWater Meadows on 26th-28th, rising to 4 on 31st. 9 birds were at Shibdon Pond on 21st and 3 on 23rd and a flock of 40 flew over there heading west on 9th..

Pink-footed Goose - 200 flew North over Clara Vale on 19th were also seen over Bradley Fell and earlier over Hexhamshire in Northumberland. c250 geese sp. were seen flying north in fading light, on 21st over Bradley Fell, following the same flight path as those on 19th and were more than likely also Pink-feet.

Canada Goose - 50 on 5th and 21-22 on 15th-19th was the largest count at Shibdon Pond but smaller numbers resident all month.

Canada Goose at Shibdon Pond - now present here all wear round in varying numbers [Steven Fryer]]

Barnacle Goose- 2 at Shibdon Pond on 10th - 25th were the two feral birds.

Common Shelduck - Timber Beach held 2-4 all month. Birds were also present at Shibdon Pond all month with the largest counts being 14 on 25th. 4 birds (2 pairs) were engaged in noisy and prolonged displaying at Blaydon Quarry on 25th.

Shelduck in flight and on the water at Shibdon, this species is virtually resident on the pond these days [Photo: SF]

Pintail - The male on Shibdon Pond found in February was last seen on 1st. March.

Shoveler - At Shibdon Pond, the first bird, a drake, arrived on 11th and was joined by another 2 drakes and a duck on 24th, with a 5th bird arriving on 27th, all still being present the next day.

Shoveler at Shibdon Pond, a young male [Photo: SF]

Teal - 26 at Far Pasture NR on 4th was the largest count there and 25 at Lamesley Water Meadows the next day. The maximum count at Shibdon was only 50 on 19th. 22 were at Blaydon Quarry on 25th.

Green-winged Teal - The bird found at Shibdon Pond in February was present again on 2nd and seen again on the pond, by the main island on 5th, where it remained until the 9th..

TheGreen-winged Teal at Shibdon Pond, this months star bird[ Steven Fryer]

Wigeon - A pair were on Shibdon Pond on 6th and a single on Watergate Lake on 13th.

Female Wigeon at Watergate on 13th. [Photo: Paul Davidson]

Tufted Duck - Birds remained all month on Shibdon Pond, Watergate Lake (max 14 on 29th), Stargate and Sled Lane

Common Pochard - A drake was on Shibdon Pond on 1st and on Sled Lane pond on 6th. a pair were on Shibdon Pond on 19th.

Common Goldeneye - Birds remained on Shibdon Pond until the 28th. The largest count was 20 on 3rd but double figure counts were regular. Small numbers also on the River Tyne in the Costco/Timber beach area and at Sled Lane.

Goldeneyes at Sled Lane, male on left, female on right. This site deserves better attention.[Photo: SF]

Goosander - One or two were present on Sled Lane Pond on most days during the month. a drake was on Stargate on 13th. A pair in the Derwent Valley CP on 18th. On 20th, at Clara Vale, 31 Goosander were counted on the river. a drake flew over Rowlands Gill on 31st.

Drake Goosanders at Sled Lane [ Steven Fryer]

Ruddy Duck - The first birds arrived on 30th when 2 were on Shibdon Pond.

Common Buzzard - On 19th, a bird flew over Tescos towards Lintzford Gardens in Rowlands Gill.

Sparrowhawk - Reported for many sites throughout the borough

Peregrine - A juvenile Peregrine was found sitting in a field.at Ravensworth Fell on 6th.

Peregrine at Ravensworth Fell on 6th, this juvenile moulting into adult plumage is the first of the year.[Photo: PWD]

Kestrel - Towards the end of the month, pairs were seen displaying at Far Pasture NR, Shibdon Pond and Stargate Quarry

Grey Partridge - 2 were on Bradley Fell on 2nd and 2-3 pairs there on 29th included a pair mating. 1-2 were also noted at Burdon Moor during the month..

Water Rail - A bird showed vert well at Far Pasture NR from 5th. to 27th. Another was calling on the Derwent Walk CP on 15th and 3 were heard at Shibdon Pond on 16th. At Clara Vale, a Water Rail was unfortunately flushed and killed by a dog on the golf course in the evening of the 18th. This was the first for this site.

Water Rail at Far Pasture NR on 12th, continues to give good views occassionally as this excellent photo shows.[Photo: Steven Fryer]

Oyster-catcher - 2 to 3 were on Shibdon Pond all month with further birds observed at Lamesley Water Meadows (2 on 13th) Blaydon Quarry (pair on 25th), Bradley Fell (1 circling over and calling on 20th)

Lapwing - 50 were counted on Lamesley Water Meadows on 6th. Barlow Fell held 10 birds, with some displaying on 19th.

Golden Plover - c2,000 Golden Plover were on Ravensworth Fell on 4th and still c1,000 on 13th

Ringed Plover - The first was one at Stella on 25th-30th. Two others were at Timber beach on 26th, One of these birds was colour rung.

Ringed Plover One of two birds at Timber beach on 26th. Though difficult to make out this bird is colour rung on both legs. However there are more than 25 colour ring schemes on this species in Europe alone and as it is not possible to make out the exact colour combination we are not sure where this bird had been rung. It is interesting that one of the Black-tailed Godwits at this site last year was also colour rung, probably in Hampshire. [Photo:Paul Davidson]

Curlew - 10 at Blaydon Burn on 2nd and 7 were at Blaydon Burn Meadows on 13th. 20 were at Stella on 12th. 5 were watched displaying at Lintzford on 29th.

[Black-tailed Godwit - Two waders flushed from the marsh at Shibdon in the early morning of the 9th may have been this species]

Common Snipe -Present all month at Far Pasture NR, with the maximum count being 21 on 1st. One south over Clara Vale on 2nd. 3 were at Blaydon Quarry on 25th.

Green Sandpiper - A bird at Blaydon Quarry on 17th had probably wintered in the area.

Woodcock - Several reported from many sites during the month and 6 were at Chopwell early in the month.

Redshank - 100+ were on Shibdon Pond on 1st was the largest count. Only small numbers were on the Tyne all month.

Dunlin - One was on Shibdon Pond on 1st.

Lesser Black-backed Gull - One on the river Tyne by Costco on 12th-13th was the first seen by most observers. 2 were on Watergate Lake on 13th and 7 were on Shibdon Pond on 26th.

Lesser Black-backed Gull, this one on Watergate Lake, have started to arrive at several sites. [Photo: Paul Davidson]

[Iceland Gull - Like last march, a bird was on the wet areas at Newburn Industrial Estate but was not seen on this side of the Tyne]

[Little Gull - A bird of this species was also on the wet areas at Newburn Industrial Estate but like the Iceland Gull was not seen on this side of the Tyne]

Kittiwake - 2 on the Tyne by the Tyne bridge from 18th.

Tawny Owl - The resident Overstone Avenue, Bradley Fell, birds noted on most this month, occasionally giving excellent views. 2 were calling to each other in Blaydon Burn in evening of 31st.

Short Eared Owl - The bird at Burdon Moor was seen again on 15th.

Little Owl - Singles were presents at two locations on Ravensworth Fell.

[Orange-winged Parrot - A "Green Parrot" was reported at Rowlands Gill .This bird was originally discovered in February 2004 and has been present ever since. A very vocal bird, local residents have said that somebody tried to shoot it a week ago because of the noise! . When it flies over it has on each wing a rectangular orange-red patch in centre of wing stretching from the front to the back but this cannot be seen in the photos. It is probably an Orange-winged Parrot - Amazona Amazonica which in the wild occurs in Northern South America such as Venezuela and Columbia.These are also one of the commonest Amazona parrots kept in the UK and cost about £400. ]

The Orange-winged Parrot at Rowlands Gill [ Gary Storey]

Kingfisher - One continued to show well at Clara Vale LNR on 1st - 6th, at least, where it took up to 6 fish at a sitting. Singles also noted at Far Pasture on the 5th, near Birtley sewage farm on 15th and Stargate Ponds on 28th. Two were at Far Pasture on 29th.

Kingfisher still showing well at Clara Vale [Photo: Iain Thompson]

Green Woodpecker - A bird was at Blaydon Burn Meadows on 25th, and was observed climbing telegraph pole. One was heard distantly at Watergate Park on 28th when another was also at Bewes Hills. Birds was also seen at Chopwell Woods and Lamesley Water Meadows both on 23rd and at Shibdon Pond (24th).

Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1-3 at cLara Vale and Thornely Woodland centre during the month. Singles noted during the month at Shibdon Pond (on many dates), Path Head Wood and at Blaydon Burn

Great Spotted Woodpeckers at Clara Vale LNR. excellent views can be seen as they feed on the baskets [Photo: SF]

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - The bird noted last month at Clara Vale LNR was on a peanut feeder today in front of the new hide at around 3pm and stayed about 5mins on 1st. There was no sign of it the following day despite many observers looking.

Waxwing - 10-20 were seen on berries in Fisherwell Road, Bill Quay on 10th to 15th.

Wood Pigeon - A large flock of 500+ Wood Pigeon was at Coalway Plantation, Bradley Fell on 2nd

Stock Dove - One singing at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd

Dipper - An unringed bird was noted on the Blaydon Burn on 28th. a bird in the Derwent vallet CP on 18th was watched material gathering . It was rung (red and white ring on left leg, and metal on right),

Skylark - On 3rd at Bradley Fell, a flock of 25 in cereal fields was counted. Singing birds were on Ravensworth Fell on 6th. At Bewes Hills, a singing bird on 20th wasa airborne for 3 and a half minutes 8 singing at Barlow Fell on 19th

Sand Martin - 4, possibly 7, at Far Pasture NR on 18th were the first of the year, followed next day by one at Shibdon Pond.. 2 were at the later on 24th, rising to 8 or 9 on 25th. By this times birds had returned to Crawcrook and Blaydon Quarry. The largest count was on 26th when 32 were counted at Shibdon Pond. [Last year the first birds were recorded on 17th]

Swallow - 2 at Shibdon Pond on 25th was the second earliest ever for the borough (Earliest was one on 19th March at Far Pasture in 1995). One remained to 28th at least. [Last year the first birds were recorded on 1st April]

Pied Wagtail - 21 were counted at Crawcrook Quarry on 29th, smaller numbers elsewhere.

Pied Wagtail at Clara Vale LNR, a fine looking male strutting around the pools [Photo: SF]

Grey Wagtail - 1 was at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd and another bird was noted on the Blaydon Burn on 28th. 2 flew over the Derwent Valley CP on 18th.

Meadow Pipit - 25 were on Burdon Moor on 6th and 32 were counted at Crawcrook Quarry on 29th

Common Wren - 2 were singing and displaying at Shibdon Pond on 16th

Fieldfare - 90 at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd

Redwing - 180 at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd. Large numbers of Redwings over Whickham through the night of 7th. Presumably using the strong SW wind to go home.

Stonechat - A pair were present on Burdon Moor on 6th and a bird was seen near Lamesley Water Meadows on 23rd.

Wheatear - The first bird of the year was a male in the horse pasture on the east side of Bradley Fell on 29th. [Last year the first birds were recorded on 18th]

Chiffchaff - The first Chiffchaffs arrived on 19th with singing birds at Adison Village Bradley Fell and Far Pasture NR. Birds were noted afterwards at Stanley Burn, Far Pasture NR, Chopwell Woods, Strother Hills, Blaydon Dene, Blaydon Burn and Shibdon. [Last year the first birds were recorded on 18th]

Goldcrest - A bird was seen feeding on the ground on edge of the turf at Clara Vale and another was seen in a birder's garden in Rowlands Gill feeding on a hanging fat ball on 16th.

Marsh Tit - One at Thornley feeding station on 27th-28th.

Great Tit - Birds regular at most feeders during the month.

Great Tit on feeder at Clara Vale, many birds are already singing, paired up and prospecting suitable nest sites [Photo: Steven Fryer]

Willow Tit - 1 at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd. One or two birds were on the feeders at Swalwell visitor centre on 4th to 6th. 1-2 regular in a garden on Bradley Fell during the month. One at Victoria Garesfield the same day and another at Blaydon Burn on 25th.

Blue Tit - Like the Great Tit regular at most of the feeders

Blue Tit may be a a common bird but an excellent subject for photography [Photo: SF]

Long-tailed Tit - The mild winter has resulted in many records throughout the borough.

Long-Tailed Tits are now becoming regular visitors to hanging bird feeders in the Borough. [Photos: Steven Fryer & Gordon Pollinger]

Tree-creeper -1 at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd. Two were at Shibdon on 9th and 10th.

Nuthatch - 2 at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd and 1-2 daily at the feeding station at Thornley Woodland Centre. Singles at Blaydon Burn on 12th, in St Paul's churchyard at Winlaton on 17th and "Pinewoods" on 19th.

Nuthatches at Clara Vale, not ringed and ringed, right [Photo: SF]

Reed Bunting - 1 male at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd. A fair sized flock of mixed Reed/Yellow Buntings were at Lamesley on 28th. Shibdon held up to 7 birds (5 male and 2 female) all month, one of which was rung. Birds here were paired up and singing from 7th. One was at Burdon Moor on 6th and a well watched and photographed bird was at Clara Vale LNR all month. Six were picking through the incredibly noxious dung produced by the Highland Cattle at Lintzford on 15th. Three were seen at Far Pasture NR on 27th.

Yellow Bunting - 38+ at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd (1 singing). A pair of Yellow Buntings, plus 3 singing males at the former mineral workings and nearby hedgerows on Bradley Fell next day. 2 were at Thornley Kennels on 7th. 2 were singing at Barlow Fell on 19th. 9 were counted at Greenside on 27th. A fair sized flock of mixed Reed/Yellow Buntings were at Lamesley on 28th A bird on the feeders at Swalwell Visitor's centre was the first record for these new feeders.

Yellow Bunting at Clara Vale LNR - a male at the feeding station [Photo: SF]

Brambling - Two at Clara Vale LNR feeding station on 2nd and one on 4th the same day as a cracking views of a male during a brief visit to Jacky's Plantation, Bradley Fell. There are probably more scattered amongst the numerous Chaffinches. A flock of 20 was seen in Chopwell on 23rd but could not be refound. On 27th, one was in a garden at Meldon Terace, Greenside. 2 or 3 were seen in Blaydon Dene on 31st.

Bullfinch - One regilarly visiting a garden in Rowlands Gill.

Bullfinch - Male birds. this species is become commoner in recent years and has started to visit several birders gardens [Photo: Steven Fryer]

Goldfinch - 4 on Bradley Fell on 4th, where it is something of a rarity this winter (no stubble).

A very photogenic Goldfinch on a bird table at Clara Vale LNR Photo: Ian Thompson]

Linnet - Particularly scarce this year but a flock of 400 was discovered at Byermoor on 23rd. 20 were at Thornley Kennels on 7th. 5 birds, some singing on 25th at Stargate were in suitable breeding habitat.

Tree Sparrow - 2 at Clara Vale LNR on 2nd. 1-4 birds were regular in gardens at Rowland Gill, Greenside and Bradley Fell during the month. This may be due to the massive decrease in House Sparrows. 5 were in a flock of buntings at Lamesley on 28th.

Common Starling - The largest count was 500 at Blaydon Quarry on 12th

Jackdaw - 500 were at Blaydon Quarry on 25th.

Jay - 3 at Clara Vale on the Sports Ground on 2nd