Gateshead Birders

December 2004

Mottled Umber - One at Thornley Woodland Centre on 13th.

November Moth sp. - several at Thornley Woodland Centre during the month.

November 2004

Cream-spot Ladybird (Calvia 14-punctata) - A late insect seen at Rowlands Gill on 16th - see photo below (July).

October 2004

Small White - Noted near Shibdon on 1st.
Large White - Noted near Shibdon on 1st.
Small Tortoiseshell - 1-2 at Shibdon Pond on 1st.
Comma -1 at Shibdon Pond on 1st and another nearby in the Clinic carpark on 3rd. Two were at Blaydon Burn and 3 at Clara Vale, both on 4th. The last was probably another at Clara Vale on 15th.
Painted Lady - One noted at Winlaton on 1st.
Red Admiral - Noted near Shibdon on 1st and singles at Rowlands Gill on 4th and Winlaton on 5th. Six were at Clara Vale on 4th, one remaining on 7th. The last were at Clara Vale with 1 on 15th and 2 on 28th.

Southern Hawker - Singles at Maryside and Clara Vale on 1st and Clara Vale on 4th.
Migrant Hawker - 1-2 still at Shibdon on 1st and one at Far Pasture NR on 4th. One seen at Shibdon Pond on 17th and another on 24th.
Common Darter - A few at Shibdon Pond and Clara Vale on 1st. Up to a dozen were in the Far Pasture area on 4th, when a single at Clara Vale LNR. Still 3 at Shibdon Pond on 26th and 1 male on 31st..

September 2004

Moth trap ran overnight on 5th. See Moth trap

Small White - Still at Shibdon on 5th.
Green-veined White - Still at Shibdon and Burdon Moor on 5th.
Large White - 3 at Clara Vale on 4th. Still at Burdon Moor on 5th and Shibdon on 11th. One at Lamesley on 19th. Six at Clara Vale on 29th.
Clouded Yellow - One over Shibdon Pond on 4th
Brimstone - 1 at Thornley Woodland cente on the late date of 18th. As it is a long lived butterfly compared with others in the U.K. it can be found during nearly any month of the year in the rest of Britain. It is the only ‘white’ in the U.K. to overwinter in the butterfly stage.
Peacock - A few still at Shibdon Pond and Westfield Pasture on 2nd. Five at Stella on 4th when 4 at Clara Vale.
Small Tortoiseshell - 1-2 at Shibdon Pond on 2nd, one at Stella on 4th.and the last was at Timber beach on 11th.
Comma -1 at Shibdon Pond on 2nd and 2 at Clara Vale on 4th. One was at Lockhaugh Meadow on 11th and another one still at the latter on 17th. Finally one at Blaydon Burn on 23rd, one at Stella on 26th and 2 in a garden at Clara Vale on 29th.
Red Admiral - 5 at feeding on sap on an Oak tree at Westfield Pasture on 2nd. Singles were by the River Tyne at Blaydon on 5th and Timber beach on 11th.2 at Birtley on 14th and 8+ feeding on rotten apples at Clara Vale on 17th. One at Winlaton on 18th and 2 at Shibdon and at Stella on 19th. Still 2 at Clara Vale and one at Shibdon on 26th and 6 at the former in a garden on 29th..
Painted Lady - 2 at Shibdon Pond on 2nd, one at Stella on 4th, two at Stargate Ponds on 5th and one at Timber beach on 12th. Singles at Blaydon Burn and Clara Vale on 17th and singles at Stella, Pathhead Quarry and Blaydon Burn on 19th. One at Clara Vale on 29th.
Small Heath - Two at Stella on 4th.
Small Copper - One at Shibdon Pond on 3rd. One at Blaydon Quarry on 5th when 2 at Summerhill and one at Stella. Possibly the last was one Small Copper in a housing estate at Winlaton on 17th.
Common Blue - A single at Stargate Pond on 5th and 2 at Costco by River Tyne on 8th
Wall - 2 at Westfield Pasture on 3rd, Six at Stella on 4th.and 1-2 at Timber beach on 11th.

Svennson's Copper Underwing - One found during daylinght at Thornley Woodland centre on 2nd.

Southern Hawker - One was at Shibdon on 2nd and 3rd and another at Westfield Pasture on 3rd.
Migrant Hawker - One was at Shibdon on 2nd and on the 3rd at least 9 suggesting possible emergance from successful breeding there? Possibly as many as 20 in the area the next day, not just around the pond and nature reserve but even in the Clinic car-park. Many appeared to be mating. 2 still present on 18th and 1 on 19th and 2-3 a week later on 26th.
Common Darter - Many still at Burdon Moor on 3rd and Shibdon Pond on 3rd/4th and at Stella on 4th 1-2 at Lamesley Water Meadows on 19th.
Black Darter - One again at Burdon Moor on 3rd. One at Stargate on 18th.
Ruddy Darter - Two at Shibdon Pond on 3rd and 4th.
Blue-tailed Damselfly - Small numbers still at Stella on 4th.
Emerald Damselfly - A few still at Stella on 4th.

Pair of Migrant Hawker at Shibdon on 3rd

August 2004

Moth trap ran overnight on 1st and caught 187 moths of 39 species. It was also ran on the 2nd, 29th and 31st. See Moth trap

Elephant Hawkmoth - one of several caught during August in the trap at Clara Vale

Peacock - A few at Shibdon and Derwent Walk on 5th and small scattered numbers throughout the borough from the 6th. More widespread on 7th/8th. 12 in one garden at Clara Vale on 11th and 20 were on a buddleja at Dunston on 15th, with good numbers remaining until the months end. The Peacocks around these last two days are very fresh and the colours are particularly good. There were very good numbers at Bradley Gardens Nursery, Sled Lane on the 18th.
Small Tortoiseshell - 1 at Crawcrook on 5th. Widespread records throughout the borough on 6th-8th. 6 in a garden at Clara Vale on 11th. Scarce until 29th-31st when a number of records scattered throughout the borough.
Comma - 3 in a Winlaton garden on 6th and 1-2 at Thornley Woodlands centre on 7th. 6 in a garden at Clara Vale on 11th. 3 at the caravan site at the south end of the Derwent valley on 15th. A number were seen at Bradley Gardens Nursery, Sled Lane on on the 18th. One at Birtley on 27th and Ryton Willows on 28th.
Red Admiral - 1 at Thornley woodlands centre on 8th, when 1 was seen in a Winlaton garden. 3 in a garden at Clara Vale on 11th. One was on a buddleja at Dunston Staithes on 15th and Ravensworth Fell on 22nd.

Red Admiral - Outnumbered by Painted Ladies this year

Painted Lady - 1 at Clara Vale on 12th was the first since July and two others the next day at Stella. Quite widespread in small numbers from 15th to 31st throughout the borough.

Painted Lady - At Clara Vale. This is a good year for the species.

Small White - Still common and widespread throughout the month. 3 in a garden at Clara Vale on 11th. 4 at Dunston Staithes on 15th.
Green-veined White - Noted at Clara Vale on 19th. See photograph
Large White - Still common and widespread throughout the month. 5 in a garden at Clara Vale on 11th and 6+ on a buddleja at Dunston Staithes on 15th. .
Meadow Brown - Still very common and widespread at the start of the month and still good numbers on the 15th. One still at Timber beach on 31st.
Wall Brown - One at Ryton on 2nd. Regular from 5th until the months end and noted at Crawcrook, Shibdon, Stella, Stargate, Clara Vale, Dunston, Birtley, Watergate, Burdon Moor, Ryton Willows and Bensham.

Wall Brown - Noted at many sites in August.

Small Heath - 40+ at Stargate on 8th. One at Stella on 15th. Still on the wing at Stargate on 29th-31st.
Common Blue - 3+ (mmf) at Timber beach on 31st.
Holly Blue - 1 seen at Axwell Park on 8th was only the second record for Gateshead and was quickly followed by the third. It was seen for a long period nectaring on a geranium in the gardens at Bradley Gardens Nursery, Sled Lane on 18th.
Purple Hairstreak - Several in the oaks at the Thornley Woodland centre again on 7th-8th and 22nd.
Small Copper - Several fresh specimens at Bensham on 5th. Small numbers in Derwent valley at several sites on 7th. One at Dunston Staithes on 15th. Good numbers were seen at Bradley Gardens Nursery, Sled Lane on on the 18th. One still at Stargate on 29th and 2 at Timber beach on 31st..
Small Skipper - Noted at Bensham on 5th and Stargate on 8th and Ryton Willows on 14th.
Large Skipper - One at Stargate on 15th.

Elephant Hawk Moth - Larvae found in the gardens at Bradley Gardens Nursery, Sled Lane on 18th. (see photo)
Silver Y - Seen at Clara Vale on 16th and 19th (see photo)
Cinnabar Moth - Caterpillars noted at Long Acre wood on 13th and others on Coltsfoot at Birtley on 16th. (see below).

Cinnabar Moth caterpillars at Birtley Brick Works on 16th August

Common Blue Damselfly - Still good numbers around until the 8th at least at Stella and Stargate. 4 at Shibdon on 15th and 3 at Burdon Moor on 22nd,.
Azure Damselfly - Several at Stella on 8th.
Blue-tailed Damselfly - Small numbers at Stargate and Stella on 8th. One at Shibdon Pond on 22nd. 4 at Burdon Moor on 31st.
Banded Demoiselle Damselfly - One at Goodshields Haugh, Derwent Walk on 6th.
Emerald Damselfly - One again at Shibdon Pond, this time on 2nd. Several at Stella on 8th. One at Clara Vale on 17th was only the second of the year at this site where they were once fairly common.. 6+ at Burdon Moor on 22nd.

Emerald Damselfly at Clara Vale LNR 17th August

Emperor Dragonfly - One was watched ovi-positing at Stargate on 15th.
Common Hawker - 1 over the meadow at Shibdon on 5th and 1 at Stargate on 14th. Another at Burdon Moor on 22nd.
Migrant Hawker - 1 at Bradley Gardens Nursery, Sled Lane on 18th and another at Shibdon Pond on 22nd.
Southern Hawker - One was at Shibdon on 2nd. Others were seen at Low Horseshoe Wood, Derwent Walk on 27th and at both Ryton Willows and Clara Vale LNR on 28th.
Common Darter - Small numbers at Stella early in the month and a few were at Shibdon on 2nd-15th. Noted at Clara Vale on 16th and good numbers (20+) at Burdon Moor on 22nd. 50+ at Stargate on 31st with many egg-laying and good numbers also noted at Watergate and Burdon Moor.
Ruddy Darter - The first of the year was one at Shibdon on 2nd. One at Stargate on 15th. Another was seen at Ryton Willows on 27th, the first for this site.
Black Darter - A very obliging adult at Burdon Moor on 31st.

Nicrophorus species - One of these Burying Beetles was photographed at Clara Vale on 2nd - see photo opposite.
Ichneumon fly species - A species of this was also photographed at Clara Vale on 2nd - see photo opposite.
Cream-spot Ladybird (Calvia 14-punctata) - Seen and photographed at Clara Vale on 2nd - see photo below.
Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) - 3rd instar of one noted at Shibdon Pon don 22nd.

July 2004

Small White - Common throughout the borough all month, with numbers diminishing by nid month, eg only 1 recorded on Butterfly transect at Stargate on 13th and 1 at Timber Beach on 18th.
Large White - Common throughout the borough all month..
Small Tortoiseshell - 1 at Stargate Quarry on 13th.
Red Admiral - 1 at Westfield Lane on 1st. Another at Birtley on 5th. One on Derwent Walk on 11th. The next was to be seen was on the 28th when one was seen in gardens at Clara Vale.
Painted Lady - 2 worn adults along the Derwent Walk on 15th.
Comma - Fresh specimens noted at Stargate on 16th(2), Shibdon Pond on 18th(1) and Far Pasture NR on 18th(1). Another at Clara Vale, in gardens, on 28th.
Ringlet - A very good find was one at Goodshields Haugh, Derwent Walk on 4th July (S.Westerberg).
Meadow Brown - Common throughout the borough all month. Butterfly transecst at Shibdon Pond on 13th produced 138 with another 94 at Stagate. 40 at Goodshields Lake on 15th
Wall Brown - One at Stella on the 30th was the first of the 2nd generation adults seen.
Common Blue - 10 at Stargate on 13th and 3-4there on 18th. One at Shibdon on 18th.
Purple Hairstreak - Several in the oaks at the Thornley Woodland centre on 23rd. On 30th, found at a 2nd but unfortunately, private site in the borough, with at least 6 in one oak tree.
Small Heath - 42 counted at Stargate Quarries on 13th with a few still there on 18th. One at Shibdon on 18th..
Small Skipper - Two were noted at Blaydon Burn on 3rd. Fair numbers at Stagate the small day. Butterfly transects at Shibdon Pond on 13th produced 45 with another 44 at Stargate the same day. 30+ at Goodshields Lake on 15th. 4 at Shibdon on 18th when several at Stargate.
Large Skipper - A few still at Stargate on 13th and 2 at Shibdon on 18th.

Orange-Tip - One at Strother Hills on 8th and several near Shibdon and Westfield Pasture on 10th. 2+ at Shibdon on 13th.
Small White - Common throughout the borough all month.
Large White - Common throughout the borough all month..
Red Admiral - One seen at Clara Vale on 12th, only the 2nd of the year in the borough but somewhat of an influx that day with others seen at Reely Mires and Summerhill. Another at Maryhill, Clara Vale on 17th. One at Komatsu, Birtley on 18th. One at Blaydon Burn on 27th.
Painted Lady - 1 Bradley Gardens nursery on 7th, the first of the year, followed by one at Winlaton the same day and another at Birtley on the 9th. 3 near Shibdon on 10th, when 1 at Westfield Pasture. 1 at Komatsu, Birtley on 11th was followed with 1-2 at Shibdon Pond and Stella on 13th.
Small Copper - 2 at Stargate Quarry on 6th and frequent there from mid month. "Lots" at Westfield Pasture on 10th. 15 were at Crawcrook Quarry on 12th.
Common Blue - 1 at Shibdon on 5th and 4 at Stargate on 5th. One at Stella on 12th. Regular at Shibdon, Stella and Stargate from 12th
Wall Brown - Common all month. Noted at Shibdon, Dunston, Stella and Stargate throughout the month. 25+ at Crawcrook Quarry on 12th.
Meadow Brown - The first of the year was one at Shibdon Pond on 13th, followed by one at Blaydon Burn on 17th.
Dingy Skipper - One at Clara Vale LNR on 7th and several near Shibdon on 10th. A new colony found at Crawcrook Quarry on 12th. A ragged individual still at Stargate on 27th June.
Small Heath - Common at Stargate Quarries and 2 at Timber beach both on 6th.
Large Skipper - 3+ Stargate and 1 at Timber beach on 5th next day. Several near Shibdon on 10th and 6+ at Shibdon and others nearby on 13th. Good numbers at Stargate from 14th.
Small Skipper - The first were noted at Stargate on 27th June.

The Common Marbled Carpet at Far Pasture NR. A common but very variable species on the wing from May, sometimes through to November [Photo: PWD]

Brimstone Moth - One again on a Downy Birch at Timber beach, this time on 6th.
Common Swift - One came to light on 1st at Clara Vale NR. In fact the only moth in the trap.

Common Swift at Clara Vale, trapped. Another common species, occuring in gardens, meadows and agricultural land. [Photo:GP]

Silver Y - 3 at Strother Hills on 8th and 1 near Shibdon on 13th.
Chimney Sweeper - Many at Westfield Pasture on 10th.
Shaded Broad-bar - 2 near Shibdon on 13th.
Yellow Shell - 1 near Shibdon on 13th.
Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth - a few noted at Stargate on 14th and thousands noted there on 27th.
Six-spot Burnet Moth - a few at Stargate with the NB Five-spot Burnets on 27th.
Elephant Hawk Moth - One found roosting at Clara Vale on 26th

Common Blue Damselfly - 5+ at Stargate Quarries on 5th and several at Far Pasture on 12th. Good numbers at Stargate from mid month.
Azure Damselfly - One at Stargate Quarries on 5th and several at Far Pasture on 12th. Good numbers at Stargate from mid month.
Blue-tailed Damselfly - Regular in small numbers at Stargate from 20th.
Emerald Damselfly - A few noted at Stargate on 27th.
Banded Demoiselle Damselfly - One at Lamesley Water Meadows on 7th and another just inside the Gateshead boundary near Pelaw on 8th. A pair seen at Owlet Hill on the 12th. One at Goodshields Haugh, Derwent Walk on 25th.
Common Darter - First of the year was one at Stargate on 14th and regular from 27th there.
Four-spotted Chaser - A single was watched for several minutes in front of the main hide at Shibdon in the morning of the 27th.

Gorse Shield Bug (Piezosorus lituratus) - Noted at Stargate Quarries on 5th

Orange-Tip - Several noted at Burdon Moor and Shibdon on 1st/2nd and frequent by mid month. 4+ still at Lintzford on 30th..
Small White - Now common throughout the borough.
Large White - First was one at Birtley on 13th followed by one at Longacre on 16th. Regular from 23rd.
Green veined White - Now common throughout the borough.
Small Tortoiseshell - Several noted at Burdon Moor and Shibdon on 1st/2nd. Noted along the Keelman's Way between Ryton and Wylam on 18th.
Comma - About 6 were seen at Shibdon on 2nd. Regular there with perhaps the last being a worn individual on 16th there and one along the Keelman's Way between Ryton and Wylam on 18th..
Peacock - Several noted at Burdon Moor on 1st and 10 at Shibdon on 2nd. Small numbers noted throughout.
Small Copper - 2 at Stargate and 1 at Blaydon Quarry on 16th were the first of the year. Also seen along the Keelman's Way between Ryton and Wylam on 18th. Regular since with small numbers noted at Stargate, Summerhill, Shibdon Pond, Lamesley, Blaydon Quarry and Blaydon Burn.
Common Blue - One was reported at Blaydon Burn on 3rd May (JT Riley). [This is a very good record as the first are usually late May. Common Blues north of Yorkshire tend to be only single brooded so this may be evidence of a double brood last year.] ... Of interest, another Common Blue was seen at Chester-le-Street on 13th May.
Wall Brown - One which was seen at Pathhead Quarry on 10th May was the first "brown" of the year. Several at Shibdon and Derwenthaugh Pasture on 14th May. 2+ at Timber beach next day. Quite frequent by 16th May throughout its favoured localities such as Shibdon, Dunston, Clara Vale, Blaydon Burn, Blaydon Quarry and Stargate.
Green Hairstreak - 2 were rediscovered on the 16th May in the west of the borough, close to where they were last recorded many years ago. Could not be refound despite searching.
Dingy Skipper - A few noted at both Stella and Shibdon Pond on 16th. Noted at the latter regularly to the end of the month. Another at Stargate on 22nd and good numbers at Blaydon Quarry on 23rd. Seen at Dunston - a new site - on the site of the old power station (another 'brownfield' site, like all the borough's sites) on 26th, the most westerly site to date. Five new colonies of this species discovered during a surevey of the Stargate/Bewes Hills area.
Small Heath - The first of the year was one at Stargate on 31st.

Brimstone Moth - One on a Downy Birch on 30th at Timber beach

The Brimstone Moth at Timber beach [Photo: PWD]

Silver-ground Carpet - 3+ at Lintzford on 30th

Blue-tailed Damselfly - One at Derwenthaugh Pasture on 14th May was the first of the year in the borough.
Common Blue Damselfly - The first of the year in the borough was at Clara Vale on 15th May.
Azure Damselfly - The first of the year in the borough was at Clara Vale on 22nd May (see photograph opposite).
Large Red Damselfly - The first of the year in the borough was also at Clara Vale on 20th May. Many, including 4+ pair mating at Lintzford on 30th.

Green Tiger Beetle - Noted at Stargate on 31st.

Orange-Tip - 1 at Clara Vale on 20th was the first. Several at Shibdon on 23rd and regular there afterwards.
Small White - First of year was a single seen at Shibdon on 17th and good numbers there on the 23rd onwards..
Green-veined White - First of year was a single seen at Komatsu, Birtley on 23rd and good numbers at Shibdon the same day and since..
Small Tortoiseshell - 2 or 3 at Timber beach on 11th and 12th. 2 at Blaydon Quarry on 12th and 7 along Derwent walk the same day. Regular throughout the borough thereafter.
Comma - 1 along Derwent walk on 12th and 1 at Shibdon on 17th with a few presemt at the latter on the 23rd. One at Clara Vale on 224th - see photo opposite.
Peacock - 1 near Swalwell Visitor centre on 13th when 9 at Owlet Hill and 5 at Shibdon on 17th. Good numbers at Shibdon from 23rd onwards.
Red Admiral - 1 along Derwent walk on 13th.

14-spot ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata) - 1 at Thornley Woodland centre on 11th.

Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela campestris) - 1 at Blaydon Quarry on 12th and another at Stargate Quarry on 23rd.

Gorse Shield Bug (Piezosorus lituratus) - This common species was seen and photographed (see opposite) on 30th April at Clara Vale.

Small Tortoiseshell - 1 at Komatsu, Birtley on 1st and the same or another on 15th. 4 there on 30th. One at Clara Vale on 30th.
Peacock - One at Chopwell on 27th and another seen in Derwent valley on 28th and at Clara Vale one noted on 29th and again on 30th. Two at Komatsu, Birtley and 1 Milkwellburn Wood also on 30th.
Comma - One at the Heather Fields, Winlaton and 4 at Paddock Hill on 30th when also one at Chopwell and 1 Milkwellburn Wood.

Angle Shades - One trapped in a house at Birtley on 14th.
Orange Underwing - Many noted at Shibdon Pond on 16th.

Southern Hawker closeup of thorax pattern at Clara Vale on 29th August [Photo GP].

Green-veined White at Clara Vale on 19th August [Photo GP].

Newly emerged Common Darter at Clara Vale on 16th August [Photo GP].

Excellent photo of a Peacock at Clara Vale on 15th August [Photo GP].

Nicrophorus species - A burying beetle at Clara Vale on 2/8/2004. [Photos: GP]

Ichneumon fly species at Clara Vale on 2/8/2004. [Photos: GP]

Emperor Dragonfly at Stargate on 16/7/2004. [videograb Mike Laverick]

Common Blue at Shibdon Pond on 13/6/2004. [photograph Paul Davidson]

Large Red Damselfly at Clara Vale LNR on 23/05/2004. [photograph Gordon Pollinger]

A mating pair of Large Red Damselfly at Clara Vale LNR on 23/05/2004. [photograph Gordon Pollinger]

Azure Damselfly at Clara Vale LNR on 23/05/2004. The first of the year (2nd day). [photograph Gordon Pollinger]

Dingy Skipper at Shibdon Pond 16/05/2004. This is an excellent spot for this species. [photograph Paul Davidson]

Green Hairstreak - rediscovered in Gateshead [photo PWD]
This photo is for illustration purposes only though it was taken the same day but at Derwent Reservoir, County Durham

Gorse Shield Bug at Clara Vale 30/04/2004. This species is common on gorse, often in large numbers. [photograph Gordon Pollinger]

Comma at Clara Vale 24/04/2004 [photograph Gordon Pollinger]

Comma (underside) at Shibdon Pond 16/05/2004 [photograph Paul Davidson]

Angle Shades at Birtley 14/03/2004. [photograph Paul Davidson]