Sunday 8 November 2015

Patchday...

Today was the PWC patchday, and we had a very enjoyable morning trying to see as many species as we could before the weather closed in. In the end we managed a total of 84 species, perhaps slightly more than we expected!

First stop was Hadston Carrs where one of the first birds we saw was a smart adult Little Gull feeding just offshore with the Black-headed Gulls. It was joined by a drake Goosander which landed on the sea alongside 2 Red-breasted Mergansers. Other highlights at Hadston included a Great Northern Diver which flew south before appearing to land in the bay, and a Purple Sandpiper and Grey Plover on the rocks.

A Bittern was the pick of the birds at Chevington which gave two great flight views before flying towards the reeds on the south pool. Other flyovers here included Little Egret and Marsh Harrier.

The Budge Fields at Druridge Pools were once again very quiet apart from the Marsh Harrier which flew south. A look from the dunes added Shag, Kittiwake, Mediterranean Gull and a flyby Arctic Skua to the day list.

The last of the day's main highlights was a few Twite in with the Goldfinches opposite Bell's Farm.

PWC 15
Species: 172
Points: 234 

Bittern record shot
Red-throated Diver

4 comments:

  1. Can you list the 85 please?

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    1. It would take a long time to type it all out, is there something in particular you wanted to know?

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    2. Not really. Just thought you might have a list elsewhere & could just cut & paste. I'm new to the game, and 84 seemed impressive!
      Incidentally, where do you go to at Newbiggin? I went to the Point car park last week looking (unsuccessfully) for Mediterranean Gulls, and walked North until the path ran out. Is there a better area?

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    3. Thanks for your comment, we were surprised that we managed to see so many species.
      We find the area around the car park at Church Point is best for Med Gulls, especially early morning on the beach in front of the maritime centre when it's quieter. A loaf of bread also helps!

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