Monday 22nd July was reserved for a morning on Lindisfarne – a Natural England Reserve – which is a massive area for which many species depend upon for both breeding and, more importantly for overwintering. We investigated the island for a further visit as we could not spare enough time to see all that we wanted to see.
On the way we stopped at the end of the causeway to see what was flying. We were rewarded with a male Reed Bunting, a Yellow Wagtail and Linnets in the corn. However, upon leaving we stopped to look over Budle Bay at Warren Mill and watched the incoming tide bring the birds closer to us. There were almost fifty Swans, several Curlew and then twenty Redshank flew in.
We moved on to Seahouses discovered ‘The Olde Ship’ relaxed for a while and then we returned to our accommodation and walked just inland of the dunes to see what grassland birds were around. It was wonderful walking through uncut grasses and colourful flowers. I don’t know whether this will be cut but I suspect that the very wet weather has prevented it so far. However it was a joy to walk amongst it all and while we were doing this, two groups of Curlew flew over us numbering one hundred. Birding sources have already mentioned that some of the northern nesting birds have already arrived in their winter quarters. We wondered if that was the case with these birds. We saw linnet flying, watched a perched reed bunting, an immature Northern Wheatear, and what we believed were meadow pipits – photographs have still to be viewed closely – and then we saw our first English Partridge scurrying about in a paddock of horses.
Sadly butterflies were almost absent and the two we saw we did not recognise – we will check up later.
Summing the day up is easy. It was not as good as we had hoped but nevertheless we saw some birds. Basically it was birds and booze especially when I remember ‘The Ship Inn Pub & Brewery’ at Low Newton where they brew their own. You can look them up on www.shipinnnewton.co.uk
We thoroughly recommend this location as it is perfect to sit in peace and quiet, watch the ocean and sip.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Monday, 16 July 2012
COQUET ISLAND
This Sunday morning found us in need of a few quiet hours so that we could catch up with ourselves.
An enjoyable breakfast and then a few emails and to bring the blog smack bang up-to date.
We had booked a 1pm boat ride with Dave Grey’s Puffin Cruises from the harbour at Amble. The weather was kind, the sea calm with some cloud. The goal was to see Roseate Terns on Coquet Island (an RSPB site) which is one of the few places that they breed. We knew that we were unable to land and so all our watching was from the boat. It was not easy to view them as we had to pick them out from the other terns that also inhabit this rocky island just a short distance off the mainland. However Michelle managed to capture them digitally and we were able to identify them flying.
This trip we had been very enthusiastic about as Coquet does have a good ‘facebook site with some very good photographs exhibited on it. It did not match up yesterday but at least we have seen all four types of tern that breed in Northumberland.
Then we had a quick visit to the ‘Poison Garden’(with one of the worst guides ever), did a bit of the ‘Woodland Walk’ at Alnwick followed by a quick pint and then ‘home’ for dinner with Countryfile.
An enjoyable breakfast and then a few emails and to bring the blog smack bang up-to date.
We had booked a 1pm boat ride with Dave Grey’s Puffin Cruises from the harbour at Amble. The weather was kind, the sea calm with some cloud. The goal was to see Roseate Terns on Coquet Island (an RSPB site) which is one of the few places that they breed. We knew that we were unable to land and so all our watching was from the boat. It was not easy to view them as we had to pick them out from the other terns that also inhabit this rocky island just a short distance off the mainland. However Michelle managed to capture them digitally and we were able to identify them flying.
This trip we had been very enthusiastic about as Coquet does have a good ‘facebook site with some very good photographs exhibited on it. It did not match up yesterday but at least we have seen all four types of tern that breed in Northumberland.
Then we had a quick visit to the ‘Poison Garden’(with one of the worst guides ever), did a bit of the ‘Woodland Walk’ at Alnwick followed by a quick pint and then ‘home’ for dinner with Countryfile.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
THE FARNES
This was the purpose of the trip which was to see the Puffins. Madam was not disappointed for how could she be with thousands in the sea, flying over it, flying over us and underneath our feet. There is much more to say for this was an amazing day.
We left the harbour at Seahouses aboard The Glad Tidings to head out towards The Farne Islands. There was plenty to see with Terns, Shags, Puffins and Gannets all around us. We were unable to land on Staples but we ‘ hove to’ alongside cliffs of sheer rock covered in a white dressing – you could smell it too. The rocks were covered with Guillemots and every niche had a Kittiwake clinging to it – telling us their name constantly. There were still a few Razorbills that had delayed their departure just for us with the occasional Fulmar showing.
Grey/Atlantic Seals were plentiful and they are good fun to watch. Thankfully, there is a good population of them here.
We were able to land on Inner Farne. Arctic Terns were everywhere mostly within feet of us and not shy to show there annoyance at the intruders. Intrusion of the human kind you may think would seriously affect them but the alternative is true. It may be that us humans give protection and reduce predation which was what the breeding results show.
There was also a colony of Sandwich Terns with a smaller number of Common Tern also breeding on this rocky island.
For Michelle, she came for ‘The Puffins’ and she saw thousands and did her best to get some good shots. They fly fast and furious and to capture one in flight is difficult. She did very well but you will have to wait to see her results. We did get close up and personal when one of the wardens showed us one that he had caught. They are beautiful, amazing and funny birds. What a privilege to see so many in a small area.
For me, being that close to so many seabirds, was a great experience. It was a good learning day.
We returned to harbour on a sea that was as though it was a slightly ruffled cloth of silk shining under a re-emerging summer sun. A roadside pub beckoned which quenched our thirst and gave time to reflect on another good day.
We left the harbour at Seahouses aboard The Glad Tidings to head out towards The Farne Islands. There was plenty to see with Terns, Shags, Puffins and Gannets all around us. We were unable to land on Staples but we ‘ hove to’ alongside cliffs of sheer rock covered in a white dressing – you could smell it too. The rocks were covered with Guillemots and every niche had a Kittiwake clinging to it – telling us their name constantly. There were still a few Razorbills that had delayed their departure just for us with the occasional Fulmar showing.
Grey/Atlantic Seals were plentiful and they are good fun to watch. Thankfully, there is a good population of them here.
We were able to land on Inner Farne. Arctic Terns were everywhere mostly within feet of us and not shy to show there annoyance at the intruders. Intrusion of the human kind you may think would seriously affect them but the alternative is true. It may be that us humans give protection and reduce predation which was what the breeding results show.
There was also a colony of Sandwich Terns with a smaller number of Common Tern also breeding on this rocky island.
For Michelle, she came for ‘The Puffins’ and she saw thousands and did her best to get some good shots. They fly fast and furious and to capture one in flight is difficult. She did very well but you will have to wait to see her results. We did get close up and personal when one of the wardens showed us one that he had caught. They are beautiful, amazing and funny birds. What a privilege to see so many in a small area.
For me, being that close to so many seabirds, was a great experience. It was a good learning day.
We returned to harbour on a sea that was as though it was a slightly ruffled cloth of silk shining under a re-emerging summer sun. A roadside pub beckoned which quenched our thirst and gave time to reflect on another good day.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
TICKETS TO RIDE FOR BEER AND BRASS
Enthusiasm and friendliness is what you get when you take a trip on The Bluebell Railway.
We found this out when we entered the station at Horsted Keynes last Saturday evening to take a ride with nostalgia. We were greeted on the platform by smiling staff and throughout the evening the service was excellent. We all had a great time.
Robbie and Neal, long-time friends who live in Hove are frequent visitors to this line with Neal playing the enthusiasts part. It was he who had booked our tickets along with two friends, Amanda and Pete (alias ‘Pooks’). I was pleased to see that they were all serious drinkers which did mean that all the ale on offer was quaffed with an enthusiastic air.
For Michelle and I visiting England after 6 years in Spain to see the results of peoples’ endeavour to keep our railway history up and running was a real joy. To smell the steam, hear the toot of the whistle and hear that explosion of escaping smoke was a wonderful experience. To stand alongside one of these snorting beasts was a reminder of the power of steam and how it changed the world. To sit in one of these carriages where you can feel the history of transport and touch it.
The station buildings, platforms and all with herbaceous borders are real reminders to show how people used to care, to take a pride in what they did and I know that there are real people who still do all of that.
The Horsham Borough Brass Band added that extra bit of finesse to the evening playing under the platform canopy while the rain beat its own tune.
We found this out when we entered the station at Horsted Keynes last Saturday evening to take a ride with nostalgia. We were greeted on the platform by smiling staff and throughout the evening the service was excellent. We all had a great time.
Robbie and Neal, long-time friends who live in Hove are frequent visitors to this line with Neal playing the enthusiasts part. It was he who had booked our tickets along with two friends, Amanda and Pete (alias ‘Pooks’). I was pleased to see that they were all serious drinkers which did mean that all the ale on offer was quaffed with an enthusiastic air.
For Michelle and I visiting England after 6 years in Spain to see the results of peoples’ endeavour to keep our railway history up and running was a real joy. To smell the steam, hear the toot of the whistle and hear that explosion of escaping smoke was a wonderful experience. To stand alongside one of these snorting beasts was a reminder of the power of steam and how it changed the world. To sit in one of these carriages where you can feel the history of transport and touch it.
The station buildings, platforms and all with herbaceous borders are real reminders to show how people used to care, to take a pride in what they did and I know that there are real people who still do all of that.
The Horsham Borough Brass Band added that extra bit of finesse to the evening playing under the platform canopy while the rain beat its own tune.
ON THE SOUTH COAST
We had done our homework and we knew that Selsey Bill and Bracklesham Bay would allow us to watch gulls, terns and maybe some waders with the former site being more important during the migratory months.
CHURCH NORTON (Grid reference SZ 872 958 ) is located on the edge of Pagham Harbour and is an interesting location having mature trees and a tidal marsh with shingle banks. Singing over head was a Song Thrush and on a tree opposite was a male Green Woodpecker. Looking over the marsh we could see Black-tailed Godwit with Curlew showing well and calling. Oystercatchers were easily evident and nesting with Greenshank and Redshank feeding in the mud. We saw one Sandwich Tern with numerous Black-Headed and Herring Gulls doing their own noisy thing. Both Heron and Little Egret were seen but with weather and time against us we felt that there was much more to see on a return visit.
We then visited The RSPB Reserve which is located on the Selsey/Chichester road and is sign posted. Persistent rain drove us into a hide which overlooked a lake which provided very good views of various waders, including Lapwing and a Little Gull. Leaving the hide we saw and photographed a White Throat.
The above locations are important sites and we would recommend the latter two. The Wildfowl & Wetland Centre at Arundel is a must. There are many ducks and geese to observe but our aim was to see the Water Vole. We visited this site on both days and saw voles on each of them and more than once on each boat ride. We sat within feet of them while they chewed away. They are just great to see.
Our other stars were Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler rattling away in the reed outside reception. Peregine Falcons also obliged on both occasions and we watched a perched one drying himself out after rain. We just needed more time.
CHURCH NORTON (Grid reference SZ 872 958 ) is located on the edge of Pagham Harbour and is an interesting location having mature trees and a tidal marsh with shingle banks. Singing over head was a Song Thrush and on a tree opposite was a male Green Woodpecker. Looking over the marsh we could see Black-tailed Godwit with Curlew showing well and calling. Oystercatchers were easily evident and nesting with Greenshank and Redshank feeding in the mud. We saw one Sandwich Tern with numerous Black-Headed and Herring Gulls doing their own noisy thing. Both Heron and Little Egret were seen but with weather and time against us we felt that there was much more to see on a return visit.
We then visited The RSPB Reserve which is located on the Selsey/Chichester road and is sign posted. Persistent rain drove us into a hide which overlooked a lake which provided very good views of various waders, including Lapwing and a Little Gull. Leaving the hide we saw and photographed a White Throat.
The above locations are important sites and we would recommend the latter two. The Wildfowl & Wetland Centre at Arundel is a must. There are many ducks and geese to observe but our aim was to see the Water Vole. We visited this site on both days and saw voles on each of them and more than once on each boat ride. We sat within feet of them while they chewed away. They are just great to see.
Our other stars were Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler rattling away in the reed outside reception. Peregine Falcons also obliged on both occasions and we watched a perched one drying himself out after rain. We just needed more time.
ON THE FERRY GOING OVER
We left Bilbao on the 8.30 ferry to Portsmouth arriving at the same hour on Tuesday 4th July. The wind was light and the temperature was around 23C. It’s all so easy it certainly is much better than the constant waiting at airports. There is not that much to say but it is relaxing with no need to rush around.
Birds and marine life were very disappointing to start with but we soon had three separate sightings of dolphin. The ‘ORCA’ representative on board soon enlightened us and I can now tell whether it is a common dolphin or not. I later stood with him on the upper deck and saw clearly the markings of this species. Birding was slow but then there were (possibly) either Cory’s or Sooty Shearwaters skimming the waves. I may be able to tell the difference one day! Then there were immature Gannets flying overhead. I know that they are not adult because the book says so and the older ones are too busy parenting – it’s that time of year. No bloody whales though – princely or otherwise.
Birds and marine life were very disappointing to start with but we soon had three separate sightings of dolphin. The ‘ORCA’ representative on board soon enlightened us and I can now tell whether it is a common dolphin or not. I later stood with him on the upper deck and saw clearly the markings of this species. Birding was slow but then there were (possibly) either Cory’s or Sooty Shearwaters skimming the waves. I may be able to tell the difference one day! Then there were immature Gannets flying overhead. I know that they are not adult because the book says so and the older ones are too busy parenting – it’s that time of year. No bloody whales though – princely or otherwise.
Monday, 2 July 2012
1st July.
The wind was blowing hard when we awoke just like the previous evening. It was therefore a quick break fast , then head north to see what we could see on our way to Bilbao. We travelled through more corn fields with luxuriant green deciduous forests lining the hillsides. Griffon Vultures, our first on this trip, were circling overhead.
Our first destination was within 5km of the Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz. Here there are the Salburúa Wetlands with 203 hectares of forest, marsh and water all teeming with wildlife. There are listed walks and hides that actually overlook water! Nesting White Storks were in abundance, a heronry was in the trees opposite, waterfowl with young were swimming about which included both geese and coot. We did not have time to stay too long but together with information gleaned on our arrival in Bilbao there has to be a return visit either in winter or during a migration for there is so much to see and do in País Vasco/Euskadi.
A hotel brochure lists The Mendijur Ornothologica Park as well as coastal sites. From now on we will be looking for seabirds and once on the ferry on Tuesday morning we will look for any marine life. Let’s hope the weather is good.
The wind was blowing hard when we awoke just like the previous evening. It was therefore a quick break fast , then head north to see what we could see on our way to Bilbao. We travelled through more corn fields with luxuriant green deciduous forests lining the hillsides. Griffon Vultures, our first on this trip, were circling overhead.
Our first destination was within 5km of the Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz. Here there are the Salburúa Wetlands with 203 hectares of forest, marsh and water all teeming with wildlife. There are listed walks and hides that actually overlook water! Nesting White Storks were in abundance, a heronry was in the trees opposite, waterfowl with young were swimming about which included both geese and coot. We did not have time to stay too long but together with information gleaned on our arrival in Bilbao there has to be a return visit either in winter or during a migration for there is so much to see and do in País Vasco/Euskadi.
A hotel brochure lists The Mendijur Ornothologica Park as well as coastal sites. From now on we will be looking for seabirds and once on the ferry on Tuesday morning we will look for any marine life. Let’s hope the weather is good.
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