Author: martin

The cetacean expert on the NEWT team, Andy Tait, ‘phoned this morning to ask if I was busy and, if not, would I be able to go up to Cresswell and identify a dead whale that had washed up on the beach, as he couldn’t get there until later in the day. Heading down the steps behind Cresswell Ices I could see several members of the Coastguard about 1/2 a mile N, next to the whale. Although rather decomposed it was identifiable as a subadult male Minke Whale, about 25ft long. A roving cameraman from Tyne Tees was there and asked if I could return later to meet with one of their camera crews. Mid-afternoon saw me return to the beach and be interviewed as the whale floated behind us on the rising tide. Not a pleasant experience, particularly when I think about the breathtaking views I’ve had of these majestic creatures from boats off the Northumberland coast. The one positive aspect is that it will raise public awareness about cetaceans in Northeast England.

The rain may have fallen incessantly as we led a Prestige tour in Druridge Bay but a day list that included no less than 16 Mediterranean Gulls, Merlin, Peregrine, Otter and Harbour Porpoise was guaranteed to lift the spirits.

Most impressive location of the day was Cresswell Pond; now with extensive areas of mud, after the flooding of ten days ago cleared the sand bar that was blocking the burn. Since then Buff-breasted, Pectoral and Curlew Sandpipers have all turned up, along with a host of other wading birds. Now, if only the water levels could be kept like they are now…

Another trip to Druridge this morning to assist Iain with the second day of the Druridge Bay Bioblitz. Had to take a fairly convoluted route to get there due to the number of flooded roads. The sea looked incredibly impressive as I drove up the coast. There were new arrivals chirping and calling in the bushes but the rain was so heavy that it was impossible to see anything. Underwater birdwatching tours anyone? The weather seems to be clearing now (maybe only temporarily though) and the lads at Newbiggin have turned up a few goodies – Dotterel, Wryneck etc. Early start tomorrow, and I’m sure I’ll be glad that we use a Land Rover.

Saturday’s pelagic was an interesting trip, particularly as a strengthening southeasterly stared to ruffle the sea slightly…waking up on Sunday morning to a cloudy, misty gloom only reinforced my thoughts from the day before that there would be good birds to be found on the Northumberland coast.

Where to go? Tide times weren’t helpful for Holy Island so we headed to Low Newton…and an excellent lunch at The Ship. A wander down to Newton Pool produced a juvenile Marsh Harrier and, although the weather was deteriorating, I had a gut feeling about High Newton and the Long Nanny. Sure enough, we were only 50m from the car park when 2 agitated Linnets attracted our attention and there, skulking in some rank vegetation, was a juvenile Red-backed Shrike! A couple of ‘phone calls to spread the news and we continued our walk. Whinchat and at least four Wheatears suggested the possibility of even more migrants…then the heaven’s opened and, for the second time in two weeks, I discovered that one of my waterproof jackets isn’t anymore. Who cares? we found an excellent bird and can’t wait for the autumn to arrive properly.

Since 1998 I’ve organised pelagic trips for the Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club and yesterday was the eagerly anticipated first full-day trip of the year.

Ten cheerful participants boarded the SarahJFK and we headed out into the North Sea in an atmospheric mist. A dark skua seen early in the trip proved to be a Pomarine and the sense of anticipation was building. A few Manx Shearwaters passed by and a group of 40-50 were seen distantly as they headed North. Gannets and Fulmars are always impressive birds close up and we weren’t disappointed as they fed and fought over scraps of Mackerel thrown over the side of the boat. Throughout the day Great Skuas regularly attended the feeding flock of birds close to the boat and launched some aggressive attacks on the other birds. Several Arctic Skuas were seen as well and a Sooty Shearwater performed some impressive fly-bys, repeatedly chasing the boat down before arcing gracefully past us.

Returning to port, on an impressive sea whipped up by a strengthening southeasterly wind, was exhilarating. Now I only have to wait a week before the next full-day pelagic…

Friday 29th saw an unplanned visit to Allendale and the moorland of the North Pennines. Several birds performed very well in front of Christina’s camera. Nuthatches sat on a wall in front of us, and a Dipper eventually rewarded some very patient stalking. The real stars though were the grouse; Red Grouse were abundant and close to the road at several sites but the real prize would be close views of Black Grouse. The first site had no birds at all but it always helps to have a Plan B. Sure enough, we could see two Blackcocks distantly on a steep hillside. I suggested that Christina should open the window and get her camera ready. As I let the Land Rover move slowly downhill we spotted a Blackcock hiding next to a clump of grass. And that’s where it stayed as the memory card on Christina’s camera began to fill with images of this magnificent bird. Eventually it wandered out of sight and we headed off over one of my favourite moorland roads, where the Red Grouse on our website and leaflets was photographed. A few Red Grouse were dotted among the heather but two Blackcocks were standing out in the open next to the road! They were on my side so the camera was passed across and I had the honour of capturing the images as they stood and looked at us. The North Pennines in late-August will definitely be added to our itinerary for 2009.