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Reflections
Having just finished writing and distributing our latest newsletter, I realised that it allows me some time to reflect on the previous month. October started with disappointment, when we had to cancel our planned whale and dolphin trip due to some very unpleasant weather. These things happen though, and we will be offering a number…
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A walk in the woods, a dip in the stream and a load of bullocks
November 1st marks the start of the winter recording period for the Bird Atlas 2007-2011. If you aren’t involved already then you should be – everyone’s bird records are valuable data, whether you are just recording birds in your garden or you want to carry out Timed Tetrad Visits elsewhere. After covering several tetrads close…
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Wild Goose chase
For several years now we’ve been involved in the Icelandic-breeding Goose Census, and our survey work has enabled us to enjoy some spectacular flocks of birds departing their overnight roosts as daylight breaks, not only the geese but there’s also a roost of several thousand starlings at East Chevington, the site we count. Barn Owls…
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I’m glad we were walking south…
I spent today as the wildlife guide on a walk organised for the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, who are holding their AGM at Linden Hall near Morpeth. The 7.5 miles from Craster to Alnmouth along a section of the route of St Oswald’s Way was punctuated by a series of wintry showers coming in-off…
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Better than Autumnwatch?
Our final Seal Safari of the week was scheduled for 10.30 this morning and a ‘phone call to check the weather conditions suggested that the predicted northeasterly winds might hold off just long enough to allow the boat trip to go ahead…but it wouldn’t be before 11am as the very low tide meant that the…
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The week is just getting better
Our Seal Safari today was the prize for the winner of a recent Go Wansbeck competition. So, I turned up at 9am and collected a just 10-year old, a nearly 10-year old and two adults from Newbiggin by the Sea. The sea was too rough for our planned boat trip to go ahead so we…
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In the grip of winter…
Although it isn’t one of our usual haunts in late October, we had a Prestige Tour in the North Pennines today. The forecast snow didn’t materialise but there was a definite need for thermals and extra fleeces. 🙂 The walk along the river at Allen Banks was stunning; with bright sunshine and cold, clear air…
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Northumberland at its best?
Yesterday we were on a Seal Safari. The boat trip across to the Farne Islands was exhilarating. Cold and windy, but with a clear blue sky and excellent visibility. The view looking back towards the mainland was breathtaking. The slight swell added to the experience as well. There were lots of Grey Seals around the…
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50 Years of the NTBC
Saturday marked the culmination of the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, with a conference and evening reception at the Civic Centre in Newcastle. Luckily the winds were from the southwest, so there was no sudden exit of delegates due to a major rarity turning up in the county!…
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Black Tie or Evening Dress, whichever you prefer…
Wednesday saw us on Safari in Druridge Bay. Highlight of the day was a Peregrine that caused a ‘dread’ amongst the large flock of gulls that were feeding and roosting in the fields to the west of Druridge Pools. On Thursday we enjoyed some excellent, although rather cold, weather as we headed across to the…