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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 of these trips next year; there may be much bigger animals than Minke Whale in the sea, but it’s still a breathtaking experience when one surfaces close to the boat.

Much of the rest of the month was taken up by Seal Safaris, and my own favourite moments were the seal fight that we watched, on a day when the weather meant that we couldn’t get across to the Farne Islands and, on a day when the weather was kinder, the sight of a newborn pup, still glistening wet alongside it’s mother as she tried to chase away the gulls that were squabbling over the placenta. The hot chocolate (with cream – don’t tell Sarah…) when back ashore was pretty good as well.

Perhaps themoment of the month was watching two young girls walking up to within a few feet of a Red Squirrel. Actually, no, the moment of the month was the excitement when they came back across to where the rest of us were standing. There may be some excellent footage of wildlife on the television, but nothing compares to experiencing it actually in the wild.

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 to home last winter we decided to sign up for something a little more remote. Arriving at our chosen starting point on the edge of Harwood Forest we were entertained by four Red Squirrels, who were clearly digging up food that they’d previously buried. Our route for today looked straightforward on the map. However, it proved a bit more challenging than expected, with knee deep wet grass and boggy, uneven ground. Sarah fell into a narrow burn – after she was surprised by a Jack Snipe that took off from under her feet. A Green Woodpecker performed well on a tree in front of us and a Roe Deer allowed us a prolonged view. Our next major obstacle was a stream that had just enough water to make jumping across unwise. Sarah braved the slippery footholds of the moss covered rocks – and took her second drenching of the day 🙁 Then we realised that the fields in front of us held an interesting choice – 15 excitable young bullocks or a huge and obviously angry bull. We opted for the bullocks, and fortunately they were more interested in running away from us than anything else. So, lots of birds, some nice mammals, and an enjoyable walk in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. What could be better?

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 the sea on a brisk northeast wind. The light on the landscape was changing constantly so cameras were much in evidence as the walk progressed. Even in challenging conditions Northumberland’s wildlife was evident, with the highlight being a Peregrine over Howick that upset the flocks of starlings and gulls that were in the coastal fields. Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Purple Sandpipers were all watched, as we had our lunch stop at Boulmer before continuing south with the wind propelling us towards Alnmouth. Snow, sleet, hail, rain, bright warm sunshine, rainbows and menacing clouds – all in just a few hours.

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 boat would be aground until then. As heavy showers and rainbows punctuated the journey north it still looked to be touch-and-go. Luckily the weather was kind (although it was a bit bumpy and no boats ran once ours was back in Seahouses Harbour) and we sailed across to the islands. There were plenty of pups to be seen and one was born while the boat was just off the beach! Back on shore there was a pressing need for hot chocolate. Enjoying the day with 5 charming ladies made it so easy to answer the question “What’s your dream job?” and being charmed by Emily, Naomi and Hannah (and subjected to a barrage of questions, most of which I could answer) made the day pass by all too quickly. Stunning wildlife, excellent company and Northumberland’s never-dull weather…there’s nothing better.

Although that was our last Seal Safari for October, and there will be fewer boats running after tomorrow, there are still a few places left on our exclusive Grey Seal Cruise on November 15th and our Farne Islands and Holy Island cruise on December 6th. The Grey Seal colony will be at the height of the breeding season and, as we progress into the winter, Northumberland just gets better and 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 headed to a spot on dry land where we could watch a group of Grey Seals as they lazed around on a sandbank. That’s what we thought they would be doing anyway…however, at this time of year, the seals can get a bit tetchy and they were much keener on fighting rather than resting. Our picnic lunch was enjoyed by all, at a site where we could see the causeway across to Holy Island and the girls were both keen to see if anybody would attempt to cross the causeway while the tide was in…and it very nearly happened, with one driver racing towards the oncoming tide before executing a sharp u-turn and heading rapidly back towards the safety of the island. The weather was glorious again and the excellent visibility meant that the ‘scope views of Grey Plover, Turnstone and both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits were stunning. Purple Sandpiper, Pale-bellied Brent Goose (and distant views of the cottage where the Autumnwatch cameramen are staying!) were greatly appreciated but the highlights were remarkable binocular-filling views of both Common Buzzard and Peregrine. I’ve blogged previously about the importance of engaging people with raptors (as well as all of our other wildlife) and it was incredibly enjoyable for me personally to experience the astonishment in the voices, of the girls in particular, as they watched these magnificent birds perched and then flying.

Back into Wansbeck and a search for Red Squirrels, an iconic inhabitant of Northumberland. And there, on the exact tree that I predicted, was a Red Squirrel. It must have believed we couldn’t see it as it stayed frozen on the trunk of the tree, allowing Alanya and Molly to approach to within a few feet. I’m not sure how I would describe the emotional response that the experience generated for these two young girls, but sharing in it was a privilege.

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 the autumn colours were vivid. A Dipper did exactly what it’s name suggests it should, Nuthatches flashed orange and blue as they flitted from tree to tree in front of us and Common Buzzards mewed as they soared high above the trees. Heading across into Upper Teesdale several Red Grouse posed close to the road and eventually we located the sought-after Black Grouse – no less than 23 handsome Blackcocks could be seen at one point. Flooded areas of roadside fields were completely frozen, looking like bright mirrors amongst the green of the grass. A visit to the spectacular waterfall at High Force produced an unexpected bonus bird in the form of a Green Woodpecker, and we had close-up views of several Goldcrests as they fed in the pathside vegetation. We’re likely to add the North Pennines to our October itinerary from next year, and certainly as an autumn destination for our new photographic tours.

Tomorrow…Back to the seals

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 islands and a few small pups could be seen on the shingle beach of the Wamses.

There is wildlife to see throughout the year in Northumberland, but those days when there’s a cold northerly wind, cloudless skies and crystal clear visibility are really magical.

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 Farne Islands on a Seal Safari. The seals performed very well, sometimes it feels as though we are sailing across for the benefit of the seals, as they watch intently when each boat of observers approaches the islands. We could see one of this years pups, and there should be many more over the next two weeks on the Seal Safaris that we are running until the end of the month. After the boat trip and a picnic lunch we headed down on to the beach north of Bamburgh for a spot of rock-pooling; just the thing to entertain a 2-year old and a 5-year old!

After returning our clients to their holiday cottage there was just time to head home, have a quick bath, and don Black Tie ready for the Wansbeck Business Forum Awards evening. A real celebration of the thriving business community in Wansbeck, the event culminated in the Business of the Year award going to Synergy Healthcare. Our congratulations go to them, and to the winners of the other awards.