Dipping

Well 2020 is nearly over. Despite all the problems it has still been a good birding year. Some amazing Northumberland rarities and a couple of rare breeding records.

The last week for me has been as good as many this year. Mealy Redpolls (2) in the country park. An inland Little Egret, Wintering Marsh Harriers, singing Cetti's Warbler and 'birds of the month'; singing Dippers.

 

Away from the Patch

Having been given membership of the National Trust I decided to visit two of Northumberland's biggest attractions.

Wallington Hall

This place impressed because of the large population of Song Thrushes. In addition Redstarts were easy to see. The best lace was the Boating Lake where they were often seen fly-catching over the lillies.

Shame the Redstart was out of focus.

The walk along the river at Rothbury was very pleasant. 

Who said people in Rothbury don't have a sense of humour?

This was a photographic opportunity missed. Sitting by the river we noticed this mouse. I managed a few snaps before it headed towards a seat occupied by two hikers. I was sure it was going to cause alarm but all of a sudden a Black-headed Gull swooped and plucked the mouse from the ground before it could cause a fuss. My passenger was distraught.

Cragside

This NT property also had a fine variety of birdlife. I was very impressed, however all week we saw only two butterflies? Plenty of other insects including lots of Bees.

This parent was very protective.

A well camouflaged Oyc chick.

All the usual suspects along the river.

Do't be alllamma'd

A Walk in the Park

Ater an aborted walk at the coast the thoughts of shelter in Hulne Park, Alnwick seemed a good decision. I followed the red route (4.7 Miles) and was delighted with the birdng. 4 Pairs of Buzzard displaying. 4 Dippers including territorial disputes and the amazing song fom one bird. Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches calling from many locations.

At home one of the many House Sparrows visiting the garden.

In the country park two Norwegian ringed BHGs.
Above:

Date	Place	Coordinates	Observers	Days/km/°
19.04 2013	Løkketangen, Bærum, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°53'29"N 010°31'19"E	Helberg, Morten Lorentzen, Nils Helge	-
26.04 2013	Kadettangen, Bærum, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°53'14"N 010°31'48"E	Mjelde, John Martin	7/1/135
29.04 2013	Engervannet, Bærum, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°53'38"N 010°31'32"E	Pedersen, Johnny R.	10/0/35
01.05 2013	Kadettangen, Bærum, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°53'14"N 010°31'48"E	Pedersen, Johnny R.	12/1/135
14.05 2013	Kadettangen, Bærum, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°53'14"N 010°31'48"E	Pedersen, Johnny R.	25/1/135
20.11 2013	Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland, Great Britain	55°17'38"N 001°34'52"W	Hodgson, Mike S.	215/883/239
10.01 2014	Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland, Great Britain	55°17'38"N 001°34'52"W	Patterson, Tom	266/883/239
20.02 2014	Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland, Great Britain	55°17'38"N 001°34'52"W	Elliott, David	307/883/239

CR-Code White ring with black code: J6CZ LBWN(J6CZ);RBM
Ringing Centre Stavanger Museum (Norway) Ring number 6153473
Species Black-headed Gull  Larus ridibundus
Sex Unknown Age 3 cy+

Date	Place	Coordinates	Observers	Days/km/°
29.04 2013	Østensjøvannet, Oslo, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°52'51"N 010°49'57"E	Lome, Carsten Sandøy, John	-
30.04 2013	Østensjøvannet, Oslo, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°52'51"N 010°49'57"E	Isaksen, Kjell	1/0/0
14.06 2013	Østensjøvannet, Oslo, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°52'51"N 010°49'57"E	Sandøy, John	46/0/0
01.07 2013	Østensjøvannet, Oslo, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°52'51"N 010°49'57"E	Evenrud, Jon Johansen, Arnkjell	63/0/0
02.07 2013	Østensjøvannet, Oslo, Akershus & Oslo, Norway	59°52'51"N 010°49'57"E	Mjelde, John Martin	64/0/0
20.11 2013	Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland, Great Britain	55°17'38"N 001°34'52"W	Hodgson, Mike S.	205/897/240
14.12 2013	Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland, Great Britain	55°17'38"N 001°34'52"W	Elliott, David	229/897/240
20.02 2014	Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland, Great Britain	55°17'38"N 001°34'52"W	Elliott, David	297/897/240

CR-Code White ring with black code: J1TL LBM;RBWN(J1TL)
Ringing Centre Stavanger Museum (Norway) Ring number K03055
Species Black-headed Gull  Larus ridibundus
Sex Male Age 3 cy+


The weather was excellent as I finished the day back at Chev; Slav, Red-necked, and Little Grebes, 2 Long-tailed Duck and lots of accompanying wildfowl all in good light.

A Successful Twitch ends in a Dip(per)

A call at 05:38 from IF and I was quickly on my way to twitch one of the least expected patch birds of the year. A juvenile dipper at the burnmouth East Chevington. I always wondered if they were ever seen dispersing, now I know.