Newsletter
January 2007
Volume 9 Issue 1 www.summerhillbirdclub.co.uk
Contents
A November trip to Norfolk Page 2-3 Red Kites Update Page 4 - 7 Dates for your diary Event details for the coming months Page - 8 Local Sightings Sightings from around the region. Page - 9
A Very Happy New Year
A welcome to all of our members, readers and web-site visitors a Happy New Year to you all from all of us at the S ummerhill Bird Club. This time of year is for diets, hangover cures, new resolutions and new beginnings. It is also a time of new bird lists for the year for those who keep them. I keep one to compare with close friend Dave Harrison for our own purposes and this found me becoming a dreaded “twitcher” in the latter part of the year as those who read the sightings may have noticed. So what happened for me to start travelling to see a bird and then head home? I will be writing in the coming months about this, I can feel the tension building now! It has been a year of planning for myself, Dave and Debbie as we have worked on our birding holiday brochure and this work took Debbie and myself to Scotland for New Year. The trip was excellent it was nice to see the New Year having a sumptuous meal in very pleasant company in very nice surroundings, unfortunately for the atmosphere there no piper to pipe in 2007. Never mind you can‟t have everything. This trip did give me the edge over Dave for the start of our lists, it was nice seeing ptarmigan and red grouse before pheasant and Scottish Crossbill before greenfinch. Dave has been as gracious as ever about it all as he took me out at the weekend to catch up on all of his star birds. I am sure that there will be more on this in the coming months, but I have to remember it is not a competition! The year for the Club holds some interesting times with another trip to Spain and the committee to meet more regularly will mean the Club will move forward more strategically and that will benefit the members. We have arranged some trips with Jonathon Pounder helping with the transport and we will look to do some local trips like the one to Sunderland Bridge on Sunday through car share. These will be planned as morning trips so people can get back for dinner etc. If you have any destination in mind please talk to someone and we will give it serious consideration. Please be aware that subs are now due for 2007 and have been kept low again because of the Club finances and the support of the raffle at the Indoor meetings, please continue to support the Club as you always do. Many thanks
Kevin Spindloe Chairman
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A November Weekend in Norfolk
By Bernie Hodgson
Our journey to Norfolk started from Marske-by-the-Sea. We travelled south through the length of Yorkshire to the Humber Bridge, then into Lincolnshire where we made a brief stop to see Bernie‟s family. We continued onto Norfolk noting the change to a flat landscape with much darker soil, the crops had changed from cereal to vegetables. Over the Great Ouse at Kings Lynn we tracked north to Titchwell and our hotel for two nights. Not yet dark we passed RSPB Titchwell and noted it was near at hand. The hotel was comfortable and offered “posh nosh” in the evening. We had “full English” in the morning to top up our energy reserves. The garden at the hotel produced a number of common birds including pied wagtails on the roof in the morning sun. The Saturday morning was bright and not too cold for the time of year. As we arrived in the Titchwell car park we were greeted with Robins calling, no doubt to protect their territories. Other small birds were going about their business of gathering food etc. The gentleman in the next car to ours had decided to have an early lunch at 10am. Our morning consisted of a 2 hour walk around the reserve, that we had visited some 5 years earlier. Before we arrived at the centre/shop we were invited to proceed down a path marked “is this the tallest bird feeding station in the world”. Curiosity got the better of us and we decided it was a “must see”. The feeder is 5.8 metres high and is filled by a rope and pulley set up. Our reward was Brambling in numbers at the base of the feeder along with other woodland edge species. The bird feeding station behind the shop only gave us house sparrows; apparently they don‟t get any (or many) tree sparrows in this area. In the centre itself before entering the reserve there is a high tech presentation. It consists of a screen with keyboard for someone to drive the show. The result is a display of current and recent bird sightings. The operator/presenter was a friendly RSPB volunteer full of useful information... During the morning walk we looked for „bearded tit‟ without luck. However Moira picked out two unusual large Geese. She questioned a friendly birder who said they were Egyptian Geese, living in Norfolk in small numbers and breeding wild. Also the friendly birder sorted out Bernie‟s identity problems of Green Shank to be a Green Sandpiper. I should have known this by size and leg length of the Green Shank. We had already seen a Green Shank on the marsh area adjacent to the footpath running on the edge of the reserve. On the way back to the centre we had great views of a Marsh Harrier after initially looking for a heron that someone else was tracking. We also heard and saw a number of Curlews on the adjacent marsh issuing their mournful calls. Back at the centre we fed ourselves at the human feeding station. After lunch we joined up with a party of others on a pre-booked RSPB walk. The leader was a young volunteer called Adam in his mid thirties with 26 years birding experience, almost as many years as Kevin. The group of 14 were keen to gain in experience and draw on Adam‟s knowledge of the reserve. He explained the reason for Titchwell and how it had developed since being purchased by the RSPB in the early seventies!!! Or it may have been earlier. The aim is to develop the site for breeding Waders, Bittern and to provide an improved habitat for Marsh Harrier. The management is complex but is achieved by maintaining a fresh water lagoon along with a large partially brackish lagoon (so many % saline) and a tidal lagoon. The large reed beds are managed by 25% cutting back each year. Adams knowledge was endless and he led us to various areas and into hides and finally to the sea. On the shore Adam found a large chunk of peat at the water line. He explained that the area was a peat bog many hundreds or could have been thousands of years ago. The peat provides a good base for invertebrates to bore into. With the peat being soft it allows the feeding waders to recover their food from the holes with ease. Adam asked us all the question – what is the next landfall looking directly out over the sea from Titchwell? A number of answers were given, Denmark, Scandinavia and Spits Bergen. The correct answer proved to be the North Pole. I checked the atlas on return, it is correct if you follow the line of longitude north. You forget that Titchwell is on the North Norfolk Coast. From the hides we observed many species including the Egyptian Geese spotted earlier. The pair gave a speculator fly past over the hide at a very low height. Once in the air from a small island, they headed straight for the hide at the viewing slot level. Moira calling come on boys, I like “close up and personal”. This pair certainly were close and honking very loud as they skimmed the hide. The birding was good and the number of species was endless. A list of our sightings for the weekend is included. During our time in the
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hides a common cry from Moira was, “oh not again” as Bernie found something in his scope, asking Adam for assistance to confirm the identity. Every one in the party with scopes was willing to let others look and share their “finds”. Our sightings included good numbers of Godwits, Ruff, Avocet, Geese and ducks including Pintail. The detail on the Ruff‟s back feathers was a pleasure to see. The Sunday took us to Cley where a new “Geese Centre” is under construction for the Norfolk Wild Life Trust. We visited the hides and went to the beach end of the reserve. Our tuck today was at Arkwright‟s café a former coast guard lookout station. As well as food the place was stuffed with second hand books, including birding books for sale. The sightings at the reserve included many close up views of Teal, Shoveler and Widgeon all in large numbers. The colour of the Teal showing particularly well in the morning sun. Also geese were in abundance along with Godwits, Dunlin and other waders. At the seaward end of the reserve the lagoon had large numbers of Geese and 200 to 300 Widgeon along with other waterfowl species. The adjacent field had large groups of Brent Geese. The entrance to the reserve from the visitor centre provided us with a Little Grebe showing well about five feet from the boardwalk. We then moved onto Blakeney for a walk before heading home. Here we saw a Marsh Harrier and a smaller dark raptor along with waders, flocks of Linnets and Little Egret. The pond along side the car park had a number of species including Red Brested and Barnacle Geese and Mandarin Duck. Also of interest as we drove round we noted large red signs in house and field entrances stating Curlews and Redwings etc. We speculated that the owners put up a sign to state that the species were present on their land. There were other signs offering fresh mussels, crawfish and crayfish. What a shame cars don‟t have built in fridges. The birds we identified over the weekend at all three sites (some with help) were. Waders - Golden and Grey Plover, Lapwing, Avocet, Ruff, Black and Bar Tailed Godwit, Oyster Catcher, Green and Red Shank, Sanderling, Turnstone, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew (the one we did not find at Cley was a white rumped Sandpiper which had been seen among a large group of Dunlins earlier in the morning).
Geese – Graylag, Pink Foot, Dark Bellied Brent and Egyptian. At Blakeney we also saw Barnacle and Red Breasted in the pond near the car park. Ducks – Pintails, Pochard, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Widgeon, Shoveler, Shelduck, Tufted, Common Scoter (black dots on the sea at a distance).At Blakeney in the pond we also saw Mandarin. Gulls – Black headed, Common, Herring Others – Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, Heron, Cormorant and Little Grebe. Common Birds – Coot, Moorhen, Starling, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, House Sparrow, Stonechat, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Meadow Pipit, Crow, Magpie, Reed Bunting, Linnet, Pied Wagtail, Collared Dove and Song Thrush. All in all we considered that we had gained a lot from the weekend, it was not only a break for us in another part of the country but hopefully we can now sort out the Godwits, Green Shank from Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Various Ducks and the Geese. Titchwell gets 10 out of 10, for the sheer numbers of birds. This makes identity easier because you have a comparison with other species often in view at the same time. It was our first visit to Cley. Again the numbers of birds were there and the reserve offers great potential to improve your birding skills. A longer walk a Blakeney down the whole length of the spit would have provided us with more sightings no doubt.
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The Northern Kites Project – Early Autumn 2005 Update
Background & Introduction
Northern Kites is a partnership Project between the lead partners English Nature and The RSPB, Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the SITA Trust. The Project aims to reintroduce and ultimately, re-establish the red kite as a breeding bird in northeast England. The timescale for the Project is 2004-2009. In that period, it is hoped to release up to 80 kites close to the heart of urban Tyneside. As well as bringing the kite back to the northeast region, the Project aims to provide opportunities for people to see these spectacular birds. For more background about the Project see the previous article in the Lek or contact the Project Office (details below). In essence, the Northern Kites Project comprises four key elements: Wildlife - the return of the red kite to its former range in northeast England People - the opportunity to give people and communities access to the kite, so that they can enjoy and learn about wildlife and the wider environment through the Project Economics - the chance to show how such a project can be good not just for wildlife and people, but also for the local economy Partnership - the illustration of how partners from the charitable, private and public sectors, working in an imaginative way together can better deliver rewards not just for wildlife but also to improve local people‟s quality of life It is the Partnership‟s intent to show how a flagship biodiversity project, such as Northern Kites, can be illustrative of the importance of a healthy environment, and be shown to relate to many aspects of modern life. As a world first in reintroducing kites into an urban-fringe environment, Northern Kites ultimately aims to highlight the value and benefits brought to the region by all of our biodiversity. To do this effectively, the Project must be high profile and it must work to maintain that profile throughout the lifetime of the Project. To this end, the Project has (in July 2004) already attracted a message of support from the Prime Minister. In November 2004, it was named in the Journal‟s list of one hundred things that makes living in the north th „great‟. On 25 May of this year, the new MP for Blaydon, David Anderson, in his maiden speech to Parliament, referred to the red kites, alongside the Blaydon Races and the Angel of the North, as one of the iconic, defining th features of his constituency. On 4 July, Jim Knight MP, Minister for Rural Affairs and Biodiversity, visited the Project, in order to meet some of 2005‟s young kites. The Story So Far th The Northern Kites re-introduction schedule commenced in spring/summer 2004, and 12 July 2004 saw the release of the first six red kites into North East England. Eventually, twenty birds were successfully released during July and further releases have taken place in 2005 and are planned for 2006. At April 2005, of the twenty kites released in July 2004, eighteen were known to be alive the highest survival rate (90%) of any Year 1 release project, since work began on the national programme of releases in 1989. It is hoped that the kites will start nesting in 2006 and that the population will become self-sustaining within a decade. All birds released wear numbered, coloured plastic wing-tags (pink for Northern Kites birds – on the left wing - yellow for 2004, orange for 2005 – on the right wing). Birds are also fitted with radio transmitters, so that their movements and welfare can be monitored
What has Been Happening Recently at Northern Kites, Spring/Summer 2005 th On 18 May, the Project received its first visit from foreign visitors, a party of fifteen Dutch tourists, who spent a day with the Project. It is likely that this may become a regular, future activity.
Between April and July, the Project received very considerable media coverage, including five pieces on local TV, and numerous press articles. The subjects covered included: the release of „Spark‟ (WT11); the visit of Dutch tourists to the Project; the unveiling of Flash‟s replacement at Winlaton West Lane; and, the meanderings of „Scarlet‟ (WT2). The Northern Kites Website went live in May, www.northernkites.org.uk Access and Education Officer, Melanie Bowden took up post on 13 June. Melanie is currently co-ordinating an audit of Lifelong Learning activity by the partners and stakeholders, and developing this year‟s Adopt-a-Kite Scheme.
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On 14 June, the „Winlaton Phoenix‟ (Wing Tag, WT, 21), was introduced to the children of Winlaton West Lane Primary School, at a special school assembly. This, the first kite to be released in 2005, replaced their poisoned, adopted bird „Flash‟ (WT10). Over the summer months, Helen Quayle, a Master of Science student, at the University of Newcastle, and two undergraduate students, have been undertaking radio-tacking studies of the kites. The students have been trying to determine the habitat preferences of the kites and to see how the 2005 birds relate to the 2004 released birds. On 4 July, Jim Knight, Minister for Rural Affairs and Biodiversity, visited the Project, in order to meet some of 2005‟s young kites. On 8 July, the first eight of 2005‟s young kites were released in the lower Derwent valley, the last of this year‟s forty th one youngsters being released on 5 August, making this phase of Northern Kites the largest single-year release of kites in any re-introduction project to date. Bird News The 2004 Birds - General Summary May and June brought a mini dispersal of the Gateshead-based kites, with some of these moving around the northeast and, in some instances, out of monitoring contact. A review of bird‟s whereabouts in late July revealed that of the eighteen extant birds, twelve were known to have been in the northeast during the June/July period. These were Wing Tag numbers: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15,16, 18 and 19 (with ten of these being recorded at some time in that period in Gateshead). A number of 2004‟s kites continue to „come and go‟ from the lower Derwent valley. At present, there are four of last year‟s birds that look to be currently settled in that area. These are: WT6, WT9, WT16 & WT19. Shortly after the 2005 releases, a number of these appeared to be playing “auntie” to groups of juvenile kites. WT9 appears to have „shepherded‟ young kites over to the Barlow Burn and up to nineteen birds have now been noted in that area. The Project continued to receive reports of kites in Northumberland through the spring and summer, which are probably (possibly?) sightings of WT13 & WT14. The former seems to have been in the northern central (Wooler?) area of Northumberland, the latter bird at various localities that describe an arc, north of Newcastle City, between North Tyneside and Newcastle Airport after wintering in the Backworth area of North Tyneside. Radio tracking in th Northumberland over this period did not locate either bird, but on 7 August, WT13 re-appeared at Rowlands Gill. Selected Details of the 2004 Birds WT2 (Scarlet) – After no news about her whereabouts since September, Wing Tag 2, was found again, in the th th st Chilterns on 12 /13 March 2005. Two weeks later, on Thursday 31 March, she was back in Gateshead! After months of travelling, and flying thousands of kilometres, she had come home and went to roost with local kites near Rowlands Gill, less than 1km from her release site in 2004. Early in April, she was off again. She was tracked south and found roosting 10km east of Barnard Castle, Co. Durham. Next morning she was flying south, near Catterick in N. th Yorkshire. By 6 April, she had, once again, returned to Gateshead, and then she was gone! No sightings/reports rd until 17th June, when she re-appeared near Hamsterley Mill, in the Derwent valley and, more recently, on 3 August, the famous „wandering Scarlet‟, was in the Harewood Hall area of Yorkshire (with Yorkshire kites). She was still there into the following week. WT3 – This bird was considered a rather sedentary individual, rarely leaving the Derwent valley and Barlow Burn, until, in late May, he moved more than 35 miles and joined forces with WT5 in Teesdale. He was last noted in the th Derwent valley on 28 May and by early June, he was with WT5 northwest of Barnard Castle. At present, both WT3 & WT5 are „hanging out‟ together around Blackton Beck, Eggleston, in Teesdale, but they have also been observed making foraging trips to the Stanhope area of Weardale. WT8 (Rufus) – This bird was observed, alongside a 2005 juvenile (WT21 – the Winlaton Phoenix), at Hedley-on-theth nd Hill on the 13 July but was not radio-tracked again until the 2 August, when he was in the Tyne Valley. His signal „disappeared‟ and his exact location could not be determined, despite a search up the valley as far as Haydon Bridge. He may have crossed into the upper reaches of the Derwent valley. Wing Tag 11 - In April, „Spark‟, the kite injured on the A1 in late August 2004, was released (on 19 ) and then taken back into captivity, before being released again three weeks later. Subsequently, he was re-captured and taken down to the London Zoo Animal Hospital for six weeks. Here, he was found to have a severe „leg‟ infection (nothing to do with his original injuries). In July, after treatment, he was recovering well. A further, final attempt at releasing him into the wild will be made this late summer/autumn. WT 15 - On 8 July, he was circling over Rowlands Gill as 2005‟s first young kites were released. He was noted rd th locally again on 23 of the month, but has not been seen in the lower Derwent valley since 27 July.
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WT16 – This bird a female, was in the Harewood Hall area of Yorkshire in late July (after being seen over Rowlands th rd Gill on the morning of 2005‟s first release, on 8 July). She was last noted with the Yorkshire kites on 3 August th (when she was seen flying strongly to the east – coming home?). On the evening of 4 August, she was roosting in woodlands in the Barlow Burn. Home again, but not alone! WT18 - He was noted at Snod‟s Edge (Northumberland) at the top of the Derwent Valley on the 15 July, then later that day radio-tracked to Spennymoor, and from there, heading south. He has subsequently been back to the th Gateshead part of the Derwent valley, on 27 July. For a complete summary of the wanderings and activities of all of the birds released in 2004 visit the update page at www.northernkites.org.uk or visit the Durham bird club website. The 2005 Birds General summary - Of the forty-one young birds released so far this year, thirty eight are known to be still in the northeast (principally around the lower Derwent valley/Barlow Burn but birds are also regularly seen in the lower Tyne valley and surrounding areas e.g. Heddon-on-the-Wall). Two of this year‟s juveniles, WT23 and WT25, dispersed very quickly and had left the lower Derwent valley within a week of release. A number of others e.g. WT26 & 30, which were recorded locally into mid-August, are probably now „wandering locally‟ in the region. WT25 has not been tracked since release (whereabouts currently unknown) but following a report of a kite being seen st nd at North Bitchburn, near Howden-le-Wear in Weardale on the 1 August, radio-tracking (on 2 ) confirmed that this was WT23. She was found a few miles to the west of the reported location, near to McNeil Bottoms. The following morning she was at Hamsterley; the sixth bird that has been recorded on its way to Teesdale. In the last week of August, she was found to have joined WT3 & WT5 in the Blackton Beck area, near Eggleston, in Teesdale. This is a most interesting development as both of the former birds are males. Where to See ‘Northern Kites’ late Summer/early Autumn 2005: The „core area‟ for seeing Northern Kites is located roughly eleven kilometres west south west of Gateshead Civic Centre. Twenty kites were released into this area in 2004 and a further forty-one in 2005. At the beginning of September 2005 up to forty birds remained in this area. Kites are most easily seen inside a diamond shaped area between Burnopfield and Rowlands Gill, and from there, across Barlow Fell to Barlow and Winlaton. Birds are noted on a daily basis over Rowlands Gill and the Gibside Estate, and are frequently over Barlow Fell and in the Barlow Burn (the main 2004/05 wintering location for birds). The Barlow Burn is a small valley running parallel to the Derwent valley, about 2.5 km from Blaydon (approximately 5.5 km from the Gateshead MetroCentre). Barlow village is located roughly equidistant between Blaydon and High Spen. One of the best stop-off points to see kites in this area remains the Black Horse public house car park, at Barlow village (NZ156609). This location gives a good overview of the area. Drive to the back of the car park and scan west and northwest (towards Greenside village). Birds can often be seen over Barlow Fell (between Barlow village and Rowlands Gill) and on the eastern side of the Fell, into the Derwent valley. The Thornley Bank Kennels and Hollin Hill Lane (close to Rowlands Gill) are usually well favoured by birds. The Derwent Walk Country Park is very good for watching kites, especially around the Lockhaugh area (try the Far Pasture hide, keys are available from the Thornley Woodlands Centre). The Thornley Woodlands Centre (Tel. 01207 545427) is located off the A694, just before Rowlands Gill. The Gibside Estate is also excellent for seeing kites. Gibside can be accessed from Burnopfield Bank, between the A692 and A694 (Burnopfield and Rowlands Gill) – National Trust members or pay at the gate. Fellside Road, between Burnopfield and Whickham also frequently attracts birds, as does the area towards Hamsterley Mill, from Burnopfield. In Teesdale up to three birds might be seen in the Blackton Beck/Eggleston area. Regularly frequented sites in this part of the County, include Kinninvie, Folly Top and the woodlands (e.g. Stobgreen Plantation) and fields around Eggleston village, to the northwest of Barnard Castle. Views of birds might be obtained from locations along the B6279 & B6278, between Staindrop and Eggleston, to the west of Kinninvie. How to Get to the Core Area? From Central Gateshead – head west on the A184, join the A1 west, past the Gateshead MetroCentre, then take either of the next two turn-offs, the first for Swalwell, or the second for Blaydon (follow the signs for the A694, signposted for Consett). Head south along the A694 for approximately 3.5 km, into Rowlands Gill. From here, keep an eye open for kites overhead.
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For Barlow Fell and Barlow village, turn right up Hollin Hill Lane (this is a small, winding country lane, signposted for Thornley Nursery and Thornley Bank Kennels). Once at the top of the hill, turn left at Ashtree Lane and then right on to Barlow Fell Road to get to the village (c.1.5km). Turn right into the village for the Black Horse pub, which opens at 3 pm on Saturdays. Please ensure that any sightings of birds (with wing tag numbers if possible) and observations of interesting behaviour are relayed back to the Project Team (info@northernkites.org.uk). Don‟t forget to keep any eye out for other bird of prey species when watching kites! At least four different peregrines were recorded with the kites during autumn/winter 2004, as well as buzzard and, earlier in autumn 2004, osprey. In August 2005, one of the young birds was seen being harried by a hobby at Lockhaugh, near Rowlands Gill. How Can You Help? As a bird watcher, how can you help? In a variety of ways! Most simply, you can report any red kites that you see (with details of wing tag colours, letter and numbers to the Northern Kites Project Office). You can ensure that any incident that relate to the welfare or well being of the kites is reported immediately to the Project Team and/or the Police, and is properly documented in your notebook. Perhaps, you might like to become a volunteer with the Project? Most importantly of all, you need to go out, see the kites and enjoy them. Then go out and tell everybody else how wonderful the birds are. Don‟t keep the kites to yourself, tell the world about them, and tell the world to go see them! For more details of the Project or the latest information on the birds, contact Northern Kites, Office Suite 3b, 33 St Mary‟s Green, Front Street, Whickham, Tyne & Wear, NE16 4DN Tel. 0191 496 1555 www.northernkites.org.uk Email info@northernkites.org.uk
Keith Bowey – Project Manager, Northern Kites (September 2005)
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Diary Dates 2007
Sunday 14th January 2007 Sunderland Bridge This is a wonderful walk on a winter‟s day along the river and through mature tree lined avenues and country lanes. The elusive Lesser spotted Woodpecker could be here as well as Crossbill and in 2006 Hawfinch stayed around for a while. If not there is plenty more to see. Meet at Owton Lodge at 8am and car share as much as possible as parking is limited in the area. Fuel costs should be shared. Tuesday 13th February 2007 Indoor Meeting 7pm -9pm Not quite a night off, but not a talk from me either. We continue the Spain thread with the showing of the DVD that Dora recorded on our trip to Berdun. Bring the “Just another Griffon” story to life in pictures. It is an excellent video to watch. Sunday 25th February 2007 – Dumfries and Galloway A Club trip to Dumfries and Galloway with a chance of Golden Eagle, see the Red Kites being fed at Belly Mack Farm and Geese at Loch Ken. There will be a charge of £15 per person and this will include entry to Belly Mack Farm and transport. There are a limited number of places so “Book early”. Tuesday 13th March 2007 Indoor Meeting 7pm -9pm Tonight we will look at bird song as Spring is upon us and birds are singing we offer you the chance to learn some of the songs that you will hear in the local area. Club Trip 3rd – 12th June 2007 Spanish Pyrenees A chance to see Wallcreeper possibly feeding it‟s young. Lammergier, a range of warblers and birds of prey and exotics like Golden Oriole and Bee-eaters all in the “sunshine”!!!. We will be staying in Berdun in a traditional Spanish village in close proximity to all of the good birding sites. We will fly to Madrid and drive to Zaragoza for an overnight stay and spend time there looking for bustards and sandgrouse but our target species here is the enigmatic Dupont‟s Lark. Those keen to look for the lark will need to be up early or late to bed. We will return the same way and stay at Zaragoza again. Cost is around £550 per person for Club members. There may be a reduction, this depends on our costs! Costs include all transport from Madrid and across Spain. All meals and wine at dinner. Flights from Heathrow to Madrid. It excludes travel insurance, personal spending and transport to Heathrow. A deposit of £100 is needed to secure a place on the trip. Please make cheques payable to Summerhill Bird Club. Spaces are limited so please book early.
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December 2006.
1st - WOODCOCK. St. Hildas. Dave Harrison. 1st - COMMON BUZZARD. Nesbit Dene. Peter Nicholson. 1st - SHORT-EARED OWL. 3 at Greatham Creek. John Knight. 1st - WOOD SANDPIPER. 1 probable at Greatham Creek. John Knight. 1st - SNIPE. 1 at Greatham Creek. John Knight. 1st - BLACK TAILED GODWIT. 1 at Greatham Creek. John Knight. 1st - WHITE FRONTED GOOSE. 1 at South Gare. John Knight. 1st - GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 1 in trees at south end of Kingsley School field, Hartlepool. George Smith. 7th - GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. On sea at Headland. Dave Harrison 17th - COMMON BUZZARD. 1 at Sheraton. Dave Harrison 17th - COMMON BUZZARD. 2 at Crookfoot. Dave Harrison 17th - LITTLE EGRET. 1 at Crookfoot. Dave Harrison 17th - CORN BUNTING. 2 at Hart Moor. Dave Harrison 18th - MERLIN. 1 on a rooftop in Pinewood Close, Hartlepool. Dave Harrison. 25th - GREY WAGTAIL. 1 in central Stokesley on the paved bank of the River Leven. Moira and Bernard Hodgson. 31st - SCOTTISH CROSSBILL. Abernethy. Kevin Spindloe and Debbie Hall. 31st - PARROTT CROSSBILL. Abernethy. Kevin Spindloe and Debbie Hall. 31st - CAPERCAILLE. Abernethy. Kevin Spindloe and Debbie Hall. 31st - CRESTED TIT. Abernethy. Kevin Spindloe and Debbie Hall. 31st - ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD. Abernethy. Kevin Spindloe and Debbie Hall. 31st - GOLDEN EAGLE. Abernethy. Kevin Spindloe and Debbie Hall.
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