Sunday 26 February 2012

A good day around Teesmouth today, despite missing the drake Ring-necked Duck on Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park. At Hartlepool Headland, I managed to add species to my year list including a Kumlien's Gull. This bird is technically a sub-species to Thayer's Gull and classed as a sub-species of Iceland Gull. Another highlight of the day was 3 Short-eared Owls hunting over the marshland and was a good end to the day.

2012 Year Lists
Birds = 110 (Pintail, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Mediterranean Gull, Iceland Gull (Kumliei), Kittiwake)
Mammals = 6 (Harbour Porpoise)
Butterflies = 0
Moths = 0

Saturday 25 February 2012

Today, I had the opportunity to visit Northumberland again. So I called by Maiden's Hall Lake for two Bewick Swans before travelling on to Cresswell Pond. Despite the wind, a Short-eared Owl was hunting around Cresswell given good views to all that watched.

2012 Year Lists
Birds = 114 (Bewick Swan & Dunlin)
Mammals = 5
Butterflies = 0
Moths = 0

Garden Birdwatch Update

Week starting 19th February 2012
Maximum Temperature 22.9C; Minimum Temperature -1.0C

House Sparrow 3
Dunnock 2
Robin 1
Blue Tit 4
Goldfinch 10
Greenfinch 6
Blackbird 3
Jackdaw 3
Starling 5
Collared Dove 2
Woodpigeon 2
Feral Pigeon 5
Song Thrush 1

Food: Sunflower Hearts, Seed, Peanuts, Fat Balls and kitchen scraps.
Water

Friday 17 February 2012

The Wilton Lake is completely free of ice now. Earlier this week a small flock of Goldeneye flew which was a welcome surprise.

Wilton Patch
Birds = 42 (Goldeneye)
Mammals = 2
Butterflies = 0
Moths = 0

Today on the lake there were Canada Goose x2, Pochard x2, Tufted Duck x1, Mallard x2, Grey Heron x1 & Goosanders x3

Northumberland Trip

Sunday 12th February was spent with the Teesmouth Bird Club members in Northumberland. It was a great day for laughter and birds. My year list was increased by 18 birds.

2012 Year List
Birds = 92 (Green-winged Teal, Black Guillemot, Brent Goose, Redwing, Skylark, Eider, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Salvonian Grebe, Pink-footed Goose, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Grey Plover, Hooded Crow, Razorbills & Short-eared Owl)
Mammals = 5
Butterflies = 0
Moths = 0

Thursday 9 February 2012

Garden BIrdwatch Update

Week starting 28/1/12
Maximium Temperature = 13.1C, Minimum Temperature = -5.3C

Robin 1
Goldfinch 14
Blackbird 2
Greenfinch 5
Blue Tit 3
Chaffinch 1
House Sparrow 1
Dunnock 3
Starling 8
Collared Dove 2
Woodpigeon 3
Feral Pigeon 2
Magpie 1
Jackdaw 1

Food: Sunflower Hearts, Peanuts, Seed, Fat Balls & Kitchen Scraps
Water

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Approximately 85% of the Wilton Centre lake was frozen today. 26 Mallard, 2 Coot and 3 Moorhen were trying to keeping warm during the sub-zero lunchtime temperature. As I walked to the wood, the usual feathered residents were calling, but also present were at least 4 Coal Tit's.

Wilton (Patch)
Birds = 41 (Coal Tit)
Mammals = 2
Butterflies = 0
Moths = 0

Wednesday 1 February 2012

RSPB Big Garden BIrdwatch

Sunday 29th January 2012 - 11:00 - 12:00

Collared Dove 2
Blackbird 1
Dunnock 3
Greenfinch 2
Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow 1
Blue Tit 1
Robin 1
Starling 1
Feral Pigeon 2
Jackdaw 1