Page 9 - Out Birding Summer 2024

Wildlife Watch Point adding 2 pairs of Pochard, the drakes particularly dapper, as were the Tufted Duck and Gadwall. In the reeds a Great White Egret showed diagnostic parts of itself occasionally! Reed Bunting, Robin, Tree Sparrow, Great and Blue Tits were visiting the feeders. Sadly the often present Water Rail failed to show, dashing between reed beds.
Continuing around the lake we scanned the meadows hoping to catch sight of the reported Short-Eared Owl. Unlucky again, but we did view the newly scraped out wetland area which supported hundreds of Wigeon, a pair of Pintail, several Teal, Mallard and Shoveler. Many duck species were already clearly pairing up. A pair of
Stonechat was showing obligingly on top of tall grass stalks.
Of the main pool areas, Paddy’s Pool hide was least productive. The shell island was not supporting the expected Black-headed Gull colony, perhaps indicative of the species decline following the avian flu epidemic. Tufted Duck and a Common Gull were noted.
Both of the Saltholme pools were very productive thrilling us with sightings of 6 recently arrived Avocets, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a huge flock of Golden Plover. Flocks of Lapwing and other waders which moments earlier had been disturbed by a Peregrine, allowed us views of the flocks circling and repositioning. Among the many Wigeon grazing along the shore a small flock of Black-tailed Godwit were preening. On our way back to the centre for lunch, another pair of Stonechat showed well.
In the afternoon we called at Phil Stead Hide to look for a Western Cattle Egret which had been reported. 7 of us then drove North to Greatham Creek where, from the viewing screens, two grey seals were showing along with Common Redshank and Little Egret in the gullies of the mud banks.
Driving a few miles north beyond the industrial pipe lines, chimneys and extensive factory buildings, the Zinc Road led to Seaton Snook, where sand dunes and tidal expanses of beach lead out to the Tees Estuary. We parked at the end of the road and were immediately rewarded with a ‘fence full’ of Twite, 20+ dropping down on to the track where seed had been left for them. Finally, a100 m further on, Ringed Plover were scoped on the beach and Common Scoter and Great Crested Grebe on the sea. A total of 59 species was listed by the group.
Thanks to Pat, Kerry, Deb, Helen, Pat D, Maureen, Trai and Chris for your company and valuable contributions.
Pam Barnes
Warnham Nature Reserve 16/03/2024
12 members gathered in a sunny car park. This was the first event for two new members, Mitch and Alan. We were lucky with the weather as we had rain on the previous and following days. With the knowledge that a local birding group saw 37
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