The birds & wildlife of Gateshead (1 Viewer)

[salty]

It swam off slowly as I stopped and got the phone out, I was cycling and coming to the old rail bridge before turning onto banks court, tide was high.

5:40pm ish......

I got one pic as it got further away but it's rubbish....can't make it out.

I was only 20-30ft away when I stopped too, black and white, black top on head, thin upturned bill.....couldn't be anything else.

 

[salty]

Hi salty
how you doing mate, what time and where did you get the avocet on the tyne? Don't know if you know but it's the first avocet recorded in Gateshead! don't suppose you got any record shots of it i can have? If you have can you email them to me [email protected].

Cheers
steven fryer

I didn't realise that Steven!

I've added a pic with a pin where I was....the bush to the right/front of the pin is sort of in the pic with the bird too.

I often see interesting birds while out cycling (I do loops of the Tyne 4-5 times a week) but without scopes/bins and just my phone camera it's usually too far to get a snap but this was so close, I sort of knew it wasn't common but took me a minute to actually wake up and get the bloody phone out!

20ft away the bird wasn't spooked it just didn't like me stopping and floated off slowly....I must admit I should of maybe followed it back the way I came but it headed towards the centre of the water heading East and the light was rubbish.

 

[Mark Newsome]

As per latest Birdwatching magazine, a Lesser Whitethroat has been wintering at Ryton. The photo on the letters page isn't quite good enough to tell if its a Siberian type, but must be a chance with others wintering elsewhere in the country.

Mark

 

[One Man and His Dog]

As per latest Birdwatching magazine, a Lesser Whitethroat has been wintering at Ryton. The photo on the letters page isn't quite good enough to tell if its a Siberian type, but must be a chance with others wintering elsewhere in the country.

Mark

Oh that's interesting, if you hear anymore news i wouldn't mind being informed ;
Cheers
steve

 

[One Man and His Dog]

I didn't realise that Steven!

I've added a pic with a pin where I was....the bush to the right/front of the pin is sort of in the pic with the bird too.

I often see interesting birds while out cycling (I do loops of the Tyne 4-5 times a week) but without scopes/bins and just my phone camera it's usually too far to get a snap but this was so close, I sort of knew it wasn't common but took me a minute to actually wake up and get the bloody phone out!

20ft away the bird wasn't spooked it just didn't like me stopping and floated off slowly....I must admit I should of maybe followed it back the way I came but it headed towards the centre of the water heading East and the light was rubbish.

Cheers for the update salty
cheers
steve

 

[June Atkinson]

An invitation to On Red Kite Wings - a Celebration at Sage Gateshead

Like many BirdForum members, we celebrate our work with our avian friends.
The poster gives details and both our website and that of Sage Gateshead give
all the information about the programme and the Booking procedure.

Do come - it will be a great day!!

 

[Mr Gon]

Green Woodpecker

Lovely close views of a Green Woodpecker at Ryton Willows just now. Have always wanted to see one this close to home.

 

[June Atkinson]

Kite Watch Sunday 8 June 2014

It's Kite Watch time again - and you are all invited!

Bring the whole family and a picnic; we are celebrating our double Anniversary!

Here are the details and the map shows how to get to Kite Hill.

 

[June Atkinson]

An invitation to On Red Kite Wings - a Celebration at Sage Gateshead

Go to http://www.friendsofredkites.org.uk/page3.htm

for a Press release about On Red Kite Wings at Sage Gateshead.

 

[Ron Hindhaugh]

Grayling

In the past I have only managed to get shots of these butterflies on the ground. Today I got lucky, I managed to get them mating

 

[Michael A]

Nice find Ron

 

[woodhornbirder]

probable juv Rosy starling seen at 1030 in gateshead.

Waiting for info on where exactly.

 

[Michael A]

Non Birds

Kibblesworth Brick pools today. Dragonflies, Emperor, 4 Sp. Chaser, Black Tailed Skimmer, Common Darter. Butterflies, Sm Heath, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Small Tortoiseshell. A couple of shots from today.

 

[Michael A]

Sm.Tortoiseshell

Kibblesworth Brickpools A Small Tortoiseshell abb.
There are in excess of 105 named aberrations known to occur in Britain. But this one has no name.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/trampsandhawkers/

http://www.trampsandhawkers.co.uk/gallery/

 

[Michael A]

Willow Tits

Photo taken on 13-10-2015 of Willow Tit at Far Pasture Gateshead. Two or three Willow Tits seen, all showing birds that seemed unhealthy with partially closed eyes and what looked like swollen feet.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/trampsandhawkers/
http://www.trampsandhawkers.co.uk/gallery/