Sunday and I did my webs count between Redheugh and Newburn Bridges, carried out slightly early to avoid the Easter Sunday crowds. The year is turning and many of the regulars are departing with the summer visitors arriving. Two Ringed Plover and three Oystercatcher had arrived whilst the Cormorants and Black headed Gulls had largely left for breeding grounds.
Shelduck and Lesser black back Gulls have seen increases in numbers since I started doing this stretch in 2004 mainly due to continued breeding success, the former on the waste ground around Costco on the Gateshead side, the latter on the industrial shed roofs particularly around BAE systems. There were also large numbers of Herring and Great black backed Gulls hanging around, mainly juveniles of the latter.
Winter has seen good numbers of Teal on the stretch but todays numbers were well down with many pairs of birds evident.
Redshank numbers on the contrary have been poor this winter and today was no exception although not unexpected as many will have left for breeding.
The great imposter was at his post for the fourth month although his lady was missing, perhaps at the nest. Not sure how they got there but they have chosen a dirty spot near an outfall at Elswick Wharf to spend most of their time. Just before I took this shot a Rat flashed through in the background!
Sunday and I did my webs count between Redheugh and Newburn Bridges, carried out slightly early to avoid the Easter Sunday crowds. The year is turning and many of the regulars are departing with the summer visitors arriving. Two Ringed Plover and three Oystercatcher had arrived whilst the Cormorants and Black headed Gulls had largely left for breeding grounds.
Shelduck and Lesser black back Gulls have seen increases in numbers since I started doing this stretch in 2004 mainly due to continued breeding success, the former on the waste ground around Costco on the Gateshead side, the latter on the industrial shed roofs particularly around BAE systems. There were also large numbers of Herring and Great black backed Gulls hanging around, mainly juveniles of the latter.
Winter has seen good numbers of Teal on the stretch but todays numbers were well down with many pairs of birds evident.
Redshank numbers on the contrary have been poor this winter and today was no exception although not unexpected as many will have left for breeding.
The great imposter was at his post for the fourth month although his lady was missing, perhaps at the nest. Not sure how they got there but they have chosen a dirty spot near an outfall at Elswick Wharf to spend most of their time. Just before I took this shot a Rat flashed through in the background!
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