Northumberland – October 2023

Northumberland in Autumn with Martin Kitching and Wildlife Worldwide.

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The week was based at Seahouses and we went to Holy Island, and south to Druridge Bay and similar birding sites in the area.  A bit wet and windy, but we only got soaked one afternoon heading for hides at the south lake of Druridge Bay Country Park.

 

We had some good sightings.  Goldcrest and Mealy Redpolls on Holy Island.  Kingfisher on the coast at Howick.  Peregrine display at Bamburgh.  Whooper swans and Short Eared Owl at Druridge Pools, distant Marsh and Hen Harriers, and a Merlin.  And all the ducks and waders you could ever hope for.  About 106 species ticked off.

 

Most of the birds were too far away to photograph, but, here are a few:

 

First, on Holy Island, at the Lough Hide, a goldcrest

 

And outside the hide a pair of mealy redpolls spending a long time feeding in front of the camera

 

At Druridge Pools, some Whooper Swans

 

On the road a short-eared owl. Terrible picture through the wet car window, but proof of sighting

 

Common redshank on the shore line at Budle Bay

 

A Dunlin

 

At Newbiggin-by-the-sea Mediteranean gull (front) and black-headed gull and common ringed plover

 

Eider in Amble harbour

 

More bird photos in the gallery further down.

 

The coast line was spectacular, with big waves from the east winds (no boat trip this time). These, at Seahouses (with shadows from the passing submarine)

 

We walked from Seahouses to Bamburgh on a warm sunny morning (before the weather turned and the tour officially started). Here are the dolerite rocks of the ‘Whin Sill’, with Inner Farne Island beyond.

 

St Aiden’s Church and Bamburgh Castle

 

Lindisfarne Castle from St Mary’s and Lindisfarne Priory

 

On the cliffs at Howick, in the distance, Earl Grey’s Bathing House

 

More “seascapes” in the gallery below.

 

Finally, we were amazed to see a kingfisher flashing over the rocks at Howick. Not uncommon, said Martin, but exciting none the less. We tracked it with binoculars to a ledge on the rocks, where it disappeared. Well maybe.

 

Super zoom in, and that has to be a good impression of the kingfisher.
 

Bird gallery

Coast gallery

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You can find photos here, from a similar trip with Martin in June 2019. But before you move on, please hit the like button.